“This spring, volunteers from Turtles Kingston, along with a team of 10 CityFlats staff, came together for a Turtle Protection Day on-site. Turtle exclusion fencing was installed around the perimeter of the property. The fencing is designed to prevent adult turtles from nesting in the area that will eventually become an active construction zone, helping to minimize disruption and protect the local turtle population. Importantly, the fence openings allow hatchlings and smaller wildlife to move safely through the area while keeping larger turtles excluded, ensuring nesting patterns are not disturbed.
CityFlats is proud to work closely with local community groups including Turtles Kingston, the Friends of KIngston Inner Harbour, and other environmental advocates to responsibly manage the land. They recognize that new construction will inevitably change the area, but are committed to minimizing impacts as much as possible and ensuring that their development respects both the character of the Inner Harbour and the natural ecosystems that make it a special part of Kingston.”
More info? Pete Sauerbrai, Managing Partner, CityFlats – pete@cityflats.ca, 613-539-2992
Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
Springtime is here. Trust you are enjoying it.
Included in this newsletter is the recent work by City Flats Development. See Item #1. We are also concerned about the $70,000,000 project’s recent inclusion of shoals off the shore of DF Park. If they are intended to prevent erosion as suggested, a much better option would be shoreline plantings. We will discuss this more in depth in the mid-May newsletter.
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS
1. City Flats’ Turtle Accommodations at their site just South of Woolen Mill
2. Jane’s Walks 2025 May, Fri May 2 – Sun, May 4
3. Poet Laureate Seeks Contributions to Community Poem Honouring LaSalle Causeway
4. Queen’s Science Rendezvous, Sat, May 10
5. Taking Strategic Action on Emergency Shelter Services
6. Community Climate Action Fund Achieves Fundraising Goal for Project
7.Charlie Angus Resistance Tour Coming to Kingston May 15 – 7 pm!
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
8. Researchers Want Public’s Help to Monitor St. Lawrence River with DNA Found in Water Samples
9. Americans Keep an Eye on Arctic Port Revival in Churchill
FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST
10. Think Twice Before Putting Paper Towels in the Microwave
11. Swiss startup Sirius Aviation Unveils World’s First Hydrogen VTOL Aircraft
12. Surprising Items that Burglars May Be Looking For
13. Nunavit is about to Flip the Switch on its Solar Transition.
14. Breathtaking Maps Reveal Improved Air Quality in Paris
15. Quebec Recycler Shows What Happens to Scrap Appliances Left on the Curb
16. Turning Colon Cancer Cells Back into Healthy Ones
17. Women Are Choosing the Single Life
18. Children as Young as 10 Are Advertised Guns on Social Media
19. The Best Financial Advice
20. Twenty-Five Things to Do in Kingston This May
21. Best Giant Bubble Recipe
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS
1. City Flats’ Turtle Accommodations during their Env. Clean-up at Site just South of Woolen Mill
We remain grateful that CityFlats has reached out to Turtles Kingston and Ontario Nature to do what they can to help out the turtles in the area. They are required to do Brownfield Cleanup of their entire area. Thankfully, very few, if any, turtles nest on the actual building site. For those of you who are not familiar with this project, it is in the greenspace immediately south of the Woolen Mill. If you are walking by you will notice the new fencing. When we were there last Saturday scientists hired by Golder(wsp) consultants were on site doing a capture/release study to learn more about turtles in the area as part of the ongoing study initiated by Transport Canada and Parks Canada to clean-up the contaminated sediments. You may see, on one of the basking logs, a sheet of plywood floating alongside a small enclosed pool. Turtles captures in the pool are measured according to a number of parameters and then released. There are a half dozen of these enclosures along the Inner Hrbour from Doug Fluhrer Park to Belle Park.
2. Jane’s Walks 2025, Fri, May 2 – Sun, May 4
Once again, a truly amazing series of walks! In many different locations throughout the city!
Of particular interest in the Inner Harbour are:
Hilbert Buist’s Urban Birding: Doug Fluhrer Park to Skeleton Park: Fri, Sat, and Sun, 8 am
Biking the K&P Trail with Roger Healeyl: 12 noon
Kingston’s Inner Harbour: Maritime Heritage & Current Political Issues with Mary Farrar: 2 pm
Tannery Forest Neglect with Kathleen O’Hara: 3:30 pm
Queen Street with Christine Hebert, 4 pm
But so many other really wonderful walks as well – Lemoine’s Point, Williamsville, Parks, Heritage sites, Medical History, Market Square, Barriefield’s Field of Dreams, Sydenham Ward, Memorial Centre, Isabel: Love, Wars, Bandages and Beer, Cemeteries
Do check out the webpage for further details.
http://janeswalkkingston.wordpress.com
3. Poet Laureate Seeks Contributions to Community Poem Honouring the LaSalle Causeway
Received from the City of Kingston, April 16, 2025
April is National Poetry Month, and the City of Kingston’s Poet Laureate, Sadiqa de Meijer, has announced a new collaborative poetry project – a community poem honouring the LaSalle Causeway.
Community members are invited to submit a line of poetry or even just a few words that convey what the LaSalle Causeway meant to them. This can mean a favourite memory of the bridge, a particular experience or a reflection on its impact on the city.
