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Politics Is Getting More Dangerous, Here's How to Tone It Down
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has brought attention to the rise in political violence and support for it in the United States. Acts of stochastic terrorism have increased, with threats against lawmakers growing ten-fold since 2016. Research shows that aggression, intense partisan identity, disinformation, depression, and stress are key factors contributing to this trend. To prevent further violence, experts suggest focusing on reducing aggression, promoting civility and humanity towards others, and avoiding violent rhetoric from leaders.
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New Study Reveals Human Heart Tissue Can Regenerate After A Heart Attack
For decades, it’s been widely accepted that the human heart can’t repair itself after a heart attack. Unlike other tissues in the body, damaged heart muscle was believed to be lost for good—replaced with scar tissue that can’t beat or pump blood. But new research out of Australia is challenging that long-held assumption. Scientists at the University of Sydney have now found that human heart muscle cells, known as cardiomyocytes, do in fact show signs of regeneration after a heart attack. “Our research shows that while the heart is left scarred after a heart attack, it produces new muscle cells, which opens up new possibilities,” said cardiologist Robert Hume, the study’s first author. The study, published in Circulation Research, looked at living human heart tissue from two sources: an entire donated heart from a brain-dead individual, and tissue samples taken during bypass surgery from other patients. The team analyzed RNA (the molecules that help cells build proteins), as well as proteins and metabolic activity in the samples. They found clear signs that, even after damage from a heart attack, human cardiomyocytes can divide—something previously seen mostly in mice, which are known to have partial heart regeneration abilities. In humans, this cell division had been assumed to be too limited to make any meaningful difference. “This new discovery of regrowing muscle cells is exciting,” said Hume. “But it isn’t enough to prevent the devastating effects of a heart attack. Therefore, in time, we hope to develop therapies that can amplify the heart’s natural ability to produce new cells and regenerate the heart after an attack.” Currently, when oxygen flow is cut off during a heart attack, it kills parts of the heart muscle. The body responds by creating inelastic scar tissue. While that might keep the organ structurally intact, it also reduces its pumping efficiency—raising the risk of further heart damage and failure. Hume’s team also studied the cellular environment in the damaged areas of the heart, identifying specific genes, proteins, and metabolites that appear to trigger cell division. These findings line up with similar regenerative mechanisms observed in rodent models. The next step is finding ways to boost this natural response. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, and any breakthrough in regenerative therapy could transform treatment for millions of people. While this study doesn’t offer an immediate solution, it suggests that the heart may be more capable of healing itself than previously thought—and that medicine may just need to give it a little extra push.
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Medieval Treasure Found in School Library: Only Complete Copy of 14th-Century Spiritual Text Found
A quiet school library in England has been holding a literary treasure for more than 400 years—without anyone fully realizing its worth. Shrewsbury School recently confirmed that a manuscript in its Ancient Library is the only surviving complete version of Emendatio vitae (The Emending of Life), written by the influential 14th-century English hermit and theologian Richard Rolle. The revelation came after medieval literature specialist Dr. Timothy Glover, working at the University of Cambridge, identified the text as Rolle’s full original. Although more than 120 abridged versions of the work have circulated over the centuries, the Shrewsbury copy is now confirmed to be the only one preserving the complete, unedited manuscript. Glover, who described the discovery as “priceless,” said he was likely “the only person since the Middle Ages to have read [the book]” knowing it was Rolle’s original. The find offers rare insight into early Christian spirituality and English literary development. “This is important because it offers a direct connection with an author who deserves far greater recognition,” said Glover. Originally gifted to Shrewsbury School in 1607, the manuscript has remained in the school’s care ever since. According to the University of Cambridge, the text gives “unique insights into how Rolle worked, disseminated his writing and who his initial reader was.” Rolle, who lived in Yorkshire and died in 1349, was one of the most prolific English writers of the medieval period. Over 650 manuscripts of his works survive, but none until now had been confirmed to preserve Emendatio vitae in its entirety. The book outlines Rolle’s spiritual path in 12 stages, beginning with a turn away from worldly matters and towards divine contemplation. He also offers guidance on prayer, meditation, virtue, and resisting sin—typical of the Christian devotional literature of his time, but unusually personal in tone. Shrewsbury headmaster Leo Winkley called it an “extraordinary discovery.” “We are honoured to be the custodians of the original and only surviving complete version of Richard Rolle's Emendatio vitae,” he said. For a text that had quietly sat on a shelf for centuries, it’s a remarkable return to the spotlight for one of medieval England’s most significant voices.
