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Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts Just Graduated With a Master's Degree
Jalen Hurts is having one heck of a year! From leading his team, the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl last season and signing an incredibly lucrative contract in April, he's now celebrating another impressive win - earning a Master's Degree in human relations from the University Of Oklahoma. He shared this happy news on Instagram with pics from graduation day & the university Vice President even tweeted congratulations!
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Train-Lover Builds Miniature Railway in His Backyard—and It's Already Selling Out Events
For James Ardin, building a miniature railway wasn’t just a quirky project—it was a lifelong dream. Now, that dream winds through his backyard in Holmpton, East Yorkshire. The Great Withernsea Railway, named after the nearby seaside town, stretches across three and a half acres and includes three working locomotives that visitors can ride. It’s already become such a hit with locals that this year’s Bonfire Night event on November 1 is completely sold out. “There isn’t anything like it for miles around,” said Ardin. “It’s a nice family day out and it’s been very well received.” Ardin, a dad of two, works full-time in the rail industry. Then he goes home—to run a fully functional narrow-gauge line from his garden. The passion for trains runs deep. Before he even bought the house, he had sketched out the layout. “I was looking for a nice little property, but equally I was looking for quite a lot of land and we struck it lucky with this one,” he said. “I’d started writing out, drawing the plans and mapping the railway before we’d even put a bid in.” The obsession began with his grandfather, Peter Milner, who took him around the country trainspotting. Now, James is passing it down to his own kids, aged 12 and 5. “My son drives the trains very well and my daughter is learning—so they’re doomed from the start,” he joked. “It’s actually my wife I feel sorry for... but I suppose it keeps us out of her hair.” He started building the line in 2020, and the family now opens their garden to the public a few times a year. The upcoming Bonfire Night event will welcome over 100 guests. “If it goes well this year, then we’ll be able to host it again the next, and hopefully it’ll become a bit of a tradition for the railway and the local community,” he said. The railway runs with the help of volunteers who travel from across the country to pitch in. And Ardin has big plans: he wants to expand into a second field, add more locomotives, and grow the rolling stock collection. Still, he’s mindful of the balance between hobby and home life. “You could call it a big boy’s train set around my house,” he said. “I’ve got to keep the wife happy as well, so I can’t do too much. And I’ve got to be courteous towards our neighbours. They’ve got a lot of patience with me running my trains next to their houses.” But for now, the little railway that could is chugging along just fine.
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Beavers Return to Scottish Highlands After 400 Years in Landmark Reintroduction
For the first time in four centuries, beavers are once again swimming through the waters of a Highland glen. A family of five beavers and a pair of mates were released at two sites on Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, about 24 kilometers west of Loch Ness. The move marks the first beaver release by the government-run Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and only the second legal release outside of the species' current recognized range in Scotland. The return of these once-native animals was carried out by FLS in partnership with Trees for Life, with support from the Beaver Trust. The goal: restore a species hunted to extinction in Scotland more than 400 years ago for its fur, meat, and musk oil. “Beavers being translocated to Glen Affric is the culmination of a long, exacting and thorough process for FLS and Trees for Life,” said Alex Macleod, FLS’ North Region Manager. FLS said the project followed a detailed three-phase consultation process, which helped ease concerns raised by local farmers. “Fully engaging with the local Affric communities… has been crucial in making sure that all voices were heard,” Macleod added. “We are establishing a group to oversee ongoing monitoring... and I would hope that the beavers eventually become an integral and unremarked part of Glen Affric.” NatureScot granted a licence for the release in August after FLS submitted an application late last year. The plan allows up to four beaver family groups to be released above the Beinn a’ Mheadhoin dam. Beavers are known for their ability to create wetlands that support biodiversity, purify water, and reduce flood risks. However, they can also cause localized problems when their dam-building disrupts land use or water systems. To address that, FLS and its partners are launching a Beaver Community Mitigation and Monitoring Group, which will serve as a liaison point for residents and visitors. The group will also explore educational opportunities with local schools and communities. “As we saw the beavers released into the loch, we were watching a moment of wildlife history,” said Steve Micklewright, CEO of Trees for Life. “FLS has shown real leadership in nature restoration by reintroducing this important habitat-creating, biodiversity-boosting, flood-preventing animal.” Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer, who led the release effort on behalf of Beaver Trust, called the reintroduction a key step in addressing Scotland’s biodiversity crisis. “Each new catchment we restore beavers to brings Scotland closer to its 2045 goal of a nature-rich, resilient future,” she said. Before arriving in Glen Affric, the beavers underwent health checks at a quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo. Local resident Malcolm Wield welcomed their return, noting the wide ecological benefits beavers bring. “This is a good result for us, our children, our grandchildren, and future generations,” he said. “Congratulations to all involved.” Once nearly wiped out from the Scottish landscape, the Eurasian beaver is now being seen as a potential ally in restoring it. With careful planning and community input, their return to Glen Affric could signal a turning point in Scotland’s nature recovery efforts.
