The International Press Institute named Iranian journalist and dissident Akbar Ganji as this year's World Press Freedom Hero, in recognition of his decades of work defending freedom of speech and equal rights for all, in the face of continued harassment and imprisonment.
Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow was enjoying a pint at his local pub in the Scottish Highlands when he got an idea that would change his life -- and the lives of thousands of others. After a trip to deliver food, clothing and blankets, and much thought and prayer, he quit his job, sold his home and dedicated himself to a simple premise: People really are good,' and it inspired me to be good too.
Just before her 30th birthday, Marisa Lynch got laid off. Inspired by the movie, Julie & Julia, she set herself a challenge: Transform 365 unattractive frocks in 365 days, for $365.
Liu Wei lost both of his arms in a freak accident when he was 10, after touching an electrified wire while playing hide-and-seek. But, his tragic circumstances did not stop Liu from pursuing his goal of a music career. With his parents convincing him of the importance of doing everything for himself, he began, at age 19, the daily practice of playing the piano with his feet, and today at 23 shocked audiences and judges on China's Got Talent.
There were many horror stories coming out of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek conflict this summer, but at least one hero emerged, who risked his life to save his neighbors. A group of Uzbek women credited him with saving many lives that day.
My stereotype of homeless people was so far from the truth, admitted Frank Kelly, a motivational speaker who was inspired to stop talking and help get them jobs.
When Jenni Ware found herself unable to locate her wallet as she stood in front of the cash register at Trader Joe's market, a stranger stepped forward to pay her entire $207 bill. The next day, Jenni sent a check in the mail for $300 to cover the Good Samaritan's deed -- enclosing an additional $93. But the kindness didn't stop there. An avalanche of like donations started pouring in from Facebook friends, eventually totaling $100,000 in spontaneous giving to a local food bank.
As Independence Day nears for Americans, let's reminisce on one Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the "Hero of Gettysburg." During the war between the states, this English professor-turned soldier fought in many key battles and was wounded six times. For his moment in history on Little Round Top, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
With forests at high risk for fire in northern Ontario last week, a couple who were out for a scenic flight in their small plane became environmental heroes when they spotted a flash fire and risked their lives to save the Boreal forest near their remote cottage west of Sudbury.
Tony Fowler, a milkman with a daily route that takes him 100 miles through 25 towns in Leicestershire, is being hailed a hero by the Queen of England for having contributed to the capture of a string of criminals. His watchful eye and quick-thinking throughout his 20-year career has foiled burglaries, stopped drug deals and blocked car thieves trying to escape past his milk truck.
Margaret Zerwekh, 90, of Delafield, Wis., has won her 23-year fight to have a Medal of Honor awarded to Lt. Alonzo Cushing, a hero at the Battle of Gettysburg.
After reading about a woman who motivates commuters via chalkboard messages, a Good News Network subscriber wanted to step in to help. She felt compassion for the woman, Penny Proudfoot, who said she had recently ruined her camera. She thought to herself, "I've got a Canon Rebel camera that I was going to sell on e-Bay, but I'd love for her to have it, if she wants it."
The annual No Worries Now Prom is the brainchild of 20-year-old Fred Scarf, with his intention to give 200 teenagers living with a life-threatening illness an opportunity to celebrate at the prom, in an environment of total acceptance and camaraderie.
In the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, President Obama honored the 2010 National Teacher of the Year, Sarah Brown Wessling, from Johnston High School in Iowa, for her efforts to treat every student as a unique learner.
Leslie Clark buys beadwork and embroidery made by the women in a Niger cooperative that she founded. She sells the nomad art alongside her paintings in her Ojai, Calif., gallery. In addition, she founded the Nomad Foundation to help bring health care and education to the wandering Niger nomads.
After jumping out of the airplane, strapped together in tandem, a skydiving instructor and his student feared the worst when their parachutes failed to open properly. Plummeting at 40 mph and 500 feet from the ground, Hartsock showed himself to be a courageous hero when he used the control toggles to rotate their position and place his body under hers to take the brunt of the fall.
Efforts in three countries to protect Monarch butterflies have resulted in a stunning comeback for the iconic orange and black creature.
In this funny video, a famous cat unwittingly creates unimaginable chaos and fears Christmas will have to be cancelled. But Mog, and neighbors save the day.
These two lovable law enforcement officers stepped up to the plate, getting their hands dirty with a little bit of babysitting.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland fell down the rabbit hole and into the published world 150 years ago this month.