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After 40 Years, Homeless Man Will Get His Degree Debt-Free Thanks to One Student and Anonymous Alumni

By
McKinley Corbley
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A tenacious young college student has given a homeless man a second lease on life thanks to a simple school assignment.

Ryan Chandler, who is a junior-year journalism student at the University of Texas at Austin, first spoke to the panhandler as a means of interviewing him for a class project on homelessness – and Chandler was stunned by the conversation that ensued.

Chandler opted to interview David Carter, a homeless man who is commonly seen around the school campus – and he learned that the 65-year-old homeless man used to be a student at the very same university.

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Carter first enrolled in the school’s arts program in 1971. He dreamed of using his degree to become a great artist or writer – but after dealing with a number of mental health issues and substance abuse, he was forced to drop out several years later.

Carter then spent the next four decades coping with schizophrenia, homelessness and addiction. Though he spent some time hitchhiking around the country, he later returned to Austin so he could care for his ailing parents.

After he returned to the city, he liked to spend time around the UT Austin campus because he dreamt of the day he would eventually be able to reenroll and finish his degree in studio arts.

 

Thankfully, Carter was able to qualify for stable housing through a local nonprofit six years ago. With a roof over his head, Carter tried to reenroll at UT Austin several times – but because he did not have access to a computer or money for the application fees, he was never accepted.

After Chandler heard his story, however, the 20-year-old journalism student resolved to help the homeless man get back into school.

CHECK OUT: LeBron James Opened School for District’s Most Hopeless Students – Their Latest Test Scores Are Astonishing

Over the course of the last six months since their initial interview, Chandler has worked with college administrators to get his new friend reenrolled. He managed to get a hold of Carter’s transcripts and found that the former student had already racked up 87 credit hours, leaving him with only 64 credit hours to go before he could earn his degree.

Finally, after almost half a year of jumping through hoops, Carter was accepted into UT’s College of Fine Arts.

 

Chandler was initially planning on starting a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Carter’s tuition – but an anonymous UT Austin alumni offered to pay for Carter’s education after they read about his struggles in the school’s online magazine.

Needless to say, Carter has been overwhelmed by the sudden surge of support.

“It’s the greatest blessing I’ve ever received,” Carter told Spectrum Local News. “[Chandler] did what had to be done to get me enrolled in those classes, and I couldn’t have done it without him.

MORE: Construction Begins on New School Designed For (And By) Homeless Children

“What I’d like to do is spend the rest of my life just doing research and writing books,” he added, “But I think the books I write will be better because of the college education and coming into contact with the great minds.”

Doug Dempster, who is the dean of the College of Fine Arts, commended his new student in a statement saying: “David Carter’s resolve to complete his degree is testament to finishing well what was started, and interrupted, even decades earlier. We welcome him back as we do many students each year whose education took a less direct path. We admire his courage and persistence.

“We’re going to give him every assistance to help him through his remaining course work. We’re grateful for the generosity of fellow Longhorns who are stepping up to support Mr. Carter,” he added.

Be Sure And Share This Incredible Story Of Perseverance With Your Friends On Social Media…

Be Sure and Floss! Researchers Say Good Dental Health ‘Substantially’ Decreases Risk of Alzheimer’s

By
Good News Network
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Researchers have determined that gum disease (gingivitis) plays a decisive role in whether a person develops Alzheimer’s or not.

“We discovered DNA-based proof that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain,” says researcher Piotr Mydel from the University of Bergen (UiB).

The bacteria produces a protein that destroys nerve cells in the brain, which in turn leads to loss of memory and ultimately, Alzheimer’s.

The study is published in Science Advances.

RELATED: Another Study Shows How Flickering Lights Can Slow (And Maybe Even Reverse) Alzheimer’s Symptoms

The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) is one of the main causes of gum infection. The bacteria causes chronic infection in the gums, but can move to the brain where it can damage nerve cells in the brain. Circa 50% of the population have this bacteria in one form or another and 10% of the ones having this bacteria will develop serious gum disease, loose teeth, and have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to Alzheimers, the bacteria is linked to rheumatism, COPD and esophageal cancer.

Mydel points out that the bacteria is not causing Alzheimer’s alone, but the presence of these bacteria raise the risk for developing the disease substantially and are also implicated in a more rapid progression of the disease. However, the good news is that this study shows that there are some things you can do yourself to slow down Alzheimer’s.

MORE: ‘Eye-opening’ Dementia Breakthrough Announced Today by USC Researchers

“Brush your teeth and use floss.” Mydel adds that it is important, if you have established gingivitis and have Alzheimer’s in your family, to go to your dentist regularly and clean your teeth properly.

Researchers have previously discovered that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain where the harmful enzymes they excrete can destroy the nerve cells in the brain.

