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12-year-old Liam of Eldersburg, MD, is having his wish granted by the NHL’s Washington Capitals. Liam was diagnosed in December with aggressive brain cancer and wished to skate with the Capitals and meet his favorite Caps player, Lars Eller, through Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. This is the moment he was told he'd be joining the team behind the bench. Want to make the world a better place? Share this video with friends and family!

12-year-old Liam of Eldersburg, MD, is having his wish granted by the NHL’s Washington Capitals. Liam was diagnosed in December with aggressive brain cancer and wished to skate with the Capitals and meet his favorite Caps player, Lars Eller, through Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. This is the moment he was told he'd be joining the team behind the bench.

Watch: A Special Night For This 12-Year-Old Battling Cancer

People

Peamer the kitten wasn’t supposed to survive. But thanks to a group of U.S. soldiers and a Vietnam War veteran halfway around the world, her story has turned into one of healing — for more than just her.

She was born near a U.S. Army base in the Middle East alongside five siblings. Not long after, a wild animal attacked the feline family. The mother fled with four kittens, leaving behind Peamer and one sibling. Soldiers stationed at the base had been keeping an eye on the cat and her litter, and when they noticed the two tiny kittens had been left behind, they stepped in.

The animals were too young to eat on their own, so the soldiers bottle-fed them in shifts. Despite their efforts, one of the kittens didn’t make it. But Peamer hung on.

As she grew stronger, Peamer also formed bonds with the soldiers caring for her. But her health remained fragile, and the remote conditions offered few medical options. That’s when the soldiers reached out to Paws of War, a nonprofit that helps military members and veterans care for animals.

The organization arranged for Peamer to be transported 16 hours across the region to the nearest veterinary hospital. Once there, she received weeks of medical care — all funded by the nonprofit — until she reached a healthy weight and was strong enough to travel.

After making the long journey to the United States, the next step was to find Peamer a home. The soldiers had one request: that she be adopted by someone who would love and protect her.

That someone turned out to be Anthony Bracchi, a U.S. Army veteran who had recently lost both his wife and his beloved cat. The grief had left him feeling hollow.

“After losing my wife and my cat, the house was unbearably quiet,” Bracchi said. “Peamer didn’t just come into my life — she brought it back. I truly believe we found each other exactly when we were supposed to.”

Paws of War arranged the introduction. The bond was instant.

“She curled up with me right away,” Bracchi said. “I could feel her trust.”

Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, said this was exactly the kind of connection the organization works to create. “They both needed each other,” he said. “There couldn’t be a better match than this, and we love that we were able to help play a role in making it happen.”

Peamer now lives in comfort, far from the dangers she was born into. She sleeps beside Bracchi, curls up on his lap during the day, and fills the silence that once haunted his home.

“She’s not just a cat,” Bracchi said. “She’s family.”

Abandoned Overseas, Peamer the Kitten Finds New Life with Grieving U.S. Veteran

Juan Mendoza didn’t plan on being a hero that day. But when he saw a car spinning out on a rain-slicked Texas highway, the 19-year-old cook didn’t hesitate.

“I’m going to get them out,” Mendoza said, recalling the moment he saw the vehicle left stranded in the middle of the road. His first thought, he said, was about his younger siblings. “They could have kids. And that thought came into me, rushing.”

Inside the damaged vehicle were 80-year-old Juan O’Matta and his wife, Adriana, who were driving home from a doctor’s appointment. Another car had slammed into them, spinning their vehicle across traffic. As smoke began to rise, dozens of drivers passed by — but only one person stopped.

“Nobody stopped,” O’Matta said. “He was the only one who stopped.”

Security footage from nearby shows Mendoza running toward the car, clearing debris, and helping the couple get out safely. At the time, the O’Mattas didn’t catch his name. They just knew a stranger had saved their lives.

“He was there at the right moment that we needed him,” Adriana said. “That’s why I say he was my angel.”

The couple’s story soon gained attention, and CBS News contributor David Begnaud helped track down Mendoza for a surprise reunion at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant where he works. The moment, filled with hugs and tears, brought closure for the O’Mattas — and something else for Mendoza.

Justin Back, president of Acadian Ambulance Service, was there too. He had seen the video and recognized something special in the young man. “We’re always looking for people, good people, who want to help others,” Back said. “That takes a big heart. It also takes a lot of intelligence and a lot of courage.”

