Skiing Star Lindsey Vonn Eyes 2026 Olympics Comeback

Lindsey Vonn, the three-time Olympic medalist, returns to ski racing in Cortina after a surprise comeback following knee surgery. Despite a minor crash during training, she remains optimistic and focused on improvement rather than winning. Vonn's perspective has shifted since her retirement, feeling lighter and more free from expectations. With improved physical health and a second chance at her career, she aims to inspire others by chasing her dreams once again.

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This Daredevil Kitesurfer Just Soared 1,500 Feet Over an Iconic Landmark in a Record-Breaking Feat

British kite-surfer Jake Scrace has soared into the record books — literally — by flying a staggering 1,587 feet (450 meters) into the air above the Isle of Wight, setting a new world record for the highest kitesurf tow-up ever recorded. Scrace, a 40-year-old carpenter from Worthing in West Sussex, was towed from a boat in the English Channel by a para-motor before releasing the tether at peak altitude and gliding back down to the sea using only his kite. His flight took him high above the island’s iconic Needles — the striking white chalk stacks that rise out of the water off its western tip. “It was the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on,” said Scrace. “Up there, it was about trusting the team, the conditions, and just going for it.” And it worked. He nailed the record on his first attempt. “The sense of freedom was incredible and I’m buzzing that we got the record on the first attempt,” he said. “I’m already thinking about what the next stunt could be and where we can go with it.” The record-shattering flight nearly doubled the previous record of 908.7 feet. Scrace’s feat was the result of months of preparation, supported by a 30-person team including safety divers, drone operators, and technical specialists. The attempt took place on July 23, and the height was verified using altimeter readings, bodycams, drones, and GPS-tracked smartphones. The project was backed by global construction consultancy Gleeds, who funded the stunt as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations. The timing also coincided with the 70th anniversary of Guinness World Records, adding extra significance to the achievement. “We celebrate extraordinary feats that push the boundaries of human achievement,” said Pravin Patel, Guinness World Records' official adjudicator. “Gleeds’ record-breaking kitesurf tow-up is a stunning example of innovation, precision, and daring.” Richard Steer, chairman of Gleeds, said the project was about more than breaking records. “For 150 years, Gleeds has believed in pushing boundaries and turning bold ideas into reality. This world record embodies that spirit perfectly — a reminder that with vision, teamwork, and determination, even the sky is no limit.” Scrace first gained attention years ago by kitesurfing over Worthing Pier, but this latest feat, set against one of the UK’s most iconic natural backdrops, has taken his passion to new heights. Quite literally.

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Ohio Launches Program to Enroll Newborns in Dolly Parton's Free Book Program

Ohio is making it easier than ever for families to get books into their homes, starting from day one. On Friday, First Lady Fran DeWine announced a new statewide effort to enroll newborns in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library while parents are still filling out birth certificate paperwork at the hospital. The goal: ensure more children receive free, age-appropriate books during the critical early years of brain development. “Research has shown that 80% of a child’s brain is developed by age three,” DeWine said. “So we want to get books into the home as early as possible in order to have the most impact. One simple checkmark will give Ohio’s little ones a great start in life.” The Imagination Library program mails one free book each month to children from birth until their fifth birthday. Families who sign up at birth have the chance to receive the full 60-book collection — all at no cost. Governor Mike DeWine also joined the announcement, along with country music star Zac Brown, who performed and donated a signed guitar for auction to support the initiative. Since Ohio partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2019, nearly 23 million books have been mailed to children across the state. Today, more than 404,000 children, about 70% of Ohio households with kids under five, are enrolled. The state hopes that by making sign-up automatic at birth, even more families will take advantage of the program and help set their kids up for lifelong learning.

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Koalas, LEGO, And Scientists: Heartwarming Wins This Week!

