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Score (94)
Pupy The Elephant Finally Found a New Home After 30 Years In an Argentine Zoo
Pupy the elephant has embarked on an exciting new chapter in her life, arriving at a sanctuary in Mato Grosso, Brazil after a remarkable 2,700-kilometer journey from Argentina. For 30 years, she called a zoo in Buenos Aires home, but activists criticized the conditions there. Now, Pupy is settling into her new surroundings in the Amazon rainforest with grace and poise. The 35-year-old African elephant made the journey to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil without needing sedation, showcasing her resilience and adaptability. Upon arrival, Pupy was greeted with her favorite treats of sugarcane and watermelon before enjoying a refreshing bath. The caretakers are giving her time to adjust at her own pace in an outdoor shed as she acclimates to her new environment. This relocation is part of Buenos Aires' initiative to transform its urban zoo into an ecological park for biodiversity preservation. Pupy joins other animals who have found better living conditions abroad, like orangutan Sandra, who now resides in Florida. At the sanctuary, Pupy will not be reunited with Mara, another elephant from Argentina, due to their species' differences. The sanctuary prioritizes respecting each animal's biological and behavioral needs by keeping groups separate. As Pupy settles into her new home surrounded by lush greenery and caring caretakers, she symbolizes hope for a brighter future for all animals seeking refuge and peace.
Score (95)
Space Startup Plans To Deliver Cargo Anywhere On Earth In One Hour
In a bid to reimagine global delivery, California-based startup Inversion Space has unveiled a spacecraft designed to bring cargo from space back to Earth in under 60 minutes. The vehicle, called Arc, was introduced this week as the company’s flagship reusable space delivery capsule. At 1.2 meters wide and 2.4 meters tall, Arc is a compact, autonomous spacecraft that can carry up to 225 kilograms of cargo and survive hypersonic reentry. Inversion says the vehicle is part of a broader plan to deploy a constellation of cargo capsules parked in low Earth orbit, ready to drop to Earth at a moment’s notice. The company’s vision is bold: deliver mission-critical supplies from orbit to anywhere on the planet in less time than it takes to order a pizza. “Our first spacecraft, Ray, has completed its mission on-orbit — serving as an extremely successful testbed for validating key technologies despite not attempting re-entry,” the company said. Ray, launched in January as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, suffered a propulsion issue in orbit that prevented its deorbit engine from igniting. Still, Inversion is confident. Arc builds on the Ray mission with improved hardware, including a deorbit engine, autonomous guidance systems, and a maneuverable parachute designed to steer the capsule back to Earth safely. It’s designed to remain in orbit for up to five years, ready to deploy when needed. Once activated, Arc would ignite its engine to slow down, reenter the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds, and land using parachutes. Inversion says this allows the vehicle to reach even remote or infrastructure-poor locations quickly. The target market is clear: military logistics. In a post on X, the company said, “Arc reshapes defense readiness by enabling access to anywhere on Earth in under an hour — allowing for the rapid delivery of mission-critical cargo and effects to austere, infrastructure-limited, or denied environments.” The goal is to make space not just a place to send things, but a place to keep them — until they’re needed on Earth. Inversion hopes the U.S. military sees value in this model, especially for delivering urgent supplies in areas where conventional delivery is too slow or impossible. Founded in 2021, Inversion is still a small outfit, with just 25 team members and an in-house approach to engineering. The company says nearly all systems on Ray were built internally. Despite its size, it plans to scale fast, aiming to build hundreds of Arc vehicles annually and establish a full constellation by 2028. The next big milestone is getting Arc into space. Inversion is targeting a launch before the end of 2026. If successful, it could be the start of a new kind of logistics — one that begins in orbit and ends wherever you need it.
