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Turning Up The Heat: Retiree's Backyard Biochar Burns Carbon Blues Away
Greg Porteous has turned his backyard into a hub for climate action by producing biochar, a charcoal-like substance that sequesters carbon and enriches soil. Using high heat and minimal oxygen, he transforms organic waste like wood pallets into this eco-friendly material. Biochar not only helps reduce atmospheric carbon but also improves soil quality and reduces wildfire risks. As more countries and companies invest in biochar for its environmental benefits, Porteous's hobby highlights the potential of small-scale efforts in combating climate change.
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The Psychology Trick That Makes People Like You More (Without You Realizing It)
Turns out, kids were onto something when they said, “It takes one to know one.” And science agrees. According to decades of psychological research, the way you talk about other people doesn’t just shape how others see them — it shapes how they see you. That’s because of a brain glitch known as Spontaneous Trait Transference (STT). Dr. Shadé Zahrai, a leadership strategist and coach, recently explained the idea in a viral TikTok. “When you describe someone's traits, people who hear unconsciously associate those same traits with you,” she said. So if you tell your coworker that your friend is warm and generous, people are likely to walk away thinking you are warm and generous. But if you’re talking trash about someone being selfish or rude, that same negativity can bounce right back. This isn’t just about gossip or good vibes — it’s how our brains work. Research going back to 1998 shows that listeners routinely assign the same traits to the person telling the story, even if it’s unintentional. Compliment someone’s kindness? People will tag you as kind. Criticize someone’s arrogance? You might come off as arrogant by association. It’s not exactly logical — our brains are just doing quick math. “As the listener processes the story, the idea of ‘rude’ becomes top of mind and is quickly attached not only to Stacey, but also to you,” psychologist Wendy L. Patrick wrote in Psychology Today. The result? Being nice doesn’t just make you seem nicer. It makes you more likable, whether you’re trying or not. It also works in reverse. The next time you feel tempted to badmouth someone, remember: what you say about others is shaping the story others tell themselves about you. So yeah — if you don’t have anything nice to say, maybe don’t say anything at all. Your likability might depend on it.
Score (98)
How Two Friends Are Helping Women Take DIY Into Their Own Hands
It started with a drill and a broken shelf. Now, it’s turned into a growing movement. Electrician Sarah Bolger and event planner Justine Wortsman are behind Nail It DIY, a series of hands-on workshops in and around Reading, aimed at helping women build confidence in fixing things themselves. “It could just be something really tiny but the fact that you’ve done it yourself is such a good starting point,” said Bolger, who started teaching Wortsman simple home repairs after the two met as school mums. What began as a favour — showing Wortsman how to fix her son’s shelving unit — sparked an idea: why not help other women do the same? Since launching their taster sessions, they’ve seen a steady stream of interest. Every workshop so far has had a waiting list. “We hadn’t realised how much of a gap in the market there was,” said Wortsman. With fresh funding from Reading Borough Council, they’ll now be able to offer subsidised sessions and a few free spots too. They’ve been hosting workshops in village halls across Wokingham, Caversham, Theale, and Tilehurst, keeping the vibe low-pressure and welcoming. Attendees range from complete beginners to those with some experience under their belt. One woman came in having never touched a tool — she went home and fixed her cooker fuse. “We have all the kit, so you don’t need to bring anything,” Bolger said in a recent interview on BBC Radio Berkshire. “But if you do have things at home that you want to get your head around and you’re not sure what to do with it, then people are bringing these to our sessions.” The concept is striking a nerve not just for its practicality but for what it represents. Wortsman described the impact as “more than DIY.” “Now it makes me challenge other assumptions I make about myself,” she said. “There was never an expectation that I would know how to change a plug or put up a shelf — it just wasn’t something that was expected of me.” A recent study by Halfords suggests those expectations are changing. It found that women aged 18 to 27 are now more confident in basic DIY skills than their male peers — a shift from previous generations. Still, Bolger and Wortsman are mindful of the barriers some women face. One participant lives with early-onset arthritis but is determined to keep learning. Others have come while grieving, looking for connection and empowerment. “One of them in particular said ‘I miss all the DIY he did and I just miss him,’” Wortsman shared. There’s also a focus on mental health and neurodiversity. One attendee worried about retaining information due to ADHD, another about managing anxiety. Wortsman says part of their mission is to make sure everyone feels welcome. “I will always try to think of a way round,” she said. Bolger, who has a background in sound and lighting repair and grew up with hands-on parents, is learning as she goes, too — especially when it comes to teaching. The feedback has been a huge confidence boost. “It’s completely new for me,” she said. Their next goal is to reach younger people, especially girls, before the “I can’t do this” mindset takes hold. “Our goal is not just to level up the playing field for women, but to remove barriers in general,” Wortsman said.
