Meet The Stars With Down's Sydnrome Who Are Lighting Up Our Screens

From Line of Duty to Mare of Easttown, a new generation of performers are breaking through. Meet the actors, models and presenters leading a revolution in representation

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International Jaguar Day Celebrates Year Of Wins For The Big Cat

Every year on November 29, International Jaguar Day shines a spotlight on the world’s third-largest big cat — and the urgent efforts to protect it. Once roaming from the southern U.S. to Argentina, jaguars (Panthera onca) have lost more than half of their historic range due to habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict. But in places where the species was nearly wiped out, signs of hope are emerging. From the forests of Argentina to the pastures of Panama, jaguar numbers are slowly climbing — thanks to a mix of community engagement, conservation science, and a surprising crochet campaign. In 2009, just 11 jaguars were left in Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, which borders Argentina’s Iguazú National Park. Now, that number has jumped to more than 100 — a massive recovery in just over a decade. The turnaround is the result of long-term conservation work, and one unexpected factor: crochet. The Jaguar Crocheteers project, based near the Brazil-Argentina border, employs more than a dozen local women to crochet jaguar-themed items like dolls, bags, and crafts. Proceeds help fund conservation outreach, but the project also builds local pride and awareness. “It’s not often we’re able to connect people from different towns around a shared cause. But all of them are united by the jaguars,” said Claudiane Tavares, a coordinator for the project. The crafts have become not only a source of income but a symbol of the jaguar’s return. In northern Argentina’s Gran Chaco region, jaguars had vanished from the wild — until now. In August, a local guide spotted a 5-month-old cub near the Bermejo River, the first wild-born jaguar seen in the area in three decades. The cub’s mother, Nalá, was released into the wild a year earlier by Rewilding Argentina as part of a reintroduction program. “It was a wonderful day for me,” said guide Darío Soraire. “I had the incredible luck of seeing Nalá with her cub on the banks of the Bermejo River as I was navigating upstream. I saw them and was struck by their beauty.” For conservationists, the sighting is more than a milestone — it’s proof that efforts to restore jaguars to their former habitats are starting to work. In Panama’s Darién province — a key corridor connecting jaguar populations across the Americas — the stakes are especially high. Jaguars here are critically endangered, with at least 395 killed by ranchers between 1989 and 2023, mostly in retaliation for attacks on livestock. To stop the cycle, a local conservation initiative installed solar-powered electric fences around pastures, protecting cattle and reducing jaguar encounters. The result? Fewer killings — and a shift in perspective. “We need to learn to coexist with nature, not to try to go against it,” said Luis Gutiérrez, a rancher who joined the program. “If we destroy nature, it will charge us with the consequences.” Jaguars are apex predators, playing a vital role in regulating the ecosystems they inhabit. Their recovery is seen as a signal that broader environmental health is improving — but it’s still fragile. Across their remaining range — including strongholds in the Amazon and Brazil’s Pantanal — jaguars continue to face threats from deforestation, road-building, mining, and illegal hunting. But the stories coming out of Argentina, Brazil, and Panama show what’s possible when communities are part of the solution. From crocheted crafts to electric fences to quiet riverside sightings, the jaguar’s comeback is being shaped by people who believe that wild cats and human lives can thrive side by side. And on International Jaguar Day, that belief feels more possible than ever.

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‘Birdgirl’ Marks 10 Years of Breaking Barriers in Nature Access for Minority Youth

