Rare Sighting: Backyard Birder Spots Albino Hummingbird At Feeder

Around 96 million people in the United States enjoy birdwatching, and one woman recently had an incredible find. While visiting a relative's backyard with hummingbird feeders, Amanda says she spotted a rare albino hummingbird. The stunning white bird was captured on camera, sparking excitement across social media. This unique sighting is believed to be either albino or leucistic, making it a truly special moment for Amanda.

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This New Decorating Hub Helps Formerly Homeless People Make Their Houses Feel Like Home

A homelessness charity in Colchester, England, has launched a new decorating hub to make home renovations more affordable and accessible—especially for people transitioning out of homelessness. Emmaus, which supports people experiencing housing insecurity, opened the centre in response to what it described as a “particular need” in the local community. The hub offers discounted, eco-friendly paints, rentable decorating equipment, and a dedicated training room where people can learn practical skills. “New homes are often an empty shell and that can be quite overwhelming, especially after a period of homelessness,” said Brian Cook, chief executive of Emmaus Colchester. “Our idea was to see if we could take away some of the pain of that process and make it as cheap as possible.” The paint, priced at just £10 to £15 per tin, is either recycled through Dulux’s “ReColour” programme or donated directly from companies—usually full, unopened tins. The hub is not currently accepting paint donations from the general public. Colchester City Council backed the project, which is aimed not only at people who’ve experienced homelessness but also at low-income renters and tenants moving from temporary accommodation. For many, furnishing and decorating a new place is simply out of reach. That’s something Chris Mengell understands firsthand. A former printer ink salesman, Mengell became homeless in the summer of 2024 and was supported by Emmaus and another local charity, Beacon House. Now 42, he’s running the new decorating hub full-time. “I have now secured a full-time role here, which is me back on my feet thanks to them. Full turnaround — I can't thank them enough,” he said. Mengell says the goal is to help people feel proud of their homes, no matter their background. “If you've been rehoused after being street homeless, why can't you have a nice place and be proud of it?” he said. “It's expensive, it's almost impossible, but you can get grants from the council once you've been rehoused to get paint. And we will be hiring out equipment for people to get started too.” Beyond helping formerly homeless individuals, the hub is open to anyone looking for an affordable, low-waste way to decorate. Mengell said the initiative could appeal to anyone who wants to cut costs or reduce their carbon footprint. “We can't see it being a bad idea. People want to paint their homes — it's very expensive to do that and we're going to be the solution, I hope.” The decorating hub will also serve as a base for local community painting efforts. “If there's a scout hut that needs painting, they can come to us and we'll provide the paint and a group of volunteers to get it done,” Cook said. He added, “What we’ve got on offer is incredible. I’m really proud of what the team has done in getting here.” For people like Mengell, the hub represents more than just paint and rollers — it's a second chance. “They gave me the support I needed when I had nothing,” he said. “Now I get to pass that on.”

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This 9-Year-Old Is Filling a Hospital With Bears — and Joy

In central Ohio, a 9-year-old named Jack is filling his home with teddy bears — and he’s doing it for a reason. What started as a simple idea has grown into a full-scale holiday mission. Jack is collecting stuffed bears to give to kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, hoping each one brings a little comfort to young patients spending the holidays away from home. He’s calling it Jack’s Bravery Bears, and his family’s house is now unofficially known as “Teddy Bear HQ.” “It all started when our family volunteered last year making blankets for kids at Nationwide,” Jack said. While helping out, he had a thought — what if the kids had a teddy bear to go with their blanket? That one idea led to his first teddy bear drive, which brought in 445 bears. This year, he’s aiming even higher: 500 bears. And the support has been overwhelming. Friends, classmates, neighbors, church members, and even strangers have chipped in. Bags and boxes of bears now fill the house. Some are store-bought, others donated through his GoFundMe campaign, which helps purchase custom “Jack’s Bravery Bears.” But for Jack, the growing mountain of plush toys is only part of the reward. “They’re going to be so happy,” he said, imagining the smiles on the faces of kids who will receive the bears. Later this month, Jack and his family will deliver them to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Each bear will be given to a child who could use a lift during a difficult time. His family says every donation helps place “a bear — and a bit of joy — into the arms of a child who needs it most.” Jack is only nine, but he already understands something powerful: a little kindness can go a long way. Especially when it’s soft, cuddly, and wearing a bow.

