Wednesday's global collection of concise, positive news stories.
Unsung Hero
Team USA’s women’s gymnastics quintet are returning home from Paris with eight Olympic medals to their name, but there’s one hero of their team that you won’t have seen on the podium. Beacon, pictured above with Simone Biles, is a four-year-old golden retriever emotional support dog who has been a valuable behind-the-scenes member of the squad for the past year, helping the competitors keep their stress and serotonin levels in check. “Thank god for Beacon,” said Sunisa Lee, who took bronze in both the women’s uneven bars and the women’s artistic individual all-around events, when posing with Beacon during qualifying ahead of the Paris spectacular.
"There aren't many people that wear more clothes to bed than they do to work."
Tom Daley reflects on the quirks of his career as Britain's most decorated diver, in an interview with Vogue confirming his retirement from the sport at the age of 30.
Zambia Free Schools
The Zambian government introduced free primary and secondary school education in 2021. Three years later, an additional two million students are filling classrooms across the country. The overall increase in enrollment reflects a trend across sub-Saharan Africa, with more children in school than ever before, according to UNICEF. The African Union in February launched its Year of Education 2024 and called on governments across the continent to "accelerate progress towards achieving quality education for all."
Success Story
In a remarkable environmental success story that underscores the power of conservation efforts and environmental stewardship, Canada’s cod fishery has reopened after a 32-year hiatus. This momentous decision, fueled by cautious optimism surrounding cod stock regeneration, marks a significant environmental victory and highlights the delicate balance between economic interests and long-term sustainability.
Medical School Endowments
Michael Bloomberg gives $600 million, split between to four Black medical schools’ endowments. Black Americans fare worse in measures of health compared with white Americans, an Associated Press series reported last year. Experts believe increasing the representation among doctors is one solution that could disrupt these long-standing inequities. In 2022, only 6 percent of U.S. physicians were Black, even though Black Americans represent 13 percent of the population. Almost half of Black physicians graduate from the four historically Black medical schools, Bloomberg Philanthropies said.
Packaging Waste
In a historic attempt to address the growing problem of packaging waste, the European Parliament has approved a comprehensive set of legislation aimed at reducing environmental damage and supporting sustainable practices. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which includes binding targets and limits on throwaway plastics, marks a significant step forward in Europe’s commitment to combating waste pollution.
"In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story." Walter Cronkite
On This Day
14 August 2016: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won the 100-metres at the Rio de Janeiro Games, becoming the first person to win the event in three consecutive Olympics; he later claimed an unprecedented third straight gold medal in the 200-metres.
Today's Articles
Paris Games: NBCUniversal's billion dollar Olympics lab provides priceless data in the run-up to the Los Angeles Games.
Sustainable Chocolate: Swiss scientists have discovered a way to improve the world's favourite treat, making it better for consumers and growers.
Mood Boosting Video
Fashionistas: How dogs would dress if they could dress themselves.