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Score (99)
Meet Stumpy, the Cherry Blossom Tree Stealing Hearts by Persevering
Move over, lush and full cherry blossom trees — Stumpy is here to steal the show! Despite being a little different from the other trees in the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial, this scraggly and worn-down tree has captured the hearts of many Washington, D.C. residents. While the flooding in Stumpy's neighborhood unfortunately means his days are numbered, there's good news: Stumpy is still going strong three years later and even reached peak bloom with his friends on March 23, 2023.
Score (82)
Paris Celebrates as the River Seine Welcomes Public Swimmers for the First Time in 100 Years
After a century-long ban, Parisians can now enjoy swimming in the River Seine. This historic move comes just a year after the Paris 2024 Olympics, where open water swimmers and triathletes competed in its newly cleaned waters. Dozens of eager swimmers were ready to make a splash in the iconic river as soon as the gates opened. There are three designated swimming spots for public enjoyment near landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and another site in eastern Paris. Each location is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and beach-style furniture for up to 300 people. Swimmers can enjoy these areas for free until the end of August. Depending on the location, you need to be at least 10 or 14 years old to join in. Lifeguards are present to ensure everyone's safety. The promise to reopen the Seine for swimming dates back to 1988 when Jacques Chirac, then mayor of Paris and later president of France, began advocating for reversing the ban. For many years, pollution levels had kept swimmers out due to health risks. However, significant improvements over the past two decades have greatly reduced harmful bacteria levels. Leading up to last summer's Olympics, more than €1.4 billion was invested into cleaning up the Seine. Yet there were still concerns about whether it would be ready for international athletes after failing water quality tests. Rainfall was blamed for increased pollution that affected training sessions for events like triathlon and marathon swimming. In July of last year, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo took a dip in the Seine alongside other Olympic officials to demonstrate its safety for swimming.
Score (97)
Double Take: Scientists Stunned as Star Explodes—Twice
Astronomers have made an exciting discovery involving a supernova that detonated not once, but twice. This cosmic event was detected by researchers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT), and it offers new insights into the mysterious workings of Type 1a supernovae. The particular supernova remnant in question is SNR 0509-67.5, located about 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Type 1a supernovae typically involve a white dwarf star, which is essentially the leftover core of a star like our Sun after it has stopped fusing elements. In these systems, the white dwarf can accumulate material from a nearby companion star. Once it gathers enough mass, it can ignite and explode as a supernova. However, not all Type 1a supernovae are identical; some occur under different conditions than previously understood. The new research published in Nature Astronomy focuses on these variations and introduces what’s known as the "double-detonation" model. In this scenario, helium accretes onto the surface of a white dwarf until it causes an initial explosion that sends shockwaves through its carbon-oxygen core. If these shockwaves are strong enough, they trigger a second detonation within the core. Priyam Das, lead author and PhD student at the University of New South Wales Canberra, explained how important understanding these explosions is to astronomy: "The explosions of white dwarfs play a crucial role in astronomy." Despite their significance, he noted that "the long-standing puzzle of the exact mechanism triggering their explosion remains unsolved." Using VLT's Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), researchers found evidence supporting this double-detonation model by identifying two distinct calcium shells around SNR 0509-67.5. This discovery suggests such explosions can indeed happen well before a white dwarf reaches what's known as the Chandrasekhar mass limit—a threshold traditionally thought necessary for triggering a supernova. Research co-author Ivo Seitenzahl commented on this breakthrough: "We find clear indication that white dwarfs can explode well before they reach the famous Chandrasekhar mass limit." These findings help explain some puzzling observations about Type 1a supernovae. They account for differences in brightness and spectral profiles previously seen but not fully understood. Moreover, they provide insights into how variations in white dwarf masses and companion types might affect these stellar explosions. Interestingly, simulations now suggest even more complex scenarios could occur during these events. When two white dwarfs merge and undergo double detonations simultaneously—what researchers refer to as "quadruple detonation"—this could further explain observed structures like those seen in SNR 0509-67.5. Understanding Type 1a supernovae is essential because they serve as standard candles for measuring cosmic distances—a critical tool for studying dark energy driving the universe's expansion. Additionally, these explosions produce much of our universe's iron content; Earth itself consists of approximately 32 percent iron by mass, an element vital for rocky planet formation and oxygen transport in our biology.
