A group of dedicated volunteers has set up a new rehabilitation center in a hidden spot in Derbyshire to help injured badgers heal in a safe place. This center, designed just for badgers, has special cameras that let the volunteers watch the animals without bothering them too much.

The Mid Derbyshire Badger Group, which has been helping badgers for over 30 years, created this facility. They’re also planning to raise money to build another unit so they can care for more than one badger at a time.

A spokesperson for the group shared with the BBC that they are now ready to take in injured badgers. When a badger gets hurt, usually from car accidents, the group steps in. Although sometimes they have to make the tough choice to euthanize a badger if it’s too injured, they try to save as many as they can. If a vet thinks a badger can get better, it’s taken to the rehab center for a few days to a few weeks.

At the center, volunteers keep the badger’s living area clean and monitor its recovery through cameras. Badgers, surprisingly clean by nature, quickly learn to use a soil tray as their bathroom. When the badgers show signs of wanting to escape, it usually means they are ready to go back to the wild.

Besides rescuing and treating badgers, the volunteers also help with badger-related problems in the community, give advice on building projects affecting badger homes, check on flooded homes, and deal with reports of dead badgers. They also advocate for badger welfare and against harmful policies like the badger cull, which is meant to stop tuberculosis in cattle but harms badger populations.

Forget the usual badges! A Williamson County Girl Scout troop is earning gold stars for their innovative project reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

These clever young entrepreneurs used their Girl Scout cookie sales proceeds to purchase and install microchip scanners. Now, anyone who finds a lost dog can easily scan for a microchip, significantly increasing the chances of a happy reunion.

“It feels amazing knowing we helped lost animals find their way home,” said Ainslee Wright, a member of the troop.

This project wasn’t just about helping furry friends; it fostered teamwork and community spirit. “We love spending time together while making a positive impact,” added Maddie Marshall.

The scanners are conveniently located at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library and the Williamson County animal shelter. So, next time you find a lost dog, you can quickly check for a microchip and reunite a pet with its worried family.

These Girl Scouts are proving that delicious cookies can lead to heartwarming results!

A Williamson County teen is making a difference this Child Abuse Prevention Month by collecting stuffed animals for children in need.

17-year-old Kenny Royer launched a Stuffed Toy Drive to benefit Davis House Child Advocacy Center, a Franklin-based non-profit that supports families experiencing abuse.

Kenny’s drive has been a heartwarming success. Since starting in March, he’s collected over 200 stuffed animals and raised more than $3,000 for Davis House.

“Having a stuffed animal can show these children they’re cared for,” Kenny explained. “It gives them a sense of comfort during a difficult time.”

The drive continues throughout April. New stuffed animals can be donated directly to Davis House or dropped off at designated locations: WST Corporation in Franklin and Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville.sharemore_vert

As the war in Ukraine continues to cause widespread devastation, a group of courageous volunteers and activists are being honored for their remarkable efforts to rescue and care for animals caught in the conflict. These individuals, recognized by both animal rights groups and political leaders, have gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of countless pets and wildlife displaced by the ongoing violence.

One standout among these heroes is Maria Vronska, who manages a shelter near Kyiv. Her facility provides a safe haven for over 700 dogs and cats, many of whom have been abandoned or injured as a result of the war. The shelter not only offers food and medical care but also a temporary home for these animals until they can be reunited with their families or adopted into new ones.

The war has dramatically increased the number of animals in distress as many residents have been forced to flee their homes, often unable to take their pets with them. Shelters and rescue organizations across the country have seen a surge in the number of animals needing care. In response, volunteers like Vronska and her team work tirelessly, often risking their own safety to rescue pets from dangerous areas, provide emergency medical treatment, and keep animal shelters operational despite the challenging conditions.

These efforts are crucial, as the war not only affects human lives but also the animals that share our communities. Pets often provide comfort and companionship to their owners, especially in times of crisis, making their rescue and care a vital part of humanitarian efforts.

International support has also been pivotal, with various global animal welfare organizations stepping in to provide supplies, funding, and support to Ukrainian shelters. This international aid helps maintain the operations of these shelters, ensuring they can continue to offer refuge and care amidst the turmoil.

The dedication of these volunteers and the critical role they play in animal welfare during the war highlight a powerful story of compassion and resilience. Their actions remind us of the profound bond between humans and animals, and the importance of safeguarding all lives in times of conflict.

At 39 years old, Benard McKinley has transformed his life in a remarkable way. Recently released from prison in December 2023, McKinley is now preparing to start his first year at the prestigious Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. This achievement marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first graduate from Northwestern University’s Prison Education Program (NPEP) to be accepted into any law school, let alone one with a 4% acceptance rate.

McKinley’s journey to higher education began behind the bars of Stateville Correctional Center in northern Illinois, where he completed his bachelor’s degree last year. His academic pursuit was part of NPEP, a pioneering initiative offering college-level education to incarcerated individuals. McKinley was among the first cohort to receive a bachelor’s degree from a top 10 US university while in prison, according to rankings from US News & World Report.

His life took a dramatic turn when he was sentenced at 19 to nearly a century in prison for a gang-related murder. While incarcerated, McKinley dedicated himself to studying law, aiming to challenge his own sentence and assist fellow inmates with their legal issues. His efforts in education began with earning a GED and a paralegal diploma, followed by his acceptance into the competitive NPEP program.

The process of applying to law school was rigorous and conducted from within the prison walls. McKinley prepared for the LSAT, wrote essays, and gathered recommendations with the help of NPEP tutors. His dedication paid off when, after his early release into transitional housing, he was accepted into Northwestern’s law school.

McKinley’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also highlights the transformative power of educational programs within the prison system. Sheila Bedi, a clinical law professor at Northwestern, praised McKinley’s discipline and eagerness to learn, emphasizing the potential of many others like him who could contribute positively to society if given the chance.

Looking ahead, McKinley aspires to become a civil rights lawyer and start a legal aid clinic to support marginalized communities. His journey from a teen sentenced to prison to a law student at one of the country’s top institutions is a profound testament to the possibilities that education and determination can unlock.