NEW YORK – From a traveler attempting to smuggle an “emotional support” boa constrictor onto a plane to a New Jersey football player going from a viral meme to a big-time sponsorship deal, there was no shortage of intriguing, weird, and even heartwarming tales this week. Here are some stories for January 9-15 that made our day brighter – or at least, more interesting:
1 – ‘Emotional support’ boa constrictor found in traveler’s luggage: The TSA says that a traveler attempted to bring an “emotional support pet” boa constrictor snake named “Bartholomew” through security in Florida.
‘Emotional support’ boa constrictor found in carry-on luggage
The TSA says a woman tried to fly with her boa constrictor, claiming it was an emotional support animal.
2 – Dieunerst Collin, viral ‘Popeyes meme kid’ signs NIL deal with Popeyes: Dieunerst Collin, who gained popularity as a kid for his classic facial expression in a New Jersey Popeyes restaurant is now a college football player and has signed a NIL deal with the restaurant chain.
3 – Former Harlem Globetrotter uses slam dunk for baby’s gender reveal: A former Harlem Globetrotter revealed his baby’s gender to his girlfriend with a slam dunk while celebrating with his family and friends.
Slam dunk gender reveal
A former Harlem Globetrotter used a slam dunk to reveal his baby’s gender.
4 – Actor Frankie Muniz, known for ‘Malcolm in the Middle,’ to start NASCAR career: Actor Frankie Muniz, who starred in “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Agent Cody Banks,” announced this week that he’s competing as a full-time race car driver in the ARCA Menards Series.
FILE – Frankie Muniz attends the Disney ABC Television TCA Summer Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 7, 2018 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Steve Granitz/WireImage)
5 – 100-year-old woman graduates high school in ‘most memorable’ ceremony: 100-year-old Pearl Neumann was “tickled pink” to receive her high school diploma from Spencerport High School in a “memorable ceremony” on Dec. 22, 2022.
Pearl Neumann graduated from Spencer Sport High School. (Photo courtesy of Spencerport Central School District)
6 – Meet the man who trains Broadway animals: If you’ve ever seen an animal on stage in a Broadway show, chances are it was trained by Bill Berloni, sometimes called the Dr. Doolittle of animals of the stage and screen. FOX 5 NY sat down to get to know the legendary animal trainer.
Meet the man who trains Broadway animals
If you’ve ever seen an animal on stage in a Broadway show, chances are it was trained by one man, Bill Berloni
7 – UFO reports rise to 510, no evidence of aliens but still pose a threat to US: The U.S. has now collected 510 reports of unidentified flying objects, many of which are flying in sensitive military airspace. While there’s no evidence of extraterrestrials, they still pose a threat, the government said in a declassified report summary released Thursday.
8 – Maryland girl finds Megalodon tooth along beach: A young Maryland girl was searching for fossils on Christmas Day when she found a tooth belonging to the massive prehistoric shark Megalodon along a beach.
PHOTO: Calvert Marine Museum Facebook
