Positive News Wednesday
- Editor OGN Daily
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
Wednesday's global round up of positive news nuggets.
Starlight Highway
The winners of the 2025 Capture the Dark photo contest have been announced - and if you needed a reminder of the beauty above our heads, this is it. Now in its fifth year, DarkSky International’s annual competition shines a spotlight on the importance of preserving dark skies in cities, deserts, national parks, and beyond. A record-breaking 2,284 submissions came in from more than 22 countries this year, with winning images selected in 11 categories. Among them is Starlight Highway by Tom Rae (pictured), which showcases New Zealand’s renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Other standouts include shots of stellar phenomena and elusive nocturnal wildlife.
First to Break $10m?
This is likely to be the first watch to break the $10 million price barrier: a stainless-steel Patek Philippe. Introduced in 1941, it was the world’s first perpetual calendar chronograph watch, says Phillips auction house, and believed to be one of only four known examples in steel. The stainless-steel Patek Philippe reference 1518 is one of the highlights of the upcoming Phillips "Decade One (2015-2025) Auction” in Geneva to be held in November. Its estimate is CHF 8 million - 16 million ($9.9 million - $19.9 million). “Just four stainless-steel Patek Philippe reference 1518s are publicly known today. Each one is extraordinary. For seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, its return to auction marks a moment of rare opportunity.”
Green Light Given
Despite concerns from scholars, a French official has ruled that a 1,000-year-old medieval tapestry is not too fragile to travel. The Bayeux Tapestry is set to be transported to the British Museum next year as planned. Dating to the 11th century, the nearly 230-foot-long Bayeux Tapestry depicts William the Conqueror’s victory in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is widely thought to have been made in England just years after the battle, though it’s spent most of the time since then in France. It’s currently on display at the Bayeux Museum in Normandy. In July, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the tapestry would travel to London’s British Museum, where it would be on display between September 2026 and July 2027.
27 Percent
In the first seven months of 2025, a new report found that there was a “robust” 27 percent increase in global electric car sales over the same time period last year. China led the way with an increase of 29 percent, but Europe also saw a large uptick: with a 30 percent increase in EV sales over the same period last year. While North America saw an increase of just 2 percent.
Single-Use Plastic
Vermont banned single-use plastic bags in July 2020. Now, a study from the University of Vermont has found that the ban reduced plastic bag use by 91 percent, with most residents shifting to reusable bags despite a small rise in paper use. Public support has remained strong, with 70 percent of Vermonters backing the law, and researchers credit grassroots advocacy and clear rules for its success. Vermont’s law is part of a growing trend across the U.S. At least 12 states, including California, New York, and Washington, have implemented similar plastic bag bans with fees or other restrictions.
New Boost
Conversion kit maker Boost has announced its first complete ride. The BMX inspired mini-bike has been designed as a "great solution for anyone with limited storage space but an appetite to enjoy getting from A to B." Though the custom aluminum frame doesn't fold for this model, the handlebar benefits from a quick-release stem and the pedals fold up too. This means that the Boost mini-bike can snuggle close to the wall in "the narrowest of hallways" or cramped office space. That frame also features a number of mounts for adding on accessories, plus there's a side kickstand for an easy park. From £995 ($1,340), with delivery penciled in for later this year.
“Each new friendship can make you a new person, because it opens up new doors inside of you.” Kate Dicamillo
On This Day
27 August 1964: The musical film Mary Poppins, an adaptation of P.L. Travers's book, had its world premiere in Los Angeles, and it became a Disney classic, especially noted for the performance of Julie Andrews, who was making her screen debut.
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