Sabrina apologizes for reaction to cultural cheer, NASA aims for ‘moon landing of the new era’

Sabrina Carpenter issues an apology for controversial reaction to Arabic Zaghrouta cheer

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter addressed backlash after a moment from her Coachella set sparked debate online. 

The singer took to X on Saturday to apologize after mistakenly identifying a fan’s Zaghrouta, a traditional Arabic celebratory call, as yodeling during her headline performance.

“My apologies, I didn’t see this person with my eyes and couldn’t hear clearly,” Carpenter wrote, acknowledging the mix-up. “My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm and not ill intended. Could have handled it better! Now I know what a Zaghrouta is!”

The incident unfolded mid-show as Carpenter paused at the piano and reacted to the sound from the crowd, saying, “I think I heard someone yodel… I don’t like it.” 

When a fan responded, “It’s my culture,” the exchange continued, with Carpenter quipping, “Is this Burning Man? What’s going on? This is weird,” comments that quickly drew criticism across social media.

Despite the backlash, her Coachella set remained a standout, bolstered by surprise appearances from Sam Elliott, Will Ferrell, and Susan Sarandon.

NASA aims for ‘moon landing of the new era’ with ARTEMIS IV

A bold new phase of lunar exploration is underway as NASA lays out its updated vision for the Artemis program, aiming to usher in what it describes as a modern era of Moon landings. 

The announcement, made at Kennedy Space Center, highlights a series of missions designed to not only return astronauts to the lunar surface but also pave the way for the construction of a “Moon base.”

Momentum for the initiative continues to build following the successful return of the Artemis II crew. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, recently arrived back at Johnson Space Center in Houston after completing a landmark journey around the Moon.

The next step, Artemis III, is scheduled for 2027 and will test essential in-orbit docking procedures using commercial landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin. These systems will be crucial for transporting crews between spacecraft and the lunar surface.

NASA is aiming for an early 2028 launch of Artemis IV, a mission designed to transport astronauts to the Moon. According to the agency, the crew will first enter lunar orbit, after which two astronauts will head down to the surface and spend about a week exploring the Moon’s South Pole.

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway praises the LGBTQ+ community’s role in fashion in Devil Wears Prada 2 promo

At a recent Tokyo press stop for The Devil Wears Prada 2, stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway took a moment to spotlight the community they say has been essential to the franchise’s legacy: the LGBT+ audience.

Speaking during an interview with Mimiyuuuh, Streep did not hold back in recognizing the influence of the community on fashion and culture at large. 

“There would be no fashion in the world without the LGBT community,” she said, underscoring its creative impact while adding with a laugh, “Nothing but gratitude and worry about how we’re judged.”

Hathaway echoed that sentiment, pointing to the deep connection between the film and its devoted fanbase. “So much is owed, and we’re so grateful,” adding that a follow-up would not have been possible without it.

Emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal declared endangered due to climate change

A chilling new environmental update is making waves, as International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warns that some of Antarctica’s most iconic species are inching closer to extinction. 

In its latest Red List assessment, the group confirmed that the emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal are now classified as Endangered, highlighting the growing toll of climate change on the frozen continent.

Scientists say shifting sea-ice patterns are at the heart of the crisis. The emperor penguin population is projected to decline by half by the 2080s, with early ice break-up already disrupting breeding cycles and putting chicks at risk. 

Meanwhile, fur seal populations have plummeted by more than 50 percent since 2000, largely due to shrinking food supplies as warming waters push krill deeper into the ocean.

Other species are also under threat. The southern elephant seal has now been listed as Vulnerable, with disease outbreaks, including avian influenza, devastating colonies and killing large numbers of newborn pups.

Experts are calling the findings a wake-up call, warning that without urgent global action to reduce emissions, Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem could face irreversible damage.

ICYMI:

• Walker Scobell, star of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, has spoken out on Instagram after being overwhelmed by online harassment tied to speculation about his personal life and prom plans. In his message, Scobell directly addressed the situation and urged fans to stop targeting others, writing: “Just to let everyone know, I will not be attending prom. Please stop sending death threats to EVERY teenage girl who could remotely be associated with me based on their proximity to where I live. It’s not fair to them or to their families. Maybe also just stop sending death threats in general. That’s just not cool. Kinda weird I have to say this.” 

• Britney Spears has reportedly checked into rehab for substance abuse, according to TMZ, with sources claiming she entered a treatment facility in the United States just a few days ago. Reports suggest that people close to the pop icon had been encouraging her to seek help, and she ultimately agreed to do so voluntarily.

• Rachel Zegler has officially become a first-time Olivier Awards winner after taking home Best Actress in a Musical for her West End debut in Evita.

— Bea Bertuldo

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