Nov 4

OGN Monday

Getting the week off to a bright start with today's global round up of positive news.

First Black EU Leader

Kemi Badenoch became the first black woman to lead a major European political party as she was named leader of the UK's Conservative Party on Saturday. Her victory made her the first black leader of a major UK political party, following Rishi Sunak’s milestone as the first Asian leader of one of the main parties. She becomes the fourth female Tory leader, following in the footsteps of her political heroine Margaret Thatcher, as well as the more recent leaders Theresa May and Liz Truss. Ms Badenoch will hope to last longer as Tory leader than either Baroness May or Ms Truss, who spent three years and 49 days respectively in charge of their party, compared to Mrs Thatcher’s 15 years in the role.

Plaque Honours Lettuce That Outlasted Liz Truss

Empowerment Platform

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Medical Discovery

A compound called sanguinarine, found in the North American wildflower bloodroot, has been genetically modified to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. In a study, researchers from the University of British Columbia discovered that the compound selectively targeted TB bacteria without harming beneficial gut microbes. Two derivatives, BPD9 and BPD6, showed more than 90% effectiveness against eight TB strains, including drug-resistant ones. These findings are significant, as tuberculosis is the No. 2 infectious killer after Covid-19, according to the World Health Organization.

Rothbury estate panorama — Rothbury estate | Credit: Knight Frank

UK's Largest Land Sale

The Wildlife Trusts have bought part of the Duke of Northumberland’s son’s estate (it has belonged to the family for 700 years) in the largest land sale in England for 30 years. Marketed by its estate agents as “a paradise for those with a penchant for sporting pursuits", the 3,850-hectare (9,500-acre) Rothbury estate in north east England has now been bought by the federation of charities, which plans to restore it for nature. Craig Bennett, the chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, told The Guardian: “Our vision is to create an absolutely astonishing national flagship for nature recovery. It will be around two-and-a-half times the size of the [rewilded] Knepp estate and we are very excited to get ecosystems working again. If we get the whole site we will be looking at 9,500 acres.”

'Touches Your Heart'

When it came time to name a building at Swedeborg District III Elementary School in Missouri, students overwhelmingly wanted the honor to go to longtime custodian Claudene Wilson. "She's just really dedicated herself to this school," student Eli Huff said to CBS News. The 30-year employee also handles transportation coordination, landscaping and facility operations. The Swedeborg School Board voted unanimously to call the building the Claudene Wilson Learning Center, a move Wilson said "touches your heart."

Norovirus Vaccine

The world’s first trial for an mRNA vaccine against norovirus - the bug marked by intense vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms - has begun across multiple countries, reports The Guardian. The jab could bring huge health and economic benefits as virus often spreads rapidly and can be serious. While most people recover within two to three days, the virus can be serious, particularly for the very young, elderly or people with a weakened immune system.

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” Arthur Murray