India’s Sheetal Devi captivated the world at the Paris Paralympics with her extraordinary skill and determination. The 17-year-old, born without fully formed arms due to phocomelia, has defied the odds to become one of the top para archers globally. In the opening round of the women’s compound open event, she stunned the crowd with a perfect bull’s-eye. Her remarkable ability to fire a bow using her feet and mouth speaks to her resilience and adaptability. Devi’s story, which began in 2021 when she discovered archery, has quickly evolved into one of triumph and perseverance. By 2023, she had clinched multiple medals at world events, including two golds at the Asian Para Games, securing her place as the No. 1 ranked para compound archer.

Although her flawless opening shot in Paris couldn’t secure her victory in the individual event, Devi’s journey was far from over. Despite a narrow loss to Chile’s Mariana Zúñiga, she won bronze in the mixed compound archery event alongside teammate Rakesh Kumar. Beyond her impressive athletic accomplishments, Devi’s heartfelt tribute to her mother on social media revealed the emotional support behind her success. Her mother’s unwavering encouragement and sacrifice have been a cornerstone of Devi’s inspiring journey, which has captured the admiration of fans worldwide. As she continues to shine on the global stage, her story is one of unyielding determination, family love, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

At 102 years old, Manette Baillie has become Britain’s oldest skydiver, proving that age is no barrier to adventure. Celebrating her birthday in a way most people half her age wouldn’t dare, she jumped from 7,000 feet at Beccles Airfield in Suffolk, England. This was Manette’s first skydive, and despite admitting she shut her eyes tightly during the leap, the experience left her breathless and exhilarated. Her daring act wasn’t just for thrill; it also raised funds for charity, further highlighting her belief in living life to the fullest regardless of age. Manette’s message to those in their 80s or 90s is clear: don’t give up on life’s adventures.

Manette’s zest for life extends beyond her skydive. A former member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service during WWII, she has always embraced challenges and excitement. For her 100th birthday, she raced a Ferrari at 130 miles per hour at Silverstone Circuit, showing that her spirit of adventure has only grown stronger with time. Still driving her car and maintaining an active social life, she attributes her longevity to community, friends, and staying engaged with the world around her. Currently, she’s focused on raising money to renovate the Benhall Ex-Servicemen’s Village Social Club, a place dear to her heart. Manette’s story is an inspiring reminder to “just keep going” and live life without limitations, no matter your age.

Nahjae Olin’s journey to winning the NYC housing lottery and securing a one-bedroom apartment for just $881 a month in the Bronx exemplifies the persistence required to navigate the city’s competitive affordable housing system. After moving back in with her family post-college in 2019, Olin faced the daunting task of finding a place of her own in New York City’s notoriously expensive rental market. Unsure of how she could afford an apartment, she turned to the NYC housing lottery, a program designed to help residents like her find affordable, rent-stabilized housing. Olin began applying in 2020, submitting over 100 applications before finally hearing back in 2022. Her dedication paid off when she was offered a one-bedroom unit in her home borough of the Bronx, a rare opportunity given the program’s high demand and low supply ratio of about 50 applications per available unit.

The NYC housing lottery, managed by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), offers income-qualified New Yorkers a fair chance at securing affordable housing through a randomized selection process. To participate, applicants must meet specific income requirements based on the area’s median income, unit size, and household composition. Despite the lengthy and competitive process, which often involves submitting numerous applications and waiting years for a response, the program can be life-changing for those who persevere. For Olin, securing her apartment was a full-circle moment, allowing her to stay in the neighborhood she grew up in and reassuring her family about her financial stability. Her experience highlights the importance of persistence, thorough documentation, and keeping one’s Housing Connect profile up to date to improve chances in the lottery.

Nearly 20 years ago, Canadian blogger Kyle MacDonald captured the imagination of the internet by trading his way from a red paperclip to a two-story home. Inspired by the childhood game “Bigger, Better,” where the objective is to trade an item for something more valuable, MacDonald embarked on this unique journey in July 2005. Tired of paying rent in Montreal and seeking a home of his own, the 26-year-old set up a website to document his quest. With a red paperclip as his starting point, he promised to visit anyone willing to trade with him. This ambitious venture set off a remarkable chain of 14 trades, culminating in the acquisition of a $50,000 home in Kipling, Saskatchewan. MacDonald’s success story became a symbol of creativity, determination, and the power of community, as he demonstrated that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

The journey from a simple office supply to a home was far from straightforward. MacDonald’s first trade involved swapping the red paperclip for a fish-shaped pen, which he then exchanged for a hand-sculpted doorknob. Each subsequent trade took him across North America, from a camping stove to a generator, and even a snowmobile, showcasing his ingenuity and persistence. His adventure reached its peak when he traded a motorized KISS snow globe, a seemingly trivial item, for a speaking role in a film, thanks to actor Corbin Bernsen’s passion for snow globes. This pivotal trade led the town of Kipling to offer him a farmhouse, marking the end of his year-long quest. MacDonald’s journey not only secured him a home but also inspired countless others, leaving a lasting legacy in Kipling, where the Paperclip Cottage Cafe now stands as a testament to this incredible story.

The story of Albert Lexie, the humble shoe shiner, is a testament to how small, consistent acts of kindness can have a monumental impact. Lexie worked at the Children’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for over 30 years, diligently polishing shoes for doctors, executives, and staff. Charging between $2 and $5 per polish, Lexie earned a modest annual income of about $10,000. However, his real contribution was much greater: he donated all his tips, amounting to over $200,000, to the hospital’s Free Care Fund. Starting his routine in 1982 and continuing until his retirement in 2013, Lexie would leave home early in the morning, set up his purple shoeshine cart, and devote his day to not only shining shoes but also supporting the hospital’s mission of providing care to children in need. His dedication and generosity ensured that many children received necessary medical treatments regardless of their families’ financial situations.

