Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Feb 7, 2017

Chocolate, Caffeine, Alcohol:

One in four high school teens who have used e-cigarettes have also tried a potentially dangerous new vaping method called "dripping." Dripping involves dropping e-cigarette liquid directly onto the hot coils of the device to produce thicker, more flavorful smoke. Through this dripping technique, users may be exposed to higher levels of nicotine and toxins like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are known to cause cancer. USA Todaysays 64 percent of the surveyed teens said they dripped for the thicker smoke, 39 percent for the better flavor and 28 percent for the stronger throat hit or sensation. (Bartha)

Animal Stories:

Your dose of big, fat cuteness for the day: Fiona, the Cincinnati Zoo's happy hippo baby, took her first steps for the first time after her premature birth six weeks ago. She was shaky but staffers have been feeding her formula and nursing her back to health while still trying to keep her near her parents so they bond. See her first few steps HERE. (Myers)

Animal stories, part 2:

Oregon police have tracked down a fugitive labeled as "notorious."
The Forest Grove Police Department says a potbelly pig known as PIGGY SMALLS --aka the NOTORIOUS P-I-G-- has been captured. Citizens have reported seeing the oinker running loose for several months but he has evaded authorities until now. He was cornered last Friday by a "joint task force" and will be released into the custody of an animal rescue organization. It's unclear where the animal originally came from. (Still)

On, off and way-off-Broadway:

Wanna sit in the front row to see BETTE MIDLER in the Broadway revival of "Hello Dolly?" "Telecharge Front Row Premium Seating" is available now, starting at $550-dollars to $750-dollars, per seat! Get 'em while they last at HelloDollyOnBroadway.com. Previews begin March 15th at the Shubert Theater with opening night set for April 20th. (Marino)