Society & Community

Brussels – November 03, 2026 -- The EU is running a disaster-preparedness campaign called "Wir Handeln Gemeinsam" ("We Act as One") in seven member states through December 2026, aiming to show citizens how emergency crews prepare long before a crisis hits. It launched around the 9th European Civil Protection Forum in Brussels, held under the motto "Prepare today, be ready for tomorrow."

Wildfires have already burned 669,000 hectares in 2026

Across Europe, wildfires have destroyed more than 669,000 hectares so far in 2026. That is more than at the same point in 2025, which was the worst wildfire year since records began. Floods add to the toll, causing an estimated €8.6 billion in economic losses for the EU every year.

Watertown – November 02, 2026 -- Homeowners in Central NY can lower the risk of snow-related roof damage by checking insulation, gutters and warning signs before the first heavy storm, according to roofer Michael Majeski of Over the Top Roofing in Watertown. His advice appears in a HelloNation feature titled "Prevent Roof Collapse from Snow and Ice This Winter."

Wet snow stresses a roof far more than dry snow

Roofs are engineered for a specific weight limit. Once that limit is exceeded, structural integrity can weaken quickly. Ten inches of light, powdery snow may add little weight, but the same depth of dense, wet snow can multiply the stress on a roof several times over. Even small amounts of compacted snow or ice can push a roof past its safe threshold.

Snohomish – November 02, 2026 -- Washington homeowners who want a standby generator for winter outages should start planning now, because sizing, permitting, and inspection take time, according to local contractor Machias Power and Plumbing.

Storm season has already caused outages in Washington

Last winter brought historic flooding and widespread outages across the Pacific Northwest, and Washington received a federal disaster declaration in April. This season began early: high winds in late September left tens of thousands of Washington utility customers without power.

A dead sump pump or well pump creates plumbing problems

Owner Aaron Pullen says plumbing trouble often begins when the power fails. A sump pump can't keep a basement dry without electricity, and a well pump can't deliver water. In his words, a generator "has to be planned before the storm, not during it."

Tampa – November 02, 2026 -- Diners at Bonefish Grill can order two new limited-time entrées designed by celebrity chef Robert Irvine through Dec. 31, and $1 from every one sold goes to the Robert Irvine Foundation.

Two dishes, one ribeye and one grouper, are exclusive to Bonefish Grill

The Wood-Grilled Sage Ribeye is a 13-ounce cut finished with a smoked sage demi-glace, topped with crispy onions and garnished with fried sage. It comes with the restaurant's signature garlic whipped potatoes and a seasonal vegetable.

The Thai Coastal Grouper is wood-grilled and finished with a Thai green curry sauce and a pineapple salsa. It is garnished with pickled Peruvian drop peppers and served with jasmine rice.

Charlotte – November 02, 2026 -- A $5 ticket gets shoppers $5 off a purchase plus an extra 25% off select designer brands at Belk's Fall Charity Sale, running Nov. 13-15 in stores. The event marks 20 years of raising money for nonprofits across the Southeast.

A $5 ticket funds local causes and unlocks discounts

Tickets are sold directly by participating nonprofits and at any Belk store through Nov. 15. Belk Market and Belk Outlet locations are excluded. Shoppers redeem the ticket at checkout during the Nov. 13-15 in-store event. The discounts apply to holiday gifts, seasonal essentials and customer-favorite brands.

Pre-sale lets shoppers reserve items from Nov. 1-12

Before the main event, a pre-sale running Nov. 1-12 lets customers reserve select items ahead of the sale.

Reno – November 02, 2026 -- Four U.S. Veterans living with PTSD went home with their own purpose-bred Service Dogs after Liberty Dogs held its first graduation ceremony on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at its 27-acre campus in Reno, Nevada. The graduates come from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, and the nonprofit says more classes will follow.

Every Veteran gets a dog matched to their life

Each Veteran applied online, then completed interviews and assessments. Liberty Dogs paired each one with a dog by weighing the Veteran's lifestyle, needs, personality and goals against the dog's temperament and skills. The dogs spent months in advanced obedience, public access and task training on campus.

Once matched, each team spent two weeks on campus learning to work together. Housing, meals and around-the-clock support were provided at no cost.

Annapolis – October 31, 2026 -- Race for Life Rescue, a nonprofit that flies at-risk dogs and cats out of overcrowded shelters and disaster zones, completed its 200th mission on Oct. 14, carrying 112 animals from Louisiana to the Northeast. The milestone comes four years after its first flight. The group has since flown more than 12,000 animals and worked with shelters in more than 30 states.

Through Dec. 31, founder Jim DeFrancesco is matching every donation to the organization.

The first flight carried hurricane relief supplies

On Oct. 2, 2022, the group flew its first mission, taking relief supplies from Nashville, Tennessee, to Naples, Florida, after Hurricane Ian. The plane came back with nearly 40 displaced cats bound for adoption.

JONESBORO, Ark. – October 31, 2026 -- More than 13,500 free "Pink Bag" care packages are going to women and men facing breast cancer diagnosis and recovery through the 2026 UBCF-Brookfield Pink Bag Event Initiative, a national campaign from the United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) and GGP, formerly Brookfield Properties.

The events run from the end of September through early November, timed to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each bag holds name-brand personal care products, beauty tools, accessories, and practical essentials. The organizers value the full set of gifts at more than $8,576,742.40, all made possible by in-kind contributions from retail donors.

Kuala Lumpur – October 31, 2026 -- Zoo Negara Malaysia, the national zoo in Hulu Kelang, Ampang, has hosted 331 group events for 30,390 participants and has an air-conditioned multipurpose hall and a 12,000-square-foot picnic field for gatherings. The tally earned the zoo an ASEAN Records title.

The record covers 331 events in under four years

ASEAN Records recognised the zoo for the "Highest Number of Participants in Group Events Hosted by a Zoo's Founding Zoological Society." The count runs from 1 January 2023 to 30 September 2026. The zoo is managed by the Malaysian Zoological Society.

Open-air areas and an indoor hall host the groups

Beyond its wildlife exhibits, the zoo offers facilities for organised gatherings, corporate family days and recreational events. Open-air recreational areas, the 12,000-square-foot picnic field and the air-conditioned multipurpose hall provide the space for them.

LOS ANGELES – October 31, 2026 -- Filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld will host the Children's Institute (CII) 120th Anniversary Cape & Gown Gala on Sunday, November 8, in Beverly Hills, with John Mayer performing and Jamie Lee Curtis receiving a new award.

Jamie Lee Curtis receives the inaugural Reiner award

Curtis will accept the first Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, presented by Jake Reiner. Seven-time Grammy winner John Mayer will perform, and comedian and author Chelsea Handler will also appear.

Sonnenfeld introduced Rob Reiner to Michele in 1988

CII president and CEO Martine Singer, Michele Reiner's sister, said Sonnenfeld introduced Rob to Michele in 1988 and stayed close to the couple with his wife Susan. Her pitch for him as host was short: "Also, he's hilarious."