Lexie’s extraordinary philanthropy did not go unnoticed. He received several prestigious awards, including the Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Citizen, the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, and the National Caring Award. His hometown honored him with “Albert Lexie Day” in 1999, and he was given a lifetime bus pass by the Port Authority of Allegheny County due to his reliance on public transportation. In 2012, he shared his inspiring story through a children’s book, “Albert’s Kids,” illustrating his unwavering commitment to helping others. Though he retired in 2013 and passed away in 2018, Lexie’s legacy of selflessness and generosity endures. His contributions far exceeded the monetary donations, as he inspired countless individuals with his genuine spirit of giving and dedication to philanthropy, embodying the true essence of volunteerism.

Samantha Griffen and her family owe their lives to Luna, a two-year-old Siberian husky rescued from a shelter just six months ago. Griffen had moved into a new house in Marion, Indiana, and while she was resting one day due to a migraine, Luna’s persistent behavior saved her from a potential tragedy. Unbeknownst to Griffen, her water heater had started leaking carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that can be imperceptible without detectors. Luna’s refusal to let Griffen fall asleep and her insistent nudging eventually prompted Griffen to step outside, where the carbon monoxide detector finally sounded the alarm.

This timely alert enabled Griffen to swiftly evacuate her children and contact emergency services. Upon their arrival, the fire department confirmed dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in the home, a situation that could have turned fatal had Luna not intervened. Carbon monoxide alarms are crucial, but as the fire department noted, their placement is equally important to ensure they detect leaks from appliances like water heaters. Luna initially adopted as an emotional support animal for Griffen’s PTSD, proved to be a literal lifesaver, showcasing the profound and sometimes unexpected ways in which rescue animals can impact and save lives.

Deforestation in Colombia has reached a significant milestone, hitting a 23-year low in 2023. According to recent government figures, environmental destruction has decreased by 36%, marking a considerable achievement for one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. This environmental victory is largely attributed to President Gustavo Petro’s proactive approach to conservation. His administration has emphasized the importance of protecting Colombia’s natural resources, particularly the Amazon rainforest, which is critical to global biodiversity. Petro’s leftist government has allocated significant funds towards saving the Amazon and has committed to land restoration initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

The reduction in deforestation is especially pronounced in the Amazon region, where deforestation rates dropped by 38%, from nearly 274 square miles in 2022 to about 171 square miles in 2023. However, government officials, including Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, urge caution despite these positive trends. During a press conference, Muhamad highlighted the ongoing challenges, noting that while the progress is encouraging, the fight against deforestation is far from over. She pointed out that 2024 has seen a rise in deforestation due to severe El Niño weather conditions, which have exacerbated dry spells. Additionally, efforts to dismantle illegal roads in the Amazon have faced setbacks. Despite these challenges, the substantial decline in deforestation in Colombia, coupled with similar trends in Brazil, provides a reason for optimism and underscores the impact of concerted conservation efforts.

Clare Staples, a former Hollywood producer turned rancher, has dedicated her life to rescuing wild mustangs and burros from potentially abusive environments or slaughterhouses. She founded Skydog Ranch and Sanctuary on 9,000 acres of land, providing a haven where these animals can roam freely and stay with their families. Staples was moved by the plight of these wild horses, who are often separated from their herds during annual round-ups conducted by the Bureau of Land Management. Recognizing the trauma this caused, she set out to reunite horse families and offer them a sanctuary. Staples likens her work to that of a detective, tracking and reuniting horses through a network of photographers and volunteers who help identify and locate separated family members across ten western states.

The annual round-up of wild mustangs and burros is a contentious issue, with proponents arguing that these animals are invasive species disrupting native ecosystems, and opponents claiming that the round-up primarily serves ranching interests that compete for grazing land. While it is true that North American ecosystems evolved without horses after their extinction thousands of years ago, Staples believes the disruption caused by domesticated cattle far outweighs that of the wild equines. By establishing Skydog Ranch, Staples has created a sanctuary that embodies her vision of the West, where mustangs and burros can live in peace. With over 260 mustangs and 60 burros rescued, her efforts highlight the deep familial bonds among these animals and challenge the notion that humans are the only species capable of caring for their families. Through her passionate work, Staples offers a powerful testament to the importance of compassion and respect for all living beings.

Arizona Iced Tea has garnered widespread recognition for its brightly colored cans and steadfast 99¢ price, a hallmark that has remained unchanged since its inception in 1992. Co-founder and chairman Don Vultaggio recently delved into the rationale behind this pricing strategy in an interview with TODAY’s Savannah Sellers. Competing with Snapple, Arizona Iced Tea has maintained its affordable price for over three decades, a decision Vultaggio attributes to his commitment to the consumer. Faced with inflation and economic fluctuations, the company has chosen to streamline expenses rather than raise prices. Vultaggio, who grew up in a working-class family with firsthand experience in the grocery industry, emphasizes that this approach is his way of giving back to consumers who are struggling to make ends meet.

Vultaggio’s dedication to keeping prices low reflects his personal philosophy and business acumen, shaped by his early career experiences. He began working in a grocery store as a teenager and later delivered Schlitz malt liquor, which inspired the larger cans that set Arizona Iced Tea apart. Vultaggio believes that maintaining a fair price not only benefits consumers but also helps retailers, as it encourages customers to purchase additional items, boosting overall sales. His resistance to price increases is a rare stance in today’s market, where many CEOs prioritize profits over consumer loyalty. Supported by his sons, Wesley and Spencer, Vultaggio continues to lead Arizona Iced Tea with a focus on efficiency and consumer satisfaction, proving that profitability and affordability can coexist.