King Cobra Mystery That's Puzzled Scientists for 188 Years Finally Solved

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have confirmed that the mighty king cobra is not just one species, but four distinct ones. This revelation comes after years of research into genetic and physical differences among populations of this iconic snake. The newly identified species include the Northern king cobra, Sunda king cobra, Western Ghats king cobra, and Luzon king cobra. Researchers believe this finding could lead to improved antivenom for their venomous bites in different regions.

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1,400-Year-Old Gold Treasure Discovered at Ancient Christian Monastery in Judean Desert

Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a stunning piece of early Christian history: a 1,400-year-old gold treasure hidden at the site of a former monastery deep in the Judean Desert. The find — two solid gold coins and a delicate gold ring — was made at the Hyrcania archaeological site, located roughly ten miles east of Jerusalem in the West Bank. Despite centuries of looting in the region, the artifacts remained miraculously intact. According to Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the coins date back to the reign of Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, who ruled from 610 to 641 AD. That places the treasure squarely in the Byzantine era, when Hyrcania was home to a Christian monastery founded by followers of Saint Sabbas — one of the key figures in desert monasticism. “These discoveries reinforce the understanding that Hyrcania was part of the monastic and religious landscape active in the Judean Desert during the Byzantine period,” COGAT said in a statement. Archaeologist Binyamin Har-Even called the discovery an “important chapter from the Byzantine period and early Christian tradition in the region.” The Hyrcania site originally began as a fortress in the late Hellenistic period, between the second and first centuries BCE. It later evolved into a thriving religious center that operated for hundreds of years. This isn't the only recent mystery to emerge from the Judean Desert. Earlier in 2025, archaeologists also unearthed a 2,200-year-old pyramid-shaped structure made from massive, hand-carved stones — adding another layer of ancient intrigue to the region. “These sites tell the story of thousands of years of human activity,” said Har-Even. “Our job is to protect them — and help the world understand the civilizations that once thrived here.”

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Critically Endangered Atlantic Salmon Spotted in UK Rivers for First Time in Years

For the first time since 2015, young Atlantic salmon have been spotted in three rivers in northwest England, signalling what experts are calling a “significant environmental turnaround.” The critically endangered species was seen in the Mersey, Bollin, and Goyt rivers, confirming that the salmon have successfully completed their migration from the Arctic Circle to spawn in British freshwater for the first time in nearly a decade. The sightings come less than two years after Atlantic salmon were officially declared critically endangered in Britain in 2023. Their reappearance has sparked cautious optimism among conservationists and government agencies. “We’re very excited to find the fish successfully spawning, considering the species’ critically endangered status,” a spokesperson for the Environment Agency told the BBC. The agency plans to launch a new salmon distribution study in early 2026, using environmental DNA sampling to better understand the range and extent of the species’ recovery. Atlantic salmon are known for their long migratory journeys. After spending two to three years feeding in the Arctic, they return to spawn in the freshwater rivers where they were born, using gravel beds to lay their eggs. But in Britain, their survival has been undermined by a combination of climate change, river pollution, and invasive species. Since 2006, the population has fallen by 30 to 50 percent. The recent discovery in the northwest has renewed hope—particularly in areas where rivers were once considered biologically dead. “Significant stretches of river were biologically dead in the 1980s,” said Mark Sewell, a wastewater catchment manager at United Utilities. “But today they support thriving ecosystems and are home to a number of pollution-intolerant fish species. Those species are recovering thanks to a significant environmental turnaround.” Despite the progress, the Atlantic salmon’s return is far from guaranteed. Migration is still blocked in several key rivers due to weirs, dams, and locks. The fish are able to swim up the River Mersey and reach the Bollin and Goyt, but other rivers remain inaccessible. In the River Tame, man-made weirs prevent upstream migration. In the River Irwell, the Mode Wheel locks at Salford Quays pose another barrier. Without intervention, salmon can’t reach the Roch, Irk, or the rivers flowing through Bolton. “If we wanted to do something for our future generations, now is the time to build a fish pass,” said Mike Duddy of the Salford Friendly Anglers Society. “There are huge numbers of people that would love to see salmon returning to the Roch and Irk, as well as the rivers in Bolton.” Atlantic salmon were once widespread across British rivers but declined sharply during the Industrial Revolution due to pollution and habitat destruction. They staged a comeback in the decades that followed, only to fall into crisis again in recent years. This latest development could mark a turning point, but experts stress that continued effort is essential. Infrastructure improvements like fish passes, water quality protections, and habitat restoration will determine whether the Atlantic salmon can regain a foothold—or vanish from British rivers for good. The Environment Agency’s 2026 study will offer a clearer picture of how far they’ve come, and how far they still have to go.

