Euro News

Bordeaux, France just surpassed Paris in a new ranking of the world's most beautiful cities, with Europe dominating nine out of the top 10 spots. The rankings are based on buildings that adhere to the 'golden ratio' for balanced and harmonious structures. Venice takes the lead as the most beautiful city, followed by Rome and Barcelona in second and third place respectively. Despite iconic landmarks, Paris lands at 12th place. In fifth place is the only non-European city to make the top 10: New York City.

9 Out of 10 of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities Are in Europe, Says New Ranking

Goodable

In a festive twist that could only happen in small-town Louisiana, the Grinch was caught — and quickly put to work — after being spotted scheming in Rayville just before Christmas.

According to the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies encountered the infamous holiday troublemaker early on December 23 with what they described as “plans to cause maximum traffic chaos.” But instead of hauling him off in handcuffs, they gave him a choice: help direct traffic or take a one-way ride to jail.

Wearing a high-visibility vest and a reluctant attitude, the Grinch chose cooperation.

“After some serious side-eye, a little grumbling, and one dramatic huff… the Grinch chose to cooperate,” the sheriff’s office said in a post shared alongside video of the green icon directing vehicles with surprising skill. “Cones placed perfectly. Flashlight directing like a pro. Traffic moving smoother than Christmas music in December.”

The deputies were impressed enough to offer him a full-time gig. He declined. “Turns out he prefers stealing Christmas presents, causing mild mischief, and avoiding steady employment,” the department joked.

No traffic was harmed. No Christmas was stolen — at least not this time. “Deputies remain undefeated,” the post added.

With the holiday spirit clearly alive and well in Richland Parish, even the Grinch couldn’t resist pitching in.

The Grinch was seen assisting with traffic control in Rayville, Louisiana, after he was caught by local deputies.Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office posted this footage, showing the Grinch in a hi-vis vest signaling to cars and trucks, on Tuesday, December 23.The sheriff’s office said the Grinch was spotted in the morning “with plans to cause maximum traffic chaos,” but deputies advised no funny business would be tolerated and gave him two options: help traffic flow smoothly or “enjoy a complimentary, all-expenses-paid ride to jail.”“After some serious side-eye, a little grumbling, and one dramatic huff… the Grinch chose to cooperate. And honestly? He crushed it. Cones placed perfectly. Flashlight directing like a pro. Traffic moving smoother than Christmas music in December. So smooth, in fact, he was offered a full-time position. He declined,” it said.“Turns out he prefers stealing Christmas presents, causing mild mischief, and avoiding steady employment. No traffic was harmed. No Christmas was stolen (today). Deputies remain undefeated.”

Grinch Assists With Traffic Control After Police Foil Christmas Heist Plan

Space

If you're up early on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, take a moment to look skyward — you might spot something magical.

Across parts of North America and Europe, the International Space Station will be visible in the pre-dawn sky on December 24 and 25, gliding silently overhead like a bright, steady star. It won’t blink like a plane, and it won’t leave a trail like a meteor. It will simply appear, drift across the sky for a few minutes, then vanish.

For kids already buzzing with excitement, the timing couldn’t be better. The glowing light might look like something — or someone — on a quiet holiday journey through the skies.

What you're seeing is sunlight reflecting off the station’s massive solar arrays as it orbits Earth roughly every 90 minutes. When conditions are right — just before sunrise or just after sunset — the ISS catches the light and shines brightly back toward Earth, often becoming one of the brightest objects in the sky.

No telescope or binoculars are needed. Just go outside, look up, and wait. It’s a brief but beautiful sight — a perfect mix of science and seasonal wonder.

For real-time viewing times in your area, check NASA’s Spot the Station tool. at www.spotthestation.nasa.gov. Weather permitting, it's a moment worth sharing — whether you're seeing a marvel of human engineering… or imagining a sleigh zipping by.

Here's How You Can Spot Santa's Sleigh, or the Space Station, This Christmas Eve and Day

Good News Network

Every December, firefighters in Sandy Springs, Georgia, gear up for a different kind of mission—one that doesn’t involve putting out fires, but lighting up faces.

On Friday, members of the Sandy Springs Fire Department (SSFD) suited up, teamed up with Santa, and rappelled down the walls of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. It’s become an annual tradition that’s now in its third year, offering a rare burst of joy for kids who can’t leave their hospital rooms during the holidays.

And this time, Santa didn’t come alone. Spiderman and Superman made the descent too.

"It’s a simple interaction, but it has a huge impact," said SSFD Section Chief Kyle Sweeney in an emailed statement. “For many of us, it’s one of the most rewarding things we get to do all year.”

