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New Negro League Football Website Launches to Celebrate History
The official Negro League Football website has launched to honor the forgotten legacy of Black football players who thrived during racial segregation. From 1933 to 1946, teams like the Brown Bombers and Chicago Comets were formed due to systemic racism in mainstream professional football. The new website, www.TheNegroLeagueFootball.com, aims to educate and empower future generations while celebrating the courage and talent of these athletes.
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Meet Bruno: The Fort Worth Gorilla With a Swinging New Hobby
Bruno, a 2.5-year-old western lowland gorilla at the Fort Worth Zoo, has been delighting staff and visitors alike with his new favorite pastime — swinging. Video shared by the zoo shows Bruno making full use of a new swing installed in one of the indoor gorilla areas, gliding back and forth with ease. “The new swing in one of our indoor gorilla areas is clearly a smashing hit with Bruno!” the zoo wrote on Facebook. Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, facing threats from illegal hunting, disease, habitat loss, and low reproductive rates. The Fort Worth Zoo says enrichment tools like Bruno’s swing are part of its commitment to conservation, helping animals stay active and engaged. Staff say the swing encourages climbing, exploration, and other natural behaviors, while also offering mental stimulation, key to keeping captive animals healthy and happy. In Bruno’s case, it also seems to be offering plenty of joy. Ask ChatGPT
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From Rap Bars to Barnyards: How This Rapper Found Peace on the Farm
Rapper Fekky says he’s found “peace” after swapping life in south London for a farm in the Cambridgeshire countryside. The 38-year-old musician, known for collaborations with Skepta, Dizzee Rascal, and Runtown, began his shift toward rural living during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when he took up gardening and shared it online. “Everyone was calling it the garden show,” he said. “I had a bit of a following through it… and I was like, ‘Do you know what? I want to live in nature full-time.’” Now based on a seven-acre farm with chickens and vegetable patches, Fekky is chronicling his journey through his YouTube series Hood 2 Farm, where he visits and learns from other farmers. The move was partly inspired by three months he spent in Thailand, where he fell in love with nature, and by watching Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime. “Hopefully within the next few years, it’ll be Fekky’s Farm,” he joked. “Clarkson’s got to get out of the way for a minute and give me a go.” Fekky hopes to expand into a farm shop, glamping, and even a pub, and he wants his story to inspire young people from similar backgrounds to explore career paths outside the usual “footballer or rapper” route. “It took me a long time to get to this place where I am now, where I’m living in peace and enjoying myself,” he said. “I’m hoping that people are watching me and thinking, ‘If Fekky’s doing it… I can do it.’” The National Farmers’ Union welcomed the move, noting that with the average age of a U.K. farmer at 59, the industry needs younger and more diverse entrants. “To achieve big goals like reducing carbon emissions and sequestering carbon, we need a younger generation of people coming through who have a massive passion for this,” a spokesperson said.
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62-Year-Old Breaks Barriers and Records at National Senior Games
Johnnie Reid, a 62-year-old athlete from Naples, Florida, just sprinted her way into the record books — again. At the National Senior Games in Ames, Iowa, Reid ran the 100 meters in 13.6 seconds, setting a new national record for the 60-64 age group. She also broke her own record in the 50 meters, lowering it from 7.36 seconds in 2023 to 7.23 seconds this year. Reid, who works at the State Attorney’s office, first ran track in high school but didn’t return to competition until age 50, when a friend convinced her to enter the Senior Games in Fort Myers. One race rekindled her love for sprinting. “Running had brought me so much joy as a teenager,” she said. “When I started training for the Senior Games, it clicked instantly. I jumped right in and never turned back.” She’s now faster at 60 than she was a decade ago, crediting a mix of determination and adaptability. Before a recent meet in Kentucky, a friend pointed out flaws in her block starts. Reid studied sprint techniques on YouTube, learning to explode from the blocks, stay low, and drive her arms. “When a race is over in seconds, every single movement matters,” she said. Her training is rigorous: sprint drills at Naples High School on Mondays, shot put practice on Tuesdays, and strength training with plyometrics on Wednesdays. She also competes in javelin, making her one of the most versatile athletes on the senior circuit. Reid says her success comes from mindset as much as muscle. “You have to see it in your mind and put it in writing, almost like creating a vision board,” she explained. Her mantra: I am the fastest woman in my age group. “I kept working until that became my reality.” For those inspired to chase their own goals, her advice is simple: “If I can do it, anyone can.” She shares her training and competition updates on Instagram at @NubianTF60.
