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Neighbourhoods Band Together to Take Action Against Climate Change
In Edmonton, a pro-active program called Neighbouring for Climate has 45 neighbourhoods involved. Residents are coming together to fight climate change by completing action items like helping neighbors with solar panels or creating community gardens. The program provides tools and resources for people to take action in their own communities. This initiative is sparking hope and building resilience within neighborhoods, showing the power of community involvement in addressing global challenges.
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Rescue Team Saves Young Dog Named Snow From 50-Foot Well In Romania
A young dog was saved after falling into a well in an abandoned yard in early November, according to Romanian authorities who posted this heartwarming footage of the rescue operation. Emergency officials in the Tulcea region said the female dog tumbled into the well, which was about 50 feet (15 meters) deep, in the town of Valea Nucarilor, and that she “wouldn’t have stood a chance” of getting out had she not been spotted. Footage shows a member of an emergency response team using ropes to rappel down to the dog, then hoisting her back up to safety. The dog, who was later named Snow by her rescuers, was “brave and cooperative” throughout the operation, authorities said. The well was “secured” to prevent further accidents, they added.
Score (91)
A Breakthrough Blood Test Can Predict Diseases 10 Years Before Symptoms Appear
he future of medicine might start with a drop of blood. Scientists say a groundbreaking new dataset — the world’s largest of its kind — could soon lead to pinprick tests capable of detecting early signs of diseases like cancer, dementia, heart disease and diabetes up to a decade before symptoms appear. The advance comes from the UK Biobank’s newly completed project, which measured nearly 250 key proteins, fats, sugars and other molecules in blood samples taken from 500,000 volunteers. The resulting metabolic profiles offer a detailed snapshot of each person’s health and how their body is functioning at a molecular level. “It’s going to be a real gamechanger for our work,” said Dr Joy Edwards-Hicks of the University of Edinburgh, who studies how blood metabolites influence the immune system. “If we have early predictors of disease, we can tell someone in their 40s that their biomarkers are not looking good for their age and advise on changes they could make.” Unlike static genetic tests, metabolic profiles capture the influence of both genes and environment — including diet, exercise, pollution, stress, and medications. And because these profiles change over time, they can provide a real-time window into how the body responds to damage, disease, or recovery. Working with Finnish company Nightingale Health, UK Biobank scientists measured hundreds of molecules involved in energy production, hormone regulation, tissue repair and waste clearance. When organs fail or malfunction, these compounds shift in detectable ways. A damaged liver can raise ammonia levels; failing kidneys increase urea and creatine; muscle damage shows up in lactate; cancer drives higher glucose uptake. “These metabolic profiles capture all of the genetic predisposition and the downstream consequences of that, as well as the environmental exposures,” said Dr Julian Mutz of King’s College London. “It gives us a snapshot of a person’s physiological state.” Researchers like Dr Mutz are already using the profiles to study dementia risk, with hopes that tests could one day flag warning signs 10 to 15 years before memory loss begins. That kind of lead time would allow for earlier interventions and lifestyle changes to reduce long-term risk. Others are using the data to study how diseases progress differently across sexes. Dr Najaf Amin, a molecular epidemiologist at the University of Oxford, said early analysis has revealed differences in how men and women age and how they respond to medications. Her team plans to investigate further, looking at whether certain treatments work better for one sex than the other. The UK Biobank, which began recruiting volunteers in 2006, has long been a key resource for medical research. It links detailed health records with genetic, imaging, and now metabolic data — giving scientists an unparalleled look at how biology and lifestyle combine to shape health outcomes. Prof Naomi Allen, chief scientist at the UK Biobank, said the new data could help researchers understand how diseases start and evolve, and how effective treatments really are. “Studying metabolites is a powerful way to unveil new warning signs of disease,” she said. While some metabolic data has been available to researchers in the past, having access to full profiles for half a million people is expected to accelerate the development of early diagnostic tools — including simple blood tests that could be taken at home or in a GP’s office. That shift could have major implications for healthcare systems by allowing doctors to focus more on prevention than treatment. “It fits with the model of prevention that we are moving towards,” said Dr Edwards-Hicks. “To be able to send off a little pinprick blood sample and get an idea of your health — that’s where we’re headed.”
