There's a new addition to awards season, and it puts regular folks — or regular pets, rather — at the forefront. The Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, taking place Feb. 24, will be dedicated to America's beloved dogs and cats, and the winners will be chosen by fans. The categories include best rescue pet, senior sweetheart, and athletic champion. Here's how to enter your pet.
Global Renewable Energy Growth Is Top Journal's 2025 Breakthrough of the Year
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This past year has seen no shortage of scientific marvels and milestones, but the best of them all — according to the journal Science — is the fact that renewable energy began to surpass fossil fuels worldwide. The "seemingly unstoppable growth" of renewables like solar and wind was named the publication's 2025 Breakthrough of the Year, a designation previously awarded to such advances as CRISPR gene editing (2015), the first quantum machine (2010), and Dolly the sheep (1997). "This year, global renewable energy, led by solar and wind, grew fast enough to cover all the world's new electricity demand in the first half of the year, and now supplies more electricity than coal worldwide," the journal said in a press release, noting that China is leading this transition both in terms of its own renewables implementation and its manufacturing of the tools, like solar panels, that make it possible. The dominance of greener energy sources has also been helped along by recent technological innovations, including improvements in solar efficiency and battery storage systems. "The transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy is not just possible — it's accelerating — and rapidly becoming the most practical and cost-effective choice," the release said. Read Science's full feature on the breakthrough and see which other scientific advancements made the runners-up list (including the story of a baby who's also featured lower down in today's newsletter).
Together With Elf Labs
The Vault Is Open — Access Is Limited
In 2012, Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion — one of the most profitable entertainment deals ever made. But everyday investors never had the opportunity to participate, missing the upside. Over the past decade, Elf Labs quietly secured more than 500 trademarks and copyrights tied to iconic characters like Cinderella, Snow White, and others — creating a rare opportunity for that dynamic to change. The company is now building a tech-powered character universe, using AI, immersive technology, and 12 patents to activate these globally recognized characters across entertainment, gaming, and consumer products — a market estimated at over $2 trillion. Analyst interest began rising even before any national rollout, following multiple unsolicited $70 million-plus offers. And unlike the Lucasfilm deal, investors can participate while the company remains private. Earn up to 35% bonus shares. Timing matters — limited shares remain. Invest now.
This is a paid advertisement for Elf Lab's Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://www.elflabs.com/.
Humanity
Nice News Readers Donated $46K to Our 2025 Fundraisers
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One might assume that a community centered on consuming and spreading positivity is also a particularly generous one. But now we have the numbers to back that up: In 2025, Nice News readers collectively donated $46,157 across four different fundraisers. Yes, that's your cue to pat yourself on the back. These four fundraisers — one for each season — helpedkeep people warm, aided conservation efforts, supported America's national park system, and relieved more than $2.5 million (million!) in medical debt. Revisit each of them here, and as we wrap up this season of giving, consider making a final donation to one of the nonprofits.
Culture
Campaign Underway to Save the Scottish Farm Where "Auld Lang Syne" Was Written
Ian Findlay
It rings in our ears every New Year's, yet somehow "Auld Lang Syne" never feels overplayed. Now, however, the question of whether auld acquaintance should be forgot is not just a thought-provoking lyric but a timely issue, as volunteers strive to save the historic Scottish farm where poet Robert Burns wrote down the words to the beloved tune in 1788. Announced in late November, the Saving the Home of "Auld Lang Syne" campaign seeks to raise over $16 million to restore Ellisland Farm in Dumfriesshire and develop a public cultural destination on the site. "Ellisland has that same potential to become both a national landmark and a source of enduring inspiration," Duncan Dornan, chair of the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust, said in a news release. "This is our opportunity to preserve the home where the world's most famous song was born and ensure it thrives for generations to come." Click here to view footage of the farm and listen to a rendition of the song to get into the New Year's spirit.
In Other News
In a nation-leading move, Colorado will offer paid neonatal leave to families with children in the NICU (read more)
The world's tallest teen, Olivier Rioux, made college basketball history with the first dunk of his career (read more)
A baby saved by a first-ever gene therapy earlier this year has taken his first steps in time for Christmas (read more)
New, colorful frescoes were uncovered in a 2,000-year-old villa on the outskirts of Pompeii(read more)
"A singular presence": Harrison Ford will receive the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award in March (read more)
Something We Love
My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life Written by the former editor in chief of Gourmet, this is technically a cookbook, but reads more like a memoir — it ties in recipes with stories about the author's life during the year after the magazine was shut down in 2009. Between the mouthwatering food pictures and heartfelt reflections, it's easy to get lost in the pages. – Stephanie Friedman, Staff Writer
In 2008, a 22-year-old Lindsey Lauten was living in Little Rock, Arkansas, working at a local restaurant, and unsure about where her life was headed. That was, until she found herself serving actors Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson. The famous couple immediately connected with Lauten and picked up on her work ethic — so Steenburgen offered her an assistant job on the spot, an opportunity that changed her life. "You never know who is watching," Lauten said while recently recalling the fateful story. "Every job deserves your full attention and care."
Photo of the Day
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
On Friday, thousands of people came together at Bondi Beach for a paddle out — an event that both honored the victims of the Dec. 14 mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration and displayed a sense of resilience and defiance in the face of tragedy. "Today was a reminder of the amazing people where we live and what this community's built on," 22-year-old attendee Jack Hobbs told the Associated Press. See the massive circle the paddleboarders formed in the waters off Sydney's most iconic shore.
Rosetta Stone Is a Gift That Lasts Beyond the Holiday Season
Need a thoughtful last-minute present? Give the gift of learning. Rosetta Stone's holiday sale offers lifetime access to 25 languages for just $149 (regularly $399). You can instantly deliver joy, discovery, and connection with just one click. Each Rosetta Stone lesson is approachable, with features like TruAccent to help learners speak with confidence. It's a gift that lasts far beyond the holidays.
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Odds & Ends
🏄 Taking on what may be the biggest wave ever surfed by a woman 👰♀️ Sisterhood of the traveling wedding dress ☀️ The "morning ritual" some celebs swear by for aging skin* ♥️ A viral video demonstrating the power of showing up *Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate
Quote of the Day
"It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves."
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