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Couple Weds at Sanctuary Where They Met, Disabled Sheep Charms As Ring Bearer
When Jake and Rosie Ratcliffe got married this summer, they didn’t just share their big day with friends and family — they shared it with more than 100 rescued animals. The couple tied the knot on August 2 inside a converted cow barn at Millington’s Magical Barn, their animal sanctuary in Yorkshire. And in a moment that stole the hearts of all 60 guests, their disabled sheep, Bunny, wheeled down the aisle as the ring bearer. “You could hear the collective ‘aw’ as she walked down the aisle,” Jake said. Jake, 34, and Rosie, 28, met at the sanctuary five years ago while caring for rescued animals. He founded the sanctuary in 2018 with no prior experience in animal rescue, driven purely by a love for animals. Rosie, a veterinary nurse, started volunteering there in 2020. Three years later, Jake proposed while Rosie was bottle-feeding a lamb. The lamb wore a collar that read “turn around.” “We met at the sanctuary, we fell in love here, we even got engaged here,” Rosie told SWNS. “It only felt right to complete the full circle and get married here.” One of their most beloved animals is Bunny, a sheep born without use of her back legs. She’s often seen rolling around the sanctuary in a floral pet wheelchair. When the couple were choosing who would carry the rings, Jake said the answer became clear. “I always wanted Bunny — she’s always been a daddy’s girl,” he said. “She arrived at Millington’s just as we were turning the cow barn into a wedding venue, so she spent six weeks with me while we all set up.” Though they did a light rehearsal, Jake was ready with a bottle of milk to coax Bunny down the aisle if needed. In the end, their bond was enough — Bunny rolled her way straight to Jake without hesitation. Dressed in a blue harness and surrounded by flowers, Bunny delivered the rings and then helped herself to some milk and a few canapés in the garden afterward. “It proves you can’t put groomsmen in charge of anything,” Jake joked. The couple had briefly considered a destination wedding in France but quickly realized it wasn’t for them. “We spoke about it more and thought, we met here, fell in love here and proposed here so it was only right we got married here too,” Jake said. Converting the cow barn into a venue took serious work. “It took a village,” Rosie said. But with help from friends, volunteers, and the sanctuary’s loyal online community — which includes more than 170,000 Instagram followers — they pulled it off. “Everybody has their own idea of their dream wedding,” Rosie said. “For me, a big fancy French wedding just didn’t fit. I’m much more of a simple girl, and getting married at home in beautiful Yorkshire, surrounded by our rescued animals, our friends and our family was what truly mattered.” The sanctuary has faced criticism in the past for rescuing animals with disabilities, but the wedding content was met with overwhelming support. “On this occasion, the opinion was unanimous — everyone thought Bunny was amazing,” Jake said. And while Bunny may have stolen the spotlight, Jake and Rosie wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Heroic Rescue: Dog Reunites With Owner After Storm Drain Adventure
A routine walk in Wall Township, New Jersey, turned into a tense rescue mission on October 10 after a dog named Sandy slipped out of her collar and fell into a storm drain. Wall Township police officers responded quickly after receiving a call about the distressed pup. According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, officers Jerry Baker, Dan Grothues, Josh Wheeler, and Lt. Eric Jennings arrived on the scene to find Sandy trapped below ground — and her owner in visible distress. “There was no time to wait for the storm drain grate to be lifted by DPW,” the department wrote. “The officers quickly improvised.” They used a lockout tool to reach into the drain and carefully hook Sandy’s collar, slowly pulling her to safety. Video footage shared by the department shows the dog audibly crying as the officers worked to extract her. Once she was safely above ground, they quickly scooped her up and returned her to her shaken but grateful owner. “Oh my God,” the owner could be heard saying, clearly emotional. As an officer held Sandy and reassured her with “You got her,” the owner reached in to hold her pet close. Thanks to the officers’ quick thinking and compassion, Sandy was rescued without injury. The department praised the team’s fast response and added that the dog was “safely reunited with her very grateful owner.” What could have been a tragic outcome ended with tail wags and a heartfelt reunion.
