isten to “Here is our conversation with Lessa Carter-Jones, President and CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. Green Heart STEM Challenge Launches…” on Spreaker.

ATLANTA, GA — The Captain Planet Foundation recently announced the launch of the 2026 Green Heart STEM Challenge, welcoming its largest cohort to date with nearly 5,000 students, 132 educators, and 71 schools across 11 states participating. 

The Green Heart STEM Challenge is delivered through a hybrid model, with in-person programming in metro Atlanta, Houston, and Miami, alongside virtual participation that enables schools in additional states to engage fully. This structure supports deep, place-based learning in core communities while expanding national access.

Designed for students in grades 6–9, the Challenge blends STEM learning with real-world problem solving, guiding students to identify environmental challenges in their communities and develop practical, implementable solutions. It follows a rotating, four-year cycle focused on EARTH, WIND, FIRE, and WATER, ensuring students explore a broad range of environmental systems and solutions over time.

The 2026 Challenge features EARTH, with students exploring issues such as soil health, tree canopy, composting, and food waste. Educators onboard students to the Challenge platform, where teams form, research, and begin building solutions rooted in local needs.

“What sets this Challenge apart is that students are mentored and funded to implement their winning ideas,!” said Leesa Carter-Jones, President and CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. “They’re not just learning about environmental challenges, they’re designing solutions and being held accountable for real outcomes.”

Since its launch, the Challenge has shown growing, measurable impact. In recent cycles, hundreds of student teams have progressed from ideas to formal project plans, with an increasing percentage advancing to implementation. Past winners have secured additional funding, expanded beyond their schools, and built long-term community partnerships, including teams in Atlanta and Houston continuing work well beyond the Challenge timeline. Across cohorts, student-led projects have tackled composting and food waste, erosion control and reforestation, water quality, repair-and-reuse systems, and circularity efforts reducing fast fashion and single-use waste.

The Challenge is supported by Accenture, Amazon, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Natural Gas, Green Mountain Energy, and Susan J. Klein, among others. Accenture employees also serve as volunteer mentors and project managers, helping student teams refine ideas, develop budgets, and prepare for implementation through the Challenge’s Idea Incubator.

Entering its fourth year, the Green Heart STEM Challenge continues to show what’s possible when students are trusted with real responsibility, and supported to turn ideas into action.

About Captain Planet Foundation
Captain Planet Foundation is an award-winning U.S.-based nonprofit that empowers young people to be problem-solvers for the planet. Over the past 35 years, more than 1.7 million children have directly participated in CPF programs, supporting more than 3,700 projects and impacting 11.4 million young people worldwide. Founded in 1991 by Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle, CPF advances environmental education through programs including Project Learning Garden, Planeteer Alliance, and the Green Heart STEM Challenge. Learn more at www.captainplanetfoundation.org.

The post Here is our conversation with Lessa Carter-Jones, President and CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. Green Heart STEM Challenge Launches 2026 Program, Engaging Nearly 5,000 Students in Community-Driven Climate Solutions appeared first on Good News!.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – 22 August 2025 – The World Talent Economy Forum Institute (WTEFI) is proud to announce the launch of its Center of Excellence in South Asia, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership development across the region and beyond.

 Watch the announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlMYsIpnqMM

The Center of Excellence will serve as a global hub for research, training, and capacity building, advancing WTEFI’s mission to connect talent with opportunity and accelerate sustainable economic growth. By leveraging cross-sector partnerships and global expertise, the center will empower youth, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Key strategic partners joining this initiative include:

Blab Japan – advancing international collaboration and innovation.

Tando Institute – spearheading climate leadership and sustainability education.

PRBC (Pacific Research & Business Council) – driving policy and industry integration.

PRCC (Pacific Regional Cooperation Council) – fostering cross-border cooperation.

Africa Youth Kingdom – empowering young leaders across the African continent.

International Longevity Alliance – promoting global health, aging research, and longevity innovation.

iByond USA – delivering cutting-edge intelligent interoperability and quantum-driven solutions.

Climate Innovation – leading initiatives on sustainability, resilience, and green technologies.

Daffodil International University, IUT Bangladesh, CUET Business Incubation, ADUST Bangladesh

In addition, the Center of Excellence will integrate expertise and networks from all global partners of the World Talent Economy Forum, creating an inclusive platform for dialogue, research, and solution-driven programs.

“The launch of the Center of Excellence in South Asia is a milestone in our journey to build a knowledge-driven, inclusive global economy. By uniting our diverse partners from Asia, Africa, and beyond, we are shaping a new model of talent development and global cooperation,” said Dr. Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana, President of the World Talent Economy Forum Institute.