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Score (96)
Eight-Year-Old British Explorer Calls Antarctica His “Best Place in the World”
While most kids spend their school holidays close to home, eight-year-old Yuam from Hedge End, Hampshire, has been busy ticking off bucket list destinations — including both ends of the planet. Yuam has travelled to 26 countries with his parents since he was just eight months old, and has already crossed the Arctic Circle and taken a polar plunge in Antarctica. “Taking part in the polar plunge was unforgettable,” he said. “Completing it felt like a real achievement and made me feel incredibly proud.” Now believed to be one of the youngest British travellers to visit Antarctica, Yuam described the icy continent as his favourite place so far. “I was able to see wildlife up close in its natural environment and there was a UK post office too, which was exciting,” he said. The family travels exclusively during school holidays. On recent trips to Greenland and Svalbard, Yuam said he was struck by how quickly the environment is changing. “It was surreal to see glaciers retreating,” he said. “I learnt that Antarctica experiences the midnight sun, just like Greenland, and that seeing whales in the wild, which is awesome, is surprisingly common there.” Back at school, his interests haven’t slowed down. Yuam now has his sights set on Egypt. “I want to learn more about mummies and the history of desert civilisations,” he said, adding that he’d also love to return to Antarctica, calling it “the best place in the world.” His mum Keeyu, who works for a technology company, said she and her husband were passionate travellers before Yuam was born and didn’t want to stop after starting a family. “We are very lucky that Yuam enjoys travelling as much as we do and is a great travel companion,” she said. “As parents we wanted to give him perspective and understanding of how vast the planet is and how fragile some places have become.” She added that watching Yuam absorb and reflect on his experiences has been rewarding. “We were surprised by how he listened closely to guides, noticed the movement of ice, and began to ask thoughtful questions.” And as for that icy plunge in Antarctica? “I expected him to come out cold and crying,” she said. “But he had the biggest smile.”
Score (97)
This Ukrainian Refugee Just Celebrated a Special Graduation Milestone
Sofia Demkiv never expected her university graduation would happen thousands of kilometres from home — or in the middle of a war. But after fleeing Ukraine with her family nearly four years ago, the 23-year-old says earning her master’s degree in the UK felt “incredibly special.” Demkiv left Kyiv in early 2022 with her mother, aunt, sister, and brother after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. She was 19 at the time and recalled hearing explosions in the distance as the family packed up what they could. “It was an incredibly scary and stressful time,” she said. “I was just starting my adult life when suddenly we had to pack everything up and move to a new country with no idea whether we would ever return home or even whether our home would still exist.” The family arrived in the UK in April 2022 under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme and eventually settled in Stoke-on-Trent. Demkiv later enrolled in a master’s program in marketing at Keele University. This week, she graduated with distinction. “Knowing the journey my family and I have been through, and how much heart and soul I put into my studies at Keele under such difficult circumstances, makes this moment feel incredibly special,” she said. “It’s the first time in my life I felt truly proud of my academic achievements.” Despite the trauma of leaving her home behind, Demkiv says she’s found support and a sense of safety in the UK. “I love the UK and I'm incredibly grateful for the support we've received,” she said. “I never could have imagined this level of kindness when we arrived. It’s something I’ll remember forever and I hope one day I can repay it in some way.” In October, she returned to Kyiv for a visit and said the mood was difficult to describe. “People have sadly become used to the situation,” she said. “While I felt scared and anxious, residents are now surprised if there isn't at least one attack a week.” She hopes to return to Ukraine one day to raise a family, but for now, she’s staying in the UK and building her career. With graduation behind her, she’s focused on gaining more experience and pursuing a job in the financial technology sector.
