Childhood is often filled with moments of laughter, play, and exploration, but for one four year old in Washington, D.C., it has also been marked by a life changing health challenge. TJ, a young boy from the Shaw neighborhood, has been nominated for Toddler of the Year, a national contest that celebrates children while raising funds for Toys for Tots. What makes TJ’s story extraordinary is that he is competing while receiving treatment for leukemia, demonstrating a remarkable spirit that h

A Columbus resident has spent the last eight years mowing and caring for a vacant lot next to his home, unaware that the property did not belong to him. The man, an 80-year-old U.S. Army veteran, believed the lot was part of his rental home in the Hilltop neighborhood. He paid $1,300 a month in rent and assumed the adjoining land was included in the space he was responsible for. Over the years, he took full responsibility for keeping the property in shape, cutting down weeds, trim

A devastating crash on a Texas highway in April left four young children orphaned after both their parents were killed while attempting to change a tire. The couple had been driving from Austin to Dallas with their 12-year-old daughter to sell handmade goods when tragedy struck. A blown tire forced them to stop near Troy, where they began working beneath their truck to access the spare. In a sudden and catastrophic moment, a vehicle lost control and crashed into them, killing them instantly.

In a powerful act of resilience and compassion, a 27-year-old man from North Texas completed a 100-mile run in less than 24 hours to raise money for families devastated by recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Motivated by deep emotional ties to the region and the widespread destruction caused by the floods, Jack Stradinger set out with one goal: to bring hope and support to a community grappling with loss and tragedy. Without months of preparation, and despite a history

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, two Conrail railroad workers are being recognized for their heroic actions that saved a man from drowning during a flash flood in Piscataway, New Jersey, on Monday. The incident occurred at the intersection of New Market Road and Lakeview Avenue, an area hit by sudden and severe flooding following intense rainfall. As local authorities responded to emergency calls about vehicles stranded in rising waters, the first people to arrive at the

In a historic gesture of recognition and cultural respect, the California State Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to rename a significant stretch of Highway 101 in San Jose as the "Little Saigon Freeway." Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, the bill designates the portion of Highway 101 between the Story Road exit and the I-280/680 interchange—just under half a mile in length—for this honor. The renaming serves as a tribute to the vibrant Vietnamese American commu

In response to the devastating flooding that struck central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, the founder of a well-known restaurant chain has pledged $1 million to support communities affected by the disaster. The donation will go toward providing immediate aid and long-term recovery resources to individuals and families impacted by the widespread flooding. The funds will help deliver essential services such as emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, financial assistance,

In the wake of devastating floods in Central Texas, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey is being hailed as a hero after saving the lives of 165 individuals. Scott Ruskan, a petty officer and rescue swimmer from Oxford Township in Warren County, played a key role in one of the largest emergency airlift operations during this disaster, marking his first-ever rescue mission. The catastrophic weather event unfolded after relentless rains inundated Central Texas, causi

The iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, now recognized as the world’s highest railway bridge at 359 meters above the Chenab River, has not only become a symbol of India’s engineering might but also a milestone in gender inclusion in infrastructure leadership. At the heart of this achievement is Dr G Madhavi Latha, an accomplished professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, whose 17-year dedication made this feat possible.

India is preparing for a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a highly accomplished pilot of the Indian Air Force, readies himself to become the second Indian ever to venture into space. Slated for launch on June 10 aboard the Axiom-4 mission, his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) comes nearly 41 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma made his mark in 1984. As the designated mission pilot, Shukla will fly aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Crew Drago

Stanford Blood Center is encouraging Bay Area residents to roll up their sleeves this June by offering a special incentive to blood donors. As part of a seasonal promotion, every individual who donates blood at any Stanford Blood Center location during the month of June will receive a redemption card good for two free tickets to an upcoming San Francisco Giants game. The offer is designed to boost blood donations during a critical time when supplies are typically at their lowest.

In response to the powerful tornadoes that swept through parts of Kentucky last week, a dedicated team of 28 volunteers from Ohio, including residents from Blacklick and New Albany, mobilized quickly to bring relief to communities left devastated by the disaster. These volunteers, affiliated with the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, were among the first to arrive in some of the hardest-hit areas around London, Kentucky, delivering both ess

An estimated 1,500 people lined up on Monday across Fairfax County to pay their respects to Congressman Gerry Connolly, whose passing last week marked the end of a decades-long career in public service. The long lines and heartfelt tributes reflected not only his political influence but also the deep personal connections he built throughout Northern Virginia. Gerry Connolly died at age 75 after battling cancer. He had served the region in various leadership roles, first on the Fai

President Donald Trump commemorated Memorial Day by honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen military personnel during a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Standing before a crowd gathered at the hallowed site, Trump delivered a passionate and emotional speech, describing the fallen as “great, great warriors” and “America’s best and bravest.” His tribute was marked by reverence, personal stories of heroism, and a brief moment of poli

As Memorial Day 2025 approaches, many Americans prepare for a long weekend filled with family gatherings, outdoor activities, and last-minute shopping. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or simply want to stock up on supplies, knowing which stores and restaurants are open or closed is essential. Here's a detailed roundup of what will be operating across the U.S. on Memorial Day and which places you’ll want to plan ahead for. Several major retailers will r

When Ali Shirkhodaei arrived in the United States from Iran in 2006, he had no idea how difficult life would be as a new immigrant, even with a molecular biology degree. At 28 years old, he faced a long and discouraging year of unemployment, struggling to land any job in a foreign land. But what he did know was that he wanted to build a life that reflected the kindness he grew up with in the streets of Tehran. Almost two decades later, that spirit continues to define his journey, now as the o

Despite relentless rainfall on Tuesday evening, thousands of people stood united along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the 37th Annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Candlelight Vigil. The solemn event served as a poignant tribute to police officers across the nation who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Families, friends, and fellow officers braved the weather, carrying candles and standing quietly as the names of the deceased were read aloud, one after another.

San Jose, California – Anticipation reached fever pitch in the Bay Area this week as global football icon Lionel Messi touched down ahead of Inter Miami’s clash with the San Jose Earthquakes. The midweek Major League Soccer matchup has become one of the most talked-about games in the Earthquakes' history, largely due to Messi’s massive worldwide popularity and the rarity of his appearance on the West Coast. As Inter Miami arrived in San Jose, dozens of fan

Renowned adventurer and philanthropist Alex Pancoe has tragically passed away during a mountaineering expedition in the Himalayas. Pancoe, 39, was preparing for a climb of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world, when he suffered cardiac arrest. Despite efforts from fellow climbers on the scene, he could not be revived. His death was confirmed by his family, with his wife, Nina Laske Pancoe, sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media to honor the man many considered not just a climber,

In the quiet town of Vadakara in Kerala, a remarkable woman continues to defy both age and convention. Meenakshi Raghavan, affectionately known as Meenakshi Amma, is 82 years old and still going strong as a master and teacher of Kalaripayattu – India’s oldest martial art. In a world where retirement is often expected at her age, Amma has no such intentions. "I'll probably practise Kalari until the day I die," she says, her voice brimming with quiet determination and