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Guide Dog Granny Celebrates Special Day With Four Generations
In a cozy home in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, a former guide dog named Connie is preparing for a unique Mother's Day celebration. This Labrador retriever, once part of the Guide Dogs charity breeding program, has become a great-grandmother. Connie produced four litters before retiring in 2017, and her legacy continues as several of her offspring have followed in her paw prints to become guide dogs themselves. In the UK, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 30th. The family tree grew even more this February when Connie's granddaughter Coco welcomed eight puppies into the world with her first litter. Now, four generations live under one roof with Linda Atkins, a dedicated breeding dog volunteer for the charity since 2012. "Connie is truly the queen of the household," Atkins said. "She may be a little whiter in the face nowadays but she can still spring around the garden with the puppies." This Mother’s Day promises to be particularly special for Atkins and her canine companions. "With four generations under one roof, this Mother's Day is going to be a very special one indeed," she added. Guide dogs spend their first eight weeks bonding with their mothers before starting their training journey. Once they retire from service, volunteers like Atkins often adopt them officially. For Connie and her family, this holiday will be filled with wagging tails and joyful memories—a testament to love that spans generations.
Score (98)
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Stunning NBA Triumph Ignited Joy in His Hometown
Hamilton, Ontario is buzzing with pride after local hero Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA title and snagged the NBA Finals MVP award. The 26-year-old Canadian has joined an elite group of players who have won the scoring title, league MVP, NBA championship and Finals MVP all in one season. The list includes legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O'Neal. Tim Francis, who coached Gilgeous-Alexander at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School in Hamilton, couldn't be prouder. "From everyone in Hamilton that knew him in the early days, we are so incredibly excited for him and proud of who he has become," Francis told CBC Hamilton. He praised Gilgeous-Alexander's humility and work ethic as qualities that young athletes should emulate. This year has been monumental for Gilgeous-Alexander, often referred to as SGA. In May, he was named the NBA's most valuable player, making him only the second Canadian to win this accolade after Steve Nash achieved it back-to-back in 2005 and 2006. His MVP season ended on a high note when he scored 29 points and made 12 assists, leading the Thunder to a victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Finals. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath congratulated him on Instagram, praising his leadership and passion. "From the streets of Hamilton to the NBA's biggest stage, Shai keeps making us proud," she wrote. While specific plans are still under wraps, there are discussions about celebrating his achievements in his hometown. For Daniel Sobczak, a graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey from a local kid to NBA superstar feels surreal. He tweeted that SGA's success serves as a potent reminder to persevere through adversity. Mason Versace shares similar sentiments. The aspiring basketball player met SGA three years ago when he was just ten years old. Now playing with STAC Hamilton—a non-profit supporting youth sports—Versace expressed how inspiring it is to see someone from his city reach such heights. "I believe that from where we are... you can make your dream happen," he said on CBC's Hear and Now. Vaughan Alexander says he felt overwhelmed watching his son’s triumphs unfold. "It's all about hard work and perseverance," he told CBC News while reflecting on past memories of practices and tournaments. After securing the championship win, Gilgeous-Alexander himself admitted that it all feels surreal: "So many hours... So many nights of belief."
