Goodable

An elementary school's mascot turned out to be more than just a character. Sgt. Perry Chronister, concealed beneath the costume, delivered an emotional surprise to his son Eli on his first day of second grade. The heartwarming scene unfolded at DeWitt Elementary School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where staff orchestrated the touching reunion that marked the end of Sgt. Chronister's year-long overseas deployment.

<p>An elementary school's mascot turned out to be more than just a character. Sgt. Perry Chronister, concealed beneath the costume, delivered an emotional surprise to his son Eli on his first day of second grade. The heartwarming scene unfolded at DeWitt Elementary School in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, where staff orchestrated the touching reunion that marked the end of Sgt. Chronister's year-long overseas deployment.An elementary school's mascot turned out to be more than just a character. Sgt. Perry Chronister, concealed beneath the costume, delivered an emotional surprise to his son Eli on his first day of second grade. The heartwarming scene unfolded at DeWitt Elementary School in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, where staff orchestrated the touching reunion that marked the end of Sgt. Chronister's year-long overseas deployment.</p>

This Soldier Returned Home And Gave His Son an Incredible Surprise at School

Al Jazeera

Amira Mohamed's journey on the football field is more than just a game; it's a testament to perseverance against generational skepticism. For Mohamed and many Egyptian female footballers, playing was once an act of defiance in a male-dominated sport. "It wasn’t always normal for girls to play football," she said. "It felt like no one took us seriously."

Mohamed dreamed of playing under stadium lights for Egypt’s top teams, Al Ahly or Zamalek, but it seemed impossible. However, change has been brewing over the past decade. "Things have changed," she told Al Jazeera. "Big clubs are investing, matches are on TV, and dreams we used to hide are finally being seen."

In 2024, Egypt’s Women’s Premier League aired on national television for the first time, marking a significant shift in visibility and support for women’s football. The league has expanded from 11 teams in 2021 to include five new clubs and youth teams for girls as young as 13.

Key figures like Sahar el-Hawary have been instrumental in pushing major clubs to establish women's squads by leveraging FIFA regulations. Initiatives such as “1,000 Girls, 1,000 Dreams” and the KNVB WorldCoaches program have further empowered women across local communities.

Despite societal stigma and limited resources compared to men’s football, advocates like Abdel Fattah Abbas emphasize the need for continued investment to sustain this momentum. Televised matches offer hope but highlight ongoing disparities in funding and support.

For players like Yasmin Yasser and Aya Abdel Hady, these changes represent progress but also underscore the work still needed to ensure that women’s football can thrive equally alongside its male counterpart.

The journey continues with determination: "There’s no limit to what we can do," said rising star Yara Amir.

Egypt's Women's Soccer Soars: TV Deals, Big Investments and Changing Perspectives

BBC News

Laura Coleman-Day is set to run the London Marathon on her sixth wedding anniversary in a unique tribute to her late husband. She plans to cross the finish line wearing her wedding dress, marking the final race of 13 marathons she has completed in a year to support blood cancer research.

Coleman-Day's journey began after losing her husband, Xander, an RAF aerospace battle manager, to complications following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. "I thought what better way to honor the day and honor him than crossing the line in my wedding dress," she said. Her efforts have been dedicated to raising funds for Anthony Nolan, a charity focused on blood cancer and stem cell research.

Joining her is friend Kate Walford from Guernsey, who also lost someone dear—her best friend Mark—to leukemia. Walford has committed to running 12 marathons this year as part of a promise made during their last conversation. "He was a very special person; we miss him every day," Walford shared.

The two women met through Anthony Nolan earlier this year and have since formed a strong bond. Sunday's marathon will be their second together after participating in the Guernsey Marathon earlier this month.

Reflecting on their journey, Coleman-Day expressed disbelief at reaching this milestone: "I never thought I'd ever get to this point." As they prepare for another race together, she added with humor about Walford's determination: "I don't recommend it—Kate's mad!"

This Widow Just Ran a Marathon In Her Wedding Dress To Honor Her Late Husband On Their Anniversary

ABC News

Amid the vibrant hues of spring, Gilles Gui found more than just the enchanting purple bluebells of Hallerbos forest; he discovered a sanctuary for his mind. As the world grapples with stress and anxiety, nature offers a serene escape.

“I notice that there’s a lot of silence in my head when I’m done,” Gui shared. “Yeah, it helps me keep some peace in my mind, really just takes my mind away from everything that’s going on.”

Experts have long championed nature as a remedy for troubled times. A 2020 American Psychological Association article highlighted benefits like improved attention and reduced stress from spending time outdoors.

“These are extraordinary times,” said Ignace Glorieux, sociology professor at Brussels University. He noted that young people face significant pressures today. “This is also the generation, maybe that suffered most from the COVID crisis,” he added.