The idea started back in 2018 when the department realized the hospital, which serves kids from across the city, was just around the corner. They wanted to do something special—something those kids would remember. It took a few years of planning to get it off the ground. In 2022, they finally launched it. Quite literally, from the rooftop.

On December 19th, firefighters and volunteers clipped into harnesses, hooked themselves to ropes, and descended one by one down the glass façade of the hospital. From the inside, children watched in amazement as superheroes waved, blew kisses, and high-fived through the windows.

“Those moments are unforgettable,” said Sweeney. “You can see the surprise turn into excitement almost instantly. The high fives through the glass, the smiles, and the laughter make all the effort worth it.”

For firefighter Cody Minter, it was his first time taking part. His son was treated at the hospital last year after being diagnosed with cancer. Though the family wasn’t there long enough to witness the event back then, they saw how much it meant to the children.

“Hearing all the stories about it and the impact and joy it brought to the children made me want to be a part of this event with SSFD,” Minter told GNN. “The amazing team at the Children’s hospital we like to call family inspired me to do more. Their dedication and the love they show do not go unnoticed.”

After the rappelling, the crew didn't just pack up and leave. They stepped inside the hospital and walked the halls with Santa, handing out presents—many of them donated by Sandy Springs residents.

“One of the most memorable parts is bringing Santa along and walking through the hospital afterward to deliver gifts,” Sweeney said. “Many of the gifts are donated by Sandy Springs citizens, which makes it even more special.”

The event has grown steadily over the years. In addition to Santa and superheroes, sports mascots have joined in, along with national guardsmen and firefighters from other departments. The support has widened too, drawing in help from the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, Georgia Power, Mileshko Photography, and even the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, and Hawks.

“Over the past three years, seeing this event grow with support from organizations... has been incredible,” Sweeney said. “Every year, it becomes more meaningful, and every year, the reactions from the kids remind us that even small moments can make a lasting difference.”

Firefighters Delight Children With Heartwarming Christmas Surprise at Cancer Hospital

ABC - Australia

At just 17 years old, the Samoan weightlifter stunned the field at the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Championships in India — not just by winning gold, but by breaking multiple youth world records in the process.

She went in without expectations. She left with three world records and a powerful statement: Samoa’s next generation of athletes isn’t just participating on the global stage — they’re dominating it.

Back home in Tuana'imato, Stowers is already back at work inside the Oceania Weightlifting Institute, tucked away in the capital city of Apia. The facility is calm and simple. The training is not.

There’s no spotlight around her. Stowers moves through her warm-ups without fanfare, just focus. She’s humble, soft-spoken, and, like many young Samoan athletes, anchored by family and faith. But beneath the quiet exterior is a competitor who now carries the weight of a nation’s hopes — and the future of a sport that’s transforming in front of her.

A new generation of strength

Stowers’ rise is part of a broader shift happening in Samoa. A generation ago, young women didn’t dream of Olympic platforms or global stages. Today, thanks to pioneers like Ele Opeloge and June Sipaia, those dreams are real.

Opeloge, Samoa’s first Olympic medallist, inspired lifters like Sipaia, who now mentors the next wave — including Stowers. The pipeline that didn’t exist a decade ago is now producing record-breakers.

Stowers didn’t set out to lift. Like many in Samoa, she thought rugby would be her sport. But after trying weightlifting, her potential became impossible to ignore. It’s also deeply personal. Her older sister, Feagaiga Stowers, is a survivor of domestic violence who found strength and purpose through weightlifting. Though no longer competing, Feagaiga remains one of Seine’s biggest inspirations.

The road hasn’t been easy. Early on, the physical and mental demands of the sport nearly pushed her to quit. But she stayed for her family, her faith, and a growing belief that she belonged on the platform.

Now, she trains up to four times a day under the guidance of coach Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, living full-time at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute — the only residential high-performance facility of its kind in the Pacific. She gets one day a week to visit home.

She calls her teammates her “brothers and sisters.” They’re her second family, and they’re building something rare — a system that provides housing, coaching, and financial support so athletes can pursue the sport full-time.

More than medals

In November, Stowers traveled to Melbourne for the Australian Weightlifting Championships. With little fanfare, she set three new youth world records in the 77kg division: a 107kg snatch and a 137kg clean and jerk. Her teammate June Sipaia, now a veteran, set new Oceania records in the 86+ division, lifting 112kg in the snatch and 155kg in the clean and jerk.

Their performances weren’t just impressive. They were historic.