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Meet the Courthouse Dogs Helping Survivors Stay Steady in the Toughest Moments

When R.A. walked into the witness box to testify against the man who trafficked her as a teen, she wasn’t alone. At her feet was Kaboom, a courthouse therapy greyhound. She had escaped her pimp at 19 and rebuilt her life, but when she came forward in 2021 with new information about his ongoing abuse of young women, she found herself thrust back into the courtroom. Testifying for seven days in December 2023, it was the first time in seven years she had seen him. “It’s kind of grounding,” she said of Kaboom’s presence. “You have that little option to pet this dog, just reach out and know it’s there, or feel its weight on your feet.” Kaboom is one of several dogs from Just Paws, a volunteer-run support service that brings therapy animals into schools, care homes, hospitals — and the Ottawa Courthouse. Their mission is simple: to help calm people facing the justice system, many of whom are victims or witnesses reliving their most traumatic experiences. The dogs sit in on meetings with prosecutors. They wait outside courtrooms. Some, like Kaboom, are certified to accompany witnesses into court as they testify — a rare privilege for a very small number of specially trained animals. Small Team, Big Impact Handler Sylvia Nicholson brings her labradoodle Henry to the courthouse regularly. Henry passed a rigorous three-hour test to be approved for trial work. The effect, Nicholson says, is immediate. “Most people … start smiling as soon as they see him,” she said. “It calms people down when they’re very stressed, very nervous about testifying.” Nicholson began volunteering after recovering from a major accident 12 years ago, where she found comfort in therapy dogs herself. Now semi-retired from her career as a vet, she sees the impact every time Henry walks into a courthouse hallway. Youth mental health court is another key stop. Handler Marie Nadeau brings her golden retriever Alys to sit beside young people in unfamiliar court settings. “They’re stressed. They don’t know what the judge is going to say,” Nadeau said. Alys will nudge them gently or place a paw on their knee. “It changes the mindset the child has,” she added. A Calming Presence in Drug Court Just Paws also plays a role in Ottawa’s drug treatment court, where participants attend regular hearings to track their progress. Here, the dogs roam freely inside and outside the courtroom, offering companionship to those struggling with addiction. Handler Nancy Truss has been doing this work for over 20 years. Her dog Crush, a golden retriever, is known for sticking close to people — often leaning into them or nudging for a pat. In drug court, people sometimes rest a hand on Crush while they speak to the judge. “The biggest thing was unconditional love,” Truss said. “The dogs don’t care what you look like — they just want you to pet them and love them, and they love you right back.” For people like Michal Judge, who’s battled addiction for years, that kind of quiet support changes the courtroom dynamic. “It totally breaks down that feeling of heavy anxiety that the courtroom creates,” he said. “It brings everybody together, in a sense.” Support When It’s Needed Most The power of that connection isn’t lost on the police, either. Ottawa Const. Alistair Donaghy, who helps lead investigations, said the dogs play a key role in helping witnesses give clearer, calmer testimony. “Any way that we can lower the stress … is key,” he said. Handler Susan Howe, who brings her golden setter Woody, calls the service a “bridge over troubled water.” Witnesses are not allowed to touch family or supporters while giving testimony. But patting a dog at their feet? That’s allowed — and for many, it’s just enough to help them through. With the holidays approaching — a time when emotions in courtrooms, care homes, and hospitals can feel even heavier — the dogs and their handlers say they’re committed to staying the course. “If you’ve put a smile on someone’s face, you’ve done your job right,” Truss said.

