Trailblazing WWII Unit 'Six Triple Eight' Honored with Prestigious Congressional Award

The remarkable story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the "Six Triple Eight," is finally receiving its due recognition. This all-Black, all-female unit, which served in Europe during World War II, will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday. Their mission was to tackle a massive backlog of mail for U.S. troops stationed overseas—a task they completed with impressive speed and efficiency. During their deployment in England and later France, these women cleared 17 million pieces of mail in just three months—twice as fast as expected. Despite their significant contributions, their efforts went largely unrecognized compared to their white counterparts until now. A ceremony at Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center will honor this pioneering battalion. House Speaker Mike Johnson will present the medal to the family of Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, who led the unit. Kim Guise from the National WWII Museum highlighted how overdue this recognition is: “It is really important to recognize the accomplishments of these women and what they went through to serve their country in wartime.” Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore emphasized that this honor is long overdue: “These heroes deserve their dues; and I am so glad their story is being told.” In 2022, Congress unanimously voted to award its highest honor to the 6888th. Retired Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon expressed her surprise at this acknowledgment: “It’s overwhelming... It’s something I never even thought about it.” Their legacy continues with monuments and films celebrating their achievements, ensuring that future generations remember these trailblazing women who served with distinction during a pivotal time in history.

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This Portrait That Helped Save a Life Just Broke a Modern Art Auction Record, Selling for $236 Million

Gustav Klimt's painting "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" has made headlines by selling for an astonishing $236.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. This sale sets a new record for modern art, surpassing the previous high of $195 million fetched by an Andy Warhol portrait of Marilyn Monroe last year. The 1.8-meter-tall masterpiece was created between 1914 and 1916 and captures the image of Elisabeth Lederer, a member of one of Vienna's wealthiest families before World War II. The Nazis plundered much from the Lederers when they annexed Austria in 1938, but left behind family portraits like this one, which they deemed “too Jewish” to bother taking. Ironically, this overlooked painting played a crucial role in helping Elisabeth Lederer survive during those perilous times. In an attempt to protect herself from Nazi persecution, Lederer fabricated a story claiming that Klimt was her father. Though Klimt had died in 1918 and wasn't Jewish himself, she managed with her former brother-in-law's help—a high-ranking Nazi—to convince authorities of her fake lineage. This deception granted her safety in Vienna until she passed away from illness in 1944. This artwork is one of only two full-length Klimt portraits still owned privately. Remarkably, it survived the devastating fire that destroyed numerous other works by Klimt at an Austrian castle. The painting recently belonged to Leonard A. Lauder, who amassed a massive art collection valued over $400 million before passing away earlier this year at age 92. Lauder was also known as the heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics fortune. During the same auction at Sotheby’s, five pieces from Lauder's Klimt collection were sold, amassing a total of $392 million. Despite the impressive figures involved and intense interest surrounding these sales, Sotheby’s chose not to disclose who acquired "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer.

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Denmark Sets One of the World’s Most Ambitious Climate Targets at COP30