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Score (95)
How a Tiny Queensland Town Became Australia's Mud-Racing Mecca
In the small Queensland town of Kabra, hidden behind a local pub, lies one of Australia's premier racing tracks. This isn't about V8s or nimble go-karts; it's all about the thrill of mud racing. Once a year, this town with just a few hundred residents sees its population double as enthusiasts from across Australia gather for the annual Queensland twin-track mud-racing titles. Mud racing is an adrenaline-filled event where modified vehicles tackle a challenging track filled with deep water and thick mud. Drivers from different parts of Australia descend on Kabra, including veteran racer Roger Langley and his family. Langley, who started racing in 1995 after being captivated by the sport, describes it as something that has "just grown and grown over the years." Roger's passion for mud racing has turned into a family affair. His son Troy Langley and granddaughter Allira Weldon are also keen participants. The Langleys will compete against some of the best racers in the country at this year's event. Building a car for mud racing involves serious modifications. Vehicles need to be waterproofed to withstand the muddy conditions, and they often feature large tyres and powerful engines to navigate the terrain effectively. According to Troy Langley, preparing these cars requires significant effort because "a lot of electronics don't like getting wet." Cars are jacked up as high as regulations allow to achieve maximum ground clearance. The junior category is particularly popular, allowing young drivers aged 10 to 16 to get involved with cars equipped with booster seats and pedal extensions. It's this junior involvement that Roger credits for much of the sport's growth over recent years. For many participants, including race director Marlene Granshaw, it's also about earning bragging rights and securing that coveted Queensland champion sticker for their vehicle. As engines roar and mud flies through the air in Kabra each year, it's clear that this once-obscure sport has carved out its niche in Australian motorsport culture.
Score (98)
SPOTLIGHT: Meet the 73-Year-Old Educator Revolutionizing STEM for Preschoolers
At 73 years old, Areulia Davis is showing no signs of slowing down in her mission to enhance education. The seasoned educator has launched a line of STEM Learning Cards for early childhood educators, aiming to introduce young children to science, technology, engineering and math in an approachable way. Her company, Areulia Davis LLC, provides coaching and consulting services to teachers who are looking for effective classroom strategies. Throughout her career as a third-grade teacher, Areulia was known for integrating creativity with test preparation. Her students consistently achieved top scores in district benchmarks. Beyond the classroom, she worked tirelessly in North Lawndale to improve educational opportunities. Her advocacy efforts helped secure a 40-million-dollar investment for a STEAM-focused school pathway. It was during this initiative that Areulia saw many preschool teachers feeling unprepared to teach STEM subjects. In response, she developed the STEM Learning Cards to fill this gap. Teachers have praised these cards for making STEM concepts accessible and natural within early learning environments. Today, Areulia continues mentoring educators and expanding her resources. She believes every child deserves a well-supported teacher and every teacher deserves guidance from someone experienced. Her work shows that true educators never stop teaching or leading.
Score (96)
Inside The Oasis: Why This Timeless Band Continues To Captivate Fans Worldwide
In a twist few saw coming, the Gallagher brothers have reunited Oasis, and the response has been electric. After years of public feuding, Liam and Noel Gallagher are back on stage together, and fans are not alone in their excitement; critics across the board are singing praises. Alexis Petridis from The Guardian was among those who awarded the reunion performance a glittering five stars. He noted that while some tracks like "D’You Know What I Mean?" may sound dated, much of the set served as a powerful reminder of Oasis's prime. "Against a ferocious wall of distorted guitars," Petridis wrote, there is an intriguing contrast between Noel's melancholic songwriting and Liam’s intense delivery. The reunion concert took place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, drawing over 60,000 fans who were eager to relive Oasis's glory days. As flares lit up the crowd during hits like "Don’t Look Back In Anger" and "Champagne Supernova," it was clear that nostalgia for 90s Britpop is alive and well. Critics agree that this wasn't just any concert; it was an event that encapsulated a generation's cultural zeitgeist. Petridis further highlighted how songs like "Acquiesce" underscore the unique dynamic between the brothers. Despite their tumultuous relationship, they seem bound by an artistic synergy. Noel writes intricate melodies while Liam delivers them with raw emotion. This connection seemed to resonate deeply with concertgoers who found themselves swept away by timeless tracks like "Supersonic" and "Cigarettes & Alcohol." The evening wasn’t just about reliving past hits; it was also a cross-generational celebration of music. Reports suggest Gen Z attendees were just as enthralled as older fans, proving that Oasis's appeal transcends age barriers. This new wave of appreciation mirrors Noel’s past vision of blending dance music vibes with punk rock spirit—a concept that appears to have found fresh life in today’s music scene. Cardiff buzzed with anticipation even before the show began, with locals donning bucket hats in homage to Liam's signature look. Soundchecks hinted at something special brewing inside the stadium, but once inside, fans were met with an unforgettable auditory experience—Liam’s vocals soared through every corner of the venue. Critics universally praised both Gallaghers for their performances, noting Liam’s voice was “out of this world” and suggesting he might consider endorsements from throat lozenge companies given his stellar vocal form. Meanwhile, Noel impressed with his guitar prowess—a skill sure to inspire budding musicians for years to come. As one critic summarized succinctly: “It was very loud, it was simplistic to the point of banality and it was magically, exhaustingly uplifting.” For many in attendance or reading reviews afterward, this sums up why Oasis remains significant more than two decades after their initial rise to fame. Oasis is back on stage in spectacular fashion; whether they stay reunited or not remains anyone’s guess. But what is certain is that for one night in Cardiff at least—the Gallaghers temporarily put aside their differences to reclaim their status as icons of rock music history.
