This Ornament Exchange Brings Holiday Cheer Amid Grief

In a heartwarming turn of events, Kelly Sammon founded Grieving Gracefully, a support group for those dealing with loss after facing her own struggles during Christmas. The group has grown to 170 members exchanging holiday cards and ornaments this year. Members across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. are finding solace in shared experiences through virtual events and book clubs organized by Sammon. Angie Hanson, who lost loved ones herself, is part of the exchange to offer hope and comfort to others navigating grief during the holidays.

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New National Law Transforms Large Parking Lots Into Solar Power Farms

Starting this month, South Korea will require all large parking lots — not just new ones — to install solar canopies or carports. The rule applies to publicly and privately owned lots with more than 80 spaces, and it’s part of a nationwide push to expand renewable energy and put underused land to work. The policy was approved in late September and officially kicks in this month. Unlike similar proposals in places like the US, this one goes further by covering existing infrastructure. That means thousands of parking lots across the country will be adding solar panels, providing clean energy and new shade for drivers. “Through this mandatory installation, we expect to expand the distribution of eco-friendly renewable energy generation facilities while providing tangible benefits to the public,” a Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official told Asia Business Daily. “By utilizing idle land such as parking lots, we can maximize land use efficiency.” The law is an amendment to South Korea’s Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of the Development, Use, and Diffusion of New and Renewable Energy. Officials say it’s about more than hitting energy targets. The shade from solar canopies will help keep cars cool in summer, protect them from snow and rain, and even boost battery life in electric vehicles by reducing AC use. The move is also expected to create jobs across the solar and construction sectors, all while making parking lots more comfortable for the average driver. Could This Work in the US? A rollout this ambitious might seem out of reach for the US, but the groundwork is already there. In Arizona, the Northwest Fire District teamed up with Standard Solar to install a 657-kilowatt solar carport system across a dozen parking lots. It generates over 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity every year — enough to offset the emissions of 185,000 vehicles. New York City recently announced its own expansion of solar-ready zones, freeing up an additional 400 million square feet of commercial space for EV charging and solar installation. And in sun-drenched states like Texas, New Mexico, and Florida, the benefits could be even greater. While the politics of national mandates may differ, there’s growing momentum at the local and state level. As South Korea shows, solar carports aren’t just an energy solution — they’re an efficient way to make better use of already-developed land, offering shade, power, and cleaner air all at once.

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New Study Triggers Hair Regrowth in Mice by Activating Fat Cells — Are Human Trials Next?

Scientists may be one step closer to a safe and effective way to reverse baldness, thanks to a surprising discovery involving fat cells, skin irritation, and the body’s natural healing response. In a new study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers from National Taiwan University showed that mild skin injuries in mice could spark hair regrowth in just 20 days by stimulating fat cells around hair follicles. Even more promising, they found that applying a serum made from specific fatty acids could achieve the same result — no injuries required. The research builds on an old observation: when skin gets irritated or injured, hair often grows back faster or thicker in that area. But until now, the underlying biology wasn’t fully understood. “The bodies of most mammals are covered by a dense hair coat, which serves as the first protective barrier,” wrote lead researcher Kang-Yu Tai and colleagues. “Irritation or injury to the epidermal skin surface, the second body barrier in most mammals, should signal to regrow or reestablish the first protective barrier, the hair.” To test this, researchers shaved mice and then gave them small skin injuries using chemicals or heat. These mild irritants caused inflammation — which brought in immune cells known as macrophages. The macrophages then triggered nearby fat cells (called adipocytes) to release fatty acids. Those fatty acids were absorbed by dormant hair stem cells, which then kicked into gear and started the hair growth process. In other words, fat cells acted like a delivery service, offering the exact signals hair stem cells needed to wake up and get back to work. The team didn’t stop there. Once they understood the sequence — injury leads to inflammation, which activates immune cells, which activate fat cells — they tried shortcutting the process. They applied a topical serum made of the same fatty acids directly onto the mice’s skin. Hair grew back within about 20 days, even without the skin being injured. It’s not a miracle cure, though. The fatty acid treatment only works on hair follicles that are in their resting phase — the stage in the natural cycle when follicles are dormant but still viable. Human baldness tends to be more complicated, with follicles in different stages and sometimes permanently damaged or shrunken beyond repair. Still, the idea of reactivating dormant hair stem cells — rather than relying on drugs or surgery — could offer a safer and more accessible approach to treating hair loss in the future. Researchers are now exploring whether the same chain reaction can be replicated in humans, with clinical trials in development. There’s still much to learn about how macrophages decide to trigger fatty acid release, and how to control that process without causing unnecessary inflammation. But the building blocks are there. “Their natural existence and established safety profile suggest considerable potential for treating hair loss conditions in the future,” the study concludes. If the approach holds up in humans, it could open the door to a new class of hair loss treatments — ones that don’t just cover up baldness, but restore the body’s ability to grow hair on its own.

