The True Meaning of Christmas: Hope, Peace, Joy & Love!

The Advent season is a time to prepare for the birth of Jesus, with Pastor Max Lucado emphasizing its importance. The Old Testament prophecies foretold the Messiah's birth, fulfilled by Jesus. The Incarnation signifies God dwelling among us, separating Christianity from other religions. Christmas carols and events bring joy and spread the Gospel message. Ultimately, Christmas is about love and hope, as God entered the world in humble circumstances to reach those He loves.

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Canadian Teen Makes History as One of the First Picks in Women’s Pro Baseball Draft

Jaida Lee has done it again — and this time, it’s a professional milestone. The 19-year-old pitcher from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, was selected 14th overall in the inaugural draft of the newly formed Women’s Professional Baseball League, becoming one of the first players in history to join the league. She’ll head to New York, the team that called her name during Thursday night’s broadcast. “It was a dream come true,” Lee told CBC News from Whistler, B.C., where she watched the draft with friends. “I thought I was going a decent bit later, so I was kind of shocked… it was a lot of emotion.” Already a Trailblazer Lee is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2022, she became the first female player to compete in men’s baseball at the Canada Games since its inception in 1967. Her debut pitch from that historic moment now lives in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. The Women’s Pro Baseball League calls her “one of the most promising teenage arms in North America.” She’s currently playing collegiate ball at the University of British Columbia and will balance school with travel to the U.S. to prepare for the season. Roster Spot Not Guaranteed — But She’s Ready Each team selected 30 players in the draft, but only 15 will receive contracts. Lee knows she still has to earn her spot on the final roster. “I had dreams to play professionally — but in my head, it was always with men,” she said. “There was never a thought that there was going to be a women’s pro league in my lifetime.” “Seeing this league, it means a lot.” Celebrations Back Home Back in St. John’s, her family and friends gathered at a local bar to watch the draft live. The moment her name was called, “everyone went crazy,” said her dad, Dave Lee. Jaida started playing ball at age six, often on boys’ teams because girls’ teams didn’t exist. She was even encouraged to switch to softball — but she refused. “She just worked harder than everybody,” her father said. Now, Jaida is not just breaking barriers — she’s building a path for others. “She’s paving the way for younger players,” Dave Lee said. “It should open up opportunities that were never available to women before.”

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Small Sask. Town Rallies To Preserve Historic Bridge A Decade After Closure

For nearly a century, the old bridge in Saint Louis, Saskatchewan, carried trains, cars, and generations of families across the South Saskatchewan River. Then in 2014, it was shut down—deemed structurally unsound—and left to rust behind barricades. Now, it’s been given a second life. Thanks to years of local effort, the historic bridge has been transformed into a walking path and cultural landmark, celebrating the town’s Métis roots, its deep history, and its future. “We realized our town was kind of slowing down economically,” said Michel Dubé, a volunteer with the Saint Louis Historic Society. “So we thought—why not turn this into something positive?” A Bridge With New Purpose Saint Louis sits about 100 km northeast of Saskatoon. Its old bridge, opened in 1914, once served as the main northbound route to Prince Albert, with a central railway track and side extensions for cars. After its closure in 2014, traffic moved to a newer bridge just east of town. That new bridge brought with it a surprise: an ancient bison fossil, discovered during construction. An archeological dig followed, revealing remains of an Indigenous settlement and a bison believed to be 100,000 years old and 25% larger than modern bison. The fossil became a symbol of the community’s project to reclaim the old bridge. “We thought, let’s at least get rid of those ugly steel barriers,” Dubé recalled. “Then somebody said—why not turn it into a walking path?” Community-Led Transformation Over the next seven years, residents held bingo nights, fall suppers, and local fundraisers, eventually raising $180,000. The towns of Saint Louis and Prince Albert, along with provincial francophone associations, chipped in with grants. With the funds, the community added safety features, educational signage, and public art, including a striking image of a bison’s head by Constant Pollievre, a Fransaskois artist known for designing NHL logos. Flags representing the Métis, Fransaskois, Saskatchewan, and Canada now fly proudly at the bridge’s entrance. “There was a very communal approach to the whole thing,” Dubé said. “It reflects the first people here—settlers, First Nations, entrepreneurs. It’s a coming together of cultures.” A Platform for History and Heritage The bridge now serves as an outdoor museum, with placards detailing the town’s past as a major transportation and trade hub. Farmers once used the bridge to ship grain, and the railway connected Saint Louis with the rest of the province. “It’s a step in the right direction to maintain the community and to create a sense of interconnectedness between the French, the Métis and the First Nations people,” Dubé said. David Siebert of Heritage Saskatchewan said projects like this do more than preserve structures—they strengthen community identity. “Heritage places are an important social, economic, and environmental part of communities. They’re often treated like a member of the community.” A recent Heritage Saskatchewan survey found that 80% of people support investing in cultural heritage to promote economic growth and local employment. Looking Ahead Dubé hopes the revitalized bridge is just the beginning. He sees it as a way to keep Saint Louis vibrant and attractive to younger generations. “There are younger families moving in, the school is still going strong. So I think we just have a kind of positive outlook.” While the walking path is already open to the public, the community is planning an official launch party this summer, complete with live music and a celebration on the bridge. Once just a decaying piece of infrastructure, the Saint Louis bridge is now a gathering place—connecting past, present, and future one step at a time.

