Bird Brains? Emus Prove They're No Dodos In Puzzle-Solving Test

In a groundbreaking study, scientists discovered that large birds like emus and rheas can solve tricky problems to access food. Previously considered the 'world's dumbest bird,' emus were able to create new techniques for getting food in 90 percent of cases. This challenges the idea that certain bird species are less intelligent. The research opens up new possibilities for understanding bird cognition and even sheds light on how dinosaurs may have behaved.

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From Backyard to Broadway: 75-Foot Spruce Lights Up Rockefeller Center for 2025 Holiday Season

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has come a long way since 1931, when construction workers first put up a 20-foot fir to mark the holidays during the Great Depression. Ninety-three years later, it remains one of the most iconic symbols of the season — a towering Norway spruce lit by 50,000 LEDs, crowned with a 900-lb. Swarovski star, and watched by millions in person and on TV. For the 2025 season, the tree came from East Greenbush, New York, a suburb just outside Albany. The 75-foot spruce had been growing on the Russ family property for over six decades, serving as a backdrop for birthdays, holidays, and backyard memories. When Erik Pauze, Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, saw a photo of the tree earlier this year, he said he “knew it was perfect.” He even made several trips back to check in and water the tree himself. It was cut down on November 6 and arrived in Midtown Manhattan two days later, greeted by cranes, crews, and curious onlookers. On December 3, during the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special — hosted this year by Reba McEntire — the tree was officially lit, its five miles’ worth of multicolored lights glowing against the city skyline. The tradition has come a long way since its humble beginnings. That first tree in 1931 was decorated with cranberries, garland, and tin cans, and paychecks were handed out beneath it on Christmas Eve. Two years later, the first official lighting ceremony was held in 1933. From there, the trees only got taller — and the decorations more extravagant. In 1942, during World War II blackouts, the tree remained unlit, though not undecorated. It was adorned in red, white, and blue to support the war effort. And in 1949, the entire tree was spray-painted silver to evoke a wintry feel. By the 1950s, the tree lighting had become a national event, appearing on TV for the first time in 1951. That same decade saw the debut of Valerie Clarebout’s iconic wire angels, each made with 75 pounds of metal. They’ve returned every year since. The tradition has also grown more sustainable. Since 1971, Rockefeller trees have been turned into mulch or donated to Habitat for Humanity. LED lights were introduced in 2007, powered in part by rooftop solar panels at One Rockefeller Center. As for where the trees come from? Most hail from New York and New Jersey, though a few have made longer journeys. The first tree from outside the U.S. came from Canada in 1966. One arrived on a barge in 1997. Another flew in on the world’s largest cargo plane in 1998. And 1999’s 100-foot spruce from Connecticut remains the tallest in Rockefeller history. Some trees come with personal stories. In 2018, a tree donated by a Latinx same-sex couple marked a first. A year later, Carol Schultz gifted the tree she planted 60 years earlier as her “80th birthday present to the world.” And the 2020 tree — which looked sparse on arrival — went viral, with the Rockefeller Center Instagram account cheekily defending its appearance: “Just wait until I get my lights on!” The trees aren’t just symbols — they’re steeped in family memories. This year’s tree was no different. The Russ family’s spruce had stood watch over their front yard for more than 60 years. Now, it’ll shine in front of millions. Once the season ends, the 2025 tree will be repurposed like those before it, continuing a legacy that started with a simple gesture nearly a century ago. And while the size, lights, and spectacle have grown, the heart of the tradition — spreading joy and bringing people together — remains the same.

