A Donor's Unexpected Gift Just Saved a Wildlife Center with a New Rescue Van

A generous donation from a U.S. benefactor has brought joy to a Canadian wildlife rescue and education center, enabling it to purchase a much-needed transport van. Speaking of Wildlife, based in Ontario, received approximately $19,000 after the donor read about the nonprofit's fundraising efforts in Orillia Matters. The previous van had surpassed 248,000 miles and was no longer operational, leaving Krystal Hewitt, director and manager of operations, relying on her Jeep for transporting animals. "Just the other day, I transported a porcupine and a swan in the Jeep at the same time," Hewitt told Bradford Today. "We managed, but it was far from ideal." Speaking of Wildlife is dedicated to rescuing animals like porcupines and swans while educating the public on coexisting with local wildlife. The organization emphasizes understanding native species as crucial for fostering respect for biodiversity. "We tend to learn a lot about exotic species, but the animals in our backyard are just as interesting and important," Hewitt told Orillia Matters. She highlighted that respecting boundaries is key when encountering local wildlife. The anonymous donor's contribution allowed Speaking of Wildlife to complete its fundraising campaign successfully. "I actually missed the call initially and got a voicemail explaining the donor's intentions," Hewitt said. "Honestly, it felt too good to be true." With this new support, Speaking of Wildlife can continue its mission with enhanced capacity.

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The Marathon Revolution: How One Entrepreneur Solved a Long-Ignored Problem

Runners might not think much about the environmental impact of their discarded cups during a race, but Kristina Smithe is changing that. The entrepreneur behind Hiccup Earth is offering a sustainable alternative to disposable cups at races. Smithe's eco-friendly journey began at the 2019 California International Marathon. With 9,000 runners in attendance, she calculated that an astonishing 150,000 cups were likely used and tossed aside. "I was just shocked that, even in California, it's not sustainable," she told the Associated Press. Hiccup Earth provides reusable silicone cups that are both lightweight and flexible, ideal for runners who need hydration on the go. These aren't just any reusable cups; they aim to tackle the plastic issue head-on. Traditional race-day cups, whether fully plastic or paper with plastic linings, don't biodegrade quickly and contribute to landfill waste and pollution. The first test for Hiccup Earth's solution came at a race in 2021. Now, the company boasts a stock of 70,000 reusable cups available for rent. Smithe often personally delivers these in large tote bags. Her pitch to race directors is straightforward: "If you're looking for a sustainable solution, I have one." So far, Smithe estimates her company has prevented over 900,000 disposable cups from reaching landfills across 137 races. To help with collection post-race, she brings along branded bins for easy disposal and retrieval of the cups. Cleaning these reusable cups is efficient too. A batch of 1,500 can be washed using six to ten times the water needed for an average dishwasher load. While renting these eco-friendly alternatives costs more—15 cents per cup until orders hit over 10,000—compared to mere cents for disposables, there’s optimism about closing this gap. Sarah Gleeson from Project Drawdown believes high adoption rates could drive costs down significantly while maximizing environmental benefits. Gleeson also pointed out that disposable cups are a clear example of the plastic waste issues we face today. "It's just a solution to a problem that's long overdue," Smithe said. With ongoing efforts like Hiccup Earth’s making strides towards sustainability in sports events, there’s potential for broader changes in how we approach everyday waste management challenges.

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Electric Airplane Makes Historic Passenger Flight to JFK: A New Era in Aviation Begins