“The causeway was part of the city’s fabric, and most of us have memories of the bridge–of crossing it by car, bike, or on foot, of watching it go up, of being late because it was raised, of hearing its sound through the downtown and east side neighbourhoods,” said de Meijer. “I am looking for everyone’s contribution: a bridge represents a means of connection, and this poem aims to bring these memories together.”
Contributions will be used as the basis for a new community poem assembled and shaped by de Meijer. The poem will be shared with residents on the City of Kingston website and will also be available in print at City Hall and at various arts spaces throughout the city. Individual names of contributors will not be shared publicly.
Make your submission online using your MyKingston account at CityofKingston.ca/Poem by the deadline of Friday, May 30 at 5 p.m. People of all ages are welcome to contribute.
About the LaSalle Causeway
Built as a penny bridge in 1829 and replaced by the Bascule Bridge in 1917, the federally-operated LaSalle Causeway https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/infrastructure-buildings/bridges-docks-dams/lasalle-causeway.html is part of Highway 2 linking downtown Kingston to the east side of the Cataraqui River and beyond. Known for its distinct green colour and characteristic hum when vehicles drove over it, the Bascule Bridge became a beloved symbol of Kingston and a gateway to the entrance of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge was demolished in June 2024 due to damage sustained during construction and replaced with a temporary modular bridge.
4. Queen’s Science Rendezvous, Sat, May 10
Received from Awesome Kingston, April 26, 2025
What: Science Rendezvous Kingston is a FREE, annuall science festival for Southeastern Ontario families hosted by Queen’s University.
When: Sat, May 10, 2025, 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Slush Puppie Place on The Tragically Hip Way
Featuring: 60 booths, Chemistry experiments, physics demonstrations, robots, and much more
Special shows on stage
Check out the list of booths, it’s pretty wild, there are a LOT of booths
Science Rendezvous Kingston 2025- Booth Directory
5. Taking Strategic Action on Emergency Shelter Services
Received from the City of Kingston, Apr 24, 2025
The City of Kingston is committed to adapting emergency shelter services to better support people in the community who are experiencing homelessness and is taking steps to address homelessness and provide timely assistance to those in need throughout Kingston. By investing $6,280,000 from the 2025 approved capital budget — including a $280,000 contribution from the Community Benefit Fund — the City is moving to wind down the temporary shelter services offered at Adelaide Street Shelter later this year and has been advancing work on various properties within the city to relocate existing shelter services to new locations.
How Delegated Authority Helps Us Address Unique Challenges
The City’s By-Law Number 2022-154, A By-Law to Establish a Procurement Policy (the Procurement Bylaw) sets out processes for how the City approaches purchasing and signing contracts. Depending on what is being purchased or how complex a contract is, these processes can take months to prepare, issue, review and award.
On April 1, 2025, Council delegated authority to the Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer or their delegates to proceed directly to the non-standard procurement method identified in the Procurement Bylaw. This delegated authority helps the City open new shelter services as soon as possible by expediting purchases associated with shelter developments such as service contracts with trades, renovation materials, temporary structures, and furniture.
Staff will report back on contracts awarded as part of the monthly Delegation of Authority information report to Council.
Future Plans and Property Acquisition
Acknowledging the pressures associated with larger shelter sites, as well as recognizing people can experience homelessness in all areas of the community, t he City is actively reviewing property options with the understanding that any acquired or leased property will require renovations, additional servicing or infrastructure needs, or temporary structures.
Property acquisitions themselves must still be approved by Council and are not included in the delegated authority approved by Council on April 1, 2025.
For all property acquisitions, the City follows Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act) which provides that a meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered is a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board. This is the process the City has followed for all its affordable, transitional, and supportive housing and other property acquisitions.
6. Community Climate Action Fund Achieves Fundraising Goal for Extend-a-Family Kingston Project
Received from the City of Kingston, Apr 28, 2025
Kingston Community Climate Action Fund achieves fundraising goal for Extend-A-Family Kingston project
The GrowAbility Hydroponic Greenhouse Project will now upgrade and scale the operations of two hydroponic greenhouses that are capable of producing more than 10,000 heads of fresh, locally grown produce every year. By utilizing hydroponic technology, the project will use 90% less water than traditional farming, eliminating the need for soil, avoiding greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and increasing climate resiliency by sustainably producing local food year-round.
“We are thrilled to successfully reach our fundraising goal for the 2025 Kingston Community Climate Action Fund campaign, supporting Extend-A-Family Kingston’s Community GrowAbility Hydroponic Greenhouse project. This project will provide healthy, local, sustainably produced food for those in need in our community and create new opportunities for people of all abilities to foster new skills and a sense of belonging, says Soren Christianson, Project Manager, City of Kingston. “This successful outcome would not have been possible without our key partnership with the Kingston Community Credit Union, and above all else, the generosity of all those who supported the campaign. Thanks to everyone who made this vision a reality and stay tuned as the KCCAF continues to make an impact year over year!”
The KCCAF fundraising goal for this project was $30,000. Fundraising took place from December 2024 through March 2025 and 100 per cent of the funds raised will go to the Extend-A-Family project.
