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Score (97)
Decades Later, Vietnam Veterans Finally Receive Their High School Diplomas
Dennis Snyder of Muscatine, Iowa, never got to walk across the stage with his high school classmates back in 1963. Instead, at just 17 years old, he swapped classrooms for naval ships and headed to Pearl Harbor as the Vietnam War was ramping up. Now, over six decades later, Snyder finally fulfilled his wish: graduating with a diploma from Muscatine High School. Snyder's yearning for a high school diploma from Muscatine remained strong throughout his life. "I wanted to get my diploma through the high school any way that I could," said Snyder. Although he obtained a GED during his time in the Navy, it wasn’t quite the same as holding an official diploma from his hometown school. This year marked a special moment for Snyder and another veteran named Richard Hill, who is 81 years old. They joined current students in caps and gowns as part of the Muscatine High class of 2025. When Snyder received his diploma, he described feeling "like a million dollars." These graduations are part of Operation Recognition, a program managed by the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. The program has allowed more than 100 veterans to receive their diplomas after missing out due to military service. Eric Sanders, director of Muscatine County Veterans Affairs, emphasized its importance by stating, "I think it's the least we can do for veterans that serve our country." Snyder’s graduation wasn't just about personal achievement; it was also about honoring friends lost during the Vietnam War. "We have seven that were killed in Vietnam…I knew all seven of them," he shared solemnly. This honor means a lot to Snyder as he reflects on those who didn’t return home. He believes many other veterans across the United States deserve similar recognition and hopes they too can experience this sense of closure. "I am honored to be at this point," Snyder expressed contentedly.
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Basketball Legend Lenny Wilkens Honored with Historic Statue at Climate Pledge Arena
Seattle's basketball scene buzzed with excitement on Saturday, as the community gathered to celebrate Lenny Wilkens. The former Seattle SuperSonics player, coach and executive saw his legacy cemented outside Climate Pledge Arena with a statue, making him the first person to receive such an honor there. Reflecting on his journey since being traded to the Sonics in 1968, Wilkens remarked on the power of community support. "You know, we're a better community when we're supportive of one another," he said. His contributions have not only been felt on the court but also throughout Seattle's neighborhoods. Wilkens' storied career includes being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame three times—as a player, a coach, and for his role as an assistant coach with the iconic 1992 USA Olympic "Dream Team." Though his professional journey spanned multiple teams, his heart stayed rooted in Seattle, where he led the Sonics to their only NBA championship in 1979. The event highlighted Wilkens' off-court contributions as well. Through a foundation he started in 1971, Wilkens focused on local causes like the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson praised Wilkens for uplifting Seattle both during and after his sports career. "Please thank him just as much for all that hard work that he's done for our community," Ferguson urged. Former governor Jay Inslee humorously noted that while Wilkens brought out star players like "Downtown" Freddy Brown during games, he also championed important community institutions like the Odessa Brown Clinic. Wilkens’ impact reached far beyond basketball courts. Steve Smith shared how playing under Wilkens inspired both him and teammate Dikembe Mutombo to give back. Detlef Schrempf echoed this sentiment by acknowledging their collaborative charitable efforts. Nate McMillan credited Wilkens with setting high standards for what it means to be a SuperSonic, both professionally and personally. "The respect for the game, the respect for the community, the respect for the league; I took all of that from you," McMillan stated. The selection of Wilkens as the first person to be honored with a statue at Climate Pledge Arena underscores his deep connection to Seattle's sports history. Soon joining him will be Sue Bird from the Seattle Storm; her statue is slated for unveiling during an upcoming game against the Phoenix Mercury. Sculptor Lou Cella crafted Wilkens' statue; he's previously worked on tributes to other Seattle sports legends at T-Mobile Park and Husky Stadium. Interestingly enough, Spencer Haywood pointed out a small detail: despite being renowned for his left-handed skills, Wilkens' statue depicts him driving right. Adding another layer of anticipation was talk about potentially bringing back the SuperSonics franchise. NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently mentioned that expansion discussions are planned for next month's Board of Governors meeting in Las Vegas. "I hope the NBA is watching," McMillan said hopefully about reviving Seattle's team tradition, a tradition deeply intertwined with Coach Lenny Wilkens' enduring legacy.