Score (97)
Microchip Reunites California Dog With Owner After a 2,000-Mile Journey
When Opie, a 5-year-old corgi-shepherd mix, bolted from his California home during a summer storm, his owner feared she’d never see him again. Two months and more than 2,000 miles later, she got a phone call she could hardly believe — Opie had been found wandering outside Chicago. On Sept. 28, police in Itasca, Illinois, picked up the small, scruffy dog after spotting him near the edge of town. His collar identified him by another name, confusing officers at first, said Laura Flamion, administrator for DuPage County Animal Services. But when they scanned his microchip, the real story came out. The chip traced back to his owner in California, who was stunned when the microchip company called her. “She thought she was being pranked,” Flamion told the Los Angeles Times. “It didn’t make any sense to her that her dog could’ve ended up in Illinois.” Once the shock wore off, Opie’s owner wasted no time. Within two days, she was on the road, driving halfway across the country to pick him up. By Oct. 1, the two were reunited at DuPage County Animal Services — a happy ending to a journey no one can fully explain. “She wasted no time,” Flamion said. “I spoke to her and she made it as far as South Dakota; she’s driving back.” Exactly how Opie got from California to Illinois remains a mystery. His owner last spotted him near a gas station shortly after he ran off in July. Flamion suspects someone may have picked him up and carried him east before he escaped or was let go. What’s certain, though, is that Opie’s microchip made all the difference. “It’s a perfect reminder to keep your pet’s microchip information up to date,” Flamion said. “That’s what brought Opie home.” Now, after his cross-country odyssey, Opie is heading back to California — this time safely buckled in the car beside his owner, watching the miles roll by on his long trip home.
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Score (98)
Tortoise Miraculously Survives Recycling Ordeal, Reunites With Owner
Rupert the tortoise has quite the survival story to tell. The adventurous pet was “miraculously” reunited with his owner after accidentally being put out with the recycling in Guernsey — and somehow making it through part of the sorting process completely unharmed. According to the Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), Rupert’s ordeal began when he crawled into a recycling bag and was unknowingly collected with bottles and cans headed for Mayside Recycling. Unaware of their unexpected passenger, staff began processing the load before spotting the small tortoise moving among the materials. Fortunately, Rupert was quickly rescued and taken to the GSPCA shelter for care and observation. “We’ve seen many unusual rescues over the years, but Rupert’s story is truly remarkable,” said Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager. “It’s a miracle he came through the recycling process without injury. We’re thrilled to be sending him back to his loving owner.” After a full check-up and a few days of rest, Rupert was cleared to return home. The GSPCA shared the good news, saying his recovery was a testament to both his resilience and the sharp eyes of the recycling staff who spotted him in time. Byrne added that Rupert’s case serves as a reminder of how easily curious pets can wander into trouble. “We are always looking for loving homes for animals,” he said. “If you’re thinking about adopting, please visit our shelter or fill out an online adoption form — and always keep an eye on your pets.” The GSPCA thanked everyone involved in Rupert’s rescue, calling his safe return “a story of luck, teamwork, and one very tough tortoise.”
Score (96)
Paralympian Bride Stuns Wedding Guests by Walking Down Aisle Using Crutches
When Paralympian Suzanna Hext walked down the aisle this summer, her wedding guests couldn’t believe their eyes. The 37-year-old athlete from Cornwall, who has used a wheelchair since a horse-riding accident in 2012 left her paralysed, secretly trained for months to make the journey to the altar on crutches. Even her mother didn’t know what she was planning. “She almost passed out,” Hext said, laughing. “Everyone cheered when I reached the end — their reaction was incredible. It was a moment I will treasure forever.” Hext married her partner Gareth in July at the picturesque village church in St Just-in-Roseland. Six months pregnant at the time, she made the walk with her father by her side, using a combination of fixed-leg splints, crutches, and sheer upper-body strength. “As soon as we got engaged, I told Gareth I really wanted to be upright in some way whilst going down the aisle with my dad,” she said. “Having no feeling or functional movement from the waist down, I had to practise and practise, and I had quite a lot of help from the team at the hospital I attend.” The video she later shared on social media shows her determination paying off — each step greeted with gasps, applause, and tears. “It was the most perfect day,” Hext said. “I didn’t want it to end.” Born and raised in Cornwall, Hext’s life changed instantly when a horse she was training reared up and fell on top of her. The accident left her with severe injuries to her spine, head, pelvis, and shoulder. After years of recovery and rehabilitation, she found hope watching the 2012 Paralympics. That moment reignited her competitive spirit. Hext went on to win medals as a para equestrian before turning to swimming in 2017, where she quickly became a world champion. Now living in Calne, Wiltshire, Hext is also deaf and uses cochlear implants. Her hearing dog, Kimmy, whom she credits with “transforming” her life, had pride of place at the wedding. Between her athletic triumphs and her emotional walk down the aisle, Hext’s story is one of relentless courage — and love that quite literally lifted her to her feet.