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A Coffee Shop in Portland Rallied Community Support to Feed Vulnerable Residents, Raised $75,000
On November 1, more than 42 million Americans were set to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For many, that meant uncertainty about their next meal. But in Portland, Oregon, one coffee shop decided that wasn’t something they were willing to accept. “If your SNAP benefits are running out, then breakfast is on us,” Heretic Coffee posted on social media just days before the cuts took effect. “NO ONE should have to worry about their next meal. Portland fam, we know it’s not much, but we’ll do our best to keep you fed.” The offer was simple: free breakfast daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting November 1, for anyone affected by the loss of food assistance. The message struck a nerve. The post went viral, and the comments started flooding in. One user on Threads warned the shop, “Sorry, but you will be bankrupt in a week.” Heretic’s owner, Josh, didn’t flinch. “Much rather go bankrupt feeding our people than selling coffee while other families starve,” he replied. “And we stand by that comment.” Josh expected the decision to come at a cost. What he didn’t expect was the outpouring of support that followed. By Tuesday morning, Heretic had received over $72,000 in donations. “As of Tuesday at 10 a.m., you’ve donated $72,159.66 to keep our people fed,” Josh wrote in an Instagram post. “Over two thousand of you have given toward this cause.” Within the hour, that number had climbed to $75,000. “We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: when the system fails us, it’s on everyday people to take care of each other,” he added. “This, right here, is the proof.” What started as a small act of local solidarity quickly became a nationwide grassroots effort. Though it began as an in-house initiative, Josh said Heretic is now looking to collaborate with local vendors and volunteers to scale up the effort—providing not just coffee and pastries, but hot meals to anyone in need. “As a business that sells coffee and food, it didn’t feel right to just sit and watch people go hungry,” he told Good Good Good earlier this week. For Portlanders wanting to help on the ground, the shop set up a Google Form where people can sign up to volunteer. For others outside the city, donations can still be made through Heretic’s online platforms. Josh and his team don’t know exactly how long the free meals will last, but they’re committed to going as far as the donations will take them. “From the bottom of my heart and all of our volunteers at Heretic — thank you,” Josh wrote. “Portland, we’ll keep you fed for as long as we possibly can.” The move echoes similar actions taken in other parts of the country. A dumpling shop in Phoenix made headlines after announcing it would also offer free meals to those impacted by the SNAP cutoff. “This will hurt us, but we have to step up,” the owners told local media. While government programs may be pulling back, these local businesses are leaning in. And for people struggling to afford food this month, that could make all the difference.
