The D-Day Landings of 1944, in Pictures

On June 6, 1944, Chief Photographer's Mate Robert F. Sargent captured a historic moment aboard a Higgins boat heading towards Normandy during the D-Day invasion. Despite facing enemy obstacles and gunfire, Allied troops secured their beachheads by midnight in one of the largest amphibious invasions in history. This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal event in history. Sargent's iconic photo "Into the Jaws of Death" immortalizes the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought on that fateful day.

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A Startup is Transforming the Sports Experience for Blind Fans with Haptic Devices

For decades, fans with disabilities were told they didn’t belong in the front row of the sports world. That’s starting to change — and fast. At Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers games this year, some of the most enthusiastic fans never even looked at the court. Thanks to startup OneCourt, blind and low-vision spectators could literally feel the action through their fingertips. The company introduced free-to-rent haptic tablets that buzz in real time with every pass, dribble, and shot, giving fans a tactile map of the basketball court. The devices turn each game into something fans can track by touch. “We believe that sports are for everyone and at OneCourt, we have created an intuitive tactile broadcast that makes sports more enjoyable for fans of any age, background, or visual ability,” said Jerred Mace, founder and CEO of OneCourt. Blind TikTok creator Ferraro was among the first to try the system at a Trail Blazers game. “Every team in every league should adapt this device,” he said. “I can’t explain how life-changing this is as a blind spectator.” Over in the NHL, a different kind of breakthrough brought another fan base closer to the game. On June 5, the Stanley Cup Final aired for the first time with live American Sign Language commentary — a milestone not just for the NHL but for televised sports more broadly. Deaf ESPN broadcasters Jason Altmann and Noah Blankenship signed live play-by-play and analysis while the game streamed on screen, with a crowd noise “intensity meter” showing the arena’s volume. It marked the league’s first official ASL broadcast, and it’s not stopping there — Altmann and Blankenship are continuing coverage throughout the season. “I watched it and I will tell you — fascinating, so fascinating, having it in ASL,” said longtime hockey fan Jerry Trayner in an interview with ABC News Detroit. “I am so happy the NHL did this.” Altmann put it simply: “This is about the Deaf community being validated, being seen, and what can we do to create a positive impact and change the Deaf community moving forward.” The push for more accessible experiences isn't limited to those watching from home or the stands. On the baseball diamond in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Miracle League of Michigan is building a space where kids with disabilities don’t just watch — they play. The league’s rubberized fields, painted bases, and accessible dugouts create a safe, welcoming environment for athletes with mobility aids and a range of physical and intellectual disabilities. Every player gets to bat, and there’s no rush to round the bases. Coach Mason Kaiser, a wheelchair user who once played in the league as a kid, now helps mentor the next generation. “I get to help other kids or other young adults that are just like me,” Kaiser said. “I know that I can help these kids and these parents through some of their toughest times.” In 2004, the Miracle League of Michigan launched with just four teams and 40 players. Today, according to the Detroit Free Press, it supports over 400 players across four leagues. And while the field looks different than a typical ballpark, it’s the pace of play that makes the biggest difference. The league removes the pressure of a ticking clock, ensuring that every child, no matter their speed or ability, gets a full turn at bat and a chance to feel the joy of scoring. Back in Philadelphia, that same focus on dignity and comfort is shaping the stadium experience for football fans who find the noise and chaos overwhelming. Kylie Kelce, wife of recently retired Eagles star Jason Kelce and co-host of the New Heights podcast, helped launch a sensory-friendly mobile unit at Lincoln Financial Field. The collaboration with the Eagles Autism Foundation and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers a soothing retreat from the stadium’s roar. Inside the unit, fans will find soft lighting, cozy bean bags, textured wall art, and room to breathe. While designed with neurodivergent fans in mind, it also helps people with anxiety, PTSD, and even dementia enjoy the game on their own terms. "When you are in a stadium and the noise is so loud and so many things are happening, you really don't have any control over the way the sound or the stimulation is coming in,” Kelce told Good Morning America. “To be able to come into this space — it's quiet, it's calm. You have all of these distractions [and] you can just sort of send your brain somewhere else for a little bit.” Whether it’s through a vibrating tablet, a field built for wheelchairs, or a calm space away from the chaos, the message is clear: the sports world is getting more inclusive — not by accident, but by design.