“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Kingston and everyone who supported the Community Climate Action Fund campaign. Thanks to this funding, our hydroponics program can expand to provide over 10,000 heads of fresh produce annually, while also offering inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities for people of all abilities. This project is not only about growing food — it’s about growing community, sustainability, and belonging.” says Ian Cholmondeley, Extend-a-Family Kingston’s Program Manager of Innovation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Now in its fifth year, the KCCAF continues to support innovative local initiatives that drive climate action and foster community engagement. Thanks to the partnership with KCCU and the generosity of the Kingston community, 100% of donations will directly support the GrowAbility project.
“Without significant emissions reductions over the near term, the world will see more extreme weather events, and over the next two decades global warming above the targeted 1.5 degrees Celsius. The adverse impact will globally and locally be greatest for the vulnerable and marginalized,” said Jon Dessau, CEO, Kingston Community Credit Union. “KCCU’s mission is to improve the financial wellbeing of the community we live in, and nothing is more meaningful than helping Extend-A-Family and other local organizations become part of the solution with our support for the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund.”
About the Kingston Community Climate Action Fund
The Kingston Community Climate Action Fund was established by the City of Kingston to promote and financially support impactful local projects that address climate change. By raising awareness and providing funding, the program encourages community members to take part in meaningful climate action. Each year, a local charity is selected to lead a community-supported initiative aimed at advancing sustainability goals. Learn more about the KCCAF at CityofKingston.ca/KCCAF.
About the City of Kingston
Kingston’s vision of being a smart, livable and leading city is fast becoming reality. History and innovation thrive in our dynamic city located along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario, an easy travel distance from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, in the heart of eastern Ontario. With a stable and diversified economy that includes global corporations, innovative startups and all levels of government, Kingston’s high quality of life offers access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.
7. Charlie Angus Resistance Tour Coming to Kingston May 15 – 7 pm!
What: “Protecting the Common Good in Canada. Solidarity and Hope.
Where: The Broom Factory, 305 Rideau St. Kingston
When: 7 pm
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
8. Researchers Want Public’s Help to Monitor St. Lawrence River with DNA Found in Water Samples
Received from MSN, April 27, 2025
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/researchers-want-public-s-help-to-monitor-st-lawrence-river-with-dna-found-in-water-samples/vi-AA1DInv7?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=ef7cb9732b0e422b9373d8033e670072&ei=41
9. Americans Keep an Eye on Arctic Port Revival in Churchill
Received from the National Observer, April 26 – Christopher Pollon
A senior US diplomat had a low-key visit to Churchill, MB this month to learn about “trade opportunities” for Canada’s only rail-connected deep-sea Arctic port, a trade hub gaining strategic importance amid rising tensions with the United States.
As Canada scrambles to respond to tariffs and annexation threats from US President Donald Trump, Churchill is at the centre of a proposed Arctic trade corridor to funnel western potash, grain, critical minerals and perhaps bitumen, from the west coast of Hudson Bay to new markets in Europe and elsewhere.
It’s a faster alternative route to Europe than the port of Montreal, providing ready access to South American markets, and the ability to bypass the Panama Canal — which the US now threatens to control.
The aging, under-utilized seaport and its flood-prone rail line has garnered attention during a federal election campaign where Arctic sovereignty is among the key issues.
Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced $175 million in investments over five years to support operations and maintenance of the Hudson Bay Railway and port, as well as invest more in northern defence.
Conservative leader Pierre Polievre — who has championed Churchill as an “Arctic gateway” — promises to accelerate expansion of the port and strengthen Canada’s presence in the Arctic, including new icebreakers and a bolstered military presence.
A revival of Canada’s only deep-sea Arctic port is underway in Churchill, MB as the country seeks to diversify trade and protect its sovereignty in the north. The Americans (and Europeans) have noticed.
Against this backdrop, the April 7 visit by Rebecca Molinoff, the US Consul in Winnipeg, raised eyebrows in the northern Manitoba town.
She arrived in Churchill as part of a wider regional tour that included a stop at Thompson, MB, a nickel and copper mining hub.
Molinoff and an aide met with Mayor Mike Spence, a local indigenous businessman and regional powerbroker who is also co-chair of Arctic Gateway Group, a First-Nations owned consortium of more than 20 northern communities that recently acquired the port and Hudson Bay railroad.
“She’s aware that Canada is getting serious about investing in nation building,” Spence told Canada’s National Observer.
Molinoff was familiar with recently-announced resource deals by the port, as well as infrastructure investment plans by Canadian governments, Spence said.
She mentioned potash specifically, he recalled, and the port’s new agreement to start shipping Saskatchewan fertilizers to Europe starting this year.
Strategic location
The US Embassy in Ottawa confirmed the visit to Churchill, but it gave few details.
“Consul Molinoff recently visited Churchill … to learn more about the town’s tourism, research, and trade opportunities,” embassy spokesperson Ariel Pollock said in an email. “The visit underscored long standing bilateral ties between the United States and Manitoba.”
Spence said he was “not surprised” to see a US diplomat arrive unannounced in his town.
“Churchill is a strategic location. There was a US military base at Churchill going back to the 1940s, and there’s still a big runway at the airport,” he said.
David Cohen, a former US ambassador to Canada, visited Churchill three years ago, but Spence said the tone of discourse has changed since Trump’s re-election and his desire to make Canada the 51st state.
A senior US diplomat had a low-key visit to Churchill, MB this month to learn about “trade opportunities” for Canada’s only rail-connected deep-sea Arctic port, a trade hub gaining strategic importance amid rising tensions with the United States.
