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This Airport is Bidding a Fond Farewell To These Giant Sculptures After 12 Years
For over a decade, travelers at Wellington Airport in New Zealand have been greeted by two massive eagles from the "Hobbit" films, one carrying the iconic wizard Gandalf. These sculptures, with their impressive 50-foot wingspans and weighing 2,600 pounds each, have captivated visitors since 2013. However, their time at the airport is coming to an end this month. The eagles' presence has not been without incident; one fell during a severe earthquake in 2016 but fortunately caused no injuries. Despite their popularity and connection to Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" films, Wellington Airport announced they will be removed to make way for new themes. “It’s been quite a Lord of the Rings-heavy storytelling theme in here,” said Matt Clarke, airport chief executive. “Now we’re looking to change that to something new.” Travelers expressed mixed emotions about the decision. Verity Johnson lamented under an eagle claw in the food court: “It breaks my heart... Please, please reconsider.” Meanwhile, Michael Parks humorously remarked that removing them felt “un-New Zealand.” Crafted by Wētā Workshop—renowned for creating props for Jackson's films—the eagles symbolize Wellington's cinematic legacy. Although Tolkien tourism has declined over time, guided tours still attract fans eager to explore film locations and production sites like Wētā. The eagles will be stored after Friday's final viewing opportunity. Clarke hopes they find a museum home eventually. Meanwhile, Smaug the dragon will continue watching over check-in counters at Wellington Airport.
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Why Thousands Of Redheads Flocked To This Unusual Dutch Festival
For one weekend each year, the Dutch city of Tilburg turns into a sea of red hair. Thousands of redheads from more than 80 countries gathered in the Netherlands for the 2025 edition of Redhead Days, a three-day festival celebrating natural ginger hair with music, food trucks, workshops, and a whole lot of selfies. From makeup tutorials made for fair complexions to skin cancer prevention seminars, the event offers more than just entertainment. It’s part reunion, part celebration, and part safe haven for people who are used to standing out—but for once, don’t. Elounda Bakker, a 29-year-old from the Netherlands, has attended the festival for 15 years. She spent part of the weekend playing cards with redheaded friends she’s met over the years. “I came out of curiosity mostly, just to see what it would be like not to stand out in the crowd,” she said. “It was really an interesting first experience and I just keep coming because I met some really nice friends here.” Magician Daniel Hank drove six hours from Germany to attend. Growing up, his bright red beard and long hair made him a target for bullies. Now, it makes him feel at home. “I think it’s really easy to recognize me because there are not that many people with a red beard, there are not many guys with long red hair,” he said. The festival is free and open to everyone, with one exception: the traditional group photo on Sunday is reserved for natural redheads only. That photo helped put the festival on the map in 2013, when it broke a Guinness World Record with 1,672 redheads gathered in one place. Bart Rouwenhorst, the Dutch artist who started the event, still oversees it to this day. For him, it’s always been about more than just hair color. “The festival is really amazing because all the people, they resemble each other and they feel like it’s a family,” he said.
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Skateboarding Across America: How Brooke Johnson's Tribute to Her Stepfather Made History
Brooke Johnson just made history as the first woman to skateboard across the United States—a 3,226-mile (5,191-kilometre) trek that began in Santa Monica, California, and ended 119 days later in the Atlantic Ocean at Virginia Beach. When she crossed the finish line, she lifted her board over her head and thought of Roger, her late stepfather, whose ashes were around her neck in a small pendant. He wasn’t there in person, but Brooke says he was with her every step of the way. Roger had always believed in her. Before he died, the two talked often about her dream of skateboarding coast to coast. At one point, Brooke had even hoped to push him across the finish line in a wheelchair. After breaking his C5 vertebrae and becoming a quadriplegic, his health declined until he passed away last year. “I was like, ‘Roger, it’s a really big country.’ And he was like, ‘Well, you can do it,’” Brooke told Kelly McCarthy of GMA. That belief became her fuel. She set out four months ago to complete the journey in his memory while raising funds for Wings for Life, a nonprofit that supports spinal cord research. Along the way, she faced harsh weather, challenging mountain terrain, and even a tornado warning in Oklahoma. Through it all, Roger was there—in spirit, in the necklace she wore, and in the name written on her white sneakers, visible with every push forward. Her team, which included a support RV and a video crew, helped her document the journey and ultimately raised $50,000 for the cause. On one of her toughest days, Brooke found an old voicemail from Roger. In it, he said, “...Everything’s gonna be fine…We’ll get through it.” She later shared the message in an Instagram video after completing the trip. “It was one of those messages that felt like he left it for the present moment. That was a crazy feeling,” she wrote. As she waded into the Atlantic, Brooke carried her board—and her stepfather’s memory—with her. After 119 days on the road, she had reached her goal. “If there’s one thing you take away from this trip,” she wrote, “it’s that you can truly do anything you put your mind to.”