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He's Santa's Head Elf, and He's Bringing Joy and Support Through Millions of Emails

For nearly 30 years, Alan Kerr has been quietly helping Santa answer millions of letters from kids all over the world — all from his home in Calgary. As “Santa’s head elf” and the creator of the website emailsanta.com, Kerr has seen it all. On Christmas Eve alone, the site receives up to 10 emails per second — requests for toys, heartfelt wishes for family members, and, sometimes, things no child should have to ask for. “Could you please try to find a girlfriend for my dad... to keep him busy, so he will leave my toys alone,” wrote five-year-old Nicholas from Alberta. That’s one of the lighter messages Kerr has kept over the years. But others are much heavier. Kerr launched the website in 1997 during a Canada Post strike, so kids wouldn’t miss their chance to write to Santa. But by the next year, he realized the project was becoming something more. A nine-year-old girl wrote in to say she had lost three close relatives that year and just needed someone to talk to. “That’s when it really hit me,” Kerr told CBC. “Kids say things to Santa that they will not say to anybody else.” And they still do. Some write about being bullied, others about losing pets or family members. One wrote, “I know your elves only make toys, but I wish they could find a cure for my brain tumor. Maybe you could put a good word in for me with the angels? I don’t need any toys.” That was from Madison, age 11. The site sends back instant, personalized replies from Santa, thanks to some clever coding. But when certain sensitive keywords are flagged — like "scared," "hurt," or "sad" — the system prompts Kerr to step in with a second email offering support resources, like helpline numbers or local organizations. Sometimes he’s reached out to authorities when a message suggests a child could be in immediate danger. Other times, he’s simply offered a kind word that makes all the difference. Kerr has spent years refining this process. He’s consulted with psychologists, teachers, and even police officers to build a safer system. He’s also built out a section of the site with global helpline resources, in case a child or adult needs support beyond what Santa can give. And it’s not just kids. In 2022, someone from Afghanistan wrote in asking for help, and Kerr responded with information from a refugee organization in Ontario. Dr. Todd Cunningham, a child psychologist at the University of Toronto, says it makes sense that kids open up to Santa. “He’s this trustworthy, loving individual who brings gifts to kids who are good,” he explained. “I could see how that would attract people to talk to him and reach out to him.” Kerr agrees. “They share their Christmas thoughts every year with him since they've been very, very little,” he said. “If it is a problem inside the family, he's a person who's outside that immediate circle that they feel comfortable with.” He added that Santa’s roots — based on the third-century monk St. Nicholas — have always been about caring for children. “Nowadays, I think it’s more that Santa is known for being a good, kind listener,” Kerr said. “Kids believe he can do something to help them.” It’s not all heavy, though. The site also gets a fair share of laughs. Like this note from nine-year-old Conrad in Calgary: “I really like the red suit, but when I saw you in the mall the other day, it was lookin’ a little too small. Maybe you should ease up a little on the milk and cookies.” This year, Kerr compiled some of the most memorable letters in a new book titled Dear Santa, Letters to emailSanta.com. It’s filled with sweet, funny, and emotional messages that reflect nearly three decades of running the site. “I consider it a privilege,” he said. “It’s an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s also a calling.” Some of the responses he’s received over the years stay with him. Like the young girl who wrote back three weeks after he sent her resources, saying, simply, “Everything’s going to be fine.” You could feel the difference in her tone, Kerr said. As Santa’s inbox fills up again this season, Kerr is still there — reading, replying, and making sure every child feels heard.

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Community Rallies To Give Foster Family A Heartwarming Holiday Surprise

