Happy Birthday, Moo Deng: The world’s beloved pygmy hippo turns 1

Texas officials couldn't scrape together $1 million for a flood warning system near popular campsites along the Guadalupe River, leaving tens of thousands of residents and visitors at risk. Despite the clear need, agencies dropped the ball on funding—raising questions about preparedness in a state prone to extreme weather.

Editor’s Note: Floods aren't just unpredictable—they're deadly, and warning systems save lives. This isn't just bureaucratic penny-pinching; it's a failure to protect people who live and vacation in a high-risk area. When the next storm hits, the lack of this system could mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.

The internet's favorite pint-sized hippo, Moo Deng, is celebrating her first birthday after capturing hearts worldwide. Her rise to fame started when her caretaker shared adorable behind-the-scenes clips of her daily antics, turning her into a TikTok sensation overnight.

Editor’s Note: In a world flooded with grim headlines, stories like Moo Deng’s remind us of the simple joy animals bring. Her viral fame highlights how social media can create unlikely celebrities—even in the animal kingdom—and gives zoos a playful way to connect with global audiences. Who wouldn’t smile at a mini hippo living her best life?

Winnipeg police are looking into a bizarre and tragic incident where a 55-year-old man was accidentally run over by an SUV in a parking lot. The driver reportedly didn’t realize the man was already lying on the ground before hitting him.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights how everyday situations—like pulling out of a parking spot—can turn dangerous in an instant. It raises questions about visibility, pedestrian safety, and how such accidents can happen even without obvious negligence. For locals, it’s a sobering reminder to stay alert, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot.

Dave "Baby" Cortez, the musician behind the 1959 instrumental hit "The Happy Organ," has died at 83. Despite his early success, Cortez largely faded from the public eye, leaving fans wondering about his later years. His playful, upbeat track became a defining sound of its era, but his story is a reminder of how quickly fame can slip away—even for those who create timeless music.

Editor’s Note: Cortez's death closes the chapter on a musician whose work bridged early rock 'n' roll and R&B, yet his relative obscurity later in life highlights how the music industry often overlooks its pioneers. "The Happy Organ" remains a joyful relic of its time, but his legacy is also a quiet lesson in how fleeting recognition can be—even for artists who leave a mark.

Alberta is cracking down on what kids can read in school, banning books with explicit sexual content for students in Grade 9 and younger—including material on puberty, menstruation, and breastfeeding. Meanwhile, religious texts like the Bible will still be accessible. The policy also restricts who can read about even mild physical affection, like kissing and hugging.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about removing "explicit" books—it’s a sweeping rule that blocks younger students from accessing basic health information while carving out exceptions for religious texts. Critics argue it could leave kids in the dark about their own bodies while favoring certain viewpoints. For parents and educators, it raises big questions about who gets to decide what’s appropriate—and why some topics are treated differently than others.