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Score (94)
Descendants of Heroic WWII B-17 Crew Unite for First Time, Discover Family Ties 80 Years Later
On the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, Ancestry.com marked the day by bringing together the descendants of a B-17 bomber crew whose bravery once made headlines. The reunion, nearly 80 years after the mission, felt like one last flight for the men’s living legacy. “Eighty percent of Americans say they know very little about their personal connections to WWII,” said Ancestry Story Producer Lisa Elzey. “I wanted to know more about my grandfather’s service, so I dove into the records to see what I might discover.” Her search led her to Harold E. Lounsbury Jr., her grandfather, who served as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 bomber that shot down three Nazi planes. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Elzey found a photo of him alongside his fellow airmen, with records describing a flight that nearly cost them their lives. “I was so inspired by this incredible story of brotherhood these men must have experienced, that I wanted to connect with the descendants of these WWII veterans to see if they knew any more details of their ancestors’ heroism and bravery,” she said. Elzey invited those descendants to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. They thought they were simply learning more about their family’s history, but instead they were surprised with the chance to meet each other for the very first time. The TODAY Show was there to capture the moment. “In a tumultuous time these young men risked their lives. It’s meaningful to have us all here together—80 years later, as their living legacy,” one descendant said. “I didn’t think I had anybody out there that knew anything about my father’s friends on the plane,” added Lesley Nall Oliverio. “I feel like I gained a new family.” Adam Taylor agreed. “Your relatives are all people he loved…this means the world. This binds us together as humans. You guys are my family.” The B-17 crew, who flew more than 30 missions together, earned their Distinguished Flying Cross after one mission nearly ended in disaster. Their plane, the “Yankee Rebel,” was riddled with enemy fire. The pilot was gravely injured, but the co-pilot—Oliverio’s father—managed to land the bomber safely in England without landing gear. During the reunion, Taylor shared a piece of shrapnel from the aircraft, while reading aloud from his grandfather’s wartime journal describing the harrowing mission. “As survivors of WWII vets, learning about the rest of the crew and meeting their descendants was amazing—start to finish,” said Kris Olson. “This is one of the best days of my life.”
Score (98)
Meet The 12-Year-Old Pigeon Prodigy Inspiring A New Generation Of Bird Enthusiasts
At just 12 years old, Harry from Malton, North Yorkshire, already has a flock to call his own — and he’s quickly becoming a rising star in the world of pigeon fancying. Pigeon fancying is the hobby of breeding and raising pigeons, often for showing or competition. “When I was little I would follow my dad around feeding the birds and looking after them,” Harry said. That early curiosity has grown into a full-blown passion. Now he breeds exotic varieties like clean-legged tumblers, nuns, and trumpeters — all from his own loft, set up about three years ago. His family connection runs deep. His father, uncle, and grandfather have all kept pigeons, so it’s no surprise that Harry has taken to the hobby so naturally. But this isn’t just a family tradition — it’s his own thing now. “I started pairing them up,” he explained, referring to how he began breeding his birds. His father Stuart has watched the interest develop from the sidelines. “He was always following me around from about the age of five, just trying to copy what I was doing,” Stuart said. “If I went into the birds and fed them then he'd want to go into the other compartment and feed those.” Harry’s dedication has earned him recognition as a young ambassador for the British Pigeon Show Society. He regularly shows his birds and admits he enjoys the competition. “I love the anticipation of a judge judging your birds and seeing if it gets first, second or third prize,” he said. Stuart put it a bit more bluntly: “He likes to come home with more first prizes than I do, so as long as that happens he's happy.” Harry also hopes his role as an ambassador can help bring more young people into the fold. “I would encourage my friends because it is a really nice hobby to keep animals and birds which fly around and you get to feed them and stuff,” he said. The next big test for both Harry and Stuart is the BPSS & NPA National Show coming up in December at the York Auction Centre in Murton. Whether or not he comes home with more ribbons than his dad, Harry is already making his mark — one bird at a time.
