Since late August, tens of thousands of Australians have been captivated by ‘Nest-flix,’ a 24-hour reality channel showcasing the dramatic lives of peregrine falcons nesting atop a Melbourne skyscraper. This avian saga, often likened to ‘Game of Thrones,’ features airborne battles, courtship rituals, births, and even the occasional earthquake. The stars of the show are the falcons themselves, whose lives unfold 34 storeys above the bustling city streets. Currently, viewers are eagerly awaiting the moment when this year’s chicks, hatched in late September, take their first flight. Dr. Victor Hurley, founder of the Victorian Peregrine Project, explains that the mother falcon teases her chicks by flying past with prey, encouraging them to take the plunge. ‘She’s essentially saying, ‘You wanna eat? Well, you gotta fly,’ he remarks. This deliberate reduction in food helps the chicks develop the strength and agility needed for their first flight. The story of these falcons began in 1991 when Dr. Hurley discovered their nesting site on an office building at 367 Collins Street. Initially, the falcons struggled due to their eggs being laid in a metal gutter, which acted as a heat sink. Dr. Hurley recommended installing a nest box, which led to the successful hatching of three chicks the following year. In 1993, a CCTV camera was installed to observe the nest, and in 2017, a webcam was added, allowing ‘Nest-flix’ to be broadcast live on YouTube. The falcons’ Facebook fan page has since amassed over 50,000 members, creating a supportive online community. Kylie Humrick, a moderator of the group, notes that the page exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering people a sense of connection to the natural world. Over the years, the nest has been home to six or seven different pairs of falcons, each fiercely territorial. The site is highly prized for its abundant food supply, including pigeons and sparrows. However, this desirability has led to dramatic conflicts, with ‘floaters’—unpaired falcons—attempting to claim the territory. In 2022, a male falcon was replaced by a younger bird after a weeks-long battle, and in 2023, the resident female sustained brain damage after a fight with another female. Despite these challenges, the falcons continue to thrive, symbolizing resilience in the urban environment. The chicks are expected to fledge soon, marking a significant milestone in their lives. Dr. Hurley hopes they take their time, as a rushed first flight could lead to accidents. Once they make their first kill, they will be on their own, potentially chased out of the territory by their parents. With a 60% mortality rate in the first year, life is tough for young peregrine falcons. Yet, those that survive can begin breeding at three years old, continuing the cycle of life. As the fledging approaches, excitement builds among the online community, with many eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this high-flying urban drama.
作者： admin
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Panache, parades and power: Africa’s top shots
This week, Africa showcased a vibrant tapestry of events, blending culture, politics, and sports. In Mogadishu, Somalia, locals sought respite from the scorching heat by plunging into the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Egypt buzzed with anticipation as the Grand Egyptian Museum prepared for its grand opening near the iconic Pyramids. Nigeria’s Lagos Fashion Week turned heads with Bubu Ogisi’s bold blue designs, while further north in Kwara State, brides-to-be readied themselves for the annual Awon mass wedding. Sports took center stage in Morocco as Chad triumphed over Tunisia in the Fifa Unites women’s football series. South Africa’s Cape Town hosted a spooky yet charitable Zombie Walk, complete with Halloween costumes. In Kenya, Rastafarian faithful celebrated the 95th anniversary of Haile Selassie’s coronation, while Senegal’s Fadiouth marked All Saint’s Day with a solemn procession to a local cemetery. Western Sahara saw crowds commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Green March, a pivotal moment in the region’s history. Zanzibar rehearsed for its presidential inauguration, while Tanzania mourned the loss of a young opposition leader amid political tensions. Guinea’s military ruler, Gen Mamadi Doumbouya, broke his promise to transition to civilian rule by submitting his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election. Finally, Senegal’s Dakar witnessed the breathtaking rise of the Beaver supermoon, capping off a week of diverse and dynamic events across the continent.
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Kuwait Airways flight bound for Philippines faces technical glitch before takeoff
A Kuwait Airways flight scheduled to depart for the Philippines encountered a technical issue early Friday morning, delaying its takeoff. The incident occurred at 4:24 am at Kuwait International Airport when the aircraft experienced a sudden malfunction in its braking system while taxiing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the incident in a press release, assuring that no injuries were reported among the 284 passengers or crew members. DGCA spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi stated that the minor damage was confined to the aircraft’s fuselage. Immediate action was taken by technical authorities to secure the plane and conduct thorough safety inspections. Passengers were accommodated on an alternative flight, which departed at 12:20 pm. Al-Rajhi emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority for both the DGCA and Kuwait Airways, and such incidents are managed with the highest air safety standards.
