![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatThe sun came out after three-four days of rain. It was warmer. I walked around Battery Park at lunch, looked out at the harbor, stopped and smelled or rather took pictures of the flowers, and managed to circumnavigate the insane number of tourists. (Foreign tourists are still visiting NYC at least and in droves, apparently they didn't get the memo? Because they were here in droves. I know they were foreign because they either didn't speak English, or with a heavy accent, and I know they were tourists because they were all standing in an insanely long line to go see the Statue of Liberty. New Yorkers - know they can do it whenever, and do not stand in line. )
And yes, my knees ache still (stupid arthritis) and I've a dull headache that I can't seem to dislodge (I blame the barometric pressure drops - which I kind of blame for the arthritis flare up as well - what can I say? I'm a humane weather vane. My body knows it's going to rain tonight).
Anyhow, without further ado...the Good News Report:
There's over 100 items, so I'm going to try and split them up into sections, for easier viewing - well to the extent that I can? That way you can pick and choose, as opposed to scanning down a huge list. As always, this may well be in the eye of the beholder? So your mileage may vary on the level of good news some of these items are?
Scientific and Medical Research, Animals, Space, National Parks, Climate Change, Environmental issues [Note this category includes court cases and legislation that involve environmental or medical issues, along with research advances, discoveries, educational programs, and position bits on the above. This is the first 46 items.]
1.Sequoia National Park’s caverns are having a moment right now. The stunning Crystal Cave has been closed for four years. No more. The sprawling subterranean landmark will be open again this summer. There are about 275 known caves in Sequoia and neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, but Crystal Cave is the only one accessible to visitors. The park offers 50-minute guided tours through mineral formations and rare geology.
Go Here
2. Construction begins for 40,000-square-foot women’s medical center in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Go HERE
The Center for Women’s Health at East Cooper Medical Center will be a two-story facility and serve as a central hub for women’s health services in the Lowcountry. It will be located right next to the East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant. Novant Health owns the East Cooper Medical Center and will also own this new women’s medical center. Leaders with Novant Health say that the estimated cost to build this facility is between $20 million and $25 million. The new Center for Women’s Health will offer a variety of care, including mammography and breast diagnostics, breast and general surgery, obstetric and gynecology services, as well as urogynecology and surgery. Dr. Kate White, an OB/GYN physician for Novant Health, says this new facility has been a long time coming and will offer women quick, convenient access to health services all under one roof.
3.Genomes of the apes Go HERE
After more than two decades of work, researchers have sequenced the complete genomes of six ape species. An understanding of the apes’ genomes gives geneticists insights into the genetic factors that differentiate humans from our closest evolutionary relatives. The results will also be key to analysing the genetic diversity of at-risk ape populations — all six species sequenced are listed as either endangered or critically endangered. “I’ve never thought that this would be accomplished in my lifetime,” says evolutionary geneticist and study co-author Kateryna Makova."
4. Coho Salmon swam up the Navarro river for the first time in decades this Winter in response to the gift of rain, years of river restoration work, and dedication to remembering to giving everything on behalf future generations. Go HERE
5. Manzanita generously burst open hearty late winter blossoms - precious nectar for local hummingbirds. Go HERE
6. This is the Sunflower Galaxy (M63), located 30 million light years from Earth. The image was captured with a one-hour exposure from Robert Hubble’s backyard on April 12, 2025. Go HERE
7.Scientists have found a massive underground forest hidden 197 meters (646 feet) below ground in a giant sinkhole in Guangxi, China.
Inside this natural cavern, trees soar up to 40 meters (130 feet) tall — some potentially unknown to science. These enormous sinkholes, known as tiankengs, are common in the region due to the erosion of limestone rock. But what sets this one apart is its lush, isolated ecosystem, offering a rare glimpse into how life can evolve in extreme, untouched environments.
Scientists believe this underground world could harbor unique species, thanks to its isolation and microclimate — making it a goldmine for research in biodiversity and adaptation.
8.Scientists created Shark AI, a free curriculum that lets students build computer vision models to classify fossil shark teeth, helping teachers integrate AI into science lessons in a fun way. Go HERE
9.Australia is facing an extinction crisis. This special series brings stories of hope, resilience and determination as passionate volunteers across the country stand up for endangered species. Go HERE
The not-for-profit Biodiversity Council commissioned a survey of 3,500 Australians to gauge what they thought about the environment. A vast majority of people – 96% – said more action was needed to look after Australia’s natural environment. ‘Last chance’ highlights the people trying to circumvent this in their own quiet way by working to save threatened animals where they live.
10.Chandler Crews is a woman born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. This genetic condition affects bone growth, leading to short limbs and other distinct physical characteristics. Crews made the decision to undergo limb-lengthening surgery—a complex and lengthy process that involves multiple surgeries and a long recovery period. The procedure works by carefully fracturing the bones and using either an external or internal fixation device to gradually separate the bone segments, allowing new bone to grow in the created gap.
11. Emu on the loose for nearly a year gets new home at New York Zoo. Escaped emu, no more: After months of gallivanting, Lilith the bird is getting new digs and new friends at Animal Adventure Park. Go HERE
12.Simple blood test could help prevent thousands of heart attacks, study says. By measuring levels of a protein that causes “silent harm,” an inexpensive test may accurately predict risk of cardiovascular events. Go HERE
13. How innovations in helicopter technology could save lives. Incredibly advanced rescue helicopters called Emergency Response Flyers are in the works to aid rescue and disaster response efforts.
14. Google demos the “Tony Stark” glasses that translate languages in real time. The augmented reality glasses can also remember what you’ve seen — so forgetting where you put your keys can’t derail your day. Go HERE
15.Charles Dickens had a pet raven.