New York just witnessed a significant event in aviation history. For the first time ever, a passenger-carrying electric airplane landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport with actual passengers onboard, not just a test pilot or crew. This flight marked an important step toward environmentally friendly air travel. Kyle Clark, the founder and CEO of Beta Technologies, piloted the electric aircraft on its journey from East Hampton to JFK. The aircraft carried four passengers and completed the 130-kilometer trip in just over 30 minutes. Clark expressed his excitement about this achievement, saying, "This is a 100 percent electric airplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area." The implications are clear: Electric air travel is practical and ready for real-world application. These planes offer quieter operations than traditional aircraft, benefiting communities near airports who often deal with noise pollution. Plus, they're much cheaper to operate. According to Clark, charging and flying their aircraft cost about $8 in electricity. Passengers enjoyed a quiet flight where they could converse easily without the usual engine noise interrupting them. This level of comfort could make electric air travel appealing to commuters looking for efficient ways to travel between cities. Transportation companies are already exploring battery-powered aircraft for short city trips that can take off and land vertically. These innovations aim to reduce road traffic and emissions while providing smoother rides. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also played its part by finalizing new rules regarding pilot training and certification for air taxis as of October last year. With these regulations in place, companies like Beta Technologies are closer than ever to introducing electric air taxis safely into urban environments. Beta Technologies is leading this charge from Vermont since its founding in 2017. They recently raised $318 million for production, and certification efforts bring their total funding beyond $1 billion. They aren't only focusing on building planes but also developing infrastructure to support electric flights across the United States. Beta's electric aircraft can travel up to 463 kilometers per charge—ideal for short commutes between cities or suburbs, as more companies join this effort alongside expanding charging station networks throughout urban areas.

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Vermont's Wildlife Tunnels Save Amphibians: A Community-Driven Success Story

A Vermont community has significantly improved the survival rates of local amphibians by constructing an underpass specifically for them. This endeavor has resulted in over an 80 percent reduction in amphibian fatalities, showcasing the effectiveness of such conservation efforts. The findings, published on May 28 in the Journal for Nature Conservation, detail extensive research conducted around Monkton from 2011 to 2022. The study compared three zones: one with underpasses and wing walls, another beyond the ends of these walls, and a distant control area. Researchers tirelessly documented amphibian activity during rainy evenings when migrations occur. Over the years, they recorded more than 5,270 amphibians spanning 12 species of frogs, toads, and salamanders. Before the underpasses were built, mortality rates were staggeringly high. Nearly half of the observed 1,702 spotted salamanders were found dead, along with almost 70 percent of the recorded 2,545 spring peeper frogs. In areas equipped with underpasses and wing walls after construction began in 2016, there was an impressive reduction in deaths by over 80 percent. Lead study author Matthew Marcelino, an ecologist at the University of Vermont, expressed surprise at how effective this solution proved to be. "It was surprising," he noted. "I knew that underpasses would work, but I didn't think they would be that effective." He added that excluding climbing amphibians like spring peeper frogs revealed a further decrease in mortality rates by as much as 94 percent in those specific zones. These four-foot-long concrete tunnels are more than just pathways for frogs and salamanders; they also accommodate bears, porcupines, bobcats, snakes, raccoons, and birds. The project came about through collaborative efforts between local residents, conservation groups, state agencies, and scientists from UVM. Marcelino remarked on the broader implications of their study: "This study provides strong evidence that wildlife underpasses work." Amphibians play a key role in maintaining ecosystem health and nutrient cycles while serving as both predators, controlling pest populations and prey, supporting other species. Biodiversity helps regulate disease spread and maintains climate stability, along with food and water security. High death rates among amphibians can weaken biodiversity within ecosystems—a concern addressed by this successful initiative. Marcelino emphasized that conservation requires dedication but offers substantial ecological rewards when done right. "Conservation takes commitment," he explained. "But when we invest in good tools and take the time to do it right," he said, further highlighting how ancient yet beautiful these creatures are—an indication that focusing on wildlife preservation is worth pursuing for our planet's future well-being.

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Sibling Support Shines Across 2,300km: Her Major Win and Her Brother’s Heartfelt Message

