Upbeat News Tuesday

Editor OGN Daily
12 minutes ago
3 min read

Tuesday's tasty bite-sized chunks of upbeat news to brighten the day.

Best a Man Could Get

A 2,000-year-old razor used to keep Romans looking sharp is set to go up for auction in England. The 3.5 inch-long (9 cm) iron blade had a hole for the shaver to put their finger in so they could drag it across their face to remove stubble, or attach it to their belt for easy access when a client was on the barber’s chair. For wealthy Romans, being clean shaven was considered part of a collection of civilized urban manners called urbanitas. The first shaving of the beard, usually done at the age of 21, marked a solemn ceremony called depositio barbae signifying the transition from adolescence into manhood. Prior to this, downy facial hair was allowed to grow unshaven until something resembling a beard appeared.

cinereous vulture in flight — Credit: Markus Varesvuo | Wild Wonders of Europe

Keystone Species

Across Romania, Spain and Bulgaria, Europe’s skies are beginning to fill with giant silhouettes once again. Final releases of cinereous vultures in the Carpathians - alongside coordinated flights of new cohorts in Spain and Bulgaria - are restoring a keystone scavenger that stabilises food webs, limits disease and signals the revival of functioning ecosystems. Key features include its large size, a wingspan up to 10 ft 2 in, and its strong feet, which are adapted for grasping prey.

Scene from 'Zootopia 2' — Credit: Walt Disney Co | Everett Collection

Animation Record

Zootopia 2 had a roaring, record-setting opening at the box office. The animal city sequel from the Walt Disney Company brought in $96 million in North America over the weekend, earned $156 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame, and scored a staggering $556 million globally since its opening last Wednesday, according to studio estimates. That made it the highest international opening ever for an animated movie, the fourth highest global debut of any kind, and the top international opener of 2025.

More Vaccines

Gavi and UNICEF have secured a deal to cut the price of the R21 malaria vaccine by 25 percent, down to $2.99 per dose. The savings, roughly $90 million, will finance around 30 million extra doses and reach an estimated 7 million more children over the next five years, even as donor budgets tighten.

Closing The Door

The UK has become the first major economy to call time on new fossil fuel exploration, confirming that no more licenses for oil and gas drilling will be issued in the North Sea. “Britain has just made history,” said Greenpeace. “Closing the door to new exploration marks the beginning of the end of oil and gas in this country. The government has shown genuine global climate leadership. This is a major milestone.”

Opulent Ovoid

A rare crystal and diamond Fabergé egg, created for Russia’s ruling family before its revolutionary overthrow, is set for auction at Christie's in London today, with an estimated value of $27 million. The Winter Egg is just one of seven such opulent ovoids still in private hands.

Victim Safety

Germany has taken a landmark step to protect survivors of sexual violence by classifying date rape drugs as weapons under criminal law. This decisive move allows for significantly stricter prosecutions and longer sentences for offenders. By legally recognizing the severity of drug-facilitated assault, the government is closing loopholes and prioritizing victim safety. This reform sets a powerful new standard for justice and public safety across Europe.

"It pays to know the enemy - not least because at some time you may have the opportunity to turn him into a friend." Margaret Thatcher

On This Day

Canaletto painting of St Paul's Cathedral, London

2 December 1697: St Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is consecrated for use. The previous building had been destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.