The First Images From The James Webb Telescope Are Here

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured its first starlight. But it's not yet sending home the kind of breathtaking vistas of the cosmos that astronomers hope to unveil this summer. So far there's no sign of any major flaw, like the one that troubled the Hubble Space Telescope.

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Karate Student From Massachusetts High School Helps Veterans In Need

In Duxbury, Massachusetts, one high school senior is quietly proving that strength doesn’t always come with noise. Seventeen-year-old Sophia Bethoney has been training in Uechi-Ryu karate since she was six years old. Her instructor — and relative — Bob Bethoney, better known in the dojo as Sensei Bob, remembers her as a quiet but determined student. “If Sophia said more than three words in the whole six years that she trained with me, she’s so quiet, but she was just an incredible fighter,” he said. Sophia, now a red belt, says karate taught her far more than how to throw a punch. “You have to be really focused when you’re doing all this. It’s not just kick or punch the bag. You have to really set your mind to it, and just go for it,” she said. “I definitely try to keep an open mind and have a growth mentality because it’s OK to make mistakes or not know how to do something the first time. But as long as you’re open and willing to learn, that’s most important.” Her sensei agrees. “Karate teaches you a way of life, and the way of life is the humility, the caring, the thing that’s most important — and the number one is respect,” said Bob Bethoney. That lesson in respect and discipline has carried over into every part of Sophia’s life, especially her newest project — designing and building a home for a veteran experiencing homelessness. Sophia grew up around construction, helping out with her family’s building company. “When I was about six years old, I started pushing brooms at the job sites for my family’s construction company,” she said. “And over time, I really got into the marketing and design aspects that really take place.” After school, she often transforms her family’s dining room into a design studio, sketching plans for accessory dwelling units, or ADUs — small, self-contained homes often built in backyards. “I am really excited to see how each project turns out because it’s really cool to have something in your mind and then just to see it in person, it’s just unreal,” she said. Her latest vision goes beyond design: she wants to build an ADU for a veteran in need, using entirely donated materials and labor. “We’re looking to do a 100% donated labor and materials ADU because we want to honor them and thank them for their service,” said Bethoney. The project is still in its early stages, but she hopes to finish it before she graduates high school. It’s a goal that perfectly combines her two passions — building things and helping people. Between organizing ice cream socials for local seniors and planning construction projects, Sophia is driven by the same philosophy that guides her in karate: humility, focus, and service. “If I could just inspire at least one person to go and do something to change the world like I’m trying to,” she said, “then my job is, like, that’s all I’m looking for — just to change the world.”

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Golden Retriever Finds New Purpose As 'Superstar' Disaster Search Dog After Rescue Surrender

Cam the golden retriever was once just a high-energy rescue in need of a new home. Now, he’s saving lives as a trained disaster search dog. Cam’s journey began when his former owner, unable to care for him due to illness, contacted Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (DVGRR) for help rehoming the dog. Rescue staff quickly noticed his boundless energy and enthusiasm — traits that made them think he might thrive in a working role. They reached out to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) to see if Cam might qualify for their elite training program. SDF agreed to take him in, and with support from the Rachael Ray Foundation’s Rescue Brigade program, Cam began his new path. The program, created through the foundation, helps rescue dogs train to become certified disaster search dogs. “The goal is to turn ‘rescues’ into ‘rockstars’ — dogs who go on to save lives and bring hope in times of need,” said Rachael Ray, 57. “The Rachael Ray Foundation supports the program with funding and resources, ensuring these amazing animals receive the training they need to shine.” From the start, Cam showed exceptional promise. Trainers noted his confidence on rough terrain, eagerness to learn new tasks, and determination to finish every challenge. After months of training, he officially graduated in July and was paired with firefighter Brock Bybee of Oklahoma Task Force 1. “Cam is a total superstar!” Ray said. “His story proves that rescue dogs are full of love, grit, and endless possibilities—they just need the right chance.” Bybee agrees. “Cam is a good disaster response dog because he has a very high drive,” he said. “He will work until he can’t physically work anymore. Cam has more energy than I’ve ever seen in another dog, which is exactly why the Search Dog Foundation chose him.” Together, the pair now responds to natural disasters, building collapses, and missing persons reports, where Cam’s training could mean the difference between life and death. Off duty, he enjoys life at home with Bybee’s family. “While he’s a working dog, he is a member of our family and gets to just be a dog when he’s not working,” Bybee said. The firefighter also hopes Cam’s story reminds people how important these animals are. “We need these dogs to save lives,” he said. “If the human nose could smell live human scent, we wouldn’t need these dogs. But we do.” For Cam, the journey from rescue to hero has come full circle — a second chance that now helps others get theirs.

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This Powerball Winner is Using His $2B Winnings To Rebuild Homes Destroyed In L.A. Fires

Edwin Castro, the California man who won a record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in 2022, is putting some of his winnings toward rebuilding his old neighborhood. Castro, 33, bought the winning ticket at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, a Los Angeles County community that was devastated earlier this year by the Eaton Fire. The January blaze, which coincided with the Palisades Fire, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and killed at least 31 people, according to The Wall Street Journal. Altadena alone lost around 9,000 homes. Now, Castro says he’s using his fortune to help families return. “This is for a family that wants to move in,” he told the Journal about one of the properties he purchased in the area. “Those are the people that need to be looked out for right now.” While real estate investors have rushed to buy up fire-damaged lots for redevelopment, many Altadena residents worry that outsiders could price locals out or erase the town’s character. A community petition to block investor purchases has already gathered nearly 1,500 signatures. Castro, however, says his goal is different. The former Altadena resident, whose father worked in construction, says he plans to rebuild homes that respect the neighborhood’s original look and feel. “The profit margin doesn’t need to be egregious. But I’m not building these homes just to give them away,” he said. As an architecture consultant, Castro says he intends to honor the area’s craftsman-style design and sell the new homes at reasonable prices to families planning to settle down, not investors looking to rent them out. “I want it to feel like the old neighborhood,” he said. “Like if you put all those houses pre-fire in a time bubble.” Castro also drew inspiration from his father’s past work, recalling how he once helped build the Getty Museum in Malibu. “He’d be like, ‘I built that building. I worked on that. I’m working on that,’” Castro said, adding that he wants to carry that same pride into his own projects. In a twist of fate, Joe’s Service Center — the gas station where Castro bought his life-changing ticket — was one of the few structures to survive the Eaton Fire. Now, the Powerball winner is using his luck to help restore what his neighbors lost.

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Cows Groove To Live Jazz Performance At This Open Farm For Some Relaxation

At Smithills Open Farm near Bolton, a herd of dairy cows enjoyed a rather unusual treat — a live jazz concert. After noticing that the animals seemed to enjoy jazz music played over the farm’s loudspeakers, staff decided to invite local band Dixie Beats to perform for them in person. “They’ve been a captive audience, because they couldn’t get away from us, but they seemed to like it,” joked band leader John Percival. Percival said the cows appeared to have a clear preference in tunes. “They like a lively number, but not played too loud, so they’re obviously a very selective audience,” he said. The performance went off without a hitch — though a few curious cows got a bit too close to the action. “One or two of them even had a taste of my trumpet,” Percival laughed. “So that’ll need a good clean when I get home.” The farm’s experiment was a hit with both the cows and the musicians, proving that sometimes, even a jazz set can find a moo-ving audience.

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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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