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Score (92)
Nepal's New Gecko Stars: 3 Beauties Discovered In Mountain Hideaways
In Nepal, researchers have discovered three new species of bent-toed geckos, bridging a significant geographical gap in their distribution. Lead researcher Santosh Bhattarai highlights the threats these geckos face from habitat destruction. The discovery sheds light on Nepal's diverse flora and fauna. Bhattarai's team conducted surveys in the Chitwan Annapurna Landscape to find these unique species. The study was published in Zootaxa journal, showcasing the importance of conservation efforts for lesser-known reptiles in Nepal.
Score (95)
Pennsylvania School Strikes a Chord: 3D-Printed Violins Revolutionize Music Education
In a small Pennsylvania town, a school superintendent is finding an innovative way to put violins into the hands of children who otherwise couldn’t afford them. Dr. Laura Jacob, superintendent of the California Area School District in Coal Center, has turned her office into a workshop of 3D printers, more than 30 of them humming away to produce instruments at a fraction of the cost of traditional rentals. “Over 70% of our students are low-income. So that means 100% of our kids receive a free breakfast and free lunch every single day,” Jacob said. With that in mind, she set out to remove one more financial barrier: access to music. The idea first came to her after seeing a video of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra performing with plastic instruments. Intrigued, Jacob decided to try it herself. “I started tinkering. I found some models online. I'm not a computer scientist or an engineer by any means, but after a variety of failures, I found one that actually printed and it sounded good. It's a great start for kids,” she explained. At about $50 each, the printed violins are dramatically cheaper than the hundreds of dollars in rental fees families typically face over a school year. Jacob has already produced more than 200 of them in the past five years, handing them out for free to any student who wants to play. The impact goes far beyond cutting costs. Jacob now runs a weekly 3D violin club, where students not only learn to play but also connect with each other through music. “It's that moment when you see them smile like that, that smile that comes out as they're starting to play and they create that sound themselves,” Jacob said. Students say the program has given them confidence and a sense of pride. “It makes me feel powerful because it's just a big group and we can all do it like at the same time,” said Leyla Knox. “It makes me feel more confident in school than I did before.” Another student, Ally Neil, said learning the violin has sharpened her mind. “I feel like it makes you smarter because you have to learn notes and how long to put it on and what they mean.” For Jacob, the goal isn’t just about playing an instrument—it’s about giving kids a skill and a passion that might stick with them for life. “If that sticks with them, then to me it's worth it,” she said. Students agree the lessons extend beyond music. “I feel like it makes you a better student, because if I can play the violin, I can do anything,” said Evie Dentino. From two humble printers to an orchestra’s worth of instruments, Jacob’s project is reshaping what access to music education can look like in rural schools.
Score (91)
50-Year-Old Mom Shatters Expectations, Wins Gold in Her First Ice Skating Competition
For most of her life, Michelle dreamed of becoming a figure skater. But it wasn’t until she turned 50 that she finally stepped onto the ice in a competitive setting—and walked away with gold. Michelle’s story gained attention after her daughter, Kynder, shared a video of her performance on TikTok. The response was immediate and widespread, with thousands of people inspired by her late-in-life leap into the sport. “I love seeing adults heal their inner child,” one commenter wrote. Others praised her physical ability and bravery, with one person adding, “She just inspired my 33-year-old self who constantly worries I’m falling behind or that I’m too late for things.” Michelle originally started skating for fun, but her commitment led to entering an official figure skating competition. Though the event was her first, she earned top marks and took home the gold medal. For Kynder, watching her mother take the risk was inspiring in itself. “She didn’t think her story would touch so many people’s hearts,” she wrote. “Thank you, Internet, for showing my mommy so much love and support.” Following the attention, Michelle has created her own social media account to share more about her journey and help others who may be considering a similar path. “She’s proof it’s never too late to chase something that matters to you,” said one supporter. “Especially when you think the moment may have passed.”