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Score (98)
WWII Vet Runs Across America... Again
When a man running around the world passed through Prescott, Arizona, Ernie Andrus stood cheering on the sidelines — but something stirred inside him. “That sounds like something I’d like to do,” he thought. Then came the twist: “But I want to do something nobody else has ever done.” And so, at 90 years old, Ernie decided to run across America. A Navy veteran of World War II, Ernie had always been driven by purpose. After serving as a medic aboard a tank-carrying LST ship in the South Pacific, he never lost his connection to that vessel — or to the soldiers who served aboard ships like it. When he learned he could become the oldest person to run coast to coast, he saw an opportunity to turn the feat into something bigger. “If I run cross-country, maybe I can raise money for our ship,” he reasoned. That ship was the USS LST-325 — the last of its kind — which Ernie and other veterans had helped restore and sail from Crete to Indiana, where it became a museum. His dream was to send it back across the Atlantic for the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. That mission would cost millions. But Ernie, who once joined the Navy the moment he was old enough after Pearl Harbor, wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. Despite his children’s worries — “You can’t do that. That’s impossible!” — Ernie remembered his mother’s words: “There’s no such thing as can’t.” And so, on October 7, 2013, two months after his 90th birthday, he dipped his toes into the Pacific Ocean near San Diego and began a nearly 3,000-mile journey. Three times a week, Ernie walked and jogged 3 to 5 miles, hitchhiking back to his RV after each stretch and driving to the next starting point. Over time, he met strangers who became friends and supporters. His determination was steady: “I am determined to finish no matter what.” Nearly three years later, on August 20, 2016 — just one day after turning 93 — Ernie completed the journey at the Atlantic Ocean in Georgia. A crowd of 2,000 cheered him in. He raised $33,000 for the LST-325. It wasn’t enough to send the ship to Normandy, but he donated it toward its upkeep. More importantly, he proved what grit and spirit could accomplish — and inspired thousands along the way. Back home, he wasn’t done. “I’m getting bored,” he thought. “It’s time to run back the other way.” At 95, Ernie began a second coast-to-coast trip — this time from Georgia back to San Diego. Retired firefighter John Martin joined him. They stuck to the same routine: three miles, three days a week. But in 2020, heart and back issues forced Ernie to pause. He returned home to recover. “I’m going to finish the journey for you,” John told him. And on Ernie’s 100th birthday in 2023, John made good on that promise. Together, they walked into the Pacific Ocean, side by side. Now 101, Ernie lives in an assisted living facility in Redding, California — but he’s still not sitting still. For his birthday, he organized a 1.01-mile walk at a local mall. For his 102nd? Same plan. Even if he has to do it in a wheelchair, he’s committed to showing up. “I never doubted that I could do it,” he said. “Just like when I went to war, I knew I’d survive.” His steps, his miles, his mission — they were all about honoring the past, and showing the rest of us that you’re never too old to chase something bold.
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Paralyzed Adventurer Aims To Break World Record By Sit-Skiing To South Pole
A British adventurer left paralyzed after a devastating climbing accident is preparing to attempt a world record-breaking expedition to the South Pole. Darren Edwards, 35, is aiming to become the first person to sit-ski 137 miles (222 kilometers) across Antarctica, nearly doubling the current record of 69 miles (111 kilometers). Using two specially modified poles, Edwards will ski up to ten hours a day in brutal sub-zero temperatures next month. The journey is more than just a test of endurance. It's a symbol of how far he’s come since the fall that changed his life. On August 6, 2016, during a routine rock climbing trip in North Wales, a section of rock collapsed beneath Edwards’ feet. He plummeted 100 feet and suffered a severe spinal injury, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. “I have had dark times since my accident,” said Edwards, a former mountaineer and army reservist from Shrewsbury, Shropshire. “But I’ve tried to take adversity and turn it into something positive. For me, adventure became that kind of saving grace and I just kept testing myself and proving that I can achieve things with my injury.” Since the accident, Edwards has redefined what’s possible for adaptive athletes. He’s completed some of the most grueling challenges in the UK and beyond. In 2021, he became the first disabled person to kayak the entire length of Britain — an 870-mile (1,400 km) journey from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in northern Scotland. He also pioneered adaptive freediving in the UK and was selected for Great Britain’s Paracanoe Team. This latest challenge, skiing across Antarctica, will be supported by a team of fellow adventurers, including explorer Lucy Shepherd, Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, and award-winning filmmaker Matthew Biggar, who will document the expedition. The team is hoping to raise $100,000 for Wings for Life, a charity focused on funding research into spinal cord injury treatments. It’s a mission that feels personal, Edwards says. “It’s about showing what’s possible when you refuse to let circumstances define your limits,” he said. If successful, Edwards won’t just break a record — he’ll rewrite what’s possible for adaptive adventurers across the globe.