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Through a Macro Lens, Slime Moulds Become Works of Art

Slime moulds are not animals, not plants, and not fungi. But through the lens of Barry Webb’s camera, they’ve become something else entirely—art. Webb, a gardener by day and macro photographer by passion, captures detailed images of slime moulds so small, they’re barely visible to the naked eye. His award-winning photography has drawn attention to these mysterious organisms, which often go unnoticed despite their vibrant colours and alien shapes. “It’s not fungi, it’s not a plant, it’s not animal. It’s more closely related to an amoeba,” Webb said. He first stumbled upon slime moulds in 2019, unaware they even existed. But when COVID lockdowns restricted travel, he began exploring local woodlands west of London, where he started noticing strange, otherworldly forms clinging to rotting logs and fallen leaves. That curiosity soon turned into obsession. Slime moulds are single-celled organisms that live on bacteria, algae, and fungi. They’re an important part of the ecosystem, breaking down decaying matter. And while they don’t stay in their fruiting body form for long, it’s in this short-lived stage that they become most visually striking. That’s when Webb gets to work. Using a high-powered macro lens and a technique called focus bracketing, he captures dozens—sometimes more than 100—images of a single subject. Each image is focused on a slightly different part of the slime mould. He then blends them together using software, creating a single image with razor-sharp detail across the entire structure. “Due to the size of the subject, one picture would not do them justice. You can get virtually nothing in focus,” he explained. “You take multiple pictures, sometimes over 100, and it takes tiny little slithers of focus. Then you put all those into software, and that creates your final image.” It used to be a laborious process. Webb would manually adjust the focus for every single shot. “Years ago, I would have to do that all myself. Now it does it for me. It’s all clever stuff,” he said. His work has not gone unnoticed. Webb recently won the people’s choice award in the macro category at the British Photography Awards. His slime mould images, often glowing in surreal purples, oranges, and metallic silvers, resemble microscopic alien worlds. But beyond the beauty, slime moulds have some surprising practical value. The Royal Horticultural Society notes they’ve been used in simulations to model urban transportation networks and even in research related to dark matter. Slime moulds can be found in forests, deserts, and even gardens. But until recently, few people paid them much attention. That’s changing, thanks to Webb’s photos, which reveal a hidden layer of nature that was there all along. The images give a close-up look at something profoundly overlooked. In doing so, they remind viewers that there’s still wonder to be found—if you’re willing to look closely enough.

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This 25-Year-Old Diver is Going Viral for Saving Sharks on British Beaches

A 25-year-old diver from East Sussex is going viral for his efforts to rescue sharks and protect marine life along the British coast — and he’s doing it all with the help of social media. Gio Reale, based in Lewes, has been diving since he was 11 years old and now shares his underwater adventures on Instagram and TikTok to showcase the hidden beauty of UK marine life. His most popular video — the hatching and release of a baby catshark — has racked up over 1.3 million views. Reale’s passion has led him to rescue stranded sharks, set up a hatchery at Brighton Watersports, and save hundreds of cuttlefish. One of his most remarkable moments happened mid-interview with BBC South East, when he spotted a live catshark on Brighton Beach, rescued it, and returned it to the ocean after helping it recover. “I just get in the water as much as I can,” he said. “The UK is so unexplored for diving — I want people to see how incredible it really is.” Thanks to his hatchery, Reale has successfully reared and released three sharks and helped save more than 200 cuttlefish so far. His goal? Inspire more people to care about the marine life on their doorstep.

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Boston Teens are Fighting Food Waste And Insecurity With Their Own Innovative Program