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Score (95)
Lake Tahoe's Water Clarity Triumph: 727,000 Pounds of Sediment Kept Out by Innovative Efforts
A joint effort by California and Nevada kept more than 727,000 pounds of fine sediment from entering Lake Tahoe in 2024, helping to preserve the lake’s iconic water clarity. The results were published in a new environmental report from the Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load Program (TMDL Program), a bi-state initiative led by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. According to the report, the program achieved a 29% reduction in fine-grained sediment, a 23% reduction in phosphorus runoff, and a 17% reduction in nitrogen runoff compared to 2023 levels. While visibility in the lake was lower in 2024 than in previous years, officials say short-term clarity is not always an accurate indicator of long-term pollutant trends. Instead, the program focuses on sustained progress, with a long-term goal of reaching 78 feet of water clarity depth by 2031. “To put it in perspective, the amount of material kept out of the lake would fill roughly 29 dump trucks,” said program officials. Jason Kuchnicki, chief of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water Quality Planning, said the results demonstrate the importance of long-term collaboration. “Protecting Lake Tahoe’s iconic clarity requires long-term commitment, collaboration and innovation,” Kuchnicki said. “These results reflect the strength of the bi-state partnership and the dedication of local agencies implementing proven, science-based strategies to reduce pollution at its source.” The TMDL Program, launched in 2011, assigns pollution reduction targets to local governments and highway authorities. Businesses and industry groups can also earn pollution credits through successful local initiatives, rather than relying on top-down mandates. Examples include switching to hydrofoil ferries or implementing advanced runoff control systems. Despite short-term visibility challenges, the agencies say the program remains central to protecting one of the most recognizable freshwater lakes in the United States.
Score (90)
Step Inside New York's Most Vibrant Home: A $3 Million Queens Gem Just Hit the Market
New York City's real estate scene is well-known for its unique offerings, but a new listing in Queens is turning heads for its vibrant use of color. The "most colorful home in Queens" has hit the market with a price tag of $3 million. Located on 36th Avenue, this eye-catching property offers a visual experience seldom seen in urban residential listings. Nahid Mollah from Nest Seekers International, who is handling the sale, describes it as unlike anything she's marketed before. "In more than two decades of selling homes across Queens, Long Island, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, I’ve had the privilege of marketing many remarkable properties, but this home stands apart," she said. The six-bedroom, four-bathroom house manages to combine luxury with whimsy through its artistic design choices. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to illuminate hand-selected chandeliers that double as sculptural art pieces. Bold floral themes dominate the interior decor, providing an atmosphere reminiscent of eternal spring. As you enter the home, you're greeted by a burst of colors and themes that differ from room to room. The property is currently configured as a duplex with an additional third-floor rental unit. According to the listing information, the ground level serves as a full residential setup but could be transformed into a medical office or creative studio if desired. Constructed in a brick duplex style, the property also features practical amenities such as a private garage used for storage and a side yard perfect for outdoor gatherings like garden parties or open-air dining experiences. Mollah emphasizes that the home's distinctive design makes it much more than just another residence on the market. "Its design isn’t just different; it’s a true statement piece, crafted with a vision that defies the ordinary," she noted. For anyone looking to own not only a home but also an intriguing conversation starter, this might be precisely what they need.
Score (97)
Architect Turns Shipping Containers Into Affordable Housing, Transforming Lives in Phoenix
In Phoenix, old shipping containers are finding a new purpose thanks to architect Brian Stark. He's transforming these steel boxes into innovative housing solutions that aim to address America's affordable housing crisis while being environmentally friendly. By reusing existing materials, Stark is cutting costs and reducing environmental impact. "We're not consuming or producing that steel, it already exists," Stark points out. "There's a huge ability to save." Stark's latest project involves designing homes for the unhoused in Phoenix using these containers. The initiative, developed alongside sustainable living company Steel + Spark, introduces "X-WING" shelters. Each unit consists of four containers arranged in an "X" shape, topped with solar panels, and creating shared courtyards when placed next to another unit. They offer air-conditioned rooms—essential in Phoenix's heat—with one resident per room. For Jay Spicer, who now calls one of these units home, it's a chance for stability after overcoming personal challenges. "It is my space for now," he says about his room where he lives with his dog Dino. Homelessness remains a significant issue across the U.S., with approximately 771,480 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024—a rise of 18 percent from the previous year according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In Arizona alone, there were about 14,737 such cases reported. Beyond temporary shelters like the "X-WING," Stark envisions using shipping containers for larger-scale projects too. He plans to build a 105-unit apartment complex specifically for low-income or unhoused senior citizens. Despite facing skepticism from some developers about his unconventional methods, Stark sees firsthand the positive impact of his work. Residents express gratitude for having their own space where they can think clearly and improve their lives. "It's great talking to people who are living in the X-WING that say, 'I can hear myself think for the first time,'" he shares. By reimagining what can be done with something as ordinary as a shipping container, Brian Stark is making strides toward more affordable and sustainable housing solutions.
