Author: Lisa Mungovan

Thursday night, the Washington Monument was struck by lightning. Lightning strikes on the 555-foot obelisk in Washington DC, are actually fairly common. A lightning rod on top, directs the electric current harmlessly into the ground. You can watch a video captured by W-U-S-A9’s Skycam, to see how the monument looks by lightning bolt.

Did you know, not all black bears, are black? They can be shades of blue-grey, cinnamon, or even white! If you live near woods in North America, you might spot one raiding a bird feeder, rummaging through trash cans, or opening car doors to find a snack. Loud noises will usually scare them away.

Today is Drive-In Movie Day. Drive-in theaters are great for staying socially distant, while going to the movies! If you can’t find a drive-in, sit in the car, and project a movie on your garage door! It’s also Yo-Yo Day. Playing with a yo-yo is also a good way to keep people 6 feet away!

Digging holes and pulling weeds can give you a good workout. Plant some vegetables, for Gardening Exercise Day. If you prefer to walk for exercise, explore a path in the woods, for Trails Day. Maybe you’ll find a cool cave or limestone landscape. Caves and Karst Day is a perfect time to try spelunking!

This year, Princeton University’s graduation ceremony was noteworthy for more than one reason. It was their first online celebration, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also featured a commencement address, delivered by the Ivy League university’s first black valedictorian, Nicholas Johnson. The engineer hopes to inspire other black students coming behind him.

Did you ever eat something too spicy, like a pretty pepper that you grew in the garden? Gulping water helps a little, but to really cool down your mouth, drink milk. The proteins in milk replace the capsaicin on your tongue, that cause the burning sensation. Ice cream and yogurt also work!

Today is World Environment Day. Protecting the environment is everyone’s job. Recycle, leave natural habitats for animals, don’t litter, and don’t pollute the water. Then start writing the lawmakers of your country, and demand that they force corporations to do the same. No one should be allowed to pollute our beautiful planet!

Throw a meatless patty on the grill. It’s Veggie Burger Day! You can try an Impossible Burger at a restaurant if you want something that tastes like meat. It’s also Hot Air Balloon Day. You can make your own hot air balloon, take a ride, or just watch them float through the sky!

Today’s going to be yummy. It’s Doughnut Day, and Gingerbread Day! Some stores, like Krispy Kreme and Duck Donuts are giving away free doughnuts, while other places like Dunkin’, will give you a doughnut if you buy a drink. Check your favorite doughnut shop for deals. You might have to bake your own gingerbread!

A hotel in Australia kept getting security alerts in the middle of the night. Someone was triggering the alarm at the hotel’s liquor store, but the owner never found anyone when he investigated. The security camera finally recorded the prowler. It was a northern quoll. The endangered marsupial usually stays in the trees!