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Brother Finds Creative Solution After 3-Year-Old Sister with Down Syndrome Refuses to Brush Teeth

When 3-year-old Olivia refused to brush her teeth one evening, her mom called in backup. But instead of coaxing her with distractions or toys, 11-year-old Joseph had a better idea. “Let me try,” he said. Within seconds, the toddler stopped resisting. Joseph turned tooth brushing into a game, and Olivia, who has Down syndrome, opened her mouth and let her big brother help without protest. Their mom, Lindsey Abbasy, captured the moment on video and shared it on TikTok. What happened next surprised even her. The clip quickly went viral, with thousands of comments pouring in praising Joseph’s patience, love, and creativity. “He’s her person for forever ❤️,” one person commented. Another wrote, “Highlight of my day.” For Lindsey, who lives in Lansing, Illinois, with her husband and three kids, the moment was more than just a sweet sibling interaction. “Honestly, my heart just swelled,” she said. “His idea was so creative and demonstrated so much patience and care for his little sister.” Olivia was born with Down syndrome and a serious heart defect. Her first year was filled with challenges, but Joseph never left her side. That instinct to care for her, Lindsey says, has only grown stronger. Now, even routine tasks bring out his protective, nurturing side. And Olivia clearly prefers it that way. The night after the viral video was filmed, she made her opinion known: “No — Joe Joe do it.” Lindsey regularly shares moments from their family’s life on TikTok to challenge assumptions and stereotypes about disability. She says one of the biggest misconceptions is that siblings of children with special needs “miss out” or “suffer.” “Our reality is the opposite,” she said. “Olivia has brought out the very best in all of us.” This particular video struck a nerve. Messages came in from people around the world — many sharing their own stories or suggesting Joseph might have a future in pediatric care. Others said the video changed how they parent. “One of my favorite comments said that Joseph’s patience with his sister inspired the viewer to be more patient with her own child,” Lindsey said. “The idea that my 11-year-old could teach someone else that lesson was just amazing.” She hopes the video helps people understand the value of slowing down and giving children space to show what they’re capable of. “This video shows how far a little patience can go,” she said. “My son slowed down, made the task fun, and allowed Olivia to participate. It also reminds us how valuable it is to involve children in ways that highlight their gifts. You never know how their kindness and creativity will shine.”

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Andrea Bocelli To Headline 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will join pop superstar Mariah Carey at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, adding even more star power to what’s shaping up to be one of the most extravagant shows in recent Olympic history. The ceremony is set for February 6 at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium, which will host 60,000 spectators and millions more via broadcast. Bocelli’s participation was confirmed this week, marking a rare pause in his global tour to headline the event. It’s still unclear whether Bocelli and Carey will share the stage for a duet, but both are expected to perform during the three-hour program, which will feature the traditional Parade of Athletes along with live entertainment and tributes. Carey, who was the first major international artist announced for the ceremony, shared the news on Instagram with a short message to fans: “Ci vediamo a Milano.” The show is being produced by Marco Balich, who has overseen more than a dozen Olympic ceremonies, including the acclaimed opening of the 2006 Winter Games in Turin. Balich’s team is designing the event not only for scale but for reach. With the Milan-Cortina Games being the most geographically spread-out Winter Olympics in history, some elements of the show will take place simultaneously in three other locations, allowing athletes across different disciplines to celebrate together. The ceremony will also include a tribute to Giorgio Armani, the late fashion icon who designed the Italian Olympic uniforms for 2026. Armani, who died in 2025, was a long-time supporter of Italian sport and known globally for merging luxury fashion with national pride. Adding to the homegrown talent on stage, Italian actors Sabrina Impacciatore and Matilde De Angelis will be featured in the ceremony. Impacciatore is best known for her role in season two of HBO’s The White Lotus, while De Angelis starred in Netflix’s The Law According to Lidia Poët. The closing ceremony, scheduled for February 22 in Verona, will feature Roberto Bolle, one of Italy’s most celebrated ballet dancers, who has performed with companies including La Scala and the American Ballet Theatre. With its mix of global pop, classical music, Italian cinema and fashion tributes, the opening event is aiming to set a high bar for Olympic spectacle. If successful, it could offer Milan and Cortina a cultural moment to match the athletic feats still to come.

