Volunteers are Adoping tWWII Graves To Honor Fallen American Soldiers

November is a special month for Mathilde Schmetz, a 75-year-old volunteer who runs a World War II museum in Thimister-Clermont, Belgium. Alongside her museum duties, she visits the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial to honor 14 wartime graves she and her husband have adopted. Most of these soldiers died in November 1944. Each year, Schmetz and her volunteers—sometimes students or American military personnel from nearby Germany—place red, white, and blue flowers at each grave. They rub sand from Normandy into the inscriptions to make them stand out against the white marble, say words of gratitude, and photograph each decorated grave to send to families in the U.S. “Every family gets a picture with their Christmas letter—not by email, a regular letter,” Schmetz says. “The soldiers did their duty, and our duty is, at least, to remember what they did for us.” Schmetz is part of a larger European effort where thousands adopt graves of U.S. service members buried across Europe. These programs offer an unexpected layer of history that surprises many visitors. Historian Robert M. Edsel was astonished by these efforts when he learned about them while researching his new book "Remember Us." He highlights how Dutch citizens have honored fallen American soldiers for decades through grave adoption programs. In Margraten, Netherlands—a town liberated by American troops—the tradition began during WWII itself. Today all graves there are adopted by local families or schools. For adopters like Schmetz and others involved in these programs, maintaining this connection ensures that sacrifices made during WWII are never forgotten.

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Unlikely Family: These Cranes Just Adopted a Canadian Gosling, Fascinating Birders Everywhere

In a small pond in Madison, Wisconsin, there's an unusual family dynamic playing out. A pair of sandhill cranes is raising a Canada gosling alongside their own chick. It's a rare sight, and only the third confirmed instance of such cross-species adoption; similar events have been observed in Michigan in 2019 and in Madison just last year. Anne Lacy from the International Crane Foundation suggests these adoptions might be more common now because both sandhill crane and Canada goose populations have rebounded significantly. As they adapt to urban settings, these birds find themselves sharing habitats more frequently, increasing the chances for unique interactions. People are also paying closer attention to bird behaviors, which might explain why this strange pairing has captured so much interest. Local photographer Marjorie Rhine was among the first to spot this strange family arrangement. She described seeing a yellow gosling emerging from under a crane's feathers instead of an expected crane colt as "hard for your brain to compute." What struck her most was how lovingly the parent cranes treated the gosling. Photographers have since documented hours of footage showing how the cranes care for their adopted chick just like their biological one. They feed it, shelter it, and even defend it against its likely biological parents—a nearby pair of Canada geese trying to reclaim their offspring. Observers like Alan Ginsberg have witnessed confrontations where "Dad was there with his mighty wings" to ward off intruding geese. Michael Ward, an ornithologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, believes timing and hormones play crucial roles in why cranes accept goslings. Once chicks hatch, crane adults enter a protective phase that makes them open to parenting anything that emerges from their nest—even if it's not theirs biologically. However, this adoption poses challenges for the young gosling as it grows up amid cranes. Unlike its herbivorous nature would suggest, it's adapting by consuming insects and worms offered by its crane parents rather than grazing on grass like other goslings do. Migration presents another potential hurdle. Cranes fly higher and migrate at different times compared to geese; they often leave later in the year and travel further south. Ward points out that although it's possible for the adopted goose to migrate with cranes, it may face physiological difficulties due to these differences. The origin story of this particular gosling's adoption isn't clear. Some believe a goose egg ended up in the crane nest by accident, possibly due to flooding that washed away the cranes’ original eggs. Regardless of how it happened, when the gosling hatched, it imprinted on its new parents and now follows them as if it were one of their own.