Back offered Mendoza a full scholarship to attend EMT school and a job offer, conditional on his graduation.

Then came one more surprise.

Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez stepped forward and declared an official “Juan Mendoza Day,” thanking the young man publicly. “Thank you for being their guardian angel,” Gonzalez said.

For Mendoza, who lives near the Mexico border and works long hours in the kitchen, the attention has been unexpected. But he credits his parents for teaching him what to do when others need help.

“They teach me to be humble and to help anybody,” he said simply.

That lesson, passed down quietly at home, may have made all the difference for a couple of strangers on a rainy highway.

This Teen Roadhouse Cook Just Rescued a Couple From a Car Wreck, and it Earned Him a Scholarship

Talker News

They were dumped, disfigured, and left for dead. But now, they're living proof that love can heal almost anything.

Earlier this year, a terrified Cane Corso puppy was found wandering near a frozen canal in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Her skin was bald, bleeding, and raw from constant scratching. At just 14 to 16 weeks old, she was in such a severe state that vets said her condition was among the worst they’d ever seen in a dog so young.

She was rescued by a local dog warden near Chadderton Hall Park and brought to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. Vets diagnosed her with demodex mange — a painful and disfiguring skin condition that can take months to recover from.

They named her Perla.

For months, she endured intensive treatments to calm the itching, soothe the sores, and begin to regrow her fur. Her transformation was remarkable.

Now, she’s not only healthy — she’s home.

“She’s settled in really well and is so relaxed here,” said Sandra Hollows, who adopted Perla after her recovery. “There are still some patches of scarring where the fur hasn't grown back, but Perla has shown such resilience and has so much love to give. I don't know how anyone could have abandoned her in that state, but we feel incredibly lucky to have her.”

RSPCA inspector Jess Pierce led the investigation into Perla’s abandonment. “It was heartbreaking to see a puppy in such an appalling condition,” she said. “Her head and front legs were bald and bleeding. She was covered in painful sores and scabs. When I saw the pictures of how she looks today, I couldn’t quite believe it was her at first.”

Perla isn’t the only dog to pull off a miraculous recovery.

Earlier this year, another rescue dog named Lola was found in Durham with skin so badly damaged that RSPCA workers couldn’t tell what breed she was. Her rescuer described her as looking like she’d been “dipped in concrete” — her body caked in thick, scabby patches caused by untreated skin infections.

Lola, a Japanese Akita, was found living in filth. She needed eight days of medicated baths under sedation just to ease the pain. After being transferred to the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre for long-term care, she finally started to heal.

Six months later, she found her match in Alison Ranger, 65, who was surprised to see Lola still waiting for a home. “I just felt it was meant to be,” she said. “Despite an initially aloof nature, Lola soon came out of her shell, embracing affection, treats, and walks. She has brought so much joy to our lives. She is perfect and fits into our life so well.”

Other animals haven’t been as high-profile, but their stories are no less moving.

In Birmingham, a young Staffordshire bull terrier cross was found dumped in a pile of fly-tipped rubbish. Despite being abandoned like trash, she greeted rescuers with a wagging tail. They named her Merry — a nod to her friendly spirit — and she’s now living with a family in Redditch, Worcestershire.

And then there’s Boris.

The three-and-a-half-year-old tabby cat came into care with a misshapen face caused by an infected eye and a badly damaged nose. But his new owners didn’t see an ugly duckling — they saw a survivor. Boris has since been adopted by a couple who fell for his gentle nature.

All of these animals had one thing in common: they were abandoned when they needed help the most.

And thanks to months of care, the work of rescuers, and the compassion of new families, they’ve all been given a second chance.

Terrified Abandoned Puppy Makes Miraculous Recovery And Finds Loving Home

Playing board games like snakes and ladders could be doing more than just passing the time—it might be helping kids become better at math.

New research shows that short sessions of "linear number board games"—where children move pieces along a numbered path—can significantly improve early math skills, including counting, number recognition, and understanding quantity.

“We selected this topic because early math skills are a powerful predictor of children’s later success in school, and number board games are easy to use and affordable,” said Professor Gena Nelson from the University of Oregon’s College of Education.

The findings come from a systematic review of 18 studies involving children from preschool age through to eight years old. Published in the Review of Educational Research, the analysis found a 76% chance that these kinds of games will help kids improve numeracy skills.