Score (97)
Witness The Northern Lights In These 8 States Tonight
Skywatchers, get ready to look up this weekend as the northern lights are set to make another appearance. This stunning natural display, known as the aurora borealis, is caused by geomagnetic storms. These storms occur when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating waves of colorful light in the sky. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that tonight’s auroral activity will have a Kp index of four on a scale from zero to nine. This means the lights might be visible as far south as southern Minnesota, near its border with Iowa. Recent solar activity, including minor geomagnetic storms and high-speed solar winds, has disrupted Earth's magnetic field, enhancing the visibility of this celestial event. According to NOAA's three-day forecast, auroral activity should continue through this evening and into the weekend. However, expect it to diminish by Sunday night with a Kp index dropping slightly over three for both Saturday and Sunday. Residents of Canada and Alaska will have prime viewing conditions after sunset. Meanwhile, states like Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine could also catch a glimpse of this spectacle. For those eager to see the northern lights firsthand, focus your attention on the northern horizon. The darker your surroundings are, the better your chances of seeing the vibrant colors emerge from what may initially seem like a faint glow. You don't need any sophisticated equipment; just find an open area away from city lights for optimal viewing. If you want to capture these magical moments on camera using your smartphone or more advanced photography gear like a DSLR or mirrorless camera is possible. Switch your smartphone to Night Mode before aiming at the sky. For those with professional cameras—use a tripod and shoot in manual mode for clear shots.
Score (98)
This Cat Mascot is Boosting Attendance at State University Football Games—Here's Why
At most college football games, mascots roar, charge, or soar — but at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, the star of the show purrs. Meet Pudge, a fluffy three-year-old Persian cat who has become the unlikeliest good-luck charm in college sports. Pudge attends every home game for the Bowling Green Falcons, padding his way into the hearts of players and fans alike. His calm presence and squishy face have turned him into a full-blown phenomenon. “There’s thousands of people there just to see a cat,” one player told CBS News. Pudge belongs to George Carlson, the team’s long snapper. Carlson first brought him into the locker room earlier this season when the team’s morale was low after a string of injuries. He figured they could all use a little comfort — and maybe some feline inspiration. “People love him, and I guess I can’t blame them, because I love him too,” Carlson said. For Carlson, Pudge isn’t just a mascot — he’s family. Last year, Carlson lost his mother, Cristen, to ovarian cancer. Living alone afterward, he said the quiet could be overwhelming. “It was very tough for me — especially living in a single apartment,” he said. “I could get really down. You’d spiral really easily. But the thing is, I could come home to this cat, who’s just funny looking, he’s slightly odd... It helped a lot.” That bond — and Carlson’s belief in what he calls “the healing power of the purr” — soon spread to the rest of the team. Pudge became part of the Falcons’ routine, showing up for games and media appearances and, in the process, winning over the entire community. Home game attendance has surged nearly 60 percent this season, according to the university — the biggest jump of any NCAA Division I football program in the country. And while Bowling Green’s players bring the grit on the field, it’s the long snapper and his long napper who’ve given everyone something extra to cheer for. As CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman put it, Pudge may not breathe fire or flex claws of steel — but he’s proof that sometimes, the fiercest mascot is the one with the softest touch.
Score (96)
Startup Transforms Grocery Shopping Into Adventure With 70% Discounts: 'A Fun Treasure Hunt'
Martie is shaking up the grocery game by rescuing food that would otherwise head to landfills. Started in 2021 by entrepreneurs Louise Fritjofsson and Kari Morris, this online grocery store offers pantry staples at a big discount while tackling food waste. Michelle Nadeau, Martie's head of marketing and communications, explained to The Cool Down that the company sells "shelf-stable groceries and household essentials at up to 70 percent off local grocery store prices." These items are delivered straight to customers' doors, making it convenient and budget-friendly. Before creating Martie, Fritjofsson and Morris had already made their mark with several healthy food ventures aimed at making nutritious options more affordable. However, they couldn't ignore the glaring inefficiencies in the US food system. With 30 to 40 percent of food going to waste annually and over 38 million people facing food insecurity, they saw an opportunity to address both issues simultaneously. Inspired by companies like Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods that sell discounted "ugly" produce, Martie buys salvage food and other household goods. According to Fritjofsson's chat with NBC Bay Area, these products range from overstocked items to those nearing best-by dates or undergoing packaging changes. Michelle told The Cool Down that Martie offers over 800 products across 14 categories including snacks, sweets, pantry staples, beverages, household items, and baby products. Well-known brands feature prominently on their platform: think KIND bars or Annie's pasta. Customers enjoy the freedom of no monthly memberships or subscriptions; they save an average of $54 per order or about $600 a year. Nearly half of Martie's shoppers return each month for more deals. Martie's impact isn't just on shoppers' wallets; it's also good for the planet. As Michelle noted in her email to TCD, "To date, Martie has saved over 2.3 million kilograms of food from going to waste," comparable to taking over 2,260 cars off the road annually. Initially serving only California with rescued foods, Martie moved its warehouse operations last year from California to Texas for wider reach across the country. This expansion helps them serve more customers nationwide while planning two new warehouses this year for even better service. Fritjofsson expressed excitement about offering surplus items at discounted rates nationwide when talking with TCD. She emphasized how selling surplus goods lets customers contribute positively toward environmental efforts simply by shopping smarter. By transforming unwanted inventory into valuable resources accessible online without breaking banks or harming nature further down our supply chain paths—Martie highlights how smart business practices can make a difference one purchase at a time.
