Wally the emotional support alligator went to see the Phillies. Then he went viral

 Joie Henney of Strinestown keeps a 4-foot-6-inch alligator named Wally, a proclaimed emotional support animal. Joie brings Wally to schools and senior centers to entertain and comfort children and the elderly. Wally was rescued from Florida in September 2016 by one of Joie’s friends, who eventually passed on the possession of Wally to Joie. Initially, Joie was relatively scared to get too close to Wally, he told the York Daily Record he fed Wally with tongs in the beginning. However, within a month the gator was gentle and happy with his new owner. This led to him taking Wally to schools and senior homes to educate people. Wally’s presence was soon appreciated significantly by children with developmental issues, resulting in Joie seeking “emotional support status” for Wally.

This article caught my eye due to the rarity of this situation, and I have an interest in animals. The idea that such a notoriously recognized violent animal could be used to comfort people of all ages is very fascinating to me. Personally, I am very jealous of those who have gotten the opportunity to meet Wally the emotional support alligator, and would love to eventually have that opportunity. However, I am very concerned about the violent tendencies Wally still might have in his genetics, because he is an alligator after all. I am under the impression that Wally is domesticated, but I can’t help but think of the possibility that Wally might turn violent one day resulting in a serious life-threatening injury. I have this belief due to the Charla Nash case, where Charla was attacked by her friend's pet chimpanzee resulting in the loss of her hands and face. This example is certainly not a common occurrence by any means, but it does show that even domesticated animals can be a possible danger at any moment.

Published by Marisa Potts, December 1st, 2023

Originally written, 11:01 AM ET on September 29th, 2023, by Rachel Treisman

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/29/1202615294/wally-emotional-support-alligator-phillies-game

A 104-year-old woman dies before Guinness can confirm her record as oldest skydiver

Dorothy Hoffner, a 104-year-old woman, passed away a little over a week after potentially breaking the world record for the oldest skydiver. She jumped 13,500 feet with Skydive Chicago in Ottawa. On Oct. 1st at Brookdale Senior Living, where she resided, Dorthy reportedly passed in her sleep on Monday. The Brookdale Senior Living expressed deep sadness, highlighting her passion and eccentric personality, as demonstrated by her recent skydiving adventure. Guinness World Records is still verifying if Hoffner officially broke the record, currently held by Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson of Sweden, who jumped at the age of 103 in 2022. 

This article portrays a very positive message to those who choose to read it. Dorthy proved that no matter what age, you can accomplish anything you want. Even with old age it is possible to make your dreams and aspirations come to life. A goal she had been working towards accomplishing for quite some time eventually became her reality. However, unfortunately she was not around much longer after the event in order to find out whether she actually broke the Guinness World Records. She still left a huge impact on the older community by being a prime example of “never give up.” She was described as having “amazing energy” by one of the nurses, and this shines through in the photo of her smiling before she skydived. I also believe that no matter what conclusion Guinness World Records comes to, Dorthy would be happy with either result and just be happy she got to experience such a once in a lifetime experience.

Published by Marisa Potts, December 1st, 2023

Originally written, 7:15PM ET on October 11th, 2023, by Ayana Archie

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/11/1205280562/104-woman-dies-skydiving-record

Robbery suspect’s colorful underwear helped police arrest him, authorities say

A robbery suspect involved in a 2022 tobacco shop heist in Queens, New York, was apprehended more than a year later due to distinctive multicolored briefs visible during the crime. The suspects, wearing masks, robbed the store at gunpoint, fleeing in a Mazda. Surveillance videos revealed the unique underwear with a prominent "R" and "1990." An anonymous tipster provided the suspect's Instagram handle and mentioned attempts to sell stolen goods. Detectives identified the suspect unmasked in footage from a merchandise sale location. Using Instagram, prior arrest photos, and video evidence, police arrested the 30-year-old suspect in Queens. The other two robbers remain at large. The suspect awaited arraignment in federal court.

This case was interesting to me because of how the criminal got caught for robbing the tobacco store. Instead of getting caught based on usual evidence such as forensics and video footage, the criminal is caught due to him posting a photo of him on Instagram. I find it interesting because without the anonymous tip from one of his followers, who knows if the police would have ever found the robber and had him arrested. Also, with my understanding of criminal behavior, I am under the impression that most criminals purposely wear all black clothes to avoid having easily identifiable clothes on them. Which is why it’s ironic that the one piece of bright clothing the criminal decides to wear under his clothes, is what leads to his demise.

 

Published by Marisa Potts, November 27th, 2023

Originally written, November 22nd, 2023 by unknown author

Robbery suspect’s colourful underwear helped police arrest him | Toronto Sun

 

RCMP investigating alleged theft at Iqaluit minor hockey association

In Iqaluit, the territorial capital of Nunavut, the Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association is currently grappling with an alleged theft, as reported by the Nunavut RCMP in March 2023. The incident involves the disappearance of funds exceeding $5,000 from the association's strongbox. Tooma Natsiq, the president of the hockey association, revealed that the new board had been informed of the police report in the fall and stressed that no current board members were involved in the incident. The association is actively cooperating with the RCMP and is committed to taking necessary steps to ensure the proper resolution of the issue. The impact is significant, especially considering that over 200 kids were registered to play minor hockey in Iqaluit during the current season.

This article caught my eye because it involved an issue within an athletic institution. Especially in hockey, there have been many cases in the past where leagues and associations have covered for criminal behavior made by players and coaches. So when coming across this article it made me curious to where the money truly went, and who is at fault for the disappearance of it. The money could have been stolen by an unknown person like the association claims, or the league could have filed a false police report to collect the insurance money. This way, the league would have the original $5,000 and the extra $5,000 from the insurance company, which for a struggling association could be the necessary money they need to stay in business.

Published by Marisa Potts, November 27th, 2023

Originally written, 8:52 AM PST, November 27nd, 2023 by Nick Murray

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/iqaluit-minor-hockey-theft-rcmp-1.7041037