NASA's Junior Test Pilot School: Where Kids Become Aerospace Innovators This Summer

A new wave of young aerospace enthusiasts is set to take flight this summer with the 2025 Junior Test Pilot School, a hands-on program designed to ignite interest in STEM careers. Hosted by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Flight Test Museum Foundation, this six-week adventure will unfold at Blackbird Airpark and Joe Davies Heritage Airpark in Palmdale, California. From June 16 through July 25, elementary-aged students will dive into the world of test pilots and engineers. The program offers free registration through participating school districts and the Flight Test Museum, providing access to iconic aircraft like the A-12, SR-71, U-2, F-86 Sabre, and NASA's Boeing 747 Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. “This program offers more than a glimpse into aerospace; it provides students a hands-on opportunity to solve real-world problems and see themselves in future STEM roles,” said Dr. Amira Flores of NASA’s California Office of STEM Engagement. The curriculum includes eight core modules covering flight principles, stealth engineering, altitude effects, speed and g-force dynamics, payload impact analysis, maneuverability studies, reconnaissance design strategies, and jet engine systems. Students will also tackle the Wildfire Design Challenge under NASA Armstrong’s Aero Fair program guidance. “Our junior test pilots learn to analyze aircraft design and think like an engineer,” said Lisa Sheldon Brown from the Flight Test Museum. Supported by industry giants Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman alongside local partners like the City of Palmdale, this initiative aims to inspire future aerospace professionals in Antelope Valley, a region rich with STEM career opportunities.

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Good News This Week: How Fireflies, Skateparks and Reefs Are Brightening Our Future

From historic conservation efforts to medical breakthroughs and youth-led innovation, here’s your roundup of the most inspiring, forward-moving news from around the world: A breakthrough in the fight against HIV Researchers in Australia have used mRNA technology to expose hidden HIV cells — a major step toward finding a cure. The virus typically hides inside white blood cells, making it hard to eliminate. This new method “overwhelmed” researchers, who initially thought the results were too good to be true. If successful in future trials, it could help the nearly 40 million people living with HIV globally who currently rely on daily medication. The world’s first adaptive skatepark Blind skateboarder Dan Mancina opened a 5,000-square-foot skatepark in Detroit designed specifically for visually impaired riders. Mancina, who lost his vision to a degenerative eye disease, returned to skating with a cane and tactile markers — and wanted others to have a better experience. Now, his park welcomes all abilities, setting a new standard for inclusive recreation. Three teens invented a brain-controlled prosthetic leg After seeing their friend struggle with a standard prosthetic, three Texan high schoolers created a brain-powered version called NeuroFlex. The device translates brain signals through an EEG headband, giving users greater mobility and comfort — and it’s significantly more affordable than most bionic limbs. Their invention won them $50,000 in scholarships. French Polynesia launched the largest marine protected area in history Announced at the UN Ocean Conference, French Polynesia’s new marine protected area spans nearly 5 million square kilometers, with over 1 million of those highly protected. Destructive practices like deep-sea mining and bottom trawling will be restricted. It’s a bold move for ocean conservation at a time when marine ecosystems are increasingly at risk. Survival rates for childhood leukemia have soared In the 1960s, fewer than 15% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia survived past five years. Today, that number has jumped to 94% in North America and Europe thanks to advances in chemotherapy, radiation, and personalized treatments. England and Wales are decriminalizing rough sleeping The UK government announced it will scrap the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act, which criminalized rough sleeping. The law, originally passed in 1824, has long been seen as a way of punishing poverty. Starting next year, it will be replaced by laws targeting organized crime — not the unhoused. Jamaica hit a record low in poverty Jamaica’s poverty rate dropped to 8.2% in 2023 — the lowest since records began in 1989. Food poverty also fell by more than half, driven by higher employment, a sharp rise in the minimum wage, and expanded social programs. Turning ashes into coral reefs UK startup Resting Reef is giving new life to death by transforming cremated remains into artificial reefs. The eco-friendly memorials have already been placed in U.S. and UK waters, attracting 84 species of fish and boosting marine biodiversity. Human remains are next. Middle schooler starts support drive for teen moms Miami student Mina Boomer launched a donation campaign for pregnant and parenting teens at a local public school. Instead of assuming what they needed, she asked — and collected essentials ranging from diapers to makeup, helping her peers feel seen and supported.

