AI Technology is Helping Bring Portraits From The Victorian Era to Life

Mystery Scoop has created a series of videos that use AI to bring 19th century portraits to life. The process begins with a full restoration of the black and white photos, followed by the addition of color. Finally, the latest tools in AI technology are used to add facial movements to the portraits. Many viewers have been moved by the videos, noting how they help instill empathy for historical figures. The videos are a labor of love for the creators, who hope to bring attention to the lives and stories of people who are often forgotten.

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From Coal to Carrots: Texas Garden Grows Fresh Hope on Reclaimed Mine

In the small town of Jewett, Texas — a place once defined by coal — a former mine is now growing something very different: vegetables. The NRG Dewey Prairie Garden, just east of Waco, sits on land that once fueled a massive 1,688-megawatt coal-fired power plant. Today, it’s producing thousands of kilograms of fresh produce every year for local families facing food insecurity. Since it began harvesting in April 2022, the garden has delivered around 10,000 pounds (4,500 kilograms) of fruits and vegetables to six food pantries, serving roughly 3,000 people annually. It’s managed by the nonprofit Texan by Nature and is part of a wider effort to reclaim and restore 35,000 acres of former mining land. That land still stretches into Jewett — a town officially classified as a food desert by both the USDA and Feeding America. For many locals, the nearest grocery store is more than 10 miles (16 kilometres) away. On top of that, food insecurity in the area is more than 50 percent higher than the national average. “You wouldn’t think that this could happen,” said Debbie Glaze, a lead gardener on the project. “I think it’s amazing that the ground is actually growing all these vegetables after all that mine digging.” The Dewey Prairie Garden was never meant to be symbolic, but it’s quickly become exactly that — a powerful example of how land once used for extraction can be repurposed for nourishment and care. Plans are already in place to expand the garden by another nine acres, which would boost its reach and impact even further. For people like Kathleen Buchanan of The Lord’s Pantry of Leon County, the garden’s impact is immediate and real. “Most of our clients are unable to regularly buy fresh fruits and vegetables, due to the cost,” she said. “The garden will be a true blessing for all of us.” Jewett sits at the intersection of three counties — Leon, Limestone, and Freestone — each of which ranks among the least healthy in Texas. That’s partly due to high rates of obesity and diabetes, driven in large part by limited access to nutritious food. “Being able to offer fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis will help our clients make choices for better health,” said Kristy Vandegriff of the Leon Community Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. “This project … will be one that impacts not just our clients but families across a three-county area.” From mined-out earth to rows of squash and tomatoes, the garden is reshaping not just the land, but the future of a rural community long overlooked. And while it might not solve every problem, it’s giving thousands of people a better shot at something simple, and essential: a healthy meal.

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Grandfather Donates Decade Of Hair To Wig Charity

A UK grandfather who hadn’t cut his hair in more than a decade sat down at a local pub and had it all chopped off — for a cause close to his heart. Rick Whitmore, 59, had been growing his silver mane for years, long enough that when he sat down, he was sitting on it. “I haven’t got a clue [how long it was],” he said. “All I know is, when I sat down I was sitting on it so it was probably over three feet long.” On Thursday, surrounded by friends and curious onlookers, he finally parted with it — donating the hair to Little Lady Locks, a UK charity that provides real-hair wigs to children experiencing hair loss. But for Whitmore, this wasn’t just about a haircut. He’s also using the moment to raise money for Prospect Hospice, in memory of his younger brother, Patrick, who died of cancer 18 months ago. “I’d already decided beforehand that I was going to donate [my hair] at some point,” Whitmore said. “And then — unfortunately the cancer took [my brother] very rapidly and it’s been on my mind ever since.” He originally started growing his hair back in the 1990s when he was playing in a rock band and kept it long ever since. “I liked it, but there are other people out there that need it for a better cause,” he said. Even with the emotional weight behind the decision, he managed to have fun with it. The “big chop” took place in a pub, with drinks flowing and people cheering — some who knew him, others who didn’t. “My son thinks it’s a good idea,” he added, “but my grandsons — they’re too young to take much of it in — but they’ll be surprised when they see me with short hair.” Ashley Marie Higgins, founder of Little Lady Locks, said the charity was “very touched” by Whitmore’s donation. “Someone growing their hair that long is very rare. Especially it coming from a gentleman,” she said. “We’re so grateful that he’s chosen our charity.” The wigs made by Little Lady Locks are given at no cost to girls and young women who lose their hair due to medical conditions such as alopecia or cancer treatment. The charity has become a lifeline for families who otherwise struggle to find suitable, child-sized wigs. Whitmore’s fundraising for Prospect Hospice is ongoing, with donations continuing to come in following the event. For him, it's not about the fanfare — it's about doing something meaningful. “It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “But I’m glad I finally did it.”