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Tango, Painting and Video Games? Here's How Creativity Keeps Your Brain Younger
A new global study says your next dance class or art session might do more than lift your mood — it could help keep your brain young. Led by neuroscientists Carlos Coronel and Agustín Ibáñez, researchers across 13 countries found that engaging in creative activities like dancing, music, art, or even strategic video gaming was linked to slower brain ageing. In some cases, participants’ brains appeared up to seven years younger than their actual age. The results, published in a collaboration spanning institutions from Argentina to Poland, used cutting-edge AI models called "brain clocks" to estimate a person’s brain age based on real-time recordings of their neural activity. The idea is simple: if your brain looks younger than your actual age, it's likely functioning better than expected. “Creativity, we found, protects brain areas that are vulnerable to ageing and makes brain communication more efficient,” the researchers explained. “It’s like building better roads between cities in your brain.” How They Did It The study involved nearly 1,400 people — some with years of experience as tango dancers, musicians, visual artists, or gamers, and others with no background in those disciplines. Researchers measured their brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG), which track brain signals in real time. Then came the AI. Researchers trained machine learning models — the brain clocks — to predict each participant’s age based on their neural data. The bigger the gap between real age and predicted age, the stronger the sign that the brain was ageing more slowly. Tango dancers stood out the most. On average, their brains looked more than seven years younger than their chronological age. Musicians and visual artists followed closely, with brain ages five to six years younger. Gamers came in at around four years. And It’s Not Just Long-Term Artists To test whether short-term creative training could offer similar effects, a smaller group of non-experts took part in a 30-hour training course in StarCraft II, a strategy video game. Even after that short period, their brain clocks ticked backwards — by about two to three years. “The more people practised their art, the stronger the effect,” the researchers noted. And it didn’t matter what kind of creative outlet it was — dancing, painting, music, or gaming — all had measurable benefits for brain function and flexibility. Beyond AI: Understanding Why Creativity Helps While the AI brain clocks were useful for measuring brain health, the team also used something called biophysical modelling to understand why creativity has these effects. These models simulate how a brain actually works using mathematical equations — essentially, “digital brains” that can mimic real brain activity. Unlike AI, these models don’t just find patterns; they can explain biological processes. In this case, they helped show that creative practice strengthens communication between parts of the brain responsible for attention, memory, and learning — areas that typically decline first as we age. Why It Matters Traditionally, creativity has been treated as a luxury or a hobby — not a biological necessity. But the research challenges that view, showing that creative practice isn’t just “good for the soul,” it’s good for your brain — measurably, biologically, and across diverse cultures and populations. “In the big picture, it expands our understanding of healthy ageing beyond disease prevention,” said Ibáñez. “It highlights creativity as a scalable, accessible, and deeply human mechanism to sustain cognitive and emotional wellbeing.” And perhaps most importantly, it reframes creativity as a public health tool — one that could be just as vital as physical exercise in protecting the ageing brain. So whether it’s a tango class, a piano lesson, or just a bit of painting in your spare time, science says: keep going. You might be giving your brain a few extra years of youth.
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Nova Southeastern University Pioneers Nation's First Floating Solar System
Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, is making waves in the renewable energy sector by hosting the first commercial floating solar photovoltaic system at a U.S. university. According to a recent press release, this innovative 700-kilowatt array will power a new on-campus housing complex. The solar installation, sprawling across almost two acres and consisting of 1,200 solar modules, was developed by D3Energy. Floating solar systems like this one are becoming increasingly popular due to their high energy-generation potential and efficiency compared to traditional land-based solar farms. "This installation at NSU demonstrates how floating solar can deliver real benefits for institutions that may not have the land or rooftop space for large-scale solar," said Stetson Tchividjian from D3Energy. The panels are anchored securely to withstand hurricane-force winds—an important feature given Florida's weather conditions. While this initiative marks a pioneering step for universities, residential solar energy has been providing solutions for homeowners looking to cut down on carbon footprints and energy costs for years. Installing solar panels can drastically reduce household energy expenses, sometimes bringing them close to zero. While getting started might seem overwhelming, platforms like EnergySage offer free comparison tools that help users explore local installer options and potentially save up to $10,000 on installations. For those unable to install their own panels right now, community solar programs present an alternative pathway. These programs allow individuals to access grid-sourced solar energy benefits without needing personal installations. Such initiatives offer savings and contribute positively to environmental impact. Nova Southeastern University and D3Energy recognize the dual priorities of cost reduction and sustainability. "We're proud to be pioneering solutions that reduce costs and support sustainability goals," Tchividjian noted, emphasizing the leadership role universities can play in adopting renewable energy practices.
