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Score (94)
This 12 Year Old Boy Scout Rescued A Lost Couple And Injured Dog On A Hike
David was just three miles short of getting his 15-mile-hike merit badge, but despite having done that and played a soccer match earlier in the day, David did what all boy scouts do: he lent a hand. First, he suggested they build a stretcher by using two lengths of wood and stringing their t-shirts across it—a technique David had learned from his eagle scout older brother. “It was his idea to make the stretcher. Smokey was just happy to, and we just carried him out.”
Score (96)
How Can Introverts Excel in Networking? By Playing to Their Strengths
Networking often seems like an extrovert's game, especially when it involves mingling in large, crowded rooms. But introverts may have an edge when they leverage their natural strengths. Introverts tend to shy away from conventional networking methods, yet they possess qualities that can lead to successful interactions. For introverts, the focus should be on quality over quantity. Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible at a networking event, it's more effective to aim for meaningful conversations with just a few individuals. As EHL Graduate School suggests, "Rather than expending your energy talking to as many people as possible, play to your strengths and aim to forge strong bonds with a smaller group of people." Listening and empathy are key skills often found in introverts. These traits can turn simple interactions into genuine connections. While charisma might grab attention initially, listening and empathy build stronger relationships over time. This makes introverts well-suited for the core task of networking: relationship-building. Arriving early at networking events can also work in introverts' favor. Early arrival means fewer people and less noise, allowing introverts to engage more comfortably before the crowd builds up. Leaving early is equally important, ensuring social energy isn't depleted too quickly. Following up after an initial meeting is another area where introverts shine. Grace McCarrick notes that an introvert might not say much during an event but will follow up thoughtfully afterward with a message or useful information related to the conversation. "That is elite level," she emphasizes. Preparing for potential social challenges helps ease anxiety associated with networking events. Practicing conversation starters or polite ways to exit conversations can boost confidence significantly. Learning confident body language techniques can also help mask any nervousness. Introverts don’t have to attend large events if they find them overwhelming. Networking can happen one-on-one through coffee dates or lunches arranged individually online. This approach often suits introverts better because it allows for deeper connections without social exhaustion. There's an argument that in the long run, introverts make exceptional networkers due to their ability to forge deeper-than-surface-level connections and excel at relationship-building tasks essential in professional environments. In conclusion, while traditional networking scenarios may seem daunting for those who thrive on solitude, introverts possess unique skills that allow them to excel in building meaningful professional relationships when utilized effectively.
Score (97)
This Music Festival Ditched Diesel — and Powered the Entire Show with Solar
At a time when most music festivals rely on diesel generators to keep the party going, one event in New York City is showing there’s another way. The New Energy music festival, held on Governors Island, turned heads not just for its lineup, but for how it powered the entire event: with solar-charged batteries. Organizers used four massive batteries, all charged at a solar EV facility outside the city, to run the festival’s two stages, food and drink stands, and phone charging stations. A fifth battery stood by as backup. “The whole thinking is if we can just put this on display, we want the general public to come to these shows and just [understand] that it works,” James McGinniss, one of the festival’s founders and CEO of clean energy company David Energy, told Tech Brew. Diesel generators are the go-to for large events because they’re reliable and easy to transport. But they come with steep environmental costs. Burning diesel produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming, as well as nitrous oxide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds — pollutants linked to everything from respiratory problems to heart disease and cancer. By contrast, solar power is clean and quiet — and increasingly cost-competitive. The team behind New Energy set out to prove it’s also festival-ready. McGinniss believes the success of this year’s event is just the beginning. “If we can grow this up to a 10,000-person festival over the next couple years on Governors Island, then it can inspire the work of others to be like, ‘Oh, wow, they're not using diesel generators. Maybe we don’t have to, either.’” For festivalgoers like Nicholas Birkhead, the experience felt like something bigger than a day out. “It’s a lot of money for me,” said Birkhead, a fellow with climate startup Carbon Reform. “But it’s what I can really contribute in this moment to play some small part in making this happen.” “It’s really important, in my opinion, for the clean energy people to lean in as hard as they can,” he added. That’s exactly what the organizers plan to do. If all goes well, solar-powered festivals might become more than a novelty — they could become the new norm.