Denmark has raised the bar at this year’s COP30 climate summit, announcing a new emissions reduction target that would place it among the most aggressive climate actors globally. The country now aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 82 to 85 percent by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. “Denmark must consistently remain among the most ambitious countries,” said Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities, during Monday’s announcement. “We must once again show the rest of the world that it is possible to balance ambitious climate goals with a competitive business sector and social cohesion.” To back the target, Denmark is allocating 4 billion Danish kroner (about €535 million) to finance climate action. Aagaard emphasized that global instability should not be an excuse for climate inaction. “We have to prioritise climate action even in a time marked by war and conflict,” he said. “Targets, financing, and the measures needed to secure the additional reductions must go hand in hand.” The announcement reinforces Denmark’s standing as a global climate leader. According to the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), released Monday, Denmark ranks 4th worldwide in overall climate performance — the highest-ranked country on the list, as the top three positions remain unfilled due to no nation being fully aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goals. Denmark scored “very high” in the renewable energy category, “high” in greenhouse gas emissions and climate policy, and “medium” in energy use. The index, which tracks 63 countries and the European Union, highlights Denmark’s leadership in offshore wind and strong progress in electric vehicle adoption. This is not Denmark’s first high bar. Back in 2020, the Danish parliament passed its first legally binding climate act, setting a 70 percent emissions reduction goal by 2030 — a target the country is on track to meet. Denmark is also aiming to become climate-neutral by 2045, five years ahead of the EU-wide target. The new 2035 target not only tightens Denmark’s timeline but puts pressure on other industrialized nations to act faster. Across the European Union, Member States recently finalized their own 2035 goal, committing to cut net emissions by 66.25 to 72.5 percent from 1990 levels. The EU is targeting climate neutrality by 2050, trailing Denmark’s 2045 goal. The United Kingdom, once hailed as the global frontrunner for emissions cuts, announced an 81 percent reduction target for 2035 at COP29 last year — though measured against 1950 levels. The UK was also the first G7 nation to phase out coal and currently ranks 5th in the CCPI, but its renewable energy rollout has not kept pace with top performers. Other European countries making significant progress include Luxembourg, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, all of which made the CCPI’s top ten. Norway and Sweden have also been praised for their renewable energy expansions, with Norway pledging to cut emissions by 70 to 75 percent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. “While we cannot yet attest to any country having very good climate mitigation performance overall, there are pioneers in some categories who are demonstrating ambitious performance,” said CCPI author Niklas Höhne. Denmark appears intent on leading by example — not only with strong rhetoric but with binding targets, financial backing, and an early timeline that will be closely watched by allies and competitors alike.

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This TV ‘Bad Guy’ Turns Real-Life Hero, Stops Possible Abduction in New Jersey

George Pogatsia has made a career playing tough guys and suspects on shows like Law & Order and The Sopranos. But outside his home in Jersey City, the actor took on a very different role — one that likely saved a young woman from a terrifying situation. The 55-year-old actor spotted a visibly intoxicated 19-year-old girl and her cousin being led down the street by a man they didn’t know. Pogatsia said the man, dressed in all black and standing over six feet tall, was insistent on taking the girl with him. “This guy was just insistent on trying to get this girl to go with him,” Pogatsia told NBC New York. “She was under five feet herself… and he took them by the hand and pulled them down the street.” It was Pogatsia’s wife, Yolanda, who first noticed something wasn’t right. She urged him to follow. As they trailed the group, the man reportedly told one of the women not to call police, warning that “they will detain you” — a threat Yolanda believes was meant to invoke fear of deportation by ICE. The situation escalated near Bowers Street, when Pogatsia saw the man lift the teen onto his shoulder. “That’s when I demanded that he put the girl down,” he said. On 911 recordings obtained by TMZ, Pogatsia can be heard tracking the suspect and confronting him. “Where you going, mother-----? Where you going?” he yells, before the man drops the girl and runs. “He dropped her like a sack of potatoes,” Pogatsia said. “Then he ran back this way and I chased after him.” Police soon arrived. The girl was shaken but safe. The man, however, escaped. Pogatsia, whose career often casts him as the villain, said this experience was a powerful contrast. “I usually play a bad guy, you know? But it’s a lot more rewarding to be a real-life good guy.” The actor’s actions earned praise — including a letter of appreciation from former President Donald Trump. Still, for Pogatsia, the real reward was stepping in when it mattered most. “It’s something I’ll never forget,” he said.