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Humpback Whale "Pi" Returns to Isles of Scilly, Delighting Wildlife Enthusiasts
A humpback whale known as Pi has returned to the waters off the Isles of Scilly, continuing a tradition that’s now spanned several winters. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust confirmed the familiar visitor had once again been spotted near the islands, which sit 45 km off the Cornish coast and lie directly along the whales’ migration route. Olivia Willmore, fundraising and communications manager at the trust, called the annual sightings “absolutely wonderful.” She said, “We are so privileged to have them pass by us every single year.” The whale was identified as Pi thanks to the distinctive markings on its dorsal fin, which researchers say function much like fingerprints do for humans. Pi has been observed visiting the area in previous years, including 2023 and 2024, though the whale’s gender remains unknown. “Those markings are incredibly unique from whale to whale,” Willmore explained. While the Isles of Scilly are already known as a hotspot for seabirds and rare wildlife, the return of Pi is adding a new layer of excitement for visitors. “Some people are starting to come with the hope of whale spotting,” said Willmore. The trust hopes Pi’s return will continue to raise awareness of marine conservation and strengthen the islands’ growing appeal as a destination for wildlife watchers.
Score (98)
Six-Year-Old Names Beloved Hospital Rocking Horse, Now on Display at Guildford Museum
For over half a century, a well-worn wooden rocking horse brought comfort and joy to young patients at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Now, it's starting a new chapter — with a brand new name. Six-year-old Jack from Sandhurst won a naming competition to officially christen the horse “Alfonso,” beating out more than 50 other entries. The horse has now taken up residence at Guildford Museum, where it will feature in the museum’s Playtime! exhibition, a hands-on display of vintage toys and games running until April 11. The horse was a fixture in the children’s outpatients department for decades, often helping to distract and soothe nervous little visitors. “So many local people have fond memories of the rocking horse from their time at the hospital,” said a spokesperson for the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. “With so much history, we are delighted it will now be preserved and enjoyed by our local community at Guildford Museum.” Tom Hunt, deputy leader of Guildford Borough Council, called Alfonso’s arrival “a wonderful example of how we can preserve and share stories from our community.” “The rocking horse holds decades of memories for local families,” he said. “We’re pleased to welcome this new addition to our museum collection and we know Alfonso will continue to bring smiles to children for years to come.” Alfonso is now part of a broader exhibition designed to be interactive for kids and nostalgic for adults — a space where toys from the past are celebrated not just as objects, but as threads in the fabric of local life. Jack, the young winner of the naming contest, hasn’t shared what inspired the name Alfonso — but museum staff say it fits the horse’s character perfectly.
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'Kendal Kingfishers': How One Man's Love for Fishing is Giving Kids a New Cast on Life
Most Sundays, rain or shine, you’ll find Kieron Banks by the River Kent with a rod in one hand and a grin on his face. The 43-year-old Kendal native, known for his deep knowledge of the riverbanks, has been fishing the local waters for over 30 years. Now, he’s passing that passion on to a new generation — for free. Banks founded the Kendal Kingfishers Fishing Club in March 2024, opening up the river to children and their families. What started with just one boy and a borrowed rod has turned into a thriving local club that’s already introduced dozens of kids to the peace and thrill of angling. “It started from one little boy who wanted to learn,” Banks said. “I knew his grandad when he was alive and he helped me on my way so I thought it only right to reciprocate.” His motivation is simple: give kids a healthy way to connect with nature, especially those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. “Fishing helped me escape estate life,” he said. “It gives you a nice place to get away from it all.” Banks has lived on the same Kendal estate for all of his 43 years. “A lot of my friends and lads I went to school with didn’t get past the age of 40. It’s tragic,” he said. For him, fishing has always been a way to find calm in the chaos. “You sit by [the river] and put your thoughts in order.” That sense of peace is something he’s now trying to share. The club meets every few weeks, welcoming kids with any level of experience. Thanks to donations from locals and nearby businesses, the club has collected about 150 fishing rods — enough for every child to have one. "I want the kids to get engaged... that's the key," Banks said. Kids like Hunter and Teddy have taken the lessons to heart. "It's fun," said Hunter. "We get to see all the fish and meet different people. I've learned to be patient." Teddy agreed, saying he’s learned how to cast a line and reel it in. “We’ve seen trout, carp and a couple of otters,” he added. Joel, who attended for the first time, said he usually fishes with a net but was excited to try using a rod. “I haven’t caught anything today, but before I’ve caught catfish, bullheads and minnows,” he said. For twins Thomas and Elijah, the best part is simple: “catching fish” and “getting wet.” Banks doesn’t just teach how to fish — he teaches how to respect the water and everything in it. All fish are caught and released, and each session includes lessons about the river’s ecosystem. “If we don’t look after the river, the stocks and watch for the pollution, eventually there won’t be any fish,” he said. “I’m a conservationist first, fisherman second.” He proudly points out the creatures the kids have spotted — otters, kingfishers, salmon, and crayfish among them. It’s not just about what they catch, but what they observe. Bailey, another young angler, said being by the river is “relaxing and quiet” with “a nice feeling of fresh air.” He added, “My dad takes me out fishing and I’d love it if we could go out more... but this club gives me more chance to fish, which makes me happy.” Banks sees every smile, tangled line, and released fish as a small victory — a chance to get kids off screens and into nature. “Fishing has helped my mental health. It gives peace and tranquility,” he said. Now, with word spreading and more families showing up each week, the Kendal Kingfishers are only growing. As Banks put it, “The river is the jewel in Kendal. And I just want more people to see it that way.”
