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D-Day, June 6, 1944, marks one of the most pivotal moments in history when Allied forces launched a massive invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France, turning the tide in World War II. This daring operation, known as Operation Overlord, saw over 156,000 troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations bravely storming the beaches to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. Their courage and determination on that day paved the way for the end of the war and the restoration of peace.

The success of D-Day was a monumental achievement, showcasing incredible coordination and heroism. Soldiers faced immense obstacles, from rough seas to heavily fortified German defenses. Yet, their unwavering spirit and teamwork led to the establishment of a crucial foothold in Europe. This victory ignited a series of events that ultimately led to the downfall of the Nazi regime and the restoration of freedom across Europe.

The story of D-Day is not just about military strategy and bravery but also about the power of unity and sacrifice. The operation brought together diverse nations and individuals, all united by a common goal. Their collective efforts demonstrated that when people come together for a noble cause, they can achieve the extraordinary. The legacy of D-Day continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the resilience and strength that can arise in the face of adversity.

Remembering D-Day is a celebration of the human spirit's triumph over tyranny. It stands as a testament to the heroes who fought for freedom and justice, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Their bravery and sacrifice remind us that even in the darkest times, hope and determination can lead to a brighter future.

80 Years Since D-Day: A Look at One of the Most Important Moments in History

BBC News

Sam Wilkes, a marathon runner from Jersey, England, is gearing up to tackle the London Marathon with a mission that goes beyond personal achievement. Diagnosed with colon cancer in August, Wilkes began aggressive chemotherapy shortly after. By March, he had responded well enough to pause treatment and now awaits news on its success.

Running for more than just himself, Wilkes aims to raise funds for two charities close to his heart: Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Friends of Jersey Oncology (FOJO). "It was a real shock" to learn about his diagnosis, he shared. Yet, he praised the health service for its unwavering support throughout his journey.

Durrell holds special significance for Wilkes. "Their race - the Durrell Dash - was one of the first I did after my surgery," he said. FOJO has also been instrumental in his recovery. "FOJO supports active cancer patients and their care has been phenomenal," he noted.

So far, Wilkes has raised over £2,400 for these causes. Melissa Rocha from FOJO described him as "a really lovely guy" and called his marathon effort "an amazing achievement." She emphasized the importance of donations: "Every penny goes to patients on the island."

With over 56,000 participants expected at Sunday's marathon, Wilkes admitted training hasn't been ideal due to time constraints. He signed up just two months ago and confessed he's unsure how his body will hold up during the race. Nevertheless, he's optimistic about crossing that finish line—and heading straight to a pub afterward, marking an important chapter's end in his life journey.

This Cancer Survivor is Ready For the London Marathon, Raising Funds Along the Way

Science Daily

A recent study using the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) has revealed that super-Earth exoplanets are more common in the universe than previously believed. This international team of researchers, including Andrew Gould, professor emeritus of astronomy at The Ohio State University, discovered these planets can exist far from their host stars, similar to the distance between our gas giants and the sun.

"Scientists knew there were more small planets than big planets, but in this study, we were able to show that within this overall pattern, there are excesses and deficits," said Gould. "It's very interesting."

The research suggests that for every three stars, at least one super-Earth with a Jupiter-like orbital period exists. These findings were made possible through microlensing—a technique where mass warps space-time enough to cause detectable changes in brightness when a star or planet passes between an observer and a distant star.

Using microlensing signals, researchers identified OGLE-2016-BLG-0007, a super-Earth with twice Earth's mass and an orbit wider than Saturn's. This discovery allowed scientists to categorize exoplanets into two groups: super-Earths and Neptune-like planets versus gas giants like Jupiter or Saturn.

The study was conducted by researchers from China, Korea, Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution. It compared observational data with theoretical simulations of planet formation but found it challenging to distinguish between different formation mechanisms.

Richard Pogge, another co-author from Ohio State University, emphasized the rarity of such discoveries, saying, "Finding a microlensing star event is hard. Finding a microlensing star with a planet is hard-squared."

Are Earth-Like Exoplanets More Common Than We Thought?

The Guardian

After 529 days of evading capture, Australia's beloved runaway, Valerie the miniature dachshund, has finally been found on Kangaroo Island. Conservationists are celebrating her safe return after she went missing in November 2023.

Kangala Wildlife Rescue announced the successful rescue on TikTok, expressing their joy and relief. "We are absolutely thrilled and deeply relieved that Valerie is finally safe and able to begin her transition back to her loving parents," the group stated.

Valerie's adventure began when she escaped from a campsite at Stokes Bay while her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock from Albury, New South Wales, were vacationing on the island. Despite initial sightings and extensive search efforts, she remained elusive for over a year.

The rescue operation was no small feat. Volunteers dedicated an estimated 1,000 hours and traveled more than 5,000 kilometers across the island in search of Valerie. Their perseverance paid off when they successfully captured her using cameras and prepared traps.

"There were many challenging moments over the past month," Kangala Wildlife Rescue said. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing Valerie home."

Valerie is now safe and sound as she begins her journey back to normalcy with her family.