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Hairdresser's Compassionate Approach Transforms Haircuts for This Teen With Autism

A UK hairdresser is being applauded for going above and beyond to help a young autistic boy feel comfortable in the barber’s chair — something that had previously seemed impossible. For 13-year-old Harry, getting a haircut was more than just a routine task. It was overwhelming, distressing, and often traumatic. “He'd be crying, he'd be screaming, his hands are over his ears — it's heartbreaking,” said his mother, Joanne Bourne. Harry was diagnosed with autism a decade ago, and since then, haircuts have always been a “huge, huge problem.” But after a conversation with Matthew Wood, owner of Matthew John Hair on Ormskirk Road, that started to change. Matthew didn’t hesitate to offer his help. "I was really nervous and really didn't know what to expect at all," he said. "He was crying quite a lot and it was quite traumatic at the start. But gradually over time it's just got better and better." Instead of trying to rush the process, Matthew patiently built trust — adapting his techniques to fit Harry’s comfort level. He brought in sensory toys, let Harry play with a spray bottle, and even allowed him to hold a brush with a feather attached. In some cases, he trimmed Harry’s hair while following him around on a hoverboard. That personal, flexible approach has made a world of difference. Haircuts are no longer a battle. “I think I've built a really good bond and connection up with Harry now,” Matthew said. “He trusts me.” Both Joanne and Matthew have shared Harry’s progress online, receiving a wave of support and messages from other families with autistic children. Joanne says it’s given other parents hope. “What is lovely for parents watching our journey is that things are possible, you know, there is hope there.” She credits Matthew with making the difference. “Matthew is incredible and deserves all the credit for the time, the patience, the effort, every little thing he's paid attention to,” she said. “A lot would have said ‘it's not for me this,’ but he's built that relationship and that rapport with Harry which I don't think everybody has got that ability to do.” “He has this amazing awareness with Harry, and I am forever grateful for that.”

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A Métis Game Developer is Using Roblox To Preserve His Language

Josh Nilson didn’t expect to return to gaming. After co-founding and leading East Side Games for 14 years, the Métis developer stepped away from the industry in 2023. But when he realized that Michif — one of Canada’s most endangered languages — was at risk of vanishing without a digital presence, he made a bold move: bring it to where kids already are. Not into textbooks. Not into classrooms. Into Roblox. In June 2025, Nilson launched Michif RP, a virtual world built on the massively popular online platform. Players learn the language not through drills or flashcards, but by living it — playing fiddle tunes, trying traditional foods, exploring virtual communities, and picking up new words while completing quests or chatting with friends. "We have to go to the platforms they are on," Nilson says, "and not only teach through play, but teach through building." Where culture meets code Michif is traditionally spoken by Métis people alongside French and Cree. But despite more than 624,000 Métis people in Canada, only around 1,485 are fluent, according to the 2021 Census. For years, language revitalization efforts relied on books and pamphlets — resources young people often saw as homework, not something to connect with. Nilson’s approach flips that script by meeting kids inside the digital worlds they already inhabit. And few platforms are more immersive — or more social — than Roblox. More than just a game, Roblox is a user-generated platform where players can build their own worlds, customize avatars, and even earn real money. With 380 million monthly active users and over 151 million logging in daily, most of them kids and teens, Roblox is a cultural powerhouse. Inside Michif RP, kids can try on a virtual capote (a traditional Métis coat) and learn its meaning before purchasing it — with proceeds supporting Indigenous charities. They can earn badges for practicing fiddle tunes or cooking traditional dishes. Even small, simple actions — baking bread, fishing, or greeting another player — become vehicles for language learning. And crucially, they can make mistakes. Learning without fear Nilson says one of the biggest barriers to reclaiming a language like Michif is the pressure to be perfect. “If you don’t know it, you feel like a failure,” he says. That anxiety can shut learners down. Linguist Stephen Krashen famously argued that emotional states like fear or shame can block language acquisition entirely — even if the learner understands what’s being taught. Michif RP is built to do the opposite. It’s designed to be fun, forgiving, and immersive. “When I learn Italian, I don’t pressure myself,” Nilson says. “But with Michif, there’s a cultural expectation.” So instead of pressure, Michif RP offers low-stakes repetition in a high-context setting — exactly what helps fluency stick. Building Indigenous futures Still, the project isn’t without its challenges. Even basic discoverability on Roblox has hit walls — literally. Nilson says that after flagging it to Roblox engineers, the platform still doesn’t recognize the word “Métis” in its search function. His team had to rename the game from Métis Life to Michif RP just to make it visible. “If the platform itself can’t recognize Indigenous identity, is it really the right place to build?” Nilson asked. For now, he sees it as a bridge — a way to reach young players where they are, while laying the foundation for something more lasting. To push that future forward, Nilson launched Maskwa Games in summer 2025 — a bootcamp that teaches Indigenous youth game development and coding skills, starting with Métis communities in Alberta. His goal: bring 1,000 new Indigenous digital creators into Canada’s $5.4-billion gaming industry within two years. “Think of our training as a first step,” Nilson says. “We’re giving them the overview, the support they need to get started. I think it opens your mind to what’s possible.” He’s seen the shift firsthand. Growing up with platforms like Xbox and Nintendo, game development felt like working on a factory line — build, certify, ship. But today’s generation is growing up on user-generated platforms like Roblox, where iteration is constant and creators can “build while you’re live.” That’s where Michif RP fits. It’s not just a game — it’s a community, a classroom, a sandbox for cultural expression. And Nilson wants others to copy it. “Imagine Roblox worlds designed by Māori, Cree, Sami, or Hawaiian youth,” he says. “Museum kiosks that let you step into a digital powwow. We want to ‘Robin Hood’ the model — give it away so others can build better versions.” For a language once confined to paper, it’s a whole new life — pixel by pixel.

