ITALY
They have something to screech about. The small seaside town of Punta Marina is divided over how to deal with a flock of over 100 aggressive peacocks. The brazen birds, whose population there is believed to have started with one escaped peacock decades ago, roam the streets and cause property damage. “They destroy cars by attacking their own reflections, they poop sticky guano all over the sidewalks, making it dangerous to walk, and they block traffic,” local shop owner Rosanna Golfarelli told CNN. The 3,000 residents of Punta Marina are split over what to do with the pesky creatures. Some want them sent to the local zoo and others ask they remain free in hopes of boosting tourism in the area.
HAITI
They must be getting a kick out of this. Haiti is back in the World Cup for the first time since 1974. The national team, named Les Grenadiers, proudly announced its roster for the summer soccer competition on Friday, which includes its captain and goalie Johny Placide and the team’s all-time top scorer Duckens Nazon. For their first finals in 52 years, the underdogs will sport jerseys with the Haitian coat of arms’ motto “L’union fait la force,” which means “Unity makes strength.”
CHINA
They got salty over the disrespect of this delicacy. China is protecting its traditional dim sum with a new ruling. As of May 1, teahouses in Guangzhou, the birthplace of dim sum, must note whether their small plates of dumplings and other snacks are actually handmade on their premises or produced by “non-traditional means.” This regulation was made as many eateries are now moving to automated production lines to save money. Restaurants that still honor the handmade tradition will be rewarded with a plaque that states they are a “traditional store.”
AUSTRALIA
Australia is buzzing with the news that six Asian tiger mosquitoes — named “barbecue stopper” because of its aggressive daytime bite — were found there for the first time. The world’s most invasive mosquito was discovered near the indigenous town of Bamaga, 25 miles from the northern tip of Queensland’s Cape York. Although the insects can spread diseases like dengue and Japanese encephalitis, experts say there is no threat to the public. However, authorities are conducting extensive spraying to rid them from the area.
INDIA
An American teenager is now working as a Buddhist lama, blessing thousands. Nineteen-year-old Minnesotan Jalue Dorje, who grew up playing video games, collecting Pokémon cards and playing on his high school football team, is recognized by the Dalai Lama as the eighth reincarnation of the Terchen Taksham Rinpoche. Upon high school graduation, Dorje moved 7,200 miles from his home in Columbia Heights to the Mindrolling Monastery in northern India to pursue his religious studies.
With Wires
