Controversial Dolphin Hunt, Likely to Leave 1,400 Dolphins Captured or Killed, Begins in Japan

Photo: Kyodo via AP Images According to BBC, the event is controversial for its tactics — fishermen drive the dolphins into the shallow waters of Taiji’s cove and kill or capture the mammals — and for its resistance to change. Dolphins slaughtered during the hunt are sold for their meat, while those that are captured are sold to aquariums and marine parks. The BBC reports that the demand for dolphin meat is down, partially due to the high levels of mercury found in the meat over the past few years, and that interest in purchasing live dolphins has also declined as more marine parks and aquariums come up against criticism for buying wild animals and keeping them in captivity.

Controversial Group Nxivm Suspends Operations After Allison Mack's Sex Trafficking Arrest

Controversial self-help group Nxivm has suspended operations following the high-profile arrests ofSmallvilleactress Allison Mackand group co-founderKeith Raniereon sex trafficking and forced labor charges. According to a messageposted on Nxivm’s website, “we are suspending all Nxivm/ESP enrollment, curriculum and events until further notice.” The message was posted sometime after Mack’s April arrest, but it was not clear exactly when. Mackwas charged with sex trafficking, sex trafficking conspiracy and forced labor conspiracy. The actress, best known for her years-long role as Chloe Sullivan on The WB’sSmallville, is facing a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted on all of her charges.

Controversial Open-Air Urinals Installed to Tackle Public Urination in Paris Spark Outrage

Photo: THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/GettyOfficials in Paris are setting up open-air (completely unhidden) urinals across the city in an attempt to combat public urination — and the locals aren’t too happy.Locals and tourists taking a stroll near the Notre-Dame cathedral or a popular waterway will see a bright red receptacle perched on a walkway. With wheat and other plants protruding from the box, many might mistake the tank as a simple planter. But it’s actually an eco-friendly urinal — or “uritrottoirs” — meant to quell public peeing, according to astatement from city officials.

Controversial Radio Broadcaster Don Imus Dies at 79

Photo: Deborah Feingold/Getty Images Don Imus, who hosted the popular and long-runningImus in the Morningradio show, died at the age of 79, multiple outlets have reported. The broadcasting veteran, known for his blunt personality and cowboy hat, was hospitalized on Christmas Eve and passed away Friday morning at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in College Station, Texas, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. His cause of death was not immediately announced.

Controversial Rep. Madison Cawthorn Concedes North Carolina Republican Primary

Madison Cawthorn.Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Outlets including theAssociated Press, ABC News and CNN report that 26-year-old Cawthornconceded the race to state Sen. Chuck Edwardson Tuesday, after vote tallies made clear that the incumbent freshmen wouldnot win the race. “I received a call from Congressman Cawthorn just a few of minutes ago, just as I expected he presented himself in a very classy and humble way and offered his support to our campaign in absolutely anyway that we can use him,” Edwards told supporters in a call, CNN reports.