Teachers share their sweetest gifts from students and it's a moving lesson in generosity

Some of the most precious gifts come straight from the heart. A former teacher shared an incredible story of a student's selflessness, generosity and thoughtfulness. Nine years ago, the student didn't have a Christmas gift for her, so he opened up a pack of crayons, gave her the purple one, and said "I hope you love it, I know it's your favorite color." Flex those love muscles; share stories that show you care and recognize heartfelt gestures with admiration 😊

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Puppy’s Adoption Falls Through — Then His Firefighter Rescuer Stepped In

When Pickens County firefighters ran into a burning home last March, they had no idea they were about to save an entire litter of lives. Inside, they found a mother dog curled around her newborn puppies. She had shielded them from the flames, sacrificing her life so they could survive. “She shielded the babies, she lost her life protecting them,” said Jennifer Seigel, founder of the Georgia-based animal rescue Bosley’s Place. Firefighters quickly moved to save the puppies. Lieutenant John Isaac Holaway led the rescue. “Me and my crew went in, they told us what room they were in, whereabout. And I was able to find them because of their mother,” Holaway said. “I just started picking up every puppy that I could, radioed to the chief that I had found them, and then I started passing the puppies out the window.” The pups were split between two rescues, Pup and Cat Company and Bosley’s Place, where they were bottle-fed, cared for, and eventually adopted. One of those adopters was Holaway himself, who took home a pup he named Chief Lou. Months passed. All the puppies found homes. Except for one: Kreed. “Just the other day, I was on social media and saw a post on their site that showed a dog that looked very familiar to me,” said Seigel. “It said he needed a foster and they couldn’t find one.” She reached out to Pup and Cat Company, where she confirmed it was, in fact, one of the same puppies from that night. Kreed’s first adoption had fallen through. “She told me that his first adoption didn’t work out, not because of him, he’s an angel and super sweet,” Seigel said. So she called Lieutenant Holaway, knowing he already had Lou, Kreed’s brother. “I reached out to tell him what was happening,” she said. “And he was like, oh no no no. Let’s get the boys together and see if they get along, and if they do, we’ll foster him.” Holaway didn’t hesitate. After everything that had happened, the connection was too strong to ignore. “To a lot of people, their animals are their family,” Holaway said. “And it’s cool to be able to save anybody. So it was neat saving a whole litter of puppies.” When Kreed and Lou reunited for the first time since the fire, the bond was immediate. “They haven’t seen each other since the house fire,” Seigel said. “So first of all, it was an amazing reunion. And if all goes well, Kreed will go home with Chief Lou.” Holaway described the moment as emotional. “From the picture that I saw of Kreed yesterday, he looked pretty sad, and now he looks real happy,” he said. “Lou’s loving it. They both seem happy, and that makes me happy.” For now, Kreed is being fostered by Holaway. Whether it turns into a forever adoption is still undecided, but the early signs are good. “There’s just a special connection,” Holaway said. “With these dogs, because I rescued them.” Kreed has also found a place at the firehouse, where Lou is already a regular. The dogs provide comfort to the crew, no matter what kind of shift they’ve had. “The guys love it,” Holaway said. “It’s like therapy for them. No matter what kind of day we are having, some snuggles and love from the dog is always a plus.” Seigel says the story is a full-circle moment, and one that reflects the kind of connections her rescue tries to foster. “One of the things about Bosley’s Place that I really love is that when you’re adopting from us, it really feels like you’re family,” she said. “Even though Kreed wasn’t brought up with us, he’s still part of our family. And I’m just so happy. It’s all love, love, love all the way around.” As for what comes next, Holaway is keeping it simple. “We just want to see how it goes,” he said. “As long as he gets a happy home, that’s the most important part.”