Numeracy refers to a child’s ability to understand and work with numbers—for example, counting in order, knowing not to double-count, and understanding that the last number in a count represents the total number of items.

“Brief play sessions with linear-number board games can meaningfully improve foundational early math skills,” Nelson said.

The idea is simple: kids learn by playing. As they move game pieces forward, they practise one-to-one counting and begin to recognize number patterns and sequencing.

Dr. Marah Sutherland, from the University of Oregon's Center on Teaching and Learning, said the research is especially promising for families and educators looking for low-cost, effective tools to support learning at home or in the classroom.

The team is now applying what they learned to design a new set of educational games and materials tailored for children with disabilities. These include original board games, storybooks with math themes, and conversation prompts for parents of three- to five-year-olds.

“Something that we learned from our meta-analysis was the need for early math activities to be highly adaptable based on children’s readiness for learning about different numbers,” Sutherland said.

To that end, the games they’re developing include optional challenges and multiple levels that parents can adjust depending on their child’s current skills.

So far, parents trying out the materials at home have responded positively. “The response from parents about using the adaptable maths activities at home with their children with diverse learning needs has been overwhelmingly positive,” Sutherland said.

The takeaway? A few minutes of a simple board game can go a long way in laying the groundwork for math success later in life. And all it takes is a roll of the dice.

Board Games Can Boost Young Children’s Math Skills, Study Finds

The moment a woman steps into Regan Gamble’s taxi, something familiar happens. “The first question is, ‘Where are you from?’” she says.

From there, the conversation flows naturally. Gamble, a member of Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, has built more than a taxi business—she’s building a network of trust. Her company, SheDrives, launched in Edmonton just before the holidays. In a short time, it’s already grown into something much bigger than she imagined.

“I have that connection because of the experiences that I've had… whether they're a residential school survivor, whether they're a Sixties Scoop survivor, whether they're a survivor of violence of any sort,” Gamble said.

SheDrives offers safe, women-only transportation for Indigenous women and others who simply want a more comfortable ride. Gamble knows what music to put on—be it Ernest Monias or Fawn Wood—but more importantly, she knows how to listen.

It’s not just a ride. She offers companion services, too—driving elders to medical appointments, shopping on their behalf, and even sitting through court dates alongside domestic violence survivors. She’s driven women more than 400 kilometres from Edmonton and picked others up at RCMP detachments after assaults.

“That is why SheDrives exists. For women in crisis,” she said.

The idea came from her kokum, who struggled to find rides to get where she needed to go. “Anywhere we wanted to go, she had to phone somebody,” Gamble said.

Now, women are calling Gamble.

She’s received thank-you messages from people who haven’t even booked a ride. Women from the Northwest Territories are booking her services months in advance for trips into Edmonton. And she’s constantly working—sometimes from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m.

Across the province in Grande Prairie, Angelika Urich knows the feeling.

When she launched Women First in 2021, she was pregnant with her fifth child and working 18-hour days to get it running. “I kept seeing how badly women, children and seniors needed a safe, caring transportation service,” she said.

Urich says she was taking job applications within a couple of weeks of launching. The business eventually switched from taxi to rideshare, allowing more flexibility and more drivers—all of them moms.

“Our drivers are all moms with big hearts,” Urich said. “We pray in our cabs, we vent, we talk, we laugh. We’re like mothers… or sisters to the customers.”

Both SheDrives and Women First were born out of the same need: safety.

Gamble has heard horror stories from women who’ve had to jump out of moving vehicles after drivers refused to stop. Urich’s passengers have recounted similar experiences.

The difference with these companies isn’t just who’s behind the wheel. It’s who’s in the passenger seat—and how they feel while they’re there.

Now, both businesses are thinking bigger. Urich says Women First is looking for investors to help expand into 110 cities. Gamble is also looking to grow, hoping to bring on more drivers and serve even more women.

“I’ve got really big dreams,” Gamble said. “This is just the beginning.”

Cree Woman's Taxi Provides Safe Haven For Indigenous Women In Crisis

Euro News

A steel mill in northern Sweden is about to transform one of the world’s most polluting industries.

SSAB, the country’s largest steel producer, is ditching coal-powered blast furnaces in Luleå and replacing them with a compact electric arc furnace powered entirely by fossil-free electricity. By the end of 2029, the company expects to be producing so-called “green steel”—a milestone that could cut Sweden’s total CO₂ emissions by 7 percent.

