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Score (98)
3 Siblings Crafted a Heartwarming Kids' Book to Cherish Their Grandfather and Celebrate Elders
In Rockford, Illinois, three siblings have turned personal loss into a heartfelt project. Antonia Royal-Whitmore, Darby Whitmore, and Royal Whitmore have authored a children’s book titled "Before You Go to Heaven" as a tribute to their late grandfather, Morris Royal Sr. The book is an affectionate nod to the lasting impact grandparents have on their families. The story centers on grandchildren cherishing moments with their elders. It serves as both a celebration of life and a gentle reminder to value time spent together. Inspired by real family memories, the siblings aim to encourage children to appreciate the influence of older generations in shaping their lives. A book signing event will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 14:00 to 16:00 at Macedonia Baptist Church in Rockford. Families are invited to meet the authors and get copies signed while celebrating the love for grandparents. Antonia Royal-Whitmore shared her motivation for writing the book. "In our family, love for our elders is everything," she said. "Our grandfather funded my very first book and cheered me on every step of my journey. This story is our way of saying thank you — and encouraging other families to share their love while they can." The siblings bring diverse talents to this project. Antonia is an author and publisher; Darby is gaining recognition as a theater performer at Starlight Theatre; and Royal is preparing for graduation from Auburn High School as a dedicated athlete.
Score (92)
A Man Noticed a Strange Shape on Satellite Images. It Turned Out to Be a 138-Year-Old Shipwreck in Lake Michigan
In the fall of 1887, the schooner *Frank D. Barker* slipped into heavy fog on Lake Michigan and never came back. Sailing past Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula, the two-masted wooden vessel struck a limestone outcropping near Rowleys Bay. The captain and crew made it safely to Spider Island, but the ship itself sank, swallowed by the lake. For nearly 140 years, the *Barker* was considered lost. Now, it’s been found. The wreck was discovered in shallow water off Liberty Grove, just 24 feet below the surface, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Matt Olson, a local tour guide who runs Door County Adventure Rafting, spotted an odd shape on satellite images last month while scouting new routes. With a waterproof camera and sonar in hand, he went out to investigate. “I was surprised by how big it was,” Olson told the *Green Bay Press-Gazette*. “A lot of it is still there today, which is pretty cool because a lot of these wrecks get destroyed by the wind and ice as time goes on.” Olson reported his find to the State Historic Preservation Office, and maritime archaeologists later confirmed it was indeed the *Frank D. Barker*. “It’s like a football field filled with oak,” said Tamara Thomsen of the Wisconsin Historical Society on Wisconsin Public Radio. “The entire ship is sort of filleted open, and a lot of the deck machinery is still there. It’s just really amazing. It’s almost like looking at a puzzle.” The schooner had been built in 1867 to haul grain and coal across the Great Lakes. On October 1, 1887, it was on its way from Manistee to Escanaba to pick up iron ore when disaster struck. Because the ship was running light with no cargo, it sat higher in the water and was more vulnerable to being pushed onto the shoal by wind and waves. A tugboat tried to pull the 137-foot vessel free the next day, but the attempt failed. Further salvage efforts over the next year also came up short. At the time, the ship was valued at about \$8,000—more than \$250,000 today. Olson said he was surprised the wreck had remained undiscovered for so long, given that parts of it are faintly visible from the surface. But because the shoal is considered hazardous, most boaters avoid the area. Historical accounts also placed the sinking closer to Spider Island, which likely threw searchers off the trail. Experts say the *Barker* is one of an estimated 600 vessels that have sunk in Lake Michigan. Only about 200 have been located. The Wisconsin Historical Society plans to survey the site in the spring and hopes to nominate the wreck for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. For Olson, who has helped find two other schooners in the region, the discovery was still special. “There’s a lot of history around here in Door County and throughout the rest of the state, and a lot of this stuff has kind of been forgotten about,” he told WLUK. Excited, he took his wife and six-year-old son snorkeling over the wreck. “Finding the *Frank D. Barker* after all these years,” he said, “was an incredible feeling.”
