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Score (92)
Stolen Spanish Artwork Reclaimed, Returned to Owners
Spain's culture ministry has begun returning over 5,000 items taken by the Franco regime, starting with a painting confiscated 84 years ago. The ministry published an online list of plundered items to help families reclaim their property after the Civil War. The first looted work, a portrait of Francisco Giner de los Ríos, was returned to its rightful owners at the National Library of Spain this week. Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun emphasized the importance of restoring these pieces as an act of reparation for victims of the Franco dictatorship.
Score (98)
Golden Retriever Polly Honoured as a 'CPR Hero' for Saving Owner’s Life During Cardiac Arrest
A golden retriever in Northern Ireland is being hailed as a hero after her barking helped save her owner's life during a sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the night. Polly, a four-year-old golden retriever from County Fermanagh, is credited with waking up her owner's wife, Hannah Cooke, just in time to save his life. Now, both Hannah and Polly have been honoured as "CPR Heroes" by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for their life-saving actions. The incident happened in 2024, when Polly, who normally sleeps quietly through the night, let out a bark that jolted Hannah awake. That single bark turned out to be the difference between life and death. “When I heard the noise Adam was making I sat bolt upright in bed,” said Hannah, 33. “I previously worked as a carer and it hit me that it was the same noise I’ve heard when people are taking their final breaths.” Hannah turned to her husband, Adam, and found him breathing irregularly. Then he stopped breathing altogether. She immediately called for an ambulance and began performing CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive. On the way to the hospital, Adam had to be shocked seven times with a defibrillator before his heart rhythm was restored. Adam spent six days unconscious in the hospital before waking up to the news: he had suffered a cardiac arrest caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. After weeks of recovery and surgery to implant a cardioverter defibrillator in his chest, Adam was finally discharged. Returning home, the first thing he did was embrace Polly. “When I got out of hospital, I’ll never forget seeing Polly again and knowing how she had intervened that night. I just cuddled her and cried for 20 minutes,” he said. The couple believes Polly instinctively sensed what was happening and acted immediately. “Polly alerted me, possibly within seconds of Adam’s cardiac arrest. She was the first responder,” Hannah told the BHF. “Because of her, I was able to start CPR almost immediately.” The BHF shared their story ahead of its Heart Hero Awards in London on Tuesday, where Hannah and Polly were both officially recognized for their role in saving Adam’s life. “This story shows just how powerful that human-animal bond can be,” said a spokesperson for the BHF. “Thanks to Polly’s instincts and Hannah’s quick action, Adam is alive today.” Polly may not know she’s now a decorated hero — but to the Cooke family, there’s no question. She’s the dog that saved a life.
Score (97)
Extremely Rare Barn Owl Spotted in Calgary, Stuns Wildlife Photographers
A barn owl sighting in southeast Calgary has stunned birders and wildlife photographers alike — not just because of the owl’s striking appearance, but because it shouldn't be there at all. Wildlife photographer Brendon Clark was out searching for a long-eared owl on November 20 when he heard loud ravens calling in a local park. What he found instead left him speechless. "I just thought my mind was kind of playing a trick on me," Clark said. "I saw the black eyes and the beak of a barn owl. I couldn't believe it." Barn owls are found across much of the world, but not in Alberta. In Canada, they’re only known to nest in small pockets of Ontario and British Columbia. With poor tolerance for cold, the species isn't considered capable of surviving Prairie winters — making this particular sighting extremely unusual. Clark managed to snap a few photos of the elusive owl before it took off. It was the first time he’d ever seen one in the wild, a bucket-list moment for the Alberta-based photographer. "When it looked at me, it was like a movie," he said. "It was so surreal." Later that same day, fellow Calgary wildlife photographer Jennil Modar also caught a glimpse of the bird. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment to see it here,” she said. A Bird Far From Home This isn’t the first time a barn owl has been spotted in Alberta — but it's close. Verified sightings are rare, and the province’s first confirmed live barn owl was recorded northeast of Red Deer in December 1999. Colin Weir, managing director of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, said barn owls are “extremely rare” in the province. “In the last 40 years, we've only had two wild barn owls come into our care,” Weir said. The foundation rehabilitates injured birds of prey from across Canada. Barn owls aren’t migratory, which makes it even more unusual for them to turn up so far outside their established range. Weir said that many past reports turn out to be misidentifications — often young great horned owls mistaken for barn owls. “But it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that they could show up,” he added. Endangered in Canada The barn owl is one of three owl species officially listed as endangered in Canada, alongside the northern spotted owl and burrowing owl. In British Columbia, the western population of barn owls is considered threatened, while the eastern population in Ontario is classified as endangered. According to Birds Canada’s NatureCounts platform, only around 650 barn owls are estimated to remain across the country. Urbanization and agricultural expansion are the primary threats to their survival. True to their name, barn owls often nest in older buildings — barns, sheds, church towers — which are becoming increasingly scarce as development replaces rural architecture with modern structures. “In Europe, they’re known as the graveyard owl, or churchyard owl,” said Weir. “They’re quite common in churches and graveyards because the old buildings are still standing.” That’s less true in Canada, where habitat loss continues to shrink their already limited range. A Magical Moment For Clark, spotting the barn owl was both thrilling and bittersweet. “It was at the top of my wildlife photography list,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming of seeing one. I just never expected it would happen here.” So far, the owl hasn’t been seen again. But for those lucky enough to witness it, the moment won’t be forgotten. “A lot of people will never see one in their lifetime,” Modar said. “To see one here — in Alberta, of all places — it’s like a gift.”
