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Watch: A Flying Taxi Has Taken Off For Its First Flight
Today, in Dubai, a company called XPeng Motors unveiled their new flying car, the X2. This electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle is a two-seater that can cruise at around 1,000 meters in elevation at 81 miles per hour. The battery can store electricity for a 35-minute flight, enough for a quick jaunt across a skyline. The test was unmanned and done by automated control. This is a major step in XPeng's exploration of future mobility.
Score (94)
NYPD Rookie Saves Two Babies from Choking in Just Weeks — On and Off Duty
Officer Freddy Cerpa wasn’t looking to be a hero. But in the span of just a few weeks, he saved two babies from choking — once while off duty, and again while responding to a 911 call in the Bronx. His most recent lifesaving moment happened on January 16, when Cerpa sprinted three blocks to help fellow officer Megan Ficken respond to a panicked call about a 2-year-old boy who was unconscious and choking on mucus. Officer Ficken, who happened to be just across the street when the call came in, had already started giving back slaps when Cerpa arrived. Drawing on a nearly identical emergency from the month before, Cerpa stepped in to help. “I kind of used my past experience from a month ago to try to kind of give her an idea of what I did last time,” Cerpa said. Body camera footage captured the tense scene as Cerpa continued administering back slaps until the toddler began to show signs of life. The boy was taken to Jacobi Hospital for evaluation and is now doing well. Cerpa’s first experience came in December, while he was off duty at home in Elmont. A neighbor suddenly rushed over with her 1-year-old daughter, who wasn’t breathing. Cerpa acted fast, delivering the same emergency technique — and saved her life. Back slaps are the recommended method to help a choking infant, and both officers credit their NYPD academy training for preparing them. Officer Ficken, a mother of two, said the stakes felt especially high. “You want everything to work out perfect,” she said. “It amps the intensity, the urgency and the understanding of how impactful this situation is for parents.” Despite being central to both rescues, Cerpa downplays the attention. “The first one was definitely surreal,” he said. “But in my opinion, this one is all Officer Ficken and she was there first. I was just glad I was able to assist her.” Two babies saved, two families forever changed — and two rookie officers quietly proving that training, instinct, and heart can make all the difference.
Score (97)
She Was Told Girls Don’t Belong in Nordic Combined. Now Annika Malacinski Is Leading the Charge
At 16, Annika Malacinski discovered Nordic Combined — a punishing mix of ski jumping and cross-country skiing. It’s considered one of the toughest winter sports out there. But her biggest obstacle wasn’t the sport. It was the fact that girls weren’t welcome. Now 24, Malacinski is one of the loudest voices pushing to change that. She shares her story — the wins, the setbacks, the behind-the-scenes grind — with millions of viewers across social media. “Girls weren’t really encouraged to try Nordic Combined, and it wasn’t truly available to us,” Malacinski told PEOPLE. “But I just wanted to see if I could do it. Once I did, I fell in love with the challenge; it felt like the ultimate test of athleticism.” Born to a Finnish mother and an American father, Malacinski grew up splitting her time between Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Rovaniemi, Finland. That gave her access to snow, training, and winter sports culture — but not necessarily the support she needed to pursue Nordic Combined as a female athlete. Her early years in the sport were marked by a lot of self-starting: building her own training plans, covering her own travel costs, and stepping into competitions with far less institutional support than her male counterparts. “The biggest challenge is being told ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ over and over again,” she said. “We train just as hard as the men. We travel, spend our time and money, compete internationally at the highest level — but we still don’t have the same funding, resources or visibility.” “Sometimes it feels like we’re invisible in our own sport,” she added. Despite all that, she kept going — and started documenting her journey online. The response has been staggering. “I realized that if people don’t know our story, nothing will change,” she said. “Seeing my videos go viral has been overwhelming in the best way. I never expected that many people to care, and it showed me how powerful storytelling can be.” That storytelling has helped shine a light on the massive gender gap in Nordic Combined, which still doesn’t offer Olympic competition for women, even as the men’s event remains a fixture. Malacinski’s posts don’t just highlight the athletic demands of the sport — they also capture the emotional toll of pushing through barriers that shouldn't exist in the first place. “It’s not always easy, but I remind myself why I’m doing this,” she said. “Most of the criticism comes from people who don’t understand the sport or the fight. I try to focus on the impact rather than the noise. And sometimes, I just log off and go train.” What keeps her going are the messages from fans — especially girls. “I get both love and criticism, but the messages from young girls and parents mean the most to me,” she said. “When someone says, ‘My daughter wants to try Nordic Combined because of you,’ I cry every time. And the messages from people who had never heard of the sport before, but now support our inclusion — that’s huge.” Her goal isn't just personal success. It’s to open the door wider for the next generation. “I fell in love with Nordic Combined because it challenged me,” she said. “And I’m not going to give that up — no matter what.”