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Boston Aquarium Builds 'Old Folks Home' for Aging Penguins — And It's Helping Them Thrive

Lambert the penguin may not see as well as he used to, but he’s still living his best life — thanks to a new geriatric island built just for him and his senior friends at the New England Aquarium in Boston. At 33 years old, Lambert is considered elderly by penguin standards. African penguins, an endangered species native to South Africa and Namibia, rarely live past their teens in the wild due to threats like overfishing and pollution. But in the safety of captivity, some live well into their 30s — even their 40s. That’s created a new challenge for aquariums and zoos: how to care for animals that are now outliving their wild counterparts by decades. For Lambert, who was born and raised at the aquarium, the solution came in February when staff opened a special senior penguin enclosure right near the main entrance. It’s quieter, less crowded, and comes with some upgrades — like carpeted ramps and easy-access water features — to help the older birds move around more easily. “Honestly, it sort of started off as a joke,” said Eric Fox, associate curator of penguins. “It’s like, ‘Oh, well, why don’t we give them an old folks home?’ But the more we were looking at their welfare data... we started to realize that we were on to something.” The aquarium currently houses 38 African penguins, but only seven live in the new senior section. That includes Lambert and his longtime mate, Dyer III, who were recently spotted cuddling and preening each other at the top of their island perch, occasionally letting out loud donkey-like brays — a typical penguin call. Lambert’s had a rough few years health-wise. He lost his left eye to an infection, has glaucoma in the other, and suffers from chronic inflammation. But since moving to the new island, trainers say he’s more active, swimming more and socializing more often. “He’s swimming more with his mate and getting off the island more,” said Mia Luzietti, a senior penguin trainer. “It’s really important that, as we learned how long these animals could live... we evolved with that.” The enclosure’s gentler terrain and custom features — like a hop-out stand in the water — are all designed with senior birds in mind. The changes may seem small, but they make a big difference for animals with mobility or vision issues. Beyond just comfort, the aging penguins also get more medical attention. They’re monitored by extra cameras and receive treatment for common age-related issues like arthritis and joint pain. That includes daily doses of eye drops and anti-inflammatories, much like their human counterparts. “We are just keeping a little closer of an eye on some of these older birds,” Luzietti said. “It’s important that we’re picking up on those — from how someone’s hips are moving, how they’re walking, how they are acting, if someone’s squinting. The smallest change day to day can be hiding a really big secret.” That level of care was on display during a recent visit when Luzietti gently coaxed Lambert onto her lap for his eye drops. A small crowd had gathered to watch, including 69-year-old Terri Blessman, a tourist from Illinois in a wheelchair, who smiled as she learned about Lambert’s special setup. “That’s wonderful,” she said. “All of us older people need extra care as we get older.” For now, Lambert seems content with his slower pace of life, surrounded by familiar faces in a quieter space. And as zoos and aquariums around the world grapple with the challenge of aging animal populations, Boston’s “penguin old folks home” might just become a model for others to follow.