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Good Samaritan's CPR Gift Allows Family to Say Final Goodbye

Ron Snook didn’t survive his final medical emergency — but thanks to a Good Samaritan’s act of kindness, his family was able to say goodbye. The 65-year-old collapsed suddenly on King Street in Kitchener late on New Year’s Eve. He had long battled acute kidney disease and had survived close calls before, but this time, a dangerous buildup of potassium in his body stopped his heart. That could have been the end — if not for a passerby who stepped in and started CPR. “It would have been such a different story if I would have got that phone call at 1:09 a.m. saying that he was gone,” said Renée Poirier, Snook’s stepdaughter. “That person who took that time to give him that chance gave us the chance, gave our kids the chance to be able to say goodbye to grandpa.” Snook was rushed to hospital and stabilized long enough for his family to gather around him. He died three days later, surrounded by loved ones — just short of his birthday. Family searching for the stranger who made it possible Now, Snook’s family is trying to track down the person who gave them that gift of time. The search started with a heartfelt Facebook post by Victoria Lee, another of Snook’s stepdaughters. “Because of you, because you chose to act in a moment when many might freeze, our family was given an unimaginable gift — time,” she wrote. “Your kindness and humanity gave us something we will hold onto forever.” So far, the mystery Good Samaritan hasn’t come forward, but the family is hopeful. Poirier says they’d love to meet them face-to-face. “I wanna squeeze them, and hug them and let them know how grateful our whole family is that we got to say goodbye,” she said. “It means the world to every single one of us.” ‘It could ultimately change somebody’s life’ Poirier hopes her family’s story reminds others how powerful CPR can be, even when it doesn’t lead to a full recovery. “His life could have been gone that very minute, with him alone,” she said. “But he was able to be with his family because that person was able to do CPR and get his heart going again — even if it was for a short time.” Lou Taddeo, regional manager for St. John Ambulance Ontario, says that’s exactly why CPR training matters. “It’s a happy story, but also unfortunately, it’s a sad story because you’re just wondering how many people don’t have that opportunity to say goodbye,” he said. “You never know when you’re gonna be able to utilize these skills — be it a colleague, someone at work, a family member or loved one, a neighbour, a friend.” A legacy of kindness In his community of Bridgeport, Snook was known for his own quiet acts of generosity — clearing snow for neighbours, raking leaves, always ready to lend a hand. His family sees it as a full-circle moment that a stranger stepped up for him when he needed it most. Now they’re asking one more act of kindness: for the Good Samaritan to come forward, so they can thank them properly. And they’re urging others to learn CPR. Because sometimes, even a few more hours can change everything.