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Score (89)
Tegu in the Snow: Exotic Lizard Found Alive Under Nearly 20 Inches of Snow in Rhode Island
A snow-clearing routine in Providence, Rhode Island, took a wild turn last week when a man uncovered a large black-and-white tegu lizard buried beneath nearly 20 inches of snow. The reptile — now nicknamed “Frankie” — was found alive, though barely, according to the New England Wildlife Center (NEWC), which is now overseeing his recovery. “This is not something even the most snow-hardened New Englander would expect to find,” the center wrote in a Facebook post. The man who found the reptile quickly wrapped it in a T-shirt and reached out to experts. ET Reptiles, a specialty reptile store in Warwick, responded immediately. “It was an intense 24 hours,” the store wrote online. “We’re beyond thankful we were able to intervene and give the lizard care.” Tegus are native to South America and are common in the exotic pet trade. While legal to own in Rhode Island, they are completely unequipped for cold weather. According to both the NEWC and ET Reptiles, tegus cannot survive outdoors in a New England winter. After being retrieved, Frankie was rushed to veterinarians, who found him extremely weak, severely underweight, and barely moving. He had frostbite on his tongue and "significant muscle weakness due to prolonged exposure to the cold,” according to the NEWC. A portion of his tongue had to be amputated, and he was given steroids to reduce inflammation and support his recovery. Now, the wildlife center says he’s “resting comfortably and finally warm, which makes all the difference!” It’s still unclear how Frankie ended up in the snow. No owners have come forward, and local animal control said they had not received any reports of a missing tegu. “I contacted animal control,” said Taylor Faria, co-owner of ET Reptiles. “They stated that they have not received any calls.” The NEWC is asking anyone who may be missing a tegu or who has information about the lizard’s origins to get in touch. For now, Frankie is safe, warm, and under close watch — a lucky outcome for an animal that had no business being out in a blizzard.
Score (94)
Frustrated by Potholes, This Resident Turned Newark’s Roads Into Miniature Mountaineering Scenes
Tired of seeing the same potholes dotting the streets of Newark, Dave Fargher decided to do something different — something that would get people to stop, smile, and maybe think a little harder about why the town’s roads are still crumbling. Using tiny figurines and a big dose of creativity, Fargher turned several potholes into miniature mountain-climbing scenes, staging playful dioramas on some of the town’s busiest routes: London Road, Great North Road, and Northgate. But the message isn’t just for laughs. “The joke only exists because the problem does,” Fargher said. Like many residents, he had tried the usual route — reporting potholes through the official channels, sending photos, writing up descriptions, and waiting. But after months passed with little to no visible progress, Fargher said the silence became its own kind of noise. “It felt like the conversation had become invisible,” he told the BBC. “People have seen countless images of damaged roads and angry locals pointing at holes, and eventually their brains just slide past them — it’s a classic case of outrage fatigue.” His goal was to cut through that fatigue. The tiny climbers and mountaineering gear scattered inside potholes offer a visual jolt — funny at first glance, but frustrating when you realize how long some of the holes have been left untouched. “The laughter draws people in, but it also carries an uncomfortable truth,” Fargher said. “These aren't isolated defects any more, they're features people plan their journeys around.” Nottinghamshire County Council has taken notice. A spokesperson said all the potholes featured in Fargher’s displays will be considered for repair and are part of a broader maintenance plan. “Highway officers are currently working to prepare a three-year resurfacing programme,” the council said in a statement. “All of the sites highlighted by the messages will be considered for maintenance. Funding is prioritised and allocated across the whole county, based on need and relative road condition.” Last month, the leader of Reform UK on Nottinghamshire County Council, Mick Barton, said that around £500 million in additional funding would be needed to bring the roads “to a standard people would expect.” He also noted that emergency repairs are fixed within two hours and promised a “big change in the forthcoming months.” Fargher, for his part, isn’t demanding miracles — just clearer communication and repairs that hold up over time. “I’m not expecting every road in Newark to be resurfaced overnight,” he said. “And I don’t think most residents are either. What people want, and what feels entirely reasonable, is transparency, prioritisation, and fixes that actually last.”
