Happy Spring! 🌞

Today is the spring equinox, or in other words, the first day of spring.

The first day of spring can land on the 19th, 20th, or 21st of March. However, it will only fall on the 19th during a leap year.

The spring equinox is an astronomical event so it happens instantly across the world. Because of our time zone, the mainland US has not had the first day of spring land on the 21st since the turn of the century. In fact, it will not happen again until 2101. For the entire 21st century it will be on the 20th, or during leap years, on the 19th of March in the mainland US.

Business

Airbnb Bans Indoor Cameras

Airbnb has announced a significant update to its policy on security devices within its listings, effectively prohibiting the use of indoor security cameras across all properties offered on the platform. This decision, driven by privacy concerns, marks a departure from the company's previous stance, which permitted the use of cameras in shared spaces such as hallways and living rooms, provided they were disclosed in the property's listing details.

The move to eliminate even these previously allowed cameras underscores Airbnb's commitment to enhancing privacy for its users. "Our goal was to create new, clear rules that provide our community with greater clarity about what to expect on Airbnb," explained Juniper Downs, Airbnb's head of community policy and partnerships, in a statement. She highlighted that the policy adjustments were the result of consultations with hosts, guests, and privacy specialists, emphasizing the platform's openness to ongoing feedback to ensure the regulations align with the needs of Airbnb's diverse, global user base.

While Airbnb acknowledges that this policy change will likely affect only a limited number of listings, as the majority do not feature indoor cameras, the revision is part of a broader update that also touches on outdoor security cameras and devices such as noise decibel monitors. These must now be explicitly mentioned in the listings.

The policy shift has been met with approval from privacy advocates, including the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP). STOP's executive director, Albert Fox Cahn, commended the initiative, stating, "No one should have to worry about being recorded in a rental, whether the bedroom, the living room, or a hall. Getting rid of these cameras is a clear win for privacy and safety, and we know that these recording devices are ripe for abuse."

In the midst of this policy overhaul, Airbnb continues to experience robust demand, as evidenced by nearly doubling its share price since a low point in December 2022 and recording a historic 99 million bookings in its most recent quarter. The company, which has also engaged in stock purchases contributing to the price increase, is now embarking on a journey to "reinvent" itself over the coming years.

Environment

Gray Whale ‘Extinct’ for Centuries—Spotted in Cape Cod

In an extremely rare occurrence, the New England Aquarium aerial survey team spotted a gray whale off the New England coast last week—a species thought to be extinct in the Atlantic for over 200 years..

On March 1, while flying 30 miles south of Nantucket, aquarium scientists observed a peculiar whale engaging in repetitive diving and surfacing behavior, indicative of feeding. The aerial survey plane circled the area for 45 minutes, allowing for additional photo documentation. Upon reviewing the images, the scientists confirmed their initial disbelief—it was indeed a gray whale.

Orla O’Brien, an associate research scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, initially expressed her skepticism, stating, "I didn’t want to say out loud what it was because it seemed crazy." Kate Laemmle, a research technician present on the plane, described the sighting as both wild and exciting, given the species' long absence from Atlantic waters.

Gray whales are typically found in the North Pacific Ocean, identifiable by their distinctive features such as the absence of a dorsal fin, mottled grey and white skin, and a dorsal hump with pronounced ridges. Although extinct in the Atlantic by the 18th century, there have been recent observations in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, including off the coast of Florida in December 2023.

Aquarium scientists suspect the gray whale sighted off New England is the same one observed in Florida late last year. Climate change is proposed as a contributing factor to these unusual sightings, with the ice-free Northwest Passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific through the Arctic Ocean, allowing gray whales to potentially travel during the summer.

A historical account from 1729 mentioned the last sighting of a gray whale off the Massachusetts coast. But now, it seems like they might be back.

Culture

Legally Blind Texas Student Defies Odds

Faith Snapp, who has about 10% of her vision due to premature birth, has always been surrounded by animals, developing a deep love for them despite her inability to see them. In a recent interview with Fox News, she shared her journey toward potentially becoming Texas' first blind veterinarian.

Raised in a family engaged in farming horses and goats, Snapp, who also had a guide dog since high school, never allowed her visual impairment to hinder her life. She stresses the importance of support and accommodation, believing that with these in place, there are no limitations to what she can achieve.

After years of volunteering in local animal clinics, Snapp was recently accepted into the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine. Scheduled to start classes in August, her aim is to become a mixed-animal veterinarian, working with both household pets and larger animals.

In her own words, “No matter who you are or what your circumstances… anything is possible,” she said. “I just hope my story can help others realize that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

World News

The Earth Prize Announced its Finalists

The Earth Prize finalists for this year were announced, featuring innovations like banana-based diapers, a water filter using fungi, and a flood prediction web application. In its third year, the competition focuses on young people (aged 13-19) making contributions to environmental conservation.

Run by the Earth Foundation, it received entries from 10,000 teens across 2,000 schools, all vying for the chance to win $100,000 (£78,000) to scale up their projects. “We launched the Earth Prize to channel the obvious passion and frustration young people had towards the environment into something positive and productive,” said Peter McGarry, founder of the Earth Foundation. “This third year of solutions shows again an incredible commitment from young people in over 100 countries to make a positive change.”

More details on the finalists can be found here.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

It’s shorter than the rest, but when you’re satisfied, you bring it up. What is it?

Answer to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
It's a shadow!

Galen Garretson got the correct answer first!

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.