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Canada Unveils Strategy to End Animal Testing by 2035, Aims for Humane Science Revolution

Canada has just taken a major step toward ending toxicity testing on animals. For the first time, the federal government has released a national plan to phase out animal-based testing in chemical safety assessments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The strategy comes after years of pressure from advocacy groups like Animal Justice, and follows the passage of Bill S-5 in 2023. It lays out a roadmap for how Canada plans to replace, reduce, or refine the use of vertebrate animals in toxicity tests—some of the most painful and deadly experiments in Canadian science. “This is a big moment,” said Animal Justice, one of the leading organizations behind the push. “But it can’t be the last one.” Every year, Canada uses millions of animals in lab settings. Around 150,000 are used in toxicity tests to assess chemical safety, and many of those animals endure severe suffering. In some years, more than 90,000 animals have been subjected to Category E procedures—the most extreme category under the Canadian Council on Animal Care. These tests include inflicting burns or trauma without anesthesia, or forcing animals to ingest or absorb toxic substances until death. The newly released national strategy sets a goal: shift away from those methods and adopt modern alternatives that don’t rely on animal suffering. But advocates say that unless Canada backs the plan with real funding and accountability, the progress could stall. A Five-Part Framework The strategy introduces a five-part framework to help bring in “new approach methods,” or NAMs—scientific techniques like AI models, organ-on-a-chip systems, and lab-grown cell cultures. These methods often perform better than traditional animal tests by being more accurate, faster, and cheaper. The five pillars of the framework are: • Identifying where NAMs can replace existing animal tests. • Supporting the research and data needed to validate these alternatives. • Aligning Canada’s approach with international partners. • Engaging regularly with the public, industry, and researchers. • Implementing NAMs directly into CEPA’s regulatory decisions. It’s a science-first strategy, but also a response to public pressure. When the draft version was released in September 2024, thousands of Canadians weighed in, urging the government to adopt faster, more humane methods. A Pledge Without a Plan? One sticking point: the strategy doesn’t include clear benchmarks or timelines. Back in 2021, the Liberal Party pledged to end toxicity testing on animals by 2035. But the new framework doesn’t lay out how Canada will measure progress or hold itself accountable. Nor does it strongly commit to eliminating animal use altogether. Instead, it focuses on the “3Rs”—replace, reduce, or refine—which critics say can dilute momentum. Refining animal tests, for example, may involve slightly better living conditions but still allow painful procedures. “Refinement means things like bigger cages or more bedding,” Animal Justice said. “That’s not enough to stop the suffering.” A National Centre in Jeopardy One of the most urgent challenges is funding. Canada had already established a national centre for non-animal testing—the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods (CCAAM)—at the University of Windsor. But despite its potential, the centre was forced to close last year due to a lack of federal support. Unlike countries such as the US, Brazil, South Korea, and EU members, Canada has not committed public funding to maintain or expand its national centre. Advocates say reopening the CCAAM in Ottawa would help Canada lead on humane science. It could serve as a research hub, connect academic and industry partners, and ensure Canada meets its 2035 target. “The science is already there. What we need is political will and investment,” said Animal Justice. Next Steps To stay on track, advocates are calling for the government to: • Fund and reopen the CCAAM. • Establish a CEPA advisory committee focused on animal-free science. • Set measurable goals and timelines for reducing and replacing animal use. • They argue that doing so would not only save animals from suffering but also modernize Canada’s approach to science and public health. The strategy is a start. But if Canada wants to fulfill its promise to end toxicity testing on animals within the next decade, advocates say the next move must be just as bold as the last.

