Winter cold prompts aid for sea turtles and communities.

Record winter cold left more than 500 sea turtles cold-stunned and in care at Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory, and local agencies arranged shelter for unhoused neighbors; Bad Bunny won Album of the Year and urged love over hate in his acceptance speech.

This winter brought record cold and two unusual storms that have kept weather on many minds, coming just after Groundhog Day and National Weatherperson Day. The prolonged low temperatures have affected wildlife and people alike, prompting concern about how animals and vulnerable residents are faring. The author notes natural animal adaptations to cold, and also highlights local responses to conditions that have been harsher than usual. The piece connects those local relief efforts with a broader appeal for kindness in public life. Known details: - The region experienced unprecedented winter storms and unusually low temperatures that contributed to cold-stunning among marine wildlife. - Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory is reported to be caring for more than 500 cold-stunned sea turtles; those animals are being warmed and treated with the expectation of release once bay temperatures rise. - Local government and nonprofit partners in the Big Bend coordinated shelter and services for unhoused neighbors during the frigid weather. - At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny won Album of the Year and in his acceptance speech urged love over hate; he is also scheduled to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Summary: The record cold produced clear local impacts on both wildlife and people, with a large number of cold-stunned sea turtles receiving care and community partners providing shelter for vulnerable residents. Turtles in care are being warmed and treated for eventual release when bay temperatures increase, and cultural moments such as Bad Bunny's speech were highlighted as calls for more compassion in public life.