As Canada scrambles to respond to tariffs and annexation threats from US President Donald Trump, Churchill is at the centre of a proposed Arctic trade corridor to funnel western potash, grain, critical minerals and perhaps bitumen, from the west coast of Hudson Bay to new markets in Europe and elsewhere.
It’s a faster alternative route to Europe than the port of Montreal, providing ready access to South American markets, and the ability to bypass the Panama Canal — which the US now threatens to control.
The aging, under-utilized seaport and its flood-prone rail line has garnered attention during a federal election campaign where Arctic sovereignty is among the key issues.
A week after the US consul’s visit to Churchill, a European Union delegation including EU Ambassador Geneviève Tuts and diplomats from 18 European countries — including Spain, Belgium and Sweden — travelled to Winnipeg.
They met Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and discussed the potential for shipping critical minerals and “energy products” from Manitoba via Hudson Bay.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has flagged Churchill as a potential western export route for Alberta bitumen. On the campaign trail, the Liberals and Conservatives have promised to speed up the review process to greenlight major national energy projects.
Carney has also talked of using the Arctic as an export point to Europe for Canadian energy.
With climate change making Canada’s northwest passage ice-free sooner than previously thought — Churchill’s current four-month summer shipping season could soon be extended to six with icebreakers, and the Arctic shipping route could be ice-free by the end of the century — Canadians are not the only ones taking notice.
The potential unlocking of northern trade routes and access to untapped resources is drawing the interest of geopolitical rivals China and Russia. Moscow is developing a fleet of LNG transport ships with ice-breaking capability for Arctic trade.
Melting permafrost
Despite this attention, huge challenges face the expansion of shipping and rail traffic through Churchill.
It will take enormous investment by governments and industry to bring the 1920s-era port to modern standards, not to mention a 1,300 km rail line that in its upper reaches runs through a flood-prone bog ecosystem that is prone to flooding and sinkholes from melting permafrost.
Some experts say the upper portion of the rail line would have to be rebuilt on more solid ground to the west if Churchill was ever to seriously expand.
At the same time, Churchill is a community of about 600 that swells to 900 each summer — a place that makes 90 per cent of its living from polar bears, beluga whales, and the 200-plus migratory bird species that frequent this biodiversity hotspot.
Port jobs are welcome, but the prospects of more shipping traffic and even bitumen exports are causing many locals to question what the future may hold.
Whoever forms the next federal government will need to decide how important it is for Canada to have a third oceanic shipping route — and whether it is willing to pay the billions it will take to make Manitoba a maritime province for real.
In the coming weeks, journalist Christopher Pollon will deliver a series of stories from his recent reporting trip to Churchill.
Christopher will explore the opportunities and challenges in building an Arctic Gateway through northern Manitoba, its role in the regional exploitation of critical minerals essential for a low-carbon economy, and what the infrastructure investments mean for an ecotourism industry also facing the impacts of climate change.
FOR FUN AND GENERAL INTEREST
10. Think Twice Before Putting Paper Towels in the Microwave
Received from doityourselves.com, Apr 27, 2025
i. Not All Paper Towels Are Created Equal
Contrary to popular belief, not all paper towels are microwave safe. Some brands utilize synthetic fibers, dyes, and chemicals in their manufacturing process. These substances can potentially react with the microwave’s heat, leading to unintended consequences.
If you’re ever in doubt about a paper towel’s microwave compatibility, always refer to the product’s labeling or the manufacturer’s website. To err on the side of caution, you can also opt for microwave-safe kitchen accessories. Check out these microwave-safe kitchen accessories for safer alternatives.
The goal is to ensure that your food heating process is not only efficient but also safe. Hence, always verify before you make that quick dash to the microwave with your paper towel.
ii.Potential Fire Hazard
Microwaving paper towels may seem harmless, but it can potentially lead to a fire. When exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods, paper towels can ignite. This is especially true if the paper towel is left in the microwave unattended.
While most modern microwaves have in-built safety features to prevent such incidents, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. It’s always advisable to keep an eye on the microwave when it’s in use, especially when using paper products.
The risk of fire increases significantly when paper towels come in direct contact with greasy or oily foods. The oil can heat up rapidly and set the paper towel alight. So, always be extra careful when warming up such foods.
iii. Chemical Leakage
As previously mentioned, some paper towels contain synthetic fibers and chemicals. When heated, these substances can leach into your food. Consuming such contaminated food is not healthy and can lead to a variety of health issues over time.
To eliminate this risk, you can opt for paper towels that are labeled as “microwave safe”. These products are free from harmful chemicals and are safe to use in the microwave. Alternatively, consider using microwave-safe food covers as a safer option. Here are some microwave-safe food covers that can serve as excellent alternatives.
Remember, while convenience is important, it should never come at the expense of your health. Hence, always choose products that are safe for your use and consumption.
iv. Possible Damage to the Microwave
Continual use of paper towels in the microwave can lead to potential damage. When paper towels become too hot, they can stick to the glass turntable in the microwave. This can lead to possible scratching or cracking of the glass over time.
Additionally, if a paper towel catches fire in the microwave, it could result in permanent damage to the appliance. The cost of repairing or replacing a microwave can be significantly more than the convenience of using a paper towel to heat your food.