16.The ESA’s new Biomass satellite is set to capture 3D maps of the world’s most remote tropical forests. Go Here
17. Ocean Cleanup Aims to Block a Third of All Plastic Entering the Sea:
The largest ocean cleanup in history is being spearheaded by Boyan Slat, who founded The Ocean Cleanup at just 18 years old. Spurred by his own scuba diving experience at 16, during which he came across “more plastic bags than fish,” Slat asked himself: “Why can’t we just clean this up?”
So he set out to do exactly that, and during TED2025 earlier this week, Slat shared an update on the organization’s work. Not only is The Ocean Cleanup taking steps to get rid of legacy plastic, or the stuff already floating in the ocean, but the nonprofit is also developing large-scale technologies to stop new plastic from entering. One way it does this is through the Interceptor Original, a scalable technology that uses natural forces like solar power to prevent river debris from flowing into the sea.
During his TED Talk, Slat said the organization has set a goal to bring Interceptors to 30 cities around the world, which, its models predict, will stop up to one-third of all the plastic currently entering the ocean. “Once the oceans are clean again, it can be this example of how, through hard work and ingenuity, we can solve the big problems of our time,” Slat said.
18.Crows in a lab were able to distinguish shapes that exhibited right angles, parallel lines, and symmetry, suggesting that, like humans, they have a special ability to perceive geometric regularity.
19.The World Expo 2025 begins tomorrow in Osaka, Japan, with 28 million people expected to convene for the showcase over the next six months. Encircled by the Grand Ring, a wooden structure recognized for its size by Guinness World Records, the expo encourages visitors to explore global innovations centered on this year’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Go HERE
20.Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England have developed a new kind of flower power, creating “artificial leaves” that convert energy from sunlight and water into clean fuel. The lightweight, flexible devices work similarly to photosynthesis, the process by which green plants convert sunlight into food — and tests of the prototypes on the River Cam show they work just as efficiently as real leaves. The artificial leaves work similarly to plant leaves. However, instead of sugars, they are producing useful chemicals. Unlike solar panels, which convert solar energy into electricity, the Cambridge researchers’ technology uses two different kinds of fuel cells to produce a chemical reaction that turns sunlight into synthetic gas. The new process is a major milestone for science: It’s the first time clean fuel has been generated on water. Go HERE
21.In Alabama, a Fight for the Spotted Salamander: As a private university expands its footprint and threatens the amphibian’s habitat, residents are voicing their opposition and searching for another way forward.
22. Al Gore to Keynote San Francisco Climate Week Go HERE
23. Solar energy in New York got a big boost with the announcement of a $950 million contract to construct the state's largest solar farm, and the program has now broken ground. HERE
24.A first-of-its-kind pilot to electrify homes on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard is set to finish construction in the coming weeks — and it could offer a blueprint for decarbonizing low- and moderate-income households in Massachusetts and beyond.
25. Fossil fuels made up less than half of the U.S. electricity mix in March for the first month on record. Go HERE
26.Chevron was ordered to pay more than $740 million to restore coastal wetlands in Louisiana. GO HERE
27.The U.S. solar industry has already stockpiled 50 GW of imported equipment, which will help it stave off the impact of Trump’s tariffs.
28.The Senate parliamentarian ruled that Republicans in Congress cannot use an obscure legislative maneuver to stop California’s ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
29.Alabama legislators unanimously passed a bill that would expedite access to Medicaid for pregnant women. Go HERE
30.Maryland lawmakers passed a package of energy bills that includes provisions for fast-tracking some community solar project approvals and prohibiting counties from banning solar development in hopes of curbing power rates.
31.Republican senators, led by Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, unveiled a bill Tuesday that would slap penalties on countries that generate high levels of manufacturing pollution. Interesting, eh? Go HERE
32.The world used clean power sources to meet more than 40% of its electricity demand last year for the first time since the 1940s, figures show. Go HERE
33.Jeff Bezos is funding a secretive EV startup based in Michigan called Slate Auto that could start production as soon as next year. Slate Auto is tackling a big goal: an affordable two-seat electric pickup truck for around $25,000.
34. Quantum computer untangles knot maths
Researchers at the UK quantum-computing company Quantinuum report that their quantum machine, H2-2, can distinguish between different types of knot on the basis of topological properties, and show that the method could be faster than those that run on ordinary, or ‘classical’, computers. The finding hints at where the innovative computers could someday be particularly useful. This is owing to mysterious connections between topology and quantum physics. “That these things are related is mind-blowing, I think,” says Konstantinos Meichanetzidis, a Quantinuum researcher who led the work behind the preprint." Go HERE
35."Silence in the abandoned reactor, please"
In a decaying nuclear power plant in Washington state, scientists have created a sound-testing laboratory that takes advantage of the site’s unique characteristics. Former NASA researcher Ron Sauro and his team test everything from soundproof building materials to washing machines while battling the challenges of working within an abandoned reactor building — such as a terminally leaky roof and deadly unfinished lift shafts."
36.Unwashed raw wool boasts plenty of nutrients plants love, like nitrogen and potassium, making it a prime candidate for providing soil nourishment. Plus, it can absorb up to 35% of its dry weight in water, more than any other fiber, according to CSIRO’s Textile and Fibre Technology division. That means wool can help hold onto the moisture crops need, and as a result, farmers can water less. Alicia and Ben Rux, owners of a Wyoming sheep ranch, have been putting those properties to use since 2022. Left with heaps of waste wool, the pair started creating fertilizer pellets with it, and have since helped half a dozen other farmers do the same. “We always have sustainability in the back of our minds,” Alicia told On Land, “and how to use something that maybe isn’t being utilized.”Sheep Ranchers Are Turning “Waste Wool” Into Sustainable Fertilizer: Can wool save water? Sheep ranchers certainly think so. Over the past decade, an increasing number have begun turning their “waste wool” — aka the low-quality wool that can’t be used for fabric and typically gets tossed — into fertilizer.
