This Woman Let Her Baby Scribble on the Walls – Now He’s a Talented Artist

Four-year-old Santiago Daniel Peña García, known for his early penchant for scribbling on walls, has developed into a passionate artist who paints daily, creating pieces such as a version of Van Gogh's Starry Night. His mother, Adianée Peña García, encouraged his creativity, believing that stifling his early artistic expressions would have killed his passion for creativity. Santiago spends around 40 minutes a day painting and draws inspiration from books, television, and his mother's artistic pursuits.

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Reese Witherspoon Debuts First Novel, Aims To Inspire Young Women In Medicine

Reese Witherspoon is stepping into the literary spotlight with her first novel, "Gone Before Goodbye," written in collaboration with bestselling author Harlan Coben. The book, a thriller about Army combat surgeon Maggie McCabe, hits shelves today. During a panel discussion called "Inside the Writers' Room: Mastering Fearless Storytelling" on October 11 in Los Angeles, Witherspoon shared her motivations behind the project. She expressed hope that her new protagonist might inspire young women to pursue medical careers, similar to how Elle Woods from her "Legally Blonde" films encouraged many to consider law school. In the panel, part of Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine event named Shine Away, she explained why she’s not overly concerned about critical reception. "I'm less worried about critics," she said. "I really don't care about their thoughts, feelings or opinions because half of the stuff I've done is not well reviewed. But it means something." Her goal for the book is clear. "My biggest goal for this book is to make as many little girls as possible want to be surgeons as Elle Woods did for lawyers," she stated. Witherspoon reflected on the challenges of coauthoring a novel despite having a solid idea during the pandemic. She realized early on that she needed a partner who excelled at storytelling in novel form. Enter Harlan Coben. Initially hesitant about collaborating on novels, Coben was intrigued after hearing Witherspoon’s concept. He recalled his initial reaction: "Oh damn, that's good." The partnership resulted in a finished book and an audiobook featuring Witherspoon as Maggie McCabe alongside actor Chris Pine. Drawing inspiration from family ties in medicine, Witherspoon shared personal stories from her childhood on military bases surrounded by medical professionals—her father was a surgeon in the U.S. Army and her mother was a nurse. "Gone Before Goodbye" promises intrigue and suspense with its release just around the corner and is currently available for preorder everywhere books are sold.

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Scientists are Turning Coffee And Plastic Waste Into Eco-Friendly Carbon Capture Technology

What starts as a cup of coffee and a discarded plastic bottle could soon become a weapon against climate change. Scientists in the United Arab Emirates have patented a new technology that transforms used coffee grounds and plastic waste into a carbon-capturing material capable of trapping industrial CO₂ emissions before they reach the atmosphere. The process, developed by researchers at the University of Sharjah, blends spent coffee grounds with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) — the same plastic used in water bottles — and potassium hydroxide, a strong alkaline compound. When heated to around 600°C, the mixture produces a form of activated carbon with a high capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. “What begins with a Starbucks coffee cup and a discarded plastic water bottle can become a powerful tool in the fight against climate change,” said study leader Dr. Haif Aljomard. She called the breakthrough a “waste-to-resource” solution that is both sustainable and cost-effective. Globally, about eight million tons of coffee grounds are thrown away each year, often ending up in landfills where they emit methane and other greenhouse gases. PET plastic, meanwhile, is one of the most common sources of non-biodegradable waste. By repurposing both materials, the new method not only prevents further pollution but also creates a product that actively helps reduce emissions. “This invention repurposes two abundant waste streams — coffee and plastic — into a high-performance adsorbent,” Aljomard said. “The resulting activated carbon shows strong potential for capturing CO₂ from fossil fuel-based energy systems, contributing to the reduction of air pollution.” The patent, filed in March and published in August, outlines a detailed process for producing the activated carbon through chemical activation. Potassium hydroxide enhances the carbon’s surface area and pore structure, increasing its ability to trap gas molecules. According to co-inventor Professor Chaouki Ghenai, the innovation could have “wide-ranging potential” across industries, from gas purification and power generation to water filtration, wastewater treatment, and even swimming pool maintenance. “Transforming spent coffee grounds and plastic waste into high-quality activated carbon offers economic, social, and environmental benefits,” Ghenai said. “Through carbonisation and chemical activation, we eliminate the need to landfill these materials, protecting the environment from their harmful effects.” The researchers believe the technology represents a significant step toward cleaner industrial practices — and a reminder that the everyday waste in our kitchens and recycling bins could help tackle one of the world’s biggest challenges.

