Research Shows That More Women Are Becoming Entrepreneurs Than Ever

Despite an ever-persistent wage gap, women-owned businesses are on the rise. A report commissioned by American Express found that, between 2014 and 2019, the number of women- owned businesses climbed 21 percent to a total of nearly 13 million. Despite the strides made in the 21st century, there are still roughly two male entrepreneurs for every one woman entrepreneur in the United States.

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Heart of a Champion: His 38-Year Journey from Transplant Survivor to Tractor Pull Legend

There’s nothing quiet or clean about a tractor pull. The air is thick with exhaust, engines roar, and the gravel track kicks up dust as machines strain against heavy sleds. It’s the kind of chaos Chris Larson has always felt at home in. Now 53, Chris is a regular at tractor pulls across western Wisconsin, trailering his beloved 1954 Allis-Chalmers WD45 to fields and fairgrounds all summer long. The orange tractor, lovingly nicknamed “Allis,” is more than a machine — it’s a symbol of survival. In 1987, Chris made headlines as the world’s youngest recipient of an artificial heart. At just 15 years old, he was in critical condition after his own heart failed, causing a stroke. Doctors at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis received emergency approval to implant a Jarvik heart — a device he carried for 25 days until a transplant became available. The surgery saved his life. But the stroke left permanent challenges: speech difficulties and paralysis on his right side. Even then, one thing kept him going. “When doctors let him leave the hospital for a day during recovery, all he wanted was to go see his tractor,” recalls his mother, Sally Larson. Thirty-eight years later, that same tractor is still the center of Chris’ world. And the community that surrounds it is like family. At the final pull of the season in New Richmond, Wisconsin, Chris rolls in with Allis hitched behind his truck. He’s greeted by fellow pullers, family, and friends — all here to support him. Sally watches from her lawn chair near the track, flanked by Chris’ older siblings Mike, Susan, and Stacy. “We're just happy that he's happy,” Susan says. “He’s gone through a lot.” The list is long. In addition to the stroke, Chris has faced cancer, and now kidney failure. Three times a week, he drives himself to a clinic in Hastings, Minnesota, for hours of dialysis. “He shows me videos of his pulls every Monday,” says Selena Malecha, a nurse at the clinic. “It’s fascinating. I didn’t know much about tractor pulling until I met Chris.” At the pull, the camaraderie is easy to spot. Fellow competitor Warren Fox helps remove weights from Chris’ tractor — a task Chris can’t manage with his limited mobility. Warren’s wife, Sherry, buys him a hot dog “with the works.” It’s not just kindness — it’s routine. “He wouldn’t be able to do this without all his friends,” Sally says. Two years ago, those friends gave Chris a surprise: a “Hall of Fame” trophy honoring his dedication to the sport. He responded the only way he knew how — by revving the Allis-Chalmers as the crowd cheered. That trophy now sits on a shelf in his Hager City home, beside his other hard-earned prizes. So does the Associated Press clipping from 1987, with the headline: “Boy Critical After Implant of Jarvik Heart.” Today, Chris pulls four times at the New Richmond event. His Allis growls and digs through the gravel before its rear wheels spin out. Each run is met with applause. “I’m proud of you,” says fellow puller Kory Graf, giving Chris a pat on the back. Asked why, Kory doesn’t hesitate: “For what he’s overcome over the years and is still able to come out here and pull,” he says, placing a hand over his chest. “Right here.” Chris smiles. “Lots of friends,” he says. And maybe that’s the perfect metaphor for his life. A gravel road. A heavy load. And the strength to just keep going. “Just keep on pulling,” Sally says.

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Study Reveals Strong Social Connections May Slow Biological Ageing

