Tiger shark caught off Massachusetts could be sign of warming waters
Nate Rouette and his brother Nelson went shark fishing on Cape Cod hoping for an exciting catch, but were shocked by what they reeled in. The brothers caught a tiger shark, a tropical species with a reputation for eating everything it can swallow. The brothers, longtime sport fishermen who live in Massachusetts, caught and released the juvenile shark in July. The shark is far more common in warmer, southern waters such as the Caribbean Sea. Scientists say its appearance off Falmouth, Massachusetts, is an indicator of warming seas caused by climate change.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ beats ‘Avengers: Endgame’ box office record
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has broken the “Avengers: Endgame” record for the biggest North American opening weekend. Sony Pictures says Monday that the film earned $360 million in ticket sales from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. This marks a new milestone, surpassing the previous $357 million record set by “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019. The success of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” has contributed to a record weekend for theaters. The domestic box office is up over 15% from last year, with over $6.2 billion in ticket sales to date.
Ariana Grande withdraws from London musical and will take a break from the public eye
LONDON (AP) — Ariana Grande has pulled out of an upcoming stage musical in London. Grande was set to star alongside Jonathan Bailey in “Sunday in the Park With George” at the Barbican theater in 2027. Empire Street Productions said Sunday that Grande will no longer be part of the production. A representative told People magazine that the 33-year-old singer will step back after completing the Eternal Sunshine Tour to take a break from “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” Grande has been the subject of rampant online speculation about her health and appearance. Her tour is due to wrap up in London on Sept. 1.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ nets second best North American opening ever with $355 million
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has made box office history in its first weekend, becoming the second-biggest North American opening ever with $355 million in ticket sales. It was just shy of “Avengers: Endgame,” which debuted to $357 million in 2019. Tom Holland’s run as Spider-Man continues to impress. His previous film, “No Way Home,” made over $1.9 billion worldwide. “Brand New Day” started strong with a record $168 million opening day. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film received strong reviews and audience ratings. The movie attracted a predominantly young male audience.
'Sopranos' actor Vincent Pastore, known for playing mobsters and tough guys, dead at 80
NEW YORK (AP) — Vincent Pastore, a veteran actor who played mobsters and tough guys, and was best known for portraying Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on “The Sopranos,” has died. He was 80. Bob McGowan, who had managed Pastore since his run on “The Sopranos,” told The Associated Press that he learned of his death Saturday from another client and actor on the show, Vincent Curatola. He said that he had been found in his home on New York’s City Island after not being heard from for a few days.
FBI investigates as Michigan joins Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on its water systems
Michigan has joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on water systems but an official said all were operating “safely.” Earlier this week, authorities said cyberattacks targeted over 30 water systems in Minnesota. The source of the attacks is being investigated, but they came amid warnings that Iranian hackers have been focused on such systems. Minnesota IT Services said Thursday that the investigation into the attacks that happened on Sunday and Monday was continuing, and that state officials had not identified who was behind them. There were no reports that residents had been impacted by the attacks.
Leave it: Dog trainers help pets avoid venomous snakes
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — In parts of the U.S. where venomous snakes are more common, training programs aim to protect pets from getting bitten. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says up to 150,000 dogs are bitten by poisonous snakes each year. One emergency vet in Tucson, Arizona, says her hospital treats four to six dogs for rattlesnake bites daily, and the occasional cat. With quick treatment, the survival rate for pets is 94%. Snake-avoidance trainers say using electronic collars sparingly teaches pets not to approach poisonous snakes. The ASPCA says the collars should be used under the guidance of a knowledgeable trainer. Other steps to avoid pet-snake interactions include trimming back undergrowth and learning about snakes in your area.
Iceland seizes Paul Watson Foundation's anti-whaling ship and detains its crew
LONDON (AP) — Icelandic coast guards and special forces have seized a ship operated by a group founded by anti-whaling activist Paul Watson. Officials say the crew of whaling ship Hvalur 9 requested assistance Thursday, believing their safety was threatened by the protest vessel Bandero. They say the Bandero ignored instructions to leave Icelandic waters and stop its engines. Coast guards and police boarded the vessel around midnight and detained its crew. The Captain Paul Watson Foundation confirmed the seizure. Icelandic police are investigating and may deport the 21 crew members. Iceland, along with Norway and Japan, still practices commercial whaling, a contentious issue in the country.
America In Focus: US economy expands at sluggish pace, mortgage rate hit the highest level in a year
The U.S. economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace from April through June as rising imports weighed on growth. Meanwhile, the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the fourth consecutive week to its highest level in a year, another setback for prospective homebuyers hoping for a break from elevated home loan borrowing costs. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.66% from 6.58% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.
Romo on leave from CBS Sports after arrest on suspicion of operating vehicle under the influence
Tony Romo has been placed on leave from his role as the lead analyst on CBS’ NFL coverage following his arrest last week on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. CBS Sports announced Friday that the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was on leave “until further notice.” JJ Watt will join Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson as CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Romo’s absence. Romo was arrested July 23 after he was stopped while driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin.