To avoid these potential problems, it’s always better to use microwave-safe plates or bowls for heating food. If you must use a paper towel, make sure it’s labeled as microwave-safe and does not come in direct contact with the microwave’s inner surfaces.
v. Environmental Impact
From an environmental perspective, frequent use of paper towels contributes to waste. Each time you use a paper towel in the microwave, it’s likely to end up in the trash right after. This contributes to the growing problem of waste management and has a negative impact on our environment.
By opting for reusable microwave-safe covers or containers, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste you generate. Not only are these options safer, but they are also more environmentally friendly. Remember, every small action counts. By making conscious choices, we can all contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
vi. Inefficient Heating
Using paper towels in the microwave can lead to inefficient heating. Paper towels, especially when thoroughly soaked, can absorb some of the microwave’s energy. This can result in uneven heating or longer cooking times.
For more efficient heating, consider using microwave-safe containers or lids. These are designed to withstand microwave energy without absorbing it, leading to more evenly heated food in less time. Efficiency in heating not only saves time but also energy. Hence, making the switch can also contribute to energy conservation, leading to lower electricity bills in the long run.
vii. Bacterial Growth
When you cover food with a paper towel in the microwave, it may not completely seal the food. This can potentially allow bacteria to grow if the food is not heated to a sufficiently high temperature. Consuming such food can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Using microwave-safe lids or covers that completely seal the food can help prevent this. These covers create a seal that helps to ensure the food is heated thoroughly, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth. Food safety should always be a priority. Therefore, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions when heating food in the microwave.
viii. Risk of Injury
Using paper towels in the microwave also poses a risk of injury. If a paper towel catches fire in the microwave, trying to remove it can lead to burns. This is especially true if you attempt to remove it immediately after the microwave stops.
Even if the paper towel doesn’t catch fire, it can still become very hot and potentially cause burns when touched. This risk is higher when the paper towel comes in direct contact with greasy or oily foods, which can heat up rapidly in a microwave. To minimize this risk, always use microwave-safe kitchen accessories. And remember, safety should always come first when using any kitchen appliance.
ix. Aesthetic Appeal
Last but not least, using paper towels in the microwave may not be the most visually appealing option. Whether you’re serving food to family or guests, presentation matters. Microwaving food with a paper towel may not provide the most attractive look.
For a more appealing presentation, consider using microwave-safe dishes or containers. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs that can enhance the visual appeal of your food. Remember, the joy of eating is not just about the taste, but also about the visual appeal of the food. Therefore, always strive to serve your meals in the most attractive manner possible.
In conclusion, while using paper towels in the microwave might seem like a convenient option, it’s not always the best choice. From potential health risks to environmental concerns, there are several reasons to think twice before doing so. By making informed decisions and opting for safer alternatives, you can ensure both your health and the environment are protected.
11. Swiss Startup Sirius Aviation Unveils World’s First Hydrogen VTOL Aircraft
Received from Freethink, April 26, 2025 – freethinkmedia+future-explored@substack.com
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published Jan 20, 2024. Not sure if the plane is operational yet.
Sirius Aviation has unveiled what it says is the world’s first hydrogen VTOL (vertical take- off and landing) aircraft — and an ambitious plan to have it in the air by 2025.
The emissions-free jet could fly from NYC to Miami without refueling.
The challenge: Electric VTOLs (eVTOLs) are widely promoted as the next big thing in aviation, and dozens of companies developing their own versions of the vehicles — fleets of flying electric taxis planned to zip around cities and over traffic jams.
Like helicopters, eVTOLs can lift off and land without a runway, which means they can operate without airports or runways.
Unlike helicopters, eVTOLs are powered by electricity — this makes them quieter and more climate friendly, but the weight and limited energy density of their batteries means they also can’t fly as far.
12. Surprising Items that Burglars May be Looking For
Received from doityourselves.com April 27, 2025
Editor’s Notes. These include prescription medications, personal ID etc.
https://doityourselves.com/surprising-items-burglars-look-for-in-your-home/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=native
13. Nunavit is about to Flip the Switch on Solar Transition
14. Breathtaking Maps Reveal Improved Air Quality in Paris
15. Quebec Recycler Shows What Happens to Scrap Appliances Left on the Curb
Received from CBC/What on Earth, April 27, 2025
https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/what-on-earth-solar-nunavut-1.7517235
16. Turning Colon Cancer Cells Back into Healthy Ones
Received from Doctor ASKY, April 22
Scientists in South Korea might’ve just changed the cancer game. A team at KAIST has figured out how to turn colon cancer cells back into healthy ones — without killing them. Instead of using harsh treatments like chemo or radiation that destroy both cancer and healthy cells, they targeted key “master regulator” genes that control how cells behave. Think of it like flipping a switch inside the cancer cells to remind them how to act normal again.
The genes they focused on were MYB, HDAC2, and FOXA2. These are kind of like bosses in the cell’s command center. By suppressing them, the researchers basically reprogrammed the cancer cells, turning them back into something close to normal colon cells. This is totally different from traditional therapies that try to destroy tumors. Here, the cancer isn’t killed — it’s reversed.
They tested this with digital simulations, lab experiments, and even in live mice, and the results were promising. Even cooler? They tried the same idea on mouse brain cells and found potential for treating brain cancer too.
