Nasa’s Hubble Captures Jupiter's Great Red Spot Acting Like Stress Ball

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope discovered surprising new details about Jupiter's Great Red Spot, revealing it is not as stable as previously thought. Recent observations show the massive storm oscillating in size and shape, resembling a bowl of gelatin. The research team believes the GRS will continue to shrink before stabilizing, offering valuable insights into planetary meteorology. These groundbreaking findings were presented at the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences meeting in Boise, Idaho.

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Father Feels The Ocean For First Time In Over 25 Years Thanks To His Physical Therapist Son

When Garreth Bell was in the fourth grade, he was asked to write about his hero. He didn’t hesitate — he picked his dad, Stephen. That school assignment would become more than just a piece of homework. It would shape both of their lives. Stephen Bell has used a wheelchair since 1992, when a burst blood vessel in his spine left him paralyzed from the chest down. He was only 22. “I was in rehab for about two months and learning how to just, to live again,” he said. “I gained a whole new perspective on the world.” But it wasn’t until years later that he saw just how much his story had impacted his son. In his school essay, Garreth wrote: “It’s like he’s still walking because he takes care of himself and the family.” That one sentence, Stephen says, changed how he saw himself. “When I read it, I felt seen for the first time in a long time,” Stephen wrote in an email to CBS Mornings contributor David Begnaud. “It was as if he understood what I had gone through and how I battled daily to continue to provide for our family regardless of the circumstances.” The assignment also sparked something in Garreth. “Poppa, I’ve been watching you suffer my whole life,” he wrote. “I should become someone who can do something about it so that others don’t have to go through what you went through.” And that’s exactly what he did. Garreth went on to study at the University of Miami and became a physical therapist. Today, he helps run adaptive beach days, where people with disabilities can experience the ocean safely — sometimes for the first time in years. One of those people? His dad. With Garreth by his side, Stephen was able to feel the ocean on his skin for the first time in more than 25 years. “They had to keep me from jumping out of the chair and swimming,” Stephen said. “It was just like heaven for me.” Garreth will never forget it. “The first little splash hits him and I just see probably the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face in my entire life,” he said. Since then, Stephen’s returned to the beach several times. He credits Garreth’s compassion and empathy for making it possible. “I was surprised that he said that I’m his hero,” Stephen said. “Because looking back on it, if I had to say it again, I’d say I want to be like him when I grow up. I strive to be the person that he actually sees.” Garreth’s answer from fourth grade hasn’t changed. “He taught me how to be a man,” he said. “He was my role model growing up, and he still is.”

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Chicago Mom Receives Life-Saving Kidney Transplant — From Her Own Daughter

Monica Fox has spent more than a decade fighting for her life. Now, thanks to her daughter Olivia, she’s getting a second chance — again. The Chicago mother and kidney health advocate was first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease back in 2013, after what seemed like a routine sinus infection turned out to be something far more serious. She was immediately placed on dialysis, a treatment her doctors warned was risky and often only temporary. In 2016, Monica received her first kidney transplant. But in 2022, after contracting COVID pneumonia, her new kidney failed. She returned to dialysis — and to the waiting list for another donor. “I was hopeful because I knew there was the opportunity to get a transplant and that that would be a better treatment for me,” Monica told Fox 32 Chicago. Despite offers from many kind-hearted volunteers, none were a match. Then her daughter stepped up — again. Olivia had been tested as a potential donor once before, in 2015, just before graduating from college. At the time, Monica didn’t want to accept her daughter’s kidney. But when the situation became urgent years later, Olivia didn’t hesitate. Working as a Transplant Outreach Coordinator at the University of Illinois Hospital, Olivia already knew the process well. She believed in the power of living donation — and she wanted to be living proof of it. “This was kind of just my chance to really put my kidney where my mouth is,” she said. “And now I’m living proof. I’m living proof that, you know, this works.” And it did. The surgery, performed by Dr. Ivo Tzvetanov at UI Health, was a success. “She underwent surgery for the sole purpose of saving my life,” Monica said. “You know, afterwards, she has not been feeling very well, but she’s getting better day by day, doing everything she has to do to feel better. But she said, even in her sickest moments, she said, ‘Mom, I would do it all over again for you.’” Doctors say that kidney transplants from living donors can nearly double a patient’s life expectancy compared to remaining on dialysis. For Monica, it’s not just a medical win — it’s personal. Now recovering, both mother and daughter are sharing their story to raise awareness about living donation. Monica, who works as the Senior Director of Outreach at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, continues to use her voice to advocate for others navigating kidney disease. And Olivia, now a donor herself, is a powerful example of what it means to show up — not just in word, but in action. “She saved my life,” Monica said. “I’ll never stop being grateful.”

