Scroll For More
Score (82)
6 New Coffee Brewing Methods You Just Might Love
Steeped coffee bags are becoming a more common, easy way to prepare a quick cup of joe. Cometeer offers frozen pods of coffee that quickly melt to create a variety of coffee beverages. Cowboy coffee is generally made over an open flame, out on the trail or at a campsite.
Score (97)
Alzheimer's Pill Shows Promise In Protecting High-Risk Individuals
Back in April, the outlook for an experimental Alzheimer’s drug looked grim. Valiltramiprosate, also known as ALZ-801, had just failed to show a clear benefit in a major clinical trial involving more than 300 people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. The early results showed no difference between those who took the drug and those who received a placebo. But a deeper look at the data is now changing that narrative. In September, researchers identified a smaller subgroup within the trial that responded significantly to the drug. Among 125 participants with only mild memory problems — specifically those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment rather than early-stage dementia — ALZ-801 appeared to make a meaningful difference. “These individuals showed very meaningful responses,” said Dr. Susan Abushakra, chief medical officer of Alzheon, the biotech company developing the drug. One key result: participants in this group experienced 52% less cognitive decline compared to the placebo group. That’s on par with the effects of two Alzheimer’s drugs already approved for use — lecanemab and donanemab — but with one key difference: ALZ-801 is a pill. Unlike lecanemab and donanemab, which are monoclonal antibodies delivered through regular intravenous infusions, ALZ-801 is taken orally twice a day at home. That could offer a huge quality-of-life improvement for patients and families already burdened by the logistics and costs of ongoing infusion treatments. Beyond the convenience, the drug also appears safer, especially for people who carry two copies of the APOE4 gene — a high-risk genetic profile associated with Alzheimer’s. These individuals make up just 2% of the population but account for around 15% of all Alzheimer’s cases. They are also more prone to dangerous side effects like brain swelling and bleeding when treated with monoclonal antibodies. “These individuals are at higher risk for inflammation in the brain that can be quite serious,” said Jessica Langbaum, an Alzheimer’s researcher at Banner Health in Phoenix. ALZ-801 works differently than the currently approved antibody drugs. Instead of breaking down existing amyloid plaques in the brain — the sticky clumps associated with Alzheimer’s — the pill prevents them from forming in the first place. It targets misfolded beta-amyloid proteins before they have a chance to clump together. And so far, it hasn’t triggered the brain swelling or bleeding sometimes seen with other treatments. In addition to slowing cognitive decline, the drug showed encouraging results in brain imaging. Participants taking ALZ-801 experienced about 18% less shrinkage in the hippocampus — the region of the brain most critical for memory — compared to those on a placebo. That’s a notable result, Abushakra said, especially in a disease known for steadily eroding brain volume. Still, the sample size for the most promising results — just 125 people — leaves some caution. Larger studies will be needed to confirm the drug’s full impact. The findings were published in the journal Drugs and supported by a $47 million grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. One of the co-authors, David Watson, is not only a scientist but also someone with the APOE4/4 gene profile. He believes ALZ-801 offers a safer path forward for people like him. “We’re really making a difference in keeping neurons alive,” he said, pointing to data that show the drug appears better than antibodies at reducing a protein fragment linked to brain cell death. Watson also said more promising evidence is emerging from people who chose to keep taking the pill beyond the initial 18-month study. Despite carrying the high-risk APOE4 genes, many are continuing to do well into their 60s and 70s. “Many of them are holding their own,” he said. The future of ALZ-801 still hinges on further research and regulatory review. But for now, it’s offering renewed hope — especially for those with the highest genetic risk — that a safer, more accessible treatment could be within reach.