CHECK OUT: Man Comes Up With Ingenious Way to Keep Dementia Patients Hydrated After His Grandma’s Close Call

Now, for the first time, Mydel has DNA-evidence for this process from human brains. Mydel and his colleagues examined 53 persons with Alzheimer’s and discovered the enzyme in 96% of the cases. According to Mydel, this knowledge gives researchers a possible new approach for attacking Alzheimer’s disease.

“We have managed to develop a drug that blocks the harmful enzymes from the bacteria, postponing the development of Alzheimer’s. We are planning to test this drug later this year,” says Mydel.

Reprinted from the University of Bergen

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14-Year-old Sold So Many Homemade Cupcakes in One Year, He Took His Entire Family to Disney World

By
McKinley Corbley
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Some kids try to earn a little extra pocket change by mowing the lawn; others might try to wash cars; but Isaiah Tuckett has earned himself thousands of dollars simply by baking cupcakes.

The 14-year-old boy has been serving baked goods to the people of Madison, Minnesota ever since he made his first batch of cupcakes with this grandma two years ago.

Coincidentally, Isaiah embraced his new hobby just as the town bakery closed up shop, making him the only homemade baked goods source for 30 miles in any direction.

Isaiah began selling his cupcakes at $20 per dozen for birthdays, graduation parties, proms, reunions, funerals, and weddings.

RELATED: 11-Year-old Sends Amusing Bribe to New Zealand Prime Minister Demanding ‘Dragon Research’

With his little business booming, Isaiah resolved to start saving his earnings for a very special new goal: he wanted to take his family to Disney World.

Isaiah had always wanted to go to Disney World, but his family could never afford it. In just one short year of baking cupcakes, however, Isaiah had saved up enough money to pay for the Disney World tickets, airfare, and hotel rooms for his mom, dad, sister, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew – roughly $4,500 in total.

Though Isaiah told KARE11 that he was “surprised” he managed to reach his goal in a year, he now plans on saving up his cupcake earnings so he can buy a new truck when he turns 16. After that, he plans to attend culinary school.

(WATCH the KARE11 news coverage below) – Photo by the Tuckett family

Be Sure And Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends On Social Media…

“What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes? Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits.” – Carl Jung

By
Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes? Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits.” – Carl Jung

Photo: by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Steve Hillebrand, CC license

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

 

An Incredible Bonus I Just Discovered: Fasting is as Nourishing for the Soul as It Is Healthy for the Body

By
Anthony Samadani
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“Intermittent fasting” seems to be all the latest graze.  

The basic concept is simple: refrain from eating foods during a prolonged period typically 12 to 24 hours. Some of these intermittent fasts are recommended to do twice a week, some for 5 days a week and some for 30 days straight. The irony, is that people have been intermittent fasting for thousands of years, but science is just now uncovering the incredible benefits of timed eating. It can help prevent health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity, as well as improve mental health and wellbeing. However, one incredible bonus benefit that most articles forget to mention is the nourishment of the soul.

I just completed a 29-day fast. For 29 straight days, I fasted from 4:30am until around 8pm. I woke up around 4am to have a light meal, water and coffee. Throughout the day, I didn’t eat or drink anything. I wanted to immerse myself into the fast. I wanted to see if I could stick with it and feel the health benefits and mental wellbeing as a result.

I must admit, it was mentally hard the first few days. I got caught up in counting the hours, let alone how many days have passed by. I remember looking around and, for the first time, really seeing how much people are consumed with eating and drinking. You can’t help but see it. In the beginning, I was so jealous. I wanted to just have my cup of coffee during a meeting and grab a bite to eat for lunch.

RELATED: How to Follow Negative News Without Getting Depressed

But then around the 10-day mark, something truly magical happened—my thoughts went from jealousy to gratitude.

Instead of seeing all the people eating and drinking around me, I saw the people who were not eating and drinking around me. I became so conscience of the less fortunate. The idea of me being able to eat and drink at 8pm and them still wondering where their next meal will come, affected me.

My soul really became connected to others. I started talking about it more to my family, friends, and co-workers. I started giving more to charity and devoting more of my time to helping others. I started to have more patience and simply slow down a bit. I started to feel connected to everyone and everything around me.  Instead of counting the days I had left in my fast, I started wondering if I would lose this soulful connection when I ended it. I decided that this fast is really a mind, body and soul boot camp—and I was being prepared for the days and months ahead. I pushed myself so that when I eventually reached the end, I could still hold on to the values that I gained during the fast.

CHECK OUT: This Man Climbed Mount Everest in T-Shirt and Shorts– and He Believes Most People Can

Some of you may want to know the name of this fast. It’s the same fast that billions of people around the world all did with me at the same time. It is called Ramadan.

It is the fast prescribed to all healthy and able Muslims: once a year, for one month, devotees of Islam fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations. It may seem to be relegated to the fringes of Western society, but Christians, Jews and other non-Muslims have participated in many interfaith fasts with Muslims for years. It doesn’t matter if you are Muslim or not, the benefits listed above and many more work on everyone.