When Professor Luigi Ferrucci, one of the world’s top ageing experts, said that the next big leap in ageing science would come from understanding lifestyle, he was speaking to something many of us instinctively feel: that how we live might matter just as much as our genes. Now, new research suggests that one of the most powerful factors in how we age isn’t diet or exercise — it’s our social life. In a recent US study involving over 2,000 adults, researchers found that people with stronger, more consistent social ties aged more slowly at a biological level. That means fewer changes to DNA markers linked with ageing, lower levels of inflammation, and healthier long-term hormone patterns — even if their daily stress levels didn’t seem to differ much from others. The study introduced a new metric called “cumulative social advantage” (CSA), which captures the quality and depth of a person’s social life across multiple dimensions: family, friendships, emotional support, community involvement, and group belonging. It’s more comprehensive than older measures that just asked whether someone was married or had friends. The findings were clear. People who scored higher on CSA had slower biological ageing and lower markers of chronic inflammation — two key indicators associated with better health and longer lifespan. What’s remarkable is how this ties into a much broader understanding of what makes humans tick. Social connection isn’t just pleasant — it’s primal. Our ancestors needed community for survival. Being part of a group meant more safety, better food access, and support during illness or injury. Today, it might still mean better health — not through physical protection, but through biological resilience. There’s a bigger picture, too. The study also found that social advantage correlates with economic advantage. Those with higher education levels, better income, or certain ethnic backgrounds were more likely to have strong social ties — and to age more slowly. So while there’s something we can each do to strengthen our own social networks, there’s also a call here for policy changes that reduce inequality and improve access to education and community. James Goodwin, Visiting Professor at Loughborough University, reflected on this while recalling a 2014 event at the US National Institute on Aging. When asked what the biggest future breakthrough in ageing would be, the head of social sciences responded without hesitation: “Social science and genetics.” Ten years later, that prediction looks increasingly spot-on. The takeaway is surprisingly simple. Stay connected. Stay involved. Support others and let them support you. Whether it’s playing five-a-side football, joining a book club, or just keeping in touch with old friends, those relationships may be doing more for your health than any supplement or superfood. We’ve evolved to thrive together — and now science is finally catching up.

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Why This DJ is Attempting a World Record For the Most Vinyl Store Visits In 24 Hours

A Southampton-based DJ is attempting to set a new world record — not with his turntables, but with his train ticket. Paul Richards, better known as Ridney, is aiming to visit more than 20 independent record stores within 24 hours, hoping to beat the current record for most record shop visits in a single day. His route stretches from Southampton to Brighton, and he’s doing it all using public transport. The challenge isn’t just about speed or logistics. To count, each stop must include a vinyl purchase and a photo taken at the shop — and Ridney will be accompanied by a team of eight witnesses to verify the entire attempt. “I just thought it’d be a really good thing to celebrate record shops, vinyl culture and everything that goes with it,” he said. “Independent record shops remain the beating heart of British music culture.” A self-described “massive vinyl buff” with a personal collection of more than 3,000 records, Ridney said he wanted to shine a light on the shops that help keep the culture alive. “There’s lots of great music I want at the moment,” he added, laughing, “but just don’t tell my wife how much I might spend.” During his career, Ridney has appeared at Cafe Mambo Ibiza, and his music has featured on BBC Radio, Capital Chill, Kiss FM, and ITV’s Love Island. If successful, his record store run will not only set a new high score — it’ll also spotlight the independent shops that still anchor communities across the UK.

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Rhode Island Reaps Benefits From America's First Offshore Wind Farm

When Block Island shut down its diesel generators in 2016, residents noticed the difference right away. Windows no longer needed constant wiping to remove soot. Mornings were quieter. Even the birdsong returned. All of that was thanks to a five-turbine, 30-megawatt offshore wind farm — the first of its kind in the United States. Now, nearly a decade later, the project is proving to be more than just a clean energy milestone. It’s offering lasting benefits to Rhode Island residents, both on land and at sea. “I still get chills when I think about it,” said Barbara MacMullan, head of the board for Block Island’s local energy co-op, speaking to The New York Times. Before the turbines arrived, Block Island ran entirely on noisy, dirty diesel generators. Wind power slashed the cost of electricity to less than one-third of what residents used to pay. The underwater cables that connect the turbines to the mainland grid brought another unexpected perk: high-speed internet. For a community that relies on seasonal tourism, better connectivity has been a game changer. The environmental gains have been just as striking. Turbines were carefully placed outside bird migration routes, and local fishers say catches have improved around the artificial reefs created by the structures. And perhaps most importantly, the project is helping to chip away at the broader climate crisis. Fossil fuel power plants remain a major driver of extreme weather, including floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Projects like Block Island’s allow cleaner sources like wind and solar to replace coal and gas, reducing pollution and slowing the pace of climate change. Today, the island sells excess electricity to the mainland grid. During low-wind periods, it draws from that same network — a two-way system that’s flexible and increasingly common as renewable energy expands. Rhode Island isn’t stopping there. After some delays, construction has resumed on Revolution Wind, a much larger offshore wind farm with 65 turbines and a projected capacity of 704 megawatts. Once finished, it’s expected to power 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut. “This is a monumental moment for Revolution Wind, the Northeast region, and Rhode Island,” Governor Dan McKee said during the project’s relaunch. “Rhode Island is excited to build upon this progress and lead in clean energy and the offshore wind economy for decades to come.” So far, the signs are promising: less noise, cleaner air, cheaper energy, and thriving marine ecosystems. For Block Island, the future of energy arrived with the wind — and it’s still blowing strong.