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Meet Oscar: The Feathered Enforcer Keeping Euston Station Pigeon-Free
Euston Station in London has welcomed a new team member, and he's already making waves, or perhaps rustling feathers. Oscar, a Harris's hawk, is now on duty to help manage the station's persistent pigeon problem. Once a week, he takes to the skies above the station to discourage these feathered interlopers from nesting and roosting in areas frequented by passengers. Network Rail has described pigeons as a "persistent issue" at Euston Station. The birds not only roost but also nest and feed in public spaces, often causing inconvenience for commuters. Enter Oscar with his natural ability to deter these nuisance birds without harming them. According to Network Rail, this approach offers a "humane solution." The strategy of using hawks to manage pigeons isn't new for Network Rail. Back in 2018, Aria, another Harris's hawk, was employed at Waterloo Station to address similar pigeon-related challenges. Rufus, an American Harris's hawk, has been keeping Wimbledon’s tennis courts free of pigeons for 17 years and even boasts his own Instagram following. Matt Ferguson, senior station interface manager for London Euston, expressed satisfaction with Oscar's impact so far: "We're always looking for innovative ways to improve the station environment for our passengers, and Oscar is already proving to be a valuable member of the team." He noted that there's been a "noticeable drop in pigeon activity" since Oscar started patrolling. Oscar’s handler, falconer Adel Letchford, shares that the hawk has adapted quickly to his new role: "Oscar has taken to Euston like a pro: cool, calm, and already ruffling a few pigeon feathers." Letchford added that passengers enjoy spotting Oscar during his patrols. The presence of hawks like Oscar provides an effective way to manage unwanted pigeon populations in busy areas while maintaining a welcoming environment for travelers. With their deterrent effect evident at such iconic locations as Euston Station and Wimbledon, it seems these feathered protectors have found their niche in urban wildlife management.
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Score (96)
Meet The Voice Behind Your GPS: How One Woman Turns Directions Into $500K
Tawny Platis, a seasoned voice actor and content creator, has built a remarkable career with her vocal talent. With over 1.4 million followers across various social media platforms, Platis has become a familiar voice to many, having worked with more than 40 brands. Her voice resonates in everything from video games and animated works to audiobooks and automated systems. Starting young in the entertainment industry, Platis appeared in her first advertisement at just six months old. While her childhood involved local commercials and smaller gigs, by her twenties she secured more consistent roles. Now at 34, she collaborates with major brands like Hulu and Disney+, balancing high-profile projects with loyal repeat clients. Platis likens voice acting to running a restaurant, emphasizing the commitment it requires. "You don't break in," she told PEOPLE. "You build up a business." She describes the journey as one involving numerous cold emails, auditions, and strategic investments. Her success lies not only in her vocal versatility but also in her knack for branding and networking. She stresses that having a "cool" voice isn't enough; it's about the acting skills behind it. This skill set has helped her earn nearly $500,000 from just one of her automated voices. Platis enjoys voicing characters in video games and animation due to their rich narratives. Recently, she voiced multiple characters in the upcoming sequel to Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga, calling it a career highlight thanks to its collaborative creative process. In commercials and e-learning projects, Platis often uses bright, friendly tones that align naturally with her voice type. For audiobooks featuring warrior women, she adopts a lower, resonant tone which comes easily to her. One challenge for Platis is roles requiring mature-sounding voices; she humorously notes how young she sounds naturally. However, this hasn't stopped her from thriving as a text-to-speech (TTS) voice actor—a role she values for its accessibility benefits. Partnering with Narrativ for TTS work makes high-quality voiceovers accessible on smaller budgets. "They're focused on ethics, affordability, and accessibility," says Platis. Despite an abundance of offers now coming her way, and the difficulty of turning some down, Platis remains grateful for this predicament. She finds joy in every workday: "Most of my days feel like playing with friends," she shares with PEOPLE.
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Three Sisters, One Dream: How They United to Win Lacrosse Glory
Sisters Nicole, Ashley and Chloe Humphrey helped lead the University of North Carolina (UNC) to victory in the NCAA lacrosse national championship this May. The trio from Darien, Connecticut, played key roles in their team's undefeated season and shared their story. Nicole Humphrey, the oldest sister, initially began her college lacrosse journey at UNC before transferring to the University of Southern California, telling PEOPLE. She intended to play her final year there, but an injury brought her back to UNC, where she rejoined her younger sisters on the field. Ashley Humphrey started playing for Stanford, driven by academic ambitions and a love for Palo Alto. Despite her appreciation for Stanford, Ashley felt a pull towards UNC. Her decision led her back east, where she found herself alongside Nicole once more. Chloe Humphrey arrived at UNC as a top recruit in the 2023 class. After redshirting her freshman year due to a foot injury, she made an impressive debut on the field this season. Reflecting on their childhood in Darien, the sisters recalled their early days of playing lacrosse, inspired by their mother, who played at Dartmouth College. Their father was a basketball hall of famer at Middlebury College, while their grandfather had been drafted by the Detroit Tigers after playing baseball at Dartmouth. This athletic legacy clearly influenced their path. The sisters enjoyed only one collegiate season together but it was unforgettable. "To be able to share the season with them was nothing I could have ever imagined," Chloe said. "To then hoist the national championship trophy beside both of them was just an unreal feeling." With Nicole and Ashley’s college careers over, they look forward to supporting Chloe as she continues her time with UNC's team next season.