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Heroic Man Rescues Unconscious Stranger From Burning House While Dressed as Supervillain

Dressed as a comic book antihero, he had no idea he was about to save a life. He and his family were on their way to a Halloween party in Greenville, Ohio. His wife was behind the wheel, dressed as Starlight from The Boys, and their kids were in costume in the back seat. He had chosen to go as Homelander — the caped, patriotic, and deeply unhinged superhero from the hit show — mostly because he’d had a rough day and wasn’t in the mood to play nice. As they neared his sister-in-law’s house, flames caught his eye. A house on the street was on fire. “I said, ‘Honey, pull over and call 911,’” he recalled. While his wife and kids watched from the car, he ran toward the burning home in full superhero costume. “Don’t worry,” he told them. “I’ll be right back.” Outside, several people were standing around watching the fire. “Is anyone inside?” he asked. One man shrugged. “I’m not sure.” That was all he needed to hear. As he stepped inside, smoke and heat surrounded him. His cape snagged on a bannister and tore off, floating back toward the street. A woman caught it. “Hold that,” he said. “I’m going to need it later.” He made it to the top of the stairs, where he found an unconscious man on the floor. With no time to wake him, he hoisted the man up and carried him out like “a 6-foot baby,” straight through the smoke and out the front door. Once outside, he performed sternum rubs until the man came to — then watched as he jumped to his feet and took off down the street. Police later determined the house was vacant and being sold. The man had apparently broken in and passed out. No one knows what caused the fire, though it’s believed a small flame may have gotten out of control. The costume didn’t make the moment, he insists. “I’ve helped people out of car wrecks before,” he said. “It’s just what you do.” What followed was unexpected. Word of the rescue spread. Eventually, he was awarded a Carnegie medal for heroism and added to the Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame. Even The Boys actor Antony Starr — who plays Homelander — shared the story on social media, writing: “I never been a prouder parent.” His own kids still talk about it. “One of them tells kids at school that his dad’s a superhero,” he said. “Given what Homelander is actually like on the show, I just hope he never watches it.”

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Marcedes Lewis Becomes Oldest Tight End in NFL History at Age 41

At 41, Marcedes Lewis just made history — and he's not done yet. On Sunday, the veteran tight end became the oldest player ever to suit up for the Denver Broncos, playing in their 18-15 win over the Houston Texans. Signed to the practice squad just four days earlier, Lewis was elevated to the active roster on Saturday and took the field with the offense on the opening series. “It feels amazing,” Lewis told The Denver Gazette. “It’s special and I don’t take it for granted. If I’m not giving my absolute best at whatever I’m doing on that day, I can’t renew my contract for the next day.” By stepping onto the field, Lewis broke two franchise age records. He surpassed quarterback Craig Morton, who was just shy of 40 when he played his final regular-season game for the Broncos in 1982. And when postseason games are included, Lewis also passed Peyton Manning, who was 39 years and 10 months when he led Denver to victory in Super Bowl 50. Lewis is now in his 20th NFL season — a remarkable milestone in a league where the average career spans less than four years. Drafted in the first round by Jacksonville in 2006, Lewis spent 12 seasons with the Jaguars, then played five years in Green Bay and two with Chicago. Known earlier in his career as a pass-catching tight end — he made the Pro Bowl in 2010 with 48 catches and 700 yards — Lewis has more recently focused on blocking. Still, he wasn’t ready to walk away. “Obviously, finishing my 19th season, I had aspirations of getting 20,” he said. “The beginning of this year didn’t go as planned… so I decided to wait it out. Being here [in Denver] is something special.” The Broncos called after tight end Nate Adkins suffered a knee injury in late October. With Adkins still sidelined, Lewis is expected to be active again this Thursday when Denver faces the Las Vegas Raiders at home. For now, Lewis says he’s taking it one day — and one contract renewal — at a time.

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Kenyan Runners Triumph in Men's and Women's Races at New York City Marathon