I hope you all get the opportunity to experience fasting – of any kind. Do the research and try it out. Don’t be afraid, or if you are, it’s ok. Getting yourself out of your comfort zone is a good thing. May the fast be with you!

Be Sure And Share This Inspiring Concept With Your Friends On Social Media – Photo by Antoine K, CC

If You’ve Ever Taken a Picture That Embodies Kindness, Then It Could Win You Some Cash in This Photo Contest

By
Good News Network
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Research has shown that viewing images of peace, kindness, and compassion has a dramatic impact on a person’s happiness and wellbeing – and that’s why photographers from all over the world are now being asked to share their kindest photos.

Envision Kindness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading media positivity, is holding their third annual photography contest for images that embody kindness.

 

“Every day, people are exposed to negative images, stories, and experiences,” says David Fryburg, founder of Envision Kindness. “We know that this exposure is stressful to the viewer—it causes anger, anxiety, depression, and can affect behavior, disconnecting people from one another.”

“To help counterbalance the negative, we want to share diverse, positive images like those submitted to the contest on a regular basis. We know that these images have great power to bring out joy, gratitude, optimism, love, and compassion.”

 

Last year’s contest received more than 2,000 images from photographers in over 100 countries – and the results were breathtaking.

Currently, there is just a few more weeks left to submit to the 2019 Our World is Kind Photography Contest, and the Envision Kindness team is hoping that this year will garner another stunning set of images.

The contest is open to anyone 18 years or older until it closes on June 30th. There is no fee to enter and all submissions are eligible to win up to $500 in cash prizes.

 

Be Sure And Share The Good News With Your Photography Friends On Social Media…

World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Powers Up — and It’s On Track to Generate Twice the Energy of Any Other

By
Good News Network
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The world’s largest offshore wind farm has officially commenced operations and started generating electricity for more than 287,000 UK homes.

The record-breaking Hornsea One wind farm is located 75 miles (120 kilometers) off the coast of Grimsby, England.

The huge scale of the project means that operations are beginning before construction is complete. As of right now, only 50 of the 174 turbines are operational, and turbine installation is expected to continue until the end of summer.

Once the farm is fully operational next year in 2020, the wind farm will be able to power well over a million UK homes with clean electricity, which is more than twice the energy capacity of the previous wind farm to hold the world record.

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“The start of operations at the world’s largest wind farm at Hornsea One is an important milestone and yet another example of British innovation and the UK’s leadership in offshore wind,” said Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore in a statement.

“We already have the largest installed offshore wind capacity in the world, and once fully up and running this wind farm will provide enough power for one million more homes, putting us well on the way to our target of a third of the UK’s electricity coming from offshore wind by 2030.”

Earlier this week, Scandinavian energy company Ørsted ferried out the project’s first of two operational teams to begin operating and maintaining the wind farm 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout its 25-year life-span.

MORE: One of the Largest Native American Tribes Has Just Voted to End Their 100-Year Dependency on Coal

The teams will each spend two weeks at a time offshore, staying on a state-of-the-art Service Operations Vessel (SOV), equipped with 40 cabins, a game room and even a gym.

“There is even 4G internet connection already out there – a huge feat given the distance from shore,” added David Coussens, the Deputy Operations Manager for Hornsea One who is currently leading the first operational team shift. “I am really looking forward to our first two-week shift.”

CHECK OUT: Student Treks to Yellowstone and Finds Bacteria That Eats Pollution and ‘Breathes’ Electricity

Morten Holm, Hornsea One’s Head of Operations, said: “Hornsea One changes the game in the way we produce clean electricity around the globe. It’s the first of a new generation of offshore wind farms, that are much bigger than anyone has ever attempted to build before.

“The speed of construction has been phenomenal, and it’s thanks to the hundreds of dedicated people working on the project, that the project is on schedule to eventually generate enough clean electricity for over a million homes across the UK. It’s an exciting moment for me personally, but also for the UK as the world watches the progress with this record-breaking wind farm.”

Power Up With Positivity By Sharing The Good News With Your Friends On Social Media – Photo by Ørsted

84-Year-old Nonchalantly Becomes Nation’s Oldest Living Kidney Donor After Seeing His Neighbor’s Yard Sign

By
McKinley Corbley
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Photo by Houston Methodist Hospital
Photo by Houston Methodist Hospital

72-year-old Linda Nall had done everything to try and find herself a kidney donor. She had created a Facebook page, printed tee-shirts, and even put up a sign in her yard with an appeal for an O-blood type donor.

Ever since Nall’s kidneys started to fail as a result of lupus, she had kept the sign up in her yard in hopes of attracting a donor – and for 18 months, she did not have any luck until Frank Dewhurst drove by in April.