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Score (96)
Yorkshire’s Gaming Scene Gears Up for Its Moment — and It’s Not Just About GTA VI
When Grand Theft Auto VI finally lands in 2026, the global spotlight won’t just shine on Los Angeles or New York — it’ll briefly flicker on a corner of Yorkshire. That’s because the much-hyped title, expected to be one of the biggest video game releases of the decade, is partly developed by Rockstar Leeds. But behind the headlines and blockbusters is a growing network of indie studios and solo developers who say it’s time the UK — and its government — starts taking Yorkshire’s games scene seriously. “It’s massive,” said Yasmina Fadel, who runs a games studio out of Production Park in South Kirkby, a former mining area near Pontefract. Her team, split between there and York, is working on Wyrd Waters, a Norse folklore-inspired strategy game. “We wanted to be in York and we wanted to be part of the northern games scene,” she said. “We keep hearing the story of moving down to London, coming back up north, feeling like you just don't have the opportunities here.” That trend may be starting to shift. Earlier this year, the UK government announced a £30 million Video Games Growth Package as part of a wider £380 million investment in the creative industries. West Yorkshire has also received an additional £25 million to help people turn creative ideas into businesses. “Creativity has no postcode,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. “Whether it's a musician in Leeds, a film-maker in Bradford, or a video games developer in Huddersfield.” For the local industry, it’s a welcome signal — but some say it’s still far behind what countries like Germany offer in support. “The government is starting to notice that the games industry is the biggest entertainment industry at the moment,” said Fadel. “But there’s room to do more.” She’s not alone in that view. Jamie Sefton, who runs Game Republic, one of the largest games networks in the north, says perception is slowly catching up to reality. “I do think that sometimes culturally we probably aren't as valued as film and TV, but I think it's getting better,” said Sefton. “We’re now in a generation of politicians that have grown up playing games, and they recognise the value of it.” According to him, the numbers speak for themselves: 80 percent of the UK’s games industry is based outside London, with over 20 percent of games companies in the north alone. “I mean, one of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world, Grand Theft Auto, is made in Leeds. So, you know, we have incredible talent here,” he said. “Not many people realise that. And I think part of it is educating people here in the region — and parents of kids — to say, look, there is an amazing industry here.” It’s not just GTA. Games like Hogwarts Legacy, Fall Guys, and Atomfall have roots in northern England. And then there are teams like Coal Supper Games, two friends from Barnsley — James Carbutt and Will Todd — who gained critical attention for their offbeat and very local game Thank Goodness You’re Here. “We really just focused on our own stuff,” said Todd. “Making silly drawings wave their arms and scream at each other.” The game took home an industry award in April, beating out some major studios. “I think I’ve won the respect of my parents — finally.” For West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, it’s about rebalancing the industry so creatives no longer have to choose between opportunity and home. “For too long, our creative industries have been disproportionately concentrated in London and the southeast, fuelled by talent from the rest of the country,” she said. “Now, this government is working with mayors to reset the dial, giving creatives across the country a fair chance to flourish.” Still, many developers say the gravitational pull of London remains strong, especially for those starting out. Breaking that cycle may depend on whether recent funding actually reaches small and mid-size teams — and whether local infrastructure like Production Park continues to support the next generation of game makers. Fadel believes the moment is coming. She’s seen how the stigma around gaming is fading, especially as older audiences take up the hobby and games spawn mainstream TV and film spinoffs like The Last of Us. “People are becoming more educated about it,” she said. “It’s actually a different art form — and I think people are starting to see that. Which is where I’m hoping we all get to in the end.”
Score (97)
Eye Scans Reveal Early Signs Of Heart Disease And Aging, Study Finds
A simple eye scan might soon reveal much more than how well you see. New research from scientists in the UK and Canada shows that tiny blood vessels in the eye could help predict a person’s risk of heart disease and biological aging — offering a non-invasive, easy way to catch major health problems earlier. The team analyzed data from more than 74,000 volunteers and found that people with simpler, less branched blood vessels in the retina were more likely to have a higher genetic risk for cardiovascular disease. In other words, the shape and complexity of your eye’s blood vessels could reflect the health of your entire circulatory system. “The eye provides a unique, non-invasive view into the body’s circulatory system,” said Marie Pigeyre, a geneticist at McMaster University in Canada. “Changes in the retinal blood vessels often mirror changes occurring throughout the body’s small vessels.” These findings, published in Science Advances, build on earlier studies that suggested the eye can serve as a window into heart health. But this time, researchers went further by identifying specific proteins that appear to influence these changes and may eventually be used to develop treatments. Two proteins in particular — MMP12 and IgG–Fc receptor IIb — were found to affect inflammation in ways that influence both eye blood vessels and general vascular health. “By connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers, we have uncovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system,” Pigeyre said. The analysis used a method called Mendelian randomization, which relies on fixed genetic variants rather than diagnosed diseases, allowing researchers to infer causality. That means the changes in the eye's blood vessels aren't just happening at the same time as cardiovascular problems — they may be caused by the same biological mechanisms. And that’s what makes the findings especially promising. Right now, tests for heart disease risk or biological aging tend to be complex, time-consuming, and expensive. A simple eye scan could offer a much faster and more accessible way to spot trouble early, especially in older populations. “By identifying key proteins, our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular aging, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately improving lifespan,” Pigeyre said. Researchers are hopeful the study opens the door to more routine use of eye scans in preventive care — not just for vision, but for overall health.