Valerie The Dachshund Home Safe After 529 Days On The Run In South Australia

Kalem Bennett, a determined 20-year-old from Hull, England, is set to embark on his own marathon journey—200 miles away from the London Marathon he initially hoped to join. Despite being accepted for the prestigious event, Bennett had to withdraw after not meeting the required times for racing wheelchair competitors.

Undeterred, Bennett will host his own "Hullathon" this Sunday. Starting from his home in Sproatley, East Yorkshire, he plans to complete the 26-mile course around East Park in Hull. "It's not just an event where you can train for two weeks and then you're prepared," Bennett said. "My training has been tough and takes a lot of dedication, but I'm feeling ready for it now."

Family and supporters will cheer him on as he tackles this personal challenge. Bennett is raising funds for the Tigers Trust, a charity linked to Hull City that supports young adults and children through sports programs. So far, he's raised thousands of pounds for the cause. "It helps young adults and children and also helps all to feel included in sport and the community," he explained.

Bennett spent three months training using facilities provided by the trust. Although missing out on this year's London Marathon was disappointing, he says he remains optimistic about competing in 2026.

This Hero Rolled Out His Own Marathon, Raising Spirits And Funds For Charity

In a moving full-circle moment, Carrie Underwood reunited with Make-A-Wish alum Noel Miller, whom she first met in 2008 when Miller, then 12 and battling a heart condition, got her wish to meet the country star.

Now 28 and a dedicated WishMaker herself, Miller joined Underwood onstage during the finale of her Las Vegas residency to perform the chart-topping hit All-American Girl.

“That was so awesome, to be able to reunite with my idol, so great!” Miller said.

Underwood presented a donation to Make-A-Wish America of more than $200,000, representing $1 from every ticket sold in the residency.

April is World Wish Month and 2025 is the 45th anniversary of Make-A-Wish, the organization told Storyful.

In a moving full-circle moment, Carrie Underwood reunited with Make-A-Wish alum Noel Miller, whom she first met in 2008 when Miller, then 12 and battling a heart condition, got her wish to meet the country star. Now 28 and a dedicated WishMaker herself, Miller joined Underwood onstage during the finale of her Las Vegas residency to perform the chart-topping hit All-American Girl. “That was so awesome, to be able to reunite with my idol, so great!” Miller said. Underwood presented a donation to Make-A-Wish America of more than $200,000, representing $1 from every ticket sold in the residency. April is World Wish Month and 2025 is the 45th anniversary of Make-A-Wish, the organization told Storyful.

Carrie Underwood Just Had an Epic Reunion With a Make-A-Wish Alum

GoodGoodGood

Architect Nader Khalili, born in Iran as one of nine children, dedicated his life to a simple yet profound mission: empowering refugees and those experiencing poverty to build homes using the earth beneath their feet. His innovative SuperAdobe construction system has been recognized by NASA and the United Nations, providing shelter for countless displaced people worldwide since the 1990s.

Though Khalili passed away in 2008, his legacy lives on through CalEarth, a nonprofit that continues to construct sustainable shelters and educate others on how to do the same. The SuperAdobe structures are crafted from long sandbags filled with moistened earth, arranged in layers or coils to form dome-like buildings. Barbed wire reinforces each layer, while stabilizers like cement or lime enhance durability.

“There is a sustainable solution to human shelter,” Khalili once said. “Every man and woman should be able to build a shelter for his or her family with these universal elements.”

The method is not only eco-friendly but also designed for safety. The sandbags offer flood resistance, while the earthen construction provides insulation and fireproofing. With open-source blueprints available globally, CalEarth offers step-by-step classes and workshops at its Hesperia, California location.

Following recent wildfires in Los Angeles, CalEarth extended its resources free of charge to affected residents. A viral photo of a backyard SuperAdobe surviving intact sparked increased interest in this alternative housing approach.

“If everyone comes together at this moment,” said Dastan Khalili, Nader’s son who now runs CalEarth with his sister, “it could make Los Angeles a beacon for the country.”

SuperAdobe structures have been successfully implemented worldwide in areas affected by disaster or displacement. As climate change impacts housing needs globally, these innovative homes may become increasingly common solutions.

Building Hope: How These Unique Homes Are Reshaping Communities Worldwide

Ralph Papitto, a successful entrepreneur in the glass, HVAC, and construction industries, left behind more than just thriving businesses when he passed away at 92. His widow, Barbara Papitto, found herself with a substantial fortune and a mission to make a difference.

Barbara has donated $100 million to 350 nonprofits in Rhode Island since Ralph's death five years ago. "I think of those that struggle now to put food on their tables," she told WJAR News.

The couple's philanthropic journey began in 2008 with the Read to Succeed scholarship program, which has awarded over $2.2 million to underprivileged children for improving reading skills. After Ralph’s passing, Barbara expanded their impact by founding the Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC) in 2020.

POC supports Rhode Island nonprofits focusing on education, skills training, and entrepreneurship. It funds initiatives like the Transform RI program, where students propose ideas for community improvement and receive scholarships if selected.

"Every child should have the same access to education," POC states on its website. The foundation also backs job training for formerly incarcerated individuals and offers microloans through partnerships like the one with the Rhode Island Black Business Association.