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Homeowner Plants Clever Sign to Silence Nosy Neighbors Over a Weed-Filled Lawn

After just six weeks in their new home, one homeowner had already had enough of the unsolicited advice — and decided to respond with a dose of creativity and a touch of sass. In a post shared to the anti-lawn subreddit, the homeowner revealed a bright, cheerful sign they placed in their yard after about 15 separate conversations with neighbors offering weedkiller tips or lawn service referrals. “Pardon the weeds, we're feeding the bees,” the sign reads, surrounded by artwork of bees, butterflies, and a sun-drenched patch of dandelions. The message is friendly, but clear: thanks, but no thanks. According to the original poster (OP), their husband had been “too gentle” in telling neighbors to mind their own business, while they themselves had simply been too busy to engage. So the sign was their way of setting a polite boundary. “Will they leave us alone? Doubt it. But I can hope,” they wrote. Reddit users quickly rallied in support. “This sign is so cute!” one wrote. “People don’t like dandies?” another asked, referring to dandelions. While dandelions are sometimes labeled invasive, they’re only officially listed as such in Alaska and Oregon. More importantly, they’re a helpful early-season food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Unlike aggressive invaders such as English ivy, dandelions don’t tend to crowd out native plants — and they serve a useful purpose in urban ecosystems. The broader issue, of course, is the clash between traditional lawn aesthetics and the growing movement toward eco-friendly yards. Lawns dominated by a single grass species not only require constant maintenance, but also depend heavily on water, herbicides, and fertilizers. By contrast, native plants, wildflowers, clover, buffalo grass, and xeriscaping offer low-maintenance alternatives that support biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. Several commenters noted the irony of the complaints, especially given the yard in question was well-maintained by most standards. “Your lawn’s mega short and they’re complaining,” one wrote. “Good luck in a month’s time.” Others had suggestions for escalating the sign’s messaging: “Next sign should say ‘I am going to salt your yard if you ever mention the weeds again.’” While most readers enjoyed the lighthearted defiance, the underlying point is serious. As climate concerns grow and awareness spreads about the importance of pollinators, more homeowners are choosing plants that support local wildlife — even if that means a few dandelions dotting the lawn. For anyone considering a shift away from traditional turf, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Replacing just part of your lawn with native plants or low-water alternatives can significantly reduce maintenance and benefit the environment. And if neighbors have an opinion? There’s always room for a sign.

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Firefighters Rescue Injured Deer from Frozen Lake

A rescue team in Colorado Springs pulled off a delicate operation this week, saving an injured deer that got stuck on a frozen lake. The animal had fallen through the ice at Curr Reservoir but managed to pull itself out, according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department. By the time emergency crews arrived, it was stranded, too exhausted to move away from the edge where the ice had cracked. Firefighters responded after a call from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and geared up in full ice-rescue gear. Despite being clearly frightened, the deer allowed the team to place it in a harness and guide it to safety. “As soon as it hit land, the deer found its strength and took off back into the wild,” the fire department said. They credited teamwork for making the rescue possible and said they were grateful to help “one of Colorado’s wild residents get a second chance.”

Greenland Sharks Can See in the Deep — and Their Century-Old Eyes May Hold Secrets to Lasting Vision