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This Skateboarder Just Completed an Epic Journey From England to Africa in Just 55 Days
A 21-year-old skateboarder has captured attention by skating from Brighton in the UK to Tangier, Morocco. Sam Allison covered about 2,415 kilometers on his board over 55 days. Along the way, he faced challenges like a downhill fall and having all his possessions stolen. Despite these setbacks, he remained focused on raising awareness for mental health. Allison's efforts have raised more than £5,000 so far for the Ben Raemers Foundation, a charity that supports mental wellbeing within the skateboarding community. Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Allison shared how personal mental health battles inspired him to support this cause. "I had my own challenges with mental health," he said. "The skate scene is very tight-knit; it's very community-driven." The physical demands of such a trip were significant. Allison explained that he needed to cover between 48 and 88 kilometers each day. Initially tough, his body quickly adapted to the routine. "It was definitely harder at first," he noted, adding that daily skating soon felt normal. The journey wasn't just about distance but also about managing various terrains. While downhill stretches provided much-needed breaks—offering adrenaline and conserving energy—uphill climbs were less forgiving. A tumble down one hill left him with a scraped arm but otherwise unharmed throughout the trip. Setting an initial fundraising goal of just £100, Allison was surprised by how donations surged as news of his effort spread. By the end of his trek, contributions had exceeded £5,000. "On the last day I cracked over £5,000, which was crazy," he said. With all funds going directly to charity, Allison now faces another task: replacing his well-worn skateboard wheels. Reflecting on the state of his gear after completing such an arduous feat, he joked about their condition: "I did the one pair of wheels—I will say they're absolutely haggard."
Score (97)
Unearthed in Poland: 6,000-Year-Old Tiny Statue Declared ‘The Find of the Century’
A Polish farmer stumbled upon what experts now call the "Venus of Kołobrzeg," a 6,000-year-old Neolithic carving that has been authenticated by the Polish Conservator of Monuments. This diminutive limestone sculpture adds a fascinating chapter to our understanding of ancient European societies. Aleksander Ostasz, director of the Polish Arms Museum in Kołobrzeg, where the piece now resides, couldn't hold back his enthusiasm. “I can safely say that this is the find of the century,” he told National Geographic. The discovery casts new light on the history of Kołobrzeg and indicates a more widespread Neolithic culture across Europe. Kołobrzeg is much further north than other sites where similar Venus carvings have been found. These figurines are usually associated with areas south and southeast of the Carpathian Mountains or in Anatolia. Consider, for example, the Hohle Fels Venus from southern Germany and Austria's Venus of Willendorf. The presence of such an artifact in northern Poland suggests a shared cultural symbolism among Neolithic communities. Marcin Krzepkowski from the Relicta Foundation emphasized how chance played a role in this remarkable find. “Sometimes spectacular discoveries are made by accident,” he noted to TV World Poland. Authenticating the figurine took time, but experts eventually confirmed both its age and place of origin. The Venus of Kołobrzeg resembles other prehistoric carvings with its pronounced breasts and voluptuous hips, typical symbols of fertility. However, it lacks distinct facial features found in some other Venuses. A microscopic residue analysis revealed traces of mussel and snail shells on its surface. Jan Orliński from Parsęta Exploration and Search Group explained that researchers believe it to be handmade and likely a symbol associated with Venus, traditionally seen as a goddess of fertility. The Polish Arms Museum plans to delve deeper into this artifact's history, examining how it was made and exploring if it had any decorative elements like pigments or markings with specific meanings. After undergoing 3-D scanning, this ancient piece will make its public debut at the museum this fall.