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Score (98)
This Figure Skating-STEM School Empowers Girls Of Color As Changemakers
In a neighborhood where ice rinks are few and figure skaters even fewer, one organization is making sure girls of color in Harlem get their shot at lacing up skates and taking to the ice — without having to break the bank. Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH) is a nonprofit that offers subsidized skating lessons to girls who are typically underrepresented in the sport. But this isn’t just about jumps and spins. The program also includes academic tutoring, leadership training, college and career prep, and a focus on social-emotional learning. And it's been doing it for nearly 30 years. “Our students live in the real world, and at FSH, they are changemakers,” said founder and CEO Sharon Cohen in an interview with Beyond Sport. “They are encouraged to use their voices effectively and to persuasively fight injustices; simply by participating in a predominantly white sport, they are on the vanguard of equity issues.” While the cost of gear, ice time, and coaching keeps many families out of figure skating, FSH is working to remove those barriers with a sliding scale for tuition. The group also creates space for activism and civic engagement, helping girls connect what they do on the ice with the world around them. For almost two decades, FSH has hosted competitive synchronized skating events, creating an environment where girls can compete, grow, and lead — all within a sport that hasn’t historically reflected their identities or experiences. The impact is measurable. According to the organization, 84 percent of students move up a skating test level, while 90 percent improve their STEM knowledge through the program. Beyond numbers, families say the transformation goes much deeper. “FHS is the best program for the young ladies of Harlem,” said Allison Neal Springett, a parent. “Self-esteem building, team building, and social awareness — the opportunity afforded [to] them is amazing.” The students' stories even made it to the screen in Harlem Ice, a five-part docuseries on Disney+, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the sport is being reimagined through the lens of equity and inclusion. In Harlem, skating isn’t just a sport. It’s a tool for empowerment — and a path toward leadership, confidence, and lasting change.
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How a Toronto Community Rallied to Save This Beloved Mall Cobbler’s Business
For more than two decades, Alazar Beyene has quietly mended soles and stitched zippers in the back corner of Toronto’s Dufferin Mall. His shop, Moneysworth and Best Quality Shoe Repair, isn’t flashy. But for many in the west-end neighborhood, it’s been a small haven of honesty and craftsmanship. Then, last month, it all nearly unraveled. Beyene’s industrial patching machine—a core piece of equipment in his cobbling business—broke down. At more than 50 years old, it was irreplaceable. The Montreal-based company that built it no longer services machines that old, and a new one would cost close to $10,000. “This (machine) is my right hand,” Beyene told CTV News Toronto. “If I have a broken strap on a bag, if I need to change zippers on boots, or put elastics on sandals, it all needs stitching.” Without it, the Eritrean-born immigrant couldn’t offer many of the repairs that kept his shop running. He pivoted to focus on key cutting instead. But loyal customers weren’t ready to let him go. Marsha Shandur was one of them. “I came in to get my zipper fixed and he told me he couldn’t,” said Shandur, who’s been bringing items to Beyene for years. “Then he told me it would cost $10,000 to fix. I told him I wished I had $10,000 to give him.” Instead, she launched a GoFundMe. “We’re in the Dufferin Mall, a sea of multi-billion dollar international companies,” she said. “So I thought, maybe the community might help.” And they did—fast. In less than a month, the online fundraiser brought in nearly the full amount needed to source a replacement. A new patching machine is already on order from Germany. The outpouring surprised even Beyene, who was initially skeptical of the whole thing. When Shandur first proposed the fundraiser, he asked her if it was even legal. What followed was a wave of generosity that extended far beyond Dufferin Mall. Donations came in from across Canada and even as far as Texas, California, and Thailand. “The love and support they showed me—I understand how much they appreciate my service,” Beyene said. For Shandur, the response has been a needed reminder of what community can look like. “It’s very easy to feel depressed right now,” she said. “Depressed about the way people are treating each other. But something like this shows that people are still willing to help a stranger because there is good. There’s still humanity left. There’s still empathy. We still care about each other.” Part of what’s made Beyene’s shop so valued is his honesty. Shandur recalled a time she brought in a pair of shoes for repair. Beyene wouldn’t take her money. “He told me he wouldn’t fix them because the mend wouldn’t last,” she said. “I took them somewhere else and they mended it for $30, but it broke in one week.” Now, with the new machine on its way, Beyene’s business is poised to return to full strength. And any donations raised above the goal won’t go to waste. He and Shandur plan to donate the extra funds to the Maquila Solidarity Network, a Canadian organization that supports workers’ rights in the global garment and footwear industries. For Beyene, it’s a way to give back—one stitch at a time.