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Disabled Dogs Earn 'Drivers License' At World's First Wheelchair-Friendly Park

In a quiet corner of the UK, a seven-acre sanctuary is rewriting the story for dogs who’ve often been overlooked. It's not just a dog park — it's a celebration of resilience on four wheels, three legs, or no vision at all. The park is the latest creation from Broken Biscuits, a charity founded more than 15 years ago by Cassie Carney. The organization has long championed the needs of disabled dogs, many of whom are passed over in shelters or euthanized due to the extra care they require. Carney and a devoted team of volunteers have been changing that — one set of wheels at a time. At any given moment, Broken Biscuits fosters at least a dozen paraplegic dogs. They also loan wheelchairs to pet owners who can’t afford the specialty equipment needed to give their dogs mobility. Their work extends beyond just logistics. The team also offers advice and education to those caring for disabled dogs, helping people understand that “different” doesn't mean less. This year, Carney wanted to go further. Inspired by years of advocacy and with the support of donors and volunteers, she opened what’s believed to be the world’s first dedicated dog park for disabled pups. It’s not a typical park. It has a race track and a skate rink designed specifically for dogs in wheelchairs — complete with a cheeky “learner driver’s test” for first-time users. There’s a café, small houses, and stables where shy or overwhelmed dogs can find a bit of peace. Hand-painted wooden signs mark the intersections, and the entire place is wired with 24/7 live cameras so owners and volunteers can monitor the dogs while they play. Carney’s friends and family built much of it themselves — digging trenches, painting murals, and installing fencing. Upcycled materials were used throughout. The whole project, like the dogs it was built for, is a mix of heart, creativity, and grit. "Tri-paws, blind, deaf, paraplegics, IVDD warriors, congenital birth deformities, amputees, and more: different is great," Broken Biscuits posted on social media. "Let’s celebrate it loud and proud." It’s the kind of place where dogs who’ve known pain get to know joy instead — chasing each other down a track, exploring at their own pace, or just soaking in a bit of sun. For the people who love them, it’s a space where disability doesn’t mean exclusion — it means community. And for Carney, it’s a long-time dream made real. Almost two decades of quiet dedication to dogs no one else would take, now echoed in the laughter of volunteers and the sound of wheels on grass.

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Scientists Just Developed a Smart Window That Generates Solar Power And Boosts Energy Efficiency

A team of scientists in Hong Kong has developed a novel way to evaluate materials for transparent solar panels, bringing the technology a step closer to commercial use in buildings, vehicles, and even greenhouses. In a paper published in Nature Communications, the researchers introduced a new performance metric, FoMLUE, designed to assess photoactive materials used in semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs). These are solar panels that allow light to pass through while also generating electricity, making them a promising option for integration into windows and other see-through surfaces. The research, led by Professor Li Gang of Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Research Fellow Dr. Yu Jiangsheng, focuses on the long-standing trade-off between transparency and efficiency in solar cells. ST-OPVs aim to solve that by offering a blend of power generation, natural appearance, and energy savings—without altering the look of a building. FoMLUE, short for "Figure of Merit for Light Utilization Efficiency," is a dimensionless parameter that combines three key factors: average visual transmittance, bandgap, and current density. By factoring in how much light a material absorbs and how effectively it converts that into electricity, the metric allows scientists to screen and rank different photoactive materials for use in transparent solar panels. The team used FoMLUE to evaluate a set of materials and found that ternary materials—those made from three components—with the highest FoMLUE scores not only looked better but also performed better. These solar panels showed improved thermal insulation and durability, and reached a record light utilization efficiency of 6.05 percent, the highest ever reported for a semi-transparent solar cell. But the research didn’t stop at the lab. The team wanted to know how well these solar windows would perform in the real world, so they built a simulation model to predict energy savings and power output in different environments. The model was applied to 371 cities across China and showed that more than 90 percent could benefit from using these solar windows, especially in regions with hot summers and warm winters. In some areas, annual energy savings reached as high as 1.43 gigajoules per square meter. That figure accounts for reduced energy consumption from air conditioning and heating due to the windows' insulating properties, combined with the electricity generated. “As an emerging solar photovoltaic technology, solar windows offer new possibilities for practical deployment in BIPV, renewable energy vehicles and agricultural greenhouses,” said Prof. Li. He added that the findings demonstrate how ST-OPVs can serve multiple purposes—power generation, insulation, and aesthetic integration—without disrupting architectural design. That versatility, combined with strong performance, makes them a compelling choice for future building projects. The next phase for the team involves improving the long-term stability of these solar panels and scaling up production to create larger modules, both of which are necessary for real-world deployment. If successful, this could bring solar windows from the prototype stage to widespread use, changing the way buildings generate and save energy.