When Dr Mya-Rose Craig started speaking out about the lack of diversity in nature spaces, the conversations were often met with discomfort or denial. “I remember when I first started having these conversations, people didn’t want to have them with me,” she said. “It made them very uncomfortable. I think they didn’t want to acknowledge that there was exclusion and racism.” That was a decade ago. Craig was just 13 when she founded Black2Nature, a charity aimed at helping children from Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) communities connect with nature. Now 23, the environmental campaigner and ornithologist — widely known as "Birdgirl" — is reflecting on how far the movement has come. “So much has shifted in the past decade,” she said. “For me, that is really exciting, because I think that is how you build a more sustainable environment, by getting everyone on board.” Making Space in the Outdoors Founded out of Craig’s “very deep love of nature and the environment,” Black2Nature runs outdoor camps, day trips and nature activities for children, young people and families from minority backgrounds. The goal is to break down barriers to accessing the countryside and foster a lifelong connection with the natural world. “A lot of these kids have never been to the countryside, so it’s about breaking down those assumptions,” Craig said. “For a lot of kids that we work with, they feel like the countryside is not a space for them.” The need is real. Research from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) found that people from ethnic minority communities have, on average, 11 times less access to green space than others in the UK. For families like Kumar Sultana’s, the charity has opened up experiences that would have otherwise been out of reach. “I’m a low-income parent and I can’t afford things like camping,” said the 42-year-old from Bristol. “Some of the places we’ve been, I couldn’t afford to take my kids.” Sultana, who is of Pakistani background, said growing up, camping and outdoor adventures weren’t part of her cultural experience. Now, her children are learning about nature and sustainability in ways she never had. “We don’t have camping in our culture and money is also a barrier to accessing it,” she said. “But through Black2Nature, my kids are getting that connection.” A Decade of Change Craig says the charity has worked with hundreds of young people over the last ten years, creating moments that stick — not just for the children, but for the communities they’re part of. “It’s amazing to look back over the past decade at all the different activities, the lives we’ve changed,” she said. In addition to organising outdoor experiences, Black2Nature campaigns for racial equity in the environmental sector. The organisation wants to see greater representation in green careers, better access to quality nature spaces in cities, and more inclusive environmental education. “There’s very often a class divide in terms of green spaces,” Craig said. “Nicer neighbourhoods have nicer parks. I’d love to see better quality of green spaces in cities.” Looking Ahead To mark its 10-year milestone, Black2Nature will host a conference at the University of the West of England (UWE), focusing on race equity, education, and environmental career pathways. It’s part of a growing effort to push environmental organisations to work more meaningfully with underrepresented communities. Craig hopes the momentum continues — not just in expanding access to nature, but in inspiring the next generation of changemakers. “There’s still a lot of progress to be made,” she said. “But the environment we’re working in now feels very different from where we started. And that gives me hope.”

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This New Decorating Hub Helps Formerly Homeless People Make Their Houses Feel Like Home

A homelessness charity in Colchester, England, has launched a new decorating hub to make home renovations more affordable and accessible—especially for people transitioning out of homelessness. Emmaus, which supports people experiencing housing insecurity, opened the centre in response to what it described as a “particular need” in the local community. The hub offers discounted, eco-friendly paints, rentable decorating equipment, and a dedicated training room where people can learn practical skills. “New homes are often an empty shell and that can be quite overwhelming, especially after a period of homelessness,” said Brian Cook, chief executive of Emmaus Colchester. “Our idea was to see if we could take away some of the pain of that process and make it as cheap as possible.” The paint, priced at just £10 to £15 per tin, is either recycled through Dulux’s “ReColour” programme or donated directly from companies—usually full, unopened tins. The hub is not currently accepting paint donations from the general public. Colchester City Council backed the project, which is aimed not only at people who’ve experienced homelessness but also at low-income renters and tenants moving from temporary accommodation. For many, furnishing and decorating a new place is simply out of reach. That’s something Chris Mengell understands firsthand. A former printer ink salesman, Mengell became homeless in the summer of 2024 and was supported by Emmaus and another local charity, Beacon House. Now 42, he’s running the new decorating hub full-time. “I have now secured a full-time role here, which is me back on my feet thanks to them. Full turnaround — I can't thank them enough,” he said. Mengell says the goal is to help people feel proud of their homes, no matter their background. “If you've been rehoused after being street homeless, why can't you have a nice place and be proud of it?” he said. “It's expensive, it's almost impossible, but you can get grants from the council once you've been rehoused to get paint. And we will be hiring out equipment for people to get started too.” Beyond helping formerly homeless individuals, the hub is open to anyone looking for an affordable, low-waste way to decorate. Mengell said the initiative could appeal to anyone who wants to cut costs or reduce their carbon footprint. “We can't see it being a bad idea. People want to paint their homes — it's very expensive to do that and we're going to be the solution, I hope.” The decorating hub will also serve as a base for local community painting efforts. “If there's a scout hut that needs painting, they can come to us and we'll provide the paint and a group of volunteers to get it done,” Cook said. He added, “What we’ve got on offer is incredible. I’m really proud of what the team has done in getting here.” For people like Mengell, the hub represents more than just paint and rollers — it's a second chance. “They gave me the support I needed when I had nothing,” he said. “Now I get to pass that on.”