Beyond these efforts, POC supports local food rescue organizations and refugee services. Recently, it donated $1 million to Amos Health Clinic to enhance healthcare services for justice-involved individuals.

Barbara remains committed to addressing both immediate needs and fostering innovation within communities. "We need to be in the community...to be responsive," she told The Boston Globe.

As she continues her work in philanthropy, Barbara honors Ralph’s legacy: “Everything I do,” she said, “I do it with his name.”

This Philanthropist is Honoring Her Late Husband With $100M Donations

A parade of life-size animal puppets is embarking on a remarkable 12,400-mile journey from central Africa to the Arctic Circle. This ambitious project, known as The Herds, aims to spotlight the climate crisis through public art. The initiative comes from The Walk Productions, the creative minds behind Little Amal, a giant puppet of a Syrian girl that captivated audiences worldwide in 2021.

The Herds kicked off its journey at Kinshasa’s Botanical Gardens on April 10 with four days of events. It then moved to Lagos, Nigeria, where up to 5,000 people gathered for performances by more than 60 puppeteers. Next stop: Dakar, Senegal. On Friday, over 40 puppet zebras, wildebeests, monkeys, giraffes and baboons will animate the bustling streets of Médina before joining an event in Ngor village on Saturday.

Crafted by Ukwanda Puppetry and Designs Art Collective in Cape Town using recycled materials, these puppets are brought to life with local flair at each stop. Volunteers learn to create their own animals using prototypes provided by Ukwanda. In Dakar alone, more than 300 artists applied for just 80 roles as artists and puppet guides.

“The idea is that we’re migrating with an ever-evolving, growing group of animals,” said Amir Nizar Zuabi last year. Zuabi co-founded this project as a continuation of Little Amal’s journey, inspired by refugees affected by climate disasters.

Senegal producer Sarah Desbois emphasized the emotional impact: “The idea is to put in front of people that there is an emergency, not with scientific facts but with emotions.”

As The Herds travels onward through Morocco and Europe toward its Arctic destination in August, it invites communities along the way to engage in climate activism and discussions about environmental urgency.

Life-Size Animal Puppets Trek 20,000km to Spotlight Climate Change

In the Arctic hamlet of Naujaat, Nunavut, a quiet revolution is underway. The community, perched on the edge of Hudson's Bay, is set to become a beacon of renewable energy in Canada's northern territories. With 2,500 solar panels ready to power 130 homes—about 60% of the hamlet—Naujaat is poised to significantly reduce its reliance on diesel generators.

Blaine Chislett, manager of energy and sustainability at Sakku Investments Corporation, is orchestrating a 'Coming of the Light' ceremony to celebrate this milestone. "Our current generations will be able to hear the silence that our ancestors once did back when they were nomadic people," Chislett said. He believes this project will reconnect residents with their heritage while paving the way for future generations.

The Ikayuut Solar and Energy Storage Project aims to cut diesel consumption by 30%, saving approximately 400,000 liters annually and reducing carbon emissions by about 30,000 tonnes over three decades. Despite challenges posed by Nunavut's harsh climate and aging infrastructure, advocates like Martha Lenio from the Arctic Renewables Society see hope in these initiatives. "It's starting to get there," Lenio noted.

This shift towards renewables is supported by government programs encouraging solar installations across individual homes and communities. The Independent Power Producers program allows projects like Ikayuut to sell electricity back to Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC), integrating it into local grids.

As Naujaat prepares for its solar debut next spring, Chislett looks forward to expanding similar projects in other communities. "It's about time to do something phenomenal," he said.

A Northern Community is Set To Flip The Switch On Solar Power Revolution

The London Marathon is turning an unexpected resource into a sustainable solution. This year, urine from thousands of female runners will be collected and transformed into fertilizer for crops. An estimated 1,000 liters of urine will be gathered from nine women's urinals at the starting line.

Bristol-based start-up NPK Recovery is spearheading this innovative project. The company plans to process the urine into safe fertilizer specifically for wheat, which thrives on nitrogen-rich nutrients found in urine. The resulting product will undergo field tests to assess its effectiveness.

Susan Farrell, a marathon participant running for the NSPCC charity, expressed her enthusiasm: "It's brilliant to think that the nervous wees of thousands of women are helping a good cause."

The conversion process resembles wastewater treatment, where bacteria break down urine into ammonium nitrate—an essential nutrient for plant growth. NPK Recovery aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the marathon through this initiative.

"Urine doesn't have to be a waste product," said Hannah Vandenbergh, founder of NPK Recovery. "We're excited to be playing a small part in helping support the sustainability commitments of the iconic TCS London Marathon."

Kate Chapman, head of sustainability at London Marathon Events, highlighted their environmental strategy: "We are delighted that the urine from the urinals can be used for something so positive rather than going to waste."

NPK Recovery noted that if last year's 53,700 finishers' urine had been captured, it could have produced enough fertilizer for wheat to make over 3,000 loaves of bread.

For more stories like this one and other updates from BBC Radio London, follow them on social media or send your story ideas via email.

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