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Ukrainian Refugee Danylo Yavhusishyn Wows Japan, Wins First Elite Sumo Title

Danylo Yavhusishyn, a 21-year-old who fled war-torn Ukraine just three years ago, has become the first Ukrainian ever to win a professional sumo tournament in Japan. His victory at the Kyushu Grand Tournament in Fukuoka marks a historic moment not just for him, but for the sport itself. Competing under the ring name Aonishiki Arata, Yavhusishyn clinched the win in a dramatic tie-breaker against grand champion Hoshoryu of Mongolia. After his triumph, he addressed the crowd at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center in fluent Japanese. “I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine,” he told the audience, thanking them for their support and saying he was glad to have competed to the best of his ability. Born in Vinnytsia, central Ukraine, Yavhusishyn began practicing sumo at just seven years old. By 17, he had become a national junior champion and competed internationally. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he narrowly missed the draft for men aged 18 and over. He left the country, initially taking refuge in Germany, before relocating to Japan two months later with no knowledge of the language. There, he reunited with Arata Yamanaka, a Japanese sumo wrestler he had briefly met at the world junior championships. Despite the language barrier, Yamanaka welcomed him into his home and training stable. “I only met him once in person and he welcomed me, even though I couldn’t speak a word of Japanese,” Yavhusishyn recalled. “If it were the other way around, I would have refused.” Since arriving in Japan, his rise through the sumo ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. He made his professional debut in July 2023, becoming the second Ukraine-born sumo wrestler after Serhii Sokolovskyi, known in the ring as Shishi. In just over a year, Yavhusishyn reached sumo’s upper divisions, earning promotion at one of the fastest rates in modern sumo history—the fifth-fastest since the six-tournament-per-year format was introduced in 1958. Following his Kyushu win, the Japan Sumo Association is now set to hold a special meeting to consider promoting him to ozeki, the second-highest rank in sumo, just below yokozuna, or grand champion. Listed at 6 feet tall and 310 pounds, Yavhusishyn is known for both his power and agility. His determination to succeed has been fueled by the hardship of leaving his home behind, and the challenge of adapting to a new culture and sport at the highest level. His parents, who remained in Germany, have since visited him in Japan. Yavhusishyn said he remains focused on the future. “I am happy [now], but there is one higher status,” he said. “I want to work toward that.” From refugee to sumo star, Yavhusishyn’s journey is already extraordinary. And by the looks of it, he’s just getting started.

