The latest report into the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne leaves more questions than answers following his fatal fall from the balcony of his hotel room on October 16. He was 31. According to surveillance video footage from the hotel, witnesses, a 911 call and the police, the singer may not have been trying to end his life, but rather could have been using the balcony as a means to escape his Buenos Aires CasaSur Palermo Hotel, TMZ reported. In one video from the hotel, minutes before his death, the singer is being carried out of the lobby by three men. In a second video, those same men use their key to get the singer inside his room while he struggled to get free. The outlet also learned that Payne’s hat was located close to where his body was found in the hotel courtyard and strapped to his shoulder was a bag, leading some to speculate that he was trying to leave via the balcony.  #LiamPayne was trying to escape from his hotel when he fell to his death, and the hotel knew he was threatening to use the balcony as the means to escape, but left him by himself. pic.twitter.com/VLCl9FOHnc — TMZ (@TMZ) November 25, 2024 After his death, a brown leather bag was found on a second floor balcony leading the outlet to suggest that Payne may have only been attempting to get from the third floor balcony to the second when something went wrong. A note inside the bag read “for Liam,” and the bag also contained various pills and a bottle of alcohol. Multiple 911 calls made by the hotel staff minutes before the singer’s shocking fatal fall appear to support the idea. The Associated Press reported that the hotel manager told the 911 operator about “a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol. … He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” A BBC transcript stated that the staff said the person had been “trashing the entire room” before his death. In a second call, a member of the hotel staff said they worried the guest’s “life may be in danger” because he was “in a room with a balcony. We’re a little afraid that he …” the BBC reported. The 911 operator assured the manager that emergency crews were on the way, per the outlet. The cause of death is currently listed as “multiple trauma” and “internal and external bleeding,” the Associated Press reported.  Apparently using balconies to escape places was not unheard of for the singer. Sources with knowledge told TMZ that in mid-September Payne escaped from a Florida rental house using the balcony and a garden hose after his bodyguard had forced him inside the house for fear he would go on drug binge. Three people have been arrested and face charges of “abandonment of a person followed by death and the supply of narcotics” in connection to Payne’s death, Sky News reported. Payne’s partial autopsy reportedly showed that the singer had “multiple substances in his system” including something called “pink cocaine” when he fell three stories from the hotel, sources told ABC News. The toxicology report also reportedly found crack, cocaine, and benzodiazepine. Paraphernalia used to ingest drugs were also found, the sources said. Related: Liam Payne’s Autopsy Shows Mix Of Drugs

Many people truly believe in ghosts and the supernatural. Some feel like spirits haunt their homes. They don’t necessarily have to be strangers. There are plenty of people who believe their loved ones visit them in one way or another after they’ve passed away. Ghosts and spirits are not always scary. As a matter of fact, sometimes their presence can bring peace and happiness. A late wife may have helped one lucky man in Chicago win the lottery. The man, known only as Big Money D, said that he won the lottery after his wife’s death, and she helped him pick his numbers. Those numbers ultimately led to a $650,000 prize, according to a release from the Illinois lottery. Big Money D Said His Late Wife Helped Him Win The Lottery Prize He explained the day he bought the winning ticket, something was different. “I typically play Pick 4, but that day, I noticed that the Lucky Day Lotto jackpot was pretty high, so I decided to switch it up and try something new,” he told lottery officials. “I picked numbers related to my late wife – when I won, it felt like it was a message from her.”  Big Money D didn’t say exactly how his wife helped him win the lottery, but he could hardly believe his luck. “I’m still so shocked and excited about the win, I have barely been able to sleep!” he said. Right now, he plans to spend his money on his family. He told lottery officials, “I’m already looking at houses, and can’t wait to purchase my dream home for myself and my kids—it truly is a dream come true.” Big Money D’s wife helped him choose the numbers 9-11-12-13-17, which led to his big lottery win. This story’s featured image can be found here. The post Man Says Message From Late Wife Helped Him Win $650K Lottery appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Concrete is the foundation of modern civilization, but its notorious tendency to crack isn’t just a construction headache—it’s a multi-billion-dollar problem. In Australia alone, repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures costs a staggering $8 billion annually. But there is a surprising hero in this high-stakes drama: scrap carpet fibers. Engineers at RMIT University in Melbourne have discovered an innovative use for waste carpets, turning them into a key ingredient for stronger, crack-resistant concrete. This groundbreaking technique doesn’t just solve a construction conundrum—it’s also a giant leap for sustainability. A crack-resistant concrete revolution Led by Dr. Chamila Gunasekara, the research team developed a method to incorporate waste carpet fibers into concrete. The results are remarkable: shrinkage cracking in early-age concrete is reduced by up to 30 percent, while the material’s strength increases by 40 percent in tension. These enhancements don’t just boost durability—they also improve safety and structural integrity. “Cracking in early-age concrete slabs is a long-standing challenge in construction projects that can cause premature corrosion, not only making a building look bad but also risking its structural integrity and safety,” said Gunasekara, an ARC DECRA fellow at RMIT. “Scrap carpet fibers can be used to increase concrete’s strength and prevent early cracking by reducing shrinkage substantially.” The team’s findings, published in the journal Construction and Building Materials, have already proven that concrete made with reclaimed textiles meets Australia’s engineering and environmental standards. From landfill to load-bearing: tackling textile waste To put things into perspective, it’s estimated that everyone on Earth collectively produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Australia is the second-largest consumer of textiles per capita globally, after the United States. The average Australian purchases 27 kilograms of new clothing and textiles annually and discards 23 kilograms straight into landfills.  