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Meet the 18-Year-Old Fresh Out of High School Running for Mayor in Alabama

Brandon Moss, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate, is making waves in Fairfield, Alabama, by announcing his candidacy for mayor just weeks after receiving his diploma. As the youngest candidate in the city's history, Moss is eager to bring a fresh perspective to the community of about 9,500 people located southwest of Birmingham. "I am ready to take on this challenge. Age doesn't guarantee wisdom or innovation," Moss told ABC News. "I'm not going to say I'm perfect or I know it all; it will take a team of good people to be able to accomplish good things." Moss launched his campaign on June 7 with a clear vision for Fairfield's future. He aims to address pressing issues such as business development and improving residents' quality of life. Inspired by political figures like Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and former President Barack Obama, Moss believes it's time for new leadership. "The past administrations and the people that are running have done a great job in Fairfield, but I think it's time that we look for something new," he said. Moss brings experience from participating in the Alabama Youth and Government program and serving on various advisory boards. If elected, he plans to focus on financial transparency by hiring a forensic auditor and supporting small businesses through pop-up stores. Tackling blight is also on his agenda, with plans to seek federal grants for community improvement. As he prepares to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham this fall, Moss remains committed to balancing college with potential mayoral duties. His campaign manager Marilyn Yelder expressed confidence in his readiness: "I think he will be more than prepared." The election takes place on Aug. 26, where Moss will face several other candidates vying for the position. Regardless of the outcome, he remains determined to pursue a career in politics.

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Getting in More Steps May Prevent the Leading Cause of Disability in the US, Study Says

A new study suggests that a simple daily walk could be the key to reducing the risk of chronic low back pain. Research published in JAMA Network Open found that walking for 100 minutes each day is linked to a 23 percent lower risk of developing this common ailment. "Walking is a simple, low-cost, and accessible activity," said Rayane Haddadj, lead author and doctoral candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. "It can be promoted widely to reduce the burden of low back pain." Globally, around 600 million people suffer from low back pain, which is considered the leading cause of disability. By 2050, this number could rise to 843 million, according to the World Health Organization. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 participants aged 20 and older in Norway's Trøndelag Health Study. Participants wore accelerometers for seven days between 2017 and 2019 to track their walking habits. Researchers followed up between 2021 and 2023 to assess any experiences with back pain. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their daily walking time: less than 78 minutes, between 78-100 minutes, between 101-124 minutes, and more than 125 minutes. The findings indicated that increased daily walking reduced the risk of chronic low back pain. Moderate or brisk walking was found to be more beneficial than a slower pace. While promising due to its large sample size and objective measurement methods, the study only captured one week of data per participant. It remains observational; thus causation cannot be definitively established. "Start with short walking sessions," advised Dr. Natasha Pocovi from Macquarie University in Sydney. "Gradually increase your walking in a sustainable way."

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Why This Man's Manchester Love Affair Led to a One-of-a-Kind Tattoo

Stéphane Chevalier, a Swiss native from Pully, England, has turned his admiration for Manchester into a permanent tribute. After visiting the city more than 50 times over the past decade, Chevalier decided to commemorate his love for Manchester by getting tattoos of its iconic landmarks on his leg. Chevalier's fascination with Manchester began in 2010 when he attended a Manchester United match at Old Trafford. "I felt I had made a dream come true," he said. His body art now features some of the city's most famous sights, including Beetham Tower, Castlefield Viaduct, Mulligan's pub, and The National Football Museum. In 2022, Chevalier lived in Manchester for three months and has since launched French-language Instagram accounts dedicated to all things Mancunian. His passion for the city continues as he plans to fly back this summer to attend one of Oasis' comeback gigs at Heaton Park.