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Trump pardons ex-NYPD officer who was convicted of helping China stalk an expat
In a significant move, former President Donald Trump granted a pardon on Friday to Michael McMahon, a former New York police sergeant convicted for his involvement in a high-profile case tied to China’s alleged efforts to silence critics abroad. McMahon, 58, was sentenced to 18 months in prison earlier this year for acting as an illegal foreign agent and stalking, charges stemming from what federal authorities described as a ‘campaign of transnational repression.’ McMahon maintained his innocence, claiming he was misled into believing he was working for a Chinese construction company rather than the government. A White House official, speaking anonymously, supported McMahon’s assertion, highlighting his decorated 14-year NYPD career before a 2001 injury forced his retirement. McMahon’s attorney, Lawrence Lustberg, hailed the pardon as a correction of a ‘horrible injustice,’ emphasizing that McMahon was a ‘true hero cop’ who should have been celebrated, not prosecuted. The case, part of China’s ‘Operation Fox Hunt’ initiative, centered on Xu Jin, a former Chinese city official who fled to New Jersey in 2010. Xu and his wife were accused of bribery by Chinese authorities, which they denied, alleging political persecution. McMahon’s role included locating Xu through surveillance and database searches, though he claimed he was unaware his actions would be used to intimidate Xu. The campaign against Xu included disparaging messages to his daughter’s friends, letters to relatives, and a visit from his elderly father, culminating in a threatening note left at Xu’s home. The pardon has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters like U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler praising the decision, while federal prosecutors declined to comment.
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USDA will fund Snap food benefits, feeding millions of Americans
After weeks of uncertainty and legal disputes, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday its commitment to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), ensuring food benefits for over 42 million Americans. This decision comes amidst the longest government shutdown in US history, now in its 38th day. The funding for Snap, commonly known as food stamps, had been a contentious issue, with a judge previously mandating the Trump administration to utilize contingency funds to support the program. However, these funds were insufficient to cover the program’s nearly $9 billion monthly cost. On Thursday, another judge ruled that the administration must fully fund Snap, leading to the USDA’s confirmation of full funding. Judge John McConnell accused the administration of withholding food aid for political reasons, highlighting the immediate risk of hunger for 16 million children without the program. Despite the administration’s legal challenge to this ruling, the USDA’s agreement to pay full Snap benefits suggests a resolution to this critical issue. President Trump has repeatedly linked Snap funding to the end of the government shutdown, emphasizing its use in Democrat states. Snap, which costs approximately $8 billion per month, provides reloadable debit cards to low-income Americans, enabling them to purchase groceries. On average, a family of four receives $715 per month, equating to less than $6 per day per person. While individual states administer the benefits, the program relies on federal funding, which has been suspended since the government shutdown began on October 1.
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Fifa fines, suspends UAE, Qatar team officials over misconduct, unsporting behaviour
FIFA has taken decisive action against officials from both the UAE and Qatar national teams following a contentious 2026 World Cup qualifier held on October 14, 2025. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced suspensions and fines in response to incidents of misconduct and unsporting behavior during the match. Matar Obaid Saeed Mesfer Al Dhaheri, the UAE team supervisor, received a 16-match suspension and a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately Dh45,500) for assaulting the referee and displaying unsporting behavior toward an opponent. On the other hand, Tarek Salman of Qatar was handed a two-match suspension and a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (around Dh22,750) for serious foul play. The disciplinary measures followed a heated encounter at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, where Qatar secured a narrow 2–1 victory over the UAE, advancing to the finals. The match, which lasted 105 minutes, sparked widespread debate among fans regarding officiating decisions and game management. Many supporters took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with some accusing the referees of allowing time-wasting and unaccounted fouls. The UAE fans, in particular, were left disheartened as their team’s World Cup qualification hopes were dashed despite a spirited performance. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining discipline and sportsmanship in high-stakes international competitions.