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A New Vending Machine in the Bronx Gives Out Free Groceries — No Questions Asked

Forget chips and soda — in the Bronx, a new vending machine is giving out eggs, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And it’s completely free. Installed by the nonprofit Change Food For Good, the machine is located at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club on Castle Hill Avenue and is stocked with high-quality grocery items for anyone who needs them. No sign-ups. No questions. Just good food, when people need it most. “All you need to do is walk up to the machine, select your item, let it vend, and remove it from the chute,” the group shared in a post. The vending machine is part of the organization’s Good Food For All program, which has already distributed over 15,500 pounds of free food to more than 1,100 families across New York City. This new model is designed to take that impact further — especially in areas where access to affordable, nutritious groceries is limited. The machine will be restocked once or twice a month with a rotating mix of essentials like eggs, garlic, apples, greens, and other fresh produce. Most items are sourced from local vendors and co-ops. Some, like garlic, are vacuum-sealed to keep other items from picking up the smell. Others are taped closed to prevent spills. And while a vending machine might seem like an unusual place to pick up groceries, founder Samia Lemfadli says a lot of thought went into the design. Items vend slowly — around 15 seconds — to give eggs time to land gently in their packaging. Lemfadli also hopes the delay helps gently discourage people from taking more than they need in one go. There are no restrictions on who can access the machine. No IDs. No income checks. The goal is simple: provide food without stigma or hoops. “One of the main goals of the Good Food For All program is to ensure that individuals, even if they’re struggling, still have their dignity and agency preserved through food choices,” Lemfadli said in a follow-up video. “Say, a single parent [is] able to walk up, get what they need — no muss, no fuss, no stigma, no means-testing.” A QR code on the machine lets users submit food requests, although the group is still working out how to accommodate bulkier items like milk and plantains that don’t fit easily inside. “With rising grocery prices affecting everyone,” the group said, “we truly hope that this machine can help families that need it, but also that changemakers, community organizations, and activists can take this model… and run with it — to place free food vending machines in schools, hospitals, anywhere that they think it will be best served.” It’s a small machine, but a big idea — one that’s already making a difference, and that could easily be replicated across cities and neighborhoods. To visit the machine, head to Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club at 625 Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx. Donations to support the project can be made online through Change Food For Good.

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This HBCU Grad Created a Doll Company to Help Girls of Color Feel Bold, Brilliant, and Beautiful