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New York's MTA Just Ordered 13 Battery-Electric Trains For a Cleaner Commute
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is taking a big step toward cleaner transit — and making history in the process. The MTA has ordered 13 battery-electric locomotives, marking the first time this technology will be used to carry passengers in North America. Manufactured by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, California, the trains will combine electric and battery power to move riders without burning diesel. Globally, battery-electric passenger trains are already in use across Germany, France, Ireland, and Saudi Arabia. Now, New York is preparing to join them. “The locomotive itself knows where it is and when it has to switch,” said Tobias Bauer, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America, in an interview with *Smart Cities Dive*. He emphasized the trains’ flexibility, battery longevity, and speed. The dual-powered design allows the trains to switch seamlessly between electric grid power and battery power depending on the route — a key benefit in regions like New York where electrified rail infrastructure isn’t always continuous. The shift could have significant environmental impacts. A similar project in Washington State saw three diesel trains replaced by battery-electric models, cutting 90,000 gallons of diesel from its annual fuel use. This kind of upgrade matters. Diesel exhaust has been linked to serious health issues and is a contributor to the 2.5 percent of global emissions that come from the transportation sector. Battery-electric trains not only reduce air pollution, they also help fight climate change. The MTA’s trains are expected to begin service in 2029. Elsewhere, the shift to electric public transportation is accelerating. The Netherlands recently rolled out an all-electric bus fleet. In the skies, companies are exploring air taxis. On the roads, solar-powered cars are slowly entering the conversation. As pressure mounts to cut emissions from the energy and transport sectors, these clean transit efforts are gaining ground. And with New York now on track to run battery-powered passenger trains, one of the world’s busiest transit systems could become a model for cleaner commuting. “We’re not just talking about reducing pollution,” Bauer said. “We’re talking about redefining how cities move.”
Score (97)
New Breakthrough Coating Could Make Electric Vehicle Batteries Last 5 Times Longer!
Electric vehicles are getting a boost with a new innovation in battery technology. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have developed a coating for lithium-sulfur batteries that could significantly extend their lifespan, according to Interesting Engineering. Lithium-sulfur, or Li-S batteries, are highly regarded in the EV industry due to their fast charging capabilities and increased safety compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, they tend to wear out more quickly because of particle movement within the battery during operation. This wear and tear pose a challenge for manufacturers who want long-lasting battery solutions. The NTNU team has patented a special coating designed to address this issue by enhancing the separator inside the battery. The separator is situated between the electrodes, and with this new coating, it acts as a filter that reduces damage from chemical movement within the cells. With this improvement, the lifespan of Li-S batteries could increase up to five times. A longer-lasting battery means fewer cells are needed to store energy effectively. This leads to lighter batteries overall. For instance, an 800-volt EV battery could be about 200 kilograms lighter with this technology. Lighter vehicles benefit from improved handling, reduced tire wear, and extended driving range. Besides improving electric cars, this technology might also have applications in energy storage systems for solar power. Kristina Nydal from NTNU's Technology Transfer Office said their goal is "to scale up the technology and license it to an industrial partner so that it can be used in everything from electric cars to storage of green energy." This advancement holds potential benefits for homeowners using solar panels, too. If these enhanced batteries become widely available, they could store excess solar energy more efficiently.
