Locals Save Beached Whale From Lethal Sun

Good morning. It’s been a busy week so far. From a dramatic whale rescue on the Alaskan coast to a scientific breakthrough that turns wood scraps into a super-strong, fire-resistant material, these stories highlight the power of compassion and innovation.

Researchers are also discovering new ways to enhance the nutritional value of wheat with the aid of soil fungi. At the same time, a rescued puppy finds a loving home with a family recovering from loss.

🎧 P.S. Don’t miss today’s new episode of Good News To Go, your 5-minute boost of joy on the move.

—Stephanie S

A 15-foot minke whale found itself stranded on the rocks in Seldovia, Alaska, facing six hours of harsh sun and dryness. Locals quickly formed a bucket brigade, pouring seawater over the whale and wrapping it in wet towels to protect its sensitive skin.

The rescue was coordinated with the Seldovia Village Tribe and the Alaska SeaLife Center, whose environmental coordinator rushed to the scene. Despite the whale’s size and distress, the community worked together, waiting for the tide to return.

As the water rose, the whale was able to free itself and swim away, and was later seen healthy in the bay. The effort highlighted the compassion and unity of the Seldovia community, reminding us of our deep connection to the natural world.

Read the full story for an inspiring example of human kindness and teamwork.

Scientists have developed “Superwood” by treating wood scraps with heat and chemicals, creating a material that’s bulletproof, fire-resistant, and stronger than steel. This lightweight wood could replace steel, concrete, and carbon fiber in many applications.

Superwood doesn’t burn or sag like steel in fires. Its outer layer carbonizes, protecting the inside from heat.

InventWood is now bringing Superwood to market, starting with home siding and aiming for broader uses soon.

Scientists have found that growing wheat with the soil fungus Rhizophagus irregularis boosts the grain’s zinc and phosphorus content, making it more nutritious.

Unlike traditional fortification, this method increases essential minerals without raising anti-nutrients that block absorption.

The approach offers a natural, sustainable way to improve global food nutrition and could reduce reliance on synthetic additives.

A Florida woman found an abandoned puppy named Lola near the woods just before Christmas. After gaining Lola’s trust with food, she took her to the vet and tried to find her original owners.

A retired couple who had recently lost a dog saw Lola’s photo online and welcomed her into their home and hearts. Lola now enjoys life on a 20-acre farm.

The woman and Lola’s new family stay in touch, grateful for the healing and joy Lola brought to them all.

Happy 78th Birthday to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-born bodybuilding icon who conquered Hollywood, led California as a two-term governor, and continues to push for political reform and climate action. At just 20, he became the youngest-ever Mr. Universe before going on to star in The Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall.

As governor, he signed the Global Warming Solutions Act, the first of its kind in the U.S., and later launched the R20 Regions of Climate Action. He also founded the Inner City Games Foundation and Schwarzenegger Institute at USC, proving his dedication to youth empowerment, bipartisan solutions, and environmental leadership.

Other notable July 30 events:

1619: The first elected legislature in the Americas, Virginia’s House of Burgesses, convened.

1930: Uruguay won the first-ever FIFA World Cup, defeating Argentina 4–2 in Montevideo.

1961: The Trans-Canada Highway was officially opened, spanning nearly 4,700 miles.

1965: Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson.

⛵ California: Dozens of disabled Californians experienced the joy of sailing for the first time, enjoying the sense of weightlessness and freedom on the water.

🦕 Denver: The Denver Museum of Nature and Science discovered a 67-million-year-old dinosaur fossil directly beneath its parking lot during a routine geothermal drilling project.

✈️ USA: Travelers will no longer have to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints, streamlining the screening process and reducing wait times.

🎠 Colorado: A Marine who survived Vietnam by dreaming of a peaceful carousel later built one in Colorado to help heal his PTSD, bringing joy to millions.

🧬 California: Scientists at UC Riverside have developed a chemical probe that potentially prevents diseases and age-related decline by stopping DNA loss before it triggers harmful effects.

— Norman Cousins

Each day offers breakthroughs and heartening stories that show just how incredible life can be. Here are five reasons why there's never been a better time to be alive:

🚰 Clean Water Gains: Over the last two decades, clean water initiatives have provided safe drinking water to billions.

❤️ Life Renewed: Organ transplants have become far safer and more successful, giving thousands of patients each year a second chance at life.

🦌 Paths Restored: Wildlife corridors are reconnecting habitats, allowing endangered species to migrate and thrive again.

👂 Sound Revolution: New hearing aids use AI to adapt to environments, giving people more precise sound and better communication.

🌳 City Oases: Urban green spaces are expanding, improving mental health, and providing cleaner air in cities worldwide.

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Correction: In our newsletter last Friday, we incorrectly stated that a man who drove his EV 250,000 miles, helping those in need, was driving a Tesla. He was driving a Ford Mustang Mach-E.