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The Unexpected Spice That Could Add Years to Your Life
Feeling the heat in your diet might be a good thing. Spicy foods, long celebrated for their bold flavors, may offer more than just a taste sensation. They could help with weight control and even reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist from Mendocino Food Consulting, highlights capsaicin as a key player in these benefits. Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can alter gut microbiomes by promoting good bacteria while reducing harmful ones. This change leads to increased production of tryptophan, an amino acid linked to mood, sleep, and digestion. Le suggests incorporating hot sauce into meals as an easy way to enjoy capsaicin benefits. "A good quality hot sauce should add both flavor and heat," he noted. For those new to spice, start small with pickled pepperoncinis before experimenting with bolder options like jalapeños or serrano peppers. For those ready for fiery challenges, scotch bonnets and habaneros await. But beware of Carolina reapers; they're considered among the hottest peppers globally. "Carolina reapers have been bred with heat in mind," Le warned. Ken Grey, an advanced practitioner and doctor of Oriental medicine based in Jupiter, Florida, agrees that spicy foods offer health perks. Following Eastern medicine practices, Grey believes spicy foods boost circulation and metabolism while aiding digestion and heart health. Chili peppers, alongside spices like cinnamon and ginge,r can assist with weight management by improving energy flow. Grey advises paying attention to the Scoville scale when selecting peppers; it measures spiciness levels. Bell peppers register at zero on this scale while jalapeños reach up to 8,000 SHUs (Scoville Heat Units). However, moderation is crucial according to Grey; too much spice can lead to discomfort, such as dry coughs or heartburn. Historical culinary practices also support these findings—cultures across Mexico use chili peppers to enhance iron absorption from their corn-rich diets, while many Asian cuisines use them for anti-microbial properties.
Score (96)
Meet The Dog-Sized Dinosaur: A Newly Discovered Jurassic Mystery In North America
About 150 million years ago, a small, swift-footed dinosaur zipped across the floodplains of what’s now Colorado, darting between giants like Stegosaurus and Diplodocus. Now, scientists have given that little runner a name: Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae. In a study published this week in Royal Society Open Science, researchers confirmed the dog-sized creature as a new species, with its partial skeleton now on display at London’s Natural History Museum—the museum’s first new dinosaur exhibit in a decade. Standing about 60 centimeters tall and stretching nearly 1.8 meters in length, E. mollyborthwickae likely weighed around as much as a border collie. Its long hind legs, massive feet, and lightweight frame suggest it was built for speed—an essential trait when you share a neighborhood with enormous Jurassic predators. “It was clearly a small, wallaby-sized herbivore that scampered around the Late Jurassic countryside,” said David Norman, a paleobiologist at the University of Cambridge, in New Scientist. A mysterious runner from Colorado The bones of E. mollyborthwickae were unearthed between 2021 and 2022 in Moffat County, Colorado, part of the fossil-rich Morrison Formation. The fossils eventually ended up in a London art gallery, where paleontologists Susannah Maidment and Paul Barrett of the Natural History Museum were tipped off. With the help of donor Molly Borthwick—whose name is now immortalized in the species name—the researchers brought the skeleton into the museum’s collection. Originally thought to belong to a long-debated genus called Nanosaurus, the fossil turned out to be something new. The Nanosaurus classification, first proposed in 1877, was based on flimsy evidence. In contrast, the new find gave researchers a much clearer look. “As a result, it made sense to put Nanosaurus to one side and name Enigmacursor as a new species instead,” said Maidment in a museum statement. The genus name means “mysterious runner,” a nod to the dinosaur’s speed and elusive past. Why the small stuff matters Despite being discovered in one of the world’s most studied fossil regions, E. mollyborthwickae managed to go unnoticed until now, partly because paleontology has long focused on the showstoppers: the massive, the toothy, the towering. “Smaller dinosaurs are often left behind,” said Maidment. “There are probably many still in the ground.” That’s why the researchers say this finding is a reminder that even the little guys deserve a closer look. Overlooked fossils may hold clues to entire groups of species we barely understand. Barrett agrees. “When you’re looking for those very big dinosaurs, sometimes it’s easy to overlook the smaller ones living alongside them,” he told BBC News. “But now I hope people will keep their eyes close to the ground.” The team’s analysis revealed that E. mollyborthwickae was likely a teenager when it died. The top and bottom parts of its vertebrae hadn’t yet fused, a telltale sign it wasn’t fully grown. Its massive feet would have helped it avoid danger, while its small head, by Jurassic standards, suggests it wasn’t winning any dinosaur trivia contests. “It was probably not the brightest,” Maidment said with a laugh. Even so, its story is shedding light on the quieter corners of the Jurassic world and proving that sometimes, history’s most intriguing mysteries come in small, fast-moving packages.