Score (96)
Meet The Teen Prodigy Heading To America For the Fly Fishing World Championships
A teenager is gearing up for an exciting adventure to America. Lydia Thomas, 17, from England, is set to compete in the World Youth River Fly Fishing Championships in Idaho Falls, USA. She is the only female angler in the Angling Trust's England under-18 Rivers Squad. Lydia says she's been passionate about fly and lure fishing since she was 11 years old. This upcoming trip will mark her first time fishing outside of the UK. Reflecting on how she got into fishing, Lydia credits her father, David, for sparking her interest. "Mum took me to Sutton Bingham where he was fishing and I would sit underneath him, watching the line over my head," she said. David Thomas won't just be a spectator at this event; he will accompany his daughter as her health supporter because Lydia has type 1 diabetes. He explained that his role is essential so she can focus on her performance without worrying about managing her condition alone. "We've never been abroad and, with the heat, that will affect her blood sugars, so it's all a bit unknown," David noted. The pair are looking forward to their first international trip together, despite some concerns about managing Lydia's health in unfamiliar conditions. David added that while he no longer fishes himself, he finds great enjoyment in watching Lydia pursue her passion: "She's taken it to the next level." The World Youth River Fly Fishing Championships will take place from July 12 to July 19 along Snake River in Idaho. As Lydia prepares for this significant experience abroad, she carries with her not only enthusiasm but also a supportive team and family by her side.
Score (97)
How A Small Town Card Show Is Uniting The Community In Unexpected Ways
Charles Barrett, a 33-year-old from Wolverhampton, England, has found a way to turn personal grief into community joy. After the passing of his father, Barrett sought an activity to keep him occupied during weekends when his partner was busy with work events. This led him back to an old hobby: trading cards. Trading cards first caught Barrett's interest at a young age, but he had drifted away over time. Yet, in the wake of personal loss, they provided solace and purpose. Last year, he organized a card show at the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton that drew more than 9,600 attendees. The success spurred him to bring it back this year, aiming for even greater participation. "I wanted something to take up my time after the death of my father," Barrett explained. With his partner frequently engaged in business events, he needed something to fill those idle hours at home. The appeal of trading cards lies in their accessibility and sense of community, which Barrett aims to nurture through his event. Many card shows often have exclusive settings and entry fees that can deter newcomers or casual collectors. However, Barrett deliberately chose the public setting of the Mander Centre to make his event open and inviting for everyone. "A lot of the time, card shows are very private and charge you for entry," said Barrett. He emphasized that trading cards should be accessible to all ages and income levels. "It is a welcoming, accessible space for all community collectors from the youngest to oldest." Barrett's approach appears to resonate with attendees across generations. "I've had people in their 50s say 'I really like [that] you've brought this to Wolves,'" he mentioned proudly. The Second Wolverhampton Card Show will feature diverse offerings from popular franchises such as Pokemon, One Piece, Magic the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh. Attendees can look forward to 55 tables of vendors each day and various competitions that include children's-only contests. Reflecting on last year's event success, Barrett recalled how it dramatically increased foot traffic at the Mander Centre by 9,611 visitors over two days—making it the busiest event ever held there. Despite limited preparation time of just nine weeks then, he's optimistic about topping those numbers this year.