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Score (96)
This Mystery Rose Survived Hurricane Katrina And Became A Symbol Of Resilience
At the southern tip of Louisiana, where the Mississippi River spills into the Gulf, a single rose bush became a symbol of survival. In Phoenix, a small community in Plaquemines Parish, Peggy Martin tended a garden of 450 antique roses before Hurricane Katrina. When the storm surged ashore on August 29, 2005, with winds topping 160 kilometers per hour, floodwaters rose 5 to 6 meters and drowned nearly everything in sight. Martin’s parents, who lived next door, perished. When she returned weeks later, she found nothing but blackened ruins. “I saw these long, green, dark canes hanging off the tractor shed,” Martin recalled. Every plant had died—except for one climbing rose. The origin of the rose is still a mystery. A friend gave it to Martin in 1989, but beyond that its lineage is unknown. Experts like Texas A\&M horticulturist William C. Welch and his colleague Greg Grant say its survival came down to genetics. Unlike modern hybrid roses, which are delicate and often short-lived, heirloom varieties carry traits of toughness—resistance to salt water, the ability to resprout quickly, and tolerance of low-oxygen conditions. Charles Shi, a rose specialist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, believes Martin’s survivor may share ancestry with *Rosa banksiae*, an old Chinese climbing rose known for its resilience. “It’s a lot closer to a wild rose than to the more cultivated roses,” Shi said. To Martin, the plant felt like a final gift from her parents. “In my heart, I think that my mom and dad wanted to leave something to me,” she said. Welch, who had already taken cuttings before Katrina, proposed naming the rose after her. “He said, do I have your permission to name this rose the Peggy Martin rose?” Martin recalled. “And I said, of course.” From there, the rose became a phenomenon. Garden clubs, nurseries, and restoration funds began selling cuttings. Martin traveled across the country speaking to groups about her plant, and its reputation spread. Mike Shoup, president of the Heritage Rose Foundation, calls it “the great beginners rose” because it thrives almost anywhere. John David Boone, who owns a nursery in Alabama, says his annual “Peggy Palooza” now draws thousands of visitors each April. On social media, a popular hashtag — #ShowUsYourPeggy — fills with pictures of its pink blooms every spring. Nearly 20 years on, the Peggy Martin rose has spread to hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of gardens across the United States. All of them trace back to the canes that survived Katrina. Shi, who hopes one day to add it to the collection at Kew Gardens, says the rose’s story resonates far beyond horticulture. “I think it’s wonderful that it’s symbolic of the resilience of the people of New Orleans.” For Martin, that resilience is personal. “We lost everything we owned,” she said. “But that rose lived. And now it lives everywhere.”
Score (75)
This Hidden Hotel Beneath A Busy Road Was Once A Victorian Bathroom
Britain has a new contender for its quirkiest hotel. The Netty, considered the country's smallest hotel, has opened in Oxford in what was once a Victorian bathroom. Located under the bustling St Giles street, this boutique hotel offers guests an unusual experience rooted in history. The transformation of The Netty took 17 years to complete. Originally built in 1895 as gentlemen's toilets, the facilities were shuttered in 2008 due to safety concerns. After sitting unused for over a decade, Gwyn Harries-Jones, an Oxford business owner who purchased the site, decided to convert it into something unique. Now, after extensive renovations, The Netty stands ready to welcome visitors. This tiny hotel boasts just two suites, each measuring 30 square meters. Guests can access their rooms via separate staircases leading directly from the street above. Despite its limited space, The Netty aims to provide an immersive experience that highlights both its distinctive location and historical significance. The hotel's name is derived from "netty," an old Geordie term for outhouse. It offers not only modern comforts but also integrates local craftsmanship and cultural elements into its design. To maintain some of its original charm, certain features like the floor tiles have been preserved. Ana Pinheiro, the hotel manager, expressed her excitement about welcoming guests to this unconventional setting. "We are delighted to welcome guests to our boutique space where guests can experience the beauty of Oxford," she said.