Burning these materials, including carpets, releases toxic gases and compounds, compounding environmental concerns. “Australia faces an enormous environmental challenge with textile waste,” said Gunasekara. “Burning carpet waste releases various toxic gases, creating environmental concerns.” The potential for recycling is enormous. According to Dr. Shadi Houshyar, a textile and material scientist at RMIT, “Up to 70 percent of textile waste would be suitable for conversion into usable fibers, presenting an opportunity in the materials supply chain.” Houshyar notes that even specialty materials, such as those used in firefighting gear, could have a second life as part of these innovative concrete mixes. While their durability and flame resistance makes them hard to recycle, these same qualities, which make them so robust in their original applications, also make them ideal for strengthening concrete. Field trials and future possibilities The research doesn’t end in the lab. Supported by local councils, industry partners such as Textile Recyclers Australia and Godfrey Hirst Australia, and funding from the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub (TREMS), the team is conducting field trials. These real-world tests aim to capture how this new concrete performs under unpredictable construction conditions. “Field trials will ensure the concrete meets practical demands while advancing a circular economy,” said Gunasekara. In collaboration with Professor Andrzej Cwirzen from Sweden’s Luleå University of Technology, the team is also using computational modeling to refine their approach further. The work is part of a larger effort to rethink waste as a resource, with TREMS leading the charge in transforming reclaimed materials into innovative engineered solutions. Paving the way for greener construction This research is a game-changer for two industries—construction and waste management. By turning textile waste into a valuable material, it tackles pressing issues on multiple fronts. The method not only enhances concrete durability but also reduces the environmental impact of landfilling and burning discarded textiles. “Imagine the potential if every landfill-bound carpet fiber could instead strengthen the foundations of our buildings,” said Houshyar. “It’s a win-win for sustainability and innovation.” From lab tests to on-ground trials, this collaboration between engineers, textile researchers, and industry leaders is a shining example of how clever thinking can lead to tangible environmental benefits. Concrete isn’t just getting stronger—it’s getting smarter, thanks to the humble carpet. Source study: Construction and Building Materials—Enhancement of concrete performance and sustainability through incorporation of diverse waste carpet fibresThe post Stronger concrete, cleaner landfills—how scrap carpet fibers are reinventing construction first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Aging might seem like a slow, steady march, but science suggests otherwise. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “When did I get older overnight?”, there’s a good chance you weren’t imagining it. Researchers have found that human aging doesn’t just creep up on us—it leaps forward at two distinct moments in life: the mid-40s and the early 60s. “We’re not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes,” explains Michael Snyder, a geneticist at Stanford University. His team’s groundbreaking study, published in August, reveals that these shifts are far from subtle, occurring across nearly every biological system. “It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that’s true no matter what class of molecules you look at.” Two peaks, countless questions Aging is inherently complex, bringing increased risks for diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Snyder and his colleagues wanted to pinpoint the molecular changes that underlie these health risks. By tracking 108 adults over several years, they uncovered fascinating patterns. Their participants submitted biological samples regularly, offering an unprecedented dataset that included RNA, proteins, lipids, and microbiome taxa from the gut, skin, nose, and mouth. The results? More than 246 billion data points highlight changes across 135,239 biological features. The data revealed two sharp peaks in molecular changes: one in the mid-40s and another in the early 60s. Around 81 percent of the molecules studied showed significant shifts during one or both of these stages, indicating that these are not isolated phenomena but major biological turning points. What’s happening in the mid-40s? The first aging peak in the mid-40s affects processes like lipid, caffeine, and alcohol metabolism. It’s also linked to increased risk for cardiovascular issues and dysfunction in the skin and muscles. While menopause and perimenopause might seem like the culprits for women, the researchers found that men undergo comparable changes at the same age. This suggests broader biological factors at play. “While menopause or perimenopause may contribute to the changes observed in women in their mid-40s, there are likely other, more significant factors influencing these changes in both men and women,” explains metabolomicist Xiaotao Shen, formerly of Stanford but now working at Nanyang Technological University Singapore. Early 60s: aging’s second act The second peak in the early 60s brings changes related to carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and skin and muscle health. These shifts come at a time when many people are already