WNBA Charter Flights, Periodical Cicadas, and the Oklahoma Tornado
1. WNBA Begins Charter Flights for all Teams This Season
Cathy Engelbert’s push for regular charter flights for all WNBA teams has garnered support, notably from players like Clark, who notes the transition from college travel. Clark’s impressive debut underscores the necessity for player safety, reigniting discussions sparked by an incident involving Brittney Griner. Veteran coaches like Christie Sides recall past travel challenges, emphasizing the urgency for improved conditions. Clark stresses the benefits of enhanced travel for recovery and overall player well-being. Moreover, the Fever’s collaboration with 12 twelve television markets promises expanded coverage, with 17 games airing, reaching 4.6 million homes. Pacers Sports and Entertainment CEO Rick Fuson and TEGNA’s Brad Ramsey express enthusiasm for the extended reach, set to begin with the season opener on May 14.
2. Periodical Cicadas Disrupt Local Ecosystems
Trillions of periodical cicadas are emerging across the Midwest and Southeast, disrupting the local ecosystems. Brood XIII and Brood XIX are appearing simultaneously for the first time since the 1800s. This influx of cicadas has created a feeding frenzy among various animal species, with birds altering their diets to capitalize on the abundant cicada population. This shift in prey availability has led to a surge in populations of certain animals like wild turkeys and caterpillars. Despite the short-lived nature of this phenomenon, scientists are eager to study its effects on the ecosystem, as it provides a rare opportunity to observe the impact of a sudden increase in resources on the food web – also called the “resource pulse.” Scientists express their excitement for monitoring the impacts of cicadas on the populations in which they live, and also to collect more data during rare events.
3. Oklahoma Tornado
A powerful tornado struck Bartlesville, Oklahoma on Monday, May 6, 2024. The tornado was a rating of EF-4 and struck a local Hampton Inn hotel. The hotel was struck directly by the tornado, causing chaos among the guests. While some sought safety in interior rooms, others remained in the lobby, watching the storm through the front door. Lucas Lancaster captured footage of the turbulent scene, showing powerful winds and heavy rainfall. Guests sought refuge behind a desk as objects crashed against the hotel walls and debris flew past the broken front door. Following the tornado, guests were left with complete devastation. Thankfully, no major injuries or deaths were reported at the Hampton Inn Hotel.