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This 9-Year-Old Is Filling a Hospital With Bears — and Joy

In central Ohio, a 9-year-old named Jack is filling his home with teddy bears — and he’s doing it for a reason. What started as a simple idea has grown into a full-scale holiday mission. Jack is collecting stuffed bears to give to kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, hoping each one brings a little comfort to young patients spending the holidays away from home. He’s calling it Jack’s Bravery Bears, and his family’s house is now unofficially known as “Teddy Bear HQ.” “It all started when our family volunteered last year making blankets for kids at Nationwide,” Jack said. While helping out, he had a thought — what if the kids had a teddy bear to go with their blanket? That one idea led to his first teddy bear drive, which brought in 445 bears. This year, he’s aiming even higher: 500 bears. And the support has been overwhelming. Friends, classmates, neighbors, church members, and even strangers have chipped in. Bags and boxes of bears now fill the house. Some are store-bought, others donated through his GoFundMe campaign, which helps purchase custom “Jack’s Bravery Bears.” But for Jack, the growing mountain of plush toys is only part of the reward. “They’re going to be so happy,” he said, imagining the smiles on the faces of kids who will receive the bears. Later this month, Jack and his family will deliver them to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Each bear will be given to a child who could use a lift during a difficult time. His family says every donation helps place “a bear — and a bit of joy — into the arms of a child who needs it most.” Jack is only nine, but he already understands something powerful: a little kindness can go a long way. Especially when it’s soft, cuddly, and wearing a bow.

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New Marsupial Discovered In Peru's Río Abiseo Park, Suggesting More Hidden Species