The South Asia Center of Excellence will focus on:

Innovation & Research – advancing applied research in AI, technology, and sustainable development.

Leadership Development – training the next generation of leaders in governance, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Climate & Sustainability – driving inclusive solutions for climate adaptation and resilience.

Global Collaboration – connecting academic, industry, and government leaders worldwide.

The initiative reflects WTEFI’s belief that global partnerships are essential for tackling today’s complex challenges — from climate change and digital transformation to economic inclusion and education reform.

For more information, partnership opportunities, or media inquiries, please contact:

World Talent Economy Forum Institute

 Email: presidentwteforum@gmail.com

 Website: wteforum.org

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Listen to “Good News Broadcast LIVE Mars Space Odyssey” on Spreaker.

Listen to “Fred Sullivan speaks to Good News” on Spreaker.

Listen to “The Crew” on Spreaker.

Listen to “Reid Stowe speaks to Good News” on Spreaker.

Listen to “Departure from the dock to learn about life at sea” on Spreaker.

Hello Everyone,

November 17-29, 2024 – New York City

Good News Broadcast will LIVE STREAM on YouTube the “High Sea” training as a Kick-Off for their 23rd Annual Earth & Water Day LIVE 5-Hour Worldwide Clean Energy Concert in Times Square on April 22, 2025.”

The Mars Ocean Analogs® crew is set to embark on a groundbreaking sailing mission this November, departing from New York City on the historic Schooner Anne Starship. Led by veteran sea captain and world record holder Reid Stowe, the team will undertake NYC’s first-ever high seas analog training for aspiring astronauts. This mission, scheduled from November 17 to November 29, will simulate the extreme conditions of danger, high performance, isolation and self-sufficiency that astronauts will face during future missions to Mars.

The link for LIVE STREAM IS XXX

The Schooner Anne is the same vessel that Stowe commanded on the longest sea voyage in history, spending 1,152 days continuously at sea without resupply from 2007 to 2010—an unprecedented analog for a journey to Mars. During that voyage, Stowe and his crew navigated far beyond the sight of land, in conditions similar to what astronauts will experience during a three-year mission to Mars.

Why Is This Mission So Critical Now?

As space agencies worldwide accelerate their plans to send humans to Mars, a crucial gap remains in astronaut training. The human mission to Mars and back is expected to take approximately three years, during which astronauts will be isolated in a cramped, high-stakes environment—one that only Reid Stowe has simulated continuously over three years through his record-breaking voyage.

“Mars aspiring trainees must gain experience in the isolated, life-and-death expanse of the high seas to truly prepare for the challenges of a Mars mission,” explains Stowe, Commander of the Schooner Anne. “While billions of dollars are being invested in space technology, extreme astronaut training at sea is being overlooked. The human element is the weak link, and our mission is to strengthen that by offering real-world, high-seas analogs that push both physical and psychological limits.”

A Proven Training Ground

This upcoming mission will be the Mars Ocean Analog team’s fifth high-seas expedition, following four successful voyages that have attracted global media attention and support, including a mission to the SpaceX launch pad near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Mars Ocean Analogs® crew is inviting select members of the media to meet the captain and crew aboard the Schooner Anne, which has played a pivotal role in advancing human spaceflight training through these Mars analog missions.

Contact Mission Control to schedule an interview:

Reid Stowe

Phone: (336) 707-1705

Email: info@marsoceananalogs.org

Website: www.marsoceananalogs.org

Instagram: @marsoceananalogs 

This voyage promises to play a critical role in preparing the next generation of astronauts for humanity’s boldest mission yet: Mars.

Earth & Water Day 2025 in Times Square and broadcast around the world on April 22, 2025, will be Good News Corporation’s 23 Annual Pause the World for Peace Event and MOTHER EARTH.  The Historic Event is a partnership with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Nonprofit, 501 C 3, est. 2002.  Good News Corporation GNC is producing the Worldwide Clean Energy 5-HOUR Concert with OMMM, www.earthday.org, AY Young and in discussion with other caring MOTHER EARTH citizens and organizations.

For information contact:

Paul Sladkus, Founder of Good News Corporation, paul.sladkus1@gmail.com or call 917 687 1790.  Go to www.pausetheworldforpeace.org for details.  PS – Good News Corporation was the official broadcaster of the original 1000 Days at Sea and honored to be close friends with Reid and Crew for many years.