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Exercise Boosts Cancer Survival Rates and Reduces Recurrence, New Study Shows

Doctors have long encouraged people with cancer to exercise. It helps with fatigue, improves mood, and supports better quality of life during treatment. But now, researchers say exercise isn’t just something that helps you feel better — it might actually help treat cancer. That’s the conclusion from a growing body of research, including a landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine this July. Led by Kerry Courneya, a kinesiology professor at the University of Alberta, the study followed over 800 patients with stage 3 and high-risk stage 2 colon cancer. Half were given standard cancer care plus a structured exercise program. The other half received only educational material about physical activity. Ten years later, those in the exercise group had a 28 percent lower risk of cancer recurrence, new cancers, or death. “Exercise treats cancer as well as, if not better than, some of the current drugs that we’re offering our patients,” Courneya said. The findings received a standing ovation when presented at this year’s meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. But they’re not an outlier. A 2025 study of more than 90,000 cancer survivors in the U.S. found longer survival in people who exercised after diagnosis, across at least 10 types of cancer — including breast, prostate, colon, lung, bladder, and kidney. The sweet spot seems to be 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Brisk walking counts. More intense workouts provide a modest additional benefit. And while randomized trials are still ongoing for cancers like breast, ovarian, and esophageal, the evidence is stacking up fast. Researchers have been circling around this idea for years. In 2011, men with prostate cancer who did three or more hours of vigorous exercise per week had a lower risk of death. Similar trends showed up in studies of breast and colon cancer. But the mechanisms behind these effects are only starting to come into focus. One explanation: exercise triggers a storm of biological changes, many of which work in cancer’s favor. Reduced inflammation is one, according to UCSF epidemiologist Stacey Kenfield. Exercise also helps insulin bind more efficiently to cells, giving them energy. When insulin levels spike — which happens when the hormone can’t bind properly — cancer cells may take advantage of the extra insulin to grow and divide. There’s also growing interest in myokines, proteins released by muscles during physical activity. In lab tests, high-myokine serum slowed prostate cancer cell growth. And in a 2022 study, Kenfield and colleagues found higher levels of these proteins in men who’d been exercising — even more so right after vigorous workouts. Another big shift happens in the immune system. Per thor Straten, an immunologist at Denmark’s Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, has shown in mice that voluntary exercise boosts natural killer and T cells — immune cells that actively fight tumors. In his studies, tumors in exercising mice shrank by over 60 percent. “They’re really effective killers against cancer cells,” Straten said. He and his team are now testing whether the same immune response happens in people. Early data from a small trial in the UK are promising. Patients with esophageal cancer who exercised during chemotherapy had more immune cells in their tumors than those who didn’t. But for the immune system to react, effort matters. “You need to get the heartbeat up,” Straten said. It’s not just about moving — it’s about challenging the body. In Courneya’s colon cancer trial, participants chose their own activities but got help through supervised sessions and behavioral coaching. That structure helped people stick with it. “You can’t just advise people to do more exercise and expect them to do it,” Courneya said. Now, hospitals and cancer centers are taking note. Some are looking at ways to build formal fitness programs into cancer treatment plans. Others are assessing how to support patients so that exercise becomes part of the routine — not just an afterthought. Researchers say this should be the new standard. Without it, they argue, cancer care is incomplete.

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Nostalgia For Days: Touring The Last Blockbuster In The Entire World

If you grew up in the 1990s, chances are you still remember the thrill of a Friday night trip to Blockbuster. Browsing the aisles, reading the back of movie cases, debating between VHS or DVD — it was a ritual for millions of families. And while streaming has taken over, one Blockbuster still stands. In Bend, Oregon, you’ll find what is officially the last remaining Blockbuster store in the world. Yes, it’s real — and it’s thriving. The Bend Blockbuster opened in 2000, run by a local family determined to keep the spirit of movie nights alive. While every other store around the globe shuttered years ago, this one never gave up. Today, it’s more than just a place to rent films and games. It’s a living time capsule for anyone who misses the era of popcorn, plastic cases, and late fees. Online, people can’t help but reminisce. “I miss reading the back of a movie to see what it’s about like a book,” one commenter wrote on a viral video featuring the store. Another added, “We went to Blockbuster every Friday night and next door was Pizza Hut. Man that feeling was magical.” Inside, the shelves are lined with hundreds of titles — from classics to new releases — along with a wall of merchandise. Much of it is locally made in Bend, which gives the place a community feel that’s hard to find anywhere else. Visitors from all over the world stop by to take photos, buy T-shirts, and soak up the nostalgia. The survival of this final Blockbuster says something about what people miss most: the experience. In an age of digital convenience, there’s something special about physically picking a movie, seeing the cover art, and chatting with the staff about what to watch next. So yes, streaming may have changed everything, but in Bend, Oregon, one blue-and-yellow storefront is keeping movie night traditions alive — one rental at a time.