Brazilian researcher Silvia Pavan set out to find a squirrel that hadn't been seen in 30 years. Instead, she found something else entirely—a new species of marsupial hiding high in the cloud forests of the Peruvian Andes. In 2018, Pavan organized an expedition to Río Abiseo National Park in Peru’s San Martín region. Her goal was to track down a mysterious squirrel first collected in the 1990s but never formally described. That search came up nearly empty—her team only caught a brief glimpse of the animal. But what they did find ended up being just as rare. “Marmosa chachapoya is the first species that we discovered and were able to catalog on this expedition,” Pavan told Mongabay Latam. It's a type of mouse opossum with reddish-brown fur, a long, narrow snout, and a tail longer than its body. It was found at 2,664 metres above sea level in an area known for high endemism but little scientific study. Pavan's team only collected one specimen, due in part to the strict research permit issued by Peru’s protected area authority, SERNANP. The expedition lasted just 15 days, limiting the chances of encountering more individuals. Still, it was enough. Back in Brazil, Pavan and her co-author, Peruvian biologist Pamela Sanchez-Vendizú, conducted genetic testing. They compared their findings with other specimens from museums in Peru and the U.S. to confirm what they suspected. “The DNA of our new species is highly divergent from that of other known species,” Sanchez-Vendizú said. It didn’t just look different—it was genetically unique. The discovery of Marmosa chachapoya was published in the journal American Museum Novitates earlier this year. The researchers describe it as having a “long and narrow rostrum, reddish brown dorsal fur, tail much longer than combined length of head and body, midrostral fur lighter colored than fur of crown, and dark facial mask.” The animal was spotted in a cloud forest region that has barely been surveyed by scientists, despite its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pavan believes there are likely more new species waiting to be described. Her earlier 2024 study in Systematics and Biodiversity noted that 11 out of 16 small mammal species recorded during her expedition had never been seen anywhere else. César Medina, a mammalogist at the Natural History Museum in Arequipa, says that’s not surprising. “Expeditions to these areas almost always turn up something new,” he said. In many cases, it’s insects or plants. But sometimes, like now, it’s a new mammal. Medina explained that the eastern Andes are particularly rich in species because the ecosystem changes rapidly with altitude. “As you ascend the mountain range, the composition of species changes,” he said. “Some are observable at around 2,000 metres, while others are at 800 metres.” But it’s not easy work. “Climbing the Ceja de Selva—the section of the Andes that slopes down toward the Amazon—is like climbing a volcano covered with trees and moss,” Medina said. “There’s no clear path; you have to forge your way with a machete.” One wrong step can be dangerous. “You’re walking along a ridge, and when you look to the right, there’s a canyon about 100 metres deep,” he said. “It’s very challenging terrain, which is why there aren’t many expeditions.” Pavan’s team found at least two more mammals they suspect are also new to science. Those samples are still being analyzed. For now, Marmosa chachapoya is a reminder of what’s still out there—species tucked into hard-to-reach pockets of forest, completely unknown to science. “It’s an area with exceptionally high endemism among small mammals, which has been little studied scientifically,” Pavan said. “There are undoubtedly other species that still need to be described.”

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Amazon Driver Saves Family After Spotting House Fire During Delivery

Ciara Aschan was just trying to find the right address. It was a regular delivery day in Des Moines, Iowa, and she was scanning house numbers when something caught her eye. “I was kind of squinting while I’m driving, and then I saw the smoke coming from the house,” Aschan told PEOPLE. “Then I looked harder at it and I could definitely see the flames in the back of the house. That’s when I said, ‘Oh crap, the house is on fire.’” What happened next turned a routine stop into something much more. Aschan, a 27-year-old Amazon Flex driver from Johnston, Iowa, had been delivering packages in the 6900 block of Southwest 15th Street on November 10 when she saw the smoke and flames. She immediately pulled over, turned on her hazard lights, called 911, and ran to the front door of the home. “I just focused my entire attention on that house,” she said. “Because there was a car in the driveway. Normally, a car in the driveway means somebody’s home. So that made me panic.” She banged on the front door and shouted, trying to get anyone’s attention. When there was no answer, she ran around to the back of the house and tried another door. It was unlocked. “I just turned the handle,” she said. “It looked somewhat vacant anyway,” she added, after calling out inside and getting no response. While waiting for firefighters to arrive, she didn’t just stand there. She continued with her route and delivered a package to a nearby house—knocking to warn them about the fire in case it spread. “If they were home, I was going to let them know, ‘Hey, your neighbor’s house is on fire. You might want to leave,’” she said. Des Moines fire crews arrived within six minutes. Thanks to Aschan’s quick call, they were able to contain the blaze before it destroyed the home. The flames were mostly confined to the upper floor. “It saved a lot of damage — it saved the house,” said Mike Morgan of the Des Moines Fire Department in an interview with KCCI. “If somebody would have been in there, obviously, we could have saved a life.” In a statement to PEOPLE, the fire department confirmed there was visible fire and smoke at the rear upper floor of the home, which was unoccupied at the time. Officials credited Aschan for helping dispatchers send the appropriate emergency response. “A special thank you to the Amazon driver for taking a minute to investigate the scene to provide thorough information to the call takers,” the department said. “Multiple fire companies at the scene credit the quick thinking and utilization of the emergency dispatch system in resulting in the rapid response and suppression of this fire.” Investigators determined the blaze was accidental, with no signs of foul play. Aschan later received a message from a woman whose mother owns the house. The family had been renovating it for the woman and her three daughters. “She essentially just said that they were renovating the house for her and her three daughters, and that it was her mom and stepdad’s home, and that thankfully nobody was there,” Aschan said. Amazon also issued a statement, thanking her for her actions. “We appreciate the thoughtful actions by Ciara, an Amazon Flex delivery partner, who was delivering in the community when she helped avert a life-threatening house fire,” the company said. “Her quick thinking and actions minimized the extent of damage. Thank you to Ciara, and all drivers and delivery partners, who go the extra mile every day for customers and their communities.” Aschan says she’s just glad she was in the right place at the right time. “Not all superheroes wear capes,” she said. “They wear Amazon vests.”