“When we are building this new plant in Luleå, we will take away all of that coal and we will use fossil-free electricity instead to melt this scrap coming into the plant,” said Jonas Lövgren, head of SSAB’s production and processing department.

Traditionally, steel is made by heating iron ore with coal and coke, a process that emits massive amounts of carbon dioxide. SSAB’s new method will rely on electricity instead, using recycled steel as raw material and removing coal entirely from the process.

The Luleå site currently produces around 6,500 tonnes of steel per day—roughly equivalent to the weight of the Eiffel Tower. When the new plant is completed, it will produce even more, without the emissions.

The transition doesn’t come cheap. SSAB has committed €4.5 billion to the project, most of it from its own funds. The European Union’s Just Transition Fund is contributing €71 million, some of which is earmarked for retraining workers.

That retraining effort is already underway. “From today and until we are up and running with the new plant, all of these 1,100 people somehow need to be educated,” said Lövgren. “So first of all, we have started actually with electricians.”

Victoria Blom is one of those workers. A former machinist at the Luleå plant, she was selected for an electrician training program through the SSAB Academy. Chosen from 60 applicants, she completed seven months of theory and hands-on learning. “You use both body and mind,” she said. “Problem solving starts with reading the plans, before going out to measure, check and observe with your own eyes.”

SSAB’s shift to fossil-free steel is more than just a company milestone. It fits into Sweden’s broader climate agenda, which aims to hit carbon neutrality by 2045—five years ahead of the European Union’s 2050 target.

Kristin Hedstöm, Programme Manager at the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket), said the country has already cut emissions by nearly 30 percent since 2010. “The green transition in Sweden is happening in many, many ways,” she said.

While Sweden positions itself as a leader in clean industry, the SSAB project is being closely watched across Europe. The steel sector is one of the continent’s biggest carbon emitters, and replicating Luleå’s model elsewhere could represent a turning point for heavy industry.

By replacing fossil fuels with clean electricity, SSAB isn’t just building a new plant—it’s laying the groundwork for a greener industrial future.

Swedish Steel Giant Begins €4.5 Billion Shift to Fossil-Free Production

Science Daily

A team of scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine may have opened the door to a new generation of psychiatric and neurological treatments after discovering how to modulate a class of brain proteins long considered inactive.

The proteins, called delta-type ionotropic glutamate receptors, or GluDs, help neurons communicate by regulating the flow of electrical signals in the brain. Although researchers have known about GluDs for years, they lacked a clear picture of how the proteins functioned—until now.

“This class of protein has long been thought to be sitting dormant in the brain,” said Edward Twomey, assistant professor of biophysics and biophysical chemistry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Our findings indicate they are very much active and offer a potential channel to develop new therapies.”

The study, published in Nature, was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health and could lead to targeted treatments for conditions such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and cerebellar ataxia, a neurological disorder that affects movement and balance.

Twomey’s team used cryo-electron microscopy, a powerful imaging tool, to observe the molecular structure of GluDs in unprecedented detail. What they saw was a central ion channel that manages the flow of charged particles, allowing GluDs to interact with neurotransmitters—key messengers that help brain cells communicate.

“This process is fundamental for the formation of synapses, the connection point where cells communicate,” said Twomey.

The implications go far beyond basic neuroscience.

In patients with cerebellar ataxia, the research showed that GluDs become hyperactive even when there’s no electrical activity in the brain. That overactivity may disrupt motor control and balance. Twomey said the discovery could lead to medications that calm GluDs down—effectively “turning the volume down” on faulty signaling.

The opposite appears to be true in schizophrenia. In that case, GluDs are underactive. “Future drugs could aim to boost their activity instead,” said Twomey.

Because GluDs play a central role in synapse function, the research also raises the possibility of developing drugs that maintain or repair synapses over time—a potentially powerful approach to slowing cognitive decline and memory loss associated with aging.

“Because GluDs directly regulate synapses, we could potentially develop a targeted drug for any condition where synapses malfunction,” Twomey said.

The team is now looking to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to develop therapies based on these findings. In parallel, they’re studying specific GluD mutations that have been linked to psychiatric conditions like anxiety and schizophrenia.