Score (94)
This Rare Superman Comic Found in an Attic Could Fetch a Record $6 Million at Auction
A nearly perfect copy of Superman No. 1 — found buried in an attic by three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s home — could become the most valuable comic book ever sold. The vintage issue, published in 1939, was discovered alongside five other early editions of Action Comics, the series that first introduced Superman to the world. Experts at Dallas-based Heritage Auctions say the collection could bring in a “life-changing windfall” for the Northern California family, with the Superman No. 1 issue alone expected to surpass $6 million. The pristine condition of the comics has stunned collectors. Graded 9.0 by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), the Superman No. 1 issue boasts bright colors, crisp corners, and a near-perfect spine — a rare feat for any comic from that era, especially one stored in an attic for over 80 years. “If it had been in an attic here in Texas, it would have been ruined,” said Lon Allen, Vice President at Heritage Auctions. “Fortunately for them, the Northern California climate helped preserve it.” The discovery happened late last year when the brothers, all in their 50s and 60s, were sorting through their mother’s belongings during the holidays. Beneath layers of old newspapers and cobwebs, they found the long-rumored collection she had mentioned throughout their lives — but never shown them. “It’s a twist on the old ‘Mom threw away my comics’ story,” Allen said. The copy of Superman No. 1 was published shortly after National Allied Publications rebranded as Detective Comics, Inc., the company now known to fans around the globe as DC. The comic has long been considered one of the most coveted in the world. In 2022, a copy sold for $5.3 million. A copy of Action Comics No. 1 fetched $6 million in 2023. With the newly discovered issue in such exceptional condition, experts believe it could top both. But for the youngest of the three brothers, the value goes far beyond money. “This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” he told Heritage. “This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.” Heritage Auctions will offer the comics as part of its Comic Books Signature Auction, taking place November 20–22.
Score (98)
Father Feels The Ocean For First Time In Over 25 Years Thanks To His Physical Therapist Son
When Garreth Bell was in the fourth grade, he was asked to write about his hero. He didn’t hesitate — he picked his dad, Stephen. That school assignment would become more than just a piece of homework. It would shape both of their lives. Stephen Bell has used a wheelchair since 1992, when a burst blood vessel in his spine left him paralyzed from the chest down. He was only 22. “I was in rehab for about two months and learning how to just, to live again,” he said. “I gained a whole new perspective on the world.” But it wasn’t until years later that he saw just how much his story had impacted his son. In his school essay, Garreth wrote: “It’s like he’s still walking because he takes care of himself and the family.” That one sentence, Stephen says, changed how he saw himself. “When I read it, I felt seen for the first time in a long time,” Stephen wrote in an email to CBS Mornings contributor David Begnaud. “It was as if he understood what I had gone through and how I battled daily to continue to provide for our family regardless of the circumstances.” The assignment also sparked something in Garreth. “Poppa, I’ve been watching you suffer my whole life,” he wrote. “I should become someone who can do something about it so that others don’t have to go through what you went through.” And that’s exactly what he did. Garreth went on to study at the University of Miami and became a physical therapist. Today, he helps run adaptive beach days, where people with disabilities can experience the ocean safely — sometimes for the first time in years. One of those people? His dad. With Garreth by his side, Stephen was able to feel the ocean on his skin for the first time in more than 25 years. “They had to keep me from jumping out of the chair and swimming,” Stephen said. “It was just like heaven for me.” Garreth will never forget it. “The first little splash hits him and I just see probably the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face in my entire life,” he said. Since then, Stephen’s returned to the beach several times. He credits Garreth’s compassion and empathy for making it possible. “I was surprised that he said that I’m his hero,” Stephen said. “Because looking back on it, if I had to say it again, I’d say I want to be like him when I grow up. I strive to be the person that he actually sees.” Garreth’s answer from fourth grade hasn’t changed. “He taught me how to be a man,” he said. “He was my role model growing up, and he still is.”