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Meet The Adventurous Wheelchair Traveler Who's Conquering 49 Countries And Counting
Cory Lee has built a life around seeing the world — and making it easier for other wheelchair users to do the same. Diagnosed at age two with spinal muscular atrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy, Lee has used a power wheelchair full-time since age four. His first trip was to Disney World, an experience he recalls as surprisingly accessible. But it was a family trip to the Bahamas at 15 that truly sparked his love for travel. Now 49 countries and all seven continents later, Lee is candid about the challenges. From being stranded in New York’s subway to blowing a wheelchair charger in Munich, he says every trip comes with risks. “I’m scared to death every time I travel,” he admitted on Instagram, listing worries about broken equipment, inaccessible hotels, and mid-flight needs. “But I do it anyway… and I’ve had some pretty remarkable experiences along the way.” On a recent trip to Seoul, South Korea, a restaurant table was too low for him to comfortably eat at. Staff quickly improvised, placing cups under the table legs to raise it. “It was a small gesture, but it reminded me that kindness is everywhere,” Lee wrote. “I fully believe that there’s more good.” Through his website, Curb Free with Cory Lee, he shares detailed accessibility guides — like his recent South Korea itinerary — to help other wheelchair users plan their own adventures. He also runs The Curb Free Foundation, which funds travel for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Past trips have included Disney World, the Caribbean, and, soon, Morocco. One highlight: sending an 80-year-old wheelchair user to the beach for the first time in his life. Lee says travel not only pushes him out of his comfort zone, but also challenges public perceptions. “The general public of able-bodied people need to see wheelchair users living these amazing lives and traveling around the world, and it will really change perspectives.” His advice to those hesitant to start: “If you’re scared of getting out there into the world, I get it… but I urge you to give it a try.”
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Boston's Bold Move: Giving Young Adults Facing Homelessness $1,200 a Month to Transform Lives
Boston is testing whether guaranteed income can help young adults break the cycle of homelessness. The new pilot, BAY-CASH — Boston Area Youth Cash Assistance for Stable Housing — will give 15 participants aged 18 to 24 two $600 payments each month for two years, plus a one-time $3,000 withdrawal for emergencies like a security deposit, medical bill, or car repair. The program’s director, Matt Aronson, has been developing the model since 2017. “We’re trying to demonstrate to the state of Massachusetts that this kind of programming, a guaranteed-income program with supportive services, should be part of our toolkit,” he told GBH. Alongside the cash, participants will have access to two-and-a-half years of supportive services, including a navigator to connect them with resources and financial coaching. Using them is optional, but Aronson says they were designed based on what young people said they needed. One participant, Deandre, grew up in Boston and learned about BAY-CASH through other youth homelessness programs. He plans to use the money for food, clean clothes, rent, and eventually a car. “I was absolutely ecstatic,” he said. “Just because we’re experiencing homelessness doesn’t mean it has to be a barrier for us to stop living our lives and that we can’t escape it.” BAY-CASH is funded by private donors, foundations, the city of Cambridge, and Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Organisers hope the results will persuade the state to adopt similar programs in other regions. Aronson says the evidence is clear: “Over and over, the evidence is consistent that folks use these to meet their basic needs.” For Deandre, the bigger goal is preventing others from facing the same struggles. “It’s all about making sure that the next person doesn’t have to experience what you’ve had to experience,” he said.
