Archivist finds letters written by Lincoln
Jane Kenealy, an archivist at the San Diego History Center, was rummaging through a box of documents when she came upon a letter featuring a prominent signature: Abraham Lincoln. What’s more, the handwriting was reminiscent of another, unsigned letter she had recently come across. Kenealy sent copies of both letters to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, where a historian confirmed their authenticity. One, from 1841, was written when Lincoln was a lawyer; the other was signed by President Lincoln in March 1865, three weeks before he was assassinated.
Deaf dogs can learn sign language too
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Missouri School for the Deaf has a new student—Sparky, a 1-year-old dachshund. Sparky, who’s deaf, understands some sign language, including signs for “sit,” “stay,” “lie down,” and “heel.” School superintendent Barbara Garrison approved his adoption from a program at South Central Correctional Center in Licking, Mo., where inmates train dogs to become rescue workers. “He fits perfectly here,” Garrison said. Student Michael Miller agrees: “I feel that because I can communicate with him in signs that it’s special.” Another deaf dog, a Boston terrier named Petie, may be matriculating to the school soon.
Coach donates kidney to star player
In early 2010, star Wake Forest University outfielder Kevin Jordan, a top recruit who had been a late-round draft pick of the New York Yankees, was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder, which eventually led to kidney failure. When Jordan, 19, was unable to find a kidney match in his family, his coach, Tom Walter, volunteered for testing. Walter was a match, and last week, he donated a kidney to Jordan. Both men are doing fine. “I didn’t want Kevin to wait one more day if I could help out,” said Walter. Jordan said he hoped to be back on the diamond soon. “I’m just really thankful,” he said.