This Christmas, a family in Blackfoot, Idaho found themselves on the receiving end of the generosity they’ve shown so many others. Jacob and Samantha, a couple known in their community for fostering children and opening their home to those in need, hit an especially rough patch just weeks before the holidays. After years of giving, life turned upside down in a matter of days. The couple met at BYU-Idaho, eventually settling in Blackfoot. Samantha, originally from Zimbabwe, works as a special education teacher, while Jacob had been working at a fabrication shop. They’ve fostered nearly a dozen children over the years, and last summer, they celebrated a major milestone: adopting their teenage daughter from Zimbabwe through an international process that brought joy, but also steep financial costs. At the time, they were also caring for three young boys they hope to adopt. Despite the strain, the couple remained committed to providing a stable, loving home. But in early December, just after helping some friends move, their family vehicle was destroyed when they hit a deer on the drive home. The crash left their car totaled, and insurance wouldn’t cover the damage. With six people in the household, they suddenly found themselves managing everyday life — school drop-offs, appointments, errands — with only a single pickup truck. Then came another blow: Jacob lost his job. Now, each day begins with Jacob dropping off Samantha and the kids before heading out in search of work. He spends his days job-hunting and trying to keep things afloat. That’s when a Secret Santa stepped in. Working with East Idaho News, the anonymous donor delivered a Christmas surprise the family never expected. Details of the gift haven’t been publicly shared yet, but the gesture came just when the family needed hope the most. Jacob and Samantha didn’t ask for help. They’ve spent years quietly giving to others — fostering children, caring for students, welcoming a daughter from across the world. This year, their community — and one generous stranger — made sure they knew they weren’t alone.

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Family's Holiday Tradition Of Donating Decorations Becomes Full-Fledged Nonprofit

In Nacogdoches, Texas, one family’s simple idea to spread Christmas cheer turned into something much bigger — and it all started with a few mini Christmas trees. Ariel and Jared Higginbotham, along with their six kids — Sophia, Amira, Zeke, Cami, Jaise, and Ezra — kicked off what they called “Operation Christmas Tree” in early December. Their goal was to brighten the holidays for local nursing home residents, many of whom spend most of their days alone. “Some of them are in their room quite a bit throughout the day, it’s just the same thing each day,” Ariel told ABC 9 News. “And just maybe having that tree … bringing that light and uplifting the Christmas spirit in the room is really important.” They delivered small trees, blankets, and holiday decorations to residents at Willowbrook Nursing Home. And something about that first visit stuck. The family couldn’t stop thinking about how much it meant to the people they met — so they came back. This time, they brought more: painted canvases, cookies, candy canes, stuffed animals, and cozy grippy socks. They posted online asking for help, and their neighbors showed up in a big way. Donations poured in, both physical and monetary. The Higginbothams handled pickups, shopping trips, and deliveries, turning their living room into a full-on holiday command center. “As Christmas gets closer, we’re getting ready to bring a little extra light, love, and Jesus to residents at a local nursing home, reminding them they’re seen, valued, and deeply cared for this season,” they shared in a post calling for donations. “Our top priorities are blankets and grippy socks, but snacks and basic bathroom essentials are also appreciated.” The family said every share and small act of kindness made a difference. “Every share, prayer, and contribution truly matters,” they wrote. “Thank you for helping us love others well this Christmas.” What started as a small project has already grown into something bigger. Inspired by the overwhelming response, the Higginbothams are now launching the Timeless Compassion Project, a new initiative aimed at supporting seniors in their community year-round. They plan to apply for official nonprofit status after the holidays, with hopes to expand their efforts throughout East Texas. “I feel like a lot of time … [donations] typically go to the homeless, they go to the children, and the nursing home typically get forgotten,” Ariel told ABC 9. Jared added, “Some of them don’t have any family in the area. They don’t ever get any visitors, so it's nice to have a face to talk to, as well.” For now, the focus was on Willowbrook, but the Higginbothams say they’re already thinking about how to make next year even bigger. “Thank you so much for partnering with us this Christmas season to bless a local nursing home,” they wrote in a follow-up post. “Every resident was so surprised and so very thankful.” They ended with a message for those who donated, showed up, or simply spread the word: “Be on the lookout for next year's schedule after the new year. We are working on new ways to help the residents and would love to have each and every one of you involved. Every piece of help you give is noticed and so appreciated.”

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Grinch Assists With Traffic Control After Police Foil Christmas Heist Plan

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.

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

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.

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Firefighters Delight Children With Heartwarming Christmas Surprise at Cancer Hospital

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.”

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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