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New Marsupial Discovered In Peru's Río Abiseo Park, Suggesting More Hidden Species

Brazilian researcher Silvia Pavan set out to find a squirrel that hadn't been seen in 30 years. Instead, she found something else entirely—a new species of marsupial hiding high in the cloud forests of the Peruvian Andes. In 2018, Pavan organized an expedition to Río Abiseo National Park in Peru’s San Martín region. Her goal was to track down a mysterious squirrel first collected in the 1990s but never formally described. That search came up nearly empty—her team only caught a brief glimpse of the animal. But what they did find ended up being just as rare. “Marmosa chachapoya is the first species that we discovered and were able to catalog on this expedition,” Pavan told Mongabay Latam. It's a type of mouse opossum with reddish-brown fur, a long, narrow snout, and a tail longer than its body. It was found at 2,664 metres above sea level in an area known for high endemism but little scientific study. Pavan's team only collected one specimen, due in part to the strict research permit issued by Peru’s protected area authority, SERNANP. The expedition lasted just 15 days, limiting the chances of encountering more individuals. Still, it was enough. Back in Brazil, Pavan and her co-author, Peruvian biologist Pamela Sanchez-Vendizú, conducted genetic testing. They compared their findings with other specimens from museums in Peru and the U.S. to confirm what they suspected. “The DNA of our new species is highly divergent from that of other known species,” Sanchez-Vendizú said. It didn’t just look different—it was genetically unique. The discovery of Marmosa chachapoya was published in the journal American Museum Novitates earlier this year. The researchers describe it as having a “long and narrow rostrum, reddish brown dorsal fur, tail much longer than combined length of head and body, midrostral fur lighter colored than fur of crown, and dark facial mask.” The animal was spotted in a cloud forest region that has barely been surveyed by scientists, despite its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pavan believes there are likely more new species waiting to be described. Her earlier 2024 study in Systematics and Biodiversity noted that 11 out of 16 small mammal species recorded during her expedition had never been seen anywhere else. César Medina, a mammalogist at the Natural History Museum in Arequipa, says that’s not surprising. “Expeditions to these areas almost always turn up something new,” he said. In many cases, it’s insects or plants. But sometimes, like now, it’s a new mammal. Medina explained that the eastern Andes are particularly rich in species because the ecosystem changes rapidly with altitude. “As you ascend the mountain range, the composition of species changes,” he said. “Some are observable at around 2,000 metres, while others are at 800 metres.” But it’s not easy work. “Climbing the Ceja de Selva—the section of the Andes that slopes down toward the Amazon—is like climbing a volcano covered with trees and moss,” Medina said. “There’s no clear path; you have to forge your way with a machete.” One wrong step can be dangerous. “You’re walking along a ridge, and when you look to the right, there’s a canyon about 100 metres deep,” he said. “It’s very challenging terrain, which is why there aren’t many expeditions.” Pavan’s team found at least two more mammals they suspect are also new to science. Those samples are still being analyzed. For now, Marmosa chachapoya is a reminder of what’s still out there—species tucked into hard-to-reach pockets of forest, completely unknown to science. “It’s an area with exceptionally high endemism among small mammals, which has been little studied scientifically,” Pavan said. “There are undoubtedly other species that still need to be described.”

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Amazon Driver Saves Family After Spotting House Fire During Delivery

