988 is an easy-to-remember number that can connect you to resources for suicide prevention and mental health crises — “The counselor will listen, offer support, and work together with the caller to develop a plan for safety and recovery,” says William Zimmermann, L.C.S.W., program manager at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care and New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline, a National Lifeline back-up center.

When cats chew catnip it releases mosquito-repelling chemicals — “We found that physical damage of silvervine by cats promoted the immediate emission of total iridoids, which was 10-fold higher than from intact leaves,” Masao Miyazaki, lead author of the study and a professor at Iwate University in Japan, said in a press release. Catnip causes cats to go crazy…

A Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle — Majestic light of the magical hour. “It was dusk and the light had an ultra-violet quality to it, a final burst of pigmentation as night and day rushed at each other in a clash of colour prisms before darkness finally, inevitably won out.” ― Karen Swan The period after sunrise and before sunset when the sun…

A Six Word Photo Story: Freestyle — How cute is this duck family? We were enjoying a leisurely stroll around our neighborhood when we came upon this adorable duck family. Because my previous six-word story about ducks was so well-received, I decided to write another one with more information about ducks. Here are ten additional facts about ducks that might surprise you: Ducks…

The video of the rescue has gone viral on social media — “We wanted to literally show our appreciation because we need more people like you. We need more Anthonys in the world,” Early Walker, founder of the anti-violence organization I’m Telling Don’t Shoot, per the AP. “So many times people think these young men are out here doing the wrong thing…

Dr. Holly Andersen is a cardiologist who wants everyone to learn hands-only CPR — “The only thing that is required to save someone’s life is to do hands only CPR,” Dr. Holly Andersen, the Director of Education and Outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, per People. A heart campaign demonstrates the simple steps to help save…

Writing prompt: Why nature is my go-to happy place — “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. … There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” — Rachel Carson, Silent Spring Nature…

How would your world appear in black and white? — ”Black and white creates a strange dreamscape that color never can.” — Jack Antonoff I wanted to try something new for this photo essay, so I settled on a black and white theme. Black and white photographs have a classic and timeless appeal. They make me nostalgic and yearn for…

Fagan also becomes the first female service chief in American history — “The trailblazing career of Admiral Fagan shows young people entering the services, we mean what we say: There are no doors — no doors — closed to women,” President Biden told guests at Coast Guard headquarters. President Biden swore in Adm. Linda Fagan as the 27th Commandant of the United…