Score (98)
A Small Act of Kindness Sparked a Viral Fundraiser, Launching This Chef's Food Truck Dream
In Omaha, chef Jeremy McCoy is on the brink of turning a long-held dream into reality with his very own food truck. For years, McCoy aspired to share his passion for cooking with the community. The journey began with a simple act of kindness that sparked something far bigger. Back in July, McCoy offered a plate of food to "Lt. Dan," an officer from the Omaha Police Department who was patrolling nearby. This gesture led to a friendship and reminded McCoy of the unifying power of food. “Food has the power to unite us, no matter our background,” he said. The story gained traction when the Omaha Police Officers Association shared McCoy’s GoFundMe page online. The response was overwhelming. “I didn’t think anything was going to come out of it, but by the next morning, it was all over the internet,” McCoy recalled. Calls poured in, and within just one week, donations exceeded $20,000—enough to set his food truck plans in motion. McCoy was moved by the community's generosity and support. “It brought a lot of tears to my eyes,” he admitted, acknowledging that the reality hadn’t fully sunk in yet. However, he's thrilled at what lies ahead. For now, McCoy continues cooking with what he has and remains optimistic about hitting the streets with his new food truck soon. He trusts that Omaha will keep cheering him on as he prepares to serve up meals that connect people across backgrounds. As McCoy says, “Food is not just a meal to me; it is a way to connect, heal, and inspire.”
Score (97)
This Mom Gave Birth To Triplets At 47 — A Decade Later, They’re Thriving
Back in 2014, Sharon Lewis from Miami grabbed national attention when she naturally delivered triplets at the age of 47. Today, at 58, both she and her children are doing well. Lewis was already a mother to a 25-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son when she discovered she was pregnant again. To her surprise, it wasn't just one baby. “It was a wonderful surprise,” Lewis said to CBS News once the reality sank in. The triplets, Dylan, Denere and Denard, came into the world on March 18, 2014, at Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami. Each weighed around 0.9 kilograms and needed several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit before heading home. Doctors decided to deliver early at 30 weeks due to Lewis developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. Medical professionals highlighted how unusual her case was. Dr. Salih Y. Yasin, who managed her high-risk pregnancy, noted that conceiving triplets naturally at such an age is exceptionally rare. "It was a miracle she got pregnant," he said. "It was a miracle she got three." Lewis credits her faith for getting through this unexpected chapter in her life. She saw her pregnancy as a blessing and expressed excitement about raising her children with love. Eleven years later, Lewis and her triplets remain healthy, continuing to exemplify what many see as an extraordinary birth story.
Score (96)
Why More Colleges Are Letting Pets Live in Dorms: The Surprising Benefits for Students
Sharing a dorm with a dog or cat might sound like a dream for many college students, and at some U.S. schools, it's becoming a reality. Eckerd College in Florida has been doing it since 1973, allowing students to bring pets to live on campus. Students often find themselves more familiar with the names of these furry residents than those of fellow classmates. Sophie Nocera, an Eckerd senior, shares her space with Zuko, a Border collie. "When I'm walking my dog," she said, "I often hear ‘Oh my god, hi, Zuko!’ It's like I’m not even there." The companionship provided by pets can significantly reduce stress and homesickness among students. Colleges nationwide see similar benefits. From MIT's limited allowance of cats to the University of Northern Colorado's pet-friendly dorms permitting dogs and cats under 18 kilograms, campuses are increasingly accommodating student pets with various restrictions. For Molly Cheer, a senior nursing major at Northern Colorado, the school's pet policy was pivotal in her decision to enroll. Her cat Louie provides comfort during stressful times. "Whenever I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed," Cheer mentioned, "I pick him up and cuddle him." Jack Layden from Eckerd College says their pet-friendly dorms host an array of animals, including rabbits and geckos. He notes challenges like safety concerns and noise complaints but also emphasizes the positive impacts on student life. Eva Chatterjee-Sutton at Washington & Jefferson College shared an instance where a student's social life improved after getting a puppy. “I think it’s absolutely changed her college trajectory,” she commented. Pet policies vary; some schools charge fees for pets, while others might require liability insurance or roommate agreements. At Stephens College, fees range from around 50 dollars for small caged pets to 220 dollars for cats or dogs annually. As graduation approaches for Nocera this year, she looks forward to sharing the stage with Zuko during Eckerd's unique pet-friendly ceremony.