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Score (98)
A Thousand Handwritten Christmas Cards Are Bringing Joy to Seniors Across Vancouver Island
What began as a simple act of kindness during the isolation of the pandemic has grown into a cherished annual tradition — and this year, it's reaching more people than ever. Thanks to Christiana Conway and a team of nearly 100 volunteers, hundreds of seniors and vulnerable residents across British Columbia’s mid-Island region will receive a handwritten Christmas card this holiday season. For many, it may be the only one they get. “It was that first Christmas and everyone was talking about how lonely — especially seniors — would be,” Conway said, recalling the project's humble beginnings in 2020. “We thought we’d write some cards and drop them in, and it just grew from there.” That year, she, her husband, and a close friend delivered over 300 cards to local care homes. Five years later, the total has grown to nearly 3,000 cards, with this year alone expected to break 1,000 — a record for the initiative. “I originally aimed for around 800 this year,” she told Sunny Skyz, “but with so much help, it looks like we’ll pass the 1,000 mark for the first time.” That means expanding beyond care homes to include crisis support centers, social housing, and disability programs across Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni, and Nanaimo. Cards are going to dementia units, palliative care residents, and others who might not otherwise receive any holiday mail at all. “One care home manager told me they weren’t sure if residents would get any cards this year because of the Canada Post strike,” she said. “At least they'll be getting one card from us. It’s so easy, but it can make such a difference.” And it has. Over the years, Conway has received messages from care workers describing how deeply the cards move residents. “Some even cried because it meant so much to them that someone out there cared,” she said. “I get very excited thinking about the people who receive the cards, knowing it may be the only one they get.” For her, it’s not just about the holidays — it’s about remembering those who often feel forgotten. “It’s so important to think of our elders and remember that someday we will be in their shoes,” she said. The logistics behind the effort are no small feat. Conway begins planning in October, contacting care homes, collecting resident numbers, and assembling card-writing packets with all the necessary supplies. Volunteers turn it into a social activity — hosting card-writing parties with friends, family, and neighbors. Children often join in too. “Even before the cards reach the care homes, they’ve helped strengthen and connect our community,” she said. “My favorite part is when people get their kids involved. Once my son is a little older, I want him to be part of it too.” Anyone can join in, whether they want to write a single card or a stack. “There’s no minimum, no requirements, just willing hands and willing hearts,” Conway said. “Anyone who would like to get involved can contact me directly on social media [@the.hope.post].” Beyond Christmas, the project continues year-round through a community mailbox that collects handwritten notes for those in need of encouragement at any time. “It really does make a difference,” Conway said. “And I’m so grateful to everyone who shows up year after year.” What started as a small gesture during a lonely time has become something much bigger — a reminder that a few kind words on paper can carry warmth across miles, into rooms where it’s needed most.