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New Study Uncovers New Way Neurons Send Pain Signals—Opening Doors to Safer Treatments

In a discovery that could reshape how scientists understand pain, learning, and memory, researchers at Tulane University have identified a previously unknown way that nerve cells communicate—by releasing an enzyme into the space between cells to activate pain pathways. The breakthrough, published in Science, was co-led by Matthew Dalva, director of the Tulane Brain Institute, and Ted Price, director of the Center for Advanced Pain Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. Their work highlights an enzyme called vertebrate lonesome kinase (VLK), which appears to play a key role in amplifying pain without affecting movement or general sensation. “This finding changes our fundamental understanding of how neurons communicate,” Dalva said. “We’ve discovered that an enzyme released by neurons can modify proteins on the outside of other cells to turn on pain signaling.” How It Works Traditionally, scientists have focused on what happens inside neurons—how neurotransmitters, receptors, and ion channels pass signals across synapses. But this study shows that neurons also communicate by releasing VLK externally, where it modifies surrounding proteins, including those involved in pain response. This kind of protein modification, called phosphorylation, is commonly studied inside cells. But the researchers found that VLK acts outside the cell, marking one of the first known examples of phosphorylation influencing cell behavior in the extracellular space. “It opens up an entirely new way of thinking about how to influence cell behavior,” Dalva said. “And potentially a simpler way to design drugs that act from the outside rather than having to penetrate the cell.” What They Found The researchers showed that: Active neurons release VLK into the space between cells. VLK increases the activity of a receptor involved in pain signaling, as well as learning and memory. Removing VLK from pain-sensing neurons in mice eliminated post-surgical pain, without affecting movement or basic sensory functions. Increasing VLK levels led to stronger pain responses. Why It Matters The discovery could lead to safer and more effective pain treatments. Many current pain drugs target NMDA receptors, which regulate communication between neurons but can cause serious side effects. By focusing instead on external enzymes like VLK, scientists may be able to avoid those risks. “This study gets to the core of how synaptic plasticity works—how connections between neurons evolve,” said Price. “It has very broad implications for neuroscience, especially in understanding how pain and learning share similar molecular mechanisms.” Dalva added that the ability to influence proteins from outside the cell could simplify drug design, making it easier to target specific behaviors while minimizing unintended effects. What’s Next Researchers now want to know whether VLK’s behavior is unique to pain pathways or part of a larger, overlooked biological process. If it's widespread, it could unlock new strategies for treating a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. The study was a collaborative effort involving nine institutions, including Princeton University, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was funded by the National Institutes of Health, with support from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Our findings were only possible through this kind of collaboration,” Dalva said. “By combining Tulane’s expertise in synaptic biology with the strengths of our partners, we were able to reveal a mechanism that has implications not just for pain, but for learning and memory across species.” Co-first authors include Dr. Sravya Kolluru, Dr. Praveen Chander, and Dr. Kristina Washburn, all members of the Dalva Lab at Tulane.

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This New Mid-Rise Apartment Design is Set to Speed Up Housing and Target “Missing Middle”

Airy courtyards, cross-ventilation, and clean Scandinavian lines could soon shape the future of Sydney housing, as the New South Wales government rolls out nine new mid-rise apartment building designs to help tackle the state's growing housing shortage. Unveiled on Monday, the new designs form part of the government’s broader low and mid-rise (LMR) housing reforms aimed at supporting the construction of 112,000 new homes over the next five years. The goal is to fill Sydney’s “missing middle” — the lack of medium-density housing that sits between sprawling suburban homes and high-rise towers. The buildings will be three to six storeys high and include options for small lots, large lots, and corner blocks. Designed by leading Australian and New Zealand architects, the plans focus on energy efficiency, light-filled spaces, shaded balconies, and community-friendly layouts. The government says these “pattern book” designs echo the spirit of Sydney’s beloved art deco and red brick walk-ups — while offering a modern, liveable alternative. Planning Minister Paul Scully said the designs allow more homes to be built “sympathetically with the size and scale that people like to see,” noting that Sydney’s urban landscape has always evolved. “There will be evolution and change in our cities as a matter of course,” he said. The NSW government is offering the plans for $1,500 to $2,500 for the first six months — roughly 1% of the cost of a bespoke architectural design. After six months, the price will rise to 10% of typical market cost. That pricing, officials say, is meant to boost uptake among developers and streamline approval processes. And the process is expected to get faster. While the designs still require a development application (DA), councils have been given guidance to halve average assessment times. The government says even faster approvals are on the way next year, thanks to new planning reforms recently passed in parliament. The release follows the popularity of the low-rise pattern book designs, launched in July. More than 17,000 low-rise plans have been downloaded for $1 each, though it's unclear how many have led to actual projects. Scully said early proposals are now beginning to move through the planning system, but acknowledged that mid-rise developments take more time to deliver. Abbie Galvin, the NSW Government Architect, noted the mid-rise designs are tailored for smaller sites — with 85% of eligible lots being under 20 metres wide. “That also means no larger developments that take a long time to deliver,” she said. The initiative comes as Sydney faces a mounting affordability and supply crisis, with younger generations increasingly priced out of the city. Premier Chris Minns highlighted a recent NSW Productivity Commission report that found 45,000 young people left the state last year, many citing housing pressures. “A lot of people in Sydney went: ‘Well, we’re open to apartments in our suburb — but not if they look like the ones we’ve already seen’,” Minns said. “The onus is on us, builders, and architects to design buildings that are beautiful, stand the test of time, and respond to that most urgent of needs.” The government is betting that high-quality, mid-rise homes—built faster and at lower cost—could be a critical step toward solving Sydney’s housing crunch.