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Chris Hemsworth Embarks On Road Trip With Dad To Relive Memories Amid Alzheimer's Battle

Chris Hemsworth is going public with one of his most personal stories yet: his father's battle with Alzheimer's disease and the unconventional therapy that’s helping slow its progression. In the new National Geographic documentary Chris Hemsworth: A Roadtrip to Remember, the actor shares a raw, emotional look at how reminiscence therapy is helping his father, Craig Hemsworth, stay mentally active and connected to his past. The documentary premieres November 23. The film follows the Hemsworth family as they recreate key places from Craig’s past, including the house they lived in during the 1990s, to stimulate old memories and emotional connections. The approach is part of a growing field of reminiscence therapy, which uses sensory triggers like photos, music, and familiar settings to help strengthen memory in people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. “Every time we re-access a memory, the connection between the neurons gets strengthened,” says Dr. Suraj Samtani, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Healthy Brain Aging at UNSW Sydney, who consulted on the project. “It's similar to adding more roads going into a suburb. You have more options to get to that suburb, and next time you want to go there, if one road is blocked, you can take another road.” In the documentary, that metaphor plays out literally. Chris and his dad hop on motorcycles for a 200-mile road trip through rural Australia, stopping in the outback town of Bulman to visit an old friend named Spencer. Decades ago, Craig and Spencer worked together wrangling wild bulls and feral cows — a dangerous job Craig recalls with a mix of pride and awe. According to Dr. Samtani, those kinds of high-adrenaline memories tend to stick. “Adrenaline memories or memories involving fight or flight, they get stored in the amygdala, the fear center of the brain, rather than the cortex,” he says. “A fear or thrill memory gets unlocked with the original emotion, and that can be powerful in bringing someone back into themselves.” The recreated family home outside Melbourne became another key moment in the film. Filmmakers used old photographs to rebuild the house in remarkable detail, right down to the pictures on the mantle. “Usually we use albums and songs, but to recreate an entire house like that is unbelievable,” says Samtani. “It’s like reminiscence therapy to the max.” At the start of the documentary, Craig shows early signs of memory loss. He repeatedly asks when his wife, Leonie, is arriving at the recreated home. Chris, visibly concerned, describes it as the first time he’s seen clear symptoms of Alzheimer’s in his dad. But as the road trip continues and the therapy deepens, Craig becomes more animated, more engaged — and starts to remember more. “I saw him initially being really reserved, really unsure where he was, what was going on,” Samtani says. “And by the end, as you can see in the documentary, he's laughing, he's smiling, he's remembering all these key memories from his past, and he's really confident.” Social connections, too, played a major role. “The interactions with other people are important,” says Samtani, who has studied how staying socially active can help delay dementia. In the film, Craig’s moments with his son, his old friend, and his familiar environments clearly lift his mood and recall. Still, reminiscence therapy isn’t a cure — and it isn’t permanent. “It's an ongoing process because the effects last for about three to six months,” says Samtani. He also points out a common misunderstanding: “The biggest misconception about Alzheimer’s disease is that it’s an end-of-life sentence, and it's really not,” he says. “It’s possible to live well with dementia and Alzheimer’s. It’s possible to do all the things you enjoy and be physically, mentally and socially active — and that will actually slow down the rate of cognitive decline.” The documentary offers a different kind of role for Hemsworth. Instead of wielding a hammer as Thor, he’s wielding memory, emotion, and love to fight something far more real. Chris Hemsworth: A Roadtrip to Remember premieres November 23 on Nat Geo.

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Firefighters Rescue Dogs From Burning House In California

Nine dogs, including six puppies, were rescued after a fire erupted in a house in San Bernardino, California, on November 16. When fire crews arrived, the occupants were outside and alerted them that several pets were trapped inside the smoke- and flame-filled home. “Firefighters simultaneously conducted a fire attack as well as a search operation,” the fire department said. “Unfortunately, one dog did not survive due to significant smoke conditions, despite the efforts of the paramedics who delivered treatment.”