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Record Snowfall Delights Bear at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago

While a major snowstorm blanketed the Midwest over the weekend, some animals at Brookfield Zoo near Chicago didn’t seem to mind at all. Video from the zoo shows Tim the Brown Bear joyfully rolling in the fresh snow on Saturday, clearly unfazed by the chilly weather. A nearby bison appeared just as content, calmly standing in the wintry landscape. The snowfall was part of a widespread storm system that dumped over 20 centimetres of snow on parts of Northern Iowa and was expected to bring similar totals to Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Forecasters also warned that the northeastern U.S. could see its own early-season snowstorm later this week. At least at the zoo, the animals are making the most of it.

Bruce Willis' Wife Declares 'Die Hard' a Christmas Movie

Some families argue over presents. Others over politics. But the debate that’s raged on for decades — often with the most passion — is whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie. In 2018, Bruce Willis put his foot down during a Comedy Central roast, declaring, “Die Hard is not a Christmas movie.” That should’ve ended it, right? Not quite. His wife, Emma Hemming Willis, has officially disagreed — publicly and proudly — and she’s got holiday tradition on her side. “I think it’s important to put Die Hard on because it’s a Christmas movie,” she told People during the End Well 2025 conference in Los Angeles. Emma spoke candidly about how much Christmas has always meant to their family, especially before Bruce was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. “Bruce loved Christmas, and we love celebrating it with him,” she said. “There is still joy. It just looks different.” Bruce and Emma share two daughters — Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. He’s also a father to Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31, with his ex-wife Demi Moore. And if there’s one thing the Willis family has quietly redefined in Hollywood, it’s what a blended family can look like. Over the years, they’ve remained remarkably close and supportive, with public displays of unity and warmth that stand out in an industry often known for the opposite. Last year, Emma posted a video to Instagram showing herself and her daughters decorating the family’s Christmas tree in Bruce’s honor. It wasn’t just a glimpse into a family tradition — it was a quiet celebration of resilience and joy, even in the face of change. The post drew hundreds of comments, including one from a follower who opened up about their own caregiving journey: “My Mother had dementia and passed away 12-22-23, so it was tough this year, but supporting you in your fight!! It is not easy for the families/caregivers! I had both my Mom and Dad here in my home at one point, both in hospice, and I work!! It takes a village!!” Emma responded with appreciation, making it clear she reads the messages and sees the community that has formed around their story. So is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Bruce said no. Emma says yes. We say: if it’s a tradition that brings people together, if it reminds families of joyful memories, if it sparks laughter and togetherness — go ahead and press play. For many families, including the Willises, it’s not really the holidays without a little bit of action, a few explosions, and one very determined man trapped in a Los Angeles high-rise. Yippee-ki-yay, Christmas.