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This Mechanic Shop is Revving Up Business with a Game-Changing Cooperative
In the bustling township of Tsakane, South Africa, just a stone's throw from Johannesburg, Themba Maseko juggles multiple car repairs at his small motor shop. Like many independent mechanics in South Africa's townships, Maseko has long operated outside the official vehicle repair industry. But now, he’s part of something bigger—a cooperative that's changing how these mechanics do business. Maseko is one of several township mechanics who have joined the Motor Spares Collective. This group empowers local mechanics by pooling resources to buy official car parts and equipment at competitive prices. The collective allows them to order parts through WhatsApp and receive deliveries within 24 hours. "Now with the collective it’s much easier," says Maseko. "I don’t have to go stand in queue and waste time." The initiative addresses one of the biggest hurdles for township mechanics: sourcing authentic parts quickly without losing customers' time or trust. Before joining the collective, Maseko often spent hours away from his garage trying to find parts, only to return empty-handed because larger chains had snapped them up. This cooperative is part of broader efforts to boost small businesses in South Africa’s townships, which are home to about a third of the nation’s population. These areas, located on the fringes of major cities and towns, are rich with entrepreneurial spirit but often lack access to formal economic opportunities. South Africa counts over 700,000 registered small businesses; in townships like Tsakane, they range from hair salons and taverns to laundromats and auto repair shops. According to Lesaka, a financial services group, the informal sector generates an estimated $33 billion annually—more than six percent of the country’s GDP. Township businesses like Maseko's face challenges but also hold immense potential for growth. Sharief Bartus, another member of the Motor Spares Collective, notes that "people don’t respect the trade in the townships." Yet initiatives like this could change perceptions by professionalizing operations and improving service quality. For a modest $10 monthly membership fee during their first year in the collective, members gain access not only to parts but also skills development opportunities and assistance with business registration and financing. Timing is everything for these mechanics who operate on tight schedules with customers expecting quick service at negotiated prices. Amanda Gcabashe from UBU Investment Holdings helped establish the cooperative with this in mind: “All the mechanic sells is time.” By making spare parts readily accessible, they save precious hours that can be devoted directly to servicing vehicles. A regulatory shift has also helped open doors for township mechanics. Since 2020's “right to repair” rules came into effect in South Africa, car owners can have their vehicles serviced by registered independent mechanics without voiding warranties. While these changes are promising for township mechanics striving for more substantial market presence amidst approximately 12 million automobiles on South African roads today, and counting, the journey isn't over yet. Bulelani Balabala from Township Entrepreneurs Alliance believes cooperatives are key players readying themselves as forceful contributors within this burgeoning marketplace, saying simply: “It’s a market that can’t be ignored.”
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Malala Yousafzai Launches Global Initiative to Empower Women Through Sports
Malala Yousafzai, known globally for her advocacy and resilience, is making waves in the sports arena. While many recognize her as a Nobel Peace Prize winner and advocate for girls' education, fewer might know about her passion for sports. This enthusiasm is now transforming into action with her new initiative called Recess, which aims to boost women's sports on both professional and amateur levels. Yousafzai's love for sports isn't new. She's been spotted at numerous women's sporting events over the years, from cricket matches to Olympic games. Recently, she spent Valentine’s Day with her husband, Asser Malik, watching an American rugby player compete in England. It seems only fitting that she's now channeling this passion into something more substantial. Recess was launched during the Billie Jean King Power of Women’s Sport Summit in London. Yousafzai explained to CNN Sports that the idea has roots in her childhood experiences in Pakistan. She recalled how boys would play cricket during school recess while girls stayed behind. This memory stuck with her, highlighting a disparity she’s keen to address. In today's tense political climate, Yousafzai believes sports can be a unifying force. "We are capable of dialogue," she said. "Sports have historically brought communities together." Her perspective stems partly from personal experience; after surviving a Taliban assassination attempt at age 15, she was airlifted to England for treatment where she began a new life. Partnering with Malik makes sense given his background in cricket management in Pakistan. They're targeting leagues like the NWSL and WNBA due to their potential growth and economic viability. According to Yousafzai, investing here will help test both economic strategies and mission-driven goals. The approach isn't just about professional sports; it's also about increasing female participation worldwide. By the age of 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys due to limited opportunities and social stigma, among other factors. Malik emphasized treating women’s sports as a serious business venture: "It’s a great business case so that more capital comes in." Beyond boardrooms and investments, Yousafzai remains an avid fan herself, especially of cricket, and even enjoys golf regularly with Malik. She sees role models like Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark driving more interest and participation among young girls simply through their performances on the field. “They have a huge impact without actually saying much,” Yousafzai noted about athletes like Clark. For Yousafzai, these athletes send a powerful message that women’s sports will grow stronger if given equal opportunities.
