An eclectic collection of positive news stories from around the world to perk up the day.
How to Get Them Fixed
A man fed up with the state of the roads in his home town in England decided to take matters into his own hands - by filling potholes with flowers. Since launching his Pretty Potholes, Harry Smith-Haggett has documented his efforts on TikTok, with some videos notching up more than 3.5 million views. “It all started because there was a big pothole near my house and it was winding me up,” he explained. “I wanted to do something about it because the council weren’t, but I didn’t want to risk doing anything I thought might be illegal. Everyone’s already contacting the council and reporting potholes - but nothing is getting done, so I thought I’d try something different. Most of the ones I have filled with plants have ended up getting fixed by the council.” Now we know the solution.
Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé has announced a stadium tour for her foray into country music, Cowboy Carter. The tour spans 22 dates, chiefly in the US, beginning in Los Angeles’s SoFi Stadium on 28 April before heading to Chicago, East Rutherford, Houston (her home city), Washington DC and Atlanta. The four London dates begin 5 June, followed by two at Paris’s Stade de France. The news comes swiftly on the heels of the Grammy awards, where Cowboy Carter was named album of the year and best country album. It extended Beyoncé’s record as the most awarded artist in Grammys history, with 35 wins from 99 nominations.
Rare Wonder
Marine biologists and whale watchers were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience when they encountered a "super pod" of over 1,500 Risso’s dolphins off the coast of Carmel Bay, California. This awe-inspiring sighting was a remarkable deviation from the species' usual behavior, as Risso’s dolphins typically travel in smaller pods of just 10 to 30 individuals. The sight of a super pod - essentially a large, temporary gathering of dolphins - is incredibly rare and often leaves scientists marveling at the unknown intricacies of marine animal behavior. Experts believe such massive congregations may occur during socializing events or when feeding opportunities are abundant.
Pulling Through
Ananya Prasad has become the first "woman of colour to row solo and unassisted across any ocean" after completing a 3,000 mile voyage across the Atlantic. The 34 year old was born in India, but now lives in England, began her journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 11 December before arriving safely in Antigua on Saturday, after 52 days at sea.
Mission 300
The heads of 30 African nations have endorsed a plan to provide “reliable, affordable and sustainable” electricity to 300 million people who currently do not have regular access across the continent over the next five years. The plan is expected not only to boost renewable energy and economic opportunity around the continent, but also support new jobs. $45 billion has been pledged, of which the World Bank has committed $30 billion.
Debut at 85
Last week, Marek Janowski became one of the oldest artists to debut with the New York Philharmonic orchestra. He’s conducted many of the world’s top orchestras over his decades-long career, but scheduling issues often got between him and the Philharmonic - until now. “Finally, I have the chance to meet you and to work with you,” Janowski said as he addressed the group in a rehearsal.
'Never Succeeded Before'
For the first time, a patient with type 1 diabetes has undergone an islet transplantation using genetically modified insulin-producing cells that do not require immunosuppressive drugs. "A major immunological breakthrough," says Professor Per-Ola Carlsson, who leads the clinical study, to Life Science Sweden. The hope is that, in the long term, this patient group could be cured of type 1 diabetes. The American company Sana Biotechnology, which developed the hypoimmune technology, saw its stock soar after the first results were presented this week. The company’s shares rose by approximately 200 percent.
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less." Marie Curie
On This Day
4 February 1977: The eleventh studio album by Fleetwood Mac - Rumours - is released.
Today's Articles
Thought Provoking: Random collection of epiphanies posted by internet users from all corners of the digital world.
Mood Boosting Video
Who's More Startled? Deer turns harp practice into a Disney movie.