Shaneisha Dodson didn’t just want to sell dolls. She wanted to build confidence. The Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and HBCU graduate, who holds two psychology degrees, is the founder of The Brilliant Girl Doll Company — a fast-growing brand on a mission to empower young girls of color through toys that celebrate creativity, culture, and confidence. “Our goal is to highlight products that reflect the brilliance in every child,” says Dodson, who launched the company to fill a gap she saw in the toy aisle. “Sugamama” and “Hey Sis” aren’t just dolls, she explains. “They are a symbol of confidence, culture, and sophistication. We want girls to know they can be bold, smart, and beautiful.” Thousands of families agree. Dodson’s dolls have already found homes across the country, and each one comes with a fun theme and empowering story. Take Sugamama, for instance — a superhero doll who’s not afraid to take on scary monsters but happens to have a sweet weakness for cookies. She comes dressed in a superhero cape and an apron, reminding girls they can be strong and soft at the same time. Then there’s Hey Sis, a 12-inch doll rocking pink overalls and a bow, designed to represent sisterhood and friendship among young Black girls. Both dolls are part of a wider universe Dodson is building — one filled with royalty, imagination, and ambition. The brand isn’t stopping at dolls. Under Dodson’s leadership, Brilliant Girl has grown into a full creative hub. Their collection now includes puzzles, STEM-themed paint sheets, math kits, and picture books — all designed to spark imagination and encourage kids to express themselves proudly. And Dodson is making sure that inspiration isn’t limited to those who can afford it. Every year, she donates free dolls, books, and activity sets to children. The mission behind Brilliant Girl is simple but powerful: give kids toys that reflect who they are and who they can become. In a toy industry that still often lacks diversity, Dodson’s company is filling the gap — and making a global impact in the process. More than just a business, The Brilliant Girl Doll Company is a movement. And thanks to Dodson, a new generation of children is learning what it means to be bold, brilliant, and unapologetically themselves.

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Famous Children's Book Writer Robert Munsch Just Donated His Personal Archives To a Canadian Library

Beloved children’s author Robert Munsch is giving back to the community that helped shape his career. The 80-year-old writer has decided to donate his personal archives to the Guelph Public Library, ensuring that his stories — and the joy they’ve brought to generations — will live on for years to come. The collection will include original drafts of Munsch’s stories, notes from publishers, letters from fans, photographs, and a range of unpublished materials. It will also feature more than 75 of his picture books and artifacts from his 40-year career, which has made him one of the most cherished storytellers in Canadian history. Munsch, best known for classics like Love You Forever, The Paper Bag Princess, and Mortimer, became famous not just for his books but for his animated storytelling style that captivated children across the country. “I write books for kids, I talk to kids, and I listen to kids,” he once explained on his website. The Guelph Public Library announced that Munsch and his wife, Ann, approached them in 2024 about the donation. The collection will become part of the library’s archives at its new Central location, which is scheduled to open in 2027. “We are excited to have the archives of Robert Munsch added to the Guelph Public Library,” the Munsch family said in a statement. “The library has been a large part of our family’s lives. When our children were young, Robert would take the kids every week to pick out new books. Robert Munsch is happy to continue to inspire kids and adults alike through the archives.” Eleni Hughes, the library’s supervisor of archives and records management, said the collection will give future readers a rare window into Munsch’s creative process. “The library is honored to house and provide access to Munsch’s archives to foster a deeper understanding of the stories that shaped many of our childhoods and the man who created and brought them to life,” Hughes said. Munsch’s decision comes at a deeply personal time. In a New York Times profile published in September, he shared that he had applied for Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program after being diagnosed with dementia. He also spoke candidly about watching one of his brothers suffer from the disease and his wish not to prolong his own decline. Under Canadian law, MAID applicants must give active consent at the time of the procedure, and no date has been set for when Munsch might follow through. His daughter later reassured fans in a Facebook post that he is still doing well. “My dad is doing well but of course with a degenerative disease it can begin to progress quickly at any point,” she wrote. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Munsch didn’t always plan on being an author. “I studied for seven years to be a Jesuit priest, only to find that I was lousy priest material,” he once joked. His path changed when he began working in a preschool, where he told stories to children to keep them entertained. One of those stories would later become Mortimer, his first published book. He and his wife eventually moved to Guelph, Ontario, where both worked at the University of Guelph’s preschool lab. It was there, encouraged by colleagues and students, that Munsch began sharing and publishing his stories — the beginning of a remarkable literary journey. Now, decades later, his words are coming home to Guelph in a different way.

