SUMMARY: Fred Smith, founder and executive chairman of FedEx, died at 80. Born in Mississippi in 1944, he graduated from Yale and served in the Marine Corps before launching FedEx in 1973. Under his leadership, FedEx became a global logistics leader operating in over 200 countries with key hubs in Memphis. Smith stepped down as CEO in 2022 but remained executive chairman, focusing on governance, sustainability, and innovation. His death prompted tributes from local and national leaders praising his vision, impact on Memphis’s economy, and lasting legacy in global commerce and community development.

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SUMMARY: In Iowa, bipartisan opposition has emerged against the misuse of eminent domain to seize private land for a carbon pipeline benefiting Summit Carbon Solutions, prioritizing corporate profits over public good. After years of resistance, 12 Republican senators joined Democrats to demand a vote on legislation limiting eminent domain abuse, a historic political upheaval. The Iowa House overwhelmingly supported the bill, but Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed it, favoring corporate interests and igniting backlash from conservative Republicans. Despite the veto, Iowans remain determined to fight for stronger protections next session. This movement exemplifies democracy’s power when communities unite across divides to challenge entrenched interests.

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SUMMARY: Sam Cooper, a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail, tackled the half-gallon ice cream challenge at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Pennsylvania after hiking seven rain-soaked miles. The challenge, a tradition for over 40 years, involves consuming a half-gallon of ice cream, often seen as a rite of passage at the trail’s midpoint. Hikers burn up to 6,000 calories daily, making such indulgences both a burden and a calorie boost. Around 50 hikers have completed the challenge this year, earning a wooden spoon and bragging rights, despite many calling it “pure misery.” The trail is filled with quirky traditions amid a grueling journey that can take six months.

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