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Oregon Launches $17 Million Initiative to Boost Electric Vehicle Adoption and Cut Air Pollution

Oregon is rolling out a new incentive program that pays businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to swap out diesel vehicles for electric ones. The state’s Department of Environmental Quality has launched a rebate initiative aimed at reducing air pollution by supporting the purchase or lease of medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. Backed by $17 million in state funding and a federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, the program offers rebates ranging from $2,500 to $120,000 per vehicle, depending on size and weight. "We are really excited to introduce this program and get more electric vehicles on the road, especially in this section of weight classes, and help improve air quality," said Dalton Sheppard, DEQ’s rebate coordinator for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The initiative is a key part of Oregon’s broader climate action plan, which includes reducing diesel emissions across the transportation sector. In 2023, the state’s Climate Action Commission laid out a “Roadmap to 2030,” which highlighted cleaner transportation as a central priority. Among the strategies was a focus on financial incentives to speed up adoption of electric vehicles. “We've priced the rebates to bring those prices of the new zero-emission vehicles closer to a price point that their gas or diesel counterpart might be at,” Sheppard explained. “And we really start to see that price difference between the gas or diesel version or the zero-emission version increase as the class of vehicle goes up.” So far, nine applicants have been approved under the new program. According to Sheppard, the response from Oregon-based organizations has been overwhelmingly positive. "They have been showing us a lot of excitement, and they're anticipating buying vehicles, and they have been waiting until the rebate program opens to make those vehicles more appropriate for their business needs," he said. The rebate initiative will continue until the full $17 million has been distributed.

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Ohio Dad Goes Viral, Raising Funds to See Son Compete in Olympic Curling

When Harry Richardson’s son made Team USA in curling, he knew he had to find a way to get to Milan. The problem was money. Harry, a 61-year-old pianist and educator from North Royalton, Ohio, couldn’t afford the trip overseas to see his son, Ben, compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. But instead of giving up, he got creative. “I was up at 1:30 in the morning watching the game against China,” Harry told People. “Just seeing him celebrate, knowing he was going to the Olympics — it was incredible.” That joy quickly turned to concern. Harry and his wife, both educators, couldn’t make the numbers work. When he sat down to explain the situation to Ben, 27, his son was completely understanding. But Harry wasn’t ready to let it go. He launched a modest GoFundMe campaign with a unique twist: he offered personalized piano recordings as a thank-you to every donor. A professional musician, Harry didn’t feel right asking for help without giving something back. “It felt a little funny asking for money for a vacation, even if it was to support my son,” he said. “So I wanted to give something back, to say thank you in a way that mattered to me.” The fundraiser soon exploded. It went viral on social media and quickly surpassed its goal, raising over $7,500 — enough to bring the family to Milan. Now, Harry and his wife are making plans to attend the round-robin games and semifinals, cheering Ben on in person. “Just to see him do what he loves, in an environment where it can take him this far — that’s what we’re most excited about,” Harry said. “If he wins a gold medal, that’s incredible. But even just being there, cheering him on, is priceless.” Ben’s path to the Olympics has been anything but ordinary. A former boy soprano and cello player, he’s always embraced challenges with intensity and heart. His father says that passion hasn’t changed. “He’s a good guy, a hard worker and just an amazing person,” Harry said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him — or more grateful that we get to share this moment together.” For the Richardson family, this isn’t just about sports. It’s about showing up, being present, and celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity together. And thanks to the kindness of strangers, that moment is now possible. “This experience has been humbling,” Harry said. “It’s a shining moment in a world that can feel dark sometimes. We can’t thank people enough for helping make it happen.”

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Mattel Honors Juneteenth Icon Opal Lee With Collectible Barbie Doll

Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie doll celebrating Opal Lee, the 99-year-old activist whose decades-long fight helped turn Juneteenth into a federal holiday. Known as the “grandmother” of Juneteenth, Lee has spent most of her life advocating for the recognition of June 19—the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2016, at age 89, Lee walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness. Her efforts helped push Congress to officially recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. “It has been a joy to partner with Barbie on my Inspiring Women doll,” Lee said in a statement. “I hope my story encourages the next generation to never underestimate the power of one voice. As I often say, one person can start a change, and that can change the world.” The new doll captures Lee’s trademark look, featuring glasses, white pants, sneakers, and a blue “Unity Unlimited Opal’s Walk for Freedom” T-shirt, commemorating her historic journey. Nathan Baynard, Mattel’s vice president of Barbie and Dolls, praised Lee’s impact, saying the new figure highlights “the power of purpose in action.” Lee joins other trailblazers in Barbie’s Inspiring Women series, including civil rights icon Rosa Parks, tennis star Venus Williams, and astronaut Sally Ride.