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A Portland Hero Just Hit 100 Gallons of Life-Saving Platelets
About 30 years ago, David Schapiro started donating blood with his Navy friends, turning it into a lifelong commitment that has now saved hundreds of lives. The 62-year-old Portland, Oregon, bus driver recently celebrated a remarkable milestone — his 100th gallon of platelet donations to the American Red Cross. Donating about every two weeks, the maximum allowed 24 times a year, Schapiro has given enough platelets to help an estimated 400 people. “It’s not so much what I’ve given,” he told KOIN News. “It’s the fact that there are 400 people out there that it could have saved.” Platelet donations are especially valuable for cancer patients. Schapiro’s decision to focus on platelets was personal — his sister has battled cancer three times. Each donation can help up to four patients, far more than whole blood, which typically benefits one. His wife now joins him at the donation center every two weeks, and they share a simple mantra: “Because I can.” Schapiro donates purely out of a desire to help. “If you can help, you should help,” he said. “I don’t need the money, so I would do it regardless if they paid me or not.” To mark his 100-gallon milestone, Schapiro brought his own cake — and the Red Cross staff surprised him with one as well. Platelet donations take two to three hours, a process in which blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets, and then returned to the donor’s body. He hopes others will join him. “There’s no reason not to. It’s two-and-a-half hours of your life… spend that two-and-a-half hours saving a life.” Schapiro has no plans to stop. “If we stay on pace… I might have to be 95 before I make it to 200 gallons,” he said with a smile. “But I have a new goal.”
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Graffiti Welcome: Sculptor Invites Street Artists to Transform His 13ft Masterpiece
An Egyptian-born sculptor in England says he is happy for graffiti artists to add to his newest creation, as long as it contributes to the piece in a positive way. Sam Shendi, who now lives in North Yorkshire, has unveiled Balancing Acts, a 4m stainless steel sculpture installed at the MAPA community centre off Manchester Road. Commissioned for the city’s upcoming City of Culture celebrations, the brightly painted work was inspired by children’s building blocks and represents the area’s diverse communities. “I respect the younger generation with the graffiti in particular; I’m a fan of the graffiti artwork,” the 50-year-old said. “At the end of the day if any other creative person is happy to come and paint on the top of it, or draw in a good way, I’m happy with this as well.” Shendi spray-painted the rotating blocks using colours from different national flags to symbolise the backgrounds of people living in the area. The paint, he said, is automotive-grade and designed to last. The project took five months to complete and involved a collaboration with local firm Bradford Laser Cutting, which specialises in stainless steel cutting and welding. Shendi, a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors since 2014, says he designed it to be interactive. “I love my work to be touched by children,” he said. “It’s colourful so it appeals to all kinds of ages from any background, any class. You’re trying to teach kids about the balance and the harmony between surfaces. This is what community is really; how different backgrounds, different faiths, different beliefs and different political views are all combined together.”
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11-Year-Old's Cookie Empire Raises Thousands for Texas Flood Relief
Kamryn Balfour, an 11-year-old from Texas, is transforming her family's "top-secret" cookie recipe into a powerful tool for change. After hearing about the tragic floods in Central Texas that claimed at least 135 lives, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, Kamryn felt compelled to act. She was initially unaware of the extent of the disaster until the day after, when she learned about it in much clearer weather. The news left her feeling "very, very sad." Motivated to make a difference, Kamryn revived her baking business, Kamryn's Kravings. Originally started for a kids' entrepreneurial fair, this venture reignited her passion for baking and quickly gained attention on social media and local news station KHOU 11. Her chocolate chip cookies have become a hit; each bag sells for $5. However, many customers are eager to contribute more than the asking price. "Most people will give a $50 bill and only want two or three bags of cookies," Kamryn explained. The demand for her cookies has been so high that Gina Gutierrez, owner of Cakes by Gina and a family friend, offered Kamryn access to her industrial kitchen to ramp up production. "I said, 'Girl, come on over here, let me help you,'" Gutierrez shared. By late July, Kamryn's efforts had raised over $4,300 for flood relief initiatives. The young baker continues to sell her cookies at pop-up locations while raising awareness about the ongoing needs following the floods through media appearances and Instagram updates. Kamryn is donating all proceeds to organizations like Kerrville Pets Alive and the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team that support animal relief efforts. Following the floods, hundreds of residents reported their pets missing, which concerned Kamryn deeply. Karen Guerriero, board president of Kerrville Pets Alive, praised Kamryn's compassion, saying, "It's so heartwarming to see the compassion... We thank her from the bottom of our hearts."
