Ghana Has Become the First Country to Approve a New Malaria Vaccine for Kids

In a groundbreaking move, Ghana has become the first country to approve a new malaria vaccine for young children. Developed by the University of Oxford, the vaccine is expected to offer better protection against the disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people each year. Although the final results of the late-stage trials are yet to be published, preliminary results have shown that the vaccine is far more effective than the only malaria vaccine currently authorized by the WHO.

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This Stroke Survivor Found His Voice Through Singing After Losing His Speech – Here's How

When David Turner had a stroke, he couldn’t speak for two months. Now, he says, “I sing and sing and sing.” Turner is one of several stroke survivors in West Sussex who meet regularly in the small town of Cuckfield for group singing sessions — a routine that’s done more than lift spirits. For many of them, singing has literally brought their voices back. Roughly one in three people in the UK experience aphasia after a stroke, a condition that can impact their ability to speak, read, write, or understand language. But a growing body of research suggests that music may offer a path to recovery. That’s because speech and singing are handled by different parts of the brain — and in some cases, patients can sing clearly even when they can’t talk. “A third of stroke survivors were able to sing clearly before they could speak after their stroke,” said Tara Lakin of The Stroke Association. According to the charity’s own survey, two-thirds of survivors said singing or music had significantly improved their ability to communicate. For Turner, singing has been a lifeline. “When I worked through the stroke, I couldn’t speak for two months,” he said. “And I come to this, and I sing and sing and sing.” Another member of the group, Keith Denyer, said singing unlocks memories in ways everyday speech does not. “I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday,” he said, “but I can remember the words from songs from three or four years ago.” Experts say that’s not unusual. Singing can activate neural pathways that aren't affected by a stroke, allowing the brain to “route around” damaged areas. It also offers other benefits — building confidence, improving mood, and creating a sense of connection in group settings. In the UK, someone has a stroke every five minutes. That adds up to around 100,000 strokes each year, and more than 1.4 million people living with the aftermath. For some, that aftermath includes aphasia and a long, uncertain road to recovery. But for survivors like Turner and Denyer, music is more than therapy. It’s a second chance — and a way to be heard.

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Notre Dame Cathedral Celebrates Successful Year After Reopening, Attracting Millions of Visitors

Notre Dame Cathedral is once again bustling with life. Less than a year out from its official reopening, the iconic Parisian landmark is drawing millions — and on pace to shatter attendance records. By August alone, the cathedral had already welcomed eight million people through its doors, and it’s projected to reach 12 million by the end of the year, with some forecasts reaching as high as 15 million. “We are certainly the most visited monument and cathedral in France,” said Michel Picaud, president of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, the nonprofit spearheading global fundraising efforts for the restoration. “We are very happy [about] that.” The renewed energy comes in the wake of a tragedy that captured global attention. On April 15, 2019, a massive fire tore through Notre Dame’s roof and interior, causing parts of the structure to collapse and leaving one of the world’s most famous cathedrals badly scarred. The damage was extensive, requiring a years-long effort to rebuild not just the physical structure, but the spiritual and cultural center it represents. Originally built over nearly two centuries — starting in 1163 and completed in the 14th century — Notre Dame has undergone several transformations. It was modified in the 18th century, restored again in the 19th, and now, in the 21st, it's in the middle of one of its most ambitious rebuilds yet. Picaud, whose organization has been central to the international campaign to restore Notre Dame, said the work so far has focused on the interior. That meant replacing everything lost or damaged in the fire: a new altar, a new baptismal font, new seating, and a new reliquary for the Crown of Thorns — one of Christianity’s most revered relics. Next comes the outside. A four-year project is now underway to restore the cathedral’s striking gothic features, including the famous flying buttresses, gargoyles, grotesques, and other intricate stonework that give Notre Dame its unmistakable silhouette. New stained-glass windows will also be added during the exterior phase, Picaud said. Despite the ongoing restoration, Notre Dame has resumed its role as both a place of worship and a major tourist destination. Religious services are held daily, and the cathedral is open to visitors throughout the day — though the number of people allowed inside adjusts depending on whether a service is in progress. The tower visit, a favorite among tourists, reopened in September. Climbing its 424 steps brings visitors to the top of the 226-foot structure, offering what Picaud called a “wonderful view of Paris.” The new spire, now reaching 315 feet, adds to the breathtaking panorama. As it nears the one-year anniversary of its grand reopening, Notre Dame isn’t just rising from the ashes — it’s thriving. And the people are coming back.