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Woman Breaks World Record for Largest Afro, Celebrates Natural Hair As a Lifestyle
Jessica L. Martinez is officially in the record books — and she’s not hiding her curls. The 29-year-old justice advocate and entrepreneur has just broken the Guinness World Record for the largest afro on a living woman. Her hair measures 11.42 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide, and an astonishing 6 feet, 2.87 inches in circumference. “For me, breaking this record confirms that the things that make us different and unique should always be celebrated,” Martinez said in an interview with PEOPLE. “It amplifies what I have always known deep down, that natural hair is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.” Martinez, who is the founder and CEO of the brand Somebody’s Auntie, describes her relationship with her hair as a long and personal journey. “My hair and I have gone through ups and downs over the years,” she said. “At the end of a long day, it’s just the two of us preparing for whatever tomorrow might bring.” But the road to self-acceptance wasn’t easy. “For many years, I found myself comparing my hair to the people around me, trying to fit in,” she said. “When I finally stopped fighting with my hair to conform to the environment around me, I felt a freedom that I didn’t know I needed.” That shift, she says, came from letting go of outside opinions and reframing her idea of beauty. “The moment I stopped comparing my hair to others, not holding on to individuals' comments about me, or glances when I walked by, I found peace,” she said. “This took a mindset shift around my ideas of beauty, self-care and hair hygiene as a whole.” Her record was officially recognized by Guinness and handed over by the previous titleholder, Aevin Dugas. “Meeting Aevin was a very special moment,” said Martinez. “She has paved the way for me and anyone else to hold this awesome title. It’s very beautiful to have her support in celebrating the passing of the crown.” Beyond the numbers, Martinez hopes her afro sends a message — especially to young girls who may be struggling to embrace their natural hair. “You are enough,” she said. “You are beautifully and wonderfully made, so never feel the need to hide your curls from the world. I’m not hiding mine, and neither should you.” Martinez says the title is not just a personal milestone but a tribute to her younger self. “Having this title is such a blessing to me and my younger self,” she said. “I plan to continue to be an advocate in the natural hair industry and work towards ending hair discrimination worldwide.” Her advice for others? “Be patient, kind and gentle with your hair and never compare it to anyone else’s,” she said. “I hope that breaking this World Record will inspire someone to dream bigger — just like my afro.”
Score (95)
Northern Lights Dazzle Skies Across 14 States and Canada Tonight
The northern lights may make a rare appearance across parts of the U.S. tonight, thanks to elevated geomagnetic activity driven by a high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole on the sun, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. Forecasters say conditions are favorable for a minor (G1) geomagnetic storm, increasing the chances of aurora sightings well beyond their usual range — and giving aurora hunters a reason to bundle up and look north. Where You Might See the Aurora Based on NOAA’s latest aurora forecast, residents in at least 14 U.S. states could have a shot at seeing the northern lights tonight (Nov. 25 into early Nov. 26): • Alaska • North Dakota • Minnesota • Montana • Maine • Michigan • Wisconsin • South Dakota • Vermont • New Hampshire • Idaho • Wyoming • Iowa • New York These states lie either fully or partially above the current aurora view line, but it’s possible the lights could reach even farther south if conditions intensify. As always with space weather, forecasts come with uncertainty — there's a chance the display may underwhelm. But there’s also a chance of a dazzling show. Best Times to Watch According to NOAA’s 3-day space weather outlook, the best windows for aurora activity tonight are: • 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. EST (21:00 – 00:00 GMT) • 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. EST (03:00 – 06:00 GMT, Nov. 26) You’ll want to start scanning the sky once it gets dark, especially during those peak hours. Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights If you're within one of the lucky states listed, here’s how to maximize your chances: • Get away from city lights. Head to a dark area with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the northern horizon. • Face north. A north-facing location with an unobstructed view is ideal. • Use your phone’s camera. Even if your eyes don’t catch the glow, your phone may. Modern cameras can pick up faint auroras before they’re visible to the naked eye. • Let your eyes adjust. It takes about 30 minutes for your night vision to kick in. Be patient. • Dress warm. Aurora chasing often means standing around in the cold. Gloves, layers, and blankets are your best friends. • Use an aurora forecast app. Apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Space Weather Live can help you track real-time conditions and decide whether it’s worth heading outside. The northern lights are notoriously unpredictable, but when they appear, they’re unforgettable. So charge your phone, pack a thermos, and keep an eye on the northern sky — tonight might just be one of those nights.