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Meet the Confetti King Who Never Misses a Super Bowl

Noah Winter has been to more Super Bowls than any player in history — including Tom Brady — but not a single fan has ever seen him take a snap. For the last 30 years, Winter has been responsible for one of the most joyful, camera-ready moments in all of sports: the celebratory blizzard of confetti that rains down on the winning team as they hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy. “It’s become an iconic moment,” said Winter, from his confetti-filled office and factory in Northridge, California. Through his company, Artistry in Motion, Winter supplies and operates the confetti drop for the NFL’s championship game — a tradition he started in 1997, when the Green Bay Packers beat the Patriots in New Orleans. Before that, he worked as a pyrotechnician for the Super Bowl. Add it up, and this year marks his 30th straight appearance. For context, Brady only played in 10. Artistry in Motion now creates confetti not just for the NFL, but also for concerts, movie premieres, the Olympics and political conventions. Still, the Super Bowl remains Winter’s best-known gig — and the one people always ask about at dinner parties. So what goes into making the Super Bowl’s happiest mess? It starts with 300 pounds (135 kilograms) of confetti per team, all cut from 98% postconsumer recycled U.S. tissue paper. The paper, produced by Massachusetts-based Seaman Paper, is biodegradable and comes in the colors of the four NFL conference finalists. The final blend isn’t 50-50 — some colors show up more vividly on camera — so Winter and his team spend time adjusting the mix before game day. With four minutes left in the fourth quarter, crew members wheel confetti cannons into position around the edge of the field. But the launch only happens when the game clock hits triple zero. “Sometimes players go out and shake hands,” Winter said. “We don’t launch until triple zero on the clock. Over the 30 years, we never have launched the wrong color or launched too early.” There are actually two confetti drops. The first comes at the end of the game, using rectangular pieces that flutter and spin through the air — a shape Winter has found to be the most photogenic. The second drop comes minutes later, during the trophy presentation, and features confetti cut in the shape of the Vince Lombardi Trophy itself. Photographer Jane Gershovich, who covered the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl win in 2014, says the confetti makes the moment. “Just seeing the players and their kids engage with it at such a wholesome level, it brings a lot of joy to everyone on the field,” she said. Players have been known to toss the pieces in the air and make “confetti angels” on the turf. At one point, Twitter even commissioned custom confetti printed with social media messages. The answer to one of the most common questions Winter gets — is it cut by hand? — is no. But he likes to joke that his hands get tired anyway. While Artistry in Motion handles the creation and launch, it’s up to each stadium to clean it all up. Some use rakes. Others deploy leaf blowers — taking care not to damage the artificial turf. For Winter, it all began in lighting design and pyrotechnics. He was working for Disney in the mid-1980s when he and his team were asked to simulate the swirling of falling leaves for a live Pocahontas show. That led to daily confetti shows at Disneyland, and in 1986, to a fateful visit from Mick Jagger. Jagger saw the effect, asked Winter to bring it to a Rolling Stones concert at Dodger Stadium, and soon took Artistry in Motion on tour. U2’s Bono followed. Then came stadium concerts, and eventually, the biggest stage in American sports. Even as viewership of the Super Bowl hits record highs — an estimated 127.7 million people tuned in last year — Winter says he has no plans to stop. He doesn’t name a favorite team, but admits he has two brothers who are diehard New York Jets fans. “If the Jets ever make it back,” he promised, “they’ll get to come with me and fire a confetti cannon.” That last happened in 1969. For Winter, and for the Jets, hope floats.

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Fire Crews Rescue Trapped Pony From Septic Tank

A pony named Geisha has been rescued after falling into a septic tank in Thaxted, Essex, thanks to a joint effort between Essex County Fire and Rescue and a specialist animal rescue unit from Hertfordshire. The 18-year-old pony became trapped in the hole and was unable to free herself. Fire crews used animal rescue equipment and a telehandler, operated by a local farmer, to carefully lift her out. Geisha was safely reunited with her foal following the ordeal. “We’re pleased that we were able to assist this pony in distress and reunite her with the foal,” said Assistant Chief Fire Officer Darren Cook of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. “Our crews are highly trained and equipped to deal with a wide range of animal rescues, and we work closely with owners and vets to ensure the safest possible outcome.”