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How a Cancer Patient Found New Hope Through Clinical Trials
Four years ago, Tim Strugnell received a devastating call. An oncologist he hadn't met before told him he only had "months, not years" left to live due to prostate cancer. But here we are in 2025, and Tim is still with us, feeling more optimistic than ever. Tim's battle with cancer began nine years ago. By 2021, at age 76, treatments and hormone drugs had kept his illness under control. His fighting spirit also played a significant role in facing each challenge head-on. Despite the grim prognosis, Tim vowed "to fight this thing." Over the past four years, Tim has participated in three medical trials. These trials have varied in success but have contributed to his current positive outlook. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), more than one million people in England took part in over 6,000 studies for conditions like cancer between 2023 and 2024. However, these trials didn't always go smoothly for Tim. In 2022, after learning that his cancer had spread to his stomach lymph nodes and was resistant to treatment, he began a trial for a new cancer vaccine. He experienced minimal side effects until trying immunotherapy infusion treatment meant to mobilize white blood cells against his tumors. Unfortunately, it failed; instead, it caused severe stomach pain. "I got a terrible pain in my stomach," said Tim. "They sent me back to Colchester Hospital for more chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but that made me violently sick." The experience left him without an appetite and feeling quite low. Yet hope reemerged when Tim attended an event at the House of Commons about clinical trials. Soon after, he started another drug trial along with hormone medication that cuts off testosterone production—a strategy aimed at shrinking the cancer size. When beginning this new regimen, Tim's PSA score was an alarming 177; over the last six months, it's been stable between 10 and 17. "The lower it is, the better," he explained enthusiastically. "I am really positive about this drug." While some view clinical trials as promising steps forward for healthcare advancements despite potential downsides or risks involved—like unexpected serious side effects—Tim saw them worth taking: “I suppose I am a Guinea pig,” he admitted candidly yet hopefully adding that if successful results help others too then “that’s absolutely fantastic.”
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Step Back in Time: Unveiling the Untold Story of Glastonbury's First Festival in 1970
Michael Eavis, a dairy farmer from Somerset, England, might not have envisioned the massive cultural phenomenon his small music festival would become when he first opened his fields to concertgoers in 1970. Known today as the Glastonbury Festival, it has grown into one of the most celebrated music events worldwide. Back in September 1970, Eavis was interviewed by the BBC while perched on a makeshift wooden toilet amid preparations for what was then called the Pilton Pop, Folk and Blues Festival. Seeking a way to tackle his farm's financial woes, he booked glam rocker Marc Bolan to perform. "I think this is the quickest way of clearing my overdraft," Eavis quipped during that interview. The initial festival was modest compared to today's sprawling event. Eavis had taken over Worthy Farm at just 19 after his father's death left him with an inherited overdraft. He needed something innovative to keep the family business afloat. "It's a means of staying in the business," he told BBC reporter John Norman before that first festival day. Music wasn't new to Eavis; even as a child, he smuggled a wireless radio into boarding school to listen to Radio Luxembourg. He played pop music for his cows while milking them, convinced it improved their milk yield. The summer of 1970 brought inspiration when Eavis attended the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music and experienced its vibrant atmosphere firsthand. Initially aiming to book The Kinks for £500, Eavis found himself scrambling when they withdrew due to unexpected publicity labeling it a "mini festival." However, fortune smiled when Marc Bolan and Tyrannosaurus Rex were offered as replacements because they were traveling near Worthy Farm. This change proved serendipitous as Bolan's glam rock appeal resonated with audiences. Local authorities were initially skeptical. "Satisfying all the local authorities has been the most difficult aspect," Eavis admitted back then. Yet their cooperation grew once they realized he wouldn't back down from hosting the event. Despite spending substantially on transforming his farm into a venue, including removing hedges and creating natural amphitheaters for performances, attendance didn't reach the hoped-for 5,000 mark. Entry cost £1 (about €16 or $18 today), with attendees receiving free milk from Worthy Farm's own supply. Eavis recalled that many attendees were visibly moved by Jimi Hendrix's passing just before Glastonbury's debut; some even walked from London expecting free entry due to rumors, but received generous support from fellow festival-goers who pooled funds at short notice so everyone could join in on the festivities together. Although that first year did not bring financial relief and instead left him paying off debts through installments of milk profits, Eavis felt no regrets about taking part: "It was absolutely super," he reflected later with BBC's Witness History podcast. The experience sparked what would eventually become the Glastonbury Festival proper by 1979, a celebration of counterculture and a way to raise money for charities along the way.