Score (95)
This Navy Musician is Bringing Melodies To Antarctica While Overcoming Some Icy Challenges
On the edge of Antarctica, far from concert halls and practice studios, a New Zealand navy musician has found an unusual workaround to keep her craft alive. French horn player Natalie Paine has been stationed at Scott Base since October, working alongside 20 other military members who support scientists on the frozen continent. In her spare moments, which she admits are rare, she pulls out a bright plastic training instrument and sends soft melodies across the Ross Sea. “It’s beautiful and very inspiring,” Paine told the Associated Press. “I’ll sit there by the window and I will do my routine and play music in my time off, which is not very often.” Her path to Antarctica was anything but straightforward. Paine grew up in Adelaide, where summers scorch and Antarctica felt impossibly far away. As a child she dreamed of visiting the continent as a scientist. She studied music instead and set the idea aside. Years later, while serving in New Zealand’s navy, she discovered that military staff could apply for seasonal postings at Scott Base. “My eyes lit up and I was like, what? Even a musician?” she said. “He’s like, heck yeah, why not?” Getting there took persistence. Paine applied four times without success. On her fifth attempt she secured a slot, not as a musician, but as a communications operator. The job runs in six day blocks and demands constant attention to radio, phone and email traffic. Some of the calls she takes come from people deep on the ice who have not heard another voice in weeks. She still carves out minutes for scales and practice sessions, most often by slipping into an old hut built in 1957 under the direction of Sir Edmund Hillary. There, a window looks out on seals resting on the ice, and she says the view shapes her playing. “There’s so much beauty and it’s not tame either, it’s this wild, untamed beauty of the land around you and the animals as well,” she said. “It’s just so overwhelming, spiritually, emotionally, physically sometimes as well.” She also faced a practical problem. A brass French horn is heavy and metal parts can freeze to skin in Antarctic cold. She needed something she could hold with gloves and warm layers. The answer was a jHorn, a children’s practice instrument made of plastic. “It was designed to be a beginner brass instrument for children,” said Paine. “So it was like, super compact, super light plastic, very durable, nowhere near as much maintenance required.” The navy does not have a record of another military musician ever being posted to Antarctica, so Paine may be the first. Her presence has become a small cultural boost at Scott Base. During ceremonies, such as the changing of the flag, she now plays live instead of relying on a speaker. Sometimes that means performing outside in minus 21 degrees Celsius with double gloves and hand warmers. “I had to have ski gloves on with double layers and hand warmers on the inside to be able to hold the trumpet and still my fingers were freezing,” she said. Paine will remain at Scott Base until March. The collaboration she sees between countries on the ice stays with her during her long shifts. “Music is the universal language and it’s something that reminds us that we’re all connected,” she said. “It brings that connection back to home, back to land and back to the people you’re with as well.”