Sydney Celebrates Christmas Spirit As Massive Tree Construction Kicks Off

The tallest Christmas tree in New South Wales is taking shape at Martin Place, promising a dazzling display. The City of Sydney shared footage of the build, gearing up for Santa to light it on November 27. This festive marvel will shine with over 110,000 LED lights and a 3.4-meter color-changing star, adorned with 330 glossy baubles and nine types of Australian flowers. Throughout December, enjoy nightly choir performances and vibrant light shows every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight.

Aerial Firefighters Just Released Incredible Footage as They Battle New South Wales Wildfires

Aerial firefighters shared an onboard view as they worked to contain a wildfire burning in rural New South Wales ahead of warm, windy weather. Video released by the rural fire service shows an up-close view of retardant being dropped over an area southeast of the town of Mudgee this week. "Work continues on the Middle Creek Fire NE of Windamere Dam, SE of Mudgee," said @NSWRFS on X, formerly Twitter. "It’s burnt 70+ ha but isn’t threatening homes. Crews strengthened containment lines ahead of warm, windy weather tomorrow. Here, Bomber 210 drops retardant to help prevent the fire from jumping. #nswrfs"

Man Fulfills Childhood Dream By Documenting Small Towns: "Every Town's Got A Story

A Nebraska man is on a mission to make sure every small town gets remembered — one visit, one book, and one story at a time. Seth Varner, a 25-year-old historian and self-publisher, has spent the last five years crisscrossing the Midwest to document the hidden gems and hometown pride of places most people drive right past. His goal: to visit every incorporated town in every state — and preserve their stories in print. “Doesn’t matter if it’s 10 people, a hundred people, a thousand people … every town’s got a story to share,” Varner told CBS Mornings. What started as a childhood dream has become a full-time mission. When he was just 10, Varner told his dad he wanted to visit every town in Nebraska. His dad laughed it off at the time. But during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Varner, then home from college, found his old third-grade scrapbook. That memory stuck. “I was flipping through it,” he said. “I’m like, ‘I can fulfill that dream I had as a 10-year-old.’” So he called a close friend and pitched the plan: visit every town in the state. “Are you in?” he asked. Since then, Varner’s visited every incorporated town in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, North Dakota, and — as of last weekend — Minnesota. He’s chronicled his travels under the name Wandermore, a publishing company he founded to fund the project through sales of travel guides and Facebook content. Each Wandermore guide is a state-specific love letter to small-town life: where to eat, what to see, and the stories behind local landmarks. The books are filled with trivia, photos, and personality-packed interviews. Like the one about Elsie — the sole resident of a tiny Nebraska town who serves as the mayor, bartender, librarian, and honorary sheriff. Or the town of Frost, Minnesota, where two recent births pushed the population from 198 to a proud 200. “A lot of us don’t have a huge advertising budget to get the word out,” said Sarah Ferguson, Chamber of Commerce director for Blue Earth, Minnesota. “So when Seth offered to highlight what we have here, I was thrilled.” Blue Earth, of course, is home to the Jolly Green Giant — a 55-foot statue paying tribute to the state’s canned vegetable legacy. The books don’t just entertain. They leave a mark. “I can take a small town and then I immortalize it in a book,” Varner said. “Where people a hundred years from now can go back and be like, ‘This is what my grandparents’ town looked like.’” Each guide funds the next journey. Now, with Minnesota complete, the profits from book sales will go toward his next target: Colorado. These days, Varner’s travels include his wife, Eliese. At first, she wasn’t sure just how serious her husband was about visiting every town — until she saw him in action. “I was just kind of in awe, maybe, ’cause it is really truly like a lot of work,” she said. “I could not be more proud of him.” Whether it’s a giant vegetable statue, a single-resident town, or a population milestone of 200, Varner is reminding the world that every place matters — and every story is worth saving.

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