Score (97)
A Swiss Explorer Just Broke a Solar Flight Record, And He's Ready For More Stratospheric Heights
Swiss eco-explorer Raphaël Domjan has set a new benchmark for solar aviation — soaring to 31,200 feet in a solar-powered aircraft, the highest altitude ever recorded for a flight of its kind. The record-breaking ascent, which took place in August, marks a major step forward for clean aviation. Domjan’s single-seat aircraft, the SolarStratos HB-SXA, runs entirely on sun power, capturing solar energy through panels mounted on its long wings and storing it in onboard batteries. Unlike a commercial jet burning fossil fuels at 10,000 meters, Domjan climbed into the stratosphere without producing any climate-warming exhaust. “I share this moment of joy with all the people who have been preparing for this achievement for years,” said the 53-year-old pilot, according to *Tech Xplore*. The five-hour flight beat a previous electric and solar-powered altitude record of 30,298 feet, a milestone that stood for 15 years. It wasn’t just a matter of climbing high — to qualify, Domjan had to land with at least 16 percent battery charge remaining. Natural thermal updrafts helped with the ascent, while sunlight recharged the batteries mid-flight. SolarStratos described the moment as “one of those unforgettable peaks that define great human and technological adventures.” The Swiss pilot isn’t done yet. His next goal is to fly higher than 32,800 feet, reaching altitudes where airliners cruise — only without the fuel burn. It’s a bold vision for a sector that currently accounts for about 2.5 percent of global heat-trapping emissions, a number expected to rise as demand for air travel grows. But Domjan’s work shows what’s possible. His aircraft has a wingspan of 81.3 feet — wider than most commercial jets — and cruises at just under 80 km/h. While that’s a far cry from the 800–900 km/h speeds of commercial airliners, it’s not the speed that matters. It’s the signal. “It’s important to demonstrate what we can achieve with solar energy,” Domjan said. This isn’t his first solar milestone. In 2012, he became the first person to circumnavigate the globe in a solar-powered boat. Now he’s aiming even higher — literally and figuratively — to prove that sustainable flight is possible. Domjan isn’t alone in this mission. Other companies are racing to rethink aviation, too. Skydweller Aero is developing an autonomous solar plane in Spain and the US, while teams around the world are experimenting with hydrogen- and battery-powered aircraft. The urgency is clear. Air travel not only heats the atmosphere, but also contributes to ocean warming. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 91 percent of Earth’s excess heat is absorbed by the oceans, driving coral bleaching, glacial melt, and rising sea levels. Domjan’s stratospheric flight offers a glimpse of a different future — one where aviation doesn’t come at such a high environmental cost. “My goal is to show to the young generation … that tomorrow it will still be possible to fly without burning any fossil energies,” he said. It’s a high bar. But for Domjan, that’s exactly the point.
Score (94)
This Mom Raised $1M to Build the Most Inclusive Playground Ever
For most of his young life, six-year-old Luke Madson of Louisville, Kentucky, watched other kids play from the sidelines. Born with a spinal cord injury, Luke uses a wheelchair or walker to get around — but most playgrounds are built on wood chips, not wheels. “About 99% of playgrounds that we visit have wood chips,” his mom, Sarah Madson, told *PEOPLE*. “So those are not places that we can go, unfortunately. It has to be smooth and wheel friendly.” So she decided to do something about it. In July, Sarah’s dream became a reality with the opening of Panther Park, an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. The park features flat rubber surfacing, ramps, adaptive swings, musical elements, and shaded pavilions — all thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. “We tried to think of something for everyone,” she said. The project was led by Sarah’s nonprofit, the DREAM Foundation of Kentucky, and took 18 months and \$1 million in donations to complete. Generous donors — including pro golfer Justin Thomas and his foundation — helped bring the idea to life. “I asked the question,” Sarah said. “But they gave the money over and over and over again.” Originally from Minnesota, Sarah and her husband Tim moved their family to Louisville four years ago so Luke could access a leading pediatric neuro recovery program. But as he grew, their biggest challenge became clear. “My husband and I will carry him around,” she said. “He’s reaching the age where he doesn’t want us to do that. It’s not cool to have your mom carry you around the playground.” That quiet shift — when Luke began sitting out rather than asking to be helped — was the moment that pushed Sarah into action. “He won’t necessarily say it, which is almost worse,” she said. “So he would just not play.” With Panther Park, that changed. On opening day, Luke was no longer a bystander. He ran, rolled, and played alongside other kids — on his own terms. “It was emotional for me,” Sarah said. “Luke got to run up and be with all the other kids. That was the dream for me — that he wouldn’t be excluded.” Luke even got a say in the design. Just as Sarah was about to finalize the order for equipment, he pointed out that something was missing: “Where’s the twisty slide? What kind of playground doesn’t have a twisty slide?” So they added one. The playground also includes features many don’t think about: static-free slides for children with cochlear implants, shaded areas to prevent overheating, and picnic tables with space for two wheelchairs. Panther Park is the 15th accessible playground completed by the DREAM Foundation, with the next one already in progress for the Louisville neighborhood of Clifton. That project, near a special needs school without any playground, is almost fully funded and scheduled to open by spring or summer of 2026. “We said, ‘Let’s make it bigger. Let’s make it accessible,’” Sarah said. For now, the focus remains on what Panther Park has already achieved — giving kids like Luke the chance to just be kids. “No one has to sit and watch someone else play,” Sarah said. “It was a very beautiful moment for my family.”
