Rise and shine 🌞 
We understand the allure of shocking stories that grab your attention, but we also recognize the toll they can take on your mental health and outlook on life. We are committed to breaking free from this negativity trap, demonstrating that meaningful, uplifting news can be just as engaging, thought-provoking and important as its negative counterpart. We refuse to be swayed by the notion that positive news is boring, dull or less important. Today’s stories are a testament to that.

Economy

Recession Fears Easing

The latest survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals optimistic trends among US consumers. Inflation eased in October and price increases showed encouraging signs of slowing under the surface, according to fresh data released on Tuesday. The report provides the Federal Reserve with evidence that its battle against rapid inflation is working.

The overall Consumer Price Index slowed to 3.2 percent last month on a year-over-year basis, lower than the 3.7 percent reading in September and the coolest since July. That deceleration owed partly to more moderate energy prices.

Notably, the average likelihood of missing debt payments dropped to 11.99%, aligning with pre-pandemic figures. While inflation expectations dipped slightly, wage growth expectations and job market perceptions showed minor fluctuations. Despite spending expectations easing from May 2022 highs, they remain elevated.

"Whether or not the economy can stay out of recession remains to be seen, but the stock market should continue to rally as people begin to accept that higher rates are off the table, which should push stock and bond prices higher, and bond yields lower," said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Independent Advisor Alliance in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Overall a very optimistic outlook!

Entertainment

Chicago's Fearless Centenarian

Dorothy Hoffner, a 104-year-old Chicago resident, is vying for the title of the world's oldest skydiver. Leaving her walker on the ground, she completed a tandem jump in northern Illinois, declaring, "Age is just a number" to a cheering crowd at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa.

Previously, the record was held by a 103-year-old from Sweden. Although Guinness World Records has yet to certify Hoffner's jump, Skydive Chicago is actively pursuing recognition. Hoffner, who first skydived at 100, led the jump from 13,500 feet, displaying remarkable confidence. The dive, including a perfect forward roll and a seven-minute descent, concluded with Hoffner softly landing to the applause of friends.

Hoffner expressed delight at the experience, looking ahead to future challenges, including the possibility of a hot-air balloon ride. Why did Dorothy become a skydiver at 104 you may ask? She probably figured if she's going to fall, she might as well do it spectacularly!

World News

Restoring Family Legacy

In a tale of family history and determination, 91-year-old Malcolm Stern from England rediscovered his father's yellow Talbot-Darracq from the 1930s at an auction. With his son Jonathan's support, they aimed to purchase and restore the family heirloom during the pandemic, reviving a piece of their history.

The Stern family's connection to the car dates back to 1935 when Alec Stern, a Londoner and car enthusiast, used to drive young Malcolm around town in the vehicle. The car gained sentimental value, especially during World War II when Alec parted with the Talbot-Darracq.

In 2020, Malcolm, now 91, used a 3D printer to make a model of his father's car, leading to the discovery that the actual Talbot-Darracq was up for auction. Father and son decided to buy the car, kicking off a restoration journey.

Purchased for £8,000, the auctioned car needed extensive repairs. Jonathan initially doubted his father's ability for manual labor, but Malcolm, with professional assistance and his son's help, transformed his garage in Rickmansworth into a restoration space for a three-year project.

After years of work, the Talbot-Darracq came back to life. Malcolm and Jonathan drove 15 miles to join vintage car enthusiasts, showcasing the meticulously restored car.

Environment

‘Nature Surprises Us’

Scientists in Brazil have made a remarkable discovery, finding a species of a small holly tree known as 'Ilex sapiiformis,' or the Pernambuco holly. Last documented almost 200 years ago, the tree was feared extinct until a recent expedition in the urban city of Igarassu, Pernambuco state, successfully located it.

The Pernambuco Holly is listed among their top 25 most wanted lost species, with this being the 9th rediscovery since their Search for Lost Species initiative launched in 2017.

Despite the urbanization of Igarassu over the decades, the region was once a dense tropical forest. Project team member Juliana Alencar expressed the astonishment of finding a species not heard of in nearly two centuries, emphasizing the unpredictability of nature. Another team member likened the experience to finding a long-lost relative known only through old portraits.

Looking ahead, the expedition team, led by Gustavo Martinelli, aims to launch a breeding program for the Pernambuco Holly. The ongoing search for more trees continues, with plans to collaborate with local partners to protect the discovered forest areas and establish a captive breeding program for this rare species.

Only 3 individual Pernambuco Holly (Ilex Sapiiformis) trees were ever known to exist!!

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.

Mind Stretchers

A man is looking at a photograph of someone. His friend asks who it is. The man replies, “Brothers and sisters, I have none. But that man’s father is my father’s son.” Who was in the photograph?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Eifel Tower-Pyramid-New York-Taj Majal-Italy