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These Teen Hikers Saved Five Adults and a Dog from a Snowy Trail

Two teenage boys are being praised for rescuing a group of five adults and a dog stranded on Helvellyn in dangerous winter conditions. Caelan, 16, from Blackburn, and Rowan, 15, from Settle, were hiking the Lake District peak when they came across the group, who were ill-equipped for the icy conditions. The adults, wearing jeans and trainers, had become stuck near the exposed Striding Edge ridge. The teenagers took charge and guided the group safely down the mountain, carving steps into the snow to help them descend in a zig-zag pattern toward Red Tarn. Patterdale Mountain Rescue said the outcome “could have been a lot worse” and praised the boys for staying calm and acting quickly. Caelan and Rowan are already planning their next hike in the Lakes this weekend.

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Fort Worth Firefighters Hailed As Heroes For Rescuing Vulnerable During Winter Storm

Fort Worth firefighters are being hailed for their courage and compassion after rescuing several homeless residents stranded in freezing conditions during a winter storm. On Sunday, January 25, the Fort Worth Fire Department’s HOPE Team (Home. Outreach. Prevention. Education.) returned to a homeless encampment they had visited the day before, checking on individuals who had declined shelter transport and instead spent the night under a bridge near East 9th Street in downtown Fort Worth. This time, the residents were ready to leave — but conditions had worsened. The terrain was steep and icy, and four people were without shoes. Their footwear had frozen solid overnight. With temperatures dangerously low, the firefighters made the call to physically carry people up the embankment to safety. For one man in particular, the rescue turned into a life-saving mission. He was visibly shaken and suffering from cold exposure. A firefighter hoisted him onto his back and started up the hill, speaking calmly to reassure him. Midway up, the man began having seizures, likely triggered by hypothermia. The team responded immediately, rushing him to a transport bus, where they began emergency warming procedures and called for paramedics. He experienced multiple seizure episodes before being stabilized and taken to hospital for further treatment. Once he was safe, the team resumed their mission. Everyone else at the camp was helped to shelter, and no one was left behind in the cold. The rescue is part of a broader city-wide effort by the HOPE Team during the ongoing winter storm. In recent days, they’ve made over 300 contacts with vulnerable residents, handed out blankets, gloves, and hand warmers, helped 150 people reach emergency shelters, and reunited 60 others with family or friends able to provide safe housing. In a statement, the Fort Worth Fire Department said every resident counts — and during harsh winter weather, their priority is simple: “We help one another, no matter what.”

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Revolutionary Gene Therapy Puts Blood Cancers Into Deep Remission, Offers New Hope

A groundbreaking gene therapy has achieved what was once thought impossible: reversing previously untreatable blood cancers in children and adults. In a world-first trial, scientists in the UK turned donated white blood cells into cancer-fighting agents, creating what they call a “living drug.” The treatment, called BE-CAR7, was developed by researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and University College London. It uses a refined gene-editing technique to reprogram immune cells from a healthy donor, allowing them to hunt down cancer cells without triggering rejection in the patient’s body. Eleven patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, including nine children and two adults, were treated at GOSH and King’s College Hospital in London. The results: the majority of patients entered a deep remission, and seven remain disease-free three years later. “A few years ago this would have been science fiction,” said Professor Waseem Qasim of UCL. “Now we can take white blood cells from a healthy donor and change a single letter of DNA code in those cells and give them back to patients to try to tackle this hard-to-treat leukaemia.” The breakthrough therapy is based on a technique known as base editing — a next-generation version of CRISPR. Unlike traditional CRISPR, which cuts DNA strands, base editing works more precisely, swapping individual letters in the genetic code to reprogram the cells. In this case, the edits allow the modified donor T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells, while avoiding a dangerous immune response. One of the first people to receive the treatment was Alyssa Tapley, a 13-year-old from Leicestershire who had exhausted all conventional treatment options. After chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant failed, doctors began to discuss palliative care with her family. That’s when she was offered the BE-CAR7 therapy through the clinical trial. Now 16, Alyssa is cancer-free. “I’ve now been able to do some things I thought earlier in my life would be impossible,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to become a research scientist and be part of the next big discovery that can help people like me.” T-cell leukaemia is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the thymus gland. While most patients respond to standard treatments, around one in five do not. For them, this new therapy could be life-saving. “Although most children with T-cell leukaemia will respond well to standard treatments, around 20% may not,” said Dr Rob Chiesa, one of the study investigators and a bone marrow transplant consultant at GOSH. “It’s these patients who desperately need better options and this research provides hope for a better prognosis for everyone diagnosed with this rare but aggressive form of blood cancer.” The therapy represents a major leap forward in personalized medicine. Because T-cells are a vital part of the immune system, using donor T-cells without rejection has always been a major hurdle. The new approach bypasses that by editing the DNA to avoid immune conflict while directing the cells to attack cancer. This trial is still in early stages, and researchers caution that further studies are needed before the therapy can become widely available. But for the families involved, the results have already changed lives. The research was funded by Blood Cancer UK and is being seen as a proof of concept that could lead to wider use of gene-edited immune cells to treat other blood cancers — or even solid tumors. If successful, this would mark a shift in how cancer is treated, turning immune cells into precision weapons that can be engineered, deployed, and monitored — much like a drug, but alive.