37.For the first time, a fully electric airplane flew from New York to California and back again.
38.The California Coastal Commission voted to fine Sable Offshore, an oil drilling company, nearly $18 million after Sable repeatedly ignored cease-and-desist orders, failed to obtain Coastal Development Permits, and proceeded to restart its work on oil infrastructure with a documented history of environmental disaster. Go HERE
39.A rare pair of white dwarfs is projected to explode in a “spectacular supernova” — in 23 billion years
40. The largest solar energy project in New York history just secured close to $1 billion in funding Go HERE
41.Thousands of elk can migrate freely through a private Colorado ranch, thanks to a first-of-its-kind deal. Go HERE
42.Where EV batteries go to die — and be reborn: In one futuristic recycling lab, sought-after materials are extracted from “black mass” — a powder formed by pulverizing batteries. Go HERE
43. For the first time, fossil fuels accounted for less than half of U.S. electricity production across an entire month as clean power generation surged in March. Go HERE
44. In response to all our public backlash, the National Park Service restored original content to its webpage about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
45.Construction crews began placing the first layers of soil over the surface of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway Monday morning. See the full story here: https://abc7.la/4hS04wz
46.The Earth experiences a rhythmic "heartbeat" approximately every 26 seconds, a phenomenon characterized by microseismic pulses that originate from the ocean. These pulses, known as the "26-second microseismic band," have intrigued scientists for years, as their consistent nature suggests an underlying, yet unidentified, cause. While the exact origin of these seismic waves is still a mystery, several theories have been proposed to explain them.
One possibility is that the pulses are related to ocean waves. It is hypothesized that when ocean waves crash against coastlines or the ocean floor, they generate pressure and vibrations that can propagate through the Earth, creating these microseismic pulses. Another theory points to volcanic activity. It is believed that undersea volcanic eruptions or tectonic movements could produce the vibrations detected as part of the Earth’s "heartbeat." Finally, some scientists propose that sediment fractures and shifting materials on the ocean floor may contribute to the phenomenon, with the constant motion of these materials producing periodic seismic waves. Despite these theories, the precise cause of the 26-second pulses remains elusive. Scientists continue to monitor and analyze seismic data in hopes of uncovering the exact mechanism behind this curious, rhythmic phenomenon. Further research may shed light on the connection between oceanic processes, seismic activity, and the planet's dynamic behavior.
Source: [Science Alert](https://www.sciencealert.com)
News from the Courts, Legislative Bodies, and the Political Resistance in both the US and Globally against The Doofus Administration [Includes court cases (on migrants, free speech, transgender.. seriously there is a long list), mainly court cases, and political news (mainly voting suppression cases among other things political), along with financial news/business news in regards to tariffs.]
1. Newsmax defamed Dominion Voting Systems, Delaware judge rules. Newsman settled a similar defamation case with Smartmatic last year.
2.In an unexpected win for antitrust, one of the Republican commissioners remaining on the Federal Trade Commission will save the agency’s investigation into pharmacy benefit managers by unrecusing himself from the case.
3. Hold on to hope (accompanied by action): Four countries—Brazil, Thailand, Zambia and Poland—have successfully reversed democratic decline in recent years.
4.A judge finally blocked the White House’s Associated Press ban. [That just keeps going back and forth...LOL!] Go HERE (Trump banned them from covering White House events for refusing to call the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of America, and this has been going back and forth in court since February. )
5.Sen. Brian Schatz is placing holds on over 50 Trump nominees. He has also placed holds on all nominations at the State Department, bringing his total to over 300 positions. Also Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced that he plans to place a hold on ALL Trump nominees going forward.[ I think they must have decided this after the last group proved to be well...a disaster is an understatement? Note this is important, since it prevents Trump for doing a lot of things.]
6. This public resource tracks legal challenges to Trump administration actions. They are currently tracking 171 cases filed against Trump and his Administration. Tracker of Trump Administration Legal Challenges.
7.NC lawmakers postpone vote to ban DEI in state government, as protesters pack state House.
8.New Mexico this week became the latest state to pass a law aimed at addressing an ongoing national crisis surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people. Go HERE
9.The American Library Association, the largest library association in the world, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the largest union representing museum and library workers, are suing the Trump administration over its gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Go HERE [Honestly, you know you are doing something wrong when the American Library Association is suing you.]
10.AOC is leading Chuck Schumer among Democratic primary voters by double digits. [I didn't know she was running for Senator? Schumer has passed his time, I think? We need young blood in the Senate and Congress, too many old men. However? I admittedly have mixed feelings.]
11.A federal judge in Texas (appointed by Trump) has issued a ruling blocking the removal of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act, citing concerns raised in the Supreme Court’s recent decision and the controversial Abrego Garcia case.
12. Senator Adam Schiff called on Congress to investigate whether Trump engaged in insider trading or market manipulation when he abruptly paused a sweeping set of tariffs, a move that sent stock prices skyrocketing. [It would be hilarious if Trump got impeached and thrown in prison for Insider Trading.]
13.The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is auditing DOGE. Go Here.
14.36,000 people showed up in LA for Bernie and AOC. The crowds keep growing. [IDK seems small to me, but okay.]Utah comes out for Bernie and AOC.15000 in the stadium and 5000 in overflow!!!
