💰 Boss Gives $240 Million in Bonuses

Good morning. A Maryland business owner’s heartfelt thank-you led to $240 million in bonuses for his employees, underscoring the profound impact of recognizing hard work.

In India, ancient stepwells are being restored, blending tradition and innovation to bring clean water and hope to communities in need. A lost grey seal pup’s rescue on the River Bure reminds us how quick thinking can turn a holiday surprise into a story of compassion.

And in Cardiff, a family’s open door on Christmas Eve led to a lifelong bond, proving that a single act of kindness can change lives for generations.

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—Stephanie S

When a Maryland business owner sold his family company, he surprised his 2,000 employees with $240 million in bonuses. The generous gesture came from Marc Shaffer, who wanted to thank his staff for their dedication over the years.

Employees received checks based on their years of service, with some long-timers getting seven-figure sums. The emotional announcement left many in tears and disbelief.

Shaffer emphasized that the company’s success was built on the hard work of its people. He felt it was only right to share the rewards with those who made it possible.

This act of gratitude has inspired many, showing the powerful impact of recognizing and valuing employees.

India’s ancient stepwells, once vital for water storage, are being restored to help address modern water shortages. The Environmentalist Foundation of India has revived these architectural marvels, blending traditional techniques with modern needs.

Restoration efforts include clearing debris, repairing stonework, and reviving water channels. These projects not only supply clean water but also preserve cultural heritage.

Communities now benefit from both improved water access and renewed pride in their historic landmarks.

As we close out 2025, we’re grateful for a year shaped by purpose, partnership, and community. Through Niagara Cares, meaningful progress came from showing up consistently and working together toward shared goals rooted in care and responsibility.

Alongside our nonprofit partners, we helped restore local waterways, expand access to recycling programs, and support communities through food security initiatives and disaster relief. Each effort reflected a commitment to hands-on service and long-term impact, driven by collaboration at every level.

These moments represent what’s possible when people unite around a common purpose. As we look ahead, we’re inspired to carry this momentum forward and continue building stronger, more resilient communities together.

A fisherman on the River Bure in Norfolk was surprised to find a lost grey seal pup in his net, 20 miles from the coast. The hungry pup, later named Sunshine, was significantly underweight and likely swam upriver from a large seal colony.

Rescue charity workers responded quickly, taking Sunshine to an RSPCA shelter for care and recovery.

This unusual rescue story highlights the challenges young wildlife can face and the kindness of those who help them.

A new adaptive shoe from Cadense is making walking easier for people with mobility challenges. Developed by Dr. Tyler Susko, the shoe uses variable friction technology to help users navigate uneven surfaces safely and confidently.

Tested with patients living with MS, stroke, and Parkinson’s, the shoes have received praise for improving independence and reducing falls.

Cadense now offers these innovative shoes and slippers to the public, blending clinical-grade support with modern style.

🎄 California: Scientists used cloning to preserve the original memorial cedar tree that began Fresno’s century-old Christmas Tree Lane tradition.

🔭 Chile: Astronomers have captured thousands of previously unseen colors in the Sculptor Galaxy, revealing new details about its composition.

🧂 USA: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are powerful antioxidants with medicinal benefits, ranking among the most potent nutraceuticals for disease prevention.

💖 Texas: A teen's quick-thinking boyfriend urged her to visit the hospital, saving her from a rare stroke, and took her to prom just two weeks later.

💪 USA: A new poll finds Americans’ top New Year’s resolutions for 2026 are saving money, exercising more, and improving health.

31 years ago today, the Pacific island nation of Kiribati skipped December 31 entirely. As part of a time zone reorganization, the country moved its Line Islands and Phoenix Islands across the International Date Line, shifting clocks forward by nearly a full day. The result was a calendar jump straight from December 30 to January 1.

The change made Kiribati home to the earliest time zone on Earth at UTC +14, meaning it now sees the New Year before any other place on the planet. While harmless, the moment remains one of the strangest calendar corrections in modern history.

Other notable December 31 events:

1907: The first New Year’s Eve celebration was held in New York City’s Times Square.

1961: The U.S. Marshall Plan officially expired after distributing billions to rebuild postwar Europe.

1998: The euro was introduced and legacy European currencies were locked in value.

2017: China officially banned the import and sale of ivory, sharply reducing elephant poaching.

— Ernst Fischer

Every day brings amazing advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how wonderful the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

💨 Community Wind: Community wind farms are lowering electricity costs and reducing carbon footprints.

🔥 Fire Cameras: Wildfire spotting cameras are reducing response times and saving habitats.

🪸 Coral Prints: 3D-printed coral structures are helping marine life recover in damaged reef areas.

📱 Adult Literacy Apps: Global literacy tech is helping adults learn to read through mobile apps and gamified lessons.

🙂 Teen Teletherapy: Telepsychiatry for adolescents provides critical care access in underserved areas.

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