This new approach could lead to cancer treatments that are way more precise and way less damaging. Instead of blasting the body with chemicals, it could be more like resetting the cell’s internal wiring. If it works in humans, it might totally shift how we think about cancer therapy. [KAIST, published study with lead author Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho]
17. Women Are Choosing the Single Life
Received from Newsweek, April 17, 2025
From going “boy sober” to “decentering men,” discourse about young women rejecting the traditional path of marriage and motherhood has swept social media. As birth and marriage rates decline, more and more women are embracing the single life.
But what’s behind the rise? Newsweek spoke to the experts and one young woman who is embracing the trend to find out more.
The Single Life Takes Centre Stage on Social Media
One of the poster girls for the trend is Julia Fox, the author and model who is beloved by Gen-Z. Her sound bites are prominent on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram and often reference her decision to remain single.
One such sound bite came from an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show back in 2023. In the clip, Barrymore asked Fox: “What about now, are you dating anyone?”
To this, Fox replied” “No, no, no. I have like sworn off men… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I’m happy.” Barrymore then asked Fox: “What if you find yourself like me, almost eight years later, still single?”
To this Fox replied: “Aren’t you so happy though?” And Barrymore, grinning, replies, “Yeah!” The clip received over a million likes.
The clip has been shared by women who related to the sentiment. And that’s not all. A common sentiment on TikTok is that being single, especially for young women in their 20s, is a “blessing,” and “crucial for personal growth.”
Away from the algorithm, there is a clear pattern of women moving away from marriage and motherhood. In the U.S., the fertility rate is at a historic low of 1.7 births per woman, and in 2021, the number of single-person households in the U.S. peaked at 38.1 million, a record high at the time.
It’s safe to say this is much more than just a TikTok trend. But what’s behind the rise?
Traditional marriage and motherhood is not generally a good deal for women pairing with men,” Lisa Wade an associate professor of sociology at Tulane University told Newsweek. “They are less happy than single women, less happy than men married to wives, and sacrifice more of their economic security than men (because they take on more housework and routine child care and are less able to invest at work).”
Wade also said” “Because women can remain single and child-free if they choose, unlike in previous eras, they may do so.”
Jennifer Glass, a centennial commission professor in the liberal arts, echoed Wade’s statements. “American moms overall have a 71 percent average risk of ending up their family’s primary economic provider before their first child turns 18. Hardly a situation conducive to ‘traditional’ marriage and motherhood,” she told Newsweek over email.
The responsibility of caregiving and emotional labor appears to be a major factor for women choosing to forgo a traditional path.
Brooke Erin Duffy, a professor and social media researcher, told Newsweek: “There’s a confluence of factors at play,” citing the “uneven impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, where women bore the brunt of caregiving.”
Duffy added: “In a climate where misogyny is increasingly normalized, it’s not surprising that some are seeking ways to challenge traditional structures.”
How Does the Single Life Look, IRL?
Held up next to a life of domestic responsibility and emotional labor, perhaps it’s not surprising that a single life is resonating with women—particularly young women—online. But what’s it like in practice?
For Lilia Souri, a TikTok creator, it’s “real freedom.”
“Just because someone is single or child-free, doesn’t mean they think they’ll never find the love of their life. It means they don’t need to,” she told Newsweek over email.
“As a woman in my late 20s, I’ve seen so many women, both in my life and beyond, going through the motions of marriage and motherhood without really questioning why they’re doing it, what they truly want, or if these choices even align with their values and desires,” she said. “I’m not saying marriage and parenthood are inherently bad—I just want people to pause and ask themselves if these life choices are truly what they want, or if they’ve simply never been presented with an alternative.”
Souri also told Newsweek that it’s not all about rejecting romantic love, but rather being critical of a path in life, and of value systems more broadly.
“We’re rejecting the idea that love in its most valuable form only exists in a romantic partner,” she said.
“There’s more to life than blindly following a path that was laid out for us. We have choice. We have agency. And if we just allow ourselves to think beyond what we’ve been taught, we might find a version of fulfillment that looks completely different—but feels even better,” Souri said.
Is the Single Life Built To Last?
It’s hard to ignore that as the single life rises, so do traditional ideas about marriage, motherhood and gender. Wade told Newsweek: “Right now, there is a movement on the right to reverse or reengineer relationships between men and women along the lines of difference. The last time that happened was the 1950s and that was followed by the civil rights era, the women’s movement, gay liberation and the sexual revolution.”
Duffy echoed this. “I’m fascinated by the evolving conversations about gender roles emerging on social platforms,” she said.
“We’ve seen a resurgence of traditional gender roles through trends like trad wives and so-called ‘bro-casters.’ However, social media remains a vibrant space for gender politics and activism.”
the way we regulate other products harmful to minors, including banning marketing that targets or features children.
“Second, they could insist on stronger digital advertising standards, especially on social media platforms. This would make companies like Meta more responsible for their content and digital partnerships.
“Finally, legislators could treat the promotion of gun violence as a public health concern. Given that, as of 2024, gun violence remained the leading cause of death for children and teens, this is something public health professionals have been calling on elected officials to do for years.”
18. Children as Young as 10 are Advertised Guns on Social Media
Received from Newsweek, Apr 23, 2025
Autumn Fry is not a typical influencer.
To more than 270,000 YouTube subscribers and 49,000 Instagram followers, the beaming Pennsylvanian 11-year old shares videos and photos of her latest purchases and makes suggestions for what her fans should buy too.