Ciara Aschan was just trying to find the right address. It was a regular delivery day in Des Moines, Iowa, and she was scanning house numbers when something caught her eye. “I was kind of squinting while I’m driving, and then I saw the smoke coming from the house,” Aschan told PEOPLE. “Then I looked harder at it and I could definitely see the flames in the back of the house. That’s when I said, ‘Oh crap, the house is on fire.’” What happened next turned a routine stop into something much more. Aschan, a 27-year-old Amazon Flex driver from Johnston, Iowa, had been delivering packages in the 6900 block of Southwest 15th Street on November 10 when she saw the smoke and flames. She immediately pulled over, turned on her hazard lights, called 911, and ran to the front door of the home. “I just focused my entire attention on that house,” she said. “Because there was a car in the driveway. Normally, a car in the driveway means somebody’s home. So that made me panic.” She banged on the front door and shouted, trying to get anyone’s attention. When there was no answer, she ran around to the back of the house and tried another door. It was unlocked. “I just turned the handle,” she said. “It looked somewhat vacant anyway,” she added, after calling out inside and getting no response. While waiting for firefighters to arrive, she didn’t just stand there. She continued with her route and delivered a package to a nearby house—knocking to warn them about the fire in case it spread. “If they were home, I was going to let them know, ‘Hey, your neighbor’s house is on fire. You might want to leave,’” she said. Des Moines fire crews arrived within six minutes. Thanks to Aschan’s quick call, they were able to contain the blaze before it destroyed the home. The flames were mostly confined to the upper floor. “It saved a lot of damage — it saved the house,” said Mike Morgan of the Des Moines Fire Department in an interview with KCCI. “If somebody would have been in there, obviously, we could have saved a life.” In a statement to PEOPLE, the fire department confirmed there was visible fire and smoke at the rear upper floor of the home, which was unoccupied at the time. Officials credited Aschan for helping dispatchers send the appropriate emergency response. “A special thank you to the Amazon driver for taking a minute to investigate the scene to provide thorough information to the call takers,” the department said. “Multiple fire companies at the scene credit the quick thinking and utilization of the emergency dispatch system in resulting in the rapid response and suppression of this fire.” Investigators determined the blaze was accidental, with no signs of foul play. Aschan later received a message from a woman whose mother owns the house. The family had been renovating it for the woman and her three daughters. “She essentially just said that they were renovating the house for her and her three daughters, and that it was her mom and stepdad’s home, and that thankfully nobody was there,” Aschan said. Amazon also issued a statement, thanking her for her actions. “We appreciate the thoughtful actions by Ciara, an Amazon Flex delivery partner, who was delivering in the community when she helped avert a life-threatening house fire,” the company said. “Her quick thinking and actions minimized the extent of damage. Thank you to Ciara, and all drivers and delivery partners, who go the extra mile every day for customers and their communities.” Aschan says she’s just glad she was in the right place at the right time. “Not all superheroes wear capes,” she said. “They wear Amazon vests.”

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Record Snowfall Delights Bear at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago

While a major snowstorm blanketed the Midwest over the weekend, some animals at Brookfield Zoo near Chicago didn’t seem to mind at all. Video from the zoo shows Tim the Brown Bear joyfully rolling in the fresh snow on Saturday, clearly unfazed by the chilly weather. A nearby bison appeared just as content, calmly standing in the wintry landscape. The snowfall was part of a widespread storm system that dumped over 20 centimetres of snow on parts of Northern Iowa and was expected to bring similar totals to Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Forecasters also warned that the northeastern U.S. could see its own early-season snowstorm later this week. At least at the zoo, the animals are making the most of it.

Bruce Willis' Wife Declares 'Die Hard' a Christmas Movie

Some families argue over presents. Others over politics. But the debate that’s raged on for decades — often with the most passion — is whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie. In 2018, Bruce Willis put his foot down during a Comedy Central roast, declaring, “Die Hard is not a Christmas movie.” That should’ve ended it, right? Not quite. His wife, Emma Hemming Willis, has officially disagreed — publicly and proudly — and she’s got holiday tradition on her side. “I think it’s important to put Die Hard on because it’s a Christmas movie,” she told People during the End Well 2025 conference in Los Angeles. Emma spoke candidly about how much Christmas has always meant to their family, especially before Bruce was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. “Bruce loved Christmas, and we love celebrating it with him,” she said. “There is still joy. It just looks different.” Bruce and Emma share two daughters — Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. He’s also a father to Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31, with his ex-wife Demi Moore. And if there’s one thing the Willis family has quietly redefined in Hollywood, it’s what a blended family can look like. Over the years, they’ve remained remarkably close and supportive, with public displays of unity and warmth that stand out in an industry often known for the opposite. Last year, Emma posted a video to Instagram showing herself and her daughters decorating the family’s Christmas tree in Bruce’s honor. It wasn’t just a glimpse into a family tradition — it was a quiet celebration of resilience and joy, even in the face of change. The post drew hundreds of comments, including one from a follower who opened up about their own caregiving journey: “My Mother had dementia and passed away 12-22-23, so it was tough this year, but supporting you in your fight!! It is not easy for the families/caregivers! I had both my Mom and Dad here in my home at one point, both in hospice, and I work!! It takes a village!!” Emma responded with appreciation, making it clear she reads the messages and sees the community that has formed around their story. So is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Bruce said no. Emma says yes. We say: if it’s a tradition that brings people together, if it reminds families of joyful memories, if it sparks laughter and togetherness — go ahead and press play. For many families, including the Willises, it’s not really the holidays without a little bit of action, a few explosions, and one very determined man trapped in a Los Angeles high-rise. Yippee-ki-yay, Christmas.