Score (94)
John Williams Returns to Score Spielberg’s Next Film, Extending Iconic 50-Year Partnership
John Williams once thought he was done. After composing the score for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the 92-year-old composer publicly considered retirement. But now, he’s picking up his baton once again — and for a familiar collaborator. Williams is confirmed to be scoring Steven Spielberg’s next movie, an untitled UFO film starring Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt, due out in June 2026. The news was shared during a recent event, as reported by Variety, marking the 30th time Williams and Spielberg will work together. It’s a creative relationship that has shaped the sound of modern cinema, from Jaws to Jurassic Park, E.T. to Schindler’s List. Williams has scored nearly every Spielberg-directed film since 1974’s The Sugarland Express. The only exceptions are Twilight Zone: The Movie (Spielberg directed one segment) and The Color Purple (1985), which was scored by Quincy Jones. This new collaboration seemed uncertain not long ago. In 2022, Williams said he was ready to step away from film composing, citing his age and the upcoming Indiana Jones sequel as a potential final act. “At the moment I’m working on Indiana Jones 5, which Harrison Ford—who’s quite a bit younger than I am—I think has announced will be his last film,” he said at the time. “So, I thought: if Harrison can do it, then perhaps I can, also.” But Spielberg wasn’t done — and neither, apparently, was Williams. “One thing Steven isn’t is a man you can say no to,” Williams said in 2023. After hearing what Spielberg was working on next, the composer walked back his retirement plans. That project now appears to be this UFO film, which remains tightly under wraps, plot-wise. Still, Williams’ involvement suggests a film of emotional scope and ambition. It also adds another chapter to one of the most influential partnerships in movie history. Their joint body of work includes some of cinema’s most instantly recognizable themes: the ominous two-note pulse of Jaws, the soaring hope of E.T., the awe and dread of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and the sweeping melodies of Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, and Lincoln. And although The Fabelmans (2022) was seen as a possible swan song for the duo — it’s a semi-autobiographical film based on Spielberg’s own childhood — Williams’ return suggests there are still stories worth telling, and music worth writing. Spielberg’s UFO film is currently scheduled for release on June 12, 2026.
Get even more good news on the free app!
Score (97)
Hockey Players Skate Blindfolded To Raise Funds For Blind Youth Team
A group of Philadelphia students who once just wanted to try hockey are now helping change the game for players who are blind or visually impaired. Philadelphia Blind Hockey was founded in 2022 after students from the Overbrook School for the Blind teamed up with the Philadelphia Flyers for an introductory hockey program. The partnership worked so well that USA Hockey reached out to teacher Kelsey McGuire, asking her to start a regional blind hockey team. Today, she serves as the organization’s executive director. Each week, Philadelphia Blind Hockey offers free sessions for kids aged 4 to 17, teaching basic skating and hockey skills in an inclusive and supportive environment. The group’s work is largely funded through community events such as the annual Blind Awareness Showcase, which raised $11,000 in 2024. At the showcase, participants wear low-vision simulators or blindfolds while they skate, giving them a first-hand sense of what it’s like to play hockey with limited or no sight. “We like to allow those who are sighted to be put under low vision simulation so they understand what it’s like for our players to play hockey,” McGuire told The Reporter. More than 100 people joined last year’s event, including high school hockey players, coaches from Philadelphia Blind Hockey, and staff and alumni from the Philadelphia Flyers. Their support helped fund new equipment, launch an adult team, and give young players the chance to compete in their first official games. The 2025 showcase took place on October 3, though final fundraising totals have not yet been released. For McGuire, the mission goes beyond hockey. “I believe that no matter what your disability is, you should have the opportunity to participate in something,” she said. “Blind hockey has shown that sport in general can be easily adapted.”
Score (97)
Firefighters Rescue Dog From San Francisco Sea Cliff, Reunite It With Owner
A dog that tumbled off a steep oceanside cliff in San Francisco was safely rescued this week after spending more than 20 minutes stranded on a narrow ledge. The brown and white dog had been playing with another pooch on Tuesday at Fort Funston, a popular coastal park known for its dramatic bluffs that drop as much as 60 metres to the beach below. According to Rescue Captain Samuel Menchaca of the San Francisco Fire Department, the dog was new to the area and lost its footing after slipping on some vegetation. It landed on a ledge roughly 12 metres down the cliff face and was unable to climb back up. A San Francisco police drone operator who happened to be nearby heard the emergency call and used the drone to locate the animal from above, relaying its exact position to firefighters. Once the dog’s location was confirmed, a rescue team moved quickly. A firefighter rappelled down the sandy cliff, fitted the 18-kilogram dog with a harness, and held onto it as both were pulled to safety. “He was happy. He knew he got rescued. He was wagging his tail. He was giving everyone kisses,” Menchaca said. A photo released by the department shows the dog’s owner kneeling to embrace his pet moments after the rescue. Menchaca said the team’s training made the operation smooth, but he urged people to use caution in the area. “You may think that it’s a little berm or a hill, but it is a significant drop,” he said. Fort Funston’s cliffs are a frequent site of rescues for both pets and people. “Firefighters unfortunately have to rescue people a lot in this area,” Menchaca said. “We train for it, and will always be there, but we don't want people to get hurt.” He reminded visitors to stay on marked paths, keep dogs leashed, and watch small children carefully. “One of the best ways to not get hurt on these cliffs and our beautiful seaside parts of San Francisco is to stay on the marked paths,” he said.
