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This 8-Year-Old is a Hero After Saving Her Great-Grandmother
An 8-year-old girl named Mariah was able to prevent a tragedy when her great-grandmother accidentally put her car in reverse instead of park, causing the car to move and run over her foot when she got out. Mariah quickly jumped into the driver's seat and turned off the ignition, stopping the car from moving. She then ran to get help while her mother called an ambulance. The incident was captured on the family's video doorbell. Mariah's quick thinking saved her great-grandmother from further harm and she is now being hailed as a hero.
Score (97)
'90s Music Takes Center Ice at Olympic Rhythm Dance—and the Crowd Is Loving It
When the unmistakable beat of “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” hit the arena speakers during Friday’s rhythm dance competition in Milan, the crowd didn’t wait for the skaters to start moving. They were already on their feet. Polish ice dancers Sofiia Dovhal and Wiktor Kulesza were only the second team to perform that morning, but their leopard print, high-energy routine ignited the crowd in a way rarely seen before noon. And it didn’t stop there. As more teams took the ice with routines set to 1990s bangers—from Madonna’s “Vogue” to RuPaul’s “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and the Offspring’s “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)”—the atmosphere turned electric. Medleys from the Backstreet Boys, Lenny Kravitz, and even a full “Men in Black”-themed routine added to what felt more like a throwback concert than an Olympic skating event. The International Skating Union’s choice to assign the 1990s as this season’s rhythm dance theme raised some eyebrows when it was first announced. But what followed was a surge of creativity and nostalgia that’s brought new life—and new audiences—to ice dance. For Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, the decision to build their program around RuPaul’s “Supermodel” was instant. “We really wanted this program to be fun and for people to be smiling and dancing along with us and strutting along with us,” Poirier told ESPN. The pair added Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” for extra flair, a nod to the era’s fashion excess and playful energy. Their program, choreographed with Alexandra Crenian, isn’t just campy fun—it’s deeply personal. “It being a style of dance that emerged from the queer community made it really meaningful,” said Poirier, who came out in 2021. The duo shared the behind-the-scenes process in Netflix’s new Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing, revealing how they fine-tuned every detail, from facial expressions to character development. For some skaters, the path to performance hasn’t been so smooth. After returning to competition last year, U.S. siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani debuted a rhythm dance they called “A 90s Night in Tokyo,” with music from Wu-Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest. Their program honored the influence of American hip hop on Japanese street culture. But at the national championships, they were met with low scores and confusion from judges unfamiliar with the references. “Not all of the judges… were familiar with hip hop or Wu-Tang Clan,” Alex said. “We came up with something that was very individual to us… but we’re competing because we want to score well.” Ultimately, they scrapped the program and built a new one to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat” in just six weeks. They placed ninth and missed out on the Olympic team. Others faced different hurdles. French contenders Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron had to abandon their original plan to skate to Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” after learning the single came out in 1989—technically ineligible under ISU rules. They pivoted to Madonna’s “Vogue” and have since won two Grand Prix titles and the European Championship. Meanwhile, Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates are skating to a medley of Lenny Kravitz hits, channeling what Chock describes as Kravitz’s “unique style.” They’re three-time world champions and the heavy favorites heading into Monday’s rhythm dance portion of the individual competition. But medals aside, the biggest win this season may be how the ‘90s theme has transformed the sport’s public image. Even the Spice Girls got in on the action, posting a video of Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson’s “Wannabe” routine to their Instagram Story. Dressed in Union Jack and leopard print tributes to Geri Halliwell and Mel B, the British duo finished third in the team event—and helped prove that ice dance can be fun and fiercely nostalgic. “It’s not my favorite decade,” Gibson admitted, “but I do love knowing so many of the tracks. It makes it way more fun during practice just to be able to sing along and get out of your head.” As the rhythm dance competition moves into its final stages, one thing is clear: skaters and fans alike are vibing with the ‘90s. And for a sport often stuck with classical expectations, that’s a revolution worth dancing to.