Since Dewhurst is a notorious member of the homeowners association in their town of Wimberly, Texas, Nall feared that he had showed up on her doorstep to tell her to take the sign down. Instead, he told her that the sign had inspired him to donate his own kidney.

“The sign read ‘I am type O and I need a kidney transplant. Please help me.’ So after talking it over with my wife, I told her she could have mine,” Dewhurst said in a statement. “After undergoing a number of tests I was cleared to donate and very happy to do so.”

LOOK: When Son Posts Photo of Sad Dad in His Empty New Donut Shop, the Tweet Attracts Hundreds of Customers

Upon undergoing a successful surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, Dewhurst became the oldest living kidney donor in the country at 84 years old.

Not only that, the spry octogenarian was discharged from the hospital 48 hours after the surgery and quickly returned to his regular exercise routine.

Hassan Ibrahim, who is the chief of kidney diseases at the Hospital, says that he hopes Dewhurst’s story will inspire other people to become organ donors regardless of their age.

WATCH: This 2-Year-Old Deaf Girl Loves People – So Her Whole Neighborhood is Learning Sign Language

“Besides Mr. Dewhurst, we have taken kidneys from an 80-year old, a 79-year old and other donors in their late 60s and early 70s,” Ibrahim said. “They receive a full workup to make sure they are physically strong enough to donate. If everything checks out, there is no reason to keep them from saving someone’s life. In 2018, 5 percent of kidney donors nationally were older than 65. If more older adults donated, fewer people would remain on the list.”

The best use of these older kidneys is to transplant them into older patients. Ibrahim says that if you transplanted an 80-year-old kidney into a 20-year-old and that person lived to age 60, the kidney would be 140 years old; but for someone like Linda Nall, who could have spent years on the waiting list, Dewhurst’s donation was perfect.

MORE: Every Night for the Last 10 Years, Community Has Made Sure That Woman in Wheelchair Gets to Bed

“I can’t wait to spend more time with family and friends and just socialize more,” Nall said. “I have lived a long time not being able to eat what I want to eat and do what I want to do. I am going to make the most of Frank’s generous gift and live life to the fullest. I cannot wait.”

Dewhurst, on the other hand, was very blasé about his life-saving decision.

“No big deal,” he told the Houston Chronicle. “I’m healthy and had what she needed, a functioning kidney. She wasn’t getting any better without one.”

Pass On The Positive Story To Your Friends By Sharing It To Social Media…

Check Out the Joyous Photos of 100,000 Muslims Celebrating End of Fasting at Europe’s Largest Eid Gathering

By
Good News Network
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Sarah Al-Yafee and daughter Rianah Ali – Photo by SWNS
SWNS

This heartwarming series of pictures shows more than 100,000 Muslims gathering together in a British park for the largest Eid celebration of its kind in Europe.

 

SWNS

Following a religious month of dawn-to-dusk fasting for Ramadan, worshippers from around the world convened on Small Heath Park in Birmingham, England for the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”

The festival, which typically lasts three days, is traditionally celebrated by giving food to the poor and meeting with friends and family in order to congratulate one another and exchange sweets.

 

SWNS

Organizers said over 106,000 people attended this year’s event – which is more than the capacity of Barcelona FC’s Nou Camp stadium.

 

Sarah Al-Yafee and daughter Rianah Ali. Photo by SWNS

The “Celebrate Eid” event, hosted by Green Lane Masjid and Community Center, is now in its seventh year and has seen growing numbers since its first major event in 2012 when 12,000 people attended.

Last year 140,000 Muslims took part in the celebrations.

 

SWNS

A spokesperson for Green Lane Masjid and Community Center, said: “This celebration is one of the most important in the Islamic religious calendar and it’s an opportunity for us all to come together in peace and unity.

 

SWNS

“We’re all overwhelmed that so many people from different faiths and from across the world have travelled to Birmingham for this year’s ‘Celebrate Eid’.

 

SWNS

Families – some who had travelled to Birmingham from as far as the USA – got to their knees in unison for morning prayers at 9am.

 

SWNS

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Barefoot Teacher Pictured Running Ahead of Tornado to Warn Families in Carpool Lane to Take Cover

By
McKinley Corbley
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Photo by Marni Cohen
Photo by Marni Cohen

A Texas elementary school teacher is being hailed as a hero after she raced barefoot ahead of a tornado last week in order to warn students and their parents to take cover.

Megan Parson is a fourth grade teacher at Celia Hays Elementary School in Rockwall. Classes had just dismissed for the day when the principal’s voice came over the loud speaker and told students that there were tornados in the area and they should get into the necessary safety position against the walls of the hallway.

As students were crouching down with their hands over their heads, Parson knew that there were already students outside who were waiting to be picked up by their parents.

The 25-year-old teacher, who is also an avid Instagram fashion blogger, says that when she saw the line of cars that were already waiting in the school’s carpool lane, she slipped off her shoes (“because they were new and cute”) and took off running to warn the parents.