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How a TikTok Video Changed an Elderly Man's Life Forever

In Jacksonville, Florida, a routine food delivery turned into an unexpected act of generosity for DoorDash driver Larry Bailey. It all began when he delivered Panera Bread to Ireland Dannehold's third-floor apartment. Despite wearing a knee brace, Larry climbed the stairs with a smile and positive attitude that left an impression on Ireland. Wanting to express her gratitude, Ireland tipped him well and shared the encounter through her doorbell camera on TikTok. What happened next was beyond her imagination. The video resonated with millions of viewers globally. Inspired by Larry's dedication, Ireland set up a GoFundMe campaign to support him. The response was overwhelming—the campaign raised over $21,000 within days. Larry is a familiar face in his community. Known for his willingness to go above and beyond, he's earned admiration from those he serves. While details about his personal life remain private, the message behind the campaign was clear: "We see you, Larry, and we appreciate everything you do." Ireland recently met with Larry again to share this incredible news. "It’s such a good feeling," she said. "Regardless of if he needed it or not, just knowing that he knows the community loves and appreciates him is all I needed to know." The funds are intended solely for Larry—to help with daily expenses or simply as a reminder that his efforts have not gone unnoticed. News4JAX captured the emotional reunion between Ireland and Larry. In their report, they showcased how one small act can ripple outwards in unexpected ways.

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Meet The Fisherman Leading Peru's Unexpected Fight To Save Sea Turtles

In the waters off southern Peru, fishing for mahi-mahi is a common pursuit, but it often comes with unintended consequences. Sea turtles, attracted by the bait used in these waters, frequently end up snagged on hooks meant for the popular fish. This has prompted the Peruvian government to step in and provide training for local fishers on how to safely and effectively release these accidental catches. Gustavo Rosales, a fisher from Ilo, has seen firsthand how beneficial this training can be. "If it weren’t for the turtles, there would be no balance," he says. He is among 4,472 fishers trained by the government to handle bycatch—species caught unintentionally during fishing activities—responsibly. Since 2022, new regulations have mandated that at least one crew member per fishing boat must hold a training certificate in releasing bycatch like turtles and seabirds. Jesús Nieves of the National Fund for Fisheries Development (FONDEPES) explains that about 4,500 boats target mahi-mahi along Peru's coast. Although each currently has one trained crew member onboard, they aim to train up to 10,000 fishers. Rosales emphasizes that the training not only raises awareness but also prevents injuries among fishers who might otherwise struggle with these large creatures. Boats now carry specific tools designed to free turtles safely: nets for bringing them onboard and pliers for removing hooks. Before setting out on a typical fishing trip, Rosales and his crew prepare meticulously. They store ice based on their boat’s capacity—which ranges between five and fifteen metric tons—and stock up on fuel and provisions. Once ready, they sail around 240 to 320 kilometers offshore to avoid sea lions closer to land that bite into their catch. Out at sea, Rosales describes long days starting early at dawn: "We get up at 5 in the morning... We finish at 2 in the afternoon." He explains how they use tropical two-wing flying fish as bait because it's effective in drawing mahi-mahi. Unfortunately, turtles are also drawn to this bait or get tangled inadvertently while swimming nearby. Releasing a turtle isn’t always easy due to its size; some species weigh over 100 kilograms. Rosales recalls an instance when a leatherback turtle was too heavy to pull onto his boat alone but notes that other turtles typically weigh around 40 kilograms. Traditionally released by hand before any formal training existed, many local fishers would use ropes to yank out hooks—a method described as rough yet effective. But thanks to newly available tools provided through workshops focusing on best practices for handling bycatch humanely without causing further harm or risking injury themselves—such incidents are less frequent now. Rosales points out additional improvements brought about by these workshops; crews now employ hoop nets instead of manhandling turtles directly onto boats whenever possible: "We cut [the] hook... clean [the] turtle’s shell... then stop [the] boat release."