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Kansas Town Celebrates Neewollah With Festive October Traditions — What is it?
Halloween wasn’t always about candy and costumes. In the early 20th century, it was better known as a night of mischief — think stolen gates, soap-covered windows, and wagons mysteriously appearing on rooftops. To fight back against the chaos, one Kansas town came up with a creative solution: flip Halloween on its head. In 1919, Independence, Kansas, launched a fall festival to curb vandalism and bring the community together with costumes, dancing, and a festival queen. A few years later, in 1922, they gave the event a name: Neewollah — Halloween spelled backward. The idea caught on. By 1928, it had reached the Pacific Northwest, where an American Legion post in Marshfield, Oregon (now known as Coos Bay), staged their own Nee-wollah event. “Instead of making this night one of mischievous deviltry, it will be one of good noisy fun,” declared the Coos Bay Times. That first year, the town’s celebration drew hundreds. A year later, the Neewollah parade featured more than 1,200 children in costume. And by the mid-1930s, towns across Oregon were following suit. Bend, The Dalles, Redmond — even Roseburg joined the movement. Roseburg’s first Neewollah celebration was held in 1933 and quickly became a hit. The turnout “far exceeded expectations,” according to the News-Review, and it grew each year, eventually adding community dances and parade floats. Aside from brief pauses during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, Roseburg has kept the tradition alive for nearly 90 years — possibly longer than any other town, including its originator in Kansas. “Since Neewollah started in Roseburg back in 1933, there have only been two times when the city has not held a Neewollah parade,” said Suzanne Hurt, a communications specialist with the city. “We’ve been celebrating close to 90 years.” Even during the pandemic, Roseburg improvised. In 2020 and 2021, the city hosted virtual parades to keep the tradition going. Today, the Roseburg Neewollah event might be a bit more chaotic than ceremonial — with hundreds of kids in costume trick-or-treating their way through downtown. But it’s still rooted in community spirit. “‘Parade’ is an exaggeration,” joked Stacey Crowe, a former city councilor and long-time parade volunteer who now helps organize the event. “We usually last a block.” Still, the point isn’t how far the kids march — it’s the fact that they do. Every Halloween, the spirit of a nearly century-old idea lives on in Roseburg: take a night once defined by rowdy pranks, and turn it into something everyone can enjoy.
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Alzheimer's Pill Shows Promise In Protecting High-Risk Individuals
Back in April, the outlook for an experimental Alzheimer’s drug looked grim. Valiltramiprosate, also known as ALZ-801, had just failed to show a clear benefit in a major clinical trial involving more than 300 people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. The early results showed no difference between those who took the drug and those who received a placebo. But a deeper look at the data is now changing that narrative. In September, researchers identified a smaller subgroup within the trial that responded significantly to the drug. Among 125 participants with only mild memory problems — specifically those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment rather than early-stage dementia — ALZ-801 appeared to make a meaningful difference. “These individuals showed very meaningful responses,” said Dr. Susan Abushakra, chief medical officer of Alzheon, the biotech company developing the drug. One key result: participants in this group experienced 52% less cognitive decline compared to the placebo group. That’s on par with the effects of two Alzheimer’s drugs already approved for use — lecanemab and donanemab — but with one key difference: ALZ-801 is a pill. Unlike lecanemab and donanemab, which are monoclonal antibodies delivered through regular intravenous infusions, ALZ-801 is taken orally twice a day at home. That could offer a huge quality-of-life improvement for patients and families already burdened by the logistics and costs of ongoing infusion treatments. Beyond the convenience, the drug also appears safer, especially for people who carry two copies of the APOE4 gene — a high-risk genetic profile associated with Alzheimer’s. These individuals make up just 2% of the population but account for around 15% of all Alzheimer’s cases. They are also more prone to dangerous side effects like brain swelling and bleeding when treated with monoclonal antibodies. “These individuals are at higher risk for