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Father Finds New Job After Son's Viral LinkedIn Post Inspires Overwhelming Community Support

When 93-year-old Pete Judge lost his job as a grocery store cashier last fall, he had no resume, no LinkedIn, and no idea what to do next. What he did have was a son who believed in him — and a community of thousands of strangers ready to step up. “This is Pete. He’s my dad,” began the LinkedIn post from Patrick McCarthy, a communications and marketing professional. “My dad lost his job yesterday. I would tag him here, but he doesn’t have a LinkedIn.” What followed was a simple, heartfelt appeal that would quickly go viral. Pete had spent decades in the service industry, working jobs at Walgreens, Fry’s, and most recently Winco. He wasn’t a corporate manager or a white-collar worker. But he had something just as valuable: he knew how to connect with people. Customers loved him. His empathy, his warmth — it kept people coming back. So when he was suddenly laid off, Patrick knew his dad wouldn’t have the professional network to navigate the modern job market. That’s when he turned to LinkedIn. “I wholeheartedly believe in the magic of this community,” Patrick wrote, asking anyone in need of a customer service rockstar to reach out. And they did — in a big way. Within days, the post had been shared over 500 times and drew hundreds of comments. Offers and leads poured in. One manager at a Sprouts grocery store said Pete sounded like the perfect hire and mentioned a role that could even pay his daily wage in advance. Another person thought he’d make an excellent tour guide for REI. Someone else invited him to a weekly career coaching group. Even LinkedIn chimed in: “Pete sounds like a top-tier employee! 💙” The outpouring was, as Patrick later described, “an astounding outpouring of love, hope, support and camaraderie that I never thought social media could bring.” And it worked — Pete got a new job. Patrick shared an update weeks later, reflecting on what the moment had meant to both of them. “2023 was the year that gave me more hope in social media,” he wrote. “From that post came hundreds of new connections, some new friends and more people than I can count that saw us and heard us and cared. Even just a little bit.” He added, “Though social media can take a lot of us into those places of darkness and loneliness and self-criticism, there's something special about the people on LinkedIn. The people that are here for the right reasons. And it feels like I've found a lot of them.” Alongside the post, Patrick shared a photo of himself, Pete, and his young son Sebastian taken in Phoenix a few days after Pete’s story went viral. “Forgive the squinty eyes from the pale PNW boys,” he joked. “February sun in the desert is still really bright.” In a job market that’s increasingly uncertain, and in a digital world that often feels isolating, this story was a reminder that human kindness still shows up. Sometimes, all it takes is one post and a little faith in people.

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A Paving Company is Turning 1 Billion Plastic Straws Into Driveways and Patios — Here's How

A paving company in the U.K. is turning plastic waste into driveways — and they've just hit a major milestone. Oltco, based in Cornwall, recently announced that its Recycle Bound product has now repurposed the equivalent of 1 billion plastic straws through paving projects across the country. The latest installations in High Wycombe, near London, helped push the company past that landmark figure. Recycle Bound, which launched in 2019, is a resin-bound surfacing solution that blends recycled plastic waste with stone and other aggregates to create durable, low-maintenance paving. The company says it’s their strongest surface yet — able to withstand heavy foot traffic, moisture, and even high temperatures, all while remaining permeable to meet urban drainage requirements. But it’s not just about strength. Each square meter of Recycle Bound paving contains the equivalent of 3,000 plastic straws or 100 plastic bottles — a significant amount, especially when you consider that the average U.K. household recycles only around 270 plastic bottles a year. “It’s incredibly inspiring to be part of something that’s making such a positive impact, not just here in High Wycombe, but across the country,” said Oltco director Adrian Eyre in an interview with Bucks Free Press. “The response to Recycle Bound has been fantastic, and it’s clear that the community is truly passionate about sustainability.” That enthusiasm comes at a time when the U.K.’s recycling system is under pressure. A 2024 report from Greenpeace found that only 17% of the country’s plastic waste is actually recycled. The rest is either incinerated, shipped abroad, or ends up in landfills — where it can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater or contribute to the buildup of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By taking hard-to-recycle plastics — like straws, takeaway containers, and packaging — and locking them into long-lasting surfaces, Oltco’s approach offers a creative way to keep those materials out of landfills and oceans. Their projects have included everything from patios and footpaths to courtyards and commercial spaces. And while resin-bound paving won’t solve plastic pollution on its own, solutions like Recycle Bound show that it’s possible to rethink waste — not just as something to dispose of, but as something to build with.