The tyranny of distance is something golfers know well. As they stand on the tee and look towards the distant flag, it's only distance separating them from their goal. Minjee Lee, however, has proven she knows how to overcome that challenge both literally and figuratively. Minjee Lee recently solidified her place among Australia's golfing greats by winning her third major at the Women's PGA Championship. Yet, while celebrating this remarkable achievement, she couldn't help but feel the absence of her family. Her brother Min Woo Lee was competing in the final round of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, about 2,300 kilometers away. Despite being far from his sister's victory celebrations, Min Woo managed to send a heartfelt message through a corporate interview setting. "I'm so proud of you," he said when prompted by broadcasters. "The last couple of years have been tough and I'm glad to see you back in the winner's circle. I'm proud of you and … ah … love you." These words resonated deeply with Minjee when she watched the video later. "That's so sweet," she said emotionally. The siblings' interaction highlighted how difficult it can be for professional athletes to stay connected with family amidst their demanding schedules. In a sport filled with close calls and missed opportunities, having familial support is invaluable. Since her last major win in 2022, Minjee faced various challenges including a setback at last year's US Open which threatened her confidence. Throughout these struggles, Min Woo remained supportive even from afar. "This will be Minjee's year," Min Woo confidently told ABC’s Australian Story last March. His faith in her abilities never wavered: "Not you think you can; you will," he assured his sister during an interview. For golfers on tour like Minjee, home becomes an elusive concept—something more than just a place or destination but rather moments shared with loved ones despite physical distances. Home might sometimes mean watching another event unfold on social media or receiving messages conveying warmth and encouragement across vast distances. As Minjee continues her career on this global stage where hotels replace homes and clubhouses are temporary refuges between tournaments, one thing remains constant: her brother’s unwavering belief that she not only can succeed but inevitably will. Min Woo's message ended with a simple yet heartfelt declaration: "Love you."

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First Glimpse: New Observatory Set to Unveil Stunning Images of Millions of Galaxies

Astronomy enthusiasts, get ready. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to release a treasure trove of images that promise to transform our understanding of the universe. A sneak peek has already shown the vast potential of this powerful facility, capturing millions of galaxies and countless asteroids in just ten hours of observation. The observatory's telescope has kicked off its 10-year mission known as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). This ambitious project will map the southern sky in near-ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared wavelengths. By photographing the entire sky every few days, it aims to create an extensive time-lapse of cosmic events. With its 3,200-megapixel camera—the largest ever built—each region of the sky will be photographed around 800 times. This level of detail allows scientists to gather unprecedented data on celestial phenomena. In one early image, we see the Trifid and Lagoon nebulas located within our Milky Way galaxy. Situated a few thousand light-years from Earth, these nebulas are bustling with newborn stars. Not only do these formations offer stunning views, but they also hold key insights into star formation processes. The observatory captured this particular image by combining 678 individual observations over seven hours. While these initial glimpses are impressive, more excitement awaits this morning as the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Energy (DOE) will host a full reveal event where all remaining images will be released at 15:00 UTC (11:00 EDT). Eager viewers can catch live watch parties globally or tune into a livestream on YouTube. We'll have more coverage throughout the day on the Goodable app. Stay tuned!

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Joins NBA Legends With Historic MVP And Finals Triumph

Oklahoma City is buzzing after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped off an extraordinary season by clinching the NBA Finals MVP Award. This achievement comes nearly six years after he joined the Thunder as part of a major trade that marked the team's rebuilding phase. Now, his name is inscribed alongside basketball legends. The Thunder secured a 103-91 victory in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, with Gilgeous-Alexander playing a pivotal role. He now joins an elite group of players who have won both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP in the same year. The select club includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Willis Reed. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points during the regular season and 30.3 in the Finals. His stellar performance makes him the first player since O’Neal in 2000 to win a scoring title and an NBA championship in the same season. The only others ever to achieve this are Jordan, Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan, and Joe Fulks. Reflecting on his success after scoring 29 points and dishing out a career-playoff-high 12 assists in Game 7, Gilgeous-Alexander said: “It's hard to believe that I'm part of that group...I'm just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true." His regular-season scoring average set a new record for players who won the championship that year, surpassing Jordan's mark from 1992-93 by one-tenth of a point. "This isn't just a win for me," he said while receiving his award. "This is a win for my family...and everyone who was in my corner growing up." Throughout the series with Indiana, Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 212 points—the most since LeBron James' 215 in 2015—and had fifteen games scoring at least thirty points during these playoffs. Chet Holmgren of Oklahoma City praised his teammate’s historic run: “That's going to go down in history as one of the greatest seasons that's ever been had by a player,” adding how it was inspiring to witness such achievements firsthand. One standout moment came during Game 4 when Gilgeous-Alexander scored fifteen of his thirty-five points in the last five minutes—an effort unmatched by any player over half a century of Finals play. “Those are moments when superstars make their name,” he remarked post-game. Gilgeous-Alexander arrived in Oklahoma as part of a trade with the LA Clippers involving Paul George back in summer 2019; this deal also included several valuable draft picks, which helped shape today's roster, including co-star Jalen Williams. He became an anchor for Oklahoma City's rebuild even through challenging times like twenty-two and twenty-four-win seasons before leading them into double-digit improvement each successive yea,r ultimately culminating in this remarkable sixty-eight-win campaign. Thunder GM Sam Presti commented on Gilgeous-Alexander's dedication: “The thing about Shai is he's secure… It allows him to see things for what they can be."