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Therapy Dogs are Providing Vital Emotional Support to First Responders Nationwide

When first responders rush into danger — battling wildfires, responding to shootings, or treating trauma victims — they often carry invisible wounds home with them. The job’s relentless stress can take a heavy toll, leading to burnout, depression, and even suicide. But for many of them, relief now comes in the form of a wagging tail and a wet nose. For the past five years, Heidi Carman and her golden retriever Kerith have brought comfort to emergency workers through First Responder Therapy Dogs, a nonprofit Carman founded after seeing how much joy her dog brought to firefighters, police officers, and paramedics. Since 2021, the group has certified more than 480 therapy dog teams across 46 states, visiting over 150,000 first responders nationwide. “We’re supposed to be there to help other people,” said San Rafael Fire Engineer Dan Rotwein. “And so I think it’s hard naturally for us to say that we need help.” That reluctance can have devastating consequences. Firefighters and police officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. Studies show that therapy dogs can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and boost oxytocin — the hormone tied to emotional connection. For Carman, the journey started by accident. In 2018, she began raising Kerith as a guide dog puppy for a California nonprofit. “She was just too friendly to every single person she met,” Carman said. “She was born to be a working dog, but guide dog work was not the job she was intended to do.” Carman adopted her and trained her as a therapy dog. Their first volunteer visits were at a local hospital, where they met firefighter-paramedics shaken after a tragic call. “They just hugged her, and they just melted their heads into her,” Carman recalled. “And they’re like, ‘We need this so badly right now. Can you come to our fire station?’” Kerith quickly became a fixture at firehouses. When wildfires swept through northern California in 2020, Carman and Kerith began visiting base camps where exhausted crews rested between 24-hour shifts. “It’s just such a relief,” she said. “It’s like an exhale for them just to be with a dog. I’ve seen happy tears, sad tears, a lot of smiles.” As word spread, requests flooded in — from police departments, 9-1-1 dispatch centers, and EMS crews. To meet the demand, Carman launched First Responder Therapy Dogs, creating a national certification and training program for therapy teams. Handlers undergo background checks and 15–20 hours of coursework. The nonprofit provides vests, ID cards, and insurance, and helps teams build relationships with local emergency agencies. “It doesn’t matter the breed,” Carman said. “As long as they have a good temperament and love people.” The dogs are often deployed after traumatic incidents, including mass shootings or line-of-duty deaths. “They don’t want to talk about what they’re feeling,” Carman said. “But when the dog is there, they just start talking.” Commander Jack Hart of the San Francisco Police Department has seen it firsthand. “Oftentimes, as a defense mechanism, we close up,” he said. “When we are around emotional support animals, you just see that all sort of melt away. And that ability to smile and to release has such a profound effect.” For retired firefighter and paramedic Michelle Detrick, Kerith’s visit in 2020 was a turning point. “She put both of her paws on my shoulders, and she just went nose to nose with me,” Detrick said. “And it broke me down. This was my wake-up call that I needed to go to therapy.” Today, Carman’s goal is to make sure every first responder who needs comfort can find it — four paws at a time. “We have helped so many people,” she said. “I’m grateful to Kerith for showing me the way.”

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Young Boy Raises Funds For Local Animal Shelter, Inspired By School Lessons On Charity