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This Majestic Monkey is Winning Hearts Across Vietnam—Here's Why
In the lush treetops of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia lives a primate that looks like it's ready for a night out. Meet the red-shanked douc, a monkey with maroon stockings, white sleeves, and a gray vest. Its striking appearance is matched only by its unique lifestyle high up in the forest canopy. The red-shanked doucs are not just about looks. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, requiring an impressive digestive system to turn all that fiber into energy. Like cows, these monkeys have four-chambered stomachs full of helpful gut bacteria to break down their leafy meals. This process gives them quite the potbelly; researcher Andie Ang from Mandai Nature once mistook one for being pregnant until she learned it was just how they are built. Despite their fascinating biology and colorful appearance, these primates face serious threats. Their numbers have dropped sharply due to habitat loss from development, logging, mining, and agriculture. They're also hunted for meat and traditional medicine or captured for the pet trade. Between 1979 and 2015, their population plummeted by more than 80 percent. However, there's some hope on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula near Da Nang city. Known as "Monkey Mountain," this nature reserve covers over 6,000 acres and is home to a thriving population of red-shanked doucs once thought to be dwindling. In 2012, Ha Thang Long co-founded GreenViet to raise awareness about these stunning creatures among locals who had no idea such neighbors existed. Since then, GreenViet has put up almost 200 posters featuring the doucs and initiated wildlife tours in Son Tra. They expanded their efforts to include school presentations and photography exhibitions. Their work paid off when plans emerged in 2017 to build luxury hotels in Son Tra that threatened the douc's habitat. A campaign led by GreenViet gathered around 13,000 signatures against it; support from international conservation bodies helped convince the government to halt construction. This shift in public consciousness has been fruitful for the primates themselves; Son Tra’s red-shanked douc population grew from approximately 350 individuals in 2012 to an estimated 2,000 today. "Seeing the beauty of the red-shanked doucs connects people to nature," says Ha Thang Long. "I hope more people see that animals deserve to live on this planet just like humans do.
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How Seaweed Farming Is Transforming Tanzanian Fishing Communities for the Better
Climate change, overfishing and habitat loss have hit fish stocks hard around Pemba Island, just off Tanzania's coast. But the women of Pemba are finding new ways to earn a living from the sea. Sustainable seaweed farming has become their go-to solution, as reported by Mongabay in May. Seaweed farming first came to Pemba in 1989. It's an eco-friendly practice because it doesn’t need fertilizers, freshwater, or even arable land. Instead, it's grown in shallow ocean waters. This approach helps many women on the island support their families financially. Shadya, a long-time seaweed farmer since 1995, told Mongabay how crucial this work is for her family’s well-being. She explained that it provides food and covers her children's education expenses. Interestingly, these seaweed farms also create microhabitats that attract various marine animals like fish and octopus. Studies show that they can even help reduce local ocean acidification effects. Seaweed has grown into one of Tanzania's major exports. Recognizing its importance, the government actively supports sustainable farming programs. "Since this project, they’ve adopted modern farming techniques," said Aisha Hamisi Sultani, a seaweed agriculture expert talking about the double loop system now in use. Over 25,000 farmers have benefited from a government partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC). These improved cultivation techniques allow farmers to boost their earnings significantly. "It helped us greatly as our harvests have increased," Shadya shared. However, challenges remain for Tanzanian seaweed farmers. The changing climate poses significant threats; higher water temperatures can damage the seaweed and strong winds often scatter it. Ocean pollution from improper waste disposal adds another layer of difficulty. Most exported seaweed ends up processed into carrageenan or agar—substances used to thicken foods and stabilize cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. But here's the catch: over 90 percent of the seaweed leaves Tanzania as raw material. As Ayubu Singoye from TNC points out, this means farmers get only about 700 shillings (roughly 25 U.S. cents) per kilogram of their crop. The next step? Process more of this valuable resource locally to increase its value before exportation. Sultani believes value-added products could boost farmers’ income substantially. Singoye noted that a factory has already been built in Pemba to process seaweed into carrageenan locally: "Hopefully when the factory starts [early next year], we’ll be able to process here and have a better price."