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Dog Sledding, Ski Ballet, and Skijoring: The Winter Olympic Sports That Didn’t Stick Around

As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics prepare to showcase 16 different sports — from snowboarding and speed skating to skiing and curling — it's worth remembering that not every sport has enjoyed such staying power. Some, like dog sledding and ski ballet, had their Olympic moments and then quietly faded from view. Many of these now-forgotten events started as demonstration sports. Olympic historian Bill Mallon explains that the tradition dates back to the very first Winter Games in 1924 and became especially common after World War II. “There were sort of two demonstration sports at most Olympics: one of which was usually a sport that was sort of specific to the host country that wasn't on the program yet, and the other one was a sport that the [International Olympic Committee] were sort of trialing,” he told Rachel Goes to the Games. The idea was to test out new sports, spotlight local traditions, and sometimes gauge international interest. Some, like curling and women’s speed skating, made the leap to official Olympic status. Others never returned after their debut. Here’s a look at a few that once had their Olympic day in the snow: Skijoring Think of it as ski racing meets rodeo. Skijoring (from the Norwegian for “ski driving”) features a skier being pulled across snow by a horse, dog team, or even a snowmobile. The version showcased at the 1928 Games in St. Moritz involved horses pulling skiers across a frozen lake. Sweden swept the medals. While it hasn’t returned to the Olympics, skijoring remains popular in parts of the U.S. and Scandinavia — especially in states like Wyoming and Colorado. Dog Sledding Dog sled racing made its Olympic appearance at the 1932 Lake Placid Games. Thirteen mushers from the U.S. and Canada raced over a 25-mile course across two days, with tired dogs occasionally riding in the sleds instead of pulling them. The sport was meant to celebrate its North American roots and drew big crowds, but never came back. Today, dog sledding thrives in events like Alaska’s Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. Bandy An early cousin of ice hockey, bandy involves skating on a large rink while using curved sticks to move a small ball into the opposing goal. Though it appeared as a demonstration sport at the 1952 Oslo Games, bandy has deep roots — modern versions go back to 19th-century England, and cave paintings suggest ancient origins. After Oslo, the Soviet Union and several Nordic countries formalized the sport with its own federation. It’s still popular in Scandinavia and has a small following in Minnesota. Ski Ballet Also known as “acroski,” this sport was like figure skating on skis — athletes performed choreographed routines to music, with judges scoring them on spins, flips, and style. Emerging from the freestyle skiing movement of the 1960s and ’70s, ski ballet was a demonstration sport in 1988 and 1992. Despite never making it onto the official roster, its DNA lives on in modern events like slopestyle and big air. Demonstration sports were officially phased out after the 1992 Winter Games — the last time the Summer and Winter Olympics were held in the same year. Since then, new Olympic events have had to meet stricter requirements around gender equity, anti-doping compliance, and global appeal. That shift has led to the inclusion of sports like snowboarding, freestyle skiing, and most recently, breakdancing. But Mallon says there’s still room for the past to re-emerge. He’d personally like to see the return of skijoring and sled dog racing, both of which reflect unique winter cultures and traditions. Today’s Winter Games still feature just half the number of events seen at the Summer Olympics. But if history is any guide, what’s on the roster in 2026 might not be there in 2030 — and vice versa.

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Boston Unveils Plan To Transform Charles River Into Renewable Energy Source

Boston is moving ahead with an ambitious plan to draw heat from the Charles River to warm buildings across the city—part of a broader effort to ditch fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions using existing infrastructure. The project is led by Vicinity Energy, which operates one of the country’s oldest steam heating networks. The company is now overhauling that system to run on electricity, including heat pumps that will tap into the river to extract ambient warmth. The goal is to power millions of square feet of buildings with a renewable, low-emission heat source. “That project was greenlit this summertime,” Vicinity CEO Kevin Hagerty told Canary Media. “We’re anticipating that being completed midway through 2028. We’ll turn the heat pump on and turn the Charles River into a renewable energy resource.” Once complete, the system could serve as a model for other cities looking to decarbonize dense urban areas without ripping out entire heating systems. By using the Charles River as a heat reservoir, Vicinity aims to slash air pollution, reduce reliance on natural gas, and make use of infrastructure that’s been in place for over a century. The transition involves replacing fossil-fuel-based equipment with large electric boilers and river-sourced heat pumps that provide thermal energy through the city’s existing steam distribution pipes. Heat pumps work by pulling low-level heat from a source like water or air and concentrating it to a higher temperature using electricity. In this case, the Charles River will provide a consistent and renewable heat source even in cold months. Boston’s heating network is one of several district energy systems in North America—centralized grids that deliver heating or cooling from a single source to multiple buildings. Vicinity’s network in Boston currently serves hospitals, universities, government buildings, and office towers. Modernizing it to run on clean energy has long been seen as a critical part of Boston’s climate goals. The shift could dramatically lower emissions for buildings served by the system, which would otherwise rely on gas or oil-based heating. Vicinity has said its broader plan is to fully decarbonize its operations by 2050, with major progress made well before then. While drawing energy from a river might sound unconventional, the concept is grounded in existing science. Similar systems already operate in cities like Helsinki and Stockholm, where seawater or lake water is used to heat buildings. By combining that approach with electricity from renewable sources, Boston could be one of the first major U.S. cities to follow suit. The Charles River plan is still a few years out, with a projected operational date in 2028. But it marks a major shift in how cities can reimagine old infrastructure to meet modern environmental challenges—without tearing up roads or disrupting entire neighborhoods. For Boston, it could be a win on multiple fronts: cleaner air, lower carbon emissions, and a heating system powered not by gas pipelines, but by the river that flows through its heart.