Co-authors of the study include Haobo Wang, Fairine Ahmed, Jeffrey Khau, and Anish Kumar Mondal. The Johns Hopkins University has filed a patent on the techniques used to measure GluD activity.

Funding support came from the NIH (R35GM154904), the Searle Scholars Program, and the Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation.

Researchers Identify Promising Drug Target for Schizophrenia, Anxiety, and Movement Disorders

BBC News

An 86-year-old widower celebrating his birthday alone at an Italian restaurant in England was left stunned when strangers at a nearby table quietly paid for his entire meal.
Bob Leigh, a retired electrician and former rugby league referee, had put on his best suit to mark his birthday at Caffe Caruso in Warrington, Cheshire. The Saturday outing to his favourite restaurant was meant to be a solo celebration, but it quickly turned into something more.
While enjoying his chicken curry pasta, a dessert, and two glasses of wine—followed by an Irish coffee—Leigh struck up a friendly conversation with diners at the next table. What he didn’t know was that the group had quietly decided to pick up his £38 tab after learning it was his birthday.
Staff informed him just as he was preparing to pay the bill.
“I was amazed,” Leigh told the BBC. “I can’t thank them enough. I was blown away by their kindness.”
He said he initially tried to refuse, but the group insisted and made it clear it wasn’t up for discussion. “They said they’d talked about it and were doing it. End of story,” he recalled.
Leigh, who has been widowed for several years, said he hadn’t mentioned the loss of his wife to the group, only that it was his birthday. Still, the gesture left a lasting impression.
“It warms my heart,” he said, reflecting on the moment. “With all the bad news out there, something like this really stands out.”
A spokesperson for Caffe Caruso said similar acts of generosity have happened before at the restaurant. Sometimes, patrons choose to quietly pay for another person’s meal—especially when they notice someone dining alone.
For Leigh, the kindness of strangers turned what could have been a quiet, solitary birthday into something he’ll remember for a long time.

Strangers Pick Up Birthday Tab for Widowed 86-Year-Old Dining Alone in UK Restaurant

Fox News

What started as a hometown burger now has national championship energy behind it.

Fans in Bloomington have been turning out in droves — not just to cheer, but to eat. And one item on the menu is doing more than just satisfying hunger.

The Mendoza Bros. Burger, a Cuban-inspired specialty at local staple BuffaLouie’s, is raising funds for multiple sclerosis research in honor of Fernando and Alberto Mendoza’s mother, Elsa Mendoza, who has been living with MS for nearly 20 years.

“It’s been amazing that we get to support our mother, who has MS, and her fight against that,” Alberto Mendoza told Fox News Digital. “It’s just been amazing to be able to raise awareness.”

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s starting quarterback and 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, helped lead the Hoosiers to an undefeated season heading into Monday’s championship game against the Miami Hurricanes. Off the field, he’s using his rising fame to give back.

“All the proceeds of that burger that I would get goes to that research,” Mendoza said. “I know how much it means to myself… and I also know how much it means to my mother.”

The burger, created in partnership with local restaurateur Ed Schwartzman, features double smashed patties, grilled onions, Swiss cheese, mustard, and hot ham on a brioche bun — no ketchup, by design. It's a nod to the brothers’ Cuban heritage and a product of thoughtful collaboration.

Schwartzman, who owns BuffaLouie’s and Gables Bagels, where a matching Mendoza Bros. Cubano sandwich is also sold, was immediately drawn to the idea once he realized it wasn’t just another sponsorship request.

“They were obviously not looking for money,” he said. “They just wanted a local restaurant to partner with them for a good cause.”

Each purchase contributes directly to MS research, with Schwartzman donating 20% of the retail price — and then matching that donation out of pocket. So far, the effort has raised over $150,000, according to Tim Coetzee, president and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“The Mendoza brothers’ partnership with Schwartzman’s restaurants is a beautiful testament to their mother Elsa and the power of community,” Coetzee said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful to them for leading the charge.”

The burger’s name was another intentional choice. Though Fernando is the face of the football team, he made it clear the project was a family effort and insisted it be called the Mendoza Bros. Burger.

“NIL can be seen in such a negative light,” he said, referring to the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness policy. “However, my thought is, ‘Hey, I’ve been inspired by other college players. Let’s do it for a good cause.’”