Gui, 26, echoed these sentiments: “I do know of people my age who are worried and also with financial situations going on.”

During the pandemic, access to these calming woods was restricted to prevent virus spread. Mark Demesmaeker, a Halle city councilor and gardening enthusiast, reflected on this challenging period but emphasized nature's enduring embrace.

“These bluebells...they work into your mind all year round. And it’s really a big green hug that you get here,” Demesmaeker said.

As cherry blossoms bloom in Japan and tulips flourish in the Netherlands' Keukenhof garden, Glorieux cautioned against turning leisure into performance art. “Focus! If you go out walking, focus on walking,” he advised.

Philippe Thiry embraced this mindset during his stroll through Hallerbos without distractions: “I want to be disconnected.”

Are Spring Flowers Nature's Antidote To Stressful Times?

A memorable moment unfolded during the 2025 NFL Draft for a dedicated Buffalo Bills fan. Sixteen-year-old Tommy Parzymieso, from Orchard Park, New York, had the honor of announcing the Bills' first-round draft pick in Green Bay, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The team selected Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston with the 30th overall pick.

Tommy has been a passionate sports fan since childhood and shares his love for the Bills with his family. Diagnosed at age two with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—a rare genetic disorder affecting muscles, heart, and lungs—Tommy uses an electric wheelchair for mobility. His favorite player is last season's first-round pick, wide receiver Keon Coleman. "I like his personality, I like his play style," Tommy said.

In support of Tommy's journey, his family will host a 'Team Tommy' fundraising event on May 3 at Wings Meeting Place in Orchard Park. Proceeds will fund essential home modifications and specialized equipment to enhance Tommy's independence and quality of life.

Before heading to Green Bay for the draft announcement, Tommy enjoyed a personalized tour of the Bills' facility in Orchard Park. He explored areas such as the weight room and locker room and met head coach Sean McDermott. A highlight was receiving a custom jersey with his name on it.

Bills General Manager Brandon Beane surprised Tommy by inviting him to announce their draft pick live on stage. Accompanied by his parents, Susan and Thomas, along with his sister Megan, Tommy embraced this unique opportunity.

"It brings a tear to my eye," Susan said about her son's experience. "I'm really excited to see him up on stage."

Tommy says he aspires to become a football coach and plans to study sports management or nutrition in college.

Football Fan's Wish Comes True, Announces Bills' 1st-Round Draft Pick

A beaver at a wildlife center in Cornwall, U.K. has become an unexpected internet sensation after being caught on camera "breaking wind." The amusing moment was captured by camera traps set up by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust to monitor beaver activity at Helman Tor Nature Reserve.

Lauren Jasper, the trust's beaver officer, explained that the flatulence might have been more than just a funny incident. "What did stand out to us was the beaver breaking wind, which gave us all a good laugh but there is a really good reason," she said. Beavers possess a gland near their tail that secretes an oil called castoreum, which they use to mark their territory.

The footage not only provided some comic relief but also offered insight into the natural behaviors of these industrious animals. The trust says their efforts to track and study beavers across Cornwall aim to better understand their impact on local ecosystems.

A Beaver Was Caught on Camera "Breaking Wind," But Experts Say There's a Purpose

Yahoo

Slate Auto, a promising new electric vehicle startup from Michigan, is making waves with its upcoming EV pickup truck priced at $25,000. The company aims to provide affordable transportation options for Americans amid rising car prices. 

CEO Chris Barman, a former executive at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), shared her vision in an interview with Business Insider. "There's a massive population of people out there when it comes to safe, reliable, affordable transportation; there just really aren't many alternatives for them," she said.

With the average cost of new cars nearing $50,000 and electric vehicles averaging $59,000 in the U.S., Slate's offering could be a game-changer. The company's truck is expected to be the most affordable new electric vehicle and pickup on the market. It boasts a standard range of 150 miles and could potentially cost less than $20,000 with tax credits.

Barman's background as a mechanical engineer and her experience in product development at Chrysler have been instrumental in shaping Slate's approach. She emphasized simplicity and affordability as key factors driving their design choices. Reflecting on her own experiences growing up on a farm with basic transportation options like her first car—a 1984 Ford Ranger—Barman said she appreciated the freedom it provided.

The Slate team says they carefully balance customer needs with cost considerations during development. For instance, they opted for key fobs over metal blade keys due to convenience without significantly increasing costs.