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Why Artist Chase Hall Believes Gratitude Fuels Creativity

When Chase Hall speaks, it’s with the intention and care of someone who has spent years interrogating himself — someone deeply attuned to the nuances of identity, race, and what it means to belong. At 32, the painter has become one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary art, known not just for his use of coffee-stained cotton canvases, but for how his work distills the layered contradictions of being mixed-race in America. Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to a white mother and a Black father, Hall describes his practice as an “exploration of the impossible absolute of biracial identity.” In the spirit of W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness, Hall is less interested in arriving at answers than he is in framing honest, unresolved questions — about race, about class, about manhood and legacy. “The work has always been about questions of who I am, who I am becoming, and how I am showing up in the world,” he says. Those questions take physical form in paintings that blend abstraction and figuration. The raw cotton canvas speaks to the history of enslavement and exploitation in America. The coffee — a material rooted in African soil and global labor — stains the fabric with deliberate strokes and cultural weight. His figures often evoke familial memory, social resilience, and historical dissonance. That material language was born out of necessity. As a young barista with no budget for art supplies, Hall began painting with coffee on the back of receipts. Over time, the practice became a signature. “I didn’t have money to buy paint tubes, but I had coffee from the shop,” he says. “I wanted to galvanize some of those questions by using an alternative material that wasn’t found in an art store.” Hall’s rise hasn’t been sudden, but it has been meteoric. Since landing a residency at MASS MoCA in 2020 and appearing on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list the following year, he’s been acquired by the likes of LACMA, the Whitney, and the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Yet even in moments of career breakthrough, Hall has remained conscious of the contradictions around him. In 2020, he gained recognition just as George Floyd’s murder — and the global protests that followed — exposed once again the violent fault lines of racial injustice. “I never felt like, ‘Oh, I made it,’” Hall says. “It was more like, now I have a chance to keep going, to keep speaking truth to power.” At the time, both of his parents were incarcerated. He was taking care of a dog, a relationship, and his own emotional survival. The idea that success could—or should—erase the pain of the moment felt hollow. Instead, Hall leaned deeper into the contradictions. His current show at Galerie Eva Presenhuber in Vienna, titled Momma’s Baby, Daddy’s Maybe, takes its name from a phrase his father used to say during visits. “It really shattered me,” Hall says. “But it also made me think about the trope of fractured fatherhood — how that shows up constantly, especially in Black families, and what it means to grow up with that absence.” The show explores themes of masculinity and growth, from the confusion of adolescence to the reckoning of middle age. That evolution is personal. Ten months ago, Hall became a father himself. “It’s changed everything in a really special and beautiful way,” he says. “I’m seeing things I used to take for granted in a new light. Before, I was this lone wolf trying to figure out who I am. Now, it’s like my heart lives outside my body.” Fatherhood hasn’t necessarily shifted the themes of his work, but it has deepened them. The maternal figure — often central in his paintings — now comes with the added weight of recognition and gratitude. “You see parents in a totally different lens,” he says. “It’s a hundred times more beautiful, and a hundred times harder than I ever imagined.” Even as his work grapples with trauma — racial, generational, familial — it holds space for joy. Hall doesn’t describe his practice as intentionally optimistic, but as intentionally honest. “I don’t try to make joyful artwork,” he says. “I try to make work that is truthful. And in that truth, there are moments that are good and moments that are bad.” That balance of pain and possibility, of absence and presence, has shaped both his artistic language and his personal growth. Early in his career, fellow artist Sondra Perry challenged him directly: “You love Black history, but your mom is white. Where is that in the work?” It was a turning point. “Until someone calls you out, you’re never forced to grow,” Hall says. “That critique made me dig deeper and find a truth to stand on, not someone else’s block. That’s when I stopped trying to ‘pass’ and started asking what it really means to tell the full story.” Hall’s story — and the stories in his work — remain layered, open-ended, and defiantly complex. In a world eager to define people in absolutes, he offers another way: one that embraces duality, contradiction, and the slow work of becoming.