In the face of two growing crises — food insecurity and food waste — a pair of Boston high school students are proving that real change can start with young people and a simple idea. Arianna Sun and Sofia Hennessy, the teen founders of NoVasta, have created a program that helps redirect unsold, still-edible food from stores and restaurants to people who need it. Since its launch, the student-led initiative has already helped provide more than 15,000 meals — all while keeping food out of landfills. “It’s given us a lot of hope to see that even though it’s such a big problem, there are a lot of people... that are willing to work and find ways to contribute to this cause,” Hennessy told The Boston Globe. NoVasta — a name inspired by the Latin for "no waste" — isn’t just a good idea. It’s becoming a movement. Over the past two years, the group has joined the national Zero Waste Coalition, partnered with state legislators, and inspired other teens across the country to launch similar efforts in their own communities. Sun and Hennessy say they’ve heard from students in other cities who were already seeing the same issues, just waiting for someone to show them how to start. “We’re really happy that we were that catalyst for them,” said Sun. The problem they’re addressing is massive. In the U.S., up to 40% of all food goes to waste — even as millions face hunger. Food production also uses vast resources: land, water, labor, fuel, and energy. When food is thrown away, so is everything that went into producing it. And the impact doesn’t stop there. In landfills, food waste breaks down and releases methane — a powerful greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. That warming, in turn, worsens extreme weather events like floods, wildfires, droughts, and storms. But efforts like NoVasta show that local, creative solutions can help — even when the problem feels too big to solve. Volunteers with NoVasta work with stores and restaurants to recover food that would otherwise be tossed. That food is then redistributed to shelters, food banks, and community groups serving people in need. It’s a simple model, but one that’s already making a difference. And while the team’s results are impressive, the founders hope their greatest impact is in inspiring others. “Every student we talked to noticed the same issue in their own city,” said Sun. “They’ve sort of just been waiting for a catalyst to start.” Thanks to these teens, they may have just found one.

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After 7 Years in a Shelter, Onyx the Pit Bull Finds a Forever Home on Christmas Eve

After spending the better part of a decade waiting behind shelter walls, a 9-year-old pit bull mix named Onyx finally got the one gift he needed most: a home. The long-time resident of the Animal Charity of Ohio had lived at the shelter for nearly seven years — more than 2,400 days — when his story finally found its way to the right family. It happened on Christmas Eve. Onyx was originally brought to the shelter in 2018 as part of an abuse case. Since then, the team at ACO has worked tirelessly to care for him, advocate for him, and search for a family that could give him the life he deserved. But despite multiple potential adopters over the years, the right match never materialized. That began to change when Taylor Gordon, a photographer working with the rescue, started posting about Onyx online earlier this year. “Our loving boy has been here for over 6.5 years,” she wrote in a March post. “Please consider adopting Onyx. He would love to have a life outside of this room.” One of those posts reached Joey Kinsley — better known as Sir Yacht — a content creator and musician with a following of nearly 200,000 on Instagram. Kinsley started sharing videos of Onyx, helping spread the word further. On December 24, he posted the update everyone had been hoping for. “The textbook definition of a Christmas miracle,” he wrote. “Because of you, Onyx is getting a forever home. Never give up.” Four days later, the Animal Charity of Ohio shared a video of Onyx walking out of the shelter for the last time — down a red carpet, no less. “After 7 years patiently waiting for his forever home, Onyx finally left the shelter today,” the caption read. “It was a bittersweet send-off... but we couldn’t be happier for him. He’ll finally get to know what a true family feels like.” According to ACO, the family that came forward had seen the recent surge of publicity and “matched up perfectly” with Onyx. They haven’t been publicly identified, but sent an update to Sir Yacht, who shared it with his followers. “He is doing extremely well!!” the family wrote. “He’s really surprised me. I thought there would be more adjustment... but he’s just chill and calm. He’s a happy, sweet boy.” Jenny Falvey, president of the ACO board, told WKBN that Onyx had been a favorite among staff and volunteers for years. “We've spent lots of time with him and always hoped to find him that special home,” she said. Taylor Gordon, who played a key role in Onyx’s adoption story, expressed her gratitude in a post of her own: “Sir Yacht made such a huge difference for Onyx and for the organization. He never gave up on him.” Now, Onyx is exactly where he belongs — lounging comfortably in a home filled with love.