And they came from a nation where weightlifting, until recently, was dismissed by some as “a man’s sport.” Sipaia remembers those days. She recalls the quiet disapproval and the comments from strangers questioning whether women should be lifting at all.

Inside the gym, though, the atmosphere was always different. The team was family. Support was unwavering.

Sipaia now teaches beginner classes for girls, offering them a safe, supportive space to try the sport. Some are hesitant, she says, but once they step through the doors and feel the strength in the room, they start to believe.

Looking ahead

Samoa will host the 2026 Weightlifting World Cup, bringing 110 countries to Apia. It’s the kind of moment that athletes like Stowers have never experienced — an international competition, in their own backyard, in front of their own people.

She’ll compete, likely for the first time on home soil, with the world watching.

Her focus now is on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and eventually, the Olympic stage. Sipaia is chasing Olympic qualification too, after nearly two decades in the sport.

Together, they’re part of something bigger. With structure, investment, and belief, Samoa’s women are leading in a sport that once shut them out. And they’re doing it their way — with humility, pride, and a quiet power that’s changing how the world sees them.

For Seine Stowers, it all started with wanting to do her best. Now she’s helping redefine what success looks like — not just for herself, but for an entire nation.

Samoan Weightlifters are Breaking Records and Elevating Women's Sports on the Global Stage

People

A fifth-grade teacher in Ohio is being hailed as a hero after saving a student who began choking during class just days before the holidays.

Alexis Simon, a teacher at Frank Jacinto Elementary School in Lorain, sprang into action on December 17 after noticing her student, Xavion, struggling to breathe during a routine classroom snack.

According to Lorain City Schools, Xavion had been eating an orange when he suddenly started coughing, raised his hand, and clutched his throat — the universal sign for choking. While some students initially thought he was joking, Simon recognized the danger immediately.

“Thank goodness I had been a coach in the district for several years and had first-aid training,” she said.

She quickly performed the Heimlich maneuver, wrapping her arms around Xavion’s abdomen and delivering abdominal thrusts. Within seconds, the lodged piece of food was dislodged, and Xavion could breathe again.

“She came in and picked me up and squeezed me, like right here,” Xavion told the school district, pointing to his stomach. “I was just gasping air. I never felt that before.”

Simon stayed with Xavion until he fully recovered, making sure he was calm and breathing normally. The incident took place just two days before the winter break.

In recognition of her quick thinking and calm under pressure, Simon received the school district’s “Caught Being Great” award. Principal Christine Miller said the honor was well deserved and a reminder of the importance of spotlighting those who help others without hesitation.

But Simon remained humble. “I just did what I would hope somebody would do for my own,” she said. “He was choking and we needed to save him.”

Still, she expressed gratitude for the recognition: “I do appreciate it — so thank you!”

As for Xavion, he has no doubt about how he feels. “She’s my superhero,” he said.

Teacher Saves Choking 5th Grader After Classmates Mistake Incident for Joke

Bani the elephant is spending this Christmas far from the train tracks where her story began — surrounded by love, treats, and twinkling decorations.

In a festive video shared by conservation group Wildlife SOS, the young female Asian elephant can be seen digging into a special holiday meal of melons, bananas, and leafy greens, all served at a table adorned with red and silver stars. Above her, banana-filled wreaths hang like ornaments, and staff dressed as Santa beam with joy.

Now just over a year old, Bani has come a long way since she was rescued in 2024 after a train accident left her with serious injuries. She was only nine months old when she was found alone and abandoned by her herd, unable to walk due to damage to her spine, hips, and legs. The team at Wildlife SOS transported her to their Elephant Hospital Campus in Uttar Pradesh, India — a facility known for treating and rehabilitating injured elephants.

“December brings the shortest days of the year, peace, good food, festivities and cherished time with friends and family,” Wildlife SOS said in a caption alongside the video. “It’s a time to appreciate kindness, generosity and of course, freedom.”

Bani has become a symbol of that freedom. Named after Mother Earth, she’s the first infant elephant to be cared for by Wildlife SOS, and her progress has been marked by quiet resilience. The group says she now enjoys sunbathing, taking dust baths, and munching on green fodder — with bananas topping the list of favourite snacks.

“As the year comes to a close, Wildlife SOS is marking the holidays with elephants who were once injured, exploited, or displaced... and who are now thriving under long-term care,” the organization told PEOPLE.

The group has shared Bani’s journey with a growing online community, receiving an outpouring of support with each update. When they posted the Christmas feast video on Instagram, comments poured in: “Baby Bani, your light always shines through so brightly,” wrote one supporter. “Sending lots of love and Christmas cheer to Bani 🐘,” added another.