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This Swiss Family’s Solar-Powered Tractor is Turning Heads Across Europe — Here's Why
A Swiss family has quietly revolutionized the farming industry with Europe’s first all-electric, solar-assisted tractor—and it’s now rolling across five countries. Built by the Knüsel family in the canton of Schwyz, the Rigitrac SKE 40 is the product of over two decades of tractor engineering and a leap of imagination sparked by a simple observation: many farms already had solar panels on their rooftops. Why not build a tractor that could use that energy? The idea took root in 2018 when Theres Beutler-Knüsel, one of four daughters of company founder Sepp Knüsel, was studying at the University of Dresden. She teamed up with her father to build a prototype for an electric tractor—something no one in Europe had done before. “The development of the electric tractor was a long process with setbacks,” Beutler-Knüsel told Swiss broadcaster SRF. “When we started, many of the necessary individual parts were not yet on the market.” The family had to work directly with suppliers to design and produce the required components from scratch. The final product, released in 2019, was a sleek, compact machine designed for real-world use—particularly for vegetable farming and snow plowing, rather than the most heavy-duty agricultural work. The Rigitrac SKE 40 features four electric motors generating a combined 84 kilowatts of power. One motor drives the front wheels, another the rear, a third assists with starting, and a fourth supports auxiliary functions. And yes, it includes a solar panel on the roof to help extend the battery life during daylight operations. While it’s not built to plow massive fields, it’s already proven valuable for smaller farms and tasks that require agility, precision, and lower emissions. It’s currently being sold in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Norway, and Denmark—and even made it into the popular PC game Farming Simulator. In 2025, the Rigitrac team won Switzerland’s Watt d’Or—or “Golden Watt”—award from the Federal Office of Energy. The prize, though symbolic and without monetary reward, gave the company a significant publicity boost. “It’s great recognition that shows us we are on the right path,” Beutler-Knüsel said. The business is still very much a family affair. Sepp’s wife Marlis and daughters Edith, Doris, and Ruth all work at Rigitrac AG. One runs advertising and HR, another leads sales, and a third oversees the supply chain. Together, they’ve taken an idea born under the Swiss sun and turned it into a growing European success story. From a workshop in Schwyz to fields across the continent, this family’s invention is helping power a cleaner, smarter future for agriculture.
Score (97)
After 200 Years, Bison Return to the Illinois Prairie in a Powerful Homecoming
To the beat of drums and the sound of singing, six American bison rumbled out of a trailer and onto the frozen prairie in northern Illinois, marking a historic moment 200 years in the making. Three male and three female bison were released this week at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve in Kane County, about 100 kilometers northwest of Chicago. The event, witnessed at sunrise by a large crowd including members of the Santee Sioux tribe, marked the return of a keystone species to its ancestral habitat. “It’s different when you’re welcoming them back home,” said tribal elder Robert Wapahi, speaking to CBS News Chicago. “That’s their home, not mine.” Blanketed in traditional woven shawls and modern down jackets, the Santee Sioux had gathered to welcome the animals as relatives, not just as wildlife. It was a moment charged with emotion, ceremony, and a sense of ecological restoration. The six bison were first released into a fenced cattle enclosure, allowing them to slowly acclimate to their new home after being away for two centuries. In the spring, they’ll be moved to a larger fenced prairie area where their presence is expected to help restore the local ecosystem. “It’s really important and awesome to see another herd that is hitting the ground in a good way,” said one attendee, as drums welcomed the trailer’s arrival. The project is a partnership between the American Indian Center of Chicago—the oldest urban Native American cultural institution in the U.S.—and the Kane County Forest Preserve District. A designated herd manager will oversee the animals, ensuring their health and well-being as they settle in. At one time, tens of millions of bison roamed North America. Their near-eradication in the 19th century, down to just a few thousand, devastated not only prairie ecosystems but also Indigenous communities that depended on them. Even without widespread farming, the loss of bison changed the land. These animals shaped the prairie like beavers shape waterways. Their hooves flattened grasses and kept dominant species in check. Their shaggy coats carried seeds far and wide. Their waste fertilized the soil, and their habit of wallowing in the dirt created water-retaining pits that helped the prairie survive drought. That kind of ecological engineering can't be easily replaced. Which is why even a small herd, like the one now in Illinois, matters. Across the continent, bison are slowly making a comeback. Conservation groups, tribal nations, and public land managers are working together to reintroduce them where prairie still exists. Six bison may be a modest beginning, but it’s a meaningful one. Judging by the cheers and the broad smiles from those who watched them step onto the snowy ground, the return of these animals was more than symbolic. It was deeply personal. For the Santee Sioux and for the land itself, this wasn’t just a release. It was a reunion.