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Stranger Welcomes Fans Into Home After Heated Rivalry Forces Them From Local Bar

It started as a snowy inconvenience and ended as a night 21 strangers won’t forget. On December 12, a group of Heated Rivalry fans bundled up and headed to Wilka’s in New York City for a season finale watch party. The bar was packed before the event even started. Lines stretched out into the street, snow falling, spirits still high. But with capacity maxed out and no nearby bars able to show the episode properly, the night could have easily fizzled. Instead, Jon Chan — a fan in line like everyone else — offered a solution: “I live literally a block away. Why don’t we all just go to my place?” No one expected the night to turn into something so personal, so communal, or so joyful. “We stopped at a bodega for snacks and ginger ale — which felt so on-brand for the show — and then headed to Jon’s apartment,” said attendee Catherine Daniel, who later posted a TikTok that helped the moment go viral. “It was such a fun and spontaneous evening.” Inside Chan’s living room, 21 people — most of whom had never met — gathered around the TV to watch the finale. Some had already seen it. Others were watching for the first time. But the reactions were collective: gasps, laughs, tears, hugs. “Those of us who had already watched sat in the corner and recorded the group whenever we knew a big moment was coming,” Daniel said. “Seeing everyone feel the same emotions was so comforting.” Chan had spent most of the day alone. He wasn’t feeling great and had only left the house to catch the bar event. “There were maybe 50 people stranded outside, peeking through the glass,” he said. “I just figured — I have space, I love the show, and this fandom has been so kind. Why not?” The group called their newly formed chat Jon’s Cottage — a nod to episode six of the show — and quickly started planning what to do for season two. The apartment may have been temporary, but the friendships weren’t. One moment hit especially hard for Chan — a scene where the character Shane opens up to his mom. “I’m a millennial, I’m Asian, and I came out at 14. It wasn’t easy then,” he said. “That scene brought everything back.” When fellow guests saw him get emotional, they comforted him without hesitation. “These were strangers an hour earlier,” Chan said. “Recovering from heartbreak has been hard. To have this unexpected gift of community meant everything.” The warmth extended beyond the episode. Guests stayed behind to help clean up. They offered thanks, hugs, and shared stories. Some posted about the night on social media. Daniel’s TikTok, captioned “When you try to go to a bar to watch Heated Rivalry but it’s too crowded so you form a crew to find your own cottage,” resonated with thousands. “Made some friends at the Wilka’s line,” another attendee wrote on Instagram. “Ended up at a stranger’s apartment and had an impromptu watch party.” For many in the group, it wasn’t just about the show. It was about representation. About connection. About what it means to find common ground — and joy — with total strangers. “It’s been so great to see a show like this with an Asian man as a romantic lead,” said attendee Louise Cheer. “People are just eating it up.” As for Chan, he’s still reflecting on how the night unfolded. “It felt like the kind of spontaneous community moment that could only happen in New York City,” he said. “I can’t imagine a better way to end this show — and this year. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

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104-Year-Old WWII Vet Captivates Crowd With Moving Saxophone National Anthem at Islanders Game

Moments before puck drop at a recent New York Islanders game, a packed arena fell silent as a 104-year-old man took his seat at center ice. Wearing a “World War II Veteran” cap, Dominick Critelli raised his saxophone — and delivered a version of the national anthem that no one in the building is likely to forget. There was no flashy arrangement. No vocal fireworks. Just one man, a century-old horn, and a hauntingly heartfelt rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As Critelli played the final sustained note, the 17,000 fans inside UBS Arena rose to their feet, erupting in chants of “USA! USA!” with some visibly emotional in the crowd. The NHL team later posted the performance online, where it quickly went viral. Comments poured in from viewers moved by the moment — not just for the music, but for what it represented. “This man is a National treasure. All of our Veterans are,” wrote one user. “To live through one of the world's biggest wars and still live to 104.” Others couldn’t believe the physical feat alone. “I'm half his age and don’t have near that lung capacity,” one viewer joked. “There were no crazy notes or showmanship,” another commented. “Just 100% patriotism. Exactly how it should be played.” Critelli, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, was honored earlier this year with the French Legion of Honor for helping liberate France. Speaking to The New York Post, he recalled meeting President Emmanuel Macron: “He pins a medal on me, kisses me on both cheeks, and I ask, ‘If I’m a knight, where’s my sword and horse?’” The centenarian credited his longevity to good humor — and a nightly half-glass of wine. Despite his age, Critelli still performs regularly. And while the melody of “The Star-Spangled Banner” might be familiar, it’s a notoriously difficult piece to play — especially solo, and especially in front of thousands. That’s part of what made the moment so remarkable. “I was at the game,” one fan commented on YouTube. “Not only to have this amazing person lead the way with the national anthem, but the crowd singing along in such a subtle tone. It was a very emotional experience.” Another wrote, “I think because things are so bad right now, this brought me to tears right away. And another thing, never forget that it ain’t over till it’s over. You’re young as you think you are.” For one night, and one stirring performance, Dominick Critelli reminded thousands — and now, millions — what strength, humility, and patriotism can sound like.