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This Mom Launched a Creative Letter-Writing Kit to Inspire Kids in a Digital World

A forgotten letter in a childhood box turned out to be the start of something much bigger for Jennifer Yang — and now, thousands of kids are rediscovering the joy of handwritten notes. Yang, a mom of two, was cleaning up when she stumbled across something she hadn’t seen in years: a letter she wrote in third grade to a friend who had moved away. She had meant to say thanks for their friendship — but never mailed it. She was waiting on her parents to buy stamps, and somehow, the moment passed. That tiny memory hit her with surprising force. “Dearist was really born out of a simple truth, that a handwritten letter holds this timeless magic,” Yang told PEOPLE. “It has this quality of time travel, of putting you in another place.” That moment led her to create Dearist — a stationery and storybook series designed to teach children how (and why) to write letters, how the mail works, and what it means to connect through writing. Each kit includes materials kids need to write real, physical letters — even stamps — plus an educational three-book series that makes the whole process easy and engaging. One book walks through the emotional side of letter writing. Another explains what actually happens after a letter is mailed. The third is all about stamps — where they come from, how to use them, and why they matter. Yang says it’s more than just a cute activity. “Building empathy, giving them a time to reflect, working on that emotional intelligence and really giving kids the freedom and space [from the digital world] is at the heart of Dearist,” she said. Letter writing, she points out, was once a common skill — but that’s changing fast. “There are fewer opportunities to practice writing, especially by hand,” she noted. “We imagine kids at desks with books and pencils, but the truth is a lot of the work, especially upwards of 3rd grade, is submitted electronically these days.” Yang said her conversations with teachers and school administrators confirmed what she suspected: letter writing isn’t even part of many classrooms anymore, following the shift toward standardized testing with the 2010s Core Curriculum. “When I first came up with the idea, I tested it with some neighborhood kids,” she said. “What I learned is that a lot of kids just didn’t know why you would write a letter, much less how the mail works.” That was the spark to turn Dearist into more than just stationery. It became a tool to bridge gaps — between kids and their families, between analog and digital, and even between generations. Yang says kids are now excited to write to grandparents, cousins, and friends. Parents are often flooded with nostalgia. And educators see the value in giving kids something hands-on, reflective, and meaningful. “We’ve helped kids write and send over a thousand handwritten letters through Dearist,” Yang said. “One of the most common reactions people have is nostalgia, but that feeling is followed by a heavier feeling, that kids today are missing out on something.” That idea — of creating closeness through letters — has been with Yang since she was a kid herself. “Writing has always been a part of my life. Letter writing, in particular, was really the first tool I had for creating closeness with my friends,” she said. “Texts and email just don’t have that quality.” And as for the letter that started it all? Yang says she’s tried to mail it since, but has never been able to find the address. “I looked Rebecca W up on Facebook as well and could not find her,” she said. “Rebecca W, if you are out there, I would love to connect with you!”