Kenya dominated the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, with Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri taking top honors in the men’s and women’s pro divisions. Kipruto, 34, edged out fellow Kenyan Alexander Mutiso in a thrilling sprint finish, both clocking 2:08:09 — but Kipruto won by just 0.03 seconds. “I knew it was going to be a tight race,” he said at a post-race press conference. “I'm so happy to have my fourth win over a major marathon.” It was Kipruto’s first New York City Marathon win, adding to previous victories in Tokyo (2024), Chicago (2022), and Boston (2021). He also claimed bronze in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of 2:07:00. Albert Korir, also from Kenya, placed third on Sunday with a time of 2:08:57, giving Kenya a clean sweep of the men’s podium. In the women’s race, 35-year-old Hellen Obiri claimed her second consecutive NYC Marathon title with a winning time of 2:19:51. Fellow Kenyans Sharon Lokedi and Sheila Chepkirui took second and third, respectively. Obiri, a three-time Olympic medalist, first won the race in 2023. More than 55,000 runners took part in this year’s event, which winds through all five of New York City's boroughs and across five bridges. Hosted annually since 1970 on the first Sunday of November, the NYC Marathon is the largest in the world, drawing runners from over 150 countries. While elite athletes fought for top spots, the race also welcomed celebrity participants. Hip-hop artist N.O.R.E., MTV Catfish host Nev Schulman, and others joined thousands running for personal goals and charitable causes. More than 600 charities were represented, with millions raised through fundraising efforts. This year also marked the debut of one of the sport’s legends: Eliud Kipchoge. The former men’s marathon world record holder and two-time Olympic gold medalist ran his first NYC Marathon just days before his 41st birthday. He finished 17th with a time of 2:14:36. In the wheelchair division, Marcel Hug of Switzerland claimed his sixth NYC title with a time of 1:30:16. On the women’s side, American Susannah Scaroni defended her title, winning in 1:42:10. Each wheelchair champion took home $50,000 — the largest prize ever awarded in the division. Overall, the race offered a guaranteed prize purse of $969,000, with $100,000 awarded to each of the male and female open division winners. It was a day of personal triumphs, record-breaking participation, and a reaffirmation of Kenya’s long-distance legacy — all set against the backdrop of New York’s iconic streets.

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Netherlands Just Pledged to Return This Stolen 3,500-Year-Old Sculpture To Egypt

The Netherlands has announced it will return a 3,500-year-old stone sculpture to Egypt, after authorities confirmed it had been looted and illegally exported during the chaos of the Arab Spring. Dutch officials say it’s "highly likely" the head-shaped sculpture, believed to represent a high-ranking official from the time of Pharaoh Thutmose III, was stolen in either 2011 or 2012. It resurfaced years later at an art and antiques fair in Maastricht in 2022, where it was offered for sale. Dutch authorities launched an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip-off about the artifact’s origin. The dealer voluntarily surrendered the piece once its illicit background became clear. Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof made the pledge to return the sculpture during the opening weekend of Egypt’s massive new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza — an event marking a major moment for Egypt’s cultural heritage. Dutch officials said the head will be formally handed over to the Egyptian ambassador in the Netherlands by the end of the year. “The Netherlands is committed both nationally and internationally to ensuring the return of heritage to its original owners,” the government said in a statement, adding that the sculpture holds deep significance for Egypt’s identity. The move comes at a time of growing international pressure on museums and collectors to return stolen or looted cultural objects. Egypt, in particular, has intensified efforts to reclaim artifacts, many of which were taken during periods of foreign occupation or political instability. The timing of the announcement also underscores the importance of Egypt’s new $1.2 billion Grand Egyptian Museum, which officially opened this weekend after years of delays — including a pause during the Arab Spring. The museum, one of the largest archaeological museums in the world, holds 100,000 artefacts, including the complete collection from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Egyptologists and officials hope the museum’s global spotlight will support calls for the return of iconic artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone, which remains on display at the British Museum in London.