grappling with the visible and invisible signs of aging. The team’s findings align with existing research on aging in animals, including rats, mice, and zebrafish, which also show stepwise patterns of biological aging. The parallels suggest that humans might share a universal aging process with other species—one punctuated by sharp transitions rather than a smooth continuum. Why these findings matter Understanding these distinct aging peaks isn’t just fascinating—it has real-world implications. If scientists can pinpoint the molecular changes driving these shifts, they might develop interventions to slow down or mitigate aging-related health risks. For instance, by addressing changes in lipid metabolism or immune regulation during these critical windows, we could potentially extend both lifespan and healthspan. However, this research is still in its infancy. “Our sample size is relatively small, and we tested limited biological samples from people aged 25 to 70,” Snyder admits. Future studies involving larger, more diverse populations could refine these findings and uncover more about the underlying causes. What’s next for aging research? The study highlights the importance of broad, longitudinal research into aging. With technology advancing rapidly, future efforts could explore these molecular shifts in greater detail, offering a clearer picture of how—and why—we age the way we do. For now, Snyder’s team has opened a new chapter in our understanding of aging. Their findings not only validate the experiences of millions who feel the weight of these biological shifts but also provide a foundation for targeted strategies to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. Embracing the peaks and valleys of life Aging, for all its challenges, is a universal journey. While the mid-40s and early 60s may come with sharper shifts, they also offer opportunities to rethink how we care for our bodies and minds. As researchers like Snyder and Shen continue to decode the mysteries of aging, one thing is clear: understanding these peaks might just help us make the valleys a little easier to navigate. Source study: Nature Aging—Non-linear dynamics of multi-comics profiles during human agingThe post Investigating when our bodies change the fastest and why it matters first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Cord Byrd has officially set Jan. 28 as the primary for Waltz's replacement

'editorial decision'

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Faces of celebrities come and go with the ages, leaving some stars back in their time while others become timeless. With the quickness in which Hollywood trends change, it's fun to look back on some of the earlier stars, seeing who was popular each year. These famous stars are former chart-toppers, Oscar winners, and people so memorable they're on the tips of everyone's tongues years later. So... Source

Israel and Lebanon’s militant group—and Iranian terror proxy—Hezbollah seem set to reach a temporary ceasefire deal, despite increased conflict over the weekend. The Israeli cabinet will meet Tuesday to discuss the prospect of a 60-day truce. The Israel Defense Forces reported that on Sunday, Hezbollah launched 250 rockets across the border from Lebanon into Israel, making it one of the largest attacks on Israel since the eruption of conflict in September. The attacks followed an Israeli military airstrike on Beirut Saturday that took out a building and killed 20 in what was reportedly an attempt to assassinate a top Hezbollah military commander. Amid all the back-and-forth, one expert cut through the noise. “I don’t think anybody has any illusions that Lebanon has a functioning government at this point or that Hezbollah is a good-faith negotiating partner,” Victoria Coates, a former deputy national security adviser to President Donald Trump during his first term and current vice president of the Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation, told The Daily Signal. Coates noted that this ceasefire deal could “blow up.” Most likely, it would be an agreement that is “not durable or effective.” Such a deal would mean that the Lebanese army would move south and the Israel Defense Forces would withdraw over a 60-day period, according to Coates. She remarked that leaks from both U.S. and Israeli officials notified the public about the likely ceasefire, which might be approached honestly by Lebanon, though “nobody thinks Hezbollah is negotiating in good faith, so there are no guarantees of what they’re going to do.” The United States has provided a letter with assurances to Israel that it will support Israel if additional action against Hezbollah is needed, according to Coates. She said that the Biden administration no longer has “any credibility on the international stage anymore, because they’ll be gone in 56 days,” and that this peace negotiation is a “kick the can down the road arrangement” as the world waits for the Trump administration to “see what’s actually possible.” Coates argued that if Trump were currently in office, a ceasefire would be unnecessary, as the conflict would not have erupted at all. When asked if Iran’s terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah, would be this powerful had Trump been in office the last four years, Coates responded, “Absolutely not. And that is not just according to my judgment.” She referenced one 2019 New York Times article that quotes former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah saying that American sanctions were “a form of war.” In the same statement, Nasrallah pleaded for financial support of jihad—to which U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said “was the first time in history they’ve had to do that.” One Iranian-backed fighter in Syria lamented in the same New York Times article that “the golden days are gone and will never return.” The Israeli military conducted successful airstrikes on Hezbollah in September, killing Nasrallah and several of his top commanders. Coates said that the incoming Trump administration will need to resolve this crisis in the Middle East and that would be “best for the whole region—not just Israel.” The post Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Deal a Game of ‘Kick the Can,’ Expert Says appeared first on The Daily Signal.