15.Colorado has taken an unprecedented approach to a decades-old dilemma for gun-control advocates: limiting the firepower of the popular AR-15 rifle. First-of-its-kind legislation could reshape national gun-control debate as gun-rights groups say it will ban America’s most popular firearms. Go HERE
16. Indiana lawmakers in the state’s Republican-led senate are looking to take on pharma’s price-gouging middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers by creating a public system. Go HERE
17.A federal court ordered multiple government agencies to provide additional details about their use of Signal for official government business. Go HERE
18.A coalition of more than 240 pastors, Christian faith leaders, and faith-based nonprofit organizations across Tennessee have come together to oppose a bill that could allow public schools there to deny enrollment for migrant children without legal status.
19. Maine officials sued the Trump administration to try to stop the government from freezing federal money in the wake of a dispute over transgender athletes in sports. Go HERE
20.The Supreme Court told the Trump administration to seek the return of a migrant mistakenly sent to a Salvadoran prison, rebuffing government claims that it need do nothing to remedy its error. So far, no clue what the Administration is doing to get him back. [This keeps going back and forth as well.]
21.In Wisconsin, former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman agreed to surrender his law license following a disciplinary complaint related to his conduct during his investigation of the 2020 presidential election. Go HERE
22.Two groups representing Harvard professors sued the Trump administration, saying that its threat to cut billions in federal funding for the university violates free speech and other First Amendment rights. Go HERE
23. The Trump administration was forced to restore USAID emergency food programs in Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, Jordan, Iraq, and Ecuador.
Go HERE
24.Since Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcements his approval ratings have absolutely plummeted.Nearly two in three Americans feel uneasy about their personal finances, and roughly three in five say the economy is getting worse. Trump’s Economic Approval Rating Is Tied for His Worst Ever in
Navigator Tracking. Go HERE
Negativity Around Trump’s Second Term Is at a New High, With
Tariffs Dominating Negative Recall. In December, 54% of Americans reported hearing negative news on Trump: now, 78% say the same, with tariffs dominating the conversation around his actions.Americans Want Power Over Tariffs Back in the Hands of Congress, Not With Donald Trump
Majorities want Congress to take back power over tariffs (56%), including 53% of independents.
25. Initial analysis of the Wisconsin elections on April 5 shows that relative to 2024’s presidential race, every single county in Wisconsin moved left.
26.A federal judge rejected Johnson & Johnson’s third attempt to use a controversial legal maneuver to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other products were tainted with toxic asbestos and caused cancer. Go HERE
27.A Mississippi judge on April 4 dismissed former governor Phil Bryant’s (R) defamation suit against a nonprofit newsroom for exposing potential corruption in his administration.
28.Companies are starting to tack tariff surcharges onto invoices as a separate line item.
29. Senator Chris Murphy has been very outspoken against what the Republican Administration is doing. He has raised 8M in the first quarter of this year doing so, even though he just won re-election last year! [Yes, but did he actually do anything? ]
30.Some House Freedom Caucus members are apparently warming to the idea of a new 40% tax bracket for those earning $1 million or more to offset some new tax cuts. Yes, read that again: Some House Freedom Caucus members are apparently warming to the idea of a new 40% tax bracket for those earning $1 million or more to offset some new tax cuts. [The Tariff thing resulted in a sell off in the Bond Market, which means the US credit rating dived, and we can't just raise the deficit ceiling any longer - got to get money somewhere.]
31.The Senate parliamentarian ruled that Republicans in Congress cannot use an obscure legislative maneuver to stop California’s ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
32.The Wisconsin Supreme Court dismissed a challenge last week that sought to limit municipalities’ authority to set early voting locations and prevent the future use of a mobile voting van.
33. Federal agents attempted to enter two Los Angeles Unified elementary schools this week. The principals of each school denied the agents entry and contacted legal support; the agents left. Let’s give a round of applause to the LAUSD community members and activists who “went deep on proper warrants for entry,” as soon as Trump was elected. Because of them, these schools were prepared and disaster was averted!
34.A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funding that was allocated to Maine from the U.S. Department of Agriculture — funds that had been withheld following Trump's clash with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over the issue of transgender athletes. Go Here
35.In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, police have recommended criminal charges—including battery and false imprisonment—against the security team who brutally dragged Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl out of a town hall in February. Go HERE
36.A federal judge has rejected Trump ‘s effort to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against him filed by the men formerly known as the Central Park Five. Go. Here
37.Michigan state superintendent signals he won’t sign Trump’s anti-DEI certification Michigan’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Rice " Donald Trump’s January executive order attempting to ban DEI in schools would not change the state’s efforts to incorporate curriculum that reflects its diverse student body."
https://www.bridgedetroit.com/michigan-state.../
Items about social media, and other oddities that I can't slot into a category easily.
1. Bluesky’s Quest to Build Nontoxic Social Media
X and Facebook are governed by the policies of mercurial billionaires. Bluesky’s C.E.O., Jay Graber, says that she wants to give power back to the user. Go HERE
2.More than 100 people in need are expected to attend Passover dinners this weekend, offered by Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe Chicago at its synagogue in West Ridge in collaboration with Bubby Firas Food Bank. Despite rising costs, they served eggs and matzoh.
3.Record-high egg prices are probably forcing some people (or bunnies) to search for less-expensive alternatives this Easter.
A marshmallow brand is selling two dollar Easter dye kits. Go here. Apparently Jet-Puff Marshmellows is selling marshmellow dyeing kits for Easter.
4. Almost 300,000 new EVs were sold in the U.S. in the first three months of the year, a nearly 11% increase. While Teslas continue to drop, competitors are growing.
5. Meta is implementing new restrictions to help make its apps safer for teenage users. Go Here.
6. It's official the Telsa CyberTruck is a Flop. Go Here [I've seen one in my neighborhood, it's an ugly thing. It looks like a poorly designed futuristic tank by way of some old campy Sci-Fi 70's television show, such as Knight Rider (except that one wasn't ugly).
