Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
3452 results for "grand island"
More than 50 volunteers tackled painting, organizing, and cleaning projects that local nonprofits rarely have time to complete. The community day of action in Grand Island, Nebraska gave organizations a fresh start while bringing neighbors together.
Retirement community residents spent weeks assembling gift bags filled with candy and Amazon cards to brighten the day of local college students. The surprise giveaway marks the ninth year Primrose Retirement Communities has celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day by spreading joy to strangers.
A Pacific island nation that relies on diesel for 98% of its power is building its first major solar farm. The Solomon Islands is betting on sunshine to escape fuel shortages and price swings.
The Solomon Islands just elected a new prime minister who brings a fresh approach to foreign relations and animal welfare. In his first major move, he's ending the controversial dolphin trade.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F22%2Fd1%2F22d1d559-2c1f-4580-a3d7-eb3872519fc5%2Fhospital.jpg)
A nonprofit is working to preserve Ellis Island's abandoned 29-building hospital complex, where immigrant families faced medical challenges 75 years ago. The restoration will reveal intimate stories of resilience and hope that shaped America.
Mauritius just unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform that helps small island nations attract funding for solar projects, starting with 220 MW of its own renewable energy. The World Bank-backed marketplace could transform how vulnerable island states access clean energy investments.
The Australian government reversed plans to relocate 600 residents from the remote Cocos Islands after passionate community pushback. Now islanders will help shape their own climate future.
Scientists discovered a small Fiji island built completely from shellfish discarded by human settlers over 1,000 years ago. The unique "midden island" reveals how ancient communities shaped their landscape in ways still visible today.
When researchers spotted an endangered ocelot on Cozumel Island in 2016, they faced an unexpected challenge: the wildcat threatened species found nowhere else on Earth. Scientists are now working to protect the island's unique animals while monitoring this beautiful but risky newcomer.
Rathlin Island off Northern Ireland's coast just became the first inhabited island in the world to successfully eliminate invasive ferrets, saving 250,000 seabirds from extinction. Puffins, razorbills, and other species are already showing signs of recovery after decades of devastating predator attacks.
Rhode Island lawmakers are backing legislation to put certified librarians in every public school after research showed they boost reading scores and student success. The Save Our Rhode Island School Libraries Act would ensure every student gets daily library access and professional support.
When 95mph winds tore the roof off Lihou Island's only house, over 50 volunteers raced across the causeway to help rebuild it in a single weekend. The tiny Guernsey island, cherished by generations of schoolchildren and families, is back in business thanks to neighbors who couldn't stand to see it damaged.
The UK is investing £14 million to help Pacific Island nations build resilience against rising seas and extreme storms. The funding supports locally led solutions in Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and other vulnerable island communities.
While one-third of Pacific fish contain microplastics, new research reveals some island nations have cracked the code on keeping their waters clean. Vanuatu's fish show just 5% contamination, proving remote islands can protect their ocean food supply.
Carlos Alcaraz just became one of the youngest tennis players ever to win all four Grand Slam titles, defeating Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. At just 22 years old, the Spanish star joins an elite group of only 11 players in history to complete the career Grand Slam.
South Padre Island is installing 16 universal electric vehicle superchargers at its Island Metro facility, making beach trips easier for EV drivers. The faster charging stations will slash wait times and welcome the growing wave of electric travelers to Texas coastal destinations.
Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island welcomed over 300,000 international tourists in early 2026, marking a 55% surge in arrivals as the tropical paradise becomes Asia's hottest new destination. The island's blend of pristine beaches, eco-friendly resorts, and authentic culture is transforming Vietnam's tourism industry.
On a tiny Japanese island where cats outnumber people 27 to 1, a 70-year-old woman ensures every feline lives with dignity and care. Naoko Kamimoto feeds 80 cats twice daily, administers medicine, and shows the world what compassionate animal stewardship looks like.
Staff from Primrose Retirement Communities surprised Central Community College students with gift bags on Random Acts of Kindness Day. The heartwarming gesture brought smiles to students navigating their busy college schedules.
A tiny Scottish island with just 16 residents is taking Sundays off this summer after a BBC show sparked an overwhelming wave of visitors. Ulva's community is choosing sustainable tourism over burnout.
Showing 20 of 3452