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The World’s First Kiss Happened Millions of Years Before Humans Existed, Study Finds

Long before humans ever locked lips, kissing was already a thing—at least according to new research tracing the origins of the behavior back as far as 21.5 million years. A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society claims the earliest form of kissing likely emerged in the common ancestor of great apes, well before Homo sapiens entered the picture. That places the first recorded kiss sometime between 21.5 and 16.9 million years ago. Researchers Matilda Brindle, Catherine F. Talbot, and Stuart West titled their paper “A Comparative Approach to the Evolution of Kissing”. Their conclusion? Kissing is an ancient, evolutionarily conserved trait that likely began with large apes after they diverged from smaller apes on the evolutionary tree. The study defines kissing as a non-aggressive, within-species oral-oral interaction involving some lip or mouth movement, but no food exchange. It's a behavior the researchers say has been observed widely across the animal kingdom, particularly among large apes and Afro-Eurasian monkeys. “Kissing can be observed across the animal kingdom,” the authors noted, adding that similar actions—though not quite meeting the scientific definition—have also been spotted in birds, fish, insects, and other mammals. So why does any of this matter? The researchers believe that understanding the evolutionary history of kissing could shed light on its biological functions, especially in relation to mating systems and social bonding. Their early data suggest a potential link between kissing and species with intense postcopulatory sexual selection—basically, animals where competition for mates continues even after mating occurs. “This conclusion is consistent with kissing having been observed in a variety of animals,” the researchers wrote. “We highlight promising future avenues of enquiry for understanding why kissing evolved.” They’re not saying your smooch with a partner is the same as what two chimps might do—but they are saying the behavior likely has deep evolutionary roots, possibly dating back to a shared ancestor of modern apes and extinct human species. In short, kissing may not be as uniquely human—or as modern—as we tend to think. It could be one of the oldest social behaviors we share with the rest of the animal kingdom.

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Can Cheese Consumption Predict Future Dementia Risk?

A new study out of Japan suggests that adding a little cheese to your diet could do more than please your taste buds—it might also help protect your brain. Researchers tracked nearly 8,000 people aged 65 and older for three years and found that those who ate cheese at least once a week were less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t eat any cheese at all. Out of the cheese-eaters, 3.4% developed dementia, compared to 4.5% of non-cheese eaters. That’s roughly 10 to 11 fewer cases per 1,000 people—not a massive difference, but one that researchers say could have a real impact when scaled to the population level, especially in countries like Japan where cheese isn’t a dietary staple. “These findings are consistent with prior observational evidence linking dairy intake to cognitive health,” said lead researcher Seungwon Jeong of Niimi University in the published paper. Importantly, the researchers controlled for factors like age, sex, education, and income—common variables that can influence dementia risk. They also adjusted for overall diet quality, since those who skipped cheese tended to have less healthy eating habits overall. Even then, the cheese link held up. That doesn’t mean cheese prevents dementia—but it’s another clue in a growing body of research showing how diet may influence brain health. So what’s the possible link? Cheese contains several nutrients thought to support cognitive function, including vitamin K, which has been associated with brain health in older adults. It’s also full of beneficial bacteria that support the gut microbiome, and emerging science continues to connect gut health to dementia risk. Fermented dairy products like cheese are also linked to better heart health—and good cardiovascular health is known to protect against cognitive decline. While the study didn’t dig into the biological “why,” the researchers believe it’s likely a combination of these factors working together. And they’re not finished: They plan to continue investigating how different types of cheese and different amounts might influence the brain, and whether any specific mechanisms can be pinpointed. For now, the message is simple: cheese alone won’t prevent dementia, but it might be a small, tasty part of a larger strategy that includes exercise, social connection, and a nutritious diet. As the world’s population continues to age—particularly in countries like Japan—these insights matter. According to the UN, over 50 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia. That number is expected to grow sharply in the coming decades. “Further research is warranted,” the study notes, “to clarify dose-response relationships, cheese subtypes, and underlying mechanisms.” In the meantime, if you’re looking for one more reason to enjoy a slice of cheddar or a bit of brie, this might just be it.

