In a remarkable achievement for the animated film industry, Zootopia 2 opened to a staggering global box office of $556 million over the Thanksgiving weekend. The highly anticipated sequel, released nearly a decade after the original, garnered $96 million in North America alone during the weekend. Including the five-day Thanksgiving period, the film grossed $156 million, setting a new record for the highest international opening for an animated movie.
The film features familiar voices, including Ginnifer Goodwin as the bunny cop and Jason Bateman as the cunning fox. The success of Zootopia 2 has provided a significant boost to theatres, marking a bright spot in a year that has been challenging for the industry. Another sequel, Wicked: For Good, also performed well, earning $62.8 million domestically over the same weekend.
Travel Industry Joins Holiday Shopping Trend
The holiday shopping season has evolved, with the travel industry making its mark through the introduction of Travel Tuesday. This initiative, which coincides with the nonprofit event Giving Tuesday, encourages consumers to seize one-day travel deals offered by airlines, hotels, and booking platforms. While consumer advocates note that there are valuable savings to be found, they also caution shoppers to be vigilant against misleading marketing tactics that create a false sense of urgency.
International Conservation Efforts for Shark Species
At a recent international wildlife trade conference held in Uzbekistan, governments endorsed stronger protections for over 70 species of sharks and rays. The measures, approved at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, aim to combat overfishing and promote sustainability. Conservationists argue that the billion-dollar trade in shark products, including fins and meat, is unsustainable, with more than 37% of shark and ray species currently threatened with extinction.
AI’s Impact on Music Industry Questioned
In a notable development in the music industry, an AI-generated country song titled Walk My Walk has topped the Billboard country digital song sales chart. Although credited to a fictional artist called Breaking Rust, the vocal style is based on Blanco Brown, a Grammy-nominated artist who was unaware of the song’s existence until alerted by friends. The emergence of such AI-generated content raises important questions about attribution and ethics in the music industry, prompting Brown to create his own version of the track.
Potential Ban on THC Products Raises Concerns
As the popularity of THC-infused drinks and snacks has surged amid declining alcohol sales, the recent federal government shutdown bill includes a provision to ban THC products derived from hemp. This move threatens the $24 billion industry, which is now racing against time to adapt before the ban takes effect next year. A loophole in the 2018 farm bill allowed these products to flourish, but their availability at convenience stores has sparked concerns regarding the sale of intoxicating items.
Astronomical Discovery: The Butterfly Nebula
A telescope in Chile has recently captured a breathtaking image of the Butterfly Nebula, a stunning cosmic phenomenon located approximately 2,500 to 3,800 light-years from Earth. The National Science Foundation’s NoirLab released the image, which was taken by the Gemini South telescope. The nebula’s distinctive shape comes from the gas expelled by a white dwarf star at its center, creating the appearance of butterfly wings. Schoolchildren in Chile selected this celestial target to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the International Gemini Observatory.
Thanksgiving Shopping Trends
As Americans prepare for the holiday shopping season, many will venture out for Thanksgiving gatherings before tackling their Christmas gift lists. While most national grocery store chains remain open for last-minute needs, major U.S. retailers are choosing to close on Thanksgiving Day, allowing employees a day off or preparing for the bustling Black Friday. The traditional shopping frenzy has shifted, with more consumers opting for online purchases, diminishing the once frantic atmosphere of Black Friday shopping.
Corporate Controversy at Campbell’s
In a troubling development, Campbell’s Company has placed its Vice President of Information Technology, Martin Bally, on leave following allegations of racist remarks and derogatory comments about the company’s products. The allegations stem from a lawsuit filed by former employee Robert Garza, who claims Bally described Campbell’s food as “highly processed” and primarily for “poor people.” The company is currently investigating the claims, which have raised significant concerns among consumers and advocates.
Missing Football Coach Sought on Criminal Charges
In Virginia, state police are searching for Travis Turner, a high school football coach who has been missing since last week. Turner is wanted on charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material and soliciting a minor. Authorities obtained warrants for his arrest after visiting his home as part of an investigation. The search for Turner has involved drones, dogs, and rescue teams, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Concerns Over Political Influence on Social Media
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, recently introduced a feature that reveals the geographical origins of user accounts, prompting scrutiny regarding foreign influence in U.S. politics. Research conducted by NewsGuard identified numerous popular accounts that support the U.S. MAGA movement, many of which are based outside the country. This revelation highlights the potential for misinformation and manipulation of political discourse, raising alarms about transparency and accountability in online platforms.