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This Revolutionary Test is Detecting Cancer Years Before Symptoms Appear

Catching cancer early can make a huge difference in recovery odds. Now, U.S. researchers have found that blood biomarkers might reveal tumors over three years before a diagnosis typically happens. This exciting work comes from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and focuses on tiny genetic fragments shed by tumors. Researchers tested the blood samples of 26 people who were diagnosed with cancer within six months of the sample collection. They compared these with samples from 26 others who didn’t develop cancer. The test looked for circulating tumor DNA, known as ctDNA, using algorithms and cross-checks to spot modifications linked to tumors. The findings are promising: nearly 31 percent of those who developed cancer were identified by the multi-cancer early detection test created by the researchers. In some cases, they even detected cancer DNA fragments more than three years earlier at much lower levels than current tests can find. Yuxuan Wang, an oncology researcher involved in the study, highlights the importance of this development. "Three years earlier provides time for intervention," says Wang. "The tumors are likely to be much less advanced and more likely to be curable." However, challenges remain. As you go further back in time, ctDNA levels drop significantly. To spot cancer up to three years ahead, we need more sensitive blood tests. Bert Vogelstein from the Ludwig Center at Johns Hopkins notes that this research sets "the benchmark sensitivities required" for future success in early detection tests. While scientists are making strides in identifying ways to catch cancer early through blood tests, getting these methods through trials and obtaining regulatory approval is still tricky. Despite these hurdles, there’s reason to be hopeful. Each new study adds to our understanding of how cancer starts and how we can detect it sooner. And with advancements in treatments that target multiple types of cancer, survival rates may continue to climb. Nickolas Papadopoulos from the Ludwig Center emphasizes the potential impact: "Detecting cancers years before their clinical diagnosis could help provide management with a more favorable outcome." He also stresses the need for determining appropriate follow-up procedures after positive test results. These findings have been published in Cancer Discovery, contributing valuable knowledge to ongoing efforts in battling cancer effectively and early on.

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The First-Ever Pro Cheerleading League is Set to Launch, and These Athletes are Getting Paid

Varsity Spirit is launching a professional cheerleading league, diving into the growing niche sports scene that includes softball, volleyball and 3-on-3 basketball. This new venture, called Pro Cheer League, aims to offer cheerleaders aged 18 and older a chance to continue their competitive careers beyond college. Bill Seely, president of Varsity Spirit based in Memphis, Tennessee, sees significant potential for the league. "That’s going to help us really kind of build this out in a way that is sustainable and will continue to grow domestically and globally," he said. Varsity Spirit already has a robust following with over 80,000 attendees at its events. The Pro Cheer League plans to capitalize on this fan base by hosting competitions during existing events starting in January in Indianapolis. From there, the league will hold five more events across cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Anaheim before culminating in a championship event in Nashville around March or April. The league will consist of four teams located in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego. Each team will comprise 30 male and female athletes selected through tryouts led by gym owners beginning in September. Once the teams are set, practice kicks off in November. The competitions will feature three periods: two focused on traditional cheerleading skills like stunts and tumbling conducted in bracket-style rounds; the final period will spotlight choreography set to music. Seely hopes to secure a media deal soon to extend the sport's reach beyond its current fan base. "We’re trying to build something that entertains families and friends while providing an exciting show people want to see," he stated. Importantly for participants, the Pro Cheer League promises financial benefits such as pay for performances along with travel expenses, lodging costs, uniforms, bonuses, and prizes for standout athletes. Cheerleading's recognition as an emerging sport by the NCAA could further bolster interest. Stunt cheerleading might achieve NCAA championship status for women by spring 2027 after gaining emerging sport designation earlier this year. Additionally, the International Olympic Committee acknowledged cheerleading as a sport back in 2021. Interest appears strong with potential competitors expressing enthusiasm from across North America and even Europe. Seely remarked on this development: "We just felt like it was the right next step for the activity." With this move into professional competition backed by Varsity Spirit's established presence within cheerleading circles worldwide, this new endeavor could bring more visibility than ever before while supporting young athletes long past their collegiate days.