From record-breaking pumpkins to universal child care, here’s a roundup of some of the most hopeful, heartening, and headline-worthy good news stories from around the world this week: 🚌 Ireland expands free public transit for children Ireland just made it easier for families to get around. The country expanded its free public transit program to include kids up to 8 years old — an estimated 263,000 children are now eligible. It's a big win for accessibility, helping reduce transportation costs for families and encourage greener commuting habits. 🏡 LEGO contest raises money for real homes A recent LEGO building contest didn’t just inspire creative dream homes — it raised funds to build real ones. Proceeds will go to low-income families in need of housing, turning play into tangible impact. 🏘️ Late landlord donates 20 rental units to people experiencing homelessness Wisconsin landlord Richard “Dick” Reetz passed away in June at 97 — and left behind a legacy of kindness. He donated his entire rental portfolio to a housing nonprofit, adding 20 units to support people facing homelessness. It’s the largest property donation in the nonprofit’s history. 🏙️ Boston turns empty office space into homes Boston's Office-to-Residential Conversion Program is already making an impact. The city has approved 15 projects to turn vacant office buildings into 762 new housing units. The goal? Add more than 1,500 new downtown residents by 2026 — and put empty space to better use. 🌞 Solar surpasses gas in Hungary’s energy mix Solar power just became Hungary’s second-largest source of electricity — overtaking gas and trailing only nuclear. It’s a major shift from just a decade ago, when solar accounted for only 0.2% of the country’s electricity. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 New Mexico guarantees universal free child care Starting in November, all families in New Mexico will have access to free child care — regardless of income. The state will also raise wages for child care workers and invest in expanding facilities to meet growing demand. The program is expected to save families an average of $12,000 per child. 🧸 Former Denny’s transformed into a vibrant child care center for homeless families A repurposed Denny’s in Los Angeles is now a bright and welcoming early childhood education center — offering free care to children in families experiencing homelessness. 🌳 Australia creates a massive koala national park New South Wales just added 176,000 hectares of forest to its protected lands, creating one of its largest national parks and safeguarding over 12,000 koalas. Logging within the park has been immediately banned. 👶 Michigan man walks 1,500 miles for mental health awareness Lee Johns is walking from Michigan to Florida — 1,500 miles — to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Carrying a 60-pound backpack, he’s spreading the message that no one should face their struggles alone. 🌍 And more good news around the globe: • Mexico’s jaguar population has increased by 30% thanks to conservation efforts. • Brazil saw a 65% drop in Amazon rainforest fires, the lowest recorded burn area in years. • Hong Kong courts ruled in favor of lesbian couples seeking parental recognition. • Scientists created solar cells that work efficiently with indoor light — a potential battery alternative. • Illinois became the first Midwest state to require medication abortion and contraception access at public universities. • Argentina’s last zoo elephant was relocated to a sanctuary in Brazil. • A Texas nonprofit is paying youth to get trained in civic engagement. • James Patterson is helping emerging authors finish their books with $50K in grants. • A new glue-gun tool helps surgeons repair broken bones faster and more precisely. • A German startup launched the world’s first vegan pregnancy test. • U.S. scientists continue climate reporting efforts through the IPCC — now with more representation from developing countries than ever before.

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Scientists Discover Natural Compound That Could Make Cavities a Thing of the Past

Tooth decay may one day be a thing of the past, thanks to a promising new discovery out of Israel — and it all starts with vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. According to SciTechDaily, researchers have identified a natural compound, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), that can reduce harmful dental biofilm by up to 90 percent. That biofilm, formed by Streptococcus mutans bacteria, is a major cause of cavities — and it's notoriously tough to remove, even with regular brushing and flossing. DIM is found naturally in cruciferous vegetables and is already known for its low toxicity. Now, scientists believe it could be a game changer in oral hygiene. “The molecule, which was found to have low toxicity, could be added to toothpastes and mouthwashes,” said Professor Ariel Kushmaro of the Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology and Engineering, who led the study. That could make a huge difference for global health. The World Health Organization estimates nearly 2.5 billion people suffer from cavities. Current treatments — like fillings, fluoride rinses, and professional cleanings — focus on treating the damage, not preventing it from forming in the first place. By targeting the bacteria directly, DIM could do what toothbrushes and floss often can’t: prevent plaque from ever taking hold. The Israeli research team didn’t stumble upon DIM by accident. They screened multiple natural compounds and were impressed by how effectively DIM wiped out S. mutans biofilms in lab tests — all while leaving healthy surrounding tissue intact. That makes it a strong candidate for safe, long-term use. And the benefits go beyond cleaner teeth. Fewer cavities mean fewer stressful dentist appointments, fewer fillings, and less reliance on disposable dental tools — a quiet win for the planet, too. DIM isn’t on pharmacy shelves yet, but it’s easy to imagine a future where it’s a standard ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash. Combine that with eco-friendly packaging innovations like toothpaste tablets, and oral care could be in for a meaningful — and greener — upgrade. For now, it might be a good excuse to eat your broccoli.