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Meet The 135-Year-Old Tortoise Celebrating His First Father’s Day at Zoo Miami

Goliath, the venerable Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami, marked a milestone on Sunday by celebrating his 135th birthday and becoming a father for the first time. Weighing in at 517 pounds, Goliath welcomed his first offspring earlier this month, much to the delight of zoo officials. “Goliath is my hero, and I am sure he will soon be an inspiration to many others!” said Ron Magill, Zoo Miami spokesman. “He is living proof that where there is a will, there is a way and to never give up!” The hatchling emerged from one of eight eggs laid on January 27 and successfully hatched on June 4. This event marks not only Goliath's debut as a father but also the first successful hatching of an endangered Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami. The species has faced significant threats over the years due to human activities and invasive species on their native Galapagos Islands. Today, climate change and habitat loss continue to pose challenges. Goliath's journey began between 1885 and 1890 when he hatched on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He made his way to the Bronx Zoo in 1929 before settling at Zoo Miami in 1981. Despite breeding attempts with various females over the years, this is his first successful siring with Sweet Pea, who is estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old. Both parents are thriving in their public habitat while their hatchling remains healthy in a separate enclosure since wild hatchlings are typically not raised by their parents.

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Taylor Swift's Heartwarming Surprise Visit to Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital

Pop superstar Taylor Swift brought unexpected joy to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, on June 13, 2025. Her surprise visit transformed an ordinary day into a memorable experience for young patients and their families. The hospital shared the news on social media, expressing gratitude: "You made this a day we’ll never shake off. 💜 Thank you, Taylor Swift, for bringing your support and kindness to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. You turned hospital hallways into a place of joy, comfort, and connection. ✨ Our patients and families felt the love, and the magic will stay, stay, stay with them long after today." Swift's presence filled the hospital with smiles and laughter as she interacted with children, posed for photos, and offered words of encouragement to families facing difficult times. “Can I scream?” one patient exclaimed before letting out a joyful yell that echoed down the hallway. Another patient expressed disbelief at meeting her idol: “Holy crap. I met Taylor Swift. Holy crap.” A former pediatric nurse highlighted the significance of Swift's visit: "I worked as a pediatric nurse for a long time and the impact of something like this, not only on the patients but the morale of the staff is really a big deal. Good on Taylor for bringing so much joy to these sweet kids."

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The Top 5 Weekly Foods Dietitians Swear By to Slash Your Stroke Risk

Your brain is the powerhouse of your body, orchestrating everything from thoughts to emotions. Protecting it from strokes is crucial, and what you eat can make a significant difference. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole foods like olive oil, grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes can reduce stroke risk by 40 percent for high-risk individuals, according to Vanessa King, M.S., RDN. A study supports this claim, showing that those with high-quality diets had a 40% lower stroke risk compared to those with poor diets. Dietitians recommend five key foods to help keep your stroke risk low: 1. Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, salmon can lower blood homocysteine levels, a stroke risk factor. "Three ounces of cooked salmon provides over 100 percent of the Daily Value of B12," says King. 2. Coffee: Amy Brownstein, M.S., RDN notes coffee's polyphenols may lower blood pressure. She advises limiting sweeteners due to their potential contribution to stroke risk. 3. Spinach: Packed with folate and magnesium, spinach promotes brain blood flow. Studies link high folate intake to a 17 percent reduction in stroke incidence. 4. Chickpeas: These beans are rich in vitamin B6 and fiber. "They serve as a protein source for stews and salads," says King. 5. Soy Foods: Tofu and tempeh are heart-friendly proteins that may relax blood vessels due to phytoestrogens. Beyond diet, staying active is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and cholesterol levels. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol also contribute significantly to reducing stroke risk. "Even small shifts in the kitchen can make a big impact on stroke prevention," King emphasizes.

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The Surprising 4 Nutrients That Could Help Lower Your Dementia Risk