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These Critically Endangered Turtles are Making a Stunning Comeback After a Decade

In a heartening turn for conservationists, critically endangered Palawan forest turtles have made their way back to the wild on the island of Palawan in the Philippines. This comes a decade after nearly 4,000 turtles were rescued from illegal wildlife traders. The nonprofit Katala Foundation Inc. recently released turtles into the Roxas wetlands, an area teeming with biodiversity, during World Turtle Day. The effort is part of a larger initiative by KFI's Katala Institute for Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, which has been researching these elusive animals since launching the Palawan Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program in 2006. Their work paid off when they successfully returned two captive-bred baby turtles to nature in 2022. Sabine Schoppe, program director at KFI's PFTCP, notes that while progress is being made in conservation areas where turtle populations are stabilizing, challenges remain outside these zones due to habitat loss and other threats. “Last year, we decided we needed to present the result to the world,” she said. She highlighted the extensive annual surveys conducted across ten sites under varied conditions. Efforts to boost turtle numbers also include community engagement programs like Adopt-a-Turtle. Through donations and pledges, people can support research and protection efforts against poaching and illegal activities threatening these creatures. Discovered officially in 2004 after being presumed extinct for years, Palawan forest turtles have faced misidentification issues that sparked illegal trade interest. Since then, conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect them from exploitation. Despite ongoing challenges such as quarrying pressures and limited local support, there is optimism for change by 2026 through expanded volunteer opportunities and increased conservation areas. These turtles play an important ecological role as ecosystem regulators and pest reducers, contributing indirectly to public health by curbing disease spread. Slow breeding rates might hinder rapid population growth; however, their steady comeback remains encouraging. "Slow and steady wins the race," Schoppe remarked about their gradual yet hopeful recovery efforts.

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NASA's New Mission: Measuring Moonlight to Revolutionize Earth Data Accuracy

NASA is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking instrument named Arcstone, designed to enhance the precision of data from Earth-viewing sensors in orbit. This mission will leverage a technique called lunar calibration, where sunlight reflected from the Moon is measured to set a universal standard for scientific and commercial space communities. Calibrating satellite and airborne sensors involves comparing their measurements against known standards. Arcstone will be the first mission exclusively focused on measuring lunar reflectance from space to improve the accuracy of Earth-viewing instruments in orbit. "One of the most challenging tasks in remote sensing from space is achieving required instrument calibration accuracy on-orbit," said Constantine Lukashin, principal investigator for the Arcstone mission at NASA’s Langley Research Center. "The Moon is an excellent and available calibration source beyond Earth’s atmosphere." Over its six-month mission, Arcstone will use a spectrometer—an instrument that separates light into its spectrum—to measure lunar spectral reflectance. Scheduled for a late June launch as part of a CubeSat rideshare, Arcstone will begin collecting data about three weeks after reaching orbit. "The mission demonstrates a new, more cost-efficient instrument design," Lukashin added. This design aims to achieve high-accuracy reference measurements of lunar spectral reflectance by observing various lunar phase angles and librations. Currently, atmospheric interference affects measurements of lunar reflectance taken from Earth's surface. While researchers already use the Sun and Moon for calibration, these are not yet at a universally agreed-upon level of precision. Lukashin and his team aim to enhance calibration accuracy by taking measurements above Earth's atmosphere. This approach offers a stable and universal calibration source that could significantly improve remote sensing data quality. Thomas Stone, co-investigator for Arcstone and scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), highlighted that no space-based platform has yet conducted dedicated radiometric characterization measurements of the Moon. "A high-accuracy SI-traceable lunar calibration system enables several important capabilities for space-based Earth observing missions," he said. If successful, this initial demonstration could pave the way for longer missions that make the Moon a preferred reference standard for many satellites. The new standard could also be retroactively applied to previous Earth data records, enhancing their accuracy or filling gaps in existing datasets. "Lunar calibration is a robust and cost-effective way to achieve high accuracy," said Stone. This method can enable more precise assessments of Earth's current state and more reliable predictions of future trends.