When four-year-old Easton Peterson learned about charity at his preschool in Oxford, Michigan, he took the lesson to heart — and decided to turn it into action. For the past month, Easton has been collecting pop cans, donations, and supplies to help his local animal shelter, the K9 Stray Rescue League, which has been rescuing and rehoming dogs for more than 30 years. “At his school, each month they pick a virtue of the month, and back in September the virtue was charity,” said his mother, Alexandra Peterson. “We had some conversations with Easton about what that meant and how we could show charity and give to our community, and after looking at a couple of different options he decided he wanted to help out the dogs.” The K9 Stray Rescue League primarily takes in dogs from Detroit Animal Care and Control and finds homes for roughly 300 dogs each year. Right now, the nonprofit is caring for about 30 dogs at its shelter and several more in foster homes. Lead evaluator and trainer Kelly Barker said Easton’s act of kindness came as a welcome surprise. “I love when kids get involved and I love, especially a four-year-old, that is going to have such empathy and compassion and an interest in helping dogs at such a young age,” she said. Easton and his family began sharing his project on social media, and the community quickly rallied behind him. So far, he’s raised more than $300 and collected over 30 items from the shelter’s Amazon wishlist — everything from dog food and treats to toys and cleaning supplies. “Any donations, especially since we’re funded strictly by donations, is very helpful and keeps our doors open,” Barker said. For Easton, who has always loved animals, the effort has been pure joy. “He just absolutely loves animals in particular, so it’s so great that the shelter that we’re helping is right here in Oxford,” said his mom. His dad, Chad Peterson, says watching his son’s compassion in action has been inspiring. “It’s beautiful to see that innocence in the world and to see him so excited about it and also carry this forward in his life,” he said. Donations to support Easton’s cause can be made directly through the K9 Stray Rescue League website — proof that even the smallest hands can make a big difference.

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'Tron: Ares' Steers To $33 Million Opening At Domestic Box Office

“This is a solid opening for a character-driven comedy about a fugitive living a double life who falls for a divorced mom,” said David A. Gross, author of the industry newsletter FranchiseRe, noting that comedies of this type typically open around $6.4 million domestically. Holding third was Warner Bros.’ One Battle After Another with $6.67 million, bringing its three-week total to $54 million. Fourth place went to Universal Pictures’ Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie with $3.35 million, followed by Sony’s Soul on Fire at $3 million. Dergarabedian called Gabby’s Dollhouse “an unsung hero of the month,” noting that while its numbers are modest, it has remained steady thanks to family audiences. “It’s a very rare movie, in as much as it’s a G-rated film. Usually it’s PG movies that attract the family audience,” he said. Analysts noted that October has been light on major studio tentpoles, with most blockbuster releases pushed to the final weeks of the year. Upcoming heavy-hitters include Wicked: For Good (Nov. 21), Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (Dec. 5), and Avatar: Fire and Ash (Dec. 19). Until then, Dergarabedian said, audiences will have to dig a little deeper. “Moviegoers have to research and find the movies that really grab them,” he said.

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Thrift Shop Find Could Be Priceless Glasswork of Scottish King

A Scottish antique dealer who picked up a dusty stained glass window at a thrift shop for just $25 believes he may have stumbled upon a priceless piece of medieval history — one possibly linked to King Robert the Bruce himself. Richard Drummond spotted the colorful glass panel while browsing a charity shop in Moffat, Scotland, and was told it had been found in an abandoned local house. After decades of grime were cleaned away, the glass revealed an image of what appears to be a knight, surrounded by a Latin inscription reading “Robert Rex Scotorum” — “Robert, King of the Scots.” “I cleaned it off with a brush, then I could see it said ‘Robert Rex Scotorum,’” said Drummond, 49. “That’s when I thought this was going to be interesting.” Intrigued, he began researching online and consulting experts across Scotland and abroad. Many agreed the craftsmanship suggested it could date as far back as the 14th century, around the time of Robert the Bruce — the Scottish king celebrated for leading his country to independence after victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. “It could be priceless,” Drummond told SWNS. “If this is proven to be of that period, it’s a massive historical find for Scotland.” He noted that the engravings, paintwork, and glass structure convinced a local museum curator that the piece was “hundreds of years old.” Some experts have speculated it might have originated in France and arrived in Scotland through the Knights Templar, while others believe it could have come from a castle once occupied by Robert the Bruce himself. “Which castle that is, I have no idea,” Drummond said. “I’m on a mission to get the artifact dated and find out exactly where it came from.” Drummond and his son Alfie recently appeared on the BBC program The Bidding Room, where the show’s experts confirmed the glass could be up to 700 years old. “Is this something that was made in Scotland or England for Robert the Bruce? Is it part of treasure that left France in 1307? Was it made in memory of him?” Drummond wondered. “It’s medieval art; it’s medieval Scottish history, and in my eyes, it’s just stunning.” He hopes to have the piece authenticated and displayed in a museum if its royal connection is confirmed. “It’s so well preserved, it’s been looked after,” he said. “It’s a piece of history that’s been forgotten about in Moffat.”

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