inflammation in the brain that can be quite serious,” said Jessica Langbaum, an Alzheimer’s researcher at Banner Health in Phoenix. ALZ-801 works differently than the currently approved antibody drugs. Instead of breaking down existing amyloid plaques in the brain — the sticky clumps associated with Alzheimer’s — the pill prevents them from forming in the first place. It targets misfolded beta-amyloid proteins before they have a chance to clump together. And so far, it hasn’t triggered the brain swelling or bleeding sometimes seen with other treatments. In addition to slowing cognitive decline, the drug showed encouraging results in brain imaging. Participants taking ALZ-801 experienced about 18% less shrinkage in the hippocampus — the region of the brain most critical for memory — compared to those on a placebo. That’s a notable result, Abushakra said, especially in a disease known for steadily eroding brain volume. Still, the sample size for the most promising results — just 125 people — leaves some caution. Larger studies will be needed to confirm the drug’s full impact. The findings were published in the journal Drugs and supported by a $47 million grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. One of the co-authors, David Watson, is not only a scientist but also someone with the APOE4/4 gene profile. He believes ALZ-801 offers a safer path forward for people like him. “We’re really making a difference in keeping neurons alive,” he said, pointing to data that show the drug appears better than antibodies at reducing a protein fragment linked to brain cell death. Watson also said more promising evidence is emerging from people who chose to keep taking the pill beyond the initial 18-month study. Despite carrying the high-risk APOE4 genes, many are continuing to do well into their 60s and 70s. “Many of them are holding their own,” he said. The future of ALZ-801 still hinges on further research and regulatory review. But for now, it’s offering renewed hope — especially for those with the highest genetic risk — that a safer, more accessible treatment could be within reach.
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John Williams Returns to Score Spielberg’s Next Film, Extending Iconic 50-Year Partnership
John Williams once thought he was done. After composing the score for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the 92-year-old composer publicly considered retirement. But now, he’s picking up his baton once again — and for a familiar collaborator. Williams is confirmed to be scoring Steven Spielberg’s next movie, an untitled UFO film starring Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt, due out in June 2026. The news was shared during a recent event, as reported by Variety, marking the 30th time Williams and Spielberg will work together. It’s a creative relationship that has shaped the sound of modern cinema, from Jaws to Jurassic Park, E.T. to Schindler’s List. Williams has scored nearly every Spielberg-directed film since 1974’s The Sugarland Express. The only exceptions are Twilight Zone: The Movie (Spielberg directed one segment) and The Color Purple (1985), which was scored by Quincy Jones. This new collaboration seemed uncertain not long ago. In 2022, Williams said he was ready to step away from film composing, citing his age and the upcoming Indiana Jones sequel as a potential final act. “At the moment I’m working on Indiana Jones 5, which Harrison Ford—who’s quite a bit younger than I am—I think has announced will be his last film,” he said at the time. “So, I thought: if Harrison can do it, then perhaps I can, also.” But Spielberg wasn’t done — and neither, apparently, was Williams. “One thing Steven isn’t is a man you can say no to,” Williams said in 2023. After hearing what Spielberg was working on next, the composer walked back his retirement plans. That project now appears to be this UFO film, which remains tightly under wraps, plot-wise. Still, Williams’ involvement suggests a film of emotional scope and ambition. It also adds another chapter to one of the most influential partnerships in movie history. Their joint body of work includes some of cinema’s most instantly recognizable themes: the ominous two-note pulse of Jaws, the soaring hope of E.T., the awe and dread of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and the sweeping melodies of Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, and Lincoln. And although The Fabelmans (2022) was seen as a possible swan song for the duo — it’s a semi-autobiographical film based on Spielberg’s own childhood — Williams’ return suggests there are still stories worth telling, and music worth writing. Spielberg’s UFO film is currently scheduled for release on June 12, 2026.