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Can Elephants Reveal The Secret To Amazing Coffee?
The secret behind the smooth, chocolatey flavor of Black Ivory coffee may lie in one unlikely place: elephant poop. A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that the unique taste of Black Ivory coffee could be shaped by the gut bacteria of Asian elephants. Researchers in Japan found that specific microbes in the elephants’ digestive systems break down bitter compounds found in coffee beans—essentially pre-processing them before they’re ever roasted. Black Ivory coffee is among the rarest and most expensive coffees in the world. Produced exclusively at a sanctuary in Thailand, it’s made by feeding elephants unprocessed coffee cherries. The beans are later collected from their feces, cleaned, and roasted. It might sound unappetizing, but the flavor is renowned. Compared to kopi luwak—another high-end coffee produced using civets—Black Ivory is considered smoother and less bitter. And now scientists think they know why. “Our previous study revealed that Gluconobacter was the dominant genus in the gut of civet cats, and it may produce volatile compounds from the coffee beans, suggesting that microbial metabolism contributes to the coffee aroma,” said genomicist Takuji Yamada of the Institute of Science Tokyo. “These findings raised the question of whether the gut microbiome of elephants similarly influences the flavor of Black Ivory coffee.” To explore the idea, Yamada and his colleagues collected fecal samples from six elephants at the Thai sanctuary—three that had been fed the coffee cherries and three that hadn’t. Aside from the addition of bananas, rice bran, and coffee cherries to the “coffee group,” the animals’ diets were identical. When they analyzed the samples, the researchers found that the coffee-eating elephants had higher levels of gut microbes capable of breaking down cellulose and pectin—plant compounds that contribute to coffee’s bitterness when roasted. Some of these bacteria were completely absent from the control group. Coffee's bitterness partly comes from compounds released when pectin and cellulose break down during roasting. A 2018 study found that Black Ivory beans have significantly less of one of these bitter compounds, 2-furfuryl furan, than typical roasted beans. The new study suggests the microbes in elephant guts may be stripping away those bitterness-producing compounds before roasting ever begins. To test whether this microbial mix is unique to elephants, the researchers compared the samples with existing data from the gut microbiomes of cattle, pigs, and chickens. While some bacteria overlapped, only the elephants had the full set of microbes needed to break down both cellulose and pectin effectively. “Our findings may highlight a potential molecular mechanism by which the gut microbiota of Black Ivory coffee elephants contributes to the flavor of Black Ivory coffee,” Yamada said. The next step? Testing the beans themselves. Researchers want to conduct a biochemical analysis of the coffee beans before and after they pass through the elephant’s digestive tract to confirm the gut microbes’ exact role in shaping the final flavor. For now, the idea that the most luxurious cup of coffee on Earth may owe its rich, mellow taste to the digestive enzymes of an elephant is more than just a quirky fact—it could be a microbial marvel.