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Nine-Year-Old Rio Conquers Everest Base Camp in 12-Day Trek with His Dad

While most kids were easing into the school term, nine-year-old Rio from Spondon, Derby was climbing to 5,364 metres above sea level. Alongside his dad Jake, 34, Rio completed a 12-day trek to Mount Everest Base Camp on 15 November—drawing applause from seasoned climbers around the world as he arrived at the iconic Himalayan outpost. “It was basically doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks every day,” Jake said. “It was like climbing Ben Nevis every single day up and down.” Each day of the journey involved a minimum of six hours of climbing. As they climbed higher, oxygen levels dropped to as low as 76%—making even simple tasks harder. “We struggled to breathe,” Jake said. But Rio kept going. The father-son team fueled their climb with “munch bags” packed with flapjacks, raisins, chocolate, biscuits and other quick snacks. Days started at 6am with breakfast, followed by hours on the trail until dinner. The trek started with a twist. Their flight to Lukla from Kathmandu was cancelled due to bad weather, so the pair had to hitch a helicopter ride instead. “We weren’t expecting it, so it was a nice little surprise,” Jake said. Rio is no stranger to a challenge. He’s already climbed the UK’s three highest peaks—Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike—as well as completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. Still, Everest Base Camp was another level. Jake expected he might have to carry Rio’s bag at some point—but never did. Rio insisted on carrying his own five-kilo day pack, filled with water, snacks, waterproofs and gloves. “He wanted to show that he was self-sufficient,” Jake said. “I was so proud of him.” The most gruelling part of the journey, according to Jake, was the early climb to Namche Bazar, where they gained more than 1,000 metres of elevation in a single day. But even as fatigue set in, Rio kept going. “If anything, it was the adults that started to wane a bit,” Jake admitted. As they reached base camp, Jake was overwhelmed with emotion. “I cried happy tears,” he said. For Rio, the challenge was “epic.” And he’s already planning what comes next. “We had so many laughs,” Jake said. “We’ve had some tough times climbing. The best thing for me is always spending time with my lad and adventuring together.”

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At Just 16 Years Old, This Actress is Making History in Miss Saigon

Bea Ward never imagined she’d make theatre history at 16—but that’s exactly what she’s done. The teen actress from Leominster, Herefordshire, has become the youngest performer ever to take on the lead role of Kim in Miss Saigon, which opened its UK tour this week at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre. “It’s kind of crazy,” Ward said. “I never thought I’d do that. I’m just really grateful.” The role of Kim, a young Vietnamese woman caught in the chaos of war and love during the fall of Saigon, is typically played by actresses closer to 18. Ward, still just 16, wasn’t expecting to be considered at all. “When I got the call back and kept getting them and the email saying they wanted to see me back again, I started to realise it was getting real,” she said. Her performance in Miss Saigon comes after an already impressive start to her career. Ward previously appeared in Hollywood’s production of Wicked and describes the ride so far as a “wild journey.” “I never thought I’d be here in my life but I’m just soaking it all in.” Despite her rising star status, Ward has never had any formal acting or vocal training. She’s learned everything on the job—observing, absorbing, and trusting her instincts. “I just take on what is given to me and learn from other people, feel what’s wrong and what’s right,” she said. For anyone dreaming of following in her footsteps, Ward has simple advice. “This sounds really cringey,” she said, “but if you believe in yourself and you have that inner confidence, you can truly do anything you want to do.” The story of Miss Saigon—a sweeping love story inspired by real events during the Vietnam War—resonates deeply with Ward, who called the show an “epic love story journey.” “It follows this 17-year-old runaway from war and falling in love with an American guy, which is such a true story for so many Vietnamese people during the fall of Saigon,” she said. “I’m really honoured to share the story and continue its legacy.” As the curtain rises on the UK tour, Ward’s name is already etched in the show’s history—and she’s just getting started.

