📞 Pick up a Payphone

Good morning. Today’s stories offer a few unexpected ways people are making a difference, from a payphone in Boston that connects young people with seniors for a quick chat to volunteers in England planting a 15-mile hedge that helps wildlife travel safely between national parks.

There’s also a bit of good news from the Global Terrorism Index, which reports the lowest levels of attacks and deaths in 15 years.

And a new study from Sweden suggests that eating more unprocessed meat might help some seniors lower their risk of dementia.

👉 P.S. “It genuinely makes my mornings better.” You can experience premium here.

—Stephanie S

Imagine picking up a payphone and, instead of dialing a number, you’re instantly connected to a friendly voice from another generation. That’s the idea behind “Call a Boomer,” a new project in Boston that’s bridging the gap between young people and seniors, one conversation at a time.

The payphones, set up in public spaces, invite curious youth to chat with older adults who volunteer to listen and share stories. It’s a simple gesture, but it’s already making a difference for those who feel isolated or just want to connect with someone outside their usual circle.

What stands out is how these calls are spontaneous and unscripted. There’s no agenda, just a chance to swap memories, advice, or even a laugh with someone you might never have met otherwise.

Picture this: volunteers in England just finished planting a 15-mile-long “mega hedge” that links two national parks. This isn’t just a pretty boundary. It’s a lifeline for wildlife, giving everything from hedgehogs to birds a safe passage between habitats.

The project took three years and brought together experts, locals, and conservation groups. They even threw a party called Hedgefest to celebrate.

If you love stories about people coming together for nature, this one’s worth a look.

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Here’s a rare bit of good news: global terrorism just hit its lowest point in 15 years, with attacks and deaths both dropping sharply in 2025.

The biggest improvements came in places like Turkey, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where years of conflict are finally giving way to more stability.

Most violence is now concentrated in just a handful of countries, while 81 nations saw real progress. If you want a hopeful trend to start your day, this is it; read on for the details.

A new Swedish study suggests that seniors with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s may actually benefit from eating more meat. Researchers found that those with the APOE gene who ate the most meat had a much lower risk of dementia compared to those who ate less.

What’s especially interesting is that unprocessed meat seemed to be the most protective. The study is observational, but it’s a fresh take on diet and brain health.

Curious about the details? Check out the full story for more.

🔭 USA: The James Webb Space Telescope captured a stunning image of spiral galaxy NGC 5134, revealing light that has traveled 65 million years.

🔋 England: An engineer in Warwickshire powered his electric car using a homemade battery pack built from 500 discarded vape batteries.

💸 Tennessee: After a woman's viral video of her elderly DoorDash driver inspired a GoFundMe that raised nearly $1 million to help him retire, the DoorDash CEO personally added $20,000 to the fundraiser.

🛡️ Maryland: Montgomery County added $500,000 in supplemental security grants for nonprofits facing heightened threats.

💊 Pennsylvania: A newly approved once-daily oral peptide for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis expands options beyond topicals.

Sir Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, celebrates his 79th birthday today. Growing up in London, he learned piano at age three and went on to become one of the best-selling musical artists in the world, with over 300 million records sold throughout his 5-decade career. His iconic hits include "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," and "Bennie and the Jets," along with seven consecutive No. 1 US albums. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997," dedicated to Princess Diana, became the best-selling single in UK and US chart history with over 33 million copies sold worldwide.

Elton John's accolades include 5 Grammy Awards, 5 Brit Awards, two Tony Awards, two Oscars, the Kennedy Center Honor, France's Legion d'Honneur, and a knighthood. Beyond music, he served as chairman of Watford FC from 1976, leading the club to a second-place finish and an FA Cup final appearance. His influence on music and culture remains profound, with his career spanning multiple decades of artistic achievement and philanthropic contributions.

Other notable March 25 events:

421: Venice was founded on the island of Rialto.

1896: The modern Olympics began in Athens, Greece.

1965: Martin Luther King Jr. led 25,000 people to the state capitol in Montgomery, Alabama.

1995: Wiki Wiki Web, the world's first wiki, was made public by Ward Cunningham in Portland, Oregon.

— William Shakespeare

Every day brings amazing advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how wonderful the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

🌱 Seed Swaps: Community seed swaps are preserving heirloom crops and local food diversity.

🤱 Midwife Impact: Global midwife training programs are reducing childbirth complications and saving mothers' lives.

💧 Edible Pods: Edible water pods are reducing the use of plastic bottles at sporting events and festivals.

🌾 Biomass Energy: Biomass energy plants are converting agricultural waste into renewable power for rural areas.

🚌 Travel Access: Accessible public transport apps are simplifying travel for people with mobility challenges.

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