Mars Ocean Analogs® notable press features:

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/global-sailor-reid-stowe-plots-a-course-to-mars-qqwrv0l90?region=global

https://www.valleycentral.com/spacex/miami-to-south-texas-sailors-hope-to-train-future-mars-astronauts-dock-near-spacex/

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/westpb/2021/01/27/mars-mission-sea-space-meet-palm-beach-county-mars-ocean-analogs/4251051001/

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Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading entertainment and Education Company for young audiences, announced the worldwide launch of “ACK Comics’, Amar Chitra Katha’s official digital comic store app. The ‘ACK Comics’ app will give users from all over the world access to the entire range of Amar Chitra Katha titles including the latest blockbusters.

 ​ Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd. has partnered with Ninestars Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd (www.ninestars.in) on this product. As a digital partner to Amar Chitra Katha, Ninestars has designed and developed apps for all three platforms – iOS, Android and Windows 8. The app draws its strength from great content, its intuitiveuser experience and is a full-fledged digital comic store.

“Amar Chitra Katha is one of India’s most cherished icons that has created and preserved values and belief systems for generations of Indians. Through its digital presence we would be able to cater to the new generation of Indians. It will also be a perfect vehicle to globalize Indian values and beliefs, that make Indian culture so unique and so fascinating”, said Kishore Biyani, Group CEO, Future Group.

 “Amar Chitra Katha is known to be one of the biggest storytellers and is one of the most popular comic book series amongst Indians and NRIs. We are very excited about the launch of ACK Comics, Amar Chitra Katha’s first digital comic store app. Digitalization of Amar Chitra Katha was the next step towards making our comics available to the net savvy Gen Z. With the launch of the ACK Comics App, we can now reach out to millions of readers who can access the vast treasure of Indian storytelling on their fingertips. Every title has been painstakingly renewed to provide a super digital reading experience” said Mr. Manas Mohan CEO, Publishing Amar Chitra Katha Pvt Ltd.

 The “ACK COMICS” app is a gateway to India’s most favourite and timeless stories. The app makes the entire Amar Chitra Katha catalogue of digital comics accessible on most tablets and PCs, and hence to millions of homes worldwide. The app has been designed to give users a great reading experience with newly re-coloured and digitally re-mastered comics that look great on digital devices. The app also connects the readers with the ACK editorial team and the larger ACK community”, said Mr. Shubhadeep Bhattacharya, Business Head – Digital, Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd.

The ACK Comics app is a one-stop destination for the entire range of Amar Chitra Katha digital comics.  Users can download and read their comics on multiple devices using a single useraccount. The digital comic can be read in flipbook mode, which is the standard format of reading page-by-page or panel-by-panel mode for easy reading on smaller devices.

To download the Amar Chitra Katha App for Windows 8, users can visit:

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/app/ack-comics/d35b8045-7f57-4d58-a746-7c6598e22d36

To download the Amar Chitra Katha App for Android, users can visit:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ns.ack

To download the Amar Chitra Katha App for Apple, users can visit:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ack-comics/id633372668?ls=1&mt=8

To know more about ACK Comics app, please visit:

http://digital.amarchitrakatha.com/

The post India’s Iconic Story-Teller Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) goes Digital appeared first on Good News!.

Official Book Launch – Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Junoon Restaurant

The post Vikas Khanna Launches New Book “Return To The Rivers” in NYC on Jan. 28 appeared first on Good News!.

Recent Study Shows One In Four American Workers Will Suffer An Income-interrupting Disability and Won’t Be Prepared For it

Council for Disability Awareness Launches Educational Campaign

Targeting Working Americans

Radio Interviews with President of the Council for Disability

Awareness Barry Lundquist

More than one in four of today’s entrants to America’s workforce will suffer an income-interrupting disability at some point during their working careers. But a recent Council for Disability Awareness (CDA) study shows that despite the potentially catastrophic financial impact, most Americans, and even their financial advisors, significantly underestimate their odds of becoming disabled. Worse yet, about two-thirds of the workforce is not covered by private long term disability insurance.

In an effort to engage Americans about the critical importance of protecting their ability to earn an income, the CDA has launched the Defend Your Income movement. This educational program seeks to unite consumers, advisors, employers and insurers in the fight to protect the incomes of working Americans from the financial risks of serious illness or injury.

In interviews on November 13th, Barry Lundquist will give tips on the risks and consequences of experiencing an income limiting sickness or accident, and how to protect your most valuable financial resource – your income.

Barry Lundquist’s professional background includes over 30 years of insurance industry success in underwriting, sales, sales leadership, senior executive management and consulting roles for employee benefits and individual disability products and sales channels at Paul Revere, Provident and Unum. In 2000, Barry founded Eastport Marketing Group, a consulting and marketing services company that helps insurance companies and distributors improve results. Since May of 2009, Barry has served as President of the Council for Disability awareness, based in Portland, Maine.

This interview is provided by The Council for Disability Awareness

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