Score (98)
A Capybara And a Monkey are Forming the Most Unlikely, And Adorable, Friendship At the Denver Zoo
At the Denver Zoo, an unlikely pair has captured hearts — a capybara and a howler monkey who’ve become best friends. Baya, a 16-year-old howler monkey, and Rebecca, a 6-year-old capybara, share an enclosure at the Colorado zoo. The two females have been spotted cuddling and resting together as the summer heat fades, their quiet bond melting hearts across social media. “Our howler monkey mom, Baya, and capybara, Rebecca, have been spotted sharing some seriously adorable cuddles,” the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. “You’re welcome for the cuteness overload.” In photos shared by the Denver Zoo, Baya can be seen hugging Rebecca’s midsection, pressing her face against her friend, and even perching on Rebecca’s back while they rest under a rock formation. “They are very content with each other,” said Jessica Newell, an assistant curator at the zoo. “Rebecca’s pretty calm, and Baya’s able to go to her for comfort and support.” Though both species come from South America, friendships like this are rare in the wild. Howler monkeys spend most of their time in trees, while capybaras prefer open grassy areas near water. But because their natural ranges overlap and both are gentle by nature, zoos often house them together. Newell said the match has worked out perfectly. “I think Baya just really finds Rebecca as a comforting friend,” she said. The Denver Zoo’s photos of the snuggly pair have since made the rounds online — proof that even across species, friendship can thrive.
Score (98)
Miami Nonprofit Provides Vital Health Care to Homeless, Easing Emergency Room Strain
When 58-year-old Jonas Richards lost his job as a truck driver, he also lost his home — and with it, his access to basic health care. For years, his high blood pressure and diabetes went untreated. “When you're homeless, it's not easy,” Richards said. “You find yourself hustling, trying to keep a little money in your pocket, trying to find something to eat.” That changed when a team from Miami Street Medicine pulled up outside a homeless shelter. Sitting on a curb, Richards received his first full check-up in years. “You get everything done right here very fast,” he said. “It was a big help.” Miami Street Medicine is a nonprofit that brings free, mobile health care directly to people living on the streets. It’s part of Dade County Street Response, a larger network that also includes a free clinic, a disaster relief team, and a mental health crisis line. The group’s founder, Dr. Dan Bergholz, says the idea is simple: meet people where they are — literally. “We’re out there to meet the needs of our patients,” he said. “If that’s a cough drop, we’ve got you. But really, the mission is so much greater. It’s showing that we care. So when that cough becomes pneumonia, they’ll let us listen to their lungs and maybe trust us to take them to the hospital.” Each team includes doctors, nurses, and volunteer medical students who conduct intake exams on tablet computers, track chronic conditions, and even connect patients with specialists in cardiology, neurology, and dermatology. Bergholz first started planning Miami Street Medicine about seven years ago, inspired by the growing “street medicine” movement — health care delivered outside traditional settings. “I moved down to Miami early and just started hitting the streets and chatting with people,” he said. “You could call it a needs assessment.” The group was just gaining momentum when COVID-19 hit. Rather than pause operations, Bergholz partnered with Dade County Street Response to expand services across Miami’s most underserved areas. “A sort of bigger vision emerged to fill the gaps in the local social safety net,” he said. That mission hasn’t been easy. Dr. Armen Henderson, who founded Dade County Street Response, said criminalization of homelessness makes it difficult to maintain consistent contact with patients. “The criminalization of homelessness has significantly impacted our patients’ ability to be in one place to get services,” he said. “If the majority of those patients are now ending up in jail, people are trying to figure out what places are police not harassing them.” He also pushed back against a common misconception that providing aid encourages homelessness. “The only thing that ends homelessness is easy access to housing,” Henderson said. “No one wants to be unsheltered. By offering services like this, we’re easing people’s suffering. When people come in here, they want to get off the street.” Doctors say they’ve seen homelessness rise across Miami as housing costs soar and wages stagnate. Dr. Inaki Bent, who oversees the street medicine teams, said the state’s immigration crackdown has also left many undocumented migrants jobless and living outdoors. “I see patients here who are no longer working,” Bent said. “They would prefer not to expose themselves to that risk.” Beyond the personal benefit to patients, treating people on the streets helps prevent expensive emergency room visits for conditions that could have been managed earlier. Bent shared one example: a man with seizures who couldn’t afford his prescription after leaving the hospital. Without intervention, he likely would have ended up back in the ER. Instead, Miami Street Medicine stepped in to pay for his medication. “So we’re able to fill that void and hopefully prevent a couple more admissions,” Bent said. “But we're also able to do a human service for him, for our fellow man, to provide him with the necessary health care so he can begin his path toward a productive life.” For Richards, that path began on a sidewalk — and with a doctor who came to him.