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Empty Nester Reveals 8 Effective Decluttering Tips That Transformed Her Home

Deep cleaning and decluttering a home is never easy. For empty nesters, it can be even harder. After spending decades building a life and raising kids under one roof, many parents are left facing a mix of silence, nostalgia, and clutter. That’s the stage one 51-year-old mom found herself in — and she decided to do something about it. In a Reddit post that struck a chord with others in a cleaning community, she opened up about learning to keep house for the first time after her kids moved out. “In my entire life, my house has always been messy,” she wrote. “I mean, I didn’t have a disaster-level situation going on, but if someone dropped by unannounced, it would’ve been super embarrassing.” She said she used to rely on a housekeeper when her kids were younger, just to keep up. But once she became an empty nester, she realized she never actually learned the basics of home upkeep. That changed thanks to a book called Unfck Your Habitat: You’re Better Than Your Mess*, which gave her both the mindset and the tools to start fresh. She now follows a simple but consistent system — and offered eight tips that helped her turn things around. 1. Put stuff away, not down. It sounds obvious, but she says this one change made a huge difference. “Whatever you have goes right back where it’s supposed to go when I’m done with it.” 2. Do one load of laundry every day — and finish it. No more piles of clean clothes left on chairs or floors. “Just one load, start to finish. Wash, dry, fold, and put away,” she wrote. “Also, no chair or floor laundry. It gets put in the hamper or hung back up. No clothes are ever out.” 3. Make the bed. Every day. She says it instantly makes the bedroom feel more peaceful. “It just makes my bedroom look cleaner and I smile every time I come in my room,” she shared. “Plus we aren’t fighting over the covers when we get in because the bed is straightened out.” 4. Clean the rooms you use daily — daily. She and her husband mainly use the master bathroom and kitchen, so that’s where she focuses her attention. “I keep a stack of cleaning rags in my master bath… Every night, I spray the counter, wipe everything down, put everything back (that my husband leaves out), and wipe the mirror,” she explained. “I also wipe down the toilet. I find that I don’t need a huge, big cleaning of this space because I’m keeping it up daily. Same goes for the kitchen.” 5. No dishes in the sink. Ever. Even if the dishwasher’s not full yet. “Dishes are finished in the dishwasher? It’s emptied and dirty ones are placed inside while waiting for the dishwasher to get full.” 6. Shoes get put away immediately. No hallway piles. No scattered sneakers. “Shoes are put away immediately upon walking in the house,” she shared. 7. Use idle time to knock out small tasks. “If it takes less than 5 minutes, clean it while you’re waiting for something else to get done.” 8. Skip the schedule — clean a little every day. Instead of assigning cleaning days, she does small tasks constantly. “My life is kind of unpredictable, we love traveling or going out for the day so my so-called cleaning schedule would be shot to hell every time,” she explained. “It’s better this way, because now I never feel behind.” Her post struck a nerve with others going through the same phase of life — the part where the kids are gone, the house is quiet, and the clutter you once overlooked starts to feel overwhelming. But now, she says her home feels better than it ever has. “I smile every time I walk into a clean room,” she wrote. “It just feels like a fresh start.”

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New Jersey Governor Candidate Gets Surprise Visit from Army Son Ahead of Election

Just days before New Jersey voters head to the polls, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli received a surprise that brought the campaign trail to a standstill — and left the crowd cheering. Ciattarelli’s son, Army Captain Jake Ciattarelli, unexpectedly returned home from deployment in Kuwait to surprise his father at a campaign event at Murph’s Tavern in Totowa. The emotional reunion was caught on camera by New Jersey State Rep. Mike Inganamort, who shared the moment on social media. “BIG SURPRISE GUEST: Jack’s son, Jake, straight from Kuwait! God Bless and thank you for your service. It’s time,” Inganamort wrote in the caption. The footage shows Ciattarelli visibly moved as his son walks in, drawing applause from supporters gathered at the event. Ciattarelli later shared the moment on X, writing, “What a crowd and what a surprise at Murph’s Tavern in Totowa today! The energy was absolutely unbeatable – you can feel it everywhere we go.” The timing couldn’t have been more meaningful. New Jersey’s gubernatorial election is set for November 4, with Ciattarelli facing off against Democratic challenger Mikie Sherrill. As the race tightens, the moment offered a rare pause in the campaign — and a powerful reminder of the personal stakes behind public service.