Score (98)
Meet the UK’s First Dog Bus: 340 Pawsengers and Counting
The UK’s first dog bus is making a lot of people smile. Launched just five weeks ago, the bus in Leeds and Bradford takes dogs on half-day adventures with plenty of play, socializing and surprise community visits. It’s the brainchild of Laura Mohan, who started it after struggling to find the right care for her own pup, Billy. “We found with dog walkers one hour wasn't enough. And full-day care was too much for him,” Mohan said. Inspired by a similar project in the US called Canine Convoy, she decided to try something new. “Everyone loves seeing dogs on a bus.” She runs the service as part of her dog walking business with help from driver Ray Welderend, a former HGV driver who now says he’s landed his “dream job.” “I thought, ‘I’ve got nothing better to do with my time,’ and if I’m out and about playing with dogs, and helping out with dogs, it’s win-win for me,” he said. “This is a dream job compared to lorry driving.” Each day, the pair drives around picking up their furry “paw-sengers” from homes across the region. Once on board, the dogs are safely secured for the ride, which includes stops at schools, nursing homes, and community cafés — all before heading out for a big group walk. “We're half dog service, half community based,” Mohan said. “We do drive-bys to old people's homes, nursing homes, schools and nurseries, everyone can come on board, say hi to the dogs, and then we just ask for a donation to a local dog charity that we're associated with called Aireworth Kennels.” The dogs spend about three to four hours out of the house. Their humans can even check in via a livestream from the bus. “It’s a bit like running a children’s nursery – the key is lots of engagement and lots of love, and that keeps everybody in a good mood,” Mohan said. The service has exploded in popularity. Mohan originally expected maybe 20 sign-ups. “We woke up the second day and we had 68,” she said. “Now we’ve got just over 340 dogs enrolled, so it’s second bus time.” For many owners, especially those juggling work or family life, the dog bus has been a lifeline. "I'm working all the time. I've got a new baby and I want him to go on as many walks as possible,” said Georgie Grove, who sends her dog Coco on the bus. “So this is just perfect.” Issey Giltrow says the service has been a huge help with her dog Alfie, who became clingy while she worked from home. “We saw it when we were walking through Ilkley and we thought this would be perfect for him – get him out with other dogs,” she said. The visits also bring joy to places like Outside the Box, a community café in Ilkley supporting adults and young people with learning disabilities. Catherine Taylor, a support worker there, said: “It’s such a treat to have the dogs. It’s tactile, it’s caring. They've been so excited preparing for them, preparing all their drinks, putting signs out to make sure they have space for the bus.” As the number of “pandemic pups” continues to create demand for creative care options, Billy’s Bus seems to have hit the sweet spot: part doggy daycare, part community connection, and full-time fun on four legs.
Score (95)
Trapped Water Molecules Could Supercharge Drug Design and Material Science, Scientists Find
Water might be everywhere, but it doesn’t always behave the same way — especially when it’s stuck in tiny, molecular-sized pockets. Now, researchers in Germany have discovered that water confined in these cramped cavities doesn’t just sit there passively. Instead, it becomes “highly energetic” and can actually boost the strength of nearby molecular bonds. The research team from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Constructor University in Bremen published their findings in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, suggesting this unusual water behavior could open up new possibilities in medicine and materials science. “Usually, water molecules interact most strongly with each other,” said Dr. Frank Biedermann from KIT’s Institute of Nanotechnology. “However, data obtained from experiment shows that water behaves unusually in such narrow cavities. We now could supply the theoretical basis of these observations and prove that the water in molecular cavities is energetically activated.” In simpler terms, when water is squeezed into tiny molecular spaces — like those found inside proteins or synthetic receptors — it stores extra energy. It’s like a crowded elevator: as soon as someone new arrives, the water “wants” to escape. And when it does, it creates room for another molecule to bind more tightly to the cavity. That’s exactly what researchers observed when they used cucurbit[8]uril, a molecule with a hollow interior that can hold other molecules. This made it a perfect test case for studying confined water in a simpler setup. “Depending on the guest molecule, computer models enabled us to calculate how much more binding force the highly energetic water yields,” said Professor Werner Nau of Constructor University. “We found that the more energetically activated the water is, the better it favors binding between the guest molecule and the host when it is displaced.” This energetic release plays a central role in helping molecules stick together — even in natural systems. “Even natural antibodies, for example against SARS-CoV-2, might owe their effectiveness partly to the way how they transport water molecules into and out of their binding cavities,” Biedermann added. To measure the impact, the team combined high-precision calorimetry — a method that tracks heat changes during molecular interactions — with computer simulations created by Dr. Jeffry Setiadi and Professor Michael K. Gilson at the University of California, San Diego. The implications for drug development are significant. One of the challenges in designing new medications is getting molecules to bind tightly to their targets, such as proteins inside the body. If researchers can identify energetic water inside those targets and design drugs that displace it, they could dramatically improve how well the drug sticks — and how effective it is. In materials science, the same principle could lead to better sensors or storage materials by engineering cavities that use water displacement to enhance performance. In short, what once looked like just a few stray water molecules trapped in a tight space may actually be a powerful driver of molecular behavior. The study not only helps settle a long-running scientific debate — whether trapped water does anything significant — but also offers a new way to think about how nature (and chemists) can take advantage of it.