WATCH: When Sick Teen Needed Stable Housing to Get a Kidney, His Math Teacher Welcomed Him Home

Parson was later amused to realize that she had also forgotten to remove the fake black mustache that she had been wearing for a class party before warning the parents.

“So, all parents see is this crazy girl running barefoot in the rain with a tornado in the background wearing a fake black mustache,” Parson recalled in a Facebook post. “No wonder they made me run all the way to their window before rolling it down.

“Needless to say, I ripped the mustache off, kept running, and finished telling every parent in the rest of the cars down the block to seek shelter, minus the mustache.”

LOOK: ‘Turn your mess up into a dress up’: Teacher Goes Viral for Proudly Turning Student Doodles into a Dress

Parson did not realize that the tornado was so close to the school until she saw the now-viral picture that one of the parents had captured of her impromptu safety mission.

“That is such a crazy photo, and thank you to whoever took it because I don’t think anyone would have ever believed me that I was running down the street and that I looked ridiculous doing it,” Parson said, according to Fox 4 Dallas. “I’m just really grateful that everybody ended up being safe and we got a good laugh out of it.”

Be Sure And Share The Inspiring Story With Your Friends On Social Media – Photo by Marni Cohen

“The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl

By
Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl

Photo: by Cloudtail the Snow Leopard, CC license

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

 

Woman Formed Unlikely Connection With Disabled Dad After He Finally Joined Her for a Dance (MOTH Monday)

By
Good News Network
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Today is MOTH Monday on Good News Network: In partnership with The Moth, a nonprofit dedicated to the art of storytelling, we bring you the most uplifting speakers from live stages across the world.

Christal Brown had always had a complex relationship with her father. Since he had been an avid sports fanatic prior to losing his legs in Vietnam, he did not know how to encourage his daughter during her dance recitals.

After Christal endured more than enough embarrassing interruptions from her dad as a spectator, however, she finally convinced him to join her for a dance at a community event – and it resulted in an unlikely connection with the gruff man who had always failed to attend her performances.

Listen to her inspiring story below…

The Moth gives people an opportunity to tell a true story in front of a live audience, and sometimes their stories are chosen to air on the radio show, now celebrating its tenth year, and broadcasting on 485+ public radio stations—and on The Moth podcast, which is downloaded over 52 million times a year.

The Moth’s third book, Occasional Magic: True Stories About Defying the Impossible is now available for purchase through your favorite booksellers.

Dance This Sweet Story Of Family Fondness Over To Your Friends On Social Media…

Minnesota Will Soon Pay for Your Landscaping Costs If You Plant Bee-Friendly Greenery

By
McKinley Corbley
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As a means of boosting honeybee populations, Minnesota lawmakers have just approved a new program that will compensate homeowners for planting pollinator-friendly greenery on their properties.

According to the proposal, the state will allocate roughly $900,000 in state funding for the creation of honeybee habitat over the course of one year.

The funding will then be distributed to Minnesota homeowners who are seeking to transform their gardens and outdoor spaces into bee-friendly spaces. The program is particularly eager for homeowners to plant specific grasses, wildflowers, clover, and food sources to nourish the rusty patched bumblebee, a Midwestern pollinator that has reportedly been nearing the brink of extinction.

The state’s funding is expected to cover up to 75% of homeowners’ expenses for planting pollinator habitat. For regions that have been identified as “high potential” areas for honeybee habitat, the state could cover up to 90% of landscaping expenses.

RELATED: Mathematician Reports Breakthrough on Non-Toxic Pest Control Which Doesn’t Harm Bees

Once the program is signed into effect by Gov. Tim Walz, the funding will be distributed by the state’s Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).

Legislators are still determining the criteria for which a homeowner will qualify for compensation, but the program is expected to start distributing funding by next spring.

State Rep. Kelly Morrison, who introduced the bill in the House, told the Star Tribune that she is feeling optimistic about how state residents have reacted to the program.

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“I have gotten a ton of e-mails and so much feedback from people who are interested in this,” said Morrison. “People are really thinking about how they can help.”

Thankfully, Minnesota is not the first state to take action against dwindling honeybee populations. Virginia has been working to protect pollinators since their agricultural department started giving away free hives and beekeeping equipment to state residents last year year. On a smaller legislative level, a city in Iowa has been campaigning to convert over 1,000 acres of unused public land into pollinator habitat.

If you would like to contribute to the bee-saving buzz, you can also join this international network of one million gardeners who have planted clover and wildflowers on their properties for hungry pollinators.

Plant Some Positivity By Sharing The Good News To Social Media…

Man Carries Blind Dog for 800 Miles So She Can Build Confidence Walking the Rest of the Epic Hike on Her Own

By
McKinley Corbley
-

Kyle Rohrig and his dog Katana used to complete thousand-mile hikes without breaking a sweat – but when the adventurous pup lost her vision, she also lost her confidence.