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Llamas at the Gate: Meet the Furry Therapists Calming Nerves at Portland Airport

If you’re one of the 40% of people who feel uneasy about flying, Portland International Airport has a fluffy solution: Beni the llama and Captain Jack the alpaca. These two unlikely airport regulars are part of PDX’s animal therapy program, designed to help calm anxious travelers before takeoff. Every few weeks, the pair trots in from their home base at Mountain Peaks Therapy in Washington, stepping out of farm life and into the bustling airport terminal — turning heads and melting stress along the way. The camelid cousins aren’t your average therapy animals, but they’ve become celebrities at the airport, posing for selfies and handing out collectible trading cards that detail their personalities. And yes, they come dressed for the occasion, often sporting festive gear or scarves that match the season. Their presence is part of a broader effort to make PDX more inviting. The airport’s recent redesign includes subtle connections to nature — natural wood elements, open light-filled spaces, and visits from therapy animals like Beni and Captain Jack. “Being in nature is a stress reliever,” said Allison Ferre, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland. “The therapy animals that come in is just one way we kind of deliver on that for the traveler experience.” Shannon Joy, co-owner of Mountain Peaks Therapy, says not every llama or alpaca is cut out for this kind of work. Confidence and calm are essential. “It’s rare for llamas and alpacas to have the level of confidence and autonomy that Beni and Captain Jack do,” she told NPR. Joy and her business partner, Lori Gregory, began bringing their animals into schools and senior centers back in 2007. Over time, word got out — and demand grew. What started as community visits has evolved into a regular role at one of the country’s most beloved airports. Especially during the holidays, their timing couldn’t be better. Between long lines, delayed flights, and general travel chaos, the pair provides a much-needed moment of joy. “My favorite response is when we are walking down to a concourse, and you have people with their blank stares just trying to make their way to luggage claim, and they turn around the corner and see a llama and their body just melts in excitement,” Joy told OPB. Some travelers are so moved, they cry. “I think dogs elicit the same emotion,” said Lori Sackett, a recent flyer. “But isn’t this a million times more magnificent?” Each visit from Beni and Captain Jack draws smiles, selfies, and stories shared with family back home. And with airport stress levels running high, their impact speaks for itself — one gentle nuzzle at a time.

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Creatine Isn’t Just for Bodybuilders. Here’s Why More Women Are Taking It