Whew. For all the bad news, of which there is plenty, there is a lot of good news, which is reassuring at least. I'm trying to just post the Good News, since you can pretty much get the bad from well everywhere?
And yes, my knees ache still (stupid arthritis) and I've a dull headache that I can't seem to dislodge (I blame the barometric pressure drops - which I kind of blame for the arthritis flare up as well - what can I say? I'm a humane weather vane. My body knows it's going to rain tonight).
Anyhow, without further ado...the Good News Report:
There's over 100 items, so I'm going to try and split them up into sections, for easier viewing - well to the extent that I can? That way you can pick and choose, as opposed to scanning down a huge list. As always, this may well be in the eye of the beholder? So your mileage may vary on the level of good news some of these items are?
Scientific and Medical Research, Animals, Space, National Parks, Climate Change, Environmental issues [Note this category includes court cases and legislation that involve environmental or medical issues, along with research advances, discoveries, educational programs, and position bits on the above. This is the first 46 items.]
1.Sequoia National Park’s caverns are having a moment right now. The stunning Crystal Cave has been closed for four years. No more. The sprawling subterranean landmark will be open again this summer. There are about 275 known caves in Sequoia and neighboring Kings Canyon National Park, but Crystal Cave is the only one accessible to visitors. The park offers 50-minute guided tours through mineral formations and rare geology.
Go Here
2. Construction begins for 40,000-square-foot women’s medical center in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Go HERE
The Center for Women’s Health at East Cooper Medical Center will be a two-story facility and serve as a central hub for women’s health services in the Lowcountry. It will be located right next to the East Cooper Medical Center in Mount Pleasant. Novant Health owns the East Cooper Medical Center and will also own this new women’s medical center. Leaders with Novant Health say that the estimated cost to build this facility is between $20 million and $25 million. The new Center for Women’s Health will offer a variety of care, including mammography and breast diagnostics, breast and general surgery, obstetric and gynecology services, as well as urogynecology and surgery. Dr. Kate White, an OB/GYN physician for Novant Health, says this new facility has been a long time coming and will offer women quick, convenient access to health services all under one roof.
3.Genomes of the apes Go HERE
After more than two decades of work, researchers have sequenced the complete genomes of six ape species. An understanding of the apes’ genomes gives geneticists insights into the genetic factors that differentiate humans from our closest evolutionary relatives. The results will also be key to analysing the genetic diversity of at-risk ape populations — all six species sequenced are listed as either endangered or critically endangered. “I’ve never thought that this would be accomplished in my lifetime,” says evolutionary geneticist and study co-author Kateryna Makova."
4. Coho Salmon swam up the Navarro river for the first time in decades this Winter in response to the gift of rain, years of river restoration work, and dedication to remembering to giving everything on behalf future generations. Go HERE
5. Manzanita generously burst open hearty late winter blossoms - precious nectar for local hummingbirds. Go HERE
6. This is the Sunflower Galaxy (M63), located 30 million light years from Earth. The image was captured with a one-hour exposure from Robert Hubble’s backyard on April 12, 2025. Go HERE
7.Scientists have found a massive underground forest hidden 197 meters (646 feet) below ground in a giant sinkhole in Guangxi, China.
Inside this natural cavern, trees soar up to 40 meters (130 feet) tall — some potentially unknown to science. These enormous sinkholes, known as tiankengs, are common in the region due to the erosion of limestone rock. But what sets this one apart is its lush, isolated ecosystem, offering a rare glimpse into how life can evolve in extreme, untouched environments.
Scientists believe this underground world could harbor unique species, thanks to its isolation and microclimate — making it a goldmine for research in biodiversity and adaptation.
8.Scientists created Shark AI, a free curriculum that lets students build computer vision models to classify fossil shark teeth, helping teachers integrate AI into science lessons in a fun way. Go HERE
9.Australia is facing an extinction crisis. This special series brings stories of hope, resilience and determination as passionate volunteers across the country stand up for endangered species. Go HERE
The not-for-profit Biodiversity Council commissioned a survey of 3,500 Australians to gauge what they thought about the environment. A vast majority of people – 96% – said more action was needed to look after Australia’s natural environment. ‘Last chance’ highlights the people trying to circumvent this in their own quiet way by working to save threatened animals where they live.
10.Chandler Crews is a woman born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. This genetic condition affects bone growth, leading to short limbs and other distinct physical characteristics. Crews made the decision to undergo limb-lengthening surgery—a complex and lengthy process that involves multiple surgeries and a long recovery period. The procedure works by carefully fracturing the bones and using either an external or internal fixation device to gradually separate the bone segments, allowing new bone to grow in the created gap.
11. Emu on the loose for nearly a year gets new home at New York Zoo. Escaped emu, no more: After months of gallivanting, Lilith the bird is getting new digs and new friends at Animal Adventure Park. Go HERE
12.Simple blood test could help prevent thousands of heart attacks, study says. By measuring levels of a protein that causes “silent harm,” an inexpensive test may accurately predict risk of cardiovascular events. Go HERE
13. How innovations in helicopter technology could save lives. Incredibly advanced rescue helicopters called Emergency Response Flyers are in the works to aid rescue and disaster response efforts.
14. Google demos the “Tony Stark” glasses that translate languages in real time. The augmented reality glasses can also remember what you’ve seen — so forgetting where you put your keys can’t derail your day. Go HERE
15.Charles Dickens had a pet raven.
16.The ESA’s new Biomass satellite is set to capture 3D maps of the world’s most remote tropical forests. Go Here
17. Ocean Cleanup Aims to Block a Third of All Plastic Entering the Sea:
The largest ocean cleanup in history is being spearheaded by Boyan Slat, who founded The Ocean Cleanup at just 18 years old. Spurred by his own scuba diving experience at 16, during which he came across “more plastic bags than fish,” Slat asked himself: “Why can’t we just clean this up?”