The dynamic duo had been halfway through completing the 2,650-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail when Katana’s left eye started to cloud over from glaucoma.

Rohrig and Katana took a break from the trail so she could undergo surgery for her vision loss, but they quickly returned to the west coast so they could finish the hike.

Two years later, Katana was blind in both eyes – and Rohrig was heartbroken to see his once-intrepid hiking companion anxiously attempting to maneuver their living room.

RELATED: After Spending 7 Years in Hawaii Shelter, Dog Finally Adopted By Couple Visiting From Michigan

Instead of resigning his dog to retirement, however, Rohrig started formulating a plan to help Katana regain her confidence.

After doing some initial training with Katana, Rohrig eventually resolved to take her on the Florida Trail: a grueling 1,100-mile hike through the swamps and rivers of the Everglades.

The two began their journey in early January. Despite her disability, Katana would walk a few miles of the trail on her own every day. Whenever the companions encountered marshes or floodwaters, Rohrig would strap the 21-pound pup onto his backpack and carry her through the treacherous terrain.

View this post on Instagram

From bottom to top, thru hiking the 1,100+ mile Florida Trail with a blind dog has been the greatest test of patience and perseverance I've experienced on a hike thus far. Was it worth it? Yes, every step. Thank you all for the continued love and support in what I do! It truly is not possible without you. Lots more adventure to come this year! Stay tuned... . . . . #floridatrail #thruhiking #travel #nature #adventure #wanderlust #photooftheday #picoftheday #dog #dogoftheday #dogstagram #dogsofinstagram #doglover #campingwithdogs #hiking #backpacking #dogs #hikingwithdogs #Shiba #ShibaInu #hikingdog #traveldog #adventuredog #animallovers #instadog #doglover #doglife #dogs #ilovemydog #petstagram

A post shared by Kyle (Mayor) (@_roamad_) on

 

After 72 days of hiking, they finished the trail in late March. Collectively, Rohrig had carried Katana for 800 miles – but since Katana had also walked 200 miles of the trail all on her own, she had undergone a noticeable transformation.

“I don’t know exactly how she did it, but she could lead me down the trail perfectly, without hitting a single obstacle while accounting for every twist and turn in the trail,” Rohrig told The Dodo. “Katana went from cautious and timid to confident and curious.”

MORE: Deaf Puppy Gets Sign Language Lessons After Being Adopted By Man Who is Also Deaf

“She’s not just dealing with her new circumstances — she’s thriving, and she’s thriving wherever she goes,” Rohrig added. “We have many more adventures planned, and I’m going to keep taking her until she ceases to enjoy them. We’re both living the dream.”

If you would like to keep up with their travels, you can follow Rohrig and Katana on their blog or their Instagram page.

(WATCH the video below)

Be Sure And Share This Story Of Pawesome Perseverance With Your Friends On Social Media…

Having Muslim Soccer Champion on English Team Has Led to Dramatic Drop in Hate Crime, Islamophobia

By
McKinley Corbley
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Mohamed Salah has been quite an athletic asset to the Liverpool football club since he joined its ranks in 2017 – but new research says that the beloved player may have also inspired a dramatic decrease in Islamophobia and hate crimes as well.

The 26-year-old Egyptian striker, who is also Muslim, has made various displays of his faith on the field and his social media feed.

In addition to currently being considered one of the most talented players in the English Premier League, a newly-published report from Stanford University’s Immigration Policy Lab suggests that Salah’s influence on the club has also inspired its fans to be more tolerant of Islam.

The report examined three sets of data to measure Salah’s impact on the club: the rates of hate crimes from 25 different police departments over the course of three years; 15 million tweets from U.K. soccer fans; and an original survey experiment of 8,060 Liverpool FC fans.

LOOK: When Fire Leaves 500 Muslims Without Place of Worship, Synagogue Opens Their Doors

The results reveal that there was an 18.9% drop in hate crimes in Liverpool’s home of Merseyside County after Salah was appointed to the team. The decrease in hate crimes was not recorded in any other county and the drop was not related to a decrease in overall crime.

The study goes on to show that anti-Muslim tweets from Liverpool fans were 53.2% lower than expected after Salah was appointed to the team compared to the fans of major English football clubs.

Finally, the Liverpool fan survey that was conducted by the lab showed that Salah’s place on the team has helped to familiarize the fanbase with Islam and encourage people to see the religion in a more positive light that is “compatible with British values”.

MORE: Muslim Doctors Use Ohio Mosque to Open First Free Clinic in the Region – and It’s Open to Everyone

Since the authors of the report state the Muslims are one of the most discriminated minority groups in Britain, the findings highlight the benefit of having minority groups represented on larger world stages.