Score (98)
'It’s Not About Trophies': How Trail Running Helped This Mom Reclaim Her Identity
Jude Harrison knows what it feels like to lose yourself in parenthood. At 52, the North Yorkshire mum spends most of her time caring for her two daughters — 11-year-old Tilly, and 17-year-old Emily, who was born with a rare chromosome translocation that affects her mobility and speech. It’s full-time, all-consuming care. Emily is non-verbal, non-mobile, and developmentally delayed. She attends a specialist school and gets monthly respite care, but for the most part, Jude and her husband Steve are the ones managing her round-the-clock needs. “It often feels like Steve and I are two single parents living together,” Jude said. “We’re always dividing our time because the girls have such different needs.” For years, that meant putting her own needs aside. “When you become a parent you can easily lose your identity,” she said. “And with a child with complex needs that feeling can be even stronger.” But lately, something has shifted. Trail running, of all things, has given Jude a way back to herself. “It’s my thing, it’s who I am,” she said. “Out on the trails, I’m not just Emily’s mum or Tilly’s mum – I’m Jude.” She doesn’t run on roads — she runs where the ground is uneven and the scenery changes with every kilometre. She’s drawn to the hills, the mud, and the people. “People think trail running is harder, but I’d disagree,” she said. “There’s an unspoken rule that you walk the hills, run the flats, and enjoy the downhills. It’s as much about fun and community as it is about fitness.” That community carried her through a recent race in the Lake District, where Jude took part in the 2 Valleys 22km trail challenge. While Steve stayed home to care for Emily, Jude joined a group of 25 runners sponsored by Coventry Building Society, part of a campaign to support people over 50 in achieving their goals. “Crossing the line in Keswick felt amazing, especially with everyone shouting my name,” she said. “For once, it was just about me. It reminded me that I’m still capable of chasing my own goals.” She’s already signed up for the next one — the ‘5 Valleys’ challenge, which doubles the distance she ran this year. “I sometimes have to remind myself that I’m 52 and I’m still out here doing this,” she said. “It’s not about trophies, it’s about being present, keeping fit, and showing my daughters that age and circumstance don’t define you. I’ve still got plenty of running left in me.”
Score (97)
Former Prolific Shoplifter Rebuilds Life After Two Decades of Crime and Addiction
For more than two decades, Danny Woodburn’s life revolved around stealing. From crisps and clothes to cars and alcohol, theft became his way of surviving — and, eventually, his way of life. “I’d steal cars and then set fire to them,” said the 40-year-old from Barrow. “I’d go in a shop and just pick up half a rail and walk out through the alarm, then run off.” Woodburn started stealing when he was 11. By 15, he was in and out of prison. What began as a way to “fit in” quickly spiraled into an addiction-fueled cycle that lasted most of his adult life. “There’s a difference between stealing to make money and stealing in addiction,” he said. “If I didn’t drink a certain level, I’d have a seizure. There’s times I’ve gone in the shops, opened a beer, drunk it and walked out. I didn’t cover my identity or cover my face — I wasn’t bothered about getting arrested.” Police data show shoplifting remains one of the most common crimes across Cumbria. There were 2,422 reported cases in 2024 — the highest since before the pandemic. This year, up to the end of September, 1,734 cases had already been logged, with more than 450 resulting in charges or summonses. Inspector Andy Leather from Cumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said the problem goes deeper than petty theft. “It’s not necessarily just the actual investigation time of the offences, it’s looking at the driving forces behind the offending as well,” he said. “We do see that a lot of our frequent offenders have a link to addiction.” High-value goods that can be easily resold — such as