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Six-Year-Old Girl Saves Harvard's Axolotl Research With a Heartfelt Donation

When Jessica Whited’s Harvard lab lost nearly all its government funding, the future of her groundbreaking axolotl research was suddenly in doubt. Her team at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute had been studying the salamander famous for its almost mythical ability to regrow limbs — a trait scientists hope could one day lead to breakthroughs in human limb regeneration. But months ago, federal funding cuts left the lab in a precarious position. Then came an unexpected lifeline — from a six-year-old in Springfield, Massachusetts. Marianne Cullen, a bright-eyed first-grader with a deep love for axolotls, learned about the lab’s work and decided she wasn’t going to sit idly by. “There’s more to them than just being cute,” she told CBS News. “They can grow back any limb… and there’s way other animals that need saving, but this one is my destiny to save.” Marianne took matters into her own hands. She created a PowerPoint presentation, launched a fundraiser, and raised $1,000 for Whited’s lab. Her parents, Kathleen and Robert Cullen, were floored — but not entirely surprised. “She said, ‘I want to raise money for axolotls,’” her dad recalled. “She took it kind of to the next level, honestly,” her mom added. For Whited and her team, it was more than a donation. It was a jolt of energy at a time when morale was low. “It definitely had a positive effect on everyone in the lab,” Whited said. “Everybody was just flabbergasted.” She wasn’t exaggerating. It wasn’t the amount that struck them — it was the source. “Sometimes you know who’s fighting for you in life, and sometimes you don’t,” Whited said. “And that’s always the time when you just pause and be like, ‘Wow.’” Since then, a federal court ruling reinstated the lab’s funding — though it’s still unclear whether that decision will hold. But whatever happens, Whited says Marianne’s gift will continue to motivate her team. Marianne, meanwhile, remains committed. When asked why she felt responsible for the axolotls, she replied simply: “Not a lot of people get how important it is to save this animal.” At six years old, she may be the youngest donor Harvard has ever had — but she just might be the one with the biggest heart.

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Community Raises $30K To Support Candy Vendor With Cerebral Palsy Working 6 Days A Week

For nearly ten years, Staten Island’s Andy has quietly become a local icon — not for what he sells, but for how he shows up. Six days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Andy pushes his candy cart up and down Hylan Boulevard, often in challenging weather, always with a smile. Living with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his motor skills, speech, and coordination, he still logs more than 50 hours a week, treating the sidewalk like a full-time job — and his customers like old friends. Now, the community that Andy has inspired is giving back. Jennifer Remauro, a Staten Island resident who says Andy reminds her of her late brother who also had cerebral palsy, launched a GoFundMe campaign to show Andy just how much he’s appreciated. “This isn’t charity,” she wrote. “It’s an investment in someone who is truly spectacular.” Remauro’s words struck a chord. Within days, the fundraiser surged past $30,000. Andy has been a fixture at the intersection of Narrows Road South and Hylan Boulevard for nearly a decade. His day starts at 5:30 a.m. — loading his cart, heading to his corner, and setting up for a full day of work. It hasn’t always been easy. He’s faced robberies, bitter winters, and a pandemic that temporarily wiped out his commuter base. But he never stopped showing up. What started as a man selling snacks became something more. Over the years, he’s built a quiet web of community — commuters who wave, kids who stop for candy, and neighbors who simply admire his resolve. Now, Remauro wants Andy to receive something he rarely takes: a break. She hopes the money will allow him to enjoy a small vacation, treat himself, or just rest knowing how many people are rooting for him. She plans to deliver every dollar and every message of encouragement to Andy personally before Christmas. “Your contribution is more than just money,” she wrote. “It’s a message of respect and appreciation that he will be able to read and cherish.” After years of pushing through with quiet determination, Andy’s getting pushed forward by something else: gratitude.