Since its founding, Wildlife SOS has rescued dozens of elephants like Bani — each with their own story of hardship. Vayu, a malnourished male, was brought in this year. Arya, a blind female, arrived in 2020. Walnut, a former circus elephant, was rescued in 2015. But it’s not just about saving lives, the group says — it’s about dignity.

“The images capture a rare, quiet moment of joy,” Wildlife SOS said. “A reminder that conservation isn’t only about rescue, but about giving animals the chance to live with comfort, safety, and dignity.”

For Bani, that now includes Christmas lights, a table of her favourite foods, and people who care. Her journey is far from over, but this year, she has something to celebrate — and a future worth looking forward to.

Wildlife SOS Shares Heartwarming Moment This Rescued Elephant Enjoyed a Christmas Feast

Thousands of Santas — and a few elves — braved the rain in Madrid on Sunday, December 21, for the 14th annual El Corte Inglés Santa Claus charity race.

Despite the wet weather, organizers said a record-breaking 11,000 participants took part in the festive 4.5-kilometer run, which wound down the city’s iconic Paseo de la Castellana. Runners donned red suits, white beards, and pointy green hats, transforming the heart of the capital into a sea of holiday spirit.

Footage from sponsor Sport Life Ibérica captured the joyful chaos as costumed runners of all ages jogged, danced, and laughed their way through the course.

Each participant paid a €1 registration fee, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross. For many, it was about more than just exercise — it was a chance to come together for a good cause and kick off the holidays with cheer, even in the rain.

Thousands of runners took to the streets of Madrid to participate in the 14th annual El Corte Ingles Santa Claus charity race on Sunday, December 21, despite the wet weather.Footage from Sport Life Ibérica, one of the event’s sponsors, shows participants wearing Santa Claus and elf costumes as they ran down Paseo de la Castellana.This year’s 4.5-kilometer race drew a record 11,000 participants, according to organizers. Each runner paid a €1 registration fee which would be donated to the Red Cross, they said.

Thousands Race Through Madrid Streets In Festive Santa Claus Charity Run

The CPKC Holiday Train rolled to a powerful finish this year, raising more than $2 million and collecting over 175,000 pounds of food for local food banks across Canada and the United States.

The 2025 edition of the festive rail tour stopped in hundreds of communities, delivering not just donations but live music, holiday cheer, and a strong message of unity and generosity. Since it first launched in 1999, the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train has now raised over $28.3 million and gathered 5.6 million pounds of food to support food banks across North America.

"Year after year, the CPKC Holiday Train proves that generosity and community spirit know no bounds," said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who came out to see a show, donated to this great cause, and made the season a true celebration of giving. The incredible support we receive reminds us of what is possible when we come together with kindness and purpose.”

The 2025 tour featured 194 live performances, with artists including Barenaked Ladies, Tyler Shaw, and American Authors performing from the brightly lit train cars that double as rolling stages. The tour covered six Canadian provinces and 13 U.S. states, continuing its mission to spread holiday joy while supporting food security at the grassroots level.

But the holiday spirit didn’t stop at the northern border. In Mexico, CPKC continued its tradition of operating the Tren Navideño, a decorated holiday train that has visited communities there since 2010. The Mexican tour adds a southern chapter to the North American tradition, connecting people across all three countries served by the CPKC rail network.

The Holiday Train is more than just a seasonal event; it’s become a cornerstone of community engagement, especially for smaller towns where the annual arrival of the glowing train draws crowds of families, volunteers, and neighbours. Local food banks receive donations raised at each stop, ensuring that the generosity stays in the community where it’s needed most.

From rural stations to city centres, the train’s impact goes beyond what it delivers — it's about who it brings together.

And for CPKC, that’s the point.

Holiday Train Delivers Christmas Cheer To U.S. And Canada

The Guardian

Australia will create a special honours list to recognise extraordinary acts of courage, kindness, and selflessness in response to the recent terror attack in Bondi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Albanese said the honours — to be awarded next year in consultation with the New South Wales government — will celebrate “the best of humanity” shown in the wake of what he described as an antisemitic massacre.

“We saw it with those who lost their lives tackling the terrorists as they embarked from the car,” he said. “We saw it with police and emergency services rushing to assist people. We saw it with the medical staff and professionals stopping having dinner and rushing to St Vincent’s hospital or Prince Alfred hospital or other places to provide assistance.”