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Mother and Son Make Olympic History Together in Milan-Cortina
Most parents cheer from the sidelines. Sarah Schlepper will be racing right alongside her son. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Schlepper and her 18-year-old son, Lasse Gaxiola, are making history as the first mother and son to compete at the same Winter Games — a rare Olympic moment of shared legacy, grit, and love. Schlepper’s Olympic story stretches back nearly three decades. The former U.S. alpine skier first competed in the Games in 1998. After retiring from Team USA, she became a Mexican citizen and has since represented Mexico at multiple Olympics. This year, she returns once again for Team Mexico — but she’s not going it alone. Lasse, now an Olympic alpine skier himself, will join his mom on the slopes as the country’s only two alpine representatives. Their story is more than just a footnote in Olympic trivia. It’s a celebration of perseverance, family, and the powerful ways sport can bring generations together.
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Score (96)
MacKenzie Scott Donated $7.1 Billion Last Year — Quietly and Without Fuss
MacKenzie Scott gave away another $7.1 billion in 2024 — bringing her total donations since 2019 to a staggering $26 billion. In a rare blog post published on her philanthropy site, Yield Giving, Scott detailed her latest contributions, which span nonprofits around the world. “Since my post last December, I’ve given $7,166,000,000 to organizations doing work all over the world,” she wrote. Scott’s giving is notable not just for its scale, but also for its style: recipients often don’t even know they’re being considered until the money lands. Many learn of the gift through a quiet call or email, sometimes from an unfamiliar intermediary. That was the case for Kim Mazzuca, CEO of the California-based nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, which helps low-income students access and afford higher education. Mazzuca told the Associated Press that the news came via a call from someone at Fidelity Charitable — not even the firm that manages Scott’s fortune. “I was just filled with such joy,” she said. “I was speechless and I kind of stumbled around with my words.” Scott, who received her Amazon fortune following her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, has consistently focused her giving on equity and access — particularly for underserved communities. In her latest blog, she explained that her own experiences with hardship as a student guide her decisions. “Whose generosity did I think of every time I made every one of the thousands of gifts I’ve been able to give?” she wrote. “It was the local dentist who offered me free dental work when he saw me securing a broken tooth with denture glue in college.” She also recalled a former roommate who loaned her $1,000 so she wouldn’t have to drop out. Those stories have shaped a pattern in her donations: many of Scott’s recipients support education, student aid, and community development — often with a focus on racial and economic equity. Scott rarely seeks public attention for her philanthropy and doesn’t attach strings or restrictions to her gifts. The organizations she supports are often left with no reporting requirements and full discretion over how to spend the money. Her model has reshaped how many view high-dollar philanthropy: less ceremony, more trust, and a willingness to give big without micromanaging the result. And at $26 billion in just five years, she’s proving that doing good quietly can still make a global impact.
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Small Town Rallies Together To Help an Unhoused Man and His Dog During a Winter Storm
When a rare winter storm swept through St. George, South Carolina, on January 25, one man and his dog found themselves exposed to the cold—until the town of 1,800 came together to help. Chris Brannon and his dog, Mowgli, had nowhere to go as temperatures plunged and freezing rain fell. That’s when Carlos Canales spotted them, shivering in the cold. “He was out there shivering,” Canales said. He handed Brannon all the cash he had, but couldn’t stop thinking about them. When he returned later with hot food, he noticed icicles forming in Brannon’s beard. Moved by what he saw, Canales went home and told his wife. “She just told me, ‘I think God is trying to tell you something,’” he said. Canales couldn’t find Brannon again, so he turned to Facebook, asking the community for help. Within hours, he was flooded with calls and messages. One of them came from Lisa Steward Westbury, a retired judge’s assistant, and another from Ruthie Tripp, a member of the local town council. The two women searched the town, following leads from social media, until they finally found Brannon and Mowgli, still out in the cold. “He had icicles on his beard, that’s how cold it was and rainy,” Tripp said. By the time they reached a local hotel, the people of St. George had raised enough money to pay for a week’s stay for Brannon and his dog. Donations continued pouring in: more than 70 acts of generosity followed, from warm meals to cash to extra nights at the motel. “Our community, when we ask, we get,” said Steward Westbury. Even residents with very little found ways to give. Holly Noble, an EMT who saw the Facebook post, donated a winter coat for Mowgli—even though she was struggling to afford gas to get to work herself. “I’ve slept in my truck with my dog before,” Noble said. “I don’t know his story. I just wanted to help.” Brannon and Mowgli have now found temporary shelter, thanks to the outpouring of support. The motel manager even added a few nights for free. “What struck me was the diversity of different people from different backgrounds,” said Canales. “No racial barrier that you saw. What you saw is humanity.” Brannon was overwhelmed with gratitude. “You guys have definitely given us another chance at life,” he said. “This time here will make a difference throughout the whole year.”