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This White Wallaby Was Just Rescued From a Roadside and Reunited With Its Owner in Kent

A white wallaby spotted hopping along a roadside in Kent was safely rescued and reunited with its owner after briefly causing concern for drivers. Kent Police were called to Trolling Down Hill in Dartford around 09:30 BST on Friday following reports of an unusual animal in the area. Officers arrived to ensure the safety of both road users and the marsupial. “Enquiries were completed and the wallaby was safely reunited with its owner shortly after 10am,” police confirmed. While wallabies are native to Australia and nearby islands, small populations have been spotted across the UK over the years — often descended from animals once kept in private collections or zoos. Some were reportedly released into the wild during the World Wars, when caretakers could no longer look after them. Wallabies belong to the macropod family, which also includes kangaroos. They are known for their strong hind legs and impressive jumping abilities. Helen Pearson, head of animal studies at Suffolk Rural, which keeps wallabies on-site, said the animals are surprisingly well-suited to the British climate. “They live in shrubland out there, so as much as you think Australia is quite hot, they cope quite well in our climate,” she said. “They’re really hardy animals.” The wallaby’s brief adventure came to a safe end — but not before adding an unexpected twist to a quiet Friday morning in Dartford.

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Rare Photos Reveal Deeply Personal Moments in Space

A historic set of NASA images, including the first-ever selfie taken in space, has been brought back to life after sitting locked in a vault for decades — and they’re now on public display for the first time. The newly restored photos, originally captured during the Mercury and Gemini missions in the 1960s, showcase some of the earliest and most personal moments from the dawn of human spaceflight. They’re now part of an exhibition at Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, England, running until January 2026. Among the highlights is the iconic image of astronaut Ed White during America’s first spacewalk, digitally stitched from two underexposed photos. Another standout: Buzz Aldrin snapping the very first space selfie while floating in orbit. “These are deeply personal images,” said Andy Saunders, the author and space photo historian who restored them. “It’s like we’re in the spacecraft with them.” Saunders spent thousands of hours digitally restoring the grainy, degraded film, much of it hidden away in NASA’s Houston archives for over half a century. The images come from Project Mercury (1958–1963) and Project Gemini (1964–1966), which laid the groundwork for the Apollo missions that followed. “Gemini was an incredibly important programme,” Saunders said. “It was tasked with demonstrating if it’s even possible to make a journey to the moon… I think people will be surprised at the level of risk that was taken. Neil Armstrong almost died on his Gemini 8 mission.” The exhibition at Jodrell Bank offers a unique connection to that space race era. The observatory — home to the UK’s largest radio telescope — played a pivotal role in space tracking. It followed the rocket that launched Sputnik 1 in 1957 and was the only place in the world able to track the launch rocket itself. In 1966, Jodrell Bank also received and printed the first images ever taken of the moon’s surface, and during the early Cold War years, the observatory served as the UK’s early warning system for potential attacks. “I think Jodrell Bank provides, not just an exhibition space, but a unique authenticity as a place to have the exhibition,” said Lexie Southern, the observatory’s education officer. For Saunders, the exhibition is about more than just visuals — it’s about bringing people closer to an era when the impossible was being attempted, and achieved. “I hope they shine a light on this incredible era in history,” he said.

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Meet The Mysterious Woman Behind A Real-Life Hogwarts Library

