Report: Australian art museum curator reveals she painted Picassos sparking gender war
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Kirsha Kaechele, a curator at an Australian art museum, admitted this week that she was the artist behind three paintings initially attributed to Pablo Picasso. The paintings, displayed as part of an exhibition called the Ladies Lounge at the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, had sparked controversy when only female gallery patrons were allowed to view them. The Picasso Administration had raised inquiries about the works, prompting Kaechele to disclose her authorship. The paintings have been on display at the museum for over three years.
NYC beaches face backlash from shorebirds over use of drones for shark surveillance
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s initiative to monitor swimmers and sharks on its beaches with surveillance drones is encountering resistance from shorebirds. The drones, deployed in May, have been repeatedly attacked by birds, leading to grounded devices due to swarming incidents, particularly by American oystercatchers. Concerns have been raised about the potential stress response in birds affecting their nests. Wildlife experts warn that the drones could disrupt the nesting habitats of these birds, including the federally endangered piping plovers residing at the beach.
Serena Williams hosts ESPY awards show celebrating women’s sports achievements
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, honored a groundbreaking year for women’s sports, recognizing athletes like Simone Biles, A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins. The three-hour show faced a delay due to President Joe Biden’s late news conference. Williams entertained the audience with jokes and a singing performance during the event, which also experienced technical glitches affecting the live broadcast. The celebration was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with plans to correct the issues for subsequent viewing.
Shelley Duvall passes away at 75, known for roles in ‘The Shining’ and ‘Nashville’
Renowned Texas-born actress Shelley Duvall died at the age of 75, with the cause attributed to complications from diabetes. Duvall gained fame for her performances in films by directors like Robert Altman and Stanley Kubrick, notably appearing in “The Shining.” Her introduction to Altman’s films began at a party in Houston in 1970 while she was attending junior college in Texas, eventually leading to a close collaboration with the director.
Mukesh Ambani’s son set to marry in extravagant star-studded event in Mumbai
MUMBAI, India (AP) — Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s wealthiest man, is marrying his longtime girlfriend Radhika Merchant in what is being called the wedding of the year. The festivities in Mumbai have attracted global celebrities, business moguls, and political figures, with performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber adding to the grandeur. Former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, along with other high-profile guests, are among the attendees at this lavish event.
Turkish TV dramas gain global acclaim, boosting tourism and soft power for Turkey
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s television drama industry has become a leading exporter of cultural content, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and enhancing the nation’s image. The success of Turkish series is credited with increasing tourism to historical and cultural sites featured in the shows, contributing to a billion-dollar industry. Turkish dramas have seen a surge in global demand, with viewership rising significantly in countries like the United States, Canada, Greece, India, and Pakistan, creating a positive impact on Turkey’s soft power internationally.
Japanese Kabuki star Danjuro Ichikawa undergoes role transformation on and off stage
TOKYO (AP) — Danjuro Ichikawa, a prominent figure in Japan’s Kabuki theater, showcases his versatility in assuming multiple roles onstage. His latest production features him playing 13 diverse characters, displaying his talent in quick role changes and captivating performances. Behind the scenes, Ichikawa contemplates the need for modernizing the traditional Kabuki star persona, reflecting on the evolving dynamics of the art form. His efforts in updating Kabuki are evident in his current production at the Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo.
Second critically endangered Chinese pangolin born in Prague zoo surprises officials
PRAGUE (AP) — The birth of a second Chinese pangolin in the Prague zoo within two years has astonished park officials, as the critically endangered species is challenging to breed in captivity. The newborn female pangolin is thriving, following in the footsteps of her sister born last year. Prague’s success in breeding Chinese pangolins is a rare accomplishment, as the animals arrived following a diplomatic shift with China. The births have raised tensions, reflecting geopolitical complexities surrounding wildlife conservation and international relations.
161-million-year-old stegosaurus fossil named ‘Apex’ to be auctioned in New York
NEW YORK (AP) — Sotheby’s is set to auction a nearly complete fossilized stegosaurus, named ‘Apex,’ discovered in Colorado in 2022. Measuring 11 feet tall and 27 feet nose to tail, Apex reveals signs of arthritis but no evidence of combat. The specimen, unearthed near Dinosaur, Colorado, provides insights into the life and health of stegosauruses, shedding light on their prehistoric existence. The auction is expected to garner interest from paleontologists and enthusiasts worldwide.
Heavy rains in northern Mexico lead to influx of crocodiles into urban areas
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Heavy rains associated with Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Alberto have caused over 200 crocodiles to migrate into urban areas in the northern Mexico state of Tamaulipas. State and federal authorities have been relocating the crocodiles back to coastal lagoons to prevent human-wildlife conflicts. The increased water levels from the rains have displaced the crocodiles, prompting their entry into cities like Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira. The environmental impact of these migrations is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of both residents and wildlife.