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A 19-Year-Old Just Beat His High School Civics Teacher in a Local Election — and They’re Still on Great Terms

In a small corner of Virginia, politics looked a little different this year. Less yelling, more mutual respect. And a whole lot of heart. In Surry County, 19-year-old Cameran Drew ran for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. It was a bold move by any standard — but even more so because of who he was running against: his former civics teacher, Kenneth Bell. Bell wasn’t just an opponent. He was Cameran’s favorite teacher. And yet, somehow, the race stayed civil from start to finish. “There was never any bitterness,” Drew told CBS News. “I’m just lost for words because of the fact he’s been so gracious.” The two men — one a 44-year-old incumbent, the other a recent high school graduate — turned what could have been a tense political battle into something rare: a campaign rooted in admiration and decency. Bell called his former student a “wonderful young man.” And rather than question Drew’s age or experience, he defended him publicly. “Yes, he’s young,” Bell said, “but he’s really invested in trying to make a difference.” Drew may be young, but he’s not exactly new to leadership. After graduating in 2024, he launched a motivational speaking business called Prez Productions, and founded a mentorship nonprofit, the Produce Your Future Foundation. His campaign focused heavily on youth advocacy and local development, and he used Instagram videos to connect directly with voters. The race came down to the wire — and when the dust settled, Drew had won. By just 10 votes. It was the narrowest of victories, but a solid win for goodwill. Bell offered a heartfelt concession and praised his former student. “He would have been formidable against any opponent,” he told CBS News. Drew’s story joins a growing list of young people stepping into politics, including the country’s first Gen Z Congressman and grassroots organizers making waves across the U.S. But what makes this one stand out isn’t just the age gap. It’s the bond. The student ran against the teacher. The teacher rooted for the student. And somehow, they both walked away proud. If only more elections played out like that.

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Mom's Emotional Reunion With Cake4kids Baker Brings Tears On Kelly Clarkson Show

It started with one cake. Fifteen years later, it’s a nationwide movement delivering joy—one sweet bite at a time. During a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, the singer and talk show host was visibly moved by a segment on Cake4Kids, a nonprofit that provides custom birthday cakes and baked goods to children in foster care, homeless shelters, and other difficult circumstances. The moment quickly turned emotional for everyone on set—including Clarkson herself. “They get to choose the flavor and the theme, so it’s personalized just for them—exactly what they want,” explained Alison Bakewell, Cake4Kids’ executive director. That could mean cupcakes, brownies, or a full-blown three-tier cake, but the key ingredient is always the same: love. Founded in California by Libby Gruender, the nonprofit began after she read about foster children missing out on birthday celebrations. She decided to make a difference, baking and delivering the first cakes herself. Before her passing in 2013, Gruender had kickstarted a movement that’s now on track to deliver 20,000 cakes this year through more than 25 volunteer-led chapters across the U.S. One of those volunteers, Roberta, has been baking with Cake4Kids since 2018—and has delivered an astonishing 825 cakes. “The biggest ingredient that we put in is the love that we feel,” she said, holding back tears as she sat beside Clarkson on stage. But the real surprise came when Clarkson introduced Kasandra, a mother whose daughter had once received a custom Toy Story cake from Cake4Kids during a hard time. Living in a small rented room with her husband and two daughters, money was tight—and birthdays weren’t always easy to celebrate. “You were the one who baked my daughter her first cake,” Kasandra revealed to Roberta, sparking a wave of emotion across the room. Clarkson, choked up, stood up to grab tissues. “I am going to need a minute,” she joked, wiping away tears. Kasandra continued, through her own tears, “Sometimes we’re not able to give her everything we want. So, seeing her really happy… really made me and my husband grateful for you guys.” A photo of the Toy Story cake—elaborate, colorful, and covered in characters—flashed on the screen as the live audience gasped in appreciation. Then, Clarkson announced a $5,000 donation to Cake4Kids to help fund even more moments like this one. It was a reminder that something as simple as a cake can carry incredible meaning—especially when it shows up in the hands of someone who cares. Cake4Kids continues to accept new volunteers and donations at cake4kids.org , helping more kids across the country feel celebrated, seen, and loved.