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His Dad Survived a Stroke. Then Irvin Garcia Gave Him the Surprise of a Lifetime
When Irvin Garcia got a phone call in October 2025, he thought it would be a typical birthday message. Instead, it was his mother, in a panic. His father had collapsed. He couldn’t move the left side of his body. Doctors diagnosed a hemorrhagic stroke — the kind that can be fatal or permanently disabling. Garcia, a UCLA medical student, rushed home. His father had survived, but the road ahead was steep. There was no health insurance. The family was suddenly drowning in medical bills. And Garcia’s dad, who had worked his whole life without ever taking much time for himself, was now facing one of the biggest challenges of his life. That’s when football came back into the picture. “We would just throw the football,” Garcia told Seattle’s King5. “And he progressively got better and better and better. The first time he ever ran was actually at the beach, us throwing a football.” It became their daily ritual — one that helped his father build strength, coordination, and confidence. It also gave Garcia perspective. His parents had spent decades working hard. Always focused on responsibilities. Rarely, if ever, doing something just for joy. “I just wanted to try to give them cool experiences that I feel like they missed out on,” he said. So when the Seattle Seahawks — their favorite team — advanced to the NFC Championship in January 2026, Garcia made a decision. “I’ll put that on future Dr. Garcia’s tab,” he joked, buying two tickets to the game at Lumen Field. He didn’t tell his dad the truth. Instead, he said they were going to a bar to watch the game. Then he drove them straight to the stadium. “I just pointed the camera at him, and we were right outside of Lumen Field,” Garcia said. “And it was like, ‘Oh, we’re here. We’re really going to this game.’” His dad’s reaction was pure disbelief. The video of the moment, captured by Garcia, quickly went viral. Viewers connected with the raw emotion — a father overwhelmed, a son giving back. “In the household that he grew up in, and a lot of Latino men, being vulnerable like that isn’t something that he’s used to,” Garcia told King5. “And he’s happy that people are out here being super supportive.” As the clip spread, people began urging Garcia to take it one step further: raise money to take his dad to the Super Bowl. After all, the Seahawks had done it — they beat the Detroit Lions to advance and will face the New England Patriots on February 8. Garcia did start a GoFundMe, but not to chase more tickets. Instead, he launched it to help cover the staggering medical debt his family still carries from the stroke. “Although we are immensely grateful to see that many people [want] to make that happen,” Garcia wrote on Instagram, “we simply can’t do that knowing that we are currently drowning in medical debt from my dad’s recent stroke.” He continued: “My parents raised me with the belief that nothing is handed to you. Asking for help was never part of that mindset. As difficult as it is for us to ask, we cannot do this alone.” Now, the fundraiser is helping relieve the burden — and the story is inspiring others, too. Football gave them a way back. But it’s love, and a little surprise, that brought them to the 50-yard line.