Score (96)
How Older Travelers are Fueling a Rise in Voluntourism, Embracing Impactful Holidays
Forget lounging poolside. More travellers are swapping sunbeds for shovels, choosing to spend their holidays rebuilding castles, planting trees or helping protect endangered wildlife. The trend of “voluntourism” — travel that combines leisure with volunteer work — is booming again. Once seen mainly as a rite of passage for students on gap years, it’s now attracting a growing number of older travellers looking for meaningful, hands-on experiences abroad. Voluntourism trips can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Travellers can work on conservation projects, join archaeological digs, or help with cultural and educational programmes. The goal is simple: see the world, and leave something positive behind. According to Grand View Research, volunteer tourism was worth about €725 million in 2023 and is expected to grow more than 6 percent a year through 2030. In Europe alone, the market is expanding by nearly 5 percent annually. The EU-funded European Solidarity Corps sends thousands of young people abroad each year for placements lasting from two weeks to a year. UNESCO’s World Heritage Volunteers initiative also runs camps in 41 countries, where participants help restore historic sites. And private travel operators have stepped in too, offering programmes that allow would-be volunteers to choose experiences in destinations that inspire them. Sarah Faith, senior values writer for Responsible Travel, says the company is seeing more interest in “citizen science” holidays — trips where travellers collect data for real-world research. “You might be entering details of the seabirds you spot on an Arctic expedition cruise into a research app,” she said. “Or collecting samples of freshwater for inclusion in a global databank of environmental DNA.” Faith says voluntourism isn’t new, but it’s evolving fast. “Gap year students have long signed up for projects like sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica or teaching in Southeast Asia,” she said. “But today, the options are far more diverse — from structured NGO programmes to short volunteer add-ons for regular holidays.” Young people remain a key part of the movement. The Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports estimates that Europeans aged 15 to 29 make up a large share of the 1.6 million people who volunteer abroad each year. Many are driven by a mix of adventure and purpose, often using the experience to build life or career skills. But the biggest new wave is coming from older travellers. The so-called “post-family” generation — those over 50 with more time and resources — is signing up in record numbers. This segment is forecast to grow nearly 8 percent annually through 2030. Travel firms have noticed. Organisations like Projects Abroad and GoEco now offer experiences tailored to mature volunteers, from childcare work in Nepal to conservation at a puma sanctuary in Argentina or elephant care projects in Botswana. Experts say voluntourism can be deeply rewarding — but it has to be done right. “Done well, voluntourism can be a lifeline for conservation and community projects,” Faith said. “But not all opportunities are created equal.” She advises travellers to ask questions before signing up. Check how funds are used, whether the organisation works with local NGOs, and if the project benefits the community long-term. Programmes that replace paid local jobs or encourage direct contact with wildlife should be avoided. Faith said Responsible Travel made a major shift more than a decade ago when it stopped selling orphanage volunteering holidays, after discovering that some children were being placed in institutions purely to attract volunteers. For those who still want to travel with purpose, there are other options. Citizen science trips and charity-run holidays, where profits directly support community projects, are growing fast. With new opportunities appearing around the world, voluntourism is no longer just for students or idealists — it’s for anyone who wants to explore the planet while doing something meaningful. As Faith put it, the key is simple: “Travel responsibly, and make sure your trip helps the people and places you visit.”