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Jesse Eisenberg Reveals He's Donating a Kidney to a Stranger: 'A No-Brainer'

Jesse Eisenberg is known for his quick wit and offbeat film roles — but offscreen, he’s making a quiet, extraordinary decision: donating one of his kidneys to a complete stranger. The 42-year-old actor shared the news during a live appearance on the TODAY show, saying he's scheduled for the procedure in mid-December. “I really am,” he confirmed. “I’m actually donating my kidney in six weeks.” Eisenberg isn’t doing it for a friend or family member. It’s what’s known as an altruistic or non-directed donation — where the kidney goes to someone with advanced kidney disease whom the donor doesn’t know. It’s an act of giving that’s rare, yet critically needed. As of September 2024, nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. were waiting for a kidney transplant. “I don’t know why,” Eisenberg said when asked what motivated him. “I got bitten by the blood donation bug. I’m doing an altruistic donation… I’m so excited to do it.” The Social Network star says he first considered donating a decade ago and even reached out to an organization but never heard back. Recently, after a conversation with a doctor friend, he was connected with NYU Langone Health in New York. The next day, he was in the hospital undergoing evaluation. After a series of tests, he was cleared — and is now scheduled to move forward. "It's essentially risk-free and so needed," Eisenberg told TODAY.com in a follow-up interview. “I think people will realize that it’s a no-brainer, if you have the time and the inclination.” He also explained how a single donation can trigger a chain reaction. In cases where a loved one isn’t a match for a patient, the altruistic donor’s kidney might go to that patient — freeing the loved one to donate to someone else, and so on. “It only works if there is basically an altruistic donor,” he said. To address a common concern — what if a family member later needs a kidney? — Eisenberg said he registered his loved ones through the National Kidney Registry’s family voucher program. That ensures they’d be prioritized for a living kidney donation if needed in the future. “So it’s risk-free for my family, as well,” he said. Eisenberg has long been a committed blood donor, too. “I just have so much blood in me, and I feel like I should spill it,” he joked. But there’s sincerity behind his humor — and a growing track record of putting those instincts into action.

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Woman Finds Biological Father After 35-Year Search, Discovering New Family Bonds

At 35, Sarah Pilkington decided it was finally time to answer the question that had followed her all her life: Who was her biological father? Growing up in Vancouver, Washington, Pilkington had been raised by her mother and stepfather — but never felt a real connection to the man who helped raise her. Her mother had become pregnant at 20 and, by Pilkington’s account, had been uncertain of the father’s identity. That uncertainty eventually faded into the background when she married someone else. But for Pilkington, the gap was always there. “I really pined for his approval,” she said. “When you are made to feel that way in your youth, it heavily impacts the choices you make in relationships of all kinds.” After going through a divorce in 2024 and working to rebuild her self-worth, she felt ready. Surrounded by a supportive community and finally unafraid of what she might find, she ordered an ancestry test in August 2025. “I was always so afraid of being rejected by whoever my father was,” she said. “But I finally felt like I had the wide support to go look for him and handle however it played out.” Within three weeks, the results came in — and so did a breakthrough. She was matched with a close family member: her aunt. Her sister tracked down photos online, and when Pilkington saw them, she said she just knew. Despite having been off Facebook for years, she reactivated her account and messaged the woman who matched. The response came quickly. Her aunt was warm and willing to help. Days later, while Pilkington was traveling for a wedding, she got on the phone with her biological father, Greg Mickles, 55. That call turned into daily conversations. Then, on October 20, Greg and his wife flew from Wildomar, California, to meet Sarah in person. She remembers the moment clearly. “I had my dad. He cried, I cried. We all cried,” she said. “He is honestly a really kind person.” She said the most surprising part wasn’t just how easy it was to find him — it was how right it all felt. “My dad is just like me, or I am like him,” she said. “We are both tender hearts, big softies. He is better than I hoped for.” For years, Pilkington had assumed the worst — that he wouldn’t want to know her, that it would be painful or awkward. But the reality was the opposite. “Boy, was I wrong,” she said. “I have heard of these searches not going anywhere near as smoothly as this did. I did not think I would find him this fast or that it would be this easy.” Now, she's looking forward to spending the holidays with her newly found family and deepening the bond that, until recently, felt out of reach. “I feel a level of peace I cannot quite describe,” she said. Her advice to others considering a similar search? Don’t go it alone. “My family, friends, and partner have helped me get to this place where I felt safe enough to begin this search,” she said. “I think, had I not had their support, it would have taken me a lot longer to get here.”

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