Score (96)
Ryan Reynolds Honored with Order of Canada: Inside the Heartfelt Ceremony and Family Celebration
Ryan Reynolds received a significant honor in Ottawa during a Canada Day ceremony this week. The Canadian actor was appointed as an Officer to the Order of Canada, a distinction recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the country. His wife, Blake Lively, was present at the event, capturing moments on her phone and sharing in the celebration. The appointment is one of Canada's highest citizenship distinctions. It acknowledges Reynolds' philanthropic efforts and initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for under-represented groups. "His far-reaching philanthropy continues to strengthen communities nationwide," noted the Canadian government when announcing his award. Reynolds expressed gratitude for this recognition and the support he's received throughout his life. In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE after being named one of 88 new appointees on December 19, 2024, he said he "couldn’t be more emotional and proud." He added, "I’m so grateful to be a part of the ever-evolving Canadian story." Reynolds also took a moment to thank various communities across Canada that have shaped him personally. He extended his appreciation to those who help others daily without seeking recognition. In his characteristic humor, Reynolds quipped about asking if he could break his officer’s medal into thousands of pieces to share with these unsung heroes. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Reynolds thanked the Canadian government and promised to use his powers for good and whimsy. This playful nod references his well-known roles in films like Deadpool & Wolverine. The actor's commitment to philanthropy has been recognized previously too. In 2023, he received both the Order of British Columbia and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s humanitarian award.
Score (96)
Unexpected Comeback: Critically Endangered Turtles Resurface in India's Ganga River
Conservationists are keeping a close eye on the Ganga River in India, where they recently released 20 critically endangered red-crowned roofed turtles. These turtles, once plentiful across India, Bangladesh and Nepal, have seen their numbers plummet by 80 percent over the past five decades due to hunting, illegal trade, habitat loss and changes in river flow. The last known population of about 500 adult females was confined to the National Chambal Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. In recent years, villagers in Uttar Pradesh reported spotting these rare turtles and their nests outside the sanctuary. This discovery led conservationists and authorities to believe that the turtles could thrive in other parts of the Ganga River system. In April 2025, teams moved 20 turtles from the Garheta Turtle Conservation Centre at Chambal to two different locations within the Ganga. Ten were released at the Haiderpur wetland—a Ramsar site recognized for its ecological importance—while the other ten found a new home in Meerut's forest division along the main river. The aim is to test which area offers better rehabilitation prospects for these turtles. The selection process for translocating these turtles was meticulous. Experts chose them based on health, sex, and body measurements. Each turtle now carries a transmitter that tracks its movements and behavior in real time. This approach marks a significant first; it's the initial telemetry-based monitoring effort for these creatures in this part of the Ganga River. Pawan Shantiprakash Pareek from Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India explained how this technology provides valuable insight into how these turtles adapt to their new environment and what threats they might face. "The transmitter fitted on each turtle gives information to the scientists about which direction the turtle is moving in," Pareek told Mongabay India. An unexpected ally has joined this conservation mission—the sadhus or Hindu holy men residing along the riverbanks. They play a pivotal role by encouraging local communities to view these turtles as sacred beings deserving of protection. "People listen to these sadhus," Pareek noted. "Currently, more than 20 sadhus are helping in this work." This collaboration has already yielded positive results with a noticeable reduction in illegal activities like fishing and hunting near their ashrams.
Score (97)
Lisbon Just Launched a City-Wide Reusable Cup System to Combat Plastic Waste
Lisbon is taking a stand against plastic waste by launching a city-wide reusable cup system in its nightlife and restaurant hubs. Every night, Lisbon's vibrant entertainment scene goes through about 25,000 cups. Many of these are promoted as "reusable," but until now, there was no organized way to collect and reuse them. In a groundbreaking move, Lisbon has become the first European capital to introduce a comprehensive initiative aimed at slashing plastic waste and emissions. The new system features reusable cups backed by a deposit and return model. This initiative involves collaboration between the Lisbon City Council, TOMRA, and the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Services of Portugal (AHRESP). How does it work? When you grab a drink at participating venues, you'll receive it in a reusable cup after paying a €0.60 deposit. Return the cup at one of TOMRA’s collection machines scattered across the city and get your deposit back with a simple tap using your card or phone. No registration needed. TOMRA handles everything from sanitizing to redistributing these cups. The first two return points opened on June 27 in historic kiosks located in Praça de São Paulo and Praça do Príncipe Real. Full roll-out throughout Lisbon is slated for October 2025. This comes as part of Lisbon City Council's push towards sustainability, following its 2024 regulation banning single-use plastic cups. Rui Cordeiro, councillor for Waste and Circular Economy, emphasized that this step shows Lisbon's commitment to sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics: “Lisbon is committed to leading by example, promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.” AHRESP is also playing an active role in getting local cafés, bars, and nightclubs on board with this shift toward more sustainable practices. “This initiative represents a necessary change for the HORECA sector,” said Carlos Moura, chairman of AHRESP. During the "Lisbon to Reuse" summit at MUDE (Museum of Design and Fashion), attendees got firsthand experience with how the system operates—right from beverage purchase to cup return. As October approaches, expect to see standardised "Lisbon cups" making their debut across central neighborhoods like Baixa with plans for 17 return points there alone.