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Bowhead Whales Might Hold the Key to Fighting Cancer — Here’s Why

Bowhead whales can live for more than 200 years. That longevity, combined with their massive size and millions of cells, should make them prime candidates for developing cancer. But they don’t. In fact, there’s never been a documented case of a malignant tumor in a bowhead whale. That mystery led researchers to take a closer look. What they found, published in Nature, could open up new ways to prevent or treat cancer—not just in whales, but potentially in humans too. “This charming little whale is doing something remarkable,” said biologist Vera Gorbunova from the University of Rochester. “Instead of eliminating malignant cells, they maintain their cells better so they don’t accumulate as many mutations.” It’s part of a growing field known as comparative oncology, which looks at how different species evolve resistance to cancer. The central mystery it tackles is called Peto’s paradox—the idea that large, long-lived animals should get more cancer than small ones, simply because they have more cells and more time for those cells to mutate. But they don’t. Gorbunova and her team set out to investigate what the bowhead’s secret might be. Instead of finding lots of tumor-suppressing genes like in elephants—who carry 20 copies of a gene called p53, compared to just one in humans—they discovered something else entirely: superior cell maintenance. The whales produce large quantities of a protein called CIRBP, short for cold-inducible RNA-binding protein. It helps fix breaks in DNA, which is crucial because if breaks aren’t repaired correctly, they can lead to cancer. And bowhead whales are very good at DNA repair—two to three times better than humans, according to the study. “They were not losing pieces of DNA,” Gorbunova said. “They were fusing the ends correctly.” The team took it a step further. When they made human cells overproduce CIRBP, those cells became more efficient at repairing DNA damage. When they did the same in fruit flies, the insects lived longer and became more resistant to mutations. That’s where things get interesting for humans. “The most important take-home message for us is that there is room for improvement,” Gorbunova said. “If we understand the mechanism of longevity in this exceptionally long-lived mammal, maybe we can find a way to clinically translate this mechanism to benefit human health.” Gorbunova credits the Indigenous Iñupiaq community in Barrow, Alaska, for making the research possible. Bowhead whales are hunted there for subsistence, and with permission, her team was given small tissue samples to study. In turn, she hopes this research could one day help the Inuit, whose communities face rising cancer rates. The CIRBP protein is triggered by cold—fitting for whales that thrive in frigid Arctic waters. Instead of constantly eliminating damaged cells, as elephants do, bowheads seem to avoid damage in the first place by focusing on long-term cell upkeep. “The strategy of the whale is to invest in maintenance rather than clean up,” Gorbunova explained. Scientists outside the study say it’s a promising development. “We want to be able to treat cancer better in humans,” said Amy Boddy, an evolutionary biologist at UC Santa Barbara. “And so it’s really exciting to know that animals have evolved different pathways to live long and defend against cancer.” Boddy also sees a conservation angle here. “We should protect against poaching because they are these amazing, magical creatures that can maybe one day help human health,” she said. Still, there are limits. DNA repair is energy-intensive, and there are likely trade-offs. And as evolutionary biologist Vincent Lynch pointed out, this is just the start. “We have literally uncovered a handful of the mechanisms that are responsible for their cancer resistance,” he said. “There’s going to be a whole lot more to identify, which is cool because it gives us something to do.” For Gorbunova, that’s exactly the point. “If we only study very short-lived organisms, we cannot really find longevity mechanisms because they don’t have them,” she said. It turns out, animals that survive for two centuries may have a lot to teach us about staying alive.

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