👵 Volunteer Grandmas in the Streets

Good morning. It’s been a busy week so far. In Texas, a team of volunteer grandmas is offering street-side wisdom and a listening ear to anyone in need, reminding us of the power of simple, face-to-face connection.

Scientists are celebrating a breakthrough in cancer treatment, engineering cancer-fighting cells inside patients’ bodies for the first time, bringing new hope to those battling multiple myeloma.

And in Virginia, a mischievous raccoon’s liquor store adventure has inspired a wave of generosity, raising $180,000 for animal rescue.

—Stephanie S

A heartwarming initiative called the Grandma Stand is bringing wisdom and comfort to the streets of McKinney, Texas. Inspired by a Brooklyn reporter’s grandmother, this project invites anyone to sit at a purple lemonade stand and share their troubles with a volunteer grandma.

The idea began when a coworker found solace in regular chats with 95-year-old Eileen Wilkinson, leading to the first Grandma Stand in Brooklyn. After Wilkinson’s passing, her legacy lives on as volunteers now offer their listening ears in Texas.

During her first shift, one grandma spoke with people seeking advice on parenting, marriage, and fertility. Sometimes, just being heard is enough.

The Grandma Stand reminds us of the value of face-to-face connection and the unique wisdom our elders can share.

Stage Access is a performing arts streaming service that brings world-class opera, ballet, concerts, theatre, and classical music directly to your screen. Hosted by award-winning performer Kelsey Grammer, it features iconic artists and institutions, including Yo-Yo Ma, the London Symphony Orchestra, and more.

Research shows that music and the arts engage the brain in powerful ways, helping to improve mood, reduce stress, and support memory and overall cognitive health at any age. Stage Access offers a simple way to experience cultural enrichment while caring for your mental well-being.

As a special offer for Good News Network readers, enjoy 50% off an annual Stage Access subscription using promo code GNN50. Plus, 10% of proceeds are donated to a nonprofit dedicated to advancing brain health and healthy aging, supporting efforts to address Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Stream something beautiful. Support your well-being. And bring the stage home. Get started today.

CCTV in Lincoln’s historic city center recently captured a river otter and a red fox exploring the streets, a magical sight that delighted locals.

Once nearly extinct in England due to pollution and hunting, river otters have made a remarkable comeback thanks to decades of conservation and cleaner waterways.

Their return is a hopeful symbol for river health and environmental progress, reminding us that dedicated efforts can bring nature back to our communities.

Scientists have, for the first time, engineered cancer-fighting cells inside patients’ bodies rather than in a lab. This new approach could make CAR T-cell therapy faster and more affordable for people with multiple myeloma.

In two small trials, patients’ own T-cells were genetically modified in vivo to attack cancer cells. Some patients saw their cancer disappear, while others went into remission.

Side effects were manageable, and experts are hopeful this breakthrough will expand access to life-saving treatments.

A raccoon in Virginia made headlines after being found unconscious in a liquor store bathroom, having broken in and indulged in some spirits. The Hanover County Animal Protection officer safely returned the “trashed panda” to the wild after a brief recovery.

The story went viral, inspiring a wave of support. Merchandise featuring the raccoon quickly raised over $180,000 for the shelter.

Funds will help care for more animals and train officers for future rescues.

🚭 USA & UK: Smoking rates have dropped to historic lows, led by dramatic declines among young people and a shifting culture away from tobacco.

🚲 Arizona: An Arizona teen who returned a lost wallet with $300 was surprised with the electric bike he had been saving for.

🌊 California: The Yurok Tribe in Northern California celebrates the historic return of 76 square miles of ancestral land following the nation’s largest dam removal.

🚒 UK: A crane driver who heroically rescued a man from a burning building was granted his humble bucket list wish of home improvements after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

💧 China: After achieving excellent water quality in 90% of its rivers and lakes, China has launched a decade-long project to restore and protect entire freshwater ecosystems.

249 years ago today, Thomas Paine published the first essay of The American Crisis, a pamphlet series written to strengthen the resolve of American colonists during the darkest days of the Revolutionary War. Writing under plain language meant for everyday readers, Paine sought to persuade wavering colonists that independence was not only necessary but morally justified. Though often associated with Common Sense, this later work met the urgency of a nation already at war, when morale was low and the outcome uncertain.

The opening line became immortal: “These are the times that try men’s souls.” The essay was read aloud to troops of the Continental Army before the Battle of Trenton, helping to inspire soldiers and shame neutrality at a critical moment. Paine framed the struggle as both political and spiritual, arguing that divine providence favored a people who had exhausted every peaceful option. His words helped steady a fragile revolution when it needed conviction most.

Other notable December 19 events:

1732: Benjamin Franklin began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanac.

1917: The first games of the National Hockey League were played, with four Canadian teams.

1997: Titanic premiered in theaters.

2003: Libya announced it would end its weapons of mass destruction program.

— Henry Van Dyke

Every day brings amazing advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how wonderful the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

🎲 Literacy Games: Global literacy games are helping children learn languages through play.

⚡ Island Microgrids: Solar-powered microgrids are giving island communities reliable, sustainable electricity.

💧 Smart Irrigation: Smart irrigation systems use weather data to save water and improve crop yields.

💻 Coding Bootcamps: Online coding bootcamps are creating pathways to tech careers for people worldwide.

🧱 Tire Bricks: Recycled tire bricks are being used to construct schools in resource-limited regions.

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