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This Region Topped England’s Treasure Charts as a Record Number of Finds Were Unearthed
More treasure was discovered in Norfolk than anywhere else in England last year, according to new figures released by the British Museum. Metal detectorists in the county reported 138 items officially classed as treasure in 2024, putting Norfolk ahead of Hampshire (110) and North Yorkshire (109). When all archaeological finds are counted—not just treasure—Norfolk again topped the list with more than 7,120 discoveries. Dr Helen Geake, the county’s finds liaison officer, said Norfolk’s consistent success comes down to “a combination of factors.” “It’s the agricultural land, we’ve got a big treasure team in Norfolk, and we’ve got loads and loads of detectorists,” she explained. “It was also a rich county before the Industrial Revolution, going back years. We’ve been rich since the beginning, and a lot of rich people are careless; they’re less likely to look for the stuff they’ve lost.” Other counties with high find counts included Suffolk (5,410), Lincolnshire (5,133), and Gloucestershire (5,034). The British Museum said over 92% of objects were recovered from cultivated land, where archaeological materials are especially vulnerable to damage from farming. Among the standout items recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme in 2024 was a Roman copper-alloy vehicle fitting discovered near Harlow, Essex. Dating from between AD 43 and 200, the intricately designed artefact depicts a female panther with its paws on a severed head. Archaeologist Dr John Pearce from King's College London said “there is nothing quite like it in Romano-Britain.” “It was probably attached to the body of a carriage or to the yoke, which hitched draught animals to the vehicle,” added Lori Rogerson, Essex’s finds liaison officer. “The Harlow fitting will quickly become one of Essex’s most iconic archaeological objects.” The item was declared treasure under new rules introduced to the Treasure Act 1996, which now allows for historically significant items to qualify, even if they don’t meet traditional thresholds for age or material. Another rare discovery came near York, where a hoard of 179 silver pennies from the reign of Harold II was found. Experts believe the coins were buried just before the Battle of Fulford in 1066, when Norwegian forces briefly captured York. The museum described the hoard as “exceptional” because it only contains coins from Harold’s brief reign, which lasted from 6 January to 14 October that year. Wiltshire also yielded some early medieval finds that may be linked to a high-status burial. The objects include gold rings, ornate metalwork, and a bird’s-head terminal made from silver, gold, garnet, and elephant ivory. Cardiff University will lead a follow-up excavation with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in the coming months. One of Norfolk’s more unusual treasures was a pierced gold coin, thought to have been worn as a pendant. It’s an imitation of a coin struck for Louis the Pious, the Frankish king and Holy Roman Emperor between AD 814 and 840. Geake said researchers had assumed such coins were made by Frisians, but growing evidence suggests they may actually be Viking in origin. “We tend to feel Vikings are violent barbarians and not likely to imitate beautiful, civilised European coins,” she said. “But they are highly experienced in precious metals and have an eye for beautiful objects as they pillage them.” In total, 79,616 finds were recorded in 2024—a sharp rise from 74,506 the year before and 53,490 in 2022. Metal detectorists continue to account for 94% of all reported discoveries. Ian Richardson, acting head of portable antiquities and treasure at the British Museum, called the increase “a testament to the dedication of finders across the country.” “Their responsible reporting allows us to build a richer and more detailed picture of life in the past, while ensuring that important objects are preserved for public benefit,” he said. Culture Minister Baroness Twycross praised the network of finders, landowners, museums, and researchers involved in the process. “Thanks to the finders, landowners, museums and everyone involved in the treasure process, we have the rare opportunity to display these treasures to educate and inspire future generations to come,” she said.