So he set out to do exactly that, and during TED2025 earlier this week, Slat shared an update on the organization’s work. Not only is The Ocean Cleanup taking steps to get rid of legacy plastic, or the stuff already floating in the ocean, but the nonprofit is also developing large-scale technologies to stop new plastic from entering. One way it does this is through the Interceptor Original, a scalable technology that uses natural forces like solar power to prevent river debris from flowing into the sea.
During his TED Talk, Slat said the organization has set a goal to bring Interceptors to 30 cities around the world, which, its models predict, will stop up to one-third of all the plastic currently entering the ocean. “Once the oceans are clean again, it can be this example of how, through hard work and ingenuity, we can solve the big problems of our time,” Slat said.
18.Crows in a lab were able to distinguish shapes that exhibited right angles, parallel lines, and symmetry, suggesting that, like humans, they have a special ability to perceive geometric regularity.
19.The World Expo 2025 begins tomorrow in Osaka, Japan, with 28 million people expected to convene for the showcase over the next six months. Encircled by the Grand Ring, a wooden structure recognized for its size by Guinness World Records, the expo encourages visitors to explore global innovations centered on this year’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Go HERE
20.Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England have developed a new kind of flower power, creating “artificial leaves” that convert energy from sunlight and water into clean fuel. The lightweight, flexible devices work similarly to photosynthesis, the process by which green plants convert sunlight into food — and tests of the prototypes on the River Cam show they work just as efficiently as real leaves. The artificial leaves work similarly to plant leaves. However, instead of sugars, they are producing useful chemicals. Unlike solar panels, which convert solar energy into electricity, the Cambridge researchers’ technology uses two different kinds of fuel cells to produce a chemical reaction that turns sunlight into synthetic gas. The new process is a major milestone for science: It’s the first time clean fuel has been generated on water. Go HERE
21.In Alabama, a Fight for the Spotted Salamander: As a private university expands its footprint and threatens the amphibian’s habitat, residents are voicing their opposition and searching for another way forward.
22. Al Gore to Keynote San Francisco Climate Week Go HERE
23. Solar energy in New York got a big boost with the announcement of a $950 million contract to construct the state's largest solar farm, and the program has now broken ground. HERE
24.A first-of-its-kind pilot to electrify homes on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard is set to finish construction in the coming weeks — and it could offer a blueprint for decarbonizing low- and moderate-income households in Massachusetts and beyond.
25. Fossil fuels made up less than half of the U.S. electricity mix in March for the first month on record. Go HERE
26.Chevron was ordered to pay more than $740 million to restore coastal wetlands in Louisiana. GO HERE
27.The U.S. solar industry has already stockpiled 50 GW of imported equipment, which will help it stave off the impact of Trump’s tariffs.
28.The Senate parliamentarian ruled that Republicans in Congress cannot use an obscure legislative maneuver to stop California’s ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
29.Alabama legislators unanimously passed a bill that would expedite access to Medicaid for pregnant women. Go HERE
30.Maryland lawmakers passed a package of energy bills that includes provisions for fast-tracking some community solar project approvals and prohibiting counties from banning solar development in hopes of curbing power rates.
31.Republican senators, led by Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, unveiled a bill Tuesday that would slap penalties on countries that generate high levels of manufacturing pollution. Interesting, eh? Go HERE
32.The world used clean power sources to meet more than 40% of its electricity demand last year for the first time since the 1940s, figures show. Go HERE
33.Jeff Bezos is funding a secretive EV startup based in Michigan called Slate Auto that could start production as soon as next year. Slate Auto is tackling a big goal: an affordable two-seat electric pickup truck for around $25,000.
34. Quantum computer untangles knot maths
Researchers at the UK quantum-computing company Quantinuum report that their quantum machine, H2-2, can distinguish between different types of knot on the basis of topological properties, and show that the method could be faster than those that run on ordinary, or ‘classical’, computers. The finding hints at where the innovative computers could someday be particularly useful. This is owing to mysterious connections between topology and quantum physics. “That these things are related is mind-blowing, I think,” says Konstantinos Meichanetzidis, a Quantinuum researcher who led the work behind the preprint." Go HERE
35."Silence in the abandoned reactor, please"
In a decaying nuclear power plant in Washington state, scientists have created a sound-testing laboratory that takes advantage of the site’s unique characteristics. Former NASA researcher Ron Sauro and his team test everything from soundproof building materials to washing machines while battling the challenges of working within an abandoned reactor building — such as a terminally leaky roof and deadly unfinished lift shafts."
36.Unwashed raw wool boasts plenty of nutrients plants love, like nitrogen and potassium, making it a prime candidate for providing soil nourishment. Plus, it can absorb up to 35% of its dry weight in water, more than any other fiber, according to CSIRO’s Textile and Fibre Technology division. That means wool can help hold onto the moisture crops need, and as a result, farmers can water less. Alicia and Ben Rux, owners of a Wyoming sheep ranch, have been putting those properties to use since 2022. Left with heaps of waste wool, the pair started creating fertilizer pellets with it, and have since helped half a dozen other farmers do the same. “We always have sustainability in the back of our minds,” Alicia told On Land, “and how to use something that maybe isn’t being utilized.”Sheep Ranchers Are Turning “Waste Wool” Into Sustainable Fertilizer: Can wool save water? Sheep ranchers certainly think so. Over the past decade, an increasing number have begun turning their “waste wool” — aka the low-quality wool that can’t be used for fabric and typically gets tossed — into fertilizer.
37.For the first time, a fully electric airplane flew from New York to California and back again.