Score (98)
Vibrant Community Fridge Offers Free Fruits And Veggies To Hundreds Of New Yorkers Weekly
On the corner of 155th Street and 8th Avenue in Harlem, a line begins forming by 11 a.m. every Saturday. It's not for concert tickets or sneaker drops — it’s for groceries. For nearly six years, the 155th Street Fridge has been quietly serving as one of the neighborhood’s most reliable sources of free food. What started as a simple community fridge in 2020, led by local resident Stéphanie Tonnoir, has evolved into a full-fledged food distribution effort run by neighbors, teens from the nearby Polo Grounds Projects, and a rotating cast of enthusiastic volunteers. One of those regulars is Juanita, a local favorite who’s often spotted in a beanie and headphones, directing traffic and bringing energy to the sidewalk. “We do this each and every Saturday; I want y’all to come out and enjoy,” she said in a TikTok this summer. “We have plenty of food to give… we all family out here.” And for many in East Harlem — where 22.4% of residents face food insecurity — it feels exactly like that. Family. The 155th Street Fridge rescues surplus produce from nearby grocery stores, often organic and still perfectly fresh, along with juices and pre-portioned meals donated by local businesses. “All of this was headed for the trash — not because it wasn’t fresh, but because supermarkets overproduce,” Juanita explained recently on Instagram, showing off a basket of ripe fruit and vegetables. “Meanwhile, so many of our Harlem neighbors need healthy, affordable food. That gap is why we started our community fridge six years ago: to rescue what’s still good and share it with love.” Once the line starts moving, it becomes an assembly line of generosity. Volunteers pack and hand out full grocery bags or boxes — one per person, no forms, no ID required. “What are we doing here?” one young volunteer asked another in a TikTok posted by the group. “Giving food to people that need it,” came the answer. “Why?” “’Cause why not?” That ethos sums up the fridge’s entire approach. While New York City has large-scale food bank networks and is considering city-subsidized grocery stores, mutual aid efforts like the 155th Street Fridge remain essential — hyperlocal, nimble, and rooted in community. With an estimated 1.4 million New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity, it fills a critical gap. Despite its impact, the group keeps a low profile online, focusing instead on showing up week after week. “The 155th Street Fridge has grown to become one of the largest and most reliable food pantries in the area,” noted NYC Locals in a recent Instagram post. “They have never unplugged the fridge since they started and remain committed to their mission.” That mission? Feed people. Waste less. Build community. Repeat. Donations are always welcome — through CashApp or Venmo — and every dollar goes directly toward keeping the fridge stocked and the bags full. “We want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the love and support,” the group posted last year. “We won't stop. Harlem is lit.”
Score (98)
Artists Rescue And Restore Nina Simone’s Historic Childhood Home
The childhood home of Nina Simone has officially been restored, nine years after a group of artists banded together to save the fragile North Carolina house from destruction. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund confirmed this week that the small, three-room home in Tryon—where Simone lived from 1933 to 1937—has undergone a full restoration using original materials and historically accurate colors. Renovation efforts, which spanned 18 months, aimed to bring the 650-square-foot structure back to the way it looked when the iconic singer and civil rights activist first discovered music within its walls. “This preserves the piano lessons, the joy, the discipline, and the discovery of her gifted talent all recorded in those walls,” said Dr. Samuel Waymon, Simone’s younger brother, who helped lead the restoration effort. “It’s an honor to share this with the world as she would have wanted me to.” The house is not yet open to the public, but the work marks a major milestone in one of the most high-profile artist-led preservation projects in the U.S. today. New additions include a preservation-compliant ADA ramp, a low-impact geothermal climate system, and a historically recreated swept-dirt yard. Archaeologists uncovered and preserved the remains of an original outhouse and work shed, and a 100-year-old Magnolia tree, affectionately known as “Sweetie Mae,” still stands on the property. The initiative began in 2016 when artist Adam Pendleton learned the house where Simone first learned piano was at risk of demolition. Pendleton recruited fellow artists Julie Mehretu, Rashid Johnson, and Ellen Gallagher to help purchase the home for $95,000. They formed Daydream Therapy LLC and partnered with the Action Fund to secure the property and chart a path forward. In 2023, that partnership staged a major gala and art auction with Pace Gallery, raising $6 million to fund the restoration. Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. performed Simone’s “Four Women” at the dinner, which featured food by chef JJ Johnson. “We didn’t even know what we were embarking on,” Pendleton told guests at the event. “What we did know was the power of Nina Simone’s music... and the power of defining actively as an artist, as a citizen, what America is and what America can be.” Tennis champion Venus Williams co-curated the auction with Pendleton. Eleven works, including contributions from all four artist-founders, went up for sale via Sotheby’s online platform. Several lots surpassed expectations: Julie Mehretu’s New Dawn, Sing (for Nina) sold for $1.6 million—well beyond its $1.2 million estimate—while works by Cecily Brown and Sarah Sze each brought in $900,000. The final tally from the auction was $5.38 million, with the gala rounding it up to $6 million total. Since then, Daydream Therapy and the Action Fund have worked closely with local Tryon residents to envision the home’s next chapter. Though it will remain unfurnished for now, its future likely includes community events and educational programming, with a focus on intergenerational cultural exchange. The restored home is meant not only to honor Simone’s legacy but to anchor it in the community where she first found her voice. For Waymon, that’s deeply personal. “Preserving our home preserves her spirit,” he said. “We wanted to do it right.”