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WWII Veteran “Johnny Q” Celebrates 100th Birthday Aboard His Second Home: The Battleship New Jersey
John “Johnny Q” Quinesso Sr. spent his 100th birthday doing what he loves most: sharing stories of service aboard the Battleship New Jersey, the historic ship he’s called a second home for more than two decades. Friends, family, and fellow volunteers gathered Thursday to celebrate the South Jersey native’s milestone with a luncheon and recognition ceremony on the nation’s most decorated battleship, now a floating museum on the Camden waterfront. His actual birthday was January 24. For Quinesso, who served as a Navy radioman in the South Pacific during World War II, the event was about more than turning 100. “I call the Battleship New Jersey my second home,” he said. “I’ve been a tour guide here for over 20 years. It’s one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever done in my life.” Quinesso’s life of service began in 1943, when he enlisted at 19. As Radioman 2nd Class aboard LSM-302, he delivered troops and supplies to beaches in Guam, Wake Island, Saipan, and Okinawa during some of the fiercest fighting in the Pacific. But it’s one radio transmission he received in the middle of the night that stands out more than any other. “The message read, ‘The Japanese had surrendered. The war is over,’” Quinesso recalled. “I ran right down to the captain and banged on his door.” The news unleashed a wave of emotion across the ship. “The crew was crying, hugging — all hell broke loose,” he said. “That was my most glorious moment. I’ll never forget it — it feels like yesterday.” After the war, Quinesso returned home to build a 43-year career with the IRS. But when the Battleship New Jersey opened as a museum in 2001, he found a new mission: sharing the human side of history with visitors young and old. “To let them know that without the battleship, we may not be able to start building our freedom today,” he said. His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Marshall Spevak, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum, said Quinesso brings more than knowledge to the ship—he brings living memory. “There’s still a certain reverence when you talk to a World War II veteran,” Spevak said. “There will only be a few more years where we have World War II vets in this world. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to tell their stories so their legacy lives on.” During last week’s ceremony, Quinesso was awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, the state’s highest military honor. But the recognition, he said, isn’t what matters most. “I went in as a young boy and came out a grown-up young man,” he said. “That’s what service did for me.” At 100, Johnny Q remains sharp, quick-witted, and committed to what he calls “the most wonderful job in the world”: keeping history alive.
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Study Finds Caffeinated Coffee and Tea Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
Your daily coffee or tea habit might be doing more than keeping you awake—it could be helping your brain stay sharper as you age. A large new study from researchers in Boston suggests that people who regularly drink caffeinated coffee or tea have a lower risk of developing dementia. The findings, published Monday in JAMA, are based on long-term data from over 131,000 medical professionals, tracked for as long as four decades. “Greater consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with lower risk of dementia and modestly better cognitive function, with the most pronounced association at moderate intake levels,” the researchers wrote. The team, which includes scientists from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, analyzed data from two landmark studies: the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Participants in both groups periodically reported their diet and health over a span of up to 43 years, allowing researchers to look at how consistent caffeine consumption might influence brain health over time. Out of the total participants, about 11,000 went on to develop dementia. Those in the top 25 percent of caffeine consumers were found to be 18 percent less likely to develop the condition compared to those who drank little to none. Moderate coffee and tea drinkers also reported fewer signs of cognitive decline: 7.8 percent, compared to 9.5 percent among non-drinkers. But not just any brew seems to help. The protective pattern didn’t appear among those who drank decaffeinated coffee or tea, pointing to caffeine as the likely key factor. While some previous studies have hinted that even decaf could offer minor benefits, this new data supports the idea that caffeine plays a more central role. Though the study can’t prove causation—only a strong association—the results align with earlier findings suggesting caffeine’s possible role in supporting brain health. A 2024 meta-analysis estimated that coffee drinkers had a 10 percent lower risk of developing dementia. And more isn’t necessarily better. The greatest benefits were linked to drinking about two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea per day. People who drank more didn’t see additional reductions in risk. Researchers caution that caffeine is no miracle cure. Even if it does offer some protection, the effect is likely modest. Still, as long as your intake stays within reasonable limits, you’re probably helping your brain—not hurting it. So if you’re sipping a cup of coffee while reading this, you might be doing your future self a small favor.