Greenland sharks, the mysterious giants that drift slowly through the pitch-black depths of the Arctic Ocean, may be far better equipped for seeing in the dark than scientists once thought — and their eyes are holding up impressively well, even after more than a century. A new study published in Nature Communications challenges the long-standing belief that these sharks, known to live for over 100 years and possibly up to 500, rely on little or no vision at all. Researchers from the US, Switzerland, and Denmark analyzed the eyes of sharks caught and euthanized under scientific permits between 2020 and 2024, and found a surprisingly well-preserved and functional visual system. Despite living in near-total darkness — often more than 1,000 meters below the surface — the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) appears to have evolved not only to see, but to maintain retinal health far beyond what’s seen in most vertebrates. At first glance, it’s easy to see why scientists assumed these sharks had poor eyesight. Many of them have parasites visibly clinging to their corneas. Add to that the crushing depths and minimal light in their environment, and the case seemed closed. But the new research paints a different picture. The team found that while the sharks’ retinas lack cones (which are used for color vision in bright light), they contain healthy populations of rods — the light-sensitive cells used for night vision. The absence of cones is an adaptation seen in other deep-sea animals, which don’t need to distinguish colors in perpetual twilight. Even more striking, the sharks’ rod cells contain rhodopsin, a protein crucial for low-light vision. The rhodopsin in Greenland sharks is most sensitive to blue wavelengths of around 458 nanometers — exactly the kind of faint light that filters deepest into the ocean. Perhaps most remarkable of all: the retinas showed no signs of degeneration, even in sharks estimated to be over 130 years old. While the exact mechanisms behind this longevity remain unclear, the findings suggest that some aspect of the Greenland shark’s biology — possibly its famed DNA repair capabilities — plays a role in keeping its visual system intact over time. Measurements also showed that even with a parasite attached to the cornea, light transmission remained functional, meaning the sharks likely retain some usable vision throughout their lives. “Our findings support the presence of a preserved and functional visual system in the adult Greenland shark, which seems well-adapted to extreme low-light conditions,” the researchers wrote. “The Greenland shark provides a striking example of long-term preservation of retinal integrity… and highlights the extraordinary potential for neuronal maintenance in extreme longevity.” While it’s too early to say what this could mean for human eye health, the discovery opens the door to new questions about how vision — and other aspects of neural function — might be preserved over the course of a very long life. For now, the Greenland shark remains a deep-sea enigma: ancient, slow-moving, and surprisingly sharp-eyed in the eternal night.

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This Town Just Made a Local Goose a Celebrity—with His Own Pin Badge

In the Cambridgeshire town of March, one goose has gone from loner to local legend. Gary, a white-feathered goose with a cracked beak, a few stray black feathers, and striking blue eyes, lives apart from a group of about 18 other geese near the river. While the rest of the gaggle sticks together on a grassy mound known as Tellytubby Hill, Gary has carved out his own patch of territory in a nearby garden—and it’s earned him a devoted fan base. So devoted, in fact, that supporters have created a charity pin badge in his honor. The Geese of March Facebook group, which boasts 7,000 members, launched the pin to celebrate Gary’s quirks and raise money for two local animal charities. According to Chrissie Fadip, who oversees the town’s goose-themed merchandise, Gary was an easy choice. “People love him as he is the ultimate underdog,” she said. “No-one likes to see someone isolated on their own or not fitting in with a gang.” Fadip described Gary as “hilarious” and recalled one interaction that sums him up: “I was once calling him and he appeared to tell me to honk off because he does respond when you call him with a quack.” The group’s merchandise took off over Christmas, and organizers hope the Gary badge will keep that momentum going. The pin features his unmistakable features—including the signature cracked beak. Gary’s chosen home is in the riverside garden of Taff Stevens, who said the bird showed up about eight years ago and “sort of stayed there ever since.” A small ramp connects Gary’s boat landing to Stevens’ garden decking, giving the goose his own route between water and land. “Everybody sort of feeds him and walks by,” Stevens said. “The kids stop to see him before they go to school, and when the boats go up and down the river, he’ll follow them so far and then he comes back. Everybody knows him.” Not that he’s always charming. “He’s not the friendliest... he will give you a peck,” Stevens added. But that hasn’t stopped people from looking out for him. Stevens said residents often knock on his door if they haven’t seen Gary for a day or two. In one case, when the river froze over, the community had to break the ice so Gary could get to safety. Now Stevens is planning to sell his house, but there's a catch: the new owners must agree to keep Gary on. “Otherwise they will upset the people of March,” he said. “He’s very easy to live with. He’s a bit of an antisocial goose, really.” And yet, that’s exactly why Gary’s captured the town’s heart. A solitary bird with a stubborn streak and a ramp of his own—who now has his face on a pin and an entire town looking out for him.

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