A Very Green Graduation: Kermit the Frog to Deliver Commencement Speech
The University of Maryland is hopping into graduation season with a special guest who’s green, wise, and beloved by millions—Kermit the Frog. The iconic Muppet will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2025 on May 21. Kermit, described by the university as an environmental advocate and “friend to all creatures,” was created by […]
These Towns Are Taking Bold Steps Toward Car-Free Futures
Paris is doubling down on its vision of a greener future, voting to close 500 more streets to cars in favor of bike lanes, trees, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. The move follows a similar initiative in 2020 that transformed 300 streets, and this latest expansion aims to reduce pollution and urban heat across the city. Although […]
Rescued Animals From Ukraine Finally Feel Grass Beneath Their Paws
After years of confinement and trauma, five rescued lions from war-torn Ukraine have found peace—and grass—at their new home in England. The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent welcomed Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda, who joined Yuna, another lioness brought over in 2024 after surviving a missile strike near her enclosure. For four of the five […]
Spring Break with a Purpose: Students Trade Vacations for Service
Instead of hitting the beach, 40 University of Tennessee students spent their spring break making a difference across the U.S. Through the VOLbreaks program, students traveled to North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, dedicating over 1,100 hours to community service. From disaster relief to public health and youth mentorship, each trip focused on real-world impact. […]
This Simple Blood Test Could Spot Alzheimer’s 16 Years Early
A groundbreaking study has revealed that Alzheimer’s disease may be detectable up to 16 years before symptoms appear—using just a simple blood test. The discovery could change how we identify and treat the disease long before memory loss begins. Researchers focused on a protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL), which signals damage to brain cells. […]
The World’s Happiest Country? It’s Still This One, 8 Years Running
Finland has once again topped the global happiness rankings, securing the number one spot for the eighth consecutive year. The UN-sponsored World Happiness Report credits the country’s strong social support system, deep connection to nature, and high levels of trust. Nordic countries dominated the top ranks, while Costa Rica and Mexico made their first appearances […]
World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing Reaches Major Milestone in California
A groundbreaking conservation project in Southern California just took a giant step forward. Recently crews began laying the first layers of soil on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which will eventually allow mountain lions, bobcats, deer, and other animals to safely cross over the 101 Freeway. Spanning 10 lanes in Agoura Hills, the crossing will […]
Rare Otter Species Rediscovered in Nepal After Nearly Two Centuries
A species long thought to have vanished from Nepal has made a remarkable comeback—185 years after it was last seen. The Asian small-clawed otter, believed extinct in the region since 1839, was recently discovered in Dadeldhura’s remote river confluence, stunning conservationists and renewing hope for its survival. The young otter was spotted and safely released […]
Illinois Returns Stolen Land to Potawatomi Nation After 175 Years
In a powerful act of justice and reconciliation, Illinois has officially returned 1,500 acres of land to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, righting a wrong that dates back nearly two centuries. The land, now known as Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area, was originally promised to tribal leader Chief Shab-eh-nay in an 1829 treaty—but was later […]
New Brain-Computer Interface Translates Thoughts into Speech in Real Time
In a remarkable leap forward for communication technology, scientists have developed a brain-to-voice device that allows people with severe paralysis to speak using only their thoughts. The neuroprosthesis, created by researchers at UC Berkeley and UCSF, decodes brain activity into audible speech nearly instantly thereby eliminating the long delays of earlier systems. Using artificial intelligence, […]