But it is not dolls or makeup that interest the tween. Instead, Fry exclusively reviews guns and gun paraphernalia.
It is a striking example of how America’s firearms culture has permeated to younger generations, but Fry is not alone in possessing a precocious awareness of Glocks and Colts. Indeed, children as young as 10 say they are seeing firearm content online, including advertising.
According to polling conducted by Sandy Hook Promise and KRC Research, exclusively shared with Newsweek, 82 percent of boys between 10 and 17 said they have seen at least one gun advert online, while social media is flooded with firearms branded with children’s cartoon characters and influencers like Fry promoting guns to children.
Federal law prohibits people under the age of 18 from possessing a handgun but there are no nationwide regulations regarding who firearms can be advertised to, despite some intervention from lawmakers.
The U.S. has one of the world’s highest rates of firearms deaths outside a war zone. According to latest available data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48,830 people died from gun-related injuries in the U.S. in 2021, including nearly 21,000 homicides as well as more than 26,000 suicides.
Recent incidents include a mass shooting in Memphis which left one dead and five others injured in April. In March, a man was treated for injuries having been shot twice outside Chicago O’Hare International Airport after an altercation.
KRC Research conducted a survey of 250 male children aged between 10 and 17 from March 6 to March 12, 2025 for Sandy Hook Promise, a non-partisan group that advocates for responsible gun ownership, founded and led by family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 6 percent.
According to the polling, 82 percent said they had seen at least one gun advert online and 38 percent said they had clicked on gun advertisements they saw online.
Thirty-four percent of young boys said there are too many gun adverts in places where children could see them, though the same proportion disagreed.
Sandy Hook Promise also found examples of guns shared on social media with designs that appeal to children including a gun with the Batman logo and ones with Hello Kitty branding.
Deana A. Rohlinger, a sociology professor at Florida State University told Newsweek advertising guns to children was “a serious problem” in shaping young people’s attitudes to guns. “Yes, this is a serious problem, and developmental research makes clear why,” she said.
“Children and adolescents, especially boys aged 10 to 17, are in critical stages of cognitive, emotional, and social development. During this period, they are actively forming their identities, learning social norms, and developing the ability to distinguish between fantasy and real-world consequences.
“When they are exposed to gun advertisements, particularly those that are stylized, gamified, or sexually charged, they are more likely to associate firearms with status, power, or even fun, rather than responsibility.
David Rosenbloom, professor of public health at the Boston University School of Public Health said marketing to children was “a real problem.”
“It normalizes the role and desirability of guns and gun violence,” he told Newsweek. “Associating owning a gun and shooting with being a ‘real’ man is particularly harmful to kids who are searching for clues about manhood in their early and mid teens.”
“The gun industry knows that if it hooks people when they are young it will have customers for their entire lives,” he added. “They learned marketing to kids works from the tobacco and alcohol industries.”
Lawmakers have previously moved to regulate the extent to which the firearms can entice children. In 2023, Democratic Senator Edward Markey introduced the Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act which would create rules against advertising firearms in a way that would appear attractive to a minor if passed.
In August 2023, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, a law which included banning firearms advertising that appeals to children.
However, in September 2023 a U.S. appeals court blocked a California law banning gun marketing to minors citing freedom of speech concerns and arguing the law was unlikely to reduce gun violence.
Speaking to Newsweek, Emma Brown, executive director at anti-gun group Giffords called on Congress to address these marketing practices.
“For years the gun industry has egregiously targeted young boys and men in their advertising,” she said. “We’ve seen it with ads telling buyers to get their ‘man card’ and marketing that stokes fear and hatred. The gun industry CEO’s don’t care if they fuel violence, they just want to make more money. Congress must take action to address these marketing practices.”
Rohlinger added: “Legislators have several tools available at their disposal. First, they can regulate firearm advertising.
18. Americans Share Best Financial Advice They Ever Received -It’s Eye-Opening
Received from Newsweek, April 27 – Soo Kim
Separating needs from wants and saving money as early as possible are among the top money tips that Americans have received, a new poll has shown.
The poll conducted for Newsweek by Talker Research between April 11 and 17 asked 1,000 Americans to share the most-impactful financial advice they have ever been given.
The responses reveal a common thread of caution, planning and prudence, with many pointing to the power of early savings and restraint.
At the start of April, which marks National Financial Literacy Month, President Donald Trump shared a statement saying: “I urge families, communities, schools, and institutions to commit to bolstering their financial knowledge.”
The percentage of adults in the United States with poor financial literacy rose from 20 percent in 2017 to 25 percent in 2023, and the lack of financial literacy cost Americans an estimated $388 billion in the same year, according to a study by Moneyzine.
In Trump’s statement in April, the president noted that “research shows financial literacy leads to greater investments, higher retirement savings, and ultimately more household wealth.”
Below, we highlight some of the best financial advice Americans have received.
Start Saving Early
One survey respondent noted: “My father-in-law got me to start saving money at an early age and told me never to touch it till I retire. Now I am the first in my family to be well off, with no debt to pay off.”
Other participants shared this sentiment with practical tips such as “save as little as a dollar a day” and “save every little bit you can, it all adds up,” reinforcing the adage that “a penny saved is a penny earned.”