Score (96)
North Sea Set to Become World’s Largest Clean Energy Hub Under Landmark Wind Pact
A massive offshore wind initiative is taking shape across Europe’s North Sea. On Friday, 10 countries formally signed the Hamburg Declaration, pledging to develop 100 gigawatts of shared offshore wind power by 2050—enough to supply electricity to roughly 143 million homes. Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom are backing the agreement, which aims to transform the North Sea into the “world’s largest clean energy reservoir.” It’s the biggest joint offshore wind commitment of its kind, and it comes with a hefty €9.5 billion investment and an ambition to unlock €1 trillion in capital. The plan is expected to create more than 90,000 jobs and reduce electricity production costs by 30 percent over the next 15 years. “We’re standing up for our national interest by driving for clean energy, which can get the UK off the fossil fuel rollercoaster and give us energy sovereignty and abundance,” said UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. The pact marks a major acceleration in Europe’s wind energy buildout. Just three years ago, North Sea countries announced a collective target of 300GW of offshore wind by 2050 in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the energy crisis it triggered across Europe. A third of that target is now expected to come from cross-border projects. For the first time, wind farms will be directly connected to multiple countries using a new approach called multi-purpose interconnectors, or MPIs. These cables will run under the sea and allow electricity to flow from one wind farm into more than one national grid. That’s a change from the current system, where wind farms typically send power to just one country. According to a joint statement from RenewableUK and National Grid Ventures, the new approach will require less infrastructure, reducing the burden on coastal communities and lowering the environmental impact. But not everyone is on board. In Norway, MPIs have stirred controversy over fears that electricity generated at sea could be sold to foreign buyers, driving up domestic prices and reducing supply. In response, some governments are now introducing rules to restrict electricity exports when domestic needs aren’t being met. Despite the pushback, Germany’s economy minister Katherina Reiche framed the initiative as a win for jobs and long-term security. She said it offers “reliable perspectives” for the offshore sector and will help ensure “creation of value in Europe.” The timing is pointed. The Hamburg Declaration comes just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump mocked wind power investments, calling countries that pursue them “losers.” But the numbers suggest otherwise. Last year, wind and solar combined generated more electricity in the EU than fossil fuels for the first time. Energy experts hailed the milestone, even as they warned that outdated transmission grids remain a bottleneck for renewable growth. That’s part of what makes the Hamburg Declaration notable—it doesn’t just boost generation, it tackles distribution too. There’s still a long way to go. But for countries trying to move away from volatile fossil fuel markets, the North Sea may soon offer more than just fish and ferries. It could be the backbone of a new energy era.
Score (96)
"She Saved My Life”: Georgia Mom Thanks Teacher Who Rescued Her Son
Dalton Tomberlain, a seventh-grader in Georgia, thought he was going to die. He had been eating a burger at McClure Middle School in Cobb County when something went wrong. “I felt like a soreness in my throat, and then I just could not breathe,” Dalton said. “I thought I was going to die a little bit ... it was just scary.” As the blockage in his throat cut off his oxygen, Dalton placed his hands around his neck—a universal sign of choking—hoping someone would notice. Valerie Hodge did. Although she isn’t Dalton’s teacher, the middle school English teacher didn’t hesitate. “I didn't really even think, honestly,” she said. “I just kind of reacted. I saw a student who was in trouble and ... I just went into action.” She performed the Heimlich maneuver, clearing Dalton’s airway in time. The incident was shared in a video posted by the Cobb County School District. Dalton, safe and breathing again, said simply: “She saved my life, so it’s a big thing.” His mother, Courtney Tomberlain, got a phone call from the school about what happened. “From what I understand, he was turning blue,” she said. “I can’t thank her enough. She took care of business and she didn’t think twice, and I don't know what the outcome could have been; it could have been a tragic situation for our family.” Instead, Dalton was able to go home that day. The school district’s post highlighting Hodge’s quick actions has drawn praise from the community, with parents and staff calling her a hero. But Hodge herself downplayed the title. For her, it was instinct. A student needed help. So she helped.