Score (97)
Chicago Mom Receives Life-Saving Kidney Transplant — From Her Own Daughter
Monica Fox has spent more than a decade fighting for her life. Now, thanks to her daughter Olivia, she’s getting a second chance — again. The Chicago mother and kidney health advocate was first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease back in 2013, after what seemed like a routine sinus infection turned out to be something far more serious. She was immediately placed on dialysis, a treatment her doctors warned was risky and often only temporary. In 2016, Monica received her first kidney transplant. But in 2022, after contracting COVID pneumonia, her new kidney failed. She returned to dialysis — and to the waiting list for another donor. “I was hopeful because I knew there was the opportunity to get a transplant and that that would be a better treatment for me,” Monica told Fox 32 Chicago. Despite offers from many kind-hearted volunteers, none were a match. Then her daughter stepped up — again. Olivia had been tested as a potential donor once before, in 2015, just before graduating from college. At the time, Monica didn’t want to accept her daughter’s kidney. But when the situation became urgent years later, Olivia didn’t hesitate. Working as a Transplant Outreach Coordinator at the University of Illinois Hospital, Olivia already knew the process well. She believed in the power of living donation — and she wanted to be living proof of it. “This was kind of just my chance to really put my kidney where my mouth is,” she said. “And now I’m living proof. I’m living proof that, you know, this works.” And it did. The surgery, performed by Dr. Ivo Tzvetanov at UI Health, was a success. “She underwent surgery for the sole purpose of saving my life,” Monica said. “You know, afterwards, she has not been feeling very well, but she’s getting better day by day, doing everything she has to do to feel better. But she said, even in her sickest moments, she said, ‘Mom, I would do it all over again for you.’” Doctors say that kidney transplants from living donors can nearly double a patient’s life expectancy compared to remaining on dialysis. For Monica, it’s not just a medical win — it’s personal. Now recovering, both mother and daughter are sharing their story to raise awareness about living donation. Monica, who works as the Senior Director of Outreach at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, continues to use her voice to advocate for others navigating kidney disease. And Olivia, now a donor herself, is a powerful example of what it means to show up — not just in word, but in action. “She saved my life,” Monica said. “I’ll never stop being grateful.”
Score (98)
A New Vending Machine in the Bronx Gives Out Free Groceries — No Questions Asked
Forget chips and soda — in the Bronx, a new vending machine is giving out eggs, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And it’s completely free. Installed by the nonprofit Change Food For Good, the machine is located at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club on Castle Hill Avenue and is stocked with high-quality grocery items for anyone who needs them. No sign-ups. No questions. Just good food, when people need it most. “All you need to do is walk up to the machine, select your item, let it vend, and remove it from the chute,” the group shared in a post. The vending machine is part of the organization’s Good Food For All program, which has already distributed over 15,500 pounds of free food to more than 1,100 families across New York City. This new model is designed to take that impact further — especially in areas where access to affordable, nutritious groceries is limited. The machine will be restocked once or twice a month with a rotating mix of essentials like eggs, garlic, apples, greens, and other fresh produce. Most items are sourced from local vendors and co-ops. Some, like garlic, are vacuum-sealed to keep other items from picking up the smell. Others are taped closed to prevent spills. And while a vending machine might seem like an unusual place to pick up groceries, founder Samia Lemfadli says a lot of thought went into the design. Items vend slowly — around 15 seconds — to give eggs time to land gently in their packaging. Lemfadli also hopes the delay helps gently discourage people from taking more than they need in one go. There are no restrictions on who can access the machine. No IDs. No income checks. The goal is simple: provide food without stigma or hoops. “One of the main goals of the Good Food For All program is to ensure that individuals, even if they’re struggling, still have their dignity and agency preserved through food choices,” Lemfadli said in a follow-up video. “Say, a single parent [is] able to walk up, get what they need — no muss, no fuss, no stigma, no means-testing.” A QR code on the machine lets users submit food requests, although the group is still working out how to accommodate bulkier items like milk and plantains that don’t fit easily inside. “With rising grocery prices affecting everyone,” the group said, “we truly hope that this machine can help families that need it, but also that changemakers, community organizations, and activists can take this model… and run with it — to place free food vending machines in schools, hospitals, anywhere that they think it will be best served.” It’s a small machine, but a big idea — one that’s already making a difference, and that could easily be replicated across cities and neighborhoods. To visit the machine, head to Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club at 625 Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx. Donations to support the project can be made online through Change Food For Good.