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Heartfelt Tribute: Mum Thanks Builders for Fulfilling Her Late Husband's Dream

Volunteers from a charity in Cambridgeshire, England, are stepping up to help Sarah Fletcher after a family tragedy left her home renovation unfinished. Sarah's husband, Shaun, had been working tirelessly to transform their house for their son Toby, who has cerebral palsy. Sadly, Shaun passed away on Christmas Eve. Sarah expressed her gratitude towards Band of Builders, a charity that offers support to construction workers and their families. "I'm so thankful to them and I feel like it is Shaun's legacy," she said. "I want to finish what he started." Shaun worked seven days a week as an electrician and took on the home renovation during his limited free time. Despite being busy and stressed, there were no obvious signs of the mental health struggles he was facing. Sarah recalled shopping with him the night before his death, noting that he seemed happy. Band of Builders not only provides construction support but also focuses on mental health assistance within the industry. When Sarah reached out through a friend, the organization quickly agreed to undertake her project as its 45th building initiative. The response from volunteers has been overwhelming; about 150 tradespeople have offered their skills for next month’s work on the Fletcher home. Tony Everett, a retired bricklayer who regularly volunteers with Band of Builders, remarked that the family's story resonated deeply with many people. For Sarah and her family, this renovation will bring significant changes. Currently sharing a room with Toby and carrying him upstairs daily, Sarah looks forward to having a downstairs bedroom for him. This change will allow overnight carers to assist more easily too. Sarah described the community's willingness to help as "amazing." The completion of Toby’s room will not only honor Shaun’s efforts but also provide much-needed relief for the family at this difficult time.

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Unlock the Secret to Sleep: How This Bedtime Trick is Transforming Insomnia Relief

If you've found yourself scrolling through social media at 3 a.m. and stumbling upon videos about "cognitive shuffling," you're not alone. This sleep technique has gained popularity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok as a remedy for insomnia. Cognitive shuffling involves picking a random word, focusing on its letters, and listing words starting with each letter while visualizing them. For instance, if you start with the word "cake," you'd think of "cat" or "carrot" for C, then move to A, and so on until sleep comes. The method aims to occupy your mind with random, dream-like thoughts rather than stress-inducing ones. This technique was popularized by Canadian researcher Luc P. Beaudoin over ten years ago. Beaudoin’s concept is rooted in what he calls "serial diverse imagining," where individuals engage in brief thoughts about neutral or pleasant subjects without linking them logically. His research suggests that this could help induce sleep by mimicking the thought patterns of good sleepers. Good sleepers often have dream-like, less structured thoughts before dozing off, unlike those struggling with insomnia who focus on worries or environmental noises. Cognitive shuffling seeks to replicate these pro-somnolent (sleep-promoting) thoughts by distracting from insomnolent (anti-sleep) ones like worrying or planning. The process aligns with how our brains naturally transition into sleep. As we drift off, brain activity slows down and generates disconnected images known as hypnagogic hallucinations. By simulating these random thought patterns, cognitive shuffling might facilitate falling asleep. Preliminary research supports this idea; Beaudoin's team found that serial diverse imagining can lower pre-sleep arousal, improve sleep quality, and reduce effort in falling asleep. However, the research is still limited, indicating a need for further studies. But what if it doesn't work for you? Like any new strategy, cognitive shuffling requires practice and patience. Results may not be immediate; stay consistent and gentle with yourself. Different people respond to different methods depending on their stress levels and mental habits. For those seeking alternatives to enhance sleep conditions: establish a consistent bedtime routine to signal your brain it’s time to wind down; observe your thoughts without judgment when lying in bed; jot down worries or tasks earlier in the day to avoid nighttime rumination. Should sleepless nights persist despite your best efforts, consider consulting a doctor or trained sleep specialist for professional guidance. Melinda Jackson from Monash University notes that strategies vary between individuals based on how they handle stress or stressful thoughts during bedtime.

