OGN Wednesday
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Mid-week selection of upbeat news nuggets from around the globe.
Refaunacation
Last spotted by Austrian naturalist Johann Natterer in Rio de Janeiro in 1818, experts say after that blue-and-yellow macaws were wiped out by deforestation, along with other species that once roamed forests around the city. Now, biologists are bringing the macaws, and the forests they inhabit, back to life as part of an ambitious “refaunacation” project by a group called Refauna to restore the rainforest. So far, four macaws have been reintroduced, with another six on the way, and longer-term plans to release 50 of them. While locals are delighted to see the iconic birds return to the city, the project is more focused on saving the forest and entire ecosystem, “rebuilding ecological relationships and ensuring that these species can once again perform their ecological roles.”
Free For Teachers
A NASA engineer turned YouTube sensation with over 75 million subscribers, Mark Rober makes creative, silly science experiments for an audience of primarily young viewers. It’s part of his mission to “get kids stoked about science” and he just invested $60 million on a STEM curriculum to make it easier for teachers to implement fun, engaging lessons in STEM, without spending their own money on materials. The online STEM curriculum program tailored to grades 3 through 8 “exceeds” state science standards - and it’s completely free for teachers. The first round of Class CrunchLabs units are now available online.
Cool Britannia
In 1996, Great Britain succumbed to “Spicemania.” The Spice Girls’ first album, Spice, broke sales records when it debuted that November, instantly cementing the girl group as pop royalty. Thirty years later, items worn by the band’s members are the highlight of a new exhibition celebrating what its curator calls the “wildest year of Britain’s wildest decade.” Now on display at the Barbican Music Library in London, the celebration of “Cool Britannia” looks back at the music, fashion, sports and art that made 1996 a banner year in British pop culture.
True Net Wealth
Billionaires “all have one thing in common,” Forbes Editor-in-Chief Randall Lane said from the TED2026 stage, “Nobody likes them.” One reason for that, he said, is how little of their wealth they use to make the world a better place. So, Forbes announced its new “True Net Wealth” list that takes into account money given away by billionaires: “True Net Worth is your regular net worth, combined with the money you’ve donated, that we appreciate like you still own it,” Lane explained. He showed how the top-five ranking changes when you look at net wealth, and True Net Wealth, which adds Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in the number one and two slots. He also highlighted the list’s “biggest movers,” which includes billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Lane said the list’s purpose is “to offer role models for billionaires, for millionaires - for thousandaires. Give while you live … [it] supports the system that makes all of us prosperous.”
Used EVs
Used electric vehicles in the U.S. are more affordable than ever. Unlike new EVs, used versions have mostly reached priced parity with gas-powered cars, according to new data from Cox Automotive - making the preowned versions the cheapest way for people to ditch increasingly costly-to-fuel gas cars in the near term. The change comes as many EVs are coming off of leases and entering the used car market, pushing prices down across the board. EV batteries are also lasting longer than initially estimated, the cars themselves generally cost less to maintain. This affordability shift is driving demand.
Competition Opens
Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, buffering hurricane damage, storing carbon, and providing a safe haven for diverse wildlife. The Mangrove Photography Awards celebrate the ecological superhero by raising awareness around conservation efforts through stunning imagery. Last year, photographers submitted more than 3,300 entries from 78 countries to the contest. The 2026 competition is now open and photographers, both professional and amateur, can submit their images through the Mangrove Action Project. Submissions will be accepted through June 1, 2026 with winners announced later this year.
“You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Zig Ziglar
On This Day
22 April 1876: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky completes his ballet Swan Lake. It was premiered by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow the following year. Despite its initial failure, it is now one of the most popular ballets of all time.
Today's Articles
Treasure Hunt: Rare coins set to spark a new California Gold Rush this weekend in San Francisco - with one worth $25,000.
Concept C: Audi reveals a radical new styling direction that the automaker says will apply to all of its upcoming cars.
Lifestyle Habits: Two new studies show that Gen Z Brits (those aged between 13 and 28) are doing things a bit differently.
Mood Boosting Video
Virtuoso Performance: Is this the best guitar solo of all time?
