The Best News of Last Week
1. Woman who was walking to work because her car was broken finds $14k in a bag and turns it in to police, who return it to newlyweds who lost it. Crowdfund for a new car up to $14k so far.
Dianne Gordon was walking home from work on Jan. 21 when she saw a plastic bag on the ground and inside the bag she could see piles of money. Although she was in need of a vehicle– her car broke down last year – Gordon contacted police and returned the money immediately.
Police were able to track down who the money belonged to and discovered it belonged to a newlywed couple and have since returned the money to the couple. As for Gordon, her good deed wasn’t overlooked by people who heard her story, as the spouse of one of the police officers involved launched a crowdfunding campaign to help secure a car for Gordon. As of Thursday morning, the campaign has raised $14,500
2. Washington D.C.’s free bus bill becomes law as zero-fare transit systems take off
Washington, D.C., has enacted a zero-fare bus bill into law.
The policy eliminates the $2 fare for all the city’s buses starting this summer.
It is the largest city to institute a fare-free transit system and part of a growing movement nationwide.
3. Mom and son graduate college together, fulfilling 18-year promise
Carolyn and Immanuel Patton, a mother-son duo from Maryland, have graduated college together, fulfilling a promise the younger Patton first made to his mom when he was 5 years old.
Two years after they started the path together and about 18 years after Immanuel Patton vowed to graduate alongside his mother, they realized their collective dream.
4. A homeless mother left a note with her dog for whoever found her. An animal shelter reunited them.
This pup named Lilo came to McKamey Animal Center off the street - with an added surprise – a note.
“Please don’t abuse me.” Cool, totally wanted to be crying at work right now.
The shelter staff posted about Lilo on social media, hoping to connect with her owner when they got a call from someone saying they were Lilo’s mom. While centers like McKamey provide shelter for dogs, they also provide resources for families who love their pets, but might not be able to keep them due to cost. Mann said they’ll give food and supplies to families struggling to pay for their pets’ needs. They’ll even help the family find a pet-friendly home.
5. Campbell Johnstone reveals himself to be first openly gay All Black.
In a momentous moment for New Zealand’s rainbow community, Campbell Johnstone has outed himself as the first openly gay player to have represented the country’s most influential sporting brand.
All Black No. 1056 has publicly revealed his sexuality – in a brave bid to “open up that door and magically make that closet disappear” – for the first time on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp programme on Monday evening. Johnstone, who played three tests for the All Blacks all in 2005, did confide in some teammates and his family during his playing days.
6. 92 year old flood victim reunited with lost cat
Valerie Axtens thought she had seen the last of her beloved cat Mendelson as she was being rescued through a window from rapidly rising floodwater. Valerie Axtens was rescued during the February 28 flood.
After the floodwater receded and one of her sons was able to return and check on the mud-covered house, he discovered — much to everyone’s surprise — the cat had survived.
7. Slovenia becomes first eastern European country to recognise same-sex marriage
The legalisation of same-sex marriage has officially come into effect in Slovenia, in a huge win for LGBTQ+ rights in eastern Europe.
The bill, which saw Slovenia’s Family Code updated, officially took its place amongst the country’s other laws on Tuesday (1 February). The historic moment followed a decision by the country’s top court in July, which found that banning same-sex marriage and adoption violated the country’s constitution, which prohibits discrimination
That’s it for this week. If you liked this post you can support this newsletter with a small kofi donation:
Have a great week ahead :)