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Newborn with congenital heart disease receives life-saving surgery in Yunnan
A newborn diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect has been given a new lease on life following a high-risk surgical procedure at Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The infant, weighing a mere 2.9 kilograms at birth, was found to have transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a rare condition where the heart’s two main arteries are reversed, severely impairing blood circulation and oxygen supply. Shortly after birth, the baby exhibited critically low blood oxygen levels, exacerbated by the near-closure of the foramen ovale, a vital passage for blood flow in newborns. A multidisciplinary medical team, led by Wang Xiaoqi, the hospital’s vice-president, and Dong Shuo, director of pediatric surgery, performed an arterial switch operation to correct the defect. Four days post-surgery, the infant was successfully weaned off the ventilator and showed signs of steady recovery. The baby has since been moved from intensive care to a general ward and is expected to be discharged soon. ‘This was an exceptionally high-risk procedure for a one-day-old baby weighing less than three kilograms,’ Wang remarked. ‘However, the team’s precision and collaboration ensured a successful outcome.’
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The Line: Saudi Arabia scales back megacity plans as crown prince’s ambitions falter
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious ‘The Line,’ a 170-kilometer-long linear city central to the futuristic Neom mega-project, is undergoing significant downsizing due to escalating costs, design impracticalities, and mounting controversies. A recent investigation by The Financial Times (FT) reveals that architects and developers are scaling back plans drastically, with the project now reduced to just three modules from an initial 20. Over $50 billion has already been spent, yet senior construction managers label the project as ‘uninvestible.’ The Line, envisioned as a high-tech urban marvel, has faced criticism for its unrealistic design, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s fascination with science-fiction-inspired architecture. Despite warnings from engineers, the prince insisted on a 500-meter-high, 200-meter-wide structure, far exceeding feasible limits. The project has also drawn ire for its environmental impact, including threats to migratory species, and the displacement of local communities. Entire villages, such as Qayal and al-Khuraybah, have been demolished, leading to protests and arrests. Human rights organizations have condemned the harsh working conditions and exploitation of laborers, with reports of fatalities and inadequate investigations. Amid these challenges, Saudi Arabia is reportedly shifting focus from mega-projects like Neom to sectors such as logistics, minerals, and artificial intelligence, signaling a broader reevaluation of its economic priorities.
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Exclusive: JD Vance plans to join Pope Leo’s visit to Turkey’s Iznik
US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly planning to accompany Pope Leo on his visit to Turkey to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, according to sources cited by Middle East Eye. The historic event will take place in Iznik, where the remains of an ancient basilica, believed to be the site of the First Council in 325 AD, are located. This council was one of early Christianity’s most pivotal gatherings, where bishops resolved theological disputes that shaped Christian doctrine. Vance, a devout Catholic, is expected to join the pope on November 28, though his participation has not yet been confirmed. Turkish officials anticipate his attendance and suggest he may also meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following their previous encounter in September. The Iznik basilica, measuring 20 by 40 meters, is considered the town’s largest known church and is increasingly accepted by scholars as the long-lost Church of the Holy Fathers. Pope Leo’s visit is expected to elevate Iznik’s status as a center for Christian pilgrimage and faith tourism. Excavations at the site, led by Mustafa Sahin of Bursa Uludag University, have uncovered 37 graves, many of which have been restored to preserve their historical authenticity. A 38-member Vatican delegation has already arrived in Iznik to finalize preparations for the pope’s visit.
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Hong Kong charity signs diplomatic talent deal with Beijing university
In a significant move to strengthen civilian diplomacy and international talent development, the Hong Kong-based GX Foundation and China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the university, attended by notable figures including Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the GX Foundation, and Wang Shiting, Party secretary of the China Foreign Affairs University. Representing their respective organizations, Chan Ying-yang, CEO of the GX Foundation, and Wang Fan, president of the China Foreign Affairs University, signed the MoU. The collaboration aims to merge the GX Foundation’s expertise in international humanitarian aid and public health with the university’s specialized training in diplomacy and global affairs. The partnership seeks to cultivate professionals with a global outlook and practical skills, encouraging their involvement in international humanitarian efforts and advancing the sustainable development of civilian diplomacy. During the ceremony, Leung shared insights from the foundation’s initiatives, while Wang emphasized the critical role of civilian foreign aid in China’s broader foreign affairs strategy, highlighting its importance in fostering international friendship, mutual development, and China’s image as a responsible global power.