Chris Gallucci says his life began without direction. But that all changed when he developed a special relationship with one of the largest mammals on Earth–elephants .

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On October 12, 1945, Private First Class Desmond T. Doss, a conscientious objector, is awarded the Medal of Honor. He is the first and only conscientious objector to receive the nation’s highest military honor. Doss maintained that his religious views prevented him from committing violence, but he wanted to serve in the military nonetheless. During World War II, Doss served as a combat medic on the Pacific theater, and during the bloody invasion of Okinawa, he risked his life dozens of times to save his fellow soldiers. Doss’ life was portrayed in the 2016 movie, “Hacksaw Ridge.”

Six African women with albinism , a condition that affects the pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes, set out to climb Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this month in a bid to raise the visibility of people living with the condition .

A Turkish court has convicted an American pastor of terror charges, but ruled that the two years he already spent detained means he will not serve additional time and is free to leave the country.

Less than four weeks before U.S. congressional midterm elections, the bitter confirmation battle over Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has galvanized activists in both major political parties. But its ultimate impact remains uncertain .

A lesser-known immigration visa offers international students a path to U.S. colleges and universities — and a green card — but the price is affordable for only a few .