Score (96)
Glow-in-the-Dark Succulents Are Revolutionizing Home Lighting
Succulents may soon double as night lights. A team of researchers in China has found a way to make the popular houseplants glow in the dark without genetic engineering. Instead of altering their DNA, the scientists injected the leaves with microscopic afterglow particles—the same kind of phosphors used in glow-in-the-dark toys. The results, published in *Matter*, show that the treated plants can “charge” under sunlight or LED light and then emit a soft glow in green, red, or blue. The effect lasted long enough for researchers to create a glowing wall of succulents, bright enough to illuminate books and small objects. “We were especially inspired by the fact that inorganic persistent luminescent materials can be ‘charged’ by light and then release it slowly as afterglow,” said lead author Shuting Liu, a bioengineer at South China Agricultural University. “Those hues also make me imagine a future warm-white glowing plant—visually comfortable and potentially more practical for ambient lighting.” The idea of glowing greenery has fascinated scientists for decades, often framed as a path toward sustainable lighting. Past attempts have usually relied on genetic engineering, but those efforts produced dim results and were expensive. Liu’s method is simpler and cheaper, and so far shows no harm to the plants. Succulents turned out to be an unexpected star. The team had originally assumed their thick leaves would make it difficult for particles to penetrate. But in tests, the particles traveled efficiently through the narrow, uniform channels of Echeveria “Mebina” leaves. Researchers experimented with particle size and injection pressure before settling on a formula that embeds the phosphors in the leaf’s mesophyll cell wall—the same structure where photosynthesis occurs. Each particle is about seven micrometers wide, roughly the size of a red blood cell. Once in place, they act as a “luminescence wall” that stores light and then gradually releases it after dark. For now, the project remains experimental. Liu says the team plans more long-term studies to confirm the plants’ health and safety. But she imagines a future where indoor spaces could be lit, at least partly, by living “plant lamps.” “I also really like the cyan and red glows because they’re so novel,” Liu said. “It’s striking to see a living plant emit multiple colors.” If further research proves safe and practical, the humble succulent may one day brighten rooms in more ways than one.