Score (98)
77-Year-Old Finds Long-Lost Class Ring After 55 Years
Al DiStefano never thought he'd see his Fordham University class ring again after losing it over 50 years ago. The 77-year-old lost the cherished memento in May 1969 while hanging out on a pier at Cedar Beach, Long Island. At the time, he was only 21 and had just paid $110 for the gold ring with a garnet stone. Unable to afford a replacement, DiStefano was left without hope of recovering it. "It was important to me," DiStefano told the New York Post. "I probably should have spent a little more time looking for it." Fast forward to recently, when Dave Orlowski from Long Island found himself scanning that same beach with his trusty metal detector. During one of his regular sweeps, Orlowski got what he calls "a good hit" near waist-deep water. After some diligent digging, he unearthed an impressively well-preserved ring. Orlowski, who has spent the last 25 years collecting gold and silver objects found on beaches, briefly entertained the idea of keeping the ring due to its estimated value of around $2,000 because of its white gold palladium composition. However, his wife Denise urged him not to do so. She pointed out that keeping the inscribed ring might bring bad karma and asked if he'd want his own ring back in such a situation. After considering her perspective, Orlowski decided to track down the owner. He reached out to a Fordham Class of 1969 Facebook group and connected with Karen Manning, the group's administrator. Manning then helped him get in touch with DiStefano. The news took DiStefano by surprise. Now retired and living in Texas as an oncologist, he had occasionally wondered about his lost ring's fate at the bottom of Long Island Sound. When he learned it had been found, he was thrilled. "He [Orlowski] mailed it to me, and I got it less than a week later—it's in marvelous condition," DiStefano said. "I'm wearing it now. I figured I ought to make up for lost time." To express his gratitude, DiStefano plans to send gifts from Texas to Orlowski as a token of appreciation. Karen Manning expressed her admiration for Orlowski's efforts, saying, “David made me feel good about people again for going out of his way to try to find the owner.”
Score (98)
Small Town Hero Gets Big Surprise: A New Truck from Grateful Neighbors
When Willie Berry's old truck broke down, he suddenly found himself relying on walking or getting rides to make it to work. It could have been a major setback, but his community had other plans. Berry's friends at Pinelake Church shared his story online, aiming to raise enough funds to get him back behind the wheel. The response was overwhelming. In just 48 hours, donations exceeded $16,000 from generous individuals both nearby and far away. On Friday afternoon, Berry experienced an unforgettable moment at Noel Daniels Motor Company in Brandon. Surrounded by friends and supporters, he received the keys to a brand-new Ford pickup. Organizer Amber Norsworthy expressed the community's affection for Berry, saying, "There’s just something about innocent human beings and they need to be protected and helped and loved and taken care of. And he is one of them. He is the most precious, innocent man you’ll ever meet in your life, and he needs help. He doesn’t have a lot of people, blood-related. He’s got us, though." The generosity extended beyond just providing a vehicle. Donations also covered Berry's car insurance for an entire year, allowing him to drive without worry about that cost.
Score (64)
A Community is Helping Make This WWII Hero's 100th Birthday Unforgettable—Here's How You Can Help Too
An appeal has gone out for birthday cards to mark a special milestone for Dougie Shelley, a World War II veteran from England. Mr. Shelley will celebrate his 100th birthday on September 23, and the community hopes to make it an unforgettable day. Mr. Shelley joined the Royal Navy at 17, serving as a seaman gunner. His service included time on the HMS Milne during D-Day, where he supported troops landing in Normandy by helping keep enemy aircraft at bay. Reflecting on the war, Mr. Shelley said, "The war killed so many people, it's unbelievable." He added that everyone involved was just doing their job: "It's either kill or be killed." The Royal Naval Association's Southend branch is leading the card campaign to honor him as their "last Arctic convoy veteran," according to its chairman John Hawes. Cards should be sent to the association's address on East Street in Southend. John Hawes himself plans to bake Mr. Shelley's birthday cake—a classic Victoria sponge—for this landmark occasion. Paul Bennett, who cares for Mr. Shelley, noted that he was aboard a ship in Hong Kong when Germany surrendered in May 1945. "Everybody got together, and we all had a good old drink up and jolly up," Mr. Shelley recalled about Victory in Europe Day. Mr. Bennett described how Mr. Shelley took pride in supporting his comrades during those tumultuous times, often reflecting on the shared experiences with other veterans. The goal is to gather at least 100 cards to present to Mr. Shelley on his birthday, adding an extra layer of joy and recognition for his service and century-long life journey. The effort underscores not just respect for an individual but also collective gratitude for a generation that endured extraordinary challenges. Cards can be sent directly to the Royal Naval Association’s office at 73-79 East Street, Southend SS2 6LQ, aiming to brighten Mr. Shelley's centennial celebration with heartfelt messages from near and far.