Score (97)
“Best time of my life”: Teen swimmer wins 8 golds for Britain at Down Syndrome European Championships
Sixteen-year-old Joe from St Albans just brought home eight gold medals — and he’s already thinking about how to beat that next time. Representing Great Britain at the European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Albufeira, Portugal, Joe dominated the junior division, claiming top titles in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle, as well as four more in combined events. A total of 103 swimmers from across Europe took part in the competition, which wrapped up in early November. “Knowing I got these titles makes me want to train harder,” he said. “You've just got to get out there and do your thing; there's no fun in swimming if you're not going to train.” Joe swims four times a week with his team at Verulam Swim Club in Hertfordshire. He credits his success to hard work and his club’s support. His mother Anne said the environment has been key to helping Joe thrive. “He's really found something that he can excel in and he feels really at home with his club – they make him so welcome. He could not have hoped for a more inclusive club,” she said. Joe described the entire experience as “incredible,” adding, “150% it was the best time of my life.” For him, it’s not just about the medals. He wants to encourage other athletes to stay the course, even when it’s hard. “Keep learning, never give up on what you’ve started, keep on going to make sure it’s a learning experience, as we all learn from our mistakes,” he said. “There is always room for improvement.” Joe’s father Gary said the family was “so delighted” and praised his son for training “so hard” to get to this level. Joe is also a student at Oaklands College in St Albans, where he’s enrolled in the Learning for Independence and Future Employment (LIFE) programme. Roxanne Lowe, director of the LIFE programme, said his medal haul was the result of years of effort. “His achievements are the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and passion for his sport,” she said. “His hard work, determination, and positive attitude embody everything we stand for as a college.” She called him a “true champion in and out of the pool.” Joe’s already setting his sights on the future — and encouraging others to do the same. “Remain focused on the thing you're doing and when you're about to do something like a competition, don't quit,” he said. “Get out there and show the other team what you've got and maybe one day in the future they'll be the next generation to take the spot on the team.”
Score (96)
Seniors Marry After 15 Years Together, Defying Dementia Diagnosis
An elderly couple in Suffolk has tied the knot in a heartfelt ceremony driven by love, resilience, and memory. Terry Smith, 86, who was diagnosed with dementia two years ago, married his long-time partner Jo Johnson, 91, on Friday at Lowestoft Registry Office. Surrounded by family, the couple fulfilled a promise they had held onto for years: to spend the rest of their lives together — officially. The two had been together for 15 years, but after Mr Smith’s diagnosis, they decided not to wait any longer. “I've wanted to [get married] for a long time, but I've never said anything because he's been unwell,” Mrs Smith told BBC Radio Suffolk. “He's still ill, but he's happy and we're always walking around the house and singing.” For Mrs Smith, the day carried extra meaning — it also happened to be her birthday. Her grandson Adam gave her away. Their story began with a nudge from family. Mrs Smith had lost her husband and wasn’t sure she was ready to start something new. But her daughter, Vicky Sartain, thought otherwise. “She was so full of life and really upbeat, so she needed to share her love and she needed a companion,” Sartain said. Mr Smith recalled their first meeting with a smile. “She didn’t want to know me when I first met her. I don’t know [why],” he said. Despite that shaky start, the two became inseparable. And once the dementia diagnosis came, it only intensified Mr Smith’s desire to marry. “Every day for months [he said], ‘I want to marry your mum, I want to marry your mum,’” Sartain shared. The ceremony was officiated by registrar David Hunter, who called it one of the most memorable he's ever conducted. “It was a special ceremony for a special couple,” he said. “I’ve been on a journey with this couple. I first met them well over a year ago when they came in to inquire about how they get married... they’ve become almost good friends to me.” Now officially Mr and Mrs Smith, the couple is enjoying married life in Kessingland, filled with songs, smiles, and the memories they created — while they still can.
Score (98)
Cornwall Seal Rescued And Released Back Into Sea After Care
A young grey seal named Smores has been returned to the wild after weeks of rehabilitation at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, in what rescuers described as a "heartwarming moment." Smores was the first grey seal pup rescued this season by the team in Gweek, Cornwall. She was discovered in September, severely malnourished and just four to five weeks old. After receiving emergency stabilization from medics, Smores was transferred to the sanctuary’s specialist clinic where she underwent intensive care, nutrition support, and treatment. Over the following weeks, she steadily recovered, eventually reaching a healthy release weight of 30 kilograms. On Wednesday, staff took Smores to a quiet beach in Cornwall for her release. The sanctuary described the scene as emotional, with the pup confidently entering the surf and vanishing beneath the waves. “Watching Smores head back into the water is exactly why we do what we do,” said Anne van Domburg, senior animal care specialist and research coordinator at the sanctuary. “She came to us vulnerable and exhausted, and seeing her now strong, healthy, and ready to thrive in the wild is incredibly rewarding for the entire team.” The sanctuary is currently caring for 12 more rescued seal pups as part of its ongoing work to support injured and orphaned marine animals.