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She Was Diagnosed With Brain Cancer on Her 11th Birthday. Now, Millie Is Helping Others
Millie Butler turned 11 on the same day doctors told her she had an aggressive brain tumor. The diagnosis, which came last September in England, was for primary intracranial sarcoma — a rare and fast-growing cancer that affects the largest part of the brain. According to the National Institutes of Health, the tumor is typically found in the supratentorial forebrain and requires intensive treatment. Since that day, Millie's grandparents, Sue and Brian from Cambridgeshire, have taken the lead in updating the public on her condition through a GoFundMe page set up to support her care. “Millie has now got to have a year of treatment: chemotherapy, radiotherapy and possibly proton therapy,” they wrote. “This is to make sure that the cancer does not come back.” The journey hasn't been easy. In their words, the treatment will make Millie “very ill,” and she was “very upset” to learn she’d lose her hair. But despite everything, they said their granddaughter "is being extremely brave and has agreed to having ... tests for research purposes to help other people.” That generosity of spirit — even in the middle of her own fight — is what’s been resonating with people. Support for Millie has come not just in the form of donations. Comments, shares, and messages have poured in. One local newspaper, the Cambs Times, reported that part of the GoFundMe proceeds may also help fulfill a dream for Millie: visiting a close friend in New Zealand once her treatment is over. There are signs the treatment is starting to work. In a post from November 29, Sue said Millie had finished her first round of chemo and had handled it “extremely well.” Then on December 18, she shared a more personal update: “Millie is about to start her second round of chemo. She's had her head shaved now and is continuing to be the bravest, courageous little girl that we all love.” She ended the post with a plea: “Please keep sharing Millie’s story to help raise awareness.” On January 4, Sue shared that Millie had experienced a two-week delay in treatment due to low blood counts — but that her levels had recovered just in time for the next round of chemotherapy. Then came a bit of good news. A brain scan on January 20 showed that the tumor had shrunk. The most recent update, from January 28, brought another important development: Millie has been approved for proton therapy, a newer and more targeted form of radiation. The Mayo Clinic notes that proton therapy uses energy from positively charged particles and has shown promise in treating several types of cancer. It’s also believed to reduce side effects compared to traditional radiation, especially in young patients. Millie is scheduled to begin a six-week course of the therapy in March. Until then, her family says she’ll continue her chemotherapy regimen — and continue to inspire others. “Millie’s bravery is astounding,” one donor commented. “She’s already making a difference.”
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Researchers Used CO₂ to Jumpstart the Brain’s ‘Sewage System’ — It Could Fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
A new study is exploring an unusual way to help the brain clean itself: making people breathe in more carbon dioxide. The experimental approach, called intermittent hypercapnia, involves giving participants short bursts of CO₂-rich air. It might sound uncomfortable, but early results suggest it helps boost the brain’s waste-clearing system — a key process that could play a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The study, published in NPJ Parkinson’s and led by neuroscientists from the University of New Mexico and The Mind Research Network, builds on recent discoveries about the glymphatic system — the brain’s own “sewage” network that flushes out toxins during sleep. "We brainstormed how we could boost this response," said neuropsychologist Sephira Ryman from UNM. "That is when we realized that we could reproduce, in the awake state, the glymphatic clearing response usually linked to deep sleep using intermittent CO₂." In the trials, 63 older adults — including 30 people with Parkinson’s disease — were given cycles of CO₂-rich air for 35 seconds at a time, followed by normal air. Brain scans during this process showed changes in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and supports the glymphatic system. That’s important because cerebrospinal fluid movement is how the brain clears out potentially harmful waste, including misfolded proteins like amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein. These proteins are linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, though scientists still debate whether they're a cause or a symptom of disease progression. In a smaller group of 10 people, researchers ran blood tests after several 10-minute CO₂ sessions. They found higher levels of waste proteins in the blood — a sign those toxins had been flushed out of the brain. One participant, who showed signs of Alzheimer’s disease, had a marked increase in amyloid-beta levels in their blood after the session. That raised an eyebrow for researchers, who now believe this method may help promote clearance of proteins implicated in both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Still, a lot remains unknown. It’s not clear how long these effects last, or if they meaningfully change the course of a disease. Scientists also haven’t determined whether the misfolded proteins are drivers of neurodegeneration or simply a byproduct. Even so, the early evidence is promising. CO₂ appears to work by causing blood vessels in the brain to expand and contract, which might help push cerebrospinal fluid along — and with it, the toxins it carries away. That’s especially relevant for people with Parkinson’s, who often have disrupted sleep and impaired blood flow in the brain, both of which hinder the glymphatic system’s ability to function. The team is now looking into whether breathing-based practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong — which emphasize deep abdominal breathing — might produce similar effects on CO₂ levels and brain clearance. If they do, it could open the door to low-cost, non-invasive techniques to support brain health in aging populations. For now, the idea that a few short puffs of CO₂ could give the brain’s cleanup crew a boost is still in its early stages — but it’s a development researchers will be watching closely.