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Small Town Celebrates UFO Legacy with Stunning New Mural
A new mural now graces Warminster, a town steeped in UFO folklore thanks to the "Warminster Thing." This 20-meter-long artwork commemorates 60 years since a series of mysterious sightings and sounds captivated residents and UFO enthusiasts during the 1960s. Funded by a £1,000 community effort via Facebook, the mural revamps an earlier piece created ten years ago. Local artist Paul Boswell took on the task of bringing this slice of history back to life. His creation features flying saucers, alien-like beings, and notable town landmarks tied to these peculiar events. The mural also pays homage to Arthur Shuttlewood, a journalist who chronicled these occurrences as they unfolded. Boswell has deep roots in Warminster. "Being young in the 80s and 90s, it was a bit of a thing around this area," he said. He recalled nights spent at Clay Hill with friends, hoping for an extraterrestrial encounter when they were teenagers. The Heart of Warminster community group played a significant role in making this project happen. Lesley Blain, one of its organizers, expressed her gratitude: "The people of Warminster came up trumps. They've been so generous and this is the result. It's fantastic, we feel it belongs to the town." Warminster's mayor, Councillor Andrew Cooper, officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the mural. He emphasized how such projects can strengthen community bonds: "It enriches a community; it gives it something that perhaps other people don't have." Interest in the Warminster Thing remains strong even today. An upcoming UFO conference in the town is set to attract both seasoned ufologists from across the country and locals curious about those strange events from six decades ago. Stuart Dike, who is organizing this conference, has observed how visitors interact with the mural. "People had approached him beside the wall," he noted. They reminisce about their memories of those times when unexplained phenomena dominated local conversation. Several speakers invited to the conference attended the mural unveiling as well. Among them was John Hanson, a retired detective known for his extensive collection of UFO-related materials. Hanson highlighted the importance of preserving these stories: "It's important because it's part of our history." As preparations continue for Warminster's gathering of UFO enthusiasts and curious locals alike, Boswell's vibrant new mural stands as both an artistic tribute and a reminder of those enigmatic events that once captured imaginations far beyond Wiltshire's borders.
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Barbie Breaks the Ice: Joins Pro Women's Hockey League
Barbie is hitting the ice with the launch of two new dolls inspired by Canadian hockey stars Sarah Nurse and Marie-Philip Poulin, in partnership with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The dolls, dressed in full gear and PWHL jerseys, went on sale August 11 at select Tim Hortons locations across Canada and are available online through the PWHL Shop and TimShop.ca. Each sells for $34.99, with $5 from every purchase going to the Grindstone Award Foundation, which helps cover costs for girls who want to play hockey. The PWHL will match donations for dolls bought through its online store. Nurse and Poulin were first named Barbie role models in 2020 for their achievements on the ice and their work breaking barriers for women in the sport. “Our goal is to inspire the next generation of hockey players,” said Tara George, general manager at Mattel Canada. “These Barbie dolls reflect our commitment to championing the belief that a girl can be anything she wants to be — including a hockey player — in and outside of the playroom.” For the PWHL, the dolls are more than collectibles. “We’ve heard from fans across the league that they’re eager to see Barbie Tim Hortons PWHL Dolls,” said Amy Scheer, the league’s executive vice president of business operations. “We’re especially proud that this initiative makes a meaningful impact, as the Grindstone Foundation continues to transform the lives of girls across Canada.” Grindstone Award Foundation president Danielle Bell said the program could help more young athletes get on the ice for the first time. “When girls are given the chance to play hockey, they gain confidence, build resilience, and grow into future leaders,” she said.