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New Wearable Airbag Vest Is Protecting Downhill Skiers at Extreme Speeds at the Olympics
At this year’s Winter Olympics in northern Italy, elite skiers are getting a boost from an unusual piece of safety gear: an airbag vest that inflates during crashes. The vest, developed by Italian engineering firm Dainese, is designed to cushion athletes in high-speed wipeouts—something all too common on the slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the fastest courses in the world. Downhill skiers routinely top speeds of 145 km/h there, and even a small mistake can lead to serious injury. The International Skiing Federation (FIS) has now made the airbag vests mandatory for all World Cup speed events and Olympic downhill races. The gear uses GPS and motion sensors, trained on years of skiing data, to detect when a crash is imminent. It deploys instantly in real-time—without interference from normal, aggressive movements on the course. “You can’t make a sport of speed totally safe… but you can do much more on training pistes,” retired Italian downhill star Kristian Ghedina told Reuters. The move follows a string of high-profile crashes, including a brutal stretch in late December when five World Cup athletes were seriously injured on the Stelvio course in Bormio. That slope, where Olympic Downhill and Super-G events are being held this year, includes sections where racers exceed 145 km/h. One athlete suffered a brain hemorrhage. For years, ski gear innovation has focused mostly on making athletes faster: stiffer boots, sleeker suits, more aerodynamic skis. But safety hasn’t kept pace. Some skiers admitted they were skeptical of the airbag vests at first, worried a misfire could affect their times. Others say the small risk of deployment error is worth the extra peace of mind. Post-crash studies back that up. Researchers have found that in several cases, injuries would likely have been worse without the airbag. The technology has been quietly evolving for more than a decade, but its formal introduction into Olympic and World Cup competition marks a major shift. Beyond airbags, the FIS and event organizers are also modifying courses to improve safety. They’ve widened fall zones, added more netting, and reworked training slope layouts. Equipment manufacturers are even exploring innovations like quick-release bindings and redesigned boots to reduce lower-leg injuries during crashes. Still, the nature of the sport makes total safety impossible. Speed skiing thrives on risk, adrenaline, and split-second decisions. But the new rules aim to make that risk a little more survivable. For many Italian athletes, the rollout of the Dainese vest represents a long-overdue adjustment—one that finally brings protection in line with two decades of speed-obsessed innovation. And for fans watching from home, it’s a quiet revolution that could help keep the world’s best skiers racing for years to come.
Score (97)
Scientists are Reviving This Legendary Golden Fabric Lost For 2,000 Years
A shimmering textile once worn exclusively by emperors and popes has been successfully recreated by researchers in South Korea, reviving a rare luxury material long thought to be lost to history. Using byssus threads from Atrina pectinata, a species of pen shell clam farmed in Korean coastal waters, a team led by Professor Dong Soo Hwang and Professor Jimin Choi at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has reproduced what’s known as sea silk — a luminous golden fiber famed for its strength, lightness, and royal exclusivity. Sea silk, often called the “golden fiber of the sea,” dates back more than 2,000 years. In the ancient Roman era, garments made from it were so rare and valued that only the most powerful figures in society — emperors, popes, and nobility — could wear it. Its origin lies in the Mediterranean Pinna nobilis, a large clam now critically endangered due to pollution and habitat loss. With harvesting banned in the EU, authentic sea silk had faded into legend, preserved only in a few religious relics and artisanal workshops. The POSTECH team’s breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative. By studying Atrina pectinata, a close cousin of the original clam that’s widely available in East Asia, they discovered its byssus threads share similar structural and chemical properties with those of Pinna nobilis. From that starting point, they developed a new method to spin the threads into a fabric nearly identical to the historical sea silk. But the achievement goes beyond replication. The researchers also unlocked the centuries-old mystery behind sea silk’s enduring golden glow. It turns out that the signature brilliance doesn’t come from dye or metallic treatments, but from structural coloration — an optical effect created when nanoscale structures interact with light, much like the iridescence in soap bubbles or butterfly wings. The team found that this effect comes from protein spheres called photonins that form precisely ordered layers within the fiber. The more uniform the arrangement, the richer and more durable the golden hue becomes. Because the color is embedded in the material’s microscopic architecture, not applied on the surface, it doesn’t fade over time — even after centuries. That property makes it not just beautiful but incredibly stable and sustainable, according to the team. “Structurally colored textiles are inherently resistant to fading,” said Professor Hwang. “Our technology enables long-lasting color without the use of dyes or metals, opening new possibilities for sustainable fashion and advanced materials.” The project also adds an environmental benefit. The pen shell’s byssus threads, once discarded as marine waste, can now be transformed into a high-value textile. That shift from waste to wearable luxury aligns with global efforts to reduce pollution and create sustainable alternatives in fashion and materials science. The findings were published in Advanced Materials, and researchers believe the new method could eventually lead to scalable production of sea silk — reviving one of history’s most exclusive textiles for a new generation, with none of the ecological cost.