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Massive 145-Pound Dog Finds Loving Home After Winning Hearts Nationwide

Brody, the enormous rescue dog whose size drew comparisons to a “small polar bear,” has finally found his perfect match — and it’s as heartwarming as his viral fame. The six-year-old Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also known as a Great Pyrenees, captured hearts across the U.K. after Animal Concern Cumbria shared his story in December. Weighing around 145 pounds and towering at six feet tall on his hind legs, Brody quickly became a viral sensation. His gentle personality and massive appetite — he eats nearly 2.2 pounds of food daily — sparked hundreds of adoption inquiries from around the country. But it was Steve and Helen White, a couple from Cornwall, who ultimately won the chance to bring Brody home. With a half-acre garden, experience with the breed, and a house full of other animals — including chickens, a rabbit, and even a Canadian goose — they were the ideal fit. “When Wilson died, we were looking to get another Pyrenean like him,” Helen told The Packet, referring to the couple’s previous dog, who passed away in October 2025 at the age of 13. They discovered Brody’s story through a friend at the Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain and applied, thinking they had “no chance.” The Whites made the 440-mile round trip from St Austell to Egremont twice — first for a video home check and meet-and-greet, and then for the official adoption. After bonding with Brody on long walks through the Wasdale fells, they brought him home on January 3. Since arriving in Cornwall, Brody has embraced his new life with enthusiasm. On day one, he leapt into the duck pond and emerged covered in weeds. Since then, he’s developed a fondness for beach runs, stream paddles, and garden adventures. He’s also fitting in well with the family’s other animals. “He’s starting the year exactly where he belongs,” said Lauren Pickthall, rehoming manager at Animal Concern Cumbria. Brody now even has his own Instagram account, where fans can follow his adventures as he adjusts to life in the countryside — proving that for this gentle giant, the best chapter is just beginning.

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Heroic Lifeguards Save Man After Selfie Stunt Goes Awry

What began as a spontaneous photo opportunity nearly turned deadly for a 35-year-old man in Indianapolis, who fell through the ice of a retention pond and spent more than 20 minutes in freezing water before being rescued. According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, the man had been driving late at night when he noticed colorful lights glowing from a working fountain in the pond at Holcomb Gardens, located on the Butler University campus. Thinking it would make a great photo, he parked his car — leaving it running — and ran approximately 60 yards toward the fountain. Despite visible patches of open water and what responders described as “no ice conditions” in parts of the pond, he continued walking on the ice. When he got close to the fountain, the ice suddenly gave way beneath him. Fire officials noted that ice is always weakest near a working fountain due to the constant movement of water. The man plunged into the 10-foot-deep pond but managed to keep his upper body out of the water by pressing his arms onto the surface of the ice. Fortunately, his phone was still in his hand, and he was able to call 911. Butler University police were first to arrive and attempted to toss him a rope bag, but couldn’t pull him free. Soon after, firefighters and the department’s tactical rescue team, which is specially trained for ice rescues, arrived on scene. Two rescuers moved quickly onto the ice — one entered the freezing water to reach the victim and secured him using an ice rescue sling. Working together, the team pulled the man to safety and off the ice within minutes. The man was transported to Methodist Hospital in critical condition but has since been upgraded to stable. Fire officials estimate he spent 20 to 25 minutes in the frigid water — a length of time that could easily have been fatal. “He is extraordinarily fortunate he survived the deadly conditions he put himself in,” the department said. Officials used the close call as a warning: ice near fountains or flowing water is especially dangerous and unpredictable. The fire department urged the public to admire winter views from a safe distance and avoid putting themselves at risk for a photograph.