38.The California Coastal Commission voted to fine Sable Offshore, an oil drilling company, nearly $18 million after Sable repeatedly ignored cease-and-desist orders, failed to obtain Coastal Development Permits, and proceeded to restart its work on oil infrastructure with a documented history of environmental disaster. Go HERE
39.A rare pair of white dwarfs is projected to explode in a “spectacular supernova” — in 23 billion years
40. The largest solar energy project in New York history just secured close to $1 billion in funding Go HERE
41.Thousands of elk can migrate freely through a private Colorado ranch, thanks to a first-of-its-kind deal. Go HERE
42.Where EV batteries go to die — and be reborn: In one futuristic recycling lab, sought-after materials are extracted from “black mass” — a powder formed by pulverizing batteries. Go HERE
43. For the first time, fossil fuels accounted for less than half of U.S. electricity production across an entire month as clean power generation surged in March. Go HERE
44. In response to all our public backlash, the National Park Service restored original content to its webpage about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
45.Construction crews began placing the first layers of soil over the surface of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway Monday morning. See the full story here: https://abc7.la/4hS04wz
46.The Earth experiences a rhythmic "heartbeat" approximately every 26 seconds, a phenomenon characterized by microseismic pulses that originate from the ocean. These pulses, known as the "26-second microseismic band," have intrigued scientists for years, as their consistent nature suggests an underlying, yet unidentified, cause. While the exact origin of these seismic waves is still a mystery, several theories have been proposed to explain them.
One possibility is that the pulses are related to ocean waves. It is hypothesized that when ocean waves crash against coastlines or the ocean floor, they generate pressure and vibrations that can propagate through the Earth, creating these microseismic pulses. Another theory points to volcanic activity. It is believed that undersea volcanic eruptions or tectonic movements could produce the vibrations detected as part of the Earth’s "heartbeat." Finally, some scientists propose that sediment fractures and shifting materials on the ocean floor may contribute to the phenomenon, with the constant motion of these materials producing periodic seismic waves. Despite these theories, the precise cause of the 26-second pulses remains elusive. Scientists continue to monitor and analyze seismic data in hopes of uncovering the exact mechanism behind this curious, rhythmic phenomenon. Further research may shed light on the connection between oceanic processes, seismic activity, and the planet's dynamic behavior.
Source: [Science Alert](https://www.sciencealert.com)
News from the Courts, Legislative Bodies, and the Political Resistance in both the US and Globally against The Doofus Administration [Includes court cases (on migrants, free speech, transgender.. seriously there is a long list), mainly court cases, and political news (mainly voting suppression cases among other things political), along with financial news/business news in regards to tariffs.]
1. Newsmax defamed Dominion Voting Systems, Delaware judge rules. Newsman settled a similar defamation case with Smartmatic last year.
2.In an unexpected win for antitrust, one of the Republican commissioners remaining on the Federal Trade Commission will save the agency’s investigation into pharmacy benefit managers by unrecusing himself from the case.
3. Hold on to hope (accompanied by action): Four countries—Brazil, Thailand, Zambia and Poland—have successfully reversed democratic decline in recent years.
4.A judge finally blocked the White House’s Associated Press ban. [That just keeps going back and forth...LOL!] Go HERE (Trump banned them from covering White House events for refusing to call the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of America, and this has been going back and forth in court since February. )
5.Sen. Brian Schatz is placing holds on over 50 Trump nominees. He has also placed holds on all nominations at the State Department, bringing his total to over 300 positions. Also Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced that he plans to place a hold on ALL Trump nominees going forward.[ I think they must have decided this after the last group proved to be well...a disaster is an understatement? Note this is important, since it prevents Trump for doing a lot of things.]
6. This public resource tracks legal challenges to Trump administration actions. They are currently tracking 171 cases filed against Trump and his Administration. Tracker of Trump Administration Legal Challenges.
7.NC lawmakers postpone vote to ban DEI in state government, as protesters pack state House.
8.New Mexico this week became the latest state to pass a law aimed at addressing an ongoing national crisis surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people. Go HERE
9.The American Library Association, the largest library association in the world, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the largest union representing museum and library workers, are suing the Trump administration over its gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Go HERE [Honestly, you know you are doing something wrong when the American Library Association is suing you.]
10.AOC is leading Chuck Schumer among Democratic primary voters by double digits. [I didn't know she was running for Senator? Schumer has passed his time, I think? We need young blood in the Senate and Congress, too many old men. However? I admittedly have mixed feelings.]
11.A federal judge in Texas (appointed by Trump) has issued a ruling blocking the removal of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act, citing concerns raised in the Supreme Court’s recent decision and the controversial Abrego Garcia case.
12. Senator Adam Schiff called on Congress to investigate whether Trump engaged in insider trading or market manipulation when he abruptly paused a sweeping set of tariffs, a move that sent stock prices skyrocketing. [It would be hilarious if Trump got impeached and thrown in prison for Insider Trading.]
13.The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is auditing DOGE. Go Here.
14.36,000 people showed up in LA for Bernie and AOC. The crowds keep growing. [IDK seems small to me, but okay.]Utah comes out for Bernie and AOC.15000 in the stadium and 5000 in overflow!!!
15.Colorado has taken an unprecedented approach to a decades-old dilemma for gun-control advocates: limiting the firepower of the popular AR-15 rifle. First-of-its-kind legislation could reshape national gun-control debate as gun-rights groups say it will ban America’s most popular firearms. Go HERE
16. Indiana lawmakers in the state’s Republican-led senate are looking to take on pharma’s price-gouging middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers by creating a public system. Go HERE
17.A federal court ordered multiple government agencies to provide additional details about their use of Signal for official government business. Go HERE
18.A coalition of more than 240 pastors, Christian faith leaders, and faith-based nonprofit organizations across Tennessee have come together to oppose a bill that could allow public schools there to deny enrollment for migrant children without legal status.