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Farmer Begins 142-Mile Walk to London to Highlight Rural Mental Health Crisis
Sam Stables, a Herefordshire farmer and mental health campaigner, has begun a 142-mile walk to London in a powerful bid to raise awareness about the mental health crisis facing Britain’s farming community. Stables, who co-founded the support charity We Are Farming Minds, set off from Ross on Wye Market early Monday morning. Over the next five days, he plans to walk roughly 30 miles a day before reaching The Farmers Club in central London on Friday. “It’s really important to me, not just because of my own personal struggles with mental health, but because I’m also aware British farming is in crisis,” he said before starting the journey. “A farmer a week takes their own life, and certainly, it’s really, really important to raise awareness — but it’s also a message of hope.” The trek is part of the Mind Your Head campaign, led by the Farm Safety Foundation — also known as Yellow Wellies — which focuses on highlighting mental health challenges in agriculture. Their research shows that 95 percent of farmers under 40 believe mental health is the biggest hidden issue in the industry today. Stables will complete the walk alone to represent the deep sense of isolation that many farmers face. “Farming families are facing something unprecedented,” he said. “This walk is to make the general public aware of what farmers are going through — often in silence.” To deepen the symbolism, he’s carrying a heavy backpack throughout the journey. “It portrays all the different things farmers carry on their back, often on their own in isolation,” he explained. At the same time, he’s relying on farming families to host him each night — a reflection of the strong but often unseen solidarity within rural communities. “This part is about showing the togetherness of the community,” he said. “There are some incredible charities and some amazing people to talk to if you are in that dark place.” Stables hopes his walk will not only bring attention to the mental burden on farmers but also encourage more open conversations and greater public support. For him, the walk is not just a challenge — it’s a lifeline for others in crisis.
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Beatboxer Teams Up With Schoolchildren To Spread Anti-Litter Message Through Musical Bins
In Chatham, Kent, taking out the trash just got a whole lot cooler. Three talking, beatboxing bins have been installed along Luton Road — and every time someone uses one properly, it responds with a thank-you and a beat. The goal? Use sound and fun to tackle a persistent local litter problem. The bins are part of a creative anti-litter campaign by Medway Council, in collaboration with artist Thor McIntyre-Burnie and Ideas Test, a local arts agency. They feature 40 unique sounds recorded by world champion beatboxer Rupert Oldridge and students from Luton and Phoenix Primary Schools. “When you put something in the bin, you get a little message of thank you for using the bin and for not littering from the young people in the primary schools,” explained Wayne Parsons of Ideas Test. “Some of those messages are spoken, and some are beatboxed.” The “talking bins” are designed to encourage responsible waste disposal while making the act rewarding — literally. Each interaction triggers a random sound: from a quick burst of beatboxing to a shout-out from one of the local pupils. Councillor Simon Curry, Medway’s portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, said the initiative addresses a real concern. “A lot of people complain about it a lot of the time and they should do because it’s a real problem,” he said. But he added the bins were “fantastic” and had the potential “to do a lot of good.” The project is part of a larger Medway Council health campaign, which focuses not only on environmental responsibility but also on improving physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to the musical bins, the campaign includes litter-picking walks and surprise beatboxing lessons offered to pedestrians along the street. Passers-by can scan QR codes on the bins to hear the full library of messages created by the kids and artists. The bins will remain on Luton Road for two months — and judging by the community’s reaction so far, they’re already making noise in more ways than one.