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Ontario Toy Builder Completes 50th Dollhouse for Sick Kids, Just Days Before His Passing

Even in his final days, Vincent Giannotti never stopped building — or giving. The Tecumseh, Ontario man, known for crafting intricate dollhouses for children with serious health conditions, died on January 28 after a five-year battle with cancer. He was 74. Giannotti had been diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer during the pandemic. But instead of slowing down, he picked up his tools and began building. His goal wasn’t just to stay busy — it was to make kids smile. He completed 49 custom dollhouses over the last few years. And with the help of family and friends, he finished the 50th just before he passed. “He's always made us a part of everything he's done, like right until the final hours,” said his daughter Jackie Amaro in an interview with CBC Radio’s Windsor Morning. “But I will say it was the first time he let me use the tools,” she added with a smile. Giannotti had spent decades as a plumber and project manager. But in retirement — and facing terminal illness — he found a new calling in woodworking, pouring meticulous care into each dollhouse. “I love seeing these kids happy,” he told CBC News in 2024. “It really is better to give than receive. It's really gratifying.” His work didn’t go unnoticed. Students at an elementary school in LaSalle, Ont., were so inspired they launched a woodworking club in his honour. Vincent’s daughters, Jackie and Natalie Giannotti, say the final dollhouse project gave their father something to hold onto when things became difficult. “There was a moment where he really recognized that his days were limited,” said Natalie. “It dawned on him he could keep doing what he wanted to do, with help, and he perked right up. The smile came back, the life came back, the drive came back.” An audio recording taken shortly before his passing captured one of his final messages: “Enjoy your days, enjoy your time, enjoy everything,” he said, his oxygen tank humming softly in the background. “I always enjoyed being around everyone in my life.” “He was always intentional,” said Jackie. “Everything was with purpose. That was all the way through even his last day.” Vincent Giannotti is survived by four children and four grandchildren. His family describes him as a man full of love, joy and curiosity — someone who loved swing dancing, casinos, music, poetry, and the outdoors. “He inspired you and he valued everybody,” said Natalie. “Everyone had a job to do. Everyone was valuable.” “Vince Giannotti is love… pure love.”

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Dad’s Annual ‘Coat Pic’ with Son Becomes Viral Tradition Celebrating Fatherhood and Family

For Vance Kirkwood, what started as a spontaneous photo has become a cherished family tradition — and now, a viral celebration of fatherhood that’s touching hearts around the world. The 35-year-old Michigan dad of four is gaining widespread attention for an annual picture he takes with his eldest son, Vance Jr., now 7. The photo series began seven years ago when Vance, then a brand-new dad after years of infertility struggles, tucked his infant son into his coat while running out to the car. A friend snapped a photo of baby Vance’s head poking out, and the moment became a family favorite. “It ended up being an adorable picture that we loved and cherished,” Vance tells PEOPLE. After sharing it online, the image resonated with people — and the couple decided to recreate the photo every year. Now, the “coat pic” has become a staple in the Kirkwood household, taken every December just before Christmas. “We all know that as Christmas approaches, so does the time to take our 'coat pic,’” Vance says. Looking back on the annual photos brings out deep emotion for the proud father. “It makes me realize how much he has grown and brings to life the saying, ‘the days are long, but the years are short,’” he says. “That baby we prayed for and wanted so badly is growing up right before our eyes.” Vance and his wife Essence have since welcomed three more children — Maisyn, 10 months; Ellis, 3; and Karsyn, 5 — but it’s the father-son tradition with Vance Jr. that has become the centerpiece of their story. Vance Jr. now looks forward to the tradition as much as his dad does. “He went from being clueless about it to smiling big,” Vance says. “He looks forward to it just as much as I do.” The Kirkwoods plan to display the photos at future milestones — from graduations to Vance Jr.’s wedding — and preserve them in digital and physical albums. “The hope is that he will keep the tradition alive with his own son too,” Vance says. When Essence posted a video of her husband and son prepping for their latest photo on TikTok, it exploded. Millions of views and emotional comments poured in. “It crossed age, gender, race, and political borders,” Vance says. “It hit us all in the feels in the same way.” Essence says the reaction meant everything to their family. “Those words could not be more true,” she says of commenters praising the love and kindness visible in the photos. “Vance is truly a loving, present, active father and husband. And Vance II is genuinely a compassionate, kind, thoughtful, sweet son and brother.” “It made our hearts happy,” she adds, “to be able to provide a bit of positivity and love to so many people.”

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