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This Cobbler Lost His Thumb at Work — So Doctors Replaced It With His Toe
David Lee was fixing the heel of a shoe when his life changed in an instant. The cobbler from Sutton-in-Ashfield, England, accidentally sliced off his right thumb in a workplace accident in 2019. “I didn't realize how bad it was, and then my thumb just dropped to the floor,” he told the BBC. “I was like, ‘Right, that’s gone.’” He was rushed to King’s Mill Hospital, then referred to specialists at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre at Royal Derby Hospital. There, he was given several options. The one he chose was drastic but effective: surgeons would remove his right big toe and use it to replace his missing thumb. Now, more than five years later, Lee is back at work and says his life is more or less the same. With one exception. “My thumb is a big toe, so I need a larger glove,” he said. Lee shared his story during a recent interview on BBC Radio Derby, where he also reunited with the surgeon who performed the operation, Jill Arrowsmith. She spoke about how hand injuries often change more than just someone’s physical abilities. “They’re how you make your living, they’re how you interact with other people, they’re how you show emotions,” Arrowsmith said. “Then when you have an injury and suddenly can’t do that, you lose everything. It’s a huge impact.” The recovery wasn’t easy. Lee had to rely on his non-dominant hand while healing and re-learn basic tasks like using scissors and holding a spoon. “Trying to just pick up a spoon and put coffee and sugar in a cup with your left hand when you’re not used to it was so challenging,” he said. “There was no power and no grip in the hand because obviously I’d had this major surgery and internally, your muscles have been ripped apart.” Months of physical therapy followed as he worked to regain strength and coordination. There were also moments of self-consciousness. “I’ve got to the stage where, you know what? It’s a part of me and I just don’t care,” he said. The only lasting issue? His right foot still gets tired and tender after long days. “It’s kind of something that I’ve got to put up with and live with,” he added. Still, Lee is grateful. Looking at his hand now, he said, “You wouldn’t know.”
