News World

PHILIPPINES

Police seized 200 tons of giant clam shells Friday in one of the largest busts of its kind on record.

The mollusks are commonly found in the waters off the island nation and have become popular for poachers looking for an alternative to elephant ivory.

“Taking the giant clams from their natural habitat is a form of inter-generational crime,” said local conservationist Jovic Fabello.

JAPAN

The nation’s popular Suntory whiskey is now offering virtual tours on Zoom to a thirsty public curious about how the high-end spirit is made.

The tours have become popular after the pandemic forced the distillery to shut down in-person visits.

Best of all, the company sends visitors a sample package of whiskey and a tasting glass to have at the conclusion of the experience.

BELARUS

Nothing to see here. A devoted local angler is a viral sensation after video surfaced of him fishing while a field just behind him was enveloped in flames.

The footage was taken at the Sluch River near the town of Slutsk.

“These fires happen every year. There is nothing new here. And every year these firemen are called and called all the time,” the unnamed and unperturbed fisherman told local media.

RUSSIA

The nation’s oldest theater has reopened after a seven-year restoration.

The Art Elektro-Theater in Moscow opened during the reign of Czar Nicholas II in 1909.

Despite taking heavy damage during the world wars and Russia’s Communist revolution, it remained the site of many theater and cinema openings for a century.

The reopening will feature the movie “Father” starring Anthony Hopkins.

CAMBODIA

Two senior monks were arrested for violating COVID travel restriction rules, but that was only the start of their alleged troubles.

Nuon Chenda, 39, and Chheng Meng Hiek, 35, also allegedly had five cans of beer, gambling supplies, 10 sets of clothes and a full police uniform.