19. Maine officials sued the Trump administration to try to stop the government from freezing federal money in the wake of a dispute over transgender athletes in sports. Go HERE
20.The Supreme Court told the Trump administration to seek the return of a migrant mistakenly sent to a Salvadoran prison, rebuffing government claims that it need do nothing to remedy its error. So far, no clue what the Administration is doing to get him back. [This keeps going back and forth as well.]
21.In Wisconsin, former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman agreed to surrender his law license following a disciplinary complaint related to his conduct during his investigation of the 2020 presidential election. Go HERE
22.Two groups representing Harvard professors sued the Trump administration, saying that its threat to cut billions in federal funding for the university violates free speech and other First Amendment rights. Go HERE
23. The Trump administration was forced to restore USAID emergency food programs in Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, Jordan, Iraq, and Ecuador.
Go HERE
24.Since Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcements his approval ratings have absolutely plummeted.Nearly two in three Americans feel uneasy about their personal finances, and roughly three in five say the economy is getting worse. Trump’s Economic Approval Rating Is Tied for His Worst Ever in
Navigator Tracking. Go HERE
Negativity Around Trump’s Second Term Is at a New High, With
Tariffs Dominating Negative Recall. In December, 54% of Americans reported hearing negative news on Trump: now, 78% say the same, with tariffs dominating the conversation around his actions.Americans Want Power Over Tariffs Back in the Hands of Congress, Not With Donald Trump
Majorities want Congress to take back power over tariffs (56%), including 53% of independents.
25. Initial analysis of the Wisconsin elections on April 5 shows that relative to 2024’s presidential race, every single county in Wisconsin moved left.
26.A federal judge rejected Johnson & Johnson’s third attempt to use a controversial legal maneuver to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other products were tainted with toxic asbestos and caused cancer. Go HERE
27.A Mississippi judge on April 4 dismissed former governor Phil Bryant’s (R) defamation suit against a nonprofit newsroom for exposing potential corruption in his administration.
28.Companies are starting to tack tariff surcharges onto invoices as a separate line item.
29. Senator Chris Murphy has been very outspoken against what the Republican Administration is doing. He has raised 8M in the first quarter of this year doing so, even though he just won re-election last year! [Yes, but did he actually do anything? ]
30.Some House Freedom Caucus members are apparently warming to the idea of a new 40% tax bracket for those earning $1 million or more to offset some new tax cuts. Yes, read that again: Some House Freedom Caucus members are apparently warming to the idea of a new 40% tax bracket for those earning $1 million or more to offset some new tax cuts. [The Tariff thing resulted in a sell off in the Bond Market, which means the US credit rating dived, and we can't just raise the deficit ceiling any longer - got to get money somewhere.]
31.The Senate parliamentarian ruled that Republicans in Congress cannot use an obscure legislative maneuver to stop California’s ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.
32.The Wisconsin Supreme Court dismissed a challenge last week that sought to limit municipalities’ authority to set early voting locations and prevent the future use of a mobile voting van.
33. Federal agents attempted to enter two Los Angeles Unified elementary schools this week. The principals of each school denied the agents entry and contacted legal support; the agents left. Let’s give a round of applause to the LAUSD community members and activists who “went deep on proper warrants for entry,” as soon as Trump was elected. Because of them, these schools were prepared and disaster was averted!
34.A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funding that was allocated to Maine from the U.S. Department of Agriculture — funds that had been withheld following Trump's clash with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over the issue of transgender athletes. Go Here
35.In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, police have recommended criminal charges—including battery and false imprisonment—against the security team who brutally dragged Dr. Teresa Borrenpohl out of a town hall in February. Go HERE
36.A federal judge has rejected Trump ‘s effort to dismiss a defamation lawsuit against him filed by the men formerly known as the Central Park Five. Go. Here
37.Michigan state superintendent signals he won’t sign Trump’s anti-DEI certification Michigan’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Rice " Donald Trump’s January executive order attempting to ban DEI in schools would not change the state’s efforts to incorporate curriculum that reflects its diverse student body."
https://www.bridgedetroit.com/michigan-state.../
Items about social media, and other oddities that I can't slot into a category easily.
1. Bluesky’s Quest to Build Nontoxic Social Media
X and Facebook are governed by the policies of mercurial billionaires. Bluesky’s C.E.O., Jay Graber, says that she wants to give power back to the user. Go HERE
2.More than 100 people in need are expected to attend Passover dinners this weekend, offered by Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe Chicago at its synagogue in West Ridge in collaboration with Bubby Firas Food Bank. Despite rising costs, they served eggs and matzoh.
3.Record-high egg prices are probably forcing some people (or bunnies) to search for less-expensive alternatives this Easter.
A marshmallow brand is selling two dollar Easter dye kits. Go here. Apparently Jet-Puff Marshmellows is selling marshmellow dyeing kits for Easter.
4. Almost 300,000 new EVs were sold in the U.S. in the first three months of the year, a nearly 11% increase. While Teslas continue to drop, competitors are growing.
5. Meta is implementing new restrictions to help make its apps safer for teenage users. Go Here.
6. It's official the Telsa CyberTruck is a Flop. Go Here [I've seen one in my neighborhood, it's an ugly thing. It looks like a poorly designed futuristic tank by way of some old campy Sci-Fi 70's television show, such as Knight Rider (except that one wasn't ugly).
Whew. For all the bad news, of which there is plenty, there is a lot of good news, which is reassuring at least. I'm trying to just post the Good News, since you can pretty much get the bad from well everywhere?
no subject
Date: 2025-04-15 08:31 am (UTC)Bless you for all this.
no subject
Date: 2025-04-15 11:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-04-16 10:12 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-04-18 05:14 pm (UTC)