Upon Salah being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in April of this year, Liverpool FC Manager Jürgen Klopp said: “[Salah is] Muslim and lives in a world where these things are very often discussed in a dangerous manner where people thing ‘they are all like this’ or ‘they are all like that’.

“It’s nice to have somebody around full of joy, full of love, and to do what he is doing around his religion. He is very influential for us. And if somebody thinks he is influential for the rest of the world as well, then good, show it …. It’s an important statement for the world.”

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An Entire School Started Learning Sign Language to Welcome Their First Ever Deaf Student

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Good News Network
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The students at this elementary school in Maine are going above and beyond to welcome a very special new student to their classrooms.

6-year-old Morie Belanger is the first deaf student to attend Dayton Consolidated School.

When the staffers heard that Morie could only communicate in ASL, they started hanging posters throughout the school to teach the other students sign language. Reporters say that the students now know about 20 different vocabulary words.

Additionally, the school installed a hearing assistive system and began making their classes more deaf-friendly. The teachers have even been learning ASL in their spare time so they can better communicate with Morie.

LOOK: 15-Year-old Melts the Hearts of Airline Passengers When She Befriends Blind and Deaf Passenger

“Morey – without even knowing it – has taught us so much,” school Principal Kimberly Sampietro told CNN. “She has brought a culture to our building that we didn’t have before.”

“Morey helped all of them to learn the alphabet,” she added. “The kids have just really embraced her. They look up to her, they want her around, and they want to partner with her.”

The students were rewarded for their hard work earlier this week after they were visited by a Disney princess to sing songs to them in sign language – with a little help from Morie, of course.

(WATCH the news coverage below)

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“Liberate yourself from that idea that people are watching you.” – Russell Brand

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “Liberate yourself from that idea that people are watching you.” – Russell Brand

Image: Copyright GWC, 2018

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

 

Teen Praised for Going ‘Above and Beyond’ to Help Little Girl With Autism Experiencing Sensory Overload

By
McKinley Corbley
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An 18-year-old boy is being praised for going the extra mile for a customer who was having trouble consoling her daughter with autism.

Jacob Tayler is an employee at the Clarks shoe store in Bicester, England. His encounter with the troubled customer recently came to light after the shop mailed his family a “celebration alert” for “outstanding customer service”.

The store sent the letter as a result of the customer, Dawn Brown, emailing the store to praise Jacob for his kindness during their shopping trip back in March.

“My daughter is autistic. She wanted to come in and try shoes, but once in your store had a sensory overload,” Brown wrote in the email. “Jacob came over and really kindly asked if he could help, to which I answered ‘yes please’.

RELATED: When 7-Foot-Tall ‘Gentle Giant’ With Autism Outgrows His Swing Set, Handyman Steps in for Free

“He didn’t mention or acknowledge the situation but just sat on the floor and started talking to my daughter. He gently tried shoes on her and explained to her why they would feel different and in time, they would soon feel okay.

“He sat patiently while she cried and I had to rock her, and [he] carried on when she was ready without any fuss and he didn’t once make us feel like we were taking too long or being a nuisance.”

Jacob’s father, James Tayler, later posted a photo of the letter to social media, saying that he was “choked up” over his son’s good deed – and it has already been shared thousands of times.

Since James’s social media post went viral, Brown was able to contact the family and express her personal gratitude for Jacob’s kindness.

“Everyone loves a little bit of kindness,” she said in a Twitter conversation with Jacob’s father. “Teens today are given bad press, not enough praise. I am so so happy that Jacob got his recognition. He totally deserves this.”

CHECK OUT: Employee Lets Autistic Teen Stock the Shelves; Video Goes Viral and Strangers Give Him $120K

According to BBC, however, this is not the first time that Jacob has volunteered his time to help other people – the youngster has been working with a special needs charity since he was 16 years old. Not only that, he will be spending his summer working with disabled children overseas, and he plans to take up a firefighting apprenticeship when he returns.

The little girl’s mother has also offered to help Jacob get a job at a “hub for young people with disabilities in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.”

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Inspired By 6-Year-old’s Kindness, a 43-Foot Bridge is Donated to Flood-Affected Nebraska Town

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McKinley Corbley
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A 6-year-old’s concern for the people of Nebraska has led to a charming chain of good deeds to benefit the flood-affected state.

Little Kai Baldwin had been watching the news with his mother back in March when he first learned about how floodwaters had damaged some of the state’s infrastructure.

Despite the fact that the boy lives in Vernal, Utah, he could barely keep himself from crying over the reports. “How will they get home and save their animals without a bridge?” he asked his mom. “We have to send them our money!”

At the time, Kai believed that a new bridge would cost about $60 – but unfortunately, he only had $3.21 in his bank account.

RELATED: Woman Buys Out Entire Shoe Store So She Can Donate 204 Pairs to Nebraska Flood Victims

Nevertheless, the boy’s mother encouraged him to follow his passion and ask his neighbors for additional donations. Kai then went door-to-door, asking people for money. Thanks to an additional Facebook fundraiser that was set up by his mom, the determined youngster raised $285.28.