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A 19-Year-Old Just Beat His High School Civics Teacher in a Local Election — and They’re Still on Great Terms

In a small corner of Virginia, politics looked a little different this year. Less yelling, more mutual respect. And a whole lot of heart. In Surry County, 19-year-old Cameran Drew ran for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. It was a bold move by any standard — but even more so because of who he was running against: his former civics teacher, Kenneth Bell. Bell wasn’t just an opponent. He was Cameran’s favorite teacher. And yet, somehow, the race stayed civil from start to finish. “There was never any bitterness,” Drew told CBS News. “I’m just lost for words because of the fact he’s been so gracious.” The two men — one a 44-year-old incumbent, the other a recent high school graduate — turned what could have been a tense political battle into something rare: a campaign rooted in admiration and decency. Bell called his former student a “wonderful young man.” And rather than question Drew’s age or experience, he defended him publicly. “Yes, he’s young,” Bell said, “but he’s really invested in trying to make a difference.” Drew may be young, but he’s not exactly new to leadership. After graduating in 2024, he launched a motivational speaking business called Prez Productions, and founded a mentorship nonprofit, the Produce Your Future Foundation. His campaign focused heavily on youth advocacy and local development, and he used Instagram videos to connect directly with voters. The race came down to the wire — and when the dust settled, Drew had won. By just 10 votes. It was the narrowest of victories, but a solid win for goodwill. Bell offered a heartfelt concession and praised his former student. “He would have been formidable against any opponent,” he told CBS News. Drew’s story joins a growing list of young people stepping into politics, including the country’s first Gen Z Congressman and grassroots organizers making waves across the U.S. But what makes this one stand out isn’t just the age gap. It’s the bond. The student ran against the teacher. The teacher rooted for the student. And somehow, they both walked away proud. If only more elections played out like that.

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Mom's Emotional Reunion With Cake4kids Baker Brings Tears On Kelly Clarkson Show

It started with one cake. Fifteen years later, it’s a nationwide movement delivering joy—one sweet bite at a time. During a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the singer and talk show host was visibly moved by a segment on Cake4Kids, a nonprofit that provides custom birthday cakes and baked goods to children in foster care, homeless shelters, and other difficult circumstances. The moment quickly turned emotional for everyone on set—including Clarkson herself. “They get to choose the flavor and the theme, so it’s personalized just for them—exactly what they want,” explained Alison Bakewell, Cake4Kids’ executive director. That could mean cupcakes, brownies, or a full-blown three-tier cake, but the key ingredient is always the same: love. Founded in California by Libby Gruender, the nonprofit began after she read about foster children missing out on birthday celebrations. She decided to make a difference, baking and delivering the first cakes herself. Before her passing in 2013, Gruender had kickstarted a movement that’s now on track to deliver 20,000 cakes this year through more than 25 volunteer-led chapters across the U.S. One of those volunteers, Roberta, has been baking with Cake4Kids since 2018—and has delivered an astonishing 825 cakes. “The biggest ingredient that we put in is the love that we feel,” she said, holding back tears as she sat beside Clarkson on stage. But the real surprise came when Clarkson introduced Kasandra, a mother whose daughter had once received a custom Toy Story cake from Cake4Kids during a hard time. Living in a small rented room with her husband and two daughters, money was tight—and birthdays weren’t always easy to celebrate. “You were the one who baked my daughter her first cake,” Kasandra revealed to Roberta, sparking a wave of emotion across the room. Clarkson, choked up, stood up to grab tissues. “I am going to need a minute,” she joked, wiping away tears. Kasandra continued, through her own tears, “Sometimes we’re not able to give her everything we want. So, seeing her really happy… really made me and my husband grateful for you guys.” A photo of the Toy Story cake—elaborate, colorful, and covered in characters—flashed on the screen as the live audience gasped in appreciation. Then, Clarkson announced a $5,000 donation to Cake4Kids to help fund even more moments like this one. It was a reminder that something as simple as a cake can carry incredible meaning—especially when it shows up in the hands of someone who cares. Cake4Kids continues to accept new volunteers and donations at cake4kids.org , helping more kids across the country feel celebrated, seen, and loved.

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