As Slate prepares to unveil its new EV this week, it stands poised to offer an accessible alternative in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

EV Startup Shares How It'll Make the Affordable $25,000 Pickup No One Else Can

CNBC

Sebastian Stan is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. The 42-year-old actor, fresh from an Academy Award nomination for "The Apprentice" and a Golden Globe win for "A Different Man," is set to star in Marvel's upcoming film "Thunderbolts." Since 2020, Stan has appeared in 11 films and five TV series, but his journey to success wasn't always smooth.

In a recent Vanity Fair profile, Stan revealed that before landing the role of Bucky Barnes in 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger," he faced financial struggles. "I was actually struggling with work," he admitted. His financial breakthrough came unexpectedly from residuals of $65,000 from the comedy "Hot Tub Time Machine."

Stan isn't alone in overcoming financial hurdles before finding fame. Josh Brolin, known for playing Thanos in Marvel films, also faced challenges early in his career. Despite roles in Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster” and the Oscar-winning “No Country for Old Men,” Brolin found himself broke between filming and release due to debts.

Brolin recounted receiving unexpected backend pay from “American Gangster.” Initially thinking it was $60,000, he realized it was actually $600,000 after taxes—a life-changing sum at that time. “It just made no sense to me,” he said.

Both actors' stories highlight the unpredictable nature of Hollywood careers and how perseverance can lead to unexpected rewards.

How This Marvel star was ‘saved’ by a $65,000 ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ check

Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe claimed a significant victory at the London Marathon on Sunday, marking his most notable career achievement. Sawe made a decisive move about 10 kilometers from the finish line, breaking away from a leading pack of nine runners. He completed the race in an impressive 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 27 seconds.

The turning point came when Sawe chose to skip a water station despite the warm conditions, capitalizing on his competitors' brief slowdown. Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda, known for holding the half marathon world record and making his full marathon debut, was the only one to attempt catching up. However, he finished approximately 70 seconds behind Sawe in second place.

This victory adds to Sawe's previous marathon win in Valencia in 2024 and continues Kenya's winning streak in London's men's race for the fourth consecutive year.

In the women's competition, Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa emerged victorious by overtaking Joyciline Jepkosgei near the end to secure her first London Marathon title.

Kenyan Runner Sawe Wins London Marathon; Asssefa Takes Womens' Race

Good News Network

Crimsyn Price, a young woman from Athens, Tennessee, has received $40,000 in scholarship funding from Taco Bell after working at the fast-food chain during high school. The scholarship enabled her to pursue a degree in Biology and Health Sciences at East Tennessee State University, bringing her closer to her dream of becoming a doctor.

Price applied for the Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship for employees and was awarded $10,000 annually over four years. "I really wasn’t expecting it," she said. "I come from a rural town and a lot of people there don’t have the money for college, so I am very grateful for the opportunity."

Working at Taco Bell during her last two years of high school helped Price support her family financially. She was thrilled to learn that applying for the scholarship required only academic records and a two-minute video explaining how the funds would help. "Most other scholarship applications I had seen at that point required a lot more work and time than the Live Más scholarship," she noted.

The announcement came as a surprise when her regional manager visited her store to deliver the good news. This financial aid also allowed Price to join an international excursion to Ecuador, where she assisted doctors in providing medical care to rural communities.

"It was such a dream to have these experiences," Price said. "None of it would have been possible without the Live Más scholarship."

Now part of East Tennessee State University's Honors Scholars Program with additional funding from the college, Price is focused on excelling in her MCAT exams and aims to attend medical school with an emphasis on improving communication accessibility for deaf patients in clinics.

Teen Employee Awarded $40k Scholarship From Taco Bell So She Can Become a Doctor

Greater Good Science Center

Trees are not just competing for sunlight and soil; they are also looking out for one another. Ecologist Suzanne Simard has spent decades studying the unexpected ways trees communicate, share resources, and support us. Her research reveals that trees form complex networks that allow them to collaborate rather than merely compete.

Simard, a professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia and author of "Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest," explains how these networks function as a fundamental solution to climate crises. "Trees don't just compete; they collaborate too," she said. Her studies show that older trees, or "mother trees," play a crucial role in nurturing younger seedlings by sharing nutrients and information through interconnected root systems.

Simard's personal journey with nature took on new meaning when she battled breast cancer. A drug derived from the Pacific yew tree, which grows abundantly around her home in British Columbia, played a significant role in her recovery. "I had breast cancer...and one of them was taxol, Paclitaxel, which is derived from the Pacific yew tree," Simard shared.

Her work challenges traditional views focused solely on competition within ecosystems. Instead, it highlights cooperation as an essential element for survival and growth among plant communities.

Simard encourages people to engage with forests actively and appreciate their vital role in combating climate change. "Get involved," she urged. "It's worth it for our next generations."

As we face environmental crossroads, Simard's insights remind us that understanding and preserving these natural networks can lead to a more sustainable future for both humans and forests alike.

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