Score (98)
Colorado's New Mega-Bridge: A Game Changer for Wildlife and Drivers' Safety
Colorado is betting big on a bridge designed for elk, deer and pronghorn. Construction crews are racing to finish what the state says will be the largest wildlife overpass in the world, a $15 million project stretching across Interstate 25, one of Colorado’s busiest highways. The bridge, expected to open by December, is designed to give animals a safe path between summer and winter ranges, while sharply reducing collisions with cars. Wildlife crashes are a daily occurrence on Colorado roads. Along this section of I-25, which sees more than 100,000 vehicles each day, officials recorded an average of one crash per day during peak migration seasons. “There are always kind of serious crashes there,” Kara Van Hoose of Colorado Parks and Wildlife told Cowboy State Daily. State officials say the new bridge should cut those accidents by 90 percent. The overpass will be nearly an acre in size, spanning six lanes of highway with a footprint of 200 by 209 feet. Its entrances slope gently upward, and the crossing will be landscaped to resemble natural terrain, making it inviting to large animals that prefer wide, open spaces. “Elk love big open structures,” said Chuck Attardo, an environmental manager with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), speaking to the Colorado Springs Gazette. The project sits in a critical wildlife corridor north of Monument, about 80 kilometers south of Denver. Once open, the overpass will link 39,000 hectares of land protected by the Douglas County Land Conservancy with more than one million hectares of Pike National Forest. Moose, black bears, mountain lions and other species are also expected to use it. “This was a place where we were seeing a pretty high incidence of collisions,” CDOT executive director Shoshana Lew told KKTV. “The wildlife using it are bigger, so part of the reason we need a more comprehensive structure is to make sure they’ll actually use it.” Smaller animals like foxes and coyotes already make use of underpasses along the highway. But the new bridge is meant to cater to elk and deer, which often avoid narrow crossings or tunnels because of their antlers and wariness of enclosed spaces. Colorado’s effort is part of a larger push across the United States to use infrastructure to reduce deadly encounters between animals and cars. Funding for the bridge comes largely from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created a national grant program to support wildlife crossing projects. So far this year, Colorado State Patrol has logged 1,600 vehicle crashes involving animals statewide. “Everybody thinks it’s just in rural areas. No, it’s everywhere in Colorado,” agency spokeswoman Sherri Mendez told KMGH-TV. Since 2015, Colorado has built 28 large-game crossings, according to the New York Times. Other states are following. In California, workers are wrapping up construction on the $92 million Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which will carry mountain lions and other species over Highway 101 outside Los Angeles. That overpass, at 210 by 174 feet, is slightly smaller than the Colorado project. Research suggests these efforts work. A study published in June 2025 found that two underpasses built in Vermont for frogs and salamanders reduced amphibian roadkill by more than 80 percent. Officials in Colorado hope to see similar benefits when the first elk step onto the I-25 bridge later this year.
Score (96)
Meet Laufey: The Icelandic Jazz Virtuoso Bridging Generations With Her Unique Sound
Laufey, a 26-year-old musician from Iceland, is redefining what it means to be a pop star by fusing modern lyrics with classical and jazz elements. Her musical style draws heavily from the sounds of her childhood, combining influences from Golden Age musicals with her love for classical and jazz music. "My music is such a combination of the sounds of my childhood," Laufey shares. "It's just something that's become a part of me." Born Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, she grew up in a household where music was always present. Her father introduced her to jazz, while her mother played classical violin. Even her identical twin sister followed this musical path. Laufey recalls feeling different as a child: "Everyone was like, you know, going to play soccer after school or dance, and I was sitting down and playing music from the 17th century." Her talents were evident early on; at age 13, she appeared on "Iceland's Got Talent" singing Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You." Despite being told she sounded much older than her years, Laufey embraced her unique voice. She found solid ground at Berklee College of Music in Boston and began sharing original songs and jazz covers online during the pandemic. The internet quickly took notice. Laufey was surprised by the response: "I was so shocked because I'd never seen any example of it before," she said about young people's reactions to jazz influences in her music. Laufey’s concerts now sell out regularly, attracting fans who appreciate how she revives older musical styles for new audiences. One fan commented on how Laufey brings "old people music" into contemporary settings for younger listeners to enjoy. Her latest album, "A Matter of Time," continues this trend with tracks that start on guitar but often incorporate other elements like bossa nova or classical influences. Her previous album, "Bewitched," even topped Frank Sinatra on the jazz charts briefly and won a Grammy Award for best traditional pop vocal. Collaborations have also marked Laufey's career milestones. Recently, Barbra Streisand invited her to sing on an album of duets featuring a song Laufey wrote titled “Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self.” This deeply personal track reflects on hope and self-reassurance: “It was a song for me to heal myself,” says Laufey. When asked what her younger self would think of her current success, Laufey believes she’d be thrilled: “There's not a single part of myself that has changed any of my artistic interests... I get to make exactly the music that I loved back then.”