Boston Mayor Michelle Wu captured global attention Friday night performing Charles Gounod’s ‘Ave Maria’ with renown cellist Yo-Yo Ma at Symphony Hall.

Wu joined Ma on piano, blending delicate Bach-inspired arpeggios with Gounod’s soaring melody, creating a heartfelt duet that enchanted the audience.

The duet took place during Yo-Yo Ma’s concert, featuring six unaccompanied cello suites inspired by Bach. Wu’s piano perfectly complemented Ma’s cello, combining technical precision with emotional depth.

Her performance brought a unique graceful presence to the evening.

Wu, no stranger to the stage, previously performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2023 and the Boston Pops in 2024.

“Music is such a powerful way to share an experience, to feel a sense of our connection, our common dreams, and our common destiny,” Wu said.

Watch video here.

Japan’s aging population has pushed care homes to rethink how they serve the elderly, and one surprising idea is hiring young bodybuilders. 

At facilities run by Visionary Co., muscular caregivers known as ‘Macho Caregivers’ are changing both public perception and the future of eldercare.

With nearly half of Japan’s population expected to be over 65 by 2050, care homes face severe worker shortages. Rural care homes struggle most as younger workers move to cities.

To tackle this gap, innovative programs like Visionary Co.’s ‘Macho Caregivers’ are stepping in.

Visionary Co. introduced its initiative to make caregiving appealing, safe, and sustainable. Its fitness team, 7SEAS, features competitive bodybuilders who lead outreach, and serve as role models.

Since launch, inquiries and applications have risen 25%, with strong interest from workers in their 20s and 30s.

Physically, caregiving can be demanding. Many seniors need help with lifting, bathing, and mobility, tasks that typical staff often struggle to manage. 

With ‘Macho Caregivers,’ facilities ensure these duties are handled safely, protecting both workers and residents.

Beyond physical assistance, ‘Macho Caregivers’ actively improve residents’ emotional well-being. They organize events, lead fitness sessions, and bring energy into the facilities. 

These activities help combat isolation and monotony, showing that caregiving can be both meaningful and dynamic.

Looking ahead, the company will expand fitness programs, including weekly workout videos for staff. 

By presenting caregiving as active, strong, and rewarding, Visionary addresses Japan’s eldercare shortage while inspiring younger generations to see welfare work as fulfilling, and even aspirational.

Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old Hong Kong firefighter who passed away fighting the deadly Tai Po blaze on Nov. 26, was set to marry his girlfriend of 10 years next month. 

His sudden death devastated her, and her heartfelt farewell left millions around the globe deeply heartbroken.

Posting on social media, she wrote, “Thank you all for your concern… I’ve got it all. Well…My superhero’s mission has been over, and he returned to Krypton. You are my pride!”

“But I’m sorry, I want to take a short break from everyone, because… I really can’t accept it. I wish I could hold your hand again…”

Ho, a nine year veteran, had arrived at Wang Fuk Court shortly after the fire broke out and was conducting a search when he lost contact with colleagues.

Found collapsed with severe burns to his face, he was transported to Prince of Wales Hospital but pronounced dead at 4:45 p.m.

Throughout their relationship, Ho frequently shared moments with his partner online, posting photos of them smiling, traveling, and enjoying life together.

The couple’s long-standing bond made his loss particularly wrenching for her and the public.

People from around the world flooded social media with condolences, honoring Ho as a hero. His fire service department also changed its website to black-and-white in tribute.

His girlfriend thanked everyone for their support, sharing that though she mourns his loss, she knows he left an enduring legacy of courage.