Score (98)
This HBCU Grad Created a Doll Company to Help Girls of Color Feel Bold, Brilliant, and Beautiful
Shaneisha Dodson didn’t just want to sell dolls. She wanted to build confidence. The Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and HBCU graduate, who holds two psychology degrees, is the founder of The Brilliant Girl Doll Company — a fast-growing brand on a mission to empower young girls of color through toys that celebrate creativity, culture, and confidence. “Our goal is to highlight products that reflect the brilliance in every child,” says Dodson, who launched the company to fill a gap she saw in the toy aisle. “Sugamama” and “Hey Sis” aren’t just dolls, she explains. “They are a symbol of confidence, culture, and sophistication. We want girls to know they can be bold, smart, and beautiful.” Thousands of families agree. Dodson’s dolls have already found homes across the country, and each one comes with a fun theme and empowering story. Take Sugamama, for instance — a superhero doll who’s not afraid to take on scary monsters but happens to have a sweet weakness for cookies. She comes dressed in a superhero cape and an apron, reminding girls they can be strong and soft at the same time. Then there’s Hey Sis, a 12-inch doll rocking pink overalls and a bow, designed to represent sisterhood and friendship among young Black girls. Both dolls are part of a wider universe Dodson is building — one filled with royalty, imagination, and ambition. The brand isn’t stopping at dolls. Under Dodson’s leadership, Brilliant Girl has grown into a full creative hub. Their collection now includes puzzles, STEM-themed paint sheets, math kits, and picture books — all designed to spark imagination and encourage kids to express themselves proudly. And Dodson is making sure that inspiration isn’t limited to those who can afford it. Every year, she donates free dolls, books, and activity sets to children. The mission behind Brilliant Girl is simple but powerful: give kids toys that reflect who they are and who they can become. In a toy industry that still often lacks diversity, Dodson’s company is filling the gap — and making a global impact in the process. More than just a business, The Brilliant Girl Doll Company is a movement. And thanks to Dodson, a new generation of children is learning what it means to be bold, brilliant, and unapologetically themselves.
Score (93)
Famous Children's Book Writer Robert Munsch Just Donated His Personal Archives To a Canadian Library
Beloved children’s author Robert Munsch is giving back to the community that helped shape his career. The 80-year-old writer has decided to donate his personal archives to the Guelph Public Library, ensuring that his stories — and the joy they’ve brought to generations — will live on for years to come. The collection will include original drafts of Munsch’s stories, notes from publishers, letters from fans, photographs, and a range of unpublished materials. It will also feature more than 75 of his picture books and artifacts from his 40-year career, which has made him one of the most cherished storytellers in Canadian history. Munsch, best known for classics like Love You Forever, The Paper Bag Princess, and Mortimer, became famous not just for his books but for his animated storytelling style that captivated children across the country. “I write books for kids, I talk to kids, and I listen to kids,” he once explained on his website. The Guelph Public Library announced that Munsch and his wife, Ann, approached them in 2024 about the donation. The collection will become part of the library’s archives at its new Central location, which is scheduled to open in 2027. “We are excited to have the archives of Robert Munsch added to the Guelph Public Library,” the Munsch family said in a statement. “The library has been a large part of our family’s lives. When our children were young, Robert would take the kids every week to pick out new books. Robert Munsch is happy to continue to inspire kids and adults alike through the archives.” Eleni Hughes, the library’s supervisor of archives and records management, said the collection will give future readers a rare window into Munsch’s creative process. “The library is honored to house and provide access to Munsch’s archives to foster a deeper understanding of the stories that shaped many of our childhoods and the man who created and brought them to life,” Hughes said. Munsch’s decision comes at a deeply personal time. In a New York Times profile published in September, he shared that he had applied for Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program after being diagnosed with dementia. He also spoke candidly about watching one of his brothers suffer from the disease and his wish not to prolong his own decline. Under Canadian law, MAID applicants must give active consent at the time of the procedure, and no date has been set for when Munsch might follow through. His daughter later reassured fans in a Facebook post that he is still doing well. “My dad is doing well but of course with a degenerative disease it can begin to progress quickly at any point,” she wrote. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Munsch didn’t always plan on being an author. “I studied for seven years to be a Jesuit priest, only to find that I was lousy priest material,” he once joked. His path changed when he began working in a preschool, where he told stories to children to keep them entertained. One of those stories would later become Mortimer, his first published book. He and his wife eventually moved to Guelph, Ontario, where both worked at the University of Guelph’s preschool lab. It was there, encouraged by colleagues and students, that Munsch began sharing and publishing his stories — the beginning of a remarkable literary journey. Now, decades later, his words are coming home to Guelph in a different way.