Inhale the present, exhale the past.

Now, let your breath guide you back to the present moment, where peace and mindfulness reside.

Thank you for reading today’s edition of Grateful Gazette 😌

Here’s what to know for Thursday:

• Nigerian chess champion sets new record

• A housing project near a sick children’s unit gets the go-ahead

• Scientists are growing “super coral” in order to save coral reefs

60 HOUR MARATHON FOR EDUCATION

Nigerian chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, has amazed the world with a 60-hour chess marathon in New York City's Times Square.

His goal was not just to break a record but also to raise $1 million for educating vulnerable children in Africa.

Onakoya's epic challenge began on a Wednesday, aiming to surpass the existing record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018.

Onakoya pushed past his initial goal of 58 hours, playing for an incredible 60 hours straight.

As the clock struck 12:40 a.m. on Saturday, Onakoya achieved his goal. He set a new global record for the longest chess marathon.

The Guinness World Record organization is yet to officially confirm his achievement. This process that can take up to several weeks.

Throughout his marathon, Onakoya's spirits remained high.

Among those cheering him on was Nigerian music star Davido, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.

Onakoya's motivation for this record-breaking feat goes beyond personal achievement.

He founded Chess in Slums Africa in 2018, aiming to support the education of at least 1 million children in slums across the continent.

His record attempt was not about breaking records. It was about making a difference in the lives of millions of children who lack access to education.

Despite the physical and mental challenges, Onakoya persevered. His perseverance and his passion for education and the overwhelming support of his community.

His story is a testament to the power of determination and the belief that, as he puts it, "It is possible to do great things from a small place."

🧪 Revolutionary ‘Google Earth for Molecules’ wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry

🦌 Deer reclaim historic park after three-year absence

🏡 Community celebrates as plans for homes near a sick children’s unit receive a green light

💍 A flight attendant was surprised by an in-flight proposal

🐬 A move ignited a love for marine wildlife

🙀 Lost cat reunited with owners after 2,000 km journey

In Hawaii, scientists are working on a unique solution to save coral reefs from the impacts of climate change.

They're growing what they call "super coral" that can survive in hotter and more acidic oceans caused by global warming.

Coral reefs are not just pretty; they provide homes for marine animals, protect coastlines, and support tourism.

But when coral gets stressed by changes in its environment, it expels algae and turns white or yellow, a process called bleaching. If this stress continues, the coral can die.

Led by Ruth Gates at the University of Hawaii, the team is using a process called assisted evolution.

They're exposing strong coral genes to slightly more stressful water to mimic future ocean conditions. They're also breeding resilient strains to keep these strong traits going.

While this method is new for coral, it's been used for a long time on other plants and animals. The team hopes these "super coral" will not only survive but also reproduce.

There are challenges ahead, like making this work on a bigger scale and finding enough money.

But with more research and support, scientists hope to make a big difference in saving these important marine ecosystems.

This project shows why it's important to deal with the main causes of climate change, like reducing greenhouse gases. Even if we stop these emissions now, the effects of climate change will last for hundreds of years.

Ahhh, the perfect way to unwind.

Tucked in and ready for a quick nap.

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