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Navy Rescue Swimmer Saves Woman from Sinking Car During Virginia Beach Lunch Outing
What started as an ordinary Friday lunch turned into a dramatic rescue at a Virginia Beach restaurant, when a car plunged into the water just outside. Jeremy Way, an aviation rescue swimmer in the U.S. Navy, was eating at Bubba’s on Shore Drive when he heard a loud crash followed by an unusually large splash against the restaurant windows. “Sitting here having lunch, and there’s a large splash against the windows, that was way higher than it should’ve been,” Way said. A car had driven off the nearby boat ramp and into the water. Realizing someone was still inside the sinking SUV, Way didn’t hesitate. Despite the frigid weather — the air temperature was around -2°C — he dove in. “I knew it was going to be cold,” he said. “I just dove right in.” Once he reached the vehicle, he found the driver trapped and in a panic. She refused to unlock the doors as the SUV continued to fill with water. Others on the scene tried to break the windows while Way kept talking to the woman, urging her to stay calm. Eventually, as the vehicle slipped completely underwater, they managed to get her out. “She finally came out, and I did what I’ve always been taught — rescue swimmer techniques — and swam her toward safety,” Way said. Dan Baker, a manager at Bubba’s, watched the rescue unfold. “The car started to sink, and then two of these guys, these citizens, heroines, just lifted this person out of the water as the car was gone,” he said. “I mean, they just lifted this person out of the water. It was crazy. It was surreal.” All three people involved — the driver and two Good Samaritans — were taken to hospital for treatment. None of the injuries were considered serious, according to police. Way believes it was no coincidence he happened to be there. “I came out to get some lunch,” he said. “I’m an aviation rescue swimmer. I was here for a reason. ‘So others may live’ — it’s our motto.”
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Councillor with MND Uses AI to Speak Again in His Own Voice
A councillor in Sevenoaks who lost his ability to speak due to motor neurone disease is now using artificial intelligence to speak again — in his own voice. Nick Varley, who represents Kippington on both the district and town councils, was diagnosed with MND in November 2024. The disease, which affects how nerves in the brain and spinal cord control muscles, often starts with subtle symptoms. In Varley’s case, it began with his speech. “It was nine months after I first noticed at a council meeting that my voice was sounding ever so slightly odd, a tiny bit slurred,” he said. Since then, his condition has progressed. The type of MND he has starts in the mouth and throat before affecting other parts of the body. Now 58, Varley describes feeling a “terrible shock and fear” after receiving the diagnosis. But shortly after, he made a decision that would change his ability to communicate. Varley recorded samples of his voice, which were then used to train an AI model to reproduce it. The voice-cloning technology was developed through a collaboration between the MND Association and California-based tech firm 11Labs. The result is a remarkably accurate digital version of his voice that he can use to speak in real time. “It can be very emotional because your voice is such a big part of you, and no one wants it to sound like Stephen Hawking did,” Varley said. On 13 January, he used the AI voice publicly for the first time, asking a question at a Sevenoaks District Council cabinet meeting. “It’s amazing because when you get your diagnosis, part of you thinks, ‘my life is over’,” he said. “And being able to still work, still talk, and still participate is amazing.” Varley, a former journalist, hasn’t let his diagnosis stop him from being active. Since going public with his condition, he’s been raising money for MND-related charities. He participated in the 2025 Moonlight Walk organised by Hospice in the Weald, which has been supporting him since his diagnosis, and raised over £11,000. In December, he completed a charity run in Leeds, bringing in another £10,000. Through it all, the AI voice has given him not just the ability to speak, but a way to keep being himself.
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Meet the NASA Engineer Helping Astronauts Walk on the Moon Again
For Jaclyn Kagey, helping astronauts prepare to walk on the Moon isn’t some far-off dream — it’s her daily job. As the extravehicular activity (EVA) lead for Artemis III in NASA’s Flight Operations Directorate, Kagey is responsible for shaping how astronauts will carry out spacewalks when they return to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years. That includes building detailed timelines, planning scientific tasks, coordinating with commercial partners, and supporting real-time operations — all while keeping astronauts safe. It’s a high-stakes role, and one that will help define how humans explore the Moon’s south polar region, a place no person has ever set foot. “My mission is to shape this historic endeavor by working closely with scientists and industry partners to define lunar surface activities,” said Kagey. “We are setting the standard for humanity’s return to the Moon.” Kagey has spent over 25 years working across some of NASA’s most complex human spaceflight programs. Her path started at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where