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Sonia Raman Makes History as First Indian American Head Coach in WNBA with Seattle Storm

Sonia Raman didn’t plan to become a professional basketball coach — let alone make history doing it. For years, she was deep in the world of corporate law, armed with a doctorate from Boston College and a steady job at Fidelity’s risk and compliance division. Coaching was just a side passion, something she fit in during evenings at Wellesley College or over the summers. But in 2008, she took what she calls a “calculated risk” — and walked away from law to pursue coaching full time. That leap has now landed her one of the top jobs in women’s basketball. On October 28, Raman, 51, was named head coach of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, becoming the first Indian American head coach in league history. “I actually really loved my day job at Fidelity,” she told CNBC, “but I think [my] passion was with coaching. Basketball just kept pulling me back in.” That pull started in college. Raman had walked onto the Division III team at Tufts University, but a major injury sidelined her junior year. Rather than tune out, she leaned in — breaking down game film, studying opponents, and offering her teammates notes. “My love of the game started to really evolve into the lens of a coach,” she said. After college, coaching remained in her life — sometimes youth teams, sometimes college squads — even as she pursued law school and climbed the corporate ladder. By day, she advised nonprofits on retirement plans. By night, she raced from the office to the gym, changing clothes in the car and diving into practice. For years, that dual life worked. But when MIT offered a unique opportunity — a head coach role paired with compliance responsibilities — Raman took the plunge. The pay cut was steep, but the impact, she said, was priceless. “I felt like I was betting on myself,” she said. “I also just felt like I was impacting people’s lives in a way that was much more fulfilling to me than anything I had done before.” She coached 12 seasons at MIT, earning two conference coach of the year titles, before making another bold move — joining the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies in 2020 as an assistant coach. From there, she moved to the WNBA’s New York Liberty before being tapped to lead the Storm this fall. Raman said leaving her legal career was the hardest decision she’s ever made — but one that challenged her to live by the same mindset she preaches to her players. “If I’m going to preach a growth mindset, if I’m going to preach getting better every day and embracing failure,” she said, “then I need to live that.”

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Italy Celebrates As 2,000 More Centenarians Join the Ranks

Italy is celebrating more centenarians than ever — but the country’s rapidly aging population is also raising alarms. According to new data from Istat, Italy's national statistics agency, more than 2,000 people turned 100 in 2025, bringing the total number of centenarians to 23,548. That’s up from 21,211 in 2024 and more than double the number reported in 2009. The overwhelming majority of those reaching the milestone — 82.6% — are women. That trend holds among older age brackets too: of Italy’s 724 semi-supercentenarians (aged 105 and up) and 19 supercentenarians (aged 110 and over), most are women. Among them is 114-year-old Lucia Laura Sangenito of Campania, who turns 115 later this month. She is currently the oldest person in Italy and the third oldest in Europe, behind Ethel Caterham in the UK and Marie-Rose Tessier in France. Italy’s oldest man, Vitantonio Lovallo, turned 111 this year. The boom in centenarians isn’t unique to Italy. Across the EU, the number of people aged 100 and over is expected to reach nearly 500,000 by 2050 — up from just under 100,000 in 2019. France, Italy, and Greece currently lead the EU in per capita centenarians. In the UK, the number has doubled over the past 20 years, from 8,300 in 2004 to 16,600 in 2024. In Italy, the regions with the highest concentration of centenarians relative to population include Molise, the Aosta Valley, and Liguria. Sardinia also stands out. In 2004, it was recognized as one of the world’s original “blue zones,” areas where people tend to live unusually long lives. The mountain town of Perdasdefogu in southeastern Sardinia holds two Guinness World Records related to longevity: one for the combined age of nine Melis siblings (818 years), and another for having the world’s highest density of centenarians — eight among a population of 1,778. While genetics, active lifestyles, and social bonds all play a role, many experts credit Italy’s Mediterranean diet as a key factor in longevity. Combined with a relatively strong healthcare system and close-knit communities, it has helped many Italians live well past 100 — and stay active doing it. Take Anna Possi, who turns 101 this month and still works as a barista in a lakeside town near Lake Maggiore. “I’ll keep going so long as my health permits,” she told The Guardian last year. Or Candida Uderzo, who had her driver’s license renewed at 100 in 2022. She’s one of at least four Italians to pass their driving test after turning 100, including Luciano Gulmini, who renewed his permit in 2024. But while the stories are inspiring, Italy’s demographic reality is stark: the country is aging fast, and not enough children are being born to balance it. In 2024, only 370,000 births were recorded — the lowest since Italy’s unification in 1861. That’s placing mounting pressure on pensions and the national healthcare system, even as centenarians become a growing — and celebrated — part of Italy’s social fabric.