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MacKenzie Scott Donated $7.2 Billion in 2025 — Her Biggest Year Yet

MacKenzie Scott is continuing to reshape modern philanthropy, not through flashy announcements or splashy press conferences, but by quietly giving away staggering amounts of money. In a blog post published earlier this month, Scott revealed she donated $7.2 billion in 2025 — her largest single-year total to date. The announcement brings her six-year philanthropic tally to over $26 billion, placing her just behind Warren Buffett and Bill Gates in lifetime giving. Scott’s net worth, estimated at $30 billion, comes largely from her stake in Amazon following her divorce from company founder Jeff Bezos. She pledged in 2019 to donate the majority of her fortune, and based on the past year’s pace, she’s rapidly closing in on that goal. Her 2025 donations more than doubled her 2024 total of $2.6 billion and more than tripled the $2.1 billion given in 2023. But even as headlines fixate on the scale of her giving, Scott urged people to look at the broader picture. “This dollar total will likely be reported in the news, but any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal expressions of care being shared into communities this year,” she wrote. She highlighted data from 2020 showing $471 billion in U.S. charitable donations — nearly a third of which came from gifts under $5,000 — to underscore the impact of collective giving. A Closer Look at 2025 Of nearly 200 organizations supported by Scott this year, about 120 had received grants from her before. The biggest single recipient was Forests, People, Climate (FPC) — a group focused on reversing tropical deforestation — which received $90 million. That grant brought FPC’s total funding to more than $1 billion. “Now is the time for climate philanthropy to take action with vision and courage,” said FPC executive director Lindsey Allen, calling for support of “the bold leaders best suited to protect” forests. The second-largest gift went to Ocean Resilience & Climate Alliance, another environmental group. But education was the biggest category overall, receiving 18 percent of Scott’s total giving for the year. Scott gave: • $70 million each to the UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund (both supporting HBCUs) • $63 million each to Prairie View A&M, Morgan State University, and Howard University • $70 million to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund • $50 million to the Native Forward Scholars Fund Other top categories included economic security (13 percent), regranting organizations (13 percent), environmental causes (12 percent), and efforts in health, democracy, equity and justice, and arts and culture. Unrestricted Giving, Outsized Impact What makes Scott’s approach so unusual isn’t just the size of her gifts, but the way she gives. Most of her grants are unrestricted, meaning recipients can use the funds however they see fit. Grants are largely unsolicited — organizations don’t apply — and Scott only acknowledges her giving a few times a year through blog posts. A recent study from the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that nearly 90 percent of organizations that received Scott’s grants reported improved long-term financial sustainability. The median grant size was $5 million. Personal Stories Behind the Giving In her post, Scott wrote about the people who shaped her understanding of generosity — including a local dentist who gave her free dental work during college, and a college roommate who loaned her $1,000 so she wouldn’t have to drop out. That roommate, Jeannie Tarkenton, later founded Funding U, a student lending company that offers loans to low-income students without co-signers. Scott said she was “thrilled to jump at the chance” to invest in Tarkenton’s mission, noting that this support would be an investment, not a donation. That move aligns with Scott’s growing interest in “mission-aligned ventures” — for-profit companies aimed at solving public challenges like affordable housing and access to healthcare. She announced in 2024 that she would begin funding such ventures alongside her charitable work. Quiet, But Transformational While many billionaires prefer to control how their money is used or seek public recognition, Scott’s model flips that dynamic. She lets organizations lead, often without fanfare, and rarely comments outside of her blog posts. But the results are unmistakable. In just six years, she’s pushed billions directly into the hands of schools, nonprofits, and local leaders — many of whom were long overlooked by traditional philanthropy. She doesn’t just write big checks. She’s rewriting the rules.

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