For years, creatine has been the go-to supplement for gymgoers and athletes looking to build muscle, improve strength, and boost performance. But a growing body of research is showing it might offer a lot more than just gym gains—and that it’s not just for men. Studies now suggest creatine may also support brain function, mood, sleep quality, memory, and bone health. And as advertising shifts to target women more directly, questions are emerging: Can creatine really help women too? And should more be taking it? The short answer is yes, and possibly more than you think. While most early research focused on male athletes, newer studies are turning attention to how creatine affects women. Some findings are especially promising when it comes to energy, focus, and staying strong as women age. “Creatine could benefit women by reducing fatigue during exercise,” recent research notes. It may also be helpful for preserving muscle and strength, especially in midlife and beyond—something that becomes increasingly important as metabolism slows, hormones fluctuate, and muscle mass declines after menopause. Creatine is a natural compound the body makes from amino acids. It’s found in protein-rich foods like beef and seafood, though you'd need to eat nearly a kilogram of raw meat or fish to get about 3 to 5 grams of it. Cooking meat reduces that amount even further. That’s why supplements have become so common—because our bodies don’t store much creatine, we need to top it up regularly. Daily use of creatine is simple. The most studied and recommended form is creatine monohydrate, taken as a powder, capsule, or gummy. A daily dose of 3g to 5g builds up muscle stores gradually over a few weeks. For those in a hurry, a “loading” approach of 20g daily for one week can do it faster, before scaling back to the regular 3g–5g dose. There’s a catch, though. Some groups—like vegetarians, vegans, and women—tend to consume less creatine through diet. And while women appear to store a little more of it in their muscles than men, they may respond more slowly or differently to supplementation. The potential benefits go well beyond exercise. Resistance training already helps combat age-related declines in strength, bone density, and energy. But combining that training with creatine may make workouts more effective and easier to stick with—supporting both long-term physical and mental health. Studies have shown that women who consistently take creatine while exercising experience improved muscle function. That can translate to better balance, strength, and independence later in life. There’s also some evidence it could support bone health in postmenopausal women, though the findings aren’t yet consistent across all studies. A common concern about creatine is whether it causes weight gain or makes users look too muscular. But research doesn’t support that, especially at the recommended daily doses. Creatine doesn’t appear to bulk women up or drastically change their physique—what it may do is help them feel stronger and train more effectively. Then there’s the brain connection. Emerging research shows creatine might help with cognitive function and mood, particularly in women. One study found that women who took 5g of creatine daily had improved sleep after workouts. Another suggested the same dose could improve sleep quality during perimenopause, possibly by helping the brain meet its energy demands. And in women dealing with depression, creatine supplements seemed to boost the effectiveness of antidepressants. Creatine might even help with the common but frustrating symptoms many women report during menstruation or menopause—like brain fog, low energy, and poor focus. While it’s not a magic fix, some researchers say it could be a low-cost, low-risk option worth considering. To see potential brain benefits, though, higher doses of around 5g to 10g daily may be needed, according to current studies. Still, experts are cautious. Justin Roberts, a professor of nutritional physiology at Anglia Ruskin University, says more studies focused specifically on women are essential. But he adds that even small amounts of creatine, paired with resistance training and a healthy lifestyle, “hold promise in supporting many aspects of women's health.” Creatine won’t solve everything. But for women looking to support energy, strength, sleep, and mental clarity—especially as they get older—it might be worth a closer look.

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Minnesota Teen Pays for Stranger’s Groceries, Inspires Act of Kindness in Return

A high school senior in Stillwater, Minnesota, is being praised for a quiet act of generosity that left a lasting impression on a stranger — and is now changing his life in return. Brent Cabahug, who works part-time at Walmart, was at his register during what seemed like an ordinary shift when an elderly woman ahead in line began having trouble with her credit card. After several failed attempts, frustration began to build, and the people around her could feel it. Dani Dircks, who was next in line, watched the moment unfold. In a Facebook post, she wrote that she could sense the tension. “I could feel that tense buildup of ‘this is taking too long and becoming awkward,’” she said. The woman, she overheard, insisted her card had money on it: “I know it has $300 on it.” Dircks thought about stepping in. “I was just about to offer to pay,” she wrote, thinking of how she’d want someone to help her own mother in that moment. But before she could act, Cabahug did. Without saying much, he walked around the register, pulled out his own wallet, and paid for the woman’s groceries himself. “I watched the cashier walk around, pull out his wallet, and say, ‘I got it,’” Dircks wrote. “I hesitated. This young man didn’t.” She asked if he had really paid out of his own pocket. He quietly confirmed he had. “I drove home from that experience thinking, that’s exactly the children I want to raise,” she wrote. “No talk. All action.” Dircks later learned that Cabahug is saving up for his first car — and had just spent about $80 to help a stranger. Wanting to give back, she started a GoFundMe to help him reach that goal. She also connected with his mother, and wrote a note to Cabahug himself: “Dear Brent, I’m not sure who raised you, but I want you to know your actions inspired me more than you will ever know. You are one of a kind, and you are changing the world.” “I feel like you were an angel,” she added. “Man, you taught me a lesson tonight that will stay with me forever.”

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