The honours will be given for acts of bravery or meritorious service. Among those likely to be recognised are police, doctors, surf lifesavers, and ordinary citizens who stepped in to help during and after the attack.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 44-year-old father of two, gained widespread attention after tackling one of the gunmen and seizing his weapon. A global outpouring of support followed, with fundraisers raising $2.5 million in his name. Others paid with their lives. Boris and Sofia Gurman were killed while attempting to stop the attackers. Fourteen-year-old Chaya Dadon was shot while protecting two younger children.

“The attack did show us the worst of humanity: hatred, antisemitism, violence,” Albanese said. “It also showed us the best of humanity: extraordinary acts of bravery and courage, acts of kindness for fellow Australians.”

He described meeting frontline responders who dropped everything to help. Some travelled hours from outside Sydney. One police officer drove in from Newcastle; another had worked through the night and was still on duty.

“It’s important that we as a nation celebrate our heroes and celebrate good deeds,” Albanese said.

In a diplomatic move, the prime minister confirmed he had asked the governor-general to invite Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit Australia next year. The two leaders spoke Tuesday night.

Herzog, in a statement posted on social media, said he was “profoundly shocked” by the “catastrophic terror attack against the Australian Jewish community” and offered condolences to the victims' families. He also called for legal action to confront what he described as an “unprecedented rise in antisemitism, extremism, and jihadist terror.”

Herzog confirmed he would accept the invitation to visit.

“We’ve invited President Herzog, which is entirely appropriate for the head of state to visit,” he said.

The exact details of the upcoming honours list, including categories or criteria, have not yet been made public. But for now, Albanese says it’s about recognising that even in a moment of horror, Australians showed up for each other.

“We saw people making extraordinary personal sacrifices to help their fellow Australians,” he said. “That deserves to be honoured.”

Australia Announces Special Honours List To Recognise Acts Of Bravery During The Bondi Attack

BBC News

An 11-year-old girl from Essex will spend this Christmas at home, cancer-free, after a year that turned her life upside down.

Lola, from Thundersley, was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma in November 2024 — a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. It took months of uncertainty and misdiagnoses, including ear infections and growing pains, before doctors discovered a 10-centimetre tumour in her femur. By then, the bone had begun to crumble.

What followed was months of chemotherapy, surgery to replace her femur, and a Christmas spent in hospital, where she was the only child on her ward. Her brother Louie, 13, stayed by her side, while their dad brought in a makeshift holiday meal. Their mum Kaisha slept beside Lola in the hospital as the two children opened presents in a hospital room instead of under a tree.

This year, they’ll be celebrating at home.

"It's been such a tough time for the family, but Lola and Louie have both been so brave and resilient," Kaisha said.

Lola’s fight has been brutal. Chemotherapy left her weak, the surgery to replace her femur was complex, and the emotional toll on the family was immense. But they weren’t alone. A local charity called Gold Geese stepped in to support them with bills, care packages, and moments of joy when they were needed most.

Lola said the charity lifted her spirits with a trip to Port Lympne Safari Park in Kent when she was “down in the dumps” and later helped throw a party to mark the end of her treatment.

Louie also remembers how isolating last Christmas was. “What happened to Lola was hard for our whole family,” he said. “Last Christmas we felt quite alone and Gold Geese supported us by sending us vouchers.”

Gold Geese was founded in 2018 by Katie Southgate after her own child was diagnosed with cancer. Her goal is to support other families facing similar battles — with emotional support, financial aid, and sometimes just a bit of light in a very dark time.

“Christmas with cancer sucks, and even more so when you're a child and missing out on the festive fun your friends get to have,” Southgate said. “I wish I had a magic wand to make everything all right again. The only thing I can do is try my best to make things a little brighter.”

She credits the charity’s work to donors and supporters who’ve continued to give even when “times are tight.”

Each year, around 1,900 children in the UK aged 14 and under are diagnosed with cancer, including benign brain tumours. For families like Lola’s, that diagnosis changes everything.

But in a year filled with hospital visits, surgeries, and fear, Lola also found unexpected moments of laughter — including a viral one. During the Wicked: For Good premiere, she caught the attention of pop singer and actor Ariana Grande. A video of Lola telling her, “by the way, my cousin thinks you’re fit,” racked up 2.5 million views on TikTok and left the crowd, including Grande, in stitches.

“Wow, that’s so kind,” the singer replied, smiling.

Now, after a year of pain, perseverance, and unexpected fame, Lola is home with her family — where she belongs — getting ready to open her presents, not in a hospital bed, but under the lights of a tree.

It’s the kind of ending her family didn’t dare hope for just a year ago. This Christmas, they’re not taking any of it for granted.

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