Score (98)
How This 21-Year-Old Innovator Is Turning Plastic Waste Into Clean Fuel
At just 21, Julian Brown is tackling one of the planet’s biggest problems: plastic waste. And he’s doing it with a blowtorch and a bold idea. The Atlanta-based entrepreneur has launched Naturejab, a startup that turns plastic waste into usable diesel fuel. His method? A high-temperature process called pyrolysis — burning plastic at over 500°C without oxygen — that breaks it down into a liquid fuel. Brown began welding at 17 in high school and used those early skills to build his own pyrolysis machine. Despite skepticism about whether the resulting fuel was safe or effective, he took his product to ASAP Labs, a major fuel testing company, for analysis. “It appears that this diesel probably burns cleaner than typical diesel,” one employee at ASAP Labs told The Root. “The results don’t lie.” That validation was a major moment for Brown, who has set his sights high. “There will be no such thing as plastic waste — only untapped energy,” he said. It’s an ambitious goal. The world currently produces around 360 million metric tons of plastic waste per year, according to Statista. Most of that ends up in landfills or the ocean, where it eventually breaks down into microplastics — tiny particles less than 5 millimeters wide that contaminate everything from fish and soil to drinking water. Brown isn’t the only one exploring pyrolysis. Eni, an Italian energy company, is using the same technique to process 6,600 tons of plastic annually at its recycling facility. But Brown is among the youngest — and most determined — voices in the space. His work is still in its early stages, and like many startups, Naturejab needs funding to scale. But Brown is undeterred. “Instead, we should come at it from a mindset of ‘How can this be done’ instead of ‘Can this be done,’” he said.
Score (82)
There's a Surprising Sleep Benefit to Eating Walnuts Daily, and it's Backed by New Research
A recent study suggests that snacking on walnuts might offer a natural boost for those struggling with sleep issues. Conducted by researchers and published in Food & Function, the study found that consuming about 40 grams of walnuts daily could improve sleep quality by enhancing melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, and walnuts are one of the few foods that naturally contain it. They also have tryptophan, an amino acid essential for producing melatonin. With many people facing sleep problems linked to health conditions like obesity and heart disease, and knowing that poor sleep can often lead to unhealthy eating habits, this discovery could be significant. The study involved young adults aged 20 to 35 over an 18-week period. Participants were divided into two groups: one consumed walnuts daily for eight weeks while following a Mediterranean-style diet, avoiding other nuts during this time. After a two-week washout period, they switched roles. Researchers measured participants' sleep quality using wrist-worn monitors and analyzed urine samples to track melatonin levels. Results showed substantial improvements in several aspects of sleep for those who ate walnuts. Participants fell asleep faster and enjoyed better sleep efficiency—the percentage of time spent sleeping while in bed increased by 0.7 percent. While this increase may appear small, even slight gains can enhance overall sleep quality. Walnuts provided an average of 84.6 milligrams of tryptophan and 118 nanograms of melatonin per serving. The study also noted that the ratio of tryptophan to competing amino acids was favorable for helping tryptophan cross the blood-brain barrier, facilitating its conversion to melatonin. Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, reviewed the study's findings but pointed out some limitations. Participants knew which phase they were in due to the nature of walnut consumption; this lack of blinding might have influenced their behavior or perceptions. Additionally, variations in participants' diets outside the intervention were not controlled, which could affect results. The California Walnut Commission funded the project but had no role in its design or analysis. For those looking for a natural way to support better rest, incorporating walnuts into your daily routine might be worth considering. You can enjoy them as a snack or add them to salads, breakfast dishes like oatmeal or yogurt parfaits, or even make spiced roasted walnuts if you prefer seasoned snacks. While walnuts alone won't solve every sleep issue—which can stem from stress or lifestyle factors—they're an easy addition to a healthy lifestyle aiming for improved rest. As evidence suggests they can help reduce daytime grogginess too, adding them to your diet might just make falling asleep easier and your nights more restful. So if you're pondering ways to enhance your nighttime routine naturally, perhaps give walnuts a shot—but remember they're just part of a broader approach needed for tackling various causes behind sleepless nights.