Teammates have rallied behind the effort. Kicker Josh Placzek said the breakfast sandwich version has become a go-to post-workout staple.

“It’s delicious,” he said. “And it’s supporting a great cause, so it’s a win-win.”

He added that the initiative speaks volumes about the brothers' values.

“The Mendozas are using their popularity, their talent, to bring awareness to the disease that their mom has and are creating such a great movement.”

With each game — and each burger sold — the brothers have drawn more attention not only to Indiana’s winning season, but to their family’s personal mission to help find a cure for MS.

“We’re still fighting to find a cure,” Alberto Mendoza said. “And hopefully my mom can be cured one day.”

Indiana’s Star Quarterback Turns Burger Into $150K Fundraiser for MS Research

Laila Edwards has always had Olympic dreams. Now, she's making history living them.

The 21-year-old forward from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, will take the ice in Milan this February as part of the U.S. women’s hockey team, becoming the first Black woman to represent Team USA in Olympic hockey. The milestone comes just one year after she became the first Black woman to make the U.S. women’s senior national team.

“It means everything,” Edwards told PEOPLE. “I think representation is so important, and role models are important too. So to be that potential role model for someone, it means the world to me. It's one of the biggest things that motivates me.”

Edwards has been skating since she was three. But it was watching the U.S. women’s team take on Canada for gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics that lit the spark. From then on, the goal was clear.

At the time, she never imagined that one day she’d be skating alongside her childhood idols — Hilary Knight, Brianna Decker, Kendall Coyne Schofield. “It’s so crazy. It’s unbelievable,” she said. “I mean, I was a little kid asking for all their autographs and pictures and fangirling and being so nervous. 

My mom had to do it for me, and now I'm sitting next to them in the locker room and going to the Olympics with them.”

That full-circle moment isn’t lost on Edwards, now a senior at the University of Wisconsin. A standout for the school’s Division I hockey program and a Red Bull athlete, she’s already won two NCAA championships and a spot in U.S. hockey history.

After a strong performance with the senior national team last year, she knew her Olympic shot was within reach. Once it became official, the next question was how to approach it.

“I was like, ‘Wow, I could take this one of two ways: shy away from it, or try to make a difference,’” she said.

Her story started on the ice in Cleveland Heights, where her dad, Robert Edwards, introduced her to figure skating at age three. “It was a part of my dad's plan all along. I had no idea, but he knew,” she said. “He was like, 'You're not going into figure skating. It's just to help with hockey.’” At five, she switched to hockey full-time and never looked back.

Edwards says her skills with the puck came naturally, though she had to work hard on her skating. “I’ve always been told I was a natural with the stick handling and handling the puck… I don’t know if I was so much a natural skater, but I did put a lot of work into skating. So yes, I do get that a lot, that I was a natural.”

Her rise hasn’t come without sacrifice — and she credits her family for making it all possible. Her parents, Robert and Charone Gray-Edwards, along with siblings Bobby, Colson, Chayla, and Britney, have been with her every step of the way.

“The sacrifices they've made are the reason I'm here… and it sounds cliché, but it’s very true,” she said. “I can’t even put into words how much money they’ve put into this and left work early to take me to a game, take me to practice. They’ve also mentally supported me and loved me and took care of me throughout this crazy journey and I can’t thank them enough.”
Life as a student-athlete isn’t exactly relaxing. Her days start with 8 a.m. ice time and are filled with classes, recovery, meals, and homework. But she says the support at Wisconsin has made a difference. “We have such good resources like our advisors, our tutors… we’re set up to succeed, which I think is really important.”
Back on campus, the buzz around her Olympic debut is growing. Edwards says the recognition has been heartening. “I think the more things come up, the more people recognize me, but everyone's just so nice and share a quick 'congratulations' or 'good luck,’” she said. “It's really special. I think everyone here is respectful and they care… it's just the little things that mean a lot.”

With her signature slap shot and smooth puck control, Edwards is bringing plenty of skill to Milan. But she's also bringing something else: visibility. She knows there aren’t many faces like hers in elite hockey, and she hopes that changes.

“Hopefully they see, especially young players of color, can watch me and say, ‘Okay, she made it there, and I can make it there,’” she said. “Even though there’s not many people in this sport that look like me.”
As for what she’s aiming for in Milan?

“Of course,” she said. “It’s the only thing that’s on the mind… and pasta and pizza.”

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