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Baby Otter Repeatedly Jumps Into Rescuer's Boat After Being Returned to the Wild

When Mats Janzon went for a walk in the woods near his home in Sweden, he wasn’t expecting to meet his most loyal companion. But after following the sound of soft, desperate peeps, he stumbled upon a baby otter in crisis. The tiny creature, barely the size of his hand, was starving and struggling to breathe. Janzon, who had some experience with animal rescues, stayed back at first, hoping its mother would return. She never did. Janzon later discovered the mother had been hit by a car nearby. That left him with a choice—and a challenge. He’d never rescued an otter before, but decided to do what he could. It took round-the-clock care. He fed her, kept her warm, and eventually earned her trust. The bond came quickly. The otter cried when Janzon left the room and curled up in his lap like a dog. “The first time she let me pet her, I remember thinking this can’t be real,” he told the TikTok channel SoulPaws Tails. “It felt like a dream—this wild, free otter choosing to trust me.” Janzon named her Leya. As she grew stronger, he knew it was time to prepare her for life back in the wild. He started with a kiddie pool in his backyard. At first, Leya struggled in the water. But instinct soon kicked in, and before long, she was diving and playing like a natural. Then came the big moment. Janzon brought her to the nearby lake. Leya was hesitant at first—hovering close to shore—but gradually ventured farther and farther out. The process was slow but steady. Eventually, she stayed away for longer stretches. But she never really left. Now, whenever Janzon brings his yellow kayak to the water, a familiar shape glides through the lake to greet him. Leya climbs aboard like an old friend, snuggles into his lap, and sometimes even rides along for the paddle. “She’s the most playful animal I have ever met,” Janzon said. Videos on his TikTok and YouTube pages show Leya racing through grass, weaving through water, and nuzzling beside him in the kayak—proof that this isn’t just a rescue story. It’s a love story. “Every bond we form with animals reminds us how deeply connected we all are,” one video caption reads. “Leya’s story shows us that love has no boundaries. It’s built on trust and care.” In a world full of noise, sometimes the quietest moments—the ones where a wild otter climbs into your kayak—say the most. And Janzon? He’s just happy she keeps coming back.

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Thousands of Knitters Set a World Record—And Helped Thousands of Shelter Cats in the Process

Readers of Woman’s Weekly have always had a knack for combining kindness with craft. This year, they broke a Guinness World Record doing exactly that—while also helping thousands of rescue cats across the UK. The magazine launched its biggest-ever charity challenge earlier this year, inviting readers to knit or crochet woolen mice to donate to cats waiting for adoption. The goal was simple: provide comfort and stimulation to animals living in rescue shelters. The response was anything but small. Using a free pattern shared exclusively with subscribers, volunteers got to work. Parcels flooded the magazine’s London offices, stuffed with handmade mice in every color and style imaginable. By the time the final tally came in, they had created a staggering 46,506 toys. That’s enough for each cat in over 300 shelters to have their very own enrichment buddy. “The volume received has been extraordinary,” said Nicola Murray, manager of the North West London Cat Centre. “Enrichment items like these play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of cats in our care, and we are extremely grateful for the thousands of knitted mice donated.” The mice are more than just cute. Shelter workers say they help cats feel calmer, more playful, and more confident—especially during long stays without families. For some animals, a small comfort can make a big difference. Woman’s Weekly editor Geoff Palmer called the project “a remarkable testament” to the spirit of the magazine’s readers. “Every mouse was handmade with care,” he said. “The response from our readers surpassed all expectations, and we are thrilled that their collective effort has resulted not only in a Guinness World Record but in tangible impact.” It’s not the first time the magazine has mobilized its readers for good. Past projects have included: • 6,000 hats for people experiencing homelessness • 3,000 blankets for children in Ukraine • 6,651 baby vests to help families facing fuel poverty • 2,000 blankets for animals at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home • But this year’s “mice mission” was by far the largest—and the most pawsitively received. The hand-stitched toys are now being shared across hundreds of UK rescue centers just in time for the holiday season, bringing joy to cats and staff alike. And yes, it’s official: 46,506 woolen mice is now a world record.

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