The John Rylands Library in Manchester is turning 125 this year, a milestone for a building often compared to Hogwarts for its Gothic grandeur and quiet, cathedral-like halls. But while the library is world-famous for its treasures, far less is known about the woman who built it. Enriqueta Augustina Rylands, born in Cuba in 1843, left behind an estate worth what would now be £376 million. She poured much of it into creating a shrine to knowledge that still amazes visitors today. At its opening on New Year’s Day 1900, the library cost the equivalent of £100 million and was immediately stocked with manuscripts and rare books that rivalled the great collections of London and Oxford. Today, it houses Babylonian tablets, fragments of Biblical scrolls, Chinese printing, and one of the earliest surviving fragments of the Quran. It also holds the notes of computing pioneer Alan Turing and a Gutenberg Bible. Dr Elizabeth Gow, a manuscript curator at the library and author of a forthcoming biography on Enriqueta, said her life began far from Manchester’s mills. “In Cuba, she was part of the privileged class of white plantation owners – the family did own enslaved people,” she said. After her father’s death in a rail accident, Enriqueta’s life shifted across continents. Her mother remarried the Polish composer Julian Fontana, a friend of Frederic Chopin, and the family later lived in Paris. When her mother died, Enriqueta was sent to England with her siblings. Though her father was British, her Cuban background was seen as “tainted and not quite British,” Dr Gow explained. Enriqueta eventually entered the household of John Rylands, Manchester’s first self-made multimillionaire. Known for working up to 19 hours a day, Rylands built his fortune in cotton, benefiting from exploitative labor practices in Britain, America, and India, though he was also a supporter of abolition and promoted what Dr Gow likened to a Victorian version of fair trade. After the death of his second wife, Rylands, then 75, married Enriqueta, who was 32. She inherited the bulk of his fortune, today valued at £291 million, and used it to fund educational projects and build the library. Though her personal diaries have never been found, surviving records suggest she was a determined woman. “Especially to do that as a woman in the 1890s, you get the impression a lot of people didn’t take her seriously and she got frustrated with that sometimes,” Dr Gow said. “She usually moderated what she said but, at the same time, found ways to generally get her own way, mostly by being the one with the money.” Enriqueta also faced skepticism from London, where critics questioned why rare manuscripts should be sent to Manchester. Local press defended her vision, arguing that a city built on commerce and industry also deserved cultural institutions. When the library opened, 27,000 people came in its first year. Today, more than 350,000 visit annually, many still whispering “wow” as they step inside. Dr Gow says the archives remain inexhaustible. Among her personal favourites is a 15th-century Turkish manuscript telling the love story of Layla and Majnoon. “The Rylands archive has a never-ending supply of amazing things,” she said. A century after Enriqueta Rylands commissioned it, the library remains both a monument to her determination and a cultural gift to Manchester.

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4,525 People, 9,000 Slices: New Haven Sets Pizza Party World Record

New Haven officially became the home of the world’s largest pizza party on Friday, drawing more than 4,500 people to the city’s downtown Green for a record-breaking slice of history. The event, part of the city’s 10th annual Apizza Feast, brought together 4,525 attendees—all of whom were required to eat at least two slices of pizza within a three-hour window, per Guinness World Records’ rules. That’s more than 9,000 slices served in a single sitting. The previous record of 3,357 participants, held by Tulsa, Oklahoma since January 2023, was decisively broken. “This was all love from the community, all pizza,” said event organizer Colin Caplan. “We built something historical here today. We got the world’s largest pizza party because everyone came out.” The feast took place alongside the New Haven Grand Prix, a high-energy downtown cycling event that brought additional foot traffic and festivity to the area. The combination of bikes, live music, and hundreds of pizza boxes turned the New Haven Green into a cross between a sporting event and a block party. “The atmosphere around here is just crazy,” said Guinness adjudicator Thomas Bradford. “This area is popping as it is. To know that there’s a bike race going on, it’s really exciting. I’m happy to be here.” Bradford, who confirmed the final count, called the energy “incredible” and praised the coordination it took to pull off the attempt. The goal was ambitious: feed at least 5,000 people two slices of pizza each while adhering to Guinness’s strict documentation rules. But from the start, the city leaned into its identity. After all, New Haven has long claimed the crown of America’s best pizza—locally known as “apizza,” a nod to its Italian immigrant roots. “There's all of these people eating two pieces of pizza and downing some water, but it’s for a great cause of putting New Haven yet again on the map as the pizza capital of the nation,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. For Yale student Owen Zhang, the experience was more than just about the food. “It’s great energy to see the whole city come together,” he said. “It’s not often that we get to connect with the New Haven community, but just seeing everyone here enjoying pizza. The pizza is amazing, the people are amazing, the energy is amazing.” The victory also came amid New Haven’s ongoing campaign to boost its national pizza reputation. Earlier this year, a cheeky tourism billboard campaign dubbed New York pizza “hot bread with ambition”—a move that amused some and enraged others. But Friday’s record wasn't about rivalry. It was about community. From families on picnic blankets to cyclists taking a post-race break, the crowd reflected a wide slice of the city—united by tomato, cheese, and crust. “I think I’ve never felt more love from a community, never ever ever,” Caplan said. “This is pizza history.”

