Angry birds on NYC beaches are challenging drones monitoring sharks and swimmers
NEW YORK (AP) — The use of surveillance drones to monitor swimmers and sharks on New York City beaches is facing pushback from shorebirds. City officials report that the drones have been attacked by birds multiple times, causing pilots to land the devices since the program began in May. Despite avoiding known nesting areas, the bird attacks continue. Experts warn that the drones may cause stress to the birds, leading them to abandon their nests. The attacks are primarily carried out by American oystercatchers, with piping plovers, an endangered species, also living on the beach.
Serena Williams hosts ESPY awards honoring women’s sports
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Serena Williams hosted The ESPYS, recognizing a monumental year for women’s sports. Honorees included Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The show was delayed due to President Joe Biden’s late news conference. Williams delivered jokes and even sang during her monologue. A technical glitch cut off her goodbye and the credits during the live broadcast in Eastern and Central time zones. ABC promised to fix the issues for the delayed viewing in the West.
Shelley Duvall, known for roles in ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville,’ passes away at 75
Famed Texas-born actress Shelley Duvall has died at the age of 75. Known for her roles in films by Robert Altman and Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” Duvall passed away in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas. Complications from diabetes were cited as the cause of death. Duvall first caught the attention of Altman’s team during a party in Houston in 1970 while she was attending junior college in Texas. She went on to become Altman’s protege.
Asia’s richest man’s son set to have lavish wedding
MUMBAI, India (AP) — Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s wealthiest man, is preparing for a grand wedding with longtime girlfriend Radhika Merchant. The star-studded celebrations in Mumbai included performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber. Guests such as former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, as well as celebrities like the Kardashians, Adele, and David Beckham, are expected to attend. Ambani’s net worth is estimated at $116 billion.
Turkish TV dramas gain global popularity and boost tourism
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s TV drama industry has become a key exporter of content, drawing viewers and tourists to its historical sites featured in the shows. The billion-dollar industry has significantly enhanced Turkey’s soft power on the global stage. Demand for Turkish series has surged by 184% between 2020 and 2023 in markets like the US, Canada, Greece, India, and Pakistan. Themes of family, friendship, and love have contributed to the dramas’ appeal.
Japan’s Kabuki star transitions on and off stage
TOKYO (AP) — Danjuro Ichikawa, a prominent Kabuki theater performer in Japan, seamlessly transitions between roles on stage, playing multiple characters in a single production. The actor contemplates updating the traditional role of a Kabuki star as he showcases a modernized performance at the Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo. In the play “Hoshiawase Jusandan,” Danjuro trims scenes and updates dialogue to reflect changing times.
Second Chinese pangolin born in Prague zoo
PRAGUE (AP) — A rare Chinese pangolin was born in the Prague zoo, surprising park officials with its successful birth. The critically endangered mammal is the second of its kind born in captivity in Europe, following its sister Cone in February last year. Prague Zoo took in the pangolins after tensions with China led to a sister-city agreement being canceled and a new partnership formed with Taiwan.
Fossil of stegosaurus named Apex to be auctioned
NEW YORK (AP) — The fossilized remains of a 161-million-year-old stegosaurus, named Apex, are set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York. The nearly complete dinosaur specimen was discovered in Colorado and stands 11 feet tall, showcasing signs of arthritis but no evidence of combat. The fossil is believed to be one of the largest stegosauruses ever found.
Heavy rains in Mexico lead to crocodile influx
MEXICO CITY (AP) — In Tamaulipas, Mexico, heavy rains from Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto have led to over 200 crocodiles entering urban areas. Authorities have captured and relocated the reptiles that ventured into cities like Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira due to raised water levels caused by the storms.
Gaza father holds son killed by Israeli airstrike
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Nael Al-Baghdadi clings to his son Omar, who was killed in a Gaza airstrike. The heart-wrenching photo captures Al-Baghdadi holding his lifeless son, emphasizing the deep love he has despite the tragedy. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of conflict in the region.