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Hospital Crochets Octopuses To Comfort Premature Babies

At Cleveland Clinic Children’s NICU, some of the tiniest patients are getting a surprising new source of comfort — hand-crocheted octopuses. The soft, colorful toys aren’t just cute. Their coiled tentacles are designed to resemble umbilical cords, helping premature babies feel more secure during their hospital stay. The idea, which started in Denmark in 2013, has since made its way to hospitals around the world, and now, to Cleveland. Jaclyn Thaxton, a registered nurse at the Cleveland Clinic NICU, said the team took time to carefully review safety standards before introducing the crochet companions. “We found that not only are the crocheted animals safe, but their tentacles can help stabilize a baby’s vitals during painful procedures,” she said. The octopuses are made entirely by volunteers, who follow strict guidelines: they must use 100 percent cotton yarn, avoid any attachments or decorations, and wash the toys at high heat to ensure they’re safe for newborns. Once completed, each one is given a name — often by the baby’s family or siblings. “At each bedside, we have a naming card,” Jaclyn explained. “A lot of times our siblings aren’t able to be very involved with the care of their new sibling, so we encourage families to let them name the octopuses. If there aren’t siblings, it’s also something fun for the respiratory therapists, nurses, and caregivers to get together and name a baby’s octopus.” So far, more than 500 of the handmade toys have been crafted for babies in the unit. And for families navigating the stress and uncertainty of a NICU stay, it’s a small, joyful way to feel more connected — one tentacle at a time.

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Dog Finds Purpose And Wins 'Superdog' Award After Rejection From Five Homes

Once labeled “too much to handle,” a high-energy rescue dog is now helping crack down on wildlife crime across the UK — and earning global recognition for it. Henry, a 10-year-old Springer Spaniel, was rejected by five different homes before finding his footing — and his calling — with Louise Wilson, founder of Conservation K9 Consultancy. Today, he’s a certified wildlife detection dog working alongside the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU). “He’s got so much energy and drive — once we gave him focus, he found his purpose,” Wilson told the BBC. That purpose? Putting his powerful nose to work. Henry can detect seven specific wildlife scents, including protected birds of prey and endangered hedgehogs. His ability to sniff out feathers, droppings, and nesting materials is now a vital part of police investigations into wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction. “If we don’t recover anything, the investigation grinds to a halt,” said Detective Inspector Mark Harrison of the NWCU. Henry’s work often provides the evidence needed to move forward. In October, his efforts earned him the title of Animal of the Year from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which honored him at its 25th Animal Action Awards in London. Dogs like Henry are part of a growing movement in conservation science, where highly trained detection dogs help researchers locate elusive species in the wild. Because they find biological traces instead of the animals themselves, the process is non-invasive and far less disruptive to delicate ecosystems. Their work isn’t just about data collection — it’s about keeping ecosystems intact. Illegal wildlife crime can have ripple effects, leading to population collapse, biodiversity loss, and even food insecurity. The United Nations has warned that climate change and habitat destruction are accelerating the decline of endangered species, making work like Henry’s even more urgent. Wilson is one of several trainers across the UK working to expand the use of detection dogs in conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Similar programs have seen dogs sniff out everything from invasive plant species to plastic pollution. “We need creative tools to meet today’s environmental challenges,” Wilson said. Henry is living proof of how a second chance can make a life-changing — and planet-saving — difference.