Score (94)
Blind in One Eye, This 21-Year-Old Golf Pro Made an Incredible Comeback After a Life-Changing Accident
Jeffrey Guan’s walk up the 18th fairway at The Australian Golf Club earlier this month wasn’t long by golf standards, but for him it felt like a lifetime. Eleven months after a freak accident left him blind in his left eye, the 21-year-old Sydney native finally shot under par again. His birdie on the par-5 capped a round of 68 and offered a glimpse of the game he thought he might never play competitively again. “It was an easier feeling being on the green and already under par. It was cool,” Guan told Golf Digest. “Playing at The Australian GC has been surreal, honestly; there’s so much support and people just encouraging me to keep going.” This week, Guan makes his official return to professional golf at the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia’s Northern Territory PGA Championship in Darwin, a comeback that ranks among the sport’s most inspiring stories of the year. The accident happened last September. Fresh off a sponsor’s invite at the PGA Tour’s Procore Championship in Napa, where he missed the cut by a single shot, Guan returned home to Australia to play in a qualifying event. During a pro-am, a playing partner’s shot struck the side of his face. He was airlifted to hospital, underwent multiple surgeries, and ultimately lost vision in his left eye. The setback was devastating. Guan had been one of Australia’s brightest young prospects. He won the 2022 Junior Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in record fashion, represented the International team at the Junior Presidents Cup, and was even backed by British Open champion Cam Smith with a scholarship. His management agency, Sportfive, represents stars like Jon Rahm. Suddenly, Guan had to relearn the basics. Writing, driving, even picking up a water bottle became challenges. “I think it could have been when I lost the eyesight and then the depth perception became really bad, really poor,” he said. “Within those months, I couldn't do anything and, mentally, I wasn't feeling too great.” He leaned on gaming as a distraction, even briefly considering chasing a career as a professional gamer. But golf drew him back. With support from his family, coach Gary Barter, and the broader golf community, Guan began the slow process of rebuilding his swing and adapting to his new reality. His father, Ken, who drives an Uber to support the comeback, has been by his side. “I’ve been practicing quite hard with my dad,” Guan said. “I’m coming here with no expectations, though, and I think I'm just going to play and see where my game's at; see whether my tournament golf spirit comes back or not.” Depth perception in bunkers remains a hurdle, and his attack angle has had to change. But his ball-striking has returned to a high level. A medical exemption from the PGA Tour of Australasia will allow him to keep full status this season. Guan is not the first golfer to succeed after losing sight in one eye. Tommy Armour won three majors after a mustard gas injury in World War I. Australian Col Johnston captured two PGA titles in the 1960s despite the same challenge. Just last season, Augusta University’s Marine Legentil earned collegiate honors despite being born blind in one eye. Big names have rallied behind Guan too. Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, two of Australia’s top players, have sent messages of encouragement. “Adam has got such great character; he's such a role model,” Guan said. “His message was along the lines of, ‘Get well, I hope you recover soon, and want to see you smashing it back out there on tour.’” For inspiration, Guan turns to a figure from Chinese legend. He carries the “Monkey King” logo on his bag and wedges, a nod to patience and perseverance. “There are different interpretations, but basically [the message is], ‘You’ve got to be patient and work hard and get through this,’” he said. When Guan tees it up in Darwin on Thursday, expectations will be modest. But for a young man who once feared he would never play again, just being inside the ropes is already a victory. His comeback is proof that, sometimes, the hardest walks in golf lead to the most meaningful greens.
Score (97)
From Extinct to Hope: Chester Zoo's Success in Hatching Ultra-Rare Socorro Doves
Conservationists at Chester Zoo are celebrating a significant achievement in their efforts to save the Socorro dove, a bird species that hasn't been seen in the wild since 1972. The zoo has successfully hatched eight dove chicks, or squabs, offering hope for the survival of this ultra-rare species. The Socorro dove population now consists of about 200 birds, all cared for in conservation-breeding programs across Europe and North America. Clare Rafe, assistant team manager for birds at Chester Zoo, emphasized the importance of these hatchings. "We have several chicks which have successfully reached independence," she said. "They might look quite plain and brown from a distance, but they have what looks like shimmery blusher on their heads." Unlike other doves, Socorro doves prefer to live as pairs or individually rather than in flocks. They also share chick-rearing duties equally between males and females. Clare notes that while it's usually a "50-50 arrangement," females often start laying new eggs before their current chicks have fledged. Fathers then take over caring for the older chicks. Originally from Socorro Island off Mexico's coast, these doves faced extinction due to human activity and introduced species. Andrew Owen, head of the bird department at Chester Zoo, explained how changes on the island led to their decline. Sheep brought in during the 1800s damaged vegetation, while domestic cats introduced with a naval base establishment became feral predators. For years, conservationists overlooked the plight of the Socorro dove until German aviculturists began a breeding program. In 1995, it gained formal support when recognized by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria as part of its European Endangered Species Programme. Andrew Owen highlights the importance of zoological efforts, saying, “Without the valuable work zoos do, these species would be lost forever.”