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Muppet Lookalike Chicks Just Hatched At Sanctuary in Australia

A pair of fuzzy, wide-eyed Tawny Frogmouth chicks — birds so comical they’re often compared to Muppets — have hatched at Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia. The two new arrivals are the fourth clutch for devoted parents Tiny and Kermit, who welcomed their chicks just three days apart in September. Keeper Louise Tegg says the pair has settled right back into parenting mode. “Kermit does the bulk of the work during the day,” Tegg explained. “He will sit on the nest, feeding those chicks regularly, and then mom will swap in to take care of the chicks in the afternoon. Then they do regular changeovers at night.” While the bird couple’s teamwork has impressed keepers, sanctuary staff have still had to pitch in. “Tawny Frogmouths are not the most amazing nest builders,” Tegg admitted. “They tend to just throw a few sticks together in a crosshatch and hope for the best. So, we’ve reinforced the nest to keep the chicks nice and safe.” Tiny and Kermit are keeping their fast-growing offspring well-fed with a steady diet of mealworms, cockroaches, and even the occasional Huntsman spider. Regular weight checks help ensure the chicks are developing properly and that their feathers are coming in strong. Known for their perpetually grumpy expressions, Tawny Frogmouths are often mistaken for owls because of their nocturnal habits and camouflage coloring. In reality, they belong to the nightjar family. For now, the chicks are thriving — fuzzy, bug-fed, and already charming everyone who sees them. At Healesville Sanctuary, it seems the next generation of these endearing “feather dusters” is off to a strong start.

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Florida's Leatherback Sea Turtles Rebound To Record High After Devastating Hurricane Season

After a year marked by destruction and loss, Florida’s sea turtles are making a strong recovery — and setting new records in the process. In 2024, experts predicted a record-breaking nesting season across Florida’s coasts, with the state poised to surpass 2023’s total of 200,000 nests, the highest count since 1989. But then came an unrelenting series of storms. Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton slammed into the state within two months, flattening beaches and washing away countless nests. Helene alone became the second-deadliest hurricane in 50 years. “It’s a big shock to see a beach go from dunes, with sea oats and sea grapes and other dune plants, to just a flat piece of sand,” said Kristen Mazzarella, turtle watch director of Anna Maria Island. The 15-foot storm surges transformed nesting beaches overnight, devastating fragile turtle habitats. Now, a year later, the tides are finally turning. According to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), green turtles laid more than 61,700 nests this season — the second-highest total ever recorded in the state. “Green turtles had a strong August, bringing the season total to 61,708 nests,” the institute shared. “While still behind the record 72,982 nests set in 2023, this is the second-highest green turtle total on record for Florida.” Leatherback turtles, meanwhile, are having their best year yet. “Leatherbacks have now reached 2,021 nests statewide, officially extending their record set last month,” FWRI reported. “2025 will be remembered as Florida’s top leatherback year to date!” There was even a rare sighting of 10 Kemp’s Ridley nests — a hopeful sign for the world’s most endangered sea turtle species. Still, conservationists caution that record nest counts don’t guarantee survival. “You can have as many nests laid as you want,” said biologist Jack Brzoza of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. “If none of them hatch, that’s really not contributing much.” Even so, the numbers reflect broader progress. In late 2025, green sea turtles were officially reclassified from “endangered” to “least concern” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — a milestone decades in the making. Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, executive director of research at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, said today’s success stems from long-term conservation work. “[Record sea turtle nesting] is likely a consequence of conservation actions that were put in place 30 years ago,” he told WUFT. Those actions include beach cleanups, light pollution controls, and habitat restoration — all measures that, Powell said, benefit both wildlife and humans. “I don’t know of any renourishment projects of beaches that are done just for turtles,” he said. “What’s good for the animals, what’s good for the habitat, ends up also being good for us.” After years of storms, setbacks, and recovery, Florida’s beaches are once again teeming with new life — and the quiet, determined return of sea turtles may be the most hopeful sign yet.

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Good Gord: This California Engineer Won a Pumpkin Contest With His 2,346-Pound Gourd

A California engineer and gardening enthusiast has claimed top honors at this year’s World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay after growing a pumpkin that weighed nearly as much as a small car. Brandon Dawson, of Santa Rosa, took home the title — and a $20,000 prize — on Monday after his giant gourd tipped the scales at 2,346 pounds (1,064 kilograms). The win came a year after Dawson narrowly missed first place by just 6 pounds. “My mind is kind of racing because I was in this position last year when I lost by 6 pounds,” Dawson said after his victory, celebrating by pumping his fists and seating his two young children atop the colossal pumpkin. Dawson, who works as a manufacturing engineer at electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive, credits his professional skills for helping him master the fine details of pumpkin growing. “Precision skills acquired at my job helped me with the right watering and sunlight,” he said. He’s been growing massive pumpkins for five years, turning it into a family affair with his 2-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. “We like to spend time out in the patch and watch the thing grow,” Dawson said. “My 4-year-old now can really pay attention to the growing process,” especially since the pumpkins can gain 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms) a day. Last year, Dawson finished second to Minnesota horticulture teacher Travis Gienger, whose 2,471-pound pumpkin won the 2023 contest. Gienger also set a world record later that year with a 2,749-pound gourd, but damage to his pumpkin this season kept him out of the competition. While Dawson now holds the Half Moon Bay crown, the global title belongs to two brothers in England, who earlier this month broke Gienger’s record with a pumpkin weighing 2,819 pounds (1,278 kilograms). For Dawson, though, the win is more than just numbers on a scale. It’s a family ritual — one that starts in a backyard patch and ends with a pumpkin big enough to need its own zip code.

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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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