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Timothée Chalamet Earns Grammy Nomination For A Complete Unknown Bob Dylan Soundtrack

Timothée Chalamet can now add Grammy nominee to his growing list of accolades. The 29-year-old actor was officially nominated in the Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media category for his work on A Complete Unknown, the 2024 biopic where he played a young Bob Dylan. The nominations were announced Friday, ahead of the 68th Grammy Awards, set for February 1, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Chalamet didn’t just portray the legendary singer-songwriter onscreen — he also sang Dylan’s songs himself, often recording vocals live during filming. His performance earned widespread acclaim, including an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe nod, and a Screen Actors Guild Award win. Directed by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown follows Dylan’s rise through the American folk scene in the 1960s. Alongside Chalamet, the film featured Edward Norton as Pete Seeger and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, with both actors also performing their own vocals for the soundtrack. Other nominees in the same soundtrack category include albums from F1® The Album, KPop Demon Hunters, Sinners, and Wicked. This isn’t Chalamet’s first musical venture. He sang as Willy Wonka in 2023’s Wonka and famously rapped as “Lil Timmy Tim” in a viral high school video. Earlier this year, he hosted Saturday Night Live, where he performed a Dylan-inspired medley of “Outlaw Blues,” “Three Angels,” and “Tomorrow Is a Long Time.” Chalamet also stars in the upcoming Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie and set for release on Christmas Day, and is set to return in Dune: Part Three, currently in development. This year’s top Grammy nominee is Kendrick Lamar with nine nods, followed by Lady Gaga and producers Cirkut and Jack Antonoff with seven each. Bad Bunny, Leon Thomas, and Sabrina Carpenter earned six nominations apiece. For Chalamet, the Grammy nod marks a new chapter — and one more genre he’s managed to master.

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Rescue Team Saves Dog 7 Days After Car Crash Ejection

In an incredible tale of survival and luck, a dachshund named Chewie is back with his family after spending seven days alone in the Wyoming wilderness. The drama unfolded after a serious car accident sent him flying from the vehicle. Chewie's owner, Amanda Lohr, 33, was driving with her boyfriend from Kokomo, Indiana, to Portland, Oregon. Their journey took a devastating turn on Interstate 80 near Rawlins when a semi-truck collided with their 2005 Buick Century. The crash caused the car to roll multiple times before landing in a ditch. Lohr suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Her boyfriend sustained a neck fracture and required airlifting to Casper for more extensive care. Sadly, their cat Newt did not survive the crash. Initially, they believed Chewie had also perished after being thrown from the car. But just as Lohr began coming to terms with her losses, she received unexpected news: Chewie was alive. "I was really happy because I had been mourning for more than a week," Lohr shared with Cowboy State Daily. Her daughter cried tears of joy upon hearing that their beloved pet had survived. Chewie’s rescue story involves some good-hearted strangers who went out of their way to help. Kenny Coomes, a FedEx driver who first spotted Chewie along the highway, set up a live trap hoping to catch him safely but had no success initially. Days later, Scott and Kodi Allred were traveling through Wyoming to visit their son at the University of Northern Colorado when they saw Chewie running along the same road near Elk Mountain. They managed to catch him after pulling over and giving chase. With no tags on Chewie, the Allreds drove an hour to Laramie where staff at a Humane Society scanned his microchip and identified him as Lohr's dog. Coomes followed updates on Facebook and described the reunion as “a miracle.” "This is a miracle and I am so happy he was found," Lohr wrote in a Facebook update expressing her relief and gratitude. "That puppy is my best friend and I can’t wait to have him back with me." To ensure Chewie's safe return home, Coomes coordinated with another FedEx driver who volunteered to bring him back to Indiana. Reflecting on how everything came together perfectly for Chewie’s rescue and return, Coomes remarked that it felt like divine intervention played a role. The story of how this little dachshund defied all odds serves as both heartwarming news for animal lovers and testament to human kindness across stranger lines—showing how compassion can lead to extraordinary outcomes even in dire situations like these.

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