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From Hospital Bed to Graduation Stage: A Teen’s Inspiring Journey Amid Heart Transplant Wait

Eighteen-year-old Taevion Norris is making headlines for his resilience and determination. Despite battling heart failure and being unable to attend his high school graduation, Taevion celebrated a special ceremony at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, where he is waiting for a heart transplant. Taevion's journey with Duchenne muscular dystrophy began in sixth grade when a gym teacher noticed changes in his physical abilities. Once an active student who excelled in sports, he found himself lagging behind. His mother, Tainica Norris, told People that Taevion used to be "the first one in line" during gym class activities. However, the disease gradually weakened his muscles to the point where he lost the ability to walk during the pandemic. Earlier this year, Taevion faced a new challenge as he began experiencing frequent vomiting spells. In March, doctors at Lurie Children’s Hospital informed him that his heart failure had reached a critical stage. On May 1, they placed him on the transplant list. Despite these health challenges, Taevion remained committed to his education. From his hospital room, he completed all of his coursework and graduated from West Leyden High School on time. Since attending the official graduation ceremony wasn't possible for him, hospital staff organized a personalized celebration on May 21. Dressed in cap and gown, Taevion was wheeled down a hallway filled with cheering nurses and doctors while "Pomp and Circumstance" played in the background. "There were tears everywhere," Hana Herrick, a staff member at the hospital said. "I was just so proud of him." While awaiting a new heart, Taevion’s mother has started a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. This will facilitate future medical appointments and therapy sessions once he's discharged from the hospital. Taevion has become an inspiration to many young patients facing similar challenges. His message is simple and clear: “Don’t give up.”

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This Tightrope Walker's Unexpected Solution to Easing Anxiety

A professional tightrope walker is using his unique skill to help people battling anxiety and boost their confidence. Chris Bullzini, a renowned performer who has graced stages with Cirque du Soleil and even stepped into Tim Burton films, now calls Shepton Mallet, a small town in England, home. Here, he offers free tightrope walking workshops. Bullzini sees the tightrope as more than just a physical challenge. "The wire is a real metaphor," he said. "Everyone is walking a tightrope and has a high wire to cross in some way, be it family or career." This perspective drives his mission to share his craft with others, helping them overcome personal hurdles. His fascination with tightrope walking began in his teenage years when he witnessed another performer seemingly defy gravity. "When I watched somebody else walk on the wire there was something almost mystical," Bullzini recalled. "I wanted to create that sense of wonder." At 18, he left the UK, traveling the globe to learn and perfect his skills. Now settled, Bullzini balances performing with teaching this skill to others. For him, the thrill lies in seeing participants succeed. "The most exciting thing about teaching people is to see the look of success on their faces," he shared. Bullzini's workshops are open to anyone interested in trying something different or pursuing an artistic career over conventional office jobs. He believes that if you can master balancing on a wire physically, you can apply that tenacity and focus to other areas of life. "If people hear these words and they are questioning whether or not to go for their weird artistic career or get a sensible job in an office, they would at least consider putting some energy into the eccentric career." While still actively performing himself, Bullzini remains dedicated to offering these transformative experiences at no cost in his circus yard outside Shepton Mallet. Details for his next course run will be announced soon.

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Miraculous Rescue: A Man and His Dog Just Survived 3 Days Adrift at Sea

A man and his canine companion have been rescued after spending three days adrift in an inflatable dinghy off the coast of East Sussex, England. The rescue operation took place between Brighton Marina and Brighton Palace Pier on Wednesday evening. The man, who is believed to be a migrant from Afghanistan, was found alongside the dog he reportedly befriended at a French refugee camp. Their ordeal began when the engine of their dinghy failed, leaving them stranded at sea for several days. Emergency services sprang into action after a red flare was spotted around 18:30 BST. A lifeboat crew quickly located the pair and brought them ashore about an hour later. A HM Coastguard spokesperson confirmed that they were found "safe and well" despite the circumstances. The rescue involved a coordinated effort, with a coastguard helicopter, lifeboats from Shoreham and Brighton, and coastguard teams from Shoreham and Newhaven all participating. Sussex Police also assisted during the incident. There are no reports of any injuries or medical issues affecting either of them.

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