Score (97)
Two Strangers Pulled a 9-Month-Old Baby from a Burning Car, Just Seconds Before It Exploded
A mother in Wales is calling two strangers her heroes after they rescued her baby daughter from a burning car—just moments before it was completely engulfed in flames. Alex McClean, 21, was driving through Ebbw Vale on January 14 when she noticed smoke coming from her car around 1:20 p.m. She immediately pulled over and jumped out of the driver’s side, but when she ran to the back door to reach her 9-month-old daughter Lilah, the door wouldn’t open. “I was panicking trying to open the doors,” McClean told the BBC. “I thought everything was just locked. I was hysterical and had no idea what was going on. I thought I was going to lose her.” She screamed for help as cars passed by, trying desperately to smash a window with her keys. That’s when Wesley Beynon, 39, and his uncle, Marc Willding, 58, happened to be driving by and saw the smoke. “It was horrifying,” Wesley said. The two men pulled over and rushed toward the vehicle. Wesley managed to climb in through the driver’s door and reach Lilah, carefully passing her to Marc through the front seat. “There were flames visible when we got in the car,” Wesley said. “I could see them through the windshield. It was pretty terrifying, I’m not going to lie.” Just 30 to 60 seconds later, the entire car was in flames. “If they weren’t there, it would have been so bad,” McClean said. “It was such a relief to get her out of the car. I’ve never been so appreciative of someone helping me. There were so many other people that didn’t bother stopping.” The two men said instinct simply took over. “We’d have tried to save her any way possible,” said Marc. Wesley added, “I couldn’t bear to imagine what they would have gone through if we didn’t get the baby.” McClean later reunited with the pair to thank them in person, calling them “real lifesavers.” She said she will make sure Lilah grows up knowing exactly who they are and what they did for her. “I’ll never forget them,” she said. Wesley hopes their actions serve as a reminder. “Just stop and help,” he said. “You could potentially change somebody’s life—as we have just done.”
Score (98)
Virginia High School Students are Fixing Up Cars and Giving Them to Single Moms in Need
Every few months, a garage door opens at Louisa County High School and a single mom is handed the keys to a newly repaired car—complete with a big red bow and a round of student applause. For eight years now, students in the school’s automotive technology program in Mineral, Virginia, have been doing more than just learning how to fix cars—they’ve been changing lives. Each semester, around 20 students work together to refurbish donated vehicles, which are then gifted to single mothers in the community. “The whole class is very rewarding,” said 16-year-old Holden Pekary, one of the students in the program. He recalled the moment he saw a mother holding a baby while receiving a car. “It gives you more of a purpose.” The course, taught by Shane Robertson, trains students in real-world vehicle maintenance—everything from brake repair and battery testing to tire changes and heating system fixes. But the lessons go far beyond the mechanical. “They get the real-life grit behind why they are really doing a task,” Robertson told ABC. “This is somebody’s real car and you’re really making a change in the world.” The program is a collaboration with Giving Words, a nonprofit started by Eddie Brown and his wife—both of whom were single parents themselves. Their goal: to help other single parents navigate transportation hurdles that can upend work schedules, school drop-offs, and daily life. “So far, we’ve given over 60 cars away, and repaired more than 260,” Brown told WTVR. One of those success stories is Jessica Rader, a single mom of three who overcame addiction and was relying on friends and family for rides. When the students presented her with a refurbished 2007 gold Toyota Prius, it changed everything. “It’s not just about the car, it’s about community,” she told The Washington Post. “Kids who never met me cared about me enough to put hard work into a vehicle to make sure myself and my kids were safe. I got to meet all of them. It was breathtaking.” Since receiving the car, Jessica has gone from part-time work to full-time employment. A reliable ride helped her reclaim independence and stability—proof of what a little under-the-hood kindness can do. Giving Words continues to work with repair shops and local donors to expand its reach, but the heart of the program remains the students at Louisa High, where the sounds of ratchets and tire irons double as the soundtrack to something much bigger. “It’s a helping hand,” Jessica said. “And a reminder that kindness can be delivered at any age.”