Kai then wrote a check to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund and tucked it inside of a card that read “Dear Nebraska, I’m sorry you got flooded…”

Meanwhile in Virginia, Jesse Wise heard about Kai’s act of kindness and felt inspired to help.

LOOK: After Exhausting Day of Hard Work, Two Friends Find Fridge Full of Cold Beers in the Middle of a Field

In addition to working as a farmer in Culpepper, he also runs a scrap metal recycling business – and as fate would have it, he had just taken down a perfectly good 43-foot bridge for a client that would be perfect for Nebraska.

“I knew people were hauling hay to Nebraska; I didn’t have enough hay to share, but I wanted to help. So, I wondered if Nebraska could use the bridge we scrapped,” said Wise.

“Believe me, I had a lot of dead silence on the phone as I tried to find the bridge a home,” Wise laughed. “It’s not every day you get a call saying; ‘I have a bridge for you, can you use it?’”

Photo by Nebraska Farm Bureau

Wise eventually managed to get in contact with Cedar County Commissioner Craig Bartels, who lives near Belden, Nebraska.

“About 10 days after the flooding, I got this call from a Farm Bureau rep who said a bridge had been donated and did we want it?” Bartels told Omaha.com. “I thought about it for about 10 seconds and said, ‘Yeah, we’ll take it.’”

CHECK OUT: Farmers Stay Silent During Auction So Young Man Can Win the Bid on His Long-Lost Family Farm

Though it was not an easy effort to move the bridge halfway across the country, the Virginia farmer split the expenses with Read Transportation – and after traveling 1,000 miles, the bridge arrived in Cedar County earlier this week.

Bartels says that he is not yet sure how the bridge will be put to use, but he says his construction team will “make it work”. The bridge’s components may be used to repair several county fixtures or it may be divided into two separate new bridges.

(WATCH the news coverage below) – Photo by KCAU

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Friends Spent 8 Months Pedaling Across Africa So They Could Give Away Free Devices for Preventing Blindness

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McKinley Corbley
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SWNS
SWNS

Two determined university students have successfully bicycled across Africa in order to give away free solar-powered devices that could help save thousands of people from preventable hearing and vision impairment.

Alex McMaster and Merlin Hetherington only recently finished their intrepid journey after they successfully managed to pedal 6,300 miles (10,450 kilometers) across Africa.

The two friends, who met each other during their time at the University of St Andrews, spent eight months pedaling from Cairo to Cape Town in order to dole out Arclights to medical works in remote rural communities.

The Arclight, which was developed by the university’s School of Medicine, is a low-cost, solar-powered that works simultaneously as an ophthalmoscope and an otoscope.

CHECK OUT: First Smartphone App to Detect Ear Infections in Children Could Save Unnecessary Doctor’s Visits

Around 285 million people in the world are estimated to be visually impaired, with an additional 360 million suffering from hearing impairment. Though the causes for these impairments are often preventable with early diagnosis, the medical equipment is either too expensive or it depends on batteries and lightbulbs.

The Arclight, on the other hand, enables users in low-income countries to make instant on-the-spot decisions that speed up access to treatment – all without having to worry about electricity.

Photo by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

“Given the statistics on preventable blindness, we felt moved to action. No one should live any part of their life needlessly blind,” said Hetherington, who graduated in June 2018 with a degree in medicine

“The Arclight is an incredible tool that if given to the right people will help improve the lives of thousands.”

LOOK: Girl Born With Backwards Legs Walks for the First Time Thanks to Strangers Funding ‘Miracle’ Surgery

Despite battling 13 tire punctures and various encounters with police, bandits and tribal conflict, the young students managed to distribute 1,050 Arclights and train 843 people across the continent.

McMaster, who is studying biology and geography, said: “It’s been a learning experience for both of us.

“Initially, we were a bit apprehensive, but now, we are quite happy going in and training 80 to 100 students at a time so it’s been a great experience for us too.”

Photo by Arclight

Dr. Andrew Blaikie, Senior Lecturer in the Global Health Team and Consultant Ophthalmologist to Britain’s National Health Service, has been assisting with evaluation and implementation of Arclight over the past four years – and he was quick to praise the young students for their medical mission.

“What Alex and Merlin have done is a wonderful achievement both for themselves and the many hundreds of health care workers who now own an Arclight device,” said Blaikie.

MORE: Years After She Smells Parkinson’s Disease on Her Husband, Woman is Now Paving the Way for Early Detection Test

“Early diagnosis using the Arclight is the key to good outcomes for both eye and ear disease – especially in the young,” he added.

“Their expedition, I am sure, will now go on to benefit many thousands of people over the coming years, preventing needless disability. This is a legacy for which they should be immensely proud.”

(WATCH the video below)

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