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Laughter Meets Law: How Comedy Is Transforming Police Leadership Skills
In a Chicago conference room, three dozen police captains engage in an improv game designed to sharpen their listening skills. The exercise, facilitated by Kelly Leonard of The Second City, involves starting sentences with the last word spoken by a partner. While it might seem whimsical at first, the goal is serious—teaching police leaders to listen more effectively. Leonard explains the importance of focusing on the end of a conversation: “If my arm was a sentence, when do most people stop listening? Always the elbow! But then you're missing everything that goes after... and sometimes that's critical information.” Police captains from across the U.S. nod in agreement, acknowledging their own tendencies to tune out too early. The exercise is part of the University of Chicago Crime Lab's Policing Leadership Academy. Over five months, participants learn data-driven decision-making and strategies for handling on-the-job trauma. Kim Smith, director of programs at the Crime Lab, emphasizes that their goal is to increase community engagement and improve officer morale without sacrificing one for another. The academy targets leaders from departments facing high levels of community gun violence, covering travel expenses for monthly training sessions in Chicago. Researchers have found that district and precinct captains significantly impact morale and community relationships. A change in leadership can alter these dynamics even if everything else remains constant. Courses cover diverse topics such as building transparent policing cultures and managing stress. About 130 police leaders from approximately 70 departments have attended so far. Participants include tribal police departments and even a Toronto police inspector. Philadelphia Police Department Capt. Louis Higginson shares how this training was broader than his prior experience: “The big thing for me was thinking about the things we allow to happen because they’ve been that way before us.” He notes that improv exercises improved communication with his family too. Albuquerque Police Department Commander Ray Del Greco reflects on his learning: “When people talk to you and come to have you help solve their issues, to be able to push your ego out and worry less about your own agenda and listen, that’s an understanding of leadership.” Academy leaders ensure learning continues post-graduation by fostering communication channels among classmates for ongoing support. Participants must also complete capstone projects addressing real issues within their districts or departments. These projects range from community-involved crime prevention programs to initiatives piloting drones as first responders. San Jose Police Department Capt. Stephen Donohue is developing an early intervention system focused on officer wellness. His program aims to flag officers experiencing excessive job-related trauma through input from supervisors and peers rather than just citizen complaints or accidents. Meredith Stricker, Executive Director of the Academy, stresses the importance of evidence-based results: “We want there to be rigorously tested scientific evidence behind this.” They monitor training effectiveness through randomized control studies with the hopes of expanding these efforts further. As these techniques are put into practice across various departments, participants like Del Greco find lasting value in what they’ve learned: "To me that was the most valuable class we had."
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How Expo 2025 Is Sparking Global Solutions with Eight Bold Theme Weeks
Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan is gearing up to tackle some of the world's pressing issues by focusing on climate change, mobility and digital transformation. The event will be organized into eight Theme Weeks over six months, aiming not just for display but for engaging discussions on long-term solutions. The first week is all about ‘Co-creating Cultures for the Future’. It dives into how cultural heritage can foster social cohesion. A standout feature this week is the Grand Ring designed by Japanese architect Fujimoto Sou. This stunning 2-kilometer wooden structure houses national pavilions and embodies the spirit of collaboration. Visitors can also explore the Forest of Tranquility installation that showcases works like Leandro Erlich’s mirrored garden, which cleverly reflects both ecosystems and onlookers. Cultural diplomacy isn't taking a back seat either. It got a playful twist with Japan's Minister of State for “Cool Japan” Strategy, Kiuchi Minoru, appearing in full cosplay attire alongside Cosplayer & Cool Japan PR Ambassador Enako. This move made headlines and added a bit of flair to the serious conversations happening at Expo 2025. Another significant focus is on ‘The Future of Community and Mobility’. This theme addresses everything from smart cities to disaster recovery strategies. Economist Andrés Rodríguez-Pose highlighted the importance of balancing environmental goals with social acceptance during his talk. Lessons from Fukushima’s reconstruction efforts are also being shared, showcasing innovations such as robots developed post-crisis. Throughout Expo 2025, there are sessions dedicated to digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The organizers aim to connect policy-making with culture and technology in a way that fosters public engagement and informed discussions. Expo 2025 Osaka isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a platform where policy meets culture meets tech in a structured public forum. As Rodríguez-Pose noted during his session, achieving balance is key when addressing these global challenges.
Score (96)
This 11-Year-Old Dressed as a Toilet to Raise Thousands For Disabled Students—Here's Why
Carmela Chillory-Watson took to the streets dressed as a toilet. The purpose? To raise funds for accessible bathroom facilities at her school in Dorset. Accompanied by her mother Lucy, who sported an inflatable emoji poo costume, Carmela walked and wheeled from her school in Branksome to Bournemouth Pier and back again. Their goal is to gather at least £9,000. The 11-year-old from Wiltshire was diagnosed with LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy in 2017 when she was just three years old. This condition leads to progressive muscle wasting. Despite these challenges, Carmela has spearheaded 25 fundraising and awareness campaigns, often donning superhero costumes to draw attention. Recently, she became the youngest recipient of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), during the King's Birthday honors. Carmela expressed her excitement, saying, "I can't find the words, honestly, I was thrilled." Her love for charities shines through as she continues to support them passionately. "I love helping charities," she said. "I love fundraising for them, and I will just do anything to help and give everyone hope for the future and for the charities." This latest initiative aims not only to raise money but also to spotlight a cause close to her heart—installing remote-controlled toilet facilities at her school that would allow disabled students like herself greater independence. "Other people, and myself, like to be independent in the toilet," said Carmela. Such facilities would provide users with a sense of dignity.