Thai police have arrested a 47-year-old man in Bangkok for smuggling two baby orangutans that were found in a plastic basket at a gas station.
The orangutans, one about 1 year old and the other 1 month old, were intended for illegal sale, each valued at around $9,000 USD. Named Christopher and Stefan, they were rescued during a joint operation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Justice Commission and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
The suspect faces up to four years in prison for illegally possessing protected wildlife. The orangutans, native to Sumatra and Borneo and critically endangered, are now under care, with Stefan in an incubator due to weak health and Christopher in a sanctuary.
Investigations continue to trace the animals’ origins and dismantle the trafficking network.
On May 16, 1986, Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise, roared into theaters, igniting a cultural phenomenon that would define a generation. The film, a high-octane blend of aerial action, romance, and raw charisma, introduced audiences to Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a cocky Navy fighter pilot whose journey through love, loss and redemption captured hearts worldwide.
Top Gun was a gamble that paid off spectacularly. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, the film combined cutting-edge aerial cinematography with a pulsating soundtrack featuring hits like Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.” Its premiere at the height of the 1980s (a decade obsessed with bold aesthetics and unapologetic bravado) couldn’t have been better timed. The film’s sleek F-14 Tomcats, choreographed dogfights and Cruise’s megawatt smile became instant icons.
Tony Scott’s kinetic direction brought the U.S. Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School to life, showcasing real pilots and aircraft in sequences that left audiences breathless. The premiere marked a moment when Hollywood embraced spectacle with a purpose, blending technical prowess with emotional storytelling. Top Gun grossed over $356 million worldwide on a $15 million budget, cementing its status as a juggernaut.
For Tom Cruise, Top Gun was a career-defining role. At 23, he was already a rising star, but Maverick catapulted him to global superstardom. His portrayal of the brash yet vulnerable pilot resonated with audiences, blending charm with depth. The chemistry between Cruise and co-stars Kelly McGillis (as instructor Charlie Blackwood) and Val Kilmer (as rival pilot Iceman) added layers to the film, making it more than just an action flick.
The premiere on May 16, 1986, wasn’t just a movie launch; it was a cultural event. Theaters buzzed with excitement, and Cruise’s leather jacket, aviator sunglasses, and Kawasaki motorcycle became instant fashion staples. The film’s influence extended beyond cinema, boosting Navy recruitment as young men and women dreamed of becoming real-life Mavericks.
Nearly four decades later, Top Gun remains a touchstone. Its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, proved the franchise’s enduring appeal, with Cruise reprising his role to critical and commercial acclaim. The original film’s premiere in 1986 marked the birth of a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers, pilots and fans alike.
On that spring day in 1986, Top Gun didn’t just premiere—it took flight, soaring into the zeitgeist and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether you’re revisiting Maverick’s dogfights or hearing “Danger Zone” for the first time, the spirit of Top Gun still feels as thrilling as it did on May 16, 1986.
On May 11th, 2009, the world was a different place. The global economy was reeling from the 2008 financial crisis, Barack Obama had just begun his first term as U.S. President and a 15-year-old Canadian teenager named Justin Bieber was about to make a small but significant mark on the internet. At exactly 8:27 PM, Bieber sent out his very first tweet, a simple message promoting his debut single, “One Time.” Little did anyone know, this moment would mark the beginning of a meteoric rise for one of the biggest pop stars of the 21st century.
The tweet was short and sweet: a link to his new single and a call to action for fans to check it out. At the time, Twitter was still a relatively new platform, having launched just three years earlier in 2006. It was a place where celebrities, brands, and everyday people were starting to connect in real-time, and Bieber’s entry into this digital space was perfectly timed. His YouTube covers had already gained traction, catching the eye of talent manager Scooter Braun and, eventually, Usher, who signed him to a record deal. But this tweet was a pivotal step in building his direct connection with fans.
“One Time,” the song he was promoting, was a catchy, upbeat pop track about young love, perfectly tailored to his growing fanbase of teens and tweens. Released as the lead single from his debut EP, My World, it became a chart-topping hit, peaking at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum certifications in multiple countries. The tweet wasn’t just a promotion—it was a spark that helped ignite what would become “Bieber Fever.”
Looking back, Justin Bieber’s first tweet wasn’t just about promoting a song—it was a cultural milestone. It showed how a young artist could harness the power of social media to build a global brand. That night, he wasn’t yet the superstar who would sell out arenas or rack up billions of YouTube views. He was a teenager with a dream, a catchy single and a new Twitter account. But that small action at 8:27 PM set the stage for everything that followed.
Today, Bieber’s Twitter presence (now on X) is massive, with over 100 million followers. His career has evolved through ups and downs, from chart-topping albums like Purpose to personal struggles and comebacks. But on May 11th, 2009, it all began with a single tweet, a song called “One Time,” and a kid who believed in his music.
So, let’s raise a glass to that moment—a reminder that even the smallest steps can lead to something extraordinary.