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Sci-fi Made Real: Rare ‘Tooth-In-Eye’ Implant Brings Back Blind Man's Vision After 20 Years

A Canadian man who lost his sight as a teenager can now see again, thanks to a rare surgery that uses a patient’s own tooth to restore vision. Brent Chapman, 34, of North Vancouver, had been blind for more than two decades after a severe allergic reaction to Ibuprofen damaged his corneas. The condition, known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, left him completely without sight from the age of 13. For years, Chapman tried different treatments, but none gave him lasting results. Then he met Dr. Greg Moloney, an ophthalmologist at Providence Health Care’s Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, who suggested a procedure so unusual that Chapman at first thought it sounded like science fiction. “It kind of sounded a little science fictiony. I was like, ‘Who thought of this? Like, this is so crazy,’” Chapman told Today.com. The operation, called “tooth-in-eye” surgery, was first developed in the 1960s and has only been performed on a few hundred people worldwide. It involves removing one of the patient’s teeth, flattening it, and drilling a hole through the center. A prosthetic lens is placed inside the hole, and the tooth is then implanted into the eye. Because the lens is anchored in the patient’s own tissue, the risk of rejection is lower than with artificial implants. “Usually, the reaction is shock and surprise and frank disbelief that it [the procedure] even exists,” Moloney said. Chapman underwent the surgery on his right eye. When he woke up, he could see his hands moving for the first time in 20 years. Once healed, his vision measured 20/40 or 20/30 in that eye. “I feel fantastic,” he told WABC. “Vision comes back, and it’s a whole new world.” The moment he could finally look at Dr. Moloney was overwhelming. “When Dr. Moloney and I made eye contact, we both just burst into tears. I hadn't really made eye contact in 20 years,” Chapman said. The surgery has transformed his life. What once sounded like something out of a movie is now his reality: after two decades in darkness, Chapman can see again.

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Boost Your Heart Health: Top Foods You Need to Add to Your Diet Now

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts say one of the most effective ways to lower your risk is by filling your plate with foods that actively support cardiovascular health. “Dietary sources offer superior absorption and additional health benefits that isolated supplements may not provide,” said Padma Shenoy, M.D., a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology. She recommends prioritizing whole foods rich in fiber and healthy fats, which help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce inflammation in blood vessels. Registered dietitians Kathleen Garcia-Benson of Top Nutrition Coaching and Diane Han, founder of Woking Balance Wellness, also stress the importance of variety. A heart-healthy diet, they say, should go beyond cholesterol-lowering foods and focus on nutrient-dense staples that work together to protect your heart. Among the top picks: Oats: High in soluble fiber that lowers LDL cholesterol and supports stable blood sugar. A review in the European Journal of Nutrition found oats improve several risk markers for cardiovascular disease. Brown rice and barley: Whole grains that help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve blood pressure. Research in BMC Medicine linked higher whole-grain intake to a lower risk of coronary heart disease. Avocados and avocado oil: Packed with unsaturated fats and antioxidants, these support an anti-inflammatory environment and provide healthy cooking alternatives. Avocado oil’s high smoke point makes it useful for sautéing. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and flax seeds provide fiber, unsaturated fats, and antioxidants. Studies associate moderate consumption with reduced risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Fatty fish: Salmon, in particular, is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and cut arrhythmia risk. Fruits and vegetables: Berries, apples, oranges, and sweet potatoes provide potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. Potassium supports healthy blood pressure, while antioxidants protect against oxidative stress that contributes to heart disease. Legumes: Beans and lentils supply plant-based protein and fiber. A 2024 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that a higher plant-to-animal protein ratio is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Han encourages rotating carbohydrate sources to prevent diet fatigue. “Whole grains are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals that support heart health,” she said. “I often suggest switching things up if certain carbohydrate foods start to feel boring.” On the flip side, experts warn against foods that strain the heart. Red and processed meats, fried foods, ultra-processed items, and sugar-sweetened drinks are all associated with higher cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure. “These foods contain saturated fats, sodium, and added sugar, which may increase inflammation, promote the buildup of LDL cholesterol, and raise blood pressure,” Dr. Shenoy said. The takeaway from nutritionists and cardiologists is straightforward: a balanced plate rich in fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based proteins can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and support a longer, healthier life.

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