Luna, a small dog missing for over a month in Yellowstone, is reunited with her owners
A small dog named Luna has been found after more than a month on the loose in Yellowstone National Park. Despite frequent sightings, the Jack Russell terrier evaded capture since early September amid mounting fears for her survival and the approach of winter weather. Volunteers were able to catch the dog Wednesday in a live trap baited with a T-shirt and pillowcase carrying her owner's scent. The California family that lost Luna believes a housekeeper accidentally let her out of a cabin they were staying in while they explored the park on Sept. 10. The search for Luna had rallied locals and tourists alike.
The building housing London's oldest restaurant has been donated to a conservation charity
LONDON (AP) — The building that houses London’s oldest restaurant has been donated to Europe’s biggest conservation charity. It's a move that will hopefully secure one of the U.K. capital’s go-to eateries for centuries to come. Rules was established in 1798 by Thomas Rule as an oyster bar when Europe was in turmoil in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Rules has survived the British Empire, the Blitz and even plans for a new road that would have seen it demolished. The four-decade owner of the building that houses Rules is J-P Mayhew who has made the selfless decision to donate 34-35 Maiden Lane in bustling Covent Garden in central London to the National Trust.
Indonesia returns 20 green sea turtles to the ocean after Bali smuggling raid
SERANGAN ISLAND, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian authorities on the tourist island of Bali have released 20 protected green sea turtles back into the ocean Tuesday. The turtles were found in an empty boat seemingly abandoned by wildlife smugglers fleeing a police raid. Officers conducted final checks on the turtles at a conservation center on Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island, in southern Bali. They then transported the animals by small truck to the shoreline. Marine police officers in Bali on Saturday had foiled the attempted smuggling of 22 green sea turtles, known by the scientific name Chelonia mydas, in the waters off Serangan after residents reported possible sea turtle smuggling activity in the area.
Israel returns 22 artifacts as Greece pushes to bring antiquities home
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Israel has returned 22 ancient Greek artifacts that were illegally removed from Greece, marking the first such repatriation between the two countries. Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni received the antiquities at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens from the Israel Antiquities Authority. The collection includes a bronze statuette of a woman and pottery decorated with mythological scenes and geometric motifs, dating from approximately 700 B.C. to 320 B.C. The handover comes as Greece intensifies its international campaign to reclaim the Parthenon Marbles, currently housed at the British Museum in London.
Indonesia relocates 8 orangutans into protected forest after rescue from wildfires
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Eight endangered orangutans rescued from areas of Indonesia’s Borneo ravaged by wildfires have been released into a protected forest. Conservationists say the group relocated on Oct. 8 includes three mothers with infants and two adolescent males. They were stranded in plantations inhabited by people after fires destroyed forest habitat and cut off food sources. They were relocated to Batu Nyambu Protected Forest, which was chosen for its intact habitat, water sources and links to neighboring forests. The relocation comes as Indonesia battles worsening forest and peat fires fueled by El Niño-driven drought. Conservationists warn shrinking habitat is leaving more orangutans vulnerable to displacement, injury and death.
What to cut back and what to leave standing in your garden's fall cleanup
Fall is garden cleanup time, but that doesn't mean you should clear everything away. Leaving certain perennials standing over winter can benefit birds and insects. For example, allium and coneflowers provide food and shelter. Most spring-blooming shrubs, like azaleas, should not be pruned now. Neither should ornamental grasses and woody perennials. However, faded hosta foliage and irises should be cut back to prevent pests. Same with perennials that are susceptible to mildew, such as herbaceous peonies and bee balm. Remove any diseased plants, and discard diseased plant parts in the trash, not the compost. Push leaves into garden beds where they can protect beneficial insects all winter.
3,156-pound pumpkin grown in Rhode Island is inspected for possible world record
HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) — A Rhode Island pumpkin grower appears to have set a new world record for the heaviest pumpkin. Ron Wallace's giant squash weighed 3,156 pounds at a contest in New England. That's nearly the weight of three concert grand pianos. The Guinness Book of World Records has yet to verify his achievement. Wallace said Monday he was in communication with officials. He won $3,500 at his local contest, choosing to compete there despite bigger prize offers elsewhere. Meanwhile, in Northern California, Travis Gienger won a major pumpkin-weighing contest with a 2,389-pound pumpkin named Rocky. Gienger plans to grow pumpkins in a climate-controlled environment like Wallace to compete more seriously.
Shiyazh Pete, first Navajo NFL player, recognized on Indigenous Peoples Day
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The first member the Navajo Nation to play in the NFL got a hero’s welcome in New Mexico on Indigenous Peoples Day. Shiyazh Pete signed footballs and jerseys and posed with fans for photos in Albuquerque on Monday. Pete is now a free agent after being waived by the Dallas Cowboys, but his preseason debut gave Native Americans a moment to remember when thousands from across the Navajo Nation cheered him on in a game against the Arizona Cardinals in August. Pete joins a long list of Indigenous athletes who have broken barriers, inspired pride and become role models for children.
Bryan Ford's cozy bread pudding recipe turns day-old bread into a rum-topped dessert
Many cultures have versions of bread pudding, which was created as a way to eliminate the waste of old bread. In his cookbook, "Pan y Dulce," Bryan Ford uses day-old bread to soak up a sweet milk and egg mixture. He uses whole milk and heavy cream, but says you can substitute dairy-free alternatives if you'd like. Ford prefers measuring ingredients by weight for better accuracy, rather than in volumes like cups and tablespoons. But his book provides volume conversions. This recipe also includes raisins, shredded coconut and chocolate chips, among other ingredients, and the pudding is topped with a rum sauce.