Doug Carey, a chartered financial analyst (CFA), is the founder and owner of WealthTrace, a retirement and financial planning software. He told Newsweek that the best piece of financial advice he ever received is to “start saving early to my 401(k) [retirement fund] and max it out if possible.”
“The difference between starting savings to a retirement plan at age 25 versus 35 is startling,” Carey noted. For example, if you have a 25-year-old who saves $20,000 per year to her 401(k) plan, she retires at age 65. “If she achieves a 7 percent annual rate of return, she would have $4.3 million when she retires,” Carey said.
“Now let’s say this person instead starts saving at age 35. Incredibly, by waiting 10 years her 401(k) balance drops all the way down to $2 million at retirement,” Carey noted.
He said: “This example just shows the power of compounding at work. The earlier people save, the more of that magical compound interest they get.”
… And Save Regularly
Some respondents emphasized structured saving habits. One said they were told to “save at least $200 every time you get paid,” while a different respondent advised, “spend only 25 percent of your income.”
So, what is the ideal amount we should be saving every month?
While there are general rules and percentages, average savings rates are unlikely to fit you as an individual,” Jay Zigmont, a certified financial planner, told U.S. News & World Report in March 2023. “Each person’s savings rate should reflect their finances and financial goals,” he said.
Stay Out of Debt
Becoming debt-free was another common theme, with one respondent saying they were told to “pay off all debt as soon as possible.”
Carey, agreed, telling Newsweek that “another great piece of advice I have gotten is to stay out of debt, except for a mortgage.”
He said: “The more people are in debt, the less they can save. It is debt that delays savings for so many people and they do not get the power of compounding over time, which is the single best to way to ensure a large nest egg at retirement.”
Carey said that another way of looking at it is to “live at or below your means,” adding “I have always lived by the adage—if you can’t pay cash, you can’t afford it.”
Know Your Needs Vs. Wants
Understanding the difference between needs and wants was another common tip.
One person cited the best advice they received was: “Separate your wants and your needs.” Another said: “Before you spend any money, ask yourself ‘do I really need this?'”
When it comes to impulse spending, particularly on clothes, one participant said they were told to do a simple mental check, adding, “If you are debating buying a piece of clothing, just ask if you’d wear it for a day per dollar.” So, a $20 item would translate to 20 days.
Have More Than One Source of Income
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 8.5 million people aged 20 and older were reported to have more than one job in January 2025.
Diversifying income was also seen as a key to financial health. “Always have multiple incomes,” said one poll participant.
Another added: “If you have two incomes, live off one and bank and invest the other.”
… And Your Own Bank Account When MarriedFinancial independence within relationships was another tip mentioned. One respondent shared: “When you are married, always have a checking account in your own name in case of tough times.”
True Tamplin, who is a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF) and the founder of Finance Strategists, notes that joint bank accounts in marriage “can act as a catalyst for transparent conversations around money.”
However, Tamplin also warns that “financial disagreements are one of the leading causes of marital strife” and “one partner’s frivolous spending or the other’s overly conservative approach might lead to conflicts” when couples have a shared account.
Focus on What You Can Control
For managing financial stress, one poll participant offered a broader perspective. The respondent said: “One of the best pieces of financial advice I’ve ever received is ‘focus on what you can control—cut expenses, increase your emergency fund, and don’t panic.'”
The respondent continued: “During tough times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but this advice helped me stay grounded. It reminded me to track every dollar, prioritize needs over wants, and build a cushion for the future—even if it was just a little at a time. Small, consistent steps really do add up, and staying calm can make all the difference when things feel uncertain.”
Remember That Money Goes Quickly
Another response highlighted a more-sobering realization, saying: “Not really advice but I did have an old boss tell me that no matter how much money you make it always finds somewhere to go.”
The respondent continued: “I really noticed that throughout the years, even though I’m making more money, it’s almost like I don’t have any extra because it just finds places to go.”
19.Twenty-Five Things to Do in Kingston This May
Received from Visit Kingston, March 25, 2025
25 things to do in Kingston this May – Visit Kingston
Food, Museums, Tours, Arts and Music Events – You name it. Fun for everyone.
www.visitkingstoon.ca/25-things-to-do-this-may
And this from the Kingstonist, Apil 28 – Jessica Foley:
www.kingstonist.com/news/concerts-cruises-and-curiosities-celebrate-spring-in-the-kingston-area
And, as always Bruce Kauffman sends out a weekly list of arts events of all sorts.
Such a wonderful community service!
Bruce.kauffman@hotmail.com if you are interested in signing up.
And this from Cataraqui Conservation – info@crca.ca
Upcoming events include Frog Night Hikes, May 2 & May 10, Friends of Lemoine Point Spring Tree Sale, May 17, and Summer Solstice Forest Therapy Walk, June 20 and more
And just in from Theatre Kingston – Kids Summer Camps: A Play in a Week, A Film in a Week, Adopt a TK Fringe Show. Fringe coming up Aug 7 – 17.
More info: rosemary@theatrekingston.ccsend.com
20. Giant Bubble Recipe
Received from Little Pine Learners, Apr 28
https://littlepinelearners.com/the-best-giant-bubble-recipe
Editor’s Note: So much fun! But do be careful not to do on windy days as the soap can hurt eyes if a bubble bursts too close to eyes down from the wind.
So that’s it for May.
Happy Mother’s Day
Cheers,
Mary Farrar, President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour