Angry birds on NYC beaches are engaged in skirmishes with drones deployed to monitor sharks and swimmers
NEW YORK (AP) β City officials in New York have faced challenges with surveillance drones being targeted by birds on the city’s beaches. The drones have had to be grounded multiple times due to bird attacks since the program started in May. Despite avoiding known nesting areas, the issue persists as experts warn that the drones could stress the birds, leading them to abandon their nests. Most of the attacks are carried out by American oystercatchers, in an area also inhabited by piping plovers, an endangered species.
Serena Williams hosts an ESPY awards show celebrating the achievements of women in sports
LOS ANGELES (AP) β The ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, honored women’s sports achievements with notable figures like Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins receiving recognition. The show, broadcast on ABC, was delayed due to President Joe Biden’s news conference. Serena Williams entertained the audience with jokes and a singing performance. A technical glitch cut off the closing moments of the show in the Eastern and Central time zones, with ABC promising corrections for delayed viewing in the West.
Shelley Duvall, known for roles in ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville,’ passes away at 75
Texas-born movie star Shelley Duvall, recognized for her roles in films by Robert Altman and Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” passed away at the age of 75. Her partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed her death at their home in Blanco, Texas, citing complications from diabetes. Duvall’s career took off when she was discovered by Altman’s team, leading to her becoming his protege.
The extravagant wedding of Asia’s richest man’s son generates buzz and attracts global attention
MUMBAI, India (AP) β The wedding of Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son, Anant Ambani, to Radhika Merchant has drawn celebrities, business magnates, and politicians to Mumbai for what is considered the wedding event of the year. The celebrations included performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber, with an illustrious guest list that includes prominent figures like former British Prime Ministers, the Kardashians, Adele, and David Beckham. Mukesh Ambani, with a net worth of $116 billion, holds the title of Asia’s richest man.
Turkey’s booming TV drama industry gains international recognition and boosts tourism
ISTANBUL (AP) β Turkey has established itself as a major exporter of television dramas, drawing viewers and tourists to its historical sites featured in the shows. The success of Turkish series has led to a billion-dollar industry, enhancing Turkey’s global soft power. Demand for Turkish dramas has surged worldwide, with markets including the United States, Canada, Greece, India, and Pakistan. The popularity of these dramas is attributed to their themes of family, friendship, and love.
Japan’s Kabuki star Danjuro Ichikawa challenges traditional roles both on and off stage
TOKYO (AP) β Danjuro Ichikawa, a prominent figure in Japan’s Kabuki theater, is known for seamlessly transitioning between various roles on stage. While playing multiple characters in a production, Ichikawa contemplates the need for a change in the rigid role of a Kabuki star. His latest production aims to modernize Kabuki by shortening scenes and updating dialogue, reflecting a potential shift in the traditional art form.
A second critically endangered Chinese pangolin born in Prague zoo showcases conservation efforts
PRAGUE (AP) β The Prague zoo celebrated the birth of a second Chinese pangolin, defying the odds of breeding the critically endangered mammal in captivity. The successful birth follows the arrival of Cone, the first Chinese pangolin born in Europe. Prague’s conservation efforts were met with challenges following a diplomatic decision to revoke a sister-city agreement with Beijing, opting for one with Taiwan instead, causing tensions with China.
Stegosaurus fossil named Apex set for auction in New York reveals signs of arthritis
NEW YORK (AP) β Sotheby’s is set to auction the fossilized remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus, named Apex, in New York. Measuring 11 feet tall and 27 feet long, Apex was discovered in Colorado in 2022 and shows no evidence of combat but does exhibit arthritis. The rarity of the specimen has generated significant interest ahead of the auction.
Heavy rains in northern Mexico lead to crocodiles venturing into urban areas near Texas
MEXICO CITY (AP) β Persistent heavy rains in Tamaulipas, Mexico, have forced at least 200 crocodiles from coastal lagoons into urban areas, including cities like Tampico. Authorities have captured and relocated the animals following the weather disturbances caused by Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto, affecting areas near the Texas border.
Heartbreaking image of a father holding his son killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza draws global attention
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) β A poignant image captured after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza shows Nael Al-Baghdadi holding his son, Omar, who tragically lost his life in the attack. The devastating photo portrays a father’s love and grief as he clings onto his son, symbolizing the human cost of conflict in the region.