Yellowstone crews remove record amount of trash
Yellowstone National Park has removed a record amount of trash from its hydrothermal areas in 2026.
The park’s geology team has collected more than 20,100 pieces of paper and plastic, 5,600 rocks and sticks, 280 hats, 54 camera lens caps, 47 hair ties and 17 pacifiers. Other unusual finds include five AirPods, children’s toys, pressed pennies and over $18 in coins from different countries.
Among the “grossest” finds were six Invisalign retainers, 15 fake nails, floss picks and a lump of glittery pink slime stuck to geyserite.
Park officials warned that foreign materials can damage hydrothermal features by clogging water supplies, blocking runoff or introducing chemicals and sediment.
Singapore fines passengers for soiling public buses
Passengers in Singapore could be fined up to Sg$500 (about $400) for putting their feet on bus seats or eating on buses.
The Land Transport Authority said those who severely soil buses or endanger others could face fines of up to Sg$5,000 ($3,900). Offences include vomiting, urinating, spitting, spilling bodily fluids or smearing seats and floors with food, mud or grease.
Known for its strict public-space rules, Singapore has earned the nickname “Fine City”. Officials said they would consider individual circumstances, particularly when offences involve commuters with physical or mental health conditions.
Mastodon tooth found in San Francisco creek
A fossilised tooth belonging to an extinct Pacific mastodon was found in a creek in California’s San Mateo County.
Geomorphologist Brigid Lynch spotted the nine-inch tooth while working on a habitat restoration project for the threatened California red-legged frog.
Found partly underwater, the tooth is in excellent condition, with its crown and root intact. Donated to Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability, it will be studied to determine its age. A 3D copy will be made for public education at the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
Mastodons were elephant-like animals that lived in North America until about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.
NYC model becomes museum exhibit
For over 20 years, truck driver Joe Macken built a massive New York City model from balsa wood and foam board, featuring more than 800,000 structures.
After his daughter posted videos of it on TikTok, they went viral, attracting over 10 million views in a week. The Museum of the City of New York then invited Macken to exhibit his work.
Spanning over 300 foam boards, the model measures 50 feet long and nearly 30 feet wide. It covers all five boroughs, parts of New Jersey and suburban Long Island, featuring landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Inspired by a childhood visit to the Queens Museum’s famous city model, Macken began the project in his 40s.
Published in Dawn, Young World, October 17th, 2026
