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Hello friends. Around the globe, as uncertainty still looms over us, people are continuing to step up their compassion -- in absolutely unprecedented ways. Enjoy some of last week's most popular stories below.
Thanks to our inspired volunteer crew, we now have over 400 stories -- and to uncover the gems, we've released a tool for anyone to create their own favorites list. To wet your appetite, here's editor's picks and stories about the magic of children during these challenging times.
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CBS Interactive Inc. Audio: Listen Here.
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In an unprecedented truce, rival gangs in South Africa have come together to deliver food under lockdown to people in desperate need. "What we're seeing here is literally a miracle," said Pastor Andie Steele-Smith who works with the gang members, many of whom are convicted killers. "They're the best distributors in the country. They're used to distributing other [things]," Paster Steele-Smith points out. "They know everybody." After three weeks, the unexpected partnership is still holding. More broadly, South Africa has seen a 75% decrease in violent crime since it imposed strict restrictions over the coronavirus pandemic.
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Audio: Listen Here.
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Twenty-eight days ago, more than 40 employees at a Pennsylvania company unanimously decided to literally live at their production plant -- eating and sleeping there -- to make equipment for health care workers. While working 12-hour shifts around the clock, television and occasional drive-bys FROM family `member`s were the only outside contact they had. "We're truly honored to be able to give back and support people we will never meet in some way," said operations shift supervisor Joe Boyce at Braskem America. The team makes polypropylene, a non-woven fiber used to make N95 masks, hospital gowns and sanitary wipes.
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In the town of Miharu in Japan, Shidafumi Hirate carefully tends Takizakura, the magnificent ancient cherry tree. Takizakura has lived through famines, survived earthquakes, withstood storms and remained strong through the worst nuclear catastrophe in history. The tree is symbolic of the strength of nature. And this year, during the pandemic, it bears another spectacular display of pink cherry blossom.
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Reuters. Audio: Listen Here.
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He started by walking 100 laps (with his walker!) in his backyard, to raise 1,000 British pounds for healthcare workers before his 100th birthday. But now, the 99-year-old World War II veteran has raised more than $40 million, been praised by Queen Elizabeth's grandson as an absolute legend and has become a global symbol of endurance -- and optimism -- in the face of adversity.
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Audio: Listen Here.
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On Easter Sunday 2020, by invitation of the City and of the Duomo of Milan, Italian global music icon Andrea Bocelli gave a solo performance representing a message of love, healing and hope to Italy and the world. He saved Amazing Grace for the end (at about 18:30). (Audio: Listen Here.)
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