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Historic Atlantic City Church Bricks Find New Home at the Smithsonian Castle
In a rare fusion of history and renewal, bricks salvaged from a 158-year-old church in Atlantic City are being sent to Washington, D.C., to help restore one of the nation’s most iconic buildings—the Smithsonian Castle. As demolition crews take down the First Presbyterian Church, they’re carefully removing its red sandstone exterior, brick by brick. The material, nearly a perfect geological match for the stone used in the Smithsonian Castle, will be repurposed to restore the 170-year-old building on the National Mall. “The Castle restoration project will preserve it for the next 100 years,” said Carly Bond, associate director of architectural history and historic preservation at the Smithsonian. “The building is the symbolic heart of the institution.” Built in 1855, the Castle was originally clad in dark red Seneca sandstone from a Maryland quarry that closed in 1901. When restoration plans required new matching stone, the options were limited—until a team member with ties to Atlantic City pointed to the First Presbyterian Church. Testing confirmed that the two buildings shared stone from the same formation. Constructed in 1867, the church had stood for generations before it was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The congregation eventually moved out, and the building sat vacant for years before being deemed unsafe in 2019. Now, it's being demolished to make way for a new marijuana dispensary—but its sandstone will live on. “Salvaging red sandstone from the demolition of First Presbyterian saves this material from a landfill, but it really saves the Castle,” Bond said. Demolition workers from SJ Hauck Construction are using chipper hammers while suspended in bucket trucks to carefully pry the sandstone pieces from the structure. The stones are then sent down a chute, packed onto flatbed trucks, and transported 200 miles south to Washington. Once there, the stones are recut and reshaped to fit the specific needs of the Castle, originally designed by architect James Renwick Jr. The Smithsonian has purchased all of the available bricks and plans to keep a portion in reserve for future repairs. “This is so much more than a simple restoration,” SJ Hauck wrote in a Facebook post. “We are literally helping preserve history, brick by brick.” The Castle has been closed since February 2023 for what’s expected to be a five-year renovation. The overhaul includes restoring the Great Hall to its original 19th-century appearance, modernizing the building’s infrastructure, and improving public areas like the café and restrooms. It’s the Castle’s first major update in more than 50 years. The last renovation took place in the late 1960s. Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, writing last year, acknowledged the complexity of the Castle’s past. The red stone that makes up the Castle’s exterior was mined by enslaved people, and the building once denied entry to prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Today, the institution is striving to tell a more inclusive and transparent story. “After nearly two centuries, the Castle remains an embodiment of the heart of the Institution,” Bunch wrote, “a majestic space where the past and future converge.” Thanks to a church in New Jersey, that convergence now includes a new chapter—one built from the very same stone that shaped its beginnings.
Score (97)
Glastonbury's Tribute: How The Spirit Of The Clash Frontman Lives On
At the Glastonbury Festival, a small stage named Strummerville keeps the legacy of Joe Strummer alive. Overlooking a cluster of tipis, this stage is dedicated to The Clash's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist who passed away in 2002. Strummerville isn't just any stage; it’s a space that celebrates the spirit of community and music—a sentiment cherished by Strummer himself. Lucinda Tait, Joe's widow, runs the show at Strummerville. She believes it "means everything" to keep his memory going strong at a festival he dearly loved. Unlike the larger stages, this one offers an intimate setting that encourages meeting people and sharing musical ideas. Visitors find themselves gathering around a circle of sofas by a campfire, reminiscent of the times when Strummer would bring his family here in the '90s. "The area between the two big stages was just purely for trucks," Lucinda recalls about those early days at Glastonbury. She describes how Joe turned it into a gathering spot for artists, security personnel, and stewards. "He was a big champion of giving people time, space and an opportunity to air their music or their views." This communal atmosphere still thrives today. Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis shared a unique bond with Strummer over the years. Lucinda says they were there for all kinds of weather—through thick and thin—and that there was mutual respect between them. Even though many criticized Glastonbury as just "a mud bath," Joe stood by it, strengthening his connection with Eavis. Joe only performed officially once at Glastonbury in 1999 with The Mescaleros despite being a regular attendee. Lucinda remembers him being "really hyped up before he went on stage." His performance turned out amazing but seeing him nervous showed how much it meant to him. Strummerville often hosts secret gigs alongside performances from lesser-known bands. As Lucinda puts it, these performers "are mainly not on the big radar," yet they draw in crowds eager to discover new sounds. Take Fat Dog’s recent performance: their energy made sure "the whole hill" was bustling. Fans of The Clash also make their way up to this special corner of the festival grounds; they're eager to share stories about Joe or reminisce about past gigs like ones from 1979 or Bristol shows they attended long ago. Strummerville has introduced younger audiences not only to Joe's music but also to his ethos—a testament that resonates with today's generation too. It attracts visitors who hang out enjoying both fresh tunes and classic tales tied back through decades past. And what would Joe think if he saw this? According to Lucinda: "Oh he'd love it. I don't think he'd leave the campfire."