FORGOTTEN HISTORY: 34 - Caught on Camera

Message In A Bottle Reunites Sender: volunteers find 1988 note; social media tracks Miranda

In October 2017, volunteers found a bottle from 1988 on Sapelo Island containing a note by Miranda Dawn Moss. The note mentioned her family trip to Edisto Beach when she was eight years old. After extensive searching, the couple who found the bottle traced it back to Miranda, now married…

The Times of India · Sep 27

Georgia nonprofit worker stole $96,713 meant for abused children, spent it on Netflix, lingerie, etc

Jennifer O’Neal, a former programme specialist at Georgia child advocacy nonprofit CASA of Polk & Haralson, pleaded guilty to stealing $96,713 between 2018 and 2022. According to the US Department of Justice, she used the organisation's funds for personal expenses including utility bills, Netflix, Six Flags, lingerie, softball gear and…

The Times of India · Sep 27

Message In A Bottle Discovery: note drifts 36 years to Georgia; finder tracks down sender

On June 10, 1981, a bottle containing a note was set adrift from Fernandina Beach, Florida, by Doug Stephens, a young college student. He never anticipated a reply. Nearly three decades later, Trevor Burchett stumbled across the bottle on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia. Upon finding Stephens, they developed a…

The Times of India · Sep 27

Message In A Bottle: 1998 schoolgirl note resurfaces; daughter hears it in class

In a heartwarming turn of events, a letter penned in 1998 by a St. John the Baptist School student was recently unearthed by a current student of the same institution, 26 years later. During a class reading, the daughter of the original writer was astonished to recognize her mother's name.

The Times of India · Sep 27

Rare Seabird Nests Return: Petrels reclaim rabbit-free Chañaral Island; solar calls draw colony

Conservationists found four active natural nests of Peruvian diving petrels on Chile’s Chañaral Island in 2024, more than four decades after the seabirds disappeared from the island. The return followed rabbit eradication and a 2019 social-attraction project that used solar-powered speakers playing petrel calls to encourage the birds to nest…

The Times of India · Sep 27

In 1873, Andrew Hallidie tested San Francisco’s first cable car to travel steep hills

In August 1873, San Francisco tested a cable railway system designed to navigate steep streets efficiently. The Clay Street Hill Railroad began public service on 1 September 1873, climbing a steep incline. This system spread across the city, supporting transportation needs as electric streetcars expanded. While the cable cars remained…

The Times of India · Sep 27

California teens, 16 and 17, build AI system to detect fall risks in older adults, win $100,000

California teenagers Ruoqi Li and Jason Yang developed SafeStrides, an AI-powered fall-risk system combining smartphone camera tracking and wearable sensors. The system analyses walking patterns, provides instant risk assessments and offers mobility and home-safety guidance. Their engineering project earned them recognition as 2026 Davidson Fellows and a shared $100,000 scholarship.

The Times of India · Sep 27

Tortoise Numbers Rising: census finds 975–1,100 Pinzón giants; population not yet self-sustaining

For the first time in a century, giant tortoises on Pinzón Island are experiencing a surge in numbers. Following the eradication of black rats, notorious for feeding on tortoise eggs, scientists have recorded the birth of 156 juvenile tortoises since 2012. However, their survival still heavily depends on ongoing human…

The Times of India · Sep 27

Switzerland's neutrality test puts Nato ties, Russia sanctions at stake

In a significant referendum, Swiss voters are deliberating over potential changes to the nation's established neutrality rules concerning military partnerships. The proposed amendment seeks to restrict Switzerland's involvement in peacetime alliances and its capacity to enforce sanctions. These discussions have gained traction following the imposition of sanctions against Russia during…

The Times of India · Sep 27

Ed Sheeran's two Gillette shows canceled amid nor'easter; fans promised refunds

Ed Sheeran's highly anticipated concerts set for Gillette Stadium on September 25 and 26 have been canceled due to severe weather conditions brought on by a nor'easter. The decision, made after discussions with local officials, prioritizes fan safety. Fans who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will automatically receive refunds for these…

The Times of India · Sep 27