watching space shuttle launches inspired her to pursue a career in human spaceflight. That dream became reality through United Space Alliance, where she and her husband both got their start as contractors. Since then, she’s helped plan and execute seven spacewalks. One that stands out in her memory is U.S. EVA 21 — a high-pressure mission to fix a critical ammonia leak aboard the International Space Station. “We had just 36 hours to plan, prepare the spacesuits, and execute the repair,” Kagey recalled. “The agility, dedication, and teamwork shown during that operation were remarkable. It demonstrated what this team can accomplish under pressure.” That kind of problem-solving has become second nature. "You have to be flexible," she said. "Things rarely go exactly as planned, and your job is to respond in a way that keeps the crew safe and the mission moving forward." She’s also learned the importance of knowing when to push and when to pause. “There are times when the mission requires everything you have,” she said. “And there are times when you have to step back. Learning when to do each is critical.” Kagey’s influence isn’t limited to mission planning — she’s also helping shape the future of spacesuit design. As someone on the shorter side, Kagey once couldn’t complete a full test in NASA’s older Extravehicular Mobility Unit. Although she passed the initial fit check, the suit’s proportions were too large to allow her to move effectively during testing. That experience led her to push for more inclusive suit designs that accommodate a wider range of body types. That effort came full circle when she recently tested Axiom Space’s new lunar spacesuit — the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or AxEMU — on NASA’s gravity offload system in Houston. “It’s exciting to literally fit into the future of spacewalks!” she said. With Artemis III, NASA is aiming to land astronauts near the Moon’s south pole using a commercial lander and conduct groundbreaking science on the surface. The mission is not only a return to the Moon, but also a proving ground for future exploration — and Kagey’s work will help make it possible. From planning critical repairs on the ISS to preparing for the first Moonwalk in decades, Kagey’s career is a reminder of the human effort behind every mission. She may not be walking on the Moon herself, but she’s making sure others can — safely, efficiently, and with a suit that finally fits.
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Bronze Statue To Honor Celebrity Cat Susie In Dorchester
She’s wandered through pubs, lounged in supermarkets, and charmed thousands along the way. Now Susie the cat, Dorchester’s most famous feline, is getting a statue in her honour. An anonymous donor has proposed a bronze sculpture of the adventurous cat, who has built a global fan base simply by strolling through the Dorset town like she owns it. If planning permission is approved, the statue will be installed in South Street and sculpted by Weymouth artist Ama Menec. Susie moved to Dorchester in 2023 with Linda and Michael Crow, who came to stay with their daughter Jenny Graves. Not long after, locals began spotting Susie all over town and calling in concerned that she was lost. That’s when Graves updated her collar to read: "Susie – Not lost, just adventurous." She hasn’t stopped exploring since. The Facebook group dedicated to Susie now has more than 11,000 members, who regularly post sightings of her tucked into shops, pubs, and even high-rise flats. Her owner, Jenny Graves, a hospital consultant, says Susie has unexpectedly brought people together. “We have people from all over the world following her so it's been a nice thing,” Graves said. “I get at least two patients in every clinic who mention her. I really like it – it's allowed me to meet all sorts of people who I would not have otherwise met.” The proposed statue will depict Susie wearing a Roman-style collar made of glass beads, with a Roman tile beneath her paws—an artistic nod to the town’s ancient roots. A similar tile with cat paw prints was found in nearby Gloucester, dating back to the Roman era. Fittingly, the statue will be set at a child’s eye level, resting on a plinth made of Portland stone embedded with Jurassic Coast fossils. Graves said the donor, who is also managing the project, wants to remain anonymous but is someone with a passion for Dorchester’s Roman history and a soft spot for Susie. “I don't want to offend anyone but it's completely crazy… in a good way,” she said. “If it increases footfall, it can only be a positive thing.” Susie’s fame has already sparked several community fundraising efforts. In 2024, a children’s book titled Not Lost was published to raise funds for People First Dorset, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities. The idea came after Susie paid a surprise visit to charity manager Laura Kerr’s fourth-floor flat. The book, created by Kerry Martin, William Parmiter and Emily Burr with illustrations by Catherine Owen, drew a crowd of around 100 people to its launch. Owen’s postcards of Susie have since raised additional funds for a cat rescue charity. Most recently, a 2026 calendar featuring photos of Susie, created by local resident Matthew Darvill, raised more than £2,600 for Samaritans. From Facebook fame to a children’s book, and soon a bronze statue, Susie’s laid-back wanderings have made her a beloved fixture in Dorchester—and soon, a permanent one.