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From Hunters to Protectors: How a Brazilian Village Transformed Its Relationship with Manatees

In Barra do Mamanguape, a quaint fishing community on Brazil's northeastern coast, the tides have turned from hunting to conservation. Once known for its manatee hunts, the village is now a hub for ecotourism, uniting locals in a mission to protect these gentle marine mammals. Barra do Mamanguape's estuary offers warm and calm waters, making it an ideal habitat for manatees. During Brazil's colonial period, these creatures were hunted extensively. Their meat was considered a delicacy similar to pork, as Marinalva Brito, a local fisher and business owner, recalled. The skin and oil of manatees even found their way to European markets. Understanding of manatees was limited until scientists recognized the species as critically endangered. This led to concerted conservation efforts, including the establishment of the nonprofit Viva o Peixe-Boi Marinho in 2013. The group worked closely with local fishers to harness their knowledge and foster awareness about preserving manatees. “They knew a lot,” said João Carlos Borges, coordinator of Viva o Peixe-Boi Marinho. “And from that, we had lectures. There were face-to-face conversations; there were experiences of participating in fishing activities with them.” This outreach has gradually shifted local perspectives. Instead of killing stranded manatees for food, villagers now report them for rescue operations. Sebastião dos Santos, an ecologist from the area, noted this change: “My grandparents were people who ate manatees; today we have a different experience.” The shift to ecotourism has brought economic benefits as well. Tourists come to see the manatees and contribute financially by spending on local accommodations and services. Residents are not just spectators but active participants in conservation efforts. They've helped monitor and rehabilitate around 60 stranded manatees since the 1990s. However, challenges remain. Boat strikes pose a significant threat to these animals, despite hunting no longer being an issue. At least ten rescued manatees have been injured by boats after returning to the wild. Most collisions occur within 200 meters of the coastline, an area off-limits to boats, highlighting gaps in regulation enforcement. Borges emphasized the need for collective responsibility in protecting these creatures: “So our big challenge is how to get all of society involved in a responsibility that is shared by everyone.” As he pointed out, there's a pressing need for swift changes.

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Meet The Teen Trailblazers Redefining Indian Motorsports

Aashi Hanspal and Shriya Lohia are breaking barriers in a field that’s long been dominated by men. These young women are not just revving up engines; they’re driving change in Indian motorsport. Eighteen-year-old Aashi Hanspal wasn’t always into racing. Her interests used to lie elsewhere, like dance and art. But once she got the hang of it, speed became her passion. “I thought to myself that this is something I may just end up doing," she says. Seventeen-year-old Shriya Lohia’s story isn’t much different. She experimented with multiple sports until motorsport captured her heart. At 16, she became India's youngest and first female Formula 4 driver. Now, she's aiming even higher. Both Hanspal and Lohia represent a small group of teenage female drivers competing nationally and internationally from India. In 2020, Hanspal was the sole Indian girl selected for the FIA Girls on Track — Rising Stars shootout in France. Two years later, Lohia followed suit as the only Indian representative among 14 girls chosen globally. Initiatives like the FIA Girls on Track program aim to increase female representation in motorsport, where only 1.5 percent of licensed drivers are women. Spearheaded by former Formula 1 development driver Susie Wolff, the program identifies and supports young women in racing. While the motorsport scene in India is becoming more inclusive, both racers feel that progress is slow but steady. "With the introduction of Formula 4, Formula E in Hyderabad, and the Indian Racing League, things are getting better,” Lohia acknowledges. Yet challenges remain beyond just getting behind the wheel; societal attitudes need to shift too. Shriya points out that some families still hesitate to let their daughters pursue such paths due to traditional views on gender roles. Fortunately for her, parental support has been unwavering. Racing isn't all about speed and adrenaline; it also involves immense mental focus and pressure management. Before races start, when lights go out instead of turning green, nerves can run high. "You have to be very calm," Hanspal explains about handling pre-race jitters while competing predominantly against male counterparts.

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