meat, detergent, alcohol, and razor blades — are the most common items stolen. Police have invested in better CCTV and facial recognition systems to identify offenders. “Unfortunately, retail crime has been on the rise for a while,” said Chief Inspector Lee Skelton. “However, Cumbria has one of the highest levels of positive outcomes — second only to Norfolk — in terms of the volume of individuals who are brought to justice for this type of offending.” For Woodburn, his turning point came in 2022, when he sought help from The Well Communities, a charity supporting people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction in Barrow, Kendal, and Carlisle. The organization, which has helped more than 1,100 people since opening in 2012, offers detox programs, housing support, and employment opportunities — many led by staff who have lived through addiction themselves. Woodburn credits the program with saving his life. “The Well was like the ambulance and the key workers were like the paramedics,” he said. “They brought me through a programme.” Today, he works for the same organization that helped him get sober. Reflecting on his past, he’s candid about the damage he caused. “I’ve done things I’m ashamed of, but by reflecting on your behaviour you get a better understanding,” he said. “I was a leech on society and a financial burden on resources. I was draining my own society and costing people money. I was an emotional burden on my own family as well.” Now, he’s focused on helping others break the same cycle he once couldn’t escape. “People can change their life — I’m living proof of that.”
Score (95)
Wisconsin Mom Gives Birth at Home With Her 2-Year-Old by Her Side: “We Got This”
When Wisconsin math teacher Shannen Krahn started feeling mild contractions after work one Friday, she figured she had plenty of time before heading to the hospital. She didn’t expect to give birth less than two hours later — in her own bathroom, with her toddler holding her hand. Krahn, 31, was just a week from her due date with her second child, a baby girl named Brooklynn Suzanne, when she went into labor on Sept. 15. At first, the discomfort felt different from her first pregnancy. “I didn’t realize how fast it was going to progress,” she said. Her husband, Mitch, a night-shift supervisor at a chemical company, had already left for work. Krahn told him to come home but didn’t panic. She gave her 2-year-old son Max a bath while timing contractions, planning to meet her husband at the hospital when he arrived in about 45 minutes. Then, as she walked into the bathroom, a “huge contraction” hit — and her water broke. “It was like a water balloon dropping on the floor,” she said. “It was crazy.” With Max watching from the bed, she reassured him. “He kept patting my arm and saying, ‘Mama,’” she recalled. “I told him, ‘Yep, we’re good. Mama’s good. We got this.’” Realizing she wouldn’t make it out of the bathroom, Krahn got down on her hands and knees. Her phone — and any chance of calling for help — was in the kitchen. “I remember thinking, I’m not getting out of this bathroom without having this baby,” she said. As her phone rang somewhere in the background, she pushed three times and delivered her daughter. Max stood nearby, watching quietly before saying, “Oh, baby,” when he saw his new sister. “I kind of got her up on my chest and she let out a good cry,” Krahn said. “That was just a huge weight off the shoulders.” Moments later, Mitch walked in the front door. “We made eye contact,” she said. “I just said, ‘Hi, we have a baby.’” An ambulance soon arrived to take Krahn and baby Brooklynn to the hospital, where both were declared healthy. Brooklynn weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and the pair were home within 24 hours. Weeks later, Max still can’t get enough of his baby sister. “He calls her ‘my baby,’” Krahn said. “He wants to know where she is all the time.” Her favorite moments now are the quiet ones — sitting in a recliner with both children cuddled close. “We’re just sitting there, snuggling, the three of us,” she said. “Like they say, your love doesn’t divide when you have more kids. It just multiplies.”