A new study out of Columbia University suggests that certain nutrients — especially those with antioxidant properties — may help lower the risk of dementia. The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, point to vitamins, minerals, and fiber as potentially protective factors, while high sugar intake was once again linked to increased risk. Dementia, which includes conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, is expected to affect double the number of people globally by 2060. That projection comes with a steep cost: the economic burden of unpaid dementia care in the U.S. alone is forecast to rise from $172 billion in 2020 to more than $1.5 trillion by mid-century. Since there’s no cure for dementia, prevention is crucial — and that starts with diet. What the Study Looked At Researchers pulled data from the long-running U.S. Health and Retirement Study, specifically a subset from 2013 that focused on diet and nutrition. Over 6,000 adults aged 50 and older filled out detailed food questionnaires and underwent cognitive assessments. Researchers then analyzed how intake of 101 individual nutrients related to dementia risk, while adjusting for factors like age, sex, education, smoking, physical activity, and BMI. The Nutrients That Stood Out Among all the nutrients evaluated, five stood out for their strong association with a lower risk of developing dementia: Isorhamnetin – A flavonol found in fruits and vegetables like onions, berries, cherries, apples, and almonds. Manganese – A trace mineral found in nuts, legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, and even maple syrup. Dietary Fiber – Found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, and whole grains. Beta-tocopherol and beta-tocotrienol – Two forms of vitamin E, which is present in sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and vegetable oils. All of these nutrients have antioxidant effects, helping to reduce cellular damage that can contribute to cognitive decline. On the flip side, the study reinforced previous research linking high sugar intake with a greater risk of dementia. A Few Surprises Not all the findings were straightforward. Some nutrients typically seen as beneficial, including vitamin D and glycerophosphocholine (a compound in milk), were associated with a higher risk of dementia in this study. The authors caution against reading too much into these findings, noting that it’s possible the issue lies in other components of the food rather than the nutrients themselves. More research is needed. Limitations This was an observational study, not a clinical trial. That means it can’t prove cause and effect — only associations. Also, the dietary data relied on participants recalling what they ate over the past year, which can introduce errors. Dementia diagnosis was also based on interviews or proxy reports, not clinical evaluations. And important factors like genetics weren’t included in the analysis. Takeaways for Daily Life Despite the study’s limitations, the message is consistent with broader public health guidance: eat more plant-based, nutrient-rich foods and limit processed sugar. Adding more fiber, vitamin E, flavonols, and minerals like manganese to your diet doesn’t require drastic change. A few swaps — like trading chips for nuts and berries, or soda for water or tea — can boost nutrient intake without much effort. And for those looking for a more structured approach, evidence-backed diets like the MIND diet, which blends Mediterranean and DASH diet principles, have been shown to reduce dementia risk by as much as 25 percent. The Bottom Line While there’s no silver bullet for preventing dementia, this new research supports what many experts already believe: a nutrient-rich diet can play a key role in protecting brain health. Antioxidant-rich foods, plenty of fiber, and cutting back on sugar may not only help your memory, but your overall well-being as well.

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Why Thousands Are Lining Up for Free Tattoos at This Unexpected Coffee Pop-Up

Would you consider getting a tattoo while sipping your favorite latte? Across the UK, cafes are blending coffee culture with body art to draw in more customers. With over 11,000 cafes nationwide, according to the World Coffee Portal, this trend is gaining traction. Some believe it’s fueled by TikTok's notion that tattooed baristas brew better coffee, while others see it as Gen Z's quest for authentic experiences. Sisters Maia and Luna Omar are fans of spontaneous tattoos as a form of self-expression. They recently visited Nexus Cafe in Digbeth, Birmingham for a pop-up tattoo event. "It makes coffee shops more fun," Maia said. "We're sisters and we like tattoos and it's something that we're doing together," Luna added. International chain Blank Street has hosted free pop-up tattoo events in Manchester and London, attracting thousands. Meanwhile, Think+ Coffee and Ink in London has been offering coffee alongside tattoos and haircuts since 2019. Founded by tattoo artist and pastor Christian Vargas, the cafe features an open-view tattoo studio through a glass partition. "[The shop] gets rid of taboos and secrecy around tattoos and provides an inclusive space for everyone," Vargas said. He noted society's growing acceptance of body art compared to two decades ago. A YouGov poll from 2022 found that one in four people have a tattoo, with women slightly more likely than men to be inked. Psychologist Natasha Sharma from Wolverhampton describes tattoos as "a powerful statement of personal identity." She notes that young people seek real experiences amid their digital lives. "Tattoos act as an experience and a story wrapped into one," she said. As this trend continues to grow, it seems coffee shops might just become the new go-to spot for both caffeine fixes and creative expression.

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