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Rare Leopard Cub Zeya Makes First Public Appearance
A UK zoo has introduced visitors to Zeya, a rare Amur leopard cub born last autumn and now stepping into public view for the first time. Dartmoor Zoo said the female cub, born on 29 September to breeding pair Freddo and Lena, has moved into the main leopard habitat after routine vet checks and vaccinations. Staff moved Zeya and her mother into the on-show enclosure on Monday, and the zoo said both animals are healthy and curious as they explore their new surroundings. For visitors, it is the first proper chance to see Zeya since her birth. The zoo is also urging people to keep noise down while she settles in. “She is still getting used to her new home, so the zoo is asking visitors to be calm and quiet to help her feel safe,” it said. The zoo chose Zeya’s name from the River Zeya in the Amur region of eastern Russia, where the species lives in the wild. Dartmoor Zoo said Zeya is thought to be one of only 15 Amur leopards born in the world in 2025, a figure that underlines how closely conservation groups monitor every new cub. Chief executive David Gibson described the move into the main enclosure as a milestone for keepers and visitors alike. “Moving mum Lena and cub Zeya into the main Amur leopard enclosure here at Dartmoor Zoo is a momentous occasion,” he said. “Our keepers have had the privilege of watching this incredibly important young leopard grow up and explore the world around her over the last few months, but now our visitors will have the chance to share in this enjoyment and see how Zeya develops the skills and ability she will need in years to come,” Gibson added. The zoo’s focus now shifts to helping Zeya adapt to a bigger space and to regular visitor presence. Zoos often take a cautious approach when young big cats first go on show, gradually building their confidence in an environment that includes new sights, sounds, and routines. Dartmoor Zoo said Zeya has only recently begun spending time in the on-show habitat, which means her behaviour may change from day to day as she tests her surroundings and stays close to her mother. Staff will also keep a close watch on how Lena responds, as mothers can become protective when conditions shift. Amur leopards are the rarest big cats on the planet, Dartmoor Zoo said, with only about 120 left in the wild. The zoo added that the population has grown slightly in recent years because of stronger legal protection in Russia and China, but the species remains critically endangered. For many conservation programmes, births in zoos serve as a small but important buffer for a species with such low numbers. Each cub also offers a chance to educate visitors about the pressures wild Amur leopards still face, and why protecting habitat and cracking down on illegal hunting matter. For now, Zeya’s first weeks in public view will look simple: exploring, playing, and learning how to move through her space, with Lena close by. If visitors follow the zoo’s request for calm and quiet, they may also get to watch the early signs of independence that keepers will be tracking as she grows.
Score (97)
Here's Some Good News We’re Celebrating This Week
In Hamilton, Montana, Daniel Foley started a 24/7 taxi service after a friend died in a preventable crash. Foley said his friend, an elderly and disabled man, had been told by doctors not to drive, but ran an errand anyway and was killed in a head-on collision that also killed a 32-year-old woman. Foley, a former school bus driver, truck driver, and public bus driver with more than 12 years of experience in the Hamilton valley, decided he did not want to see it happen again. What emerged was Giddy-Up Rides, his own round-the-clock taxi service for elderly and disabled neighbours, and anyone else who needs a safe ride. Outside the United States, a different immigration story made headlines in Spain, where the government issued a decree offering hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants a way to stay legally. The measure allows undocumented people already living in Spain to apply for temporary residency permits, and the government said it would affect “our social cohesion, well-being, and also on the economy.” The move runs against crackdowns happening in several other countries. A long-distance “peace walk” also pushed forward this week despite harsh weather. In late October, a group of 19 Buddhist monks, along with a canine companion, set off on a 3,700-kilometre trek across the United States calling for peace. Their walk is set to end with a gathering at the US Capitol, where they plan to speak about healing and unity. After they passed the halfway point in North Carolina, freezing temperatures and snow hit as a winter storm moved through the southeast. The group shared an update that framed the hardship as part of their message: “We cannot demand that life only bring us comfortable conditions.” In Europe, 10 countries agreed to accelerate offshore wind development in the North Sea through a pact aimed at building a connected network of wind farms and subsea cables. The plan is expected to deliver 100 gigawatts of offshore wind power, enough to supply 143 million homes. The agreement includes building 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity each year between 2031 and 2040, and more than 100 companies signed an industry declaration promising cost reductions and the creation of 91,000 jobs. Backers say the plan could attract €1 trillion in investment. There were also smaller headlines in the source material that point to change arriving through policy, business decisions, and culture. A new survey from the British Beer and Pub Association found that 86% of pubs across England now serve no- and low-alcohol beer, as interest grows in non-alcoholic options. Big brands such as Heineken and Guinness have introduced “zero point zero” products, while some newer companies focus entirely on non-alcoholic craft beers. Other mentions included Opal Lee, 99, being honoured with a new Barbie doll, California joining the WHO’s disease network after the United States withdrew, and a judge ruling that a wind farm off Martha’s Vineyard can continue construction after a federal order tried to stop it when the project was already 95% complete.