Score (98)
Five-Year-Old Poppy Seller Inspires Community With Dedication to Veterans' Appeal
While most five-year-olds spend their holidays playing or watching cartoons, little Ivy Knighton-Leake has been busy selling poppies to support veterans. The Bradford, England, youngster is believed to be the youngest volunteer helping her local branch of the Royal British Legion ahead of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. Her dad, Steve Knighton, a former Royal Signaller and liaison officer for the Dog & Gun Wibsey Veterans Group, said Ivy’s involvement was entirely her idea. “Ivy actually asks to volunteer,” he said proudly. “It was all her idea. She wanted to come and sell poppies and have a little shop. Last year she started doing that and we’ve continued this year.” Now in her second year helping with the Poppy Appeal, Ivy spends up to an hour and a half at a time manning a table with her dad at their local Tesco in Buttershaw. “We normally do about an hour, an hour and a half, depending on how Ivy’s feeling, or a bit longer if she’s feeling okay,” her dad said. Asked why she wanted to volunteer, Ivy’s answer was simple: “It makes me happy. I wanted to remember the soldiers.” For those running the appeal, Ivy’s enthusiasm has made a big impression. “Ivy is quite an inspiration,” said Gillian Carr, Poppy Appeal Manager for Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees. “At four years old last year she was our youngest in the area to volunteer at our stalls. Generally, we start at around 18, but we do have our cadets and they start at around 16. Ivy’s such an inspiration — it’s not all about the grown-ups. She’s looking to the future.” Her dad agrees. “It’s important that we hand this over to our next generation as we all get older,” he said. “I’m quite a young veteran myself, but I think it’s important that we inspire young people to get involved and to help and to support and to continue the good movement on.” For Ivy, the motivation is simple — to help others and to honor those who served. And for the veterans who see her in action, it’s a reminder that remembrance isn’t just about looking back, but about passing that spirit forward.
Score (97)
Scientists Just Cracked The Code For Perfect Spaghetti
Ever wonder why spaghetti holds together so well during cooking? Scientists say the answer lies in gluten — and surprisingly, salt plays a key role too. Researchers at Lund University studied both regular and gluten-free pasta down to the microscopic level using neutron scattering and X-ray techniques. They discovered that gluten acts like a safety net, holding the starch in place and helping pasta keep its shape, even under tough cooking conditions. Gluten-free pasta, on the other hand, lacks this natural support system. It uses artificial structures that can easily break down if not cooked just right. But here's the twist: the amount of salt in the water changes everything. According to senior lecturer Andrea Scotti, pasta boiled in water with the right amount of salt becomes more structurally resilient — and not just tastier. The study could help improve future gluten-free options by making them tougher, more nutritious, and easier to cook. In other words, pasta science is boiling over — and it might change your next dinner. 🍝
Score (97)
At 65, This Minnesota Woman Discovered her Hidden Strength — and Became a World-Class Powerlifter
When 65-year-old Kathy Casper first walked into a Minneapolis gym, she wasn’t looking to break records. She just wanted to lose a little weight. “I grew up in Highland Park,” she said. “There's seven kids in our family.” She laughs remembering that, as a kid, there was nothing about her that hinted she’d one day become one of the strongest women her age. “Nothing,” she said. “Nothing.” After raising three children and spending decades working as a mental health nurse, Kathy’s life took an unexpected turn. Her marriage ended. Her kids had grown up and moved out. “I didn’t know what I was going to do with myself,” she said. That’s when she walked into Los Campeones Gym in south Minneapolis. Trainer Tyler Caldwell remembers her first day vividly. “When she started, she couldn’t even pick this weight up,” he said, pointing to a 45-pound plate. Kathy nods. “Nope. I couldn’t even squat the bar.” Six years later, things look very different. On a recent afternoon, 120-pound Kathy squatted 135 pounds like it was nothing. “She’s 100 times stronger than she was 10 years ago,” Tyler said. “And not a lot of 65-year-olds can say that.” Her dedication has paid off in medals and records. Kathy now holds several Minnesota powerlifting records and recently represented the United States at the International Powerlifting Federation’s world championships in South Africa, where she won four silver medals in her age and weight classes. Her lifts included a 170-pound squat and a 237-pound deadlift. “I think I unlocked something,” Kathy said. “Never in a million years did I think I would do this.” Her trainer agrees she’s only getting started. “I think she’s got more in the tank,” Tyler said. “She’s just getting warmed up. I honestly think she’s going to be stronger at 70 than 65.” For Kathy, powerlifting isn’t just about strength. It’s about self-discovery — and proving that it’s never too late to surprise yourself. “It's never too late,” she said. From a woman who once couldn’t lift an empty bar to one of the strongest lifters in her class, Kathy’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the best version of yourself is still waiting to be found — no matter your age.