A McDonald’s on Franconia Road in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Thomas Edison High School, has implemented a 21+ policy for indoor dining due to repeated incidents of student violence.
The policy, effective immediately, requires customers to be 21 or older to dine inside, with a doorbell system and ID checks in place.
The decision was made in collaboration with local school officials and law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for staff and customers.
Customers under 21 can still use the drive-thru, order via the mobile app for curbside pickup, or dine inside if accompanied by an adult, with up to four minors allowed per chaperone.
The policy is described as a temporary measure while a long-term solution is sought.
NBA superstar Russell Westbrook, alongside former Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker and childhood friend Donnell Beverly Jr., launched Eazewell, an AI-powered funeral planning startup, on May 7th, 2025.
Based in Los Angeles, Eazewell uses artificial intelligence to streamline the funeral planning process by curating options based on budget and preferences, handling paperwork, and managing tasks like canceling utility bills and social media accounts. The platform also features a voice-activated AI agent that communicates with funeral homes to gather quotes and coordinate logistics.
A recent study highlights a striking cost comparison: sending a student to a top-tier college for four years is significantly cheaper than incarcerating an individual for the same period.
According to the analysis, the average cost of tuition, room and board at an elite university runs around $200,000-$250,000 over four years. In contrast, the annual cost of imprisoning one person averages $35,000-$50,000, totaling $140,000-$200,000 for four years—and that’s before factoring in additional societal costs like lost wages, recidivism, or long-term economic impacts.
Investing in education over incarceration not only saves money but also yields better outcomes. College graduates contribute to the economy, with higher earnings and lower unemployment rates, while incarceration often perpetuates cycles of poverty and crime.
The study underscores a clear choice: funding opportunities for youth through education is both fiscally smarter and socially transformative.
In 2025, brothers Clint and Evan Buffington found a message in a Pepsi bottle on a remote beach in the Bahamas, written in 1976 by Peter R. Thompson, then a 14-year-old student from West Newbury, Massachusetts.
The note, part of a school oceanography project, was launched by a Coast Guard ship and requested the finder to return it with details of where and when it was found.
The brothers, avid beachcombers, tracked down Thompson, now 63 and living in Leominster, Massachusetts, with help from social media and Boston journalist Emily Maher.
Thompson, who didn’t recall writing the message but remembered the class, was amazed by the find nearly 50 years later. The bottle had traveled over 1,000 miles, and the discovery connected the men across decades, highlighting the human stories behind such finds.
A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Greenback, Tennessee, about 30 miles southwest of Knoxville, on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at 9:04 a.m. EDT, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake, initially reported as 3.5 magnitude, was felt across the Southeast, including Atlanta, Georgia, and parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Over 40,000 public reports were submitted to the USGS within the first hour, indicating light shaking but no significant damage or injuries. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 15 miles in the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone, one of the most active seismic areas in the Southeast.
There’s a 5% chance of a magnitude 4 or larger aftershock in the next week, and a 23% chance of a magnitude 3 or higher aftershock, though experts note these are unlikely to cause damage.
On April 25th, 1947, President Harry S. Truman rolled the first ball down the newly constructed two-lane bowling alley in the White House, marking a unique moment in presidential history. Tucked away in the basement of the West Wing, this addition was more than just a recreational space as it was a gift from Truman’s home state of Missouri and a reflection of his down-to-earth personality.
The bowling alley was a surprise from Truman’s friends and supporters in Missouri, who funded and built the lanes as a gesture of appreciation. Truman, an avid fan of simple pastimes, was delighted by the addition. The two lanes, complete with automatic pinsetters, were modest but functional, designed to offer the president and his staff a way to unwind amid the pressures of leading the nation.
At the opening ceremony, Truman, with his characteristic humor and unpretentious charm, took to the lanes. While not a seasoned bowler, he threw the inaugural ball with gusto, reportedly knocking down a few pins and earning cheers from onlookers. The event was lighthearted, a rare glimpse into the personal side of a president known for his no-nonsense leadership during pivotal moments like the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War.
The bowling alley wasn’t just for Truman’s amusement—it became a social hub for White House staff, advisors, and even visiting dignitaries. It symbolized Truman’s belief in balancing hard work with moments of camaraderie. Over the years, the lanes hosted countless games, fostering a sense of community within the White House.
The original two-lane alley was later moved to the Old Executive Office Building in 1955 to make way for other renovations. In 1969, President Richard Nixon, another bowling enthusiast, upgraded the facility, ensuring the tradition continued. Today, the White House bowling alley remains a quirky piece of presidential history, a testament to Truman’s relatable, everyman spirit.
Harry Truman’s opening of the White House bowling alley was more than a ceremonial first roll—it was a strike for levity and connection in the heart of American power. From Missouri to the West Wing, it’s a reminder that even presidents need a moment to spare.
The Social Pie Network! 