All News - Page 843 of 1716 - Good News Network
Home Blog Page 843

Bald Eagle Found in Bad Shape is Making a Remarkable Recovery

By
Good News Network
-

This bald eagle is making a miraculous recovery just in time for Independence Day.

The bird was found injured and having trouble breathing in Washington D.C., earlier this week.

It was also unable to fly because of the thunderstorms in the area.

RELATED VIDEO: Dog Chained Up For 15 Years is Finally Freed

After it was rescued by the Humane Rescue Alliance, however, it has since become “bright and alert”.

Officials suspect that the eagle’s previous health problems were due to stress.

“Yesterday, the bird spent a restful day at City Wildlife and even ate a meal. Eating is always an encouraging sign,” said the Humane Rescue Alliance on Monday. “The eagle is being transferred to another specialty center for continued diagnostics, continued care if needed and to be flight tested.

“City Wildlife reports that it’s their hope the eagle gets a clean bill of health, so it can be returned to its home in Washington, DC and released,” they added.

(WATCH the video below)

Fly This Story To Your Friends – Photo by City Wildlife

Sikh Community Saves Town’s Fourth of July Celebration

By
Good News Network
-

When one of this town’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions was at stake, their religious community stepped up to help.

Due to the financial issues of Visalia, California, the city was preparing to drop its fireworks display because it couldn’t afford the festivity’s $10,000 price tag.

RELATED: Karma Comes Back Around for Man who Broke Religious Rule to Help Boy

When they mayor of the city mentioned the dilemma to a local Sikh man, however, he said that the Sikh community would be more than happy to supply the extra funds.

“Visalia considers this to be very generous and helpful. We appreciate their show of patriotic support, as one of our newer groups of American citizens,” Visalia Mayor Warren Gubler told NBC News.

Thanks to the donation, the 120,000 Californian city residents were able to enjoy a dazzling fireworks display that they’ll never forget.

Click To Share This Sweet American Story With Your Friends – Photo by Gurumustuk Singh, CC

Man With Cerebral Palsy Lands Dream Job

By
Good News Network
-

Despite not having any control over his body, this man with cerebral palsy just landed his dream job in security at a busy baseball stadium

Keith Gieser recently started working at the Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida when the facility started hiring security personnel according to new Major League Baseball protocols.

The stadium, which admits over 4,000 guests during the spring training events, is no small venue – but Gieser has proved himself an exceptional addition to the team.

CHECK OUT: Teen With Down Syndrome Shocked When Friend Uses Doritos to Ask Her To Prom

Gieser first landed the job with help from Work Opportunities Unlimited – a community-based organization that matches employees who may have trouble finding work to prospective employers. Coincidentally, Geiser has always wanted to work in security detail.

Assistant general manager Alex Inman says that while they were careful hiring Gieser, they were sure he would do an excellent job.

“We believe in opportunity for all but we also had to do our due diligence; Keith had to be able to do the job. We interviewed him, took everything into consideration, focusing on what he could do, and we hired him,” says Inman.

“A lot of people praised us for hiring Keith but this isn’t just a feel-good story,” Inman added. “We want everyone who comes to the stadium to have a positive experience and the safety and security of the fans, the players and coaches is paramount. We feel that Keith is doing an important job and he’s a positive force. He’s inspired our team for sure; he’s been a pleasure to have here, everybody loves him.”

(WATCH the video below)

Score Big With Your Friends: Click To Share (Photo by Work Opportunities Unlimited)

Hillary Swank Steps Up to Save Tiny Pups Left at a Shelter

By
Good News Network
-

These babies may not have cost a million dollars, but they’re sure worth a lot to Oscar award-winning actress Hillary Swank.

Two golden retriever pups named Scully and Mulder after the dynamic X Files television show duo were recently taken in by Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue in West Virginia.

The organization works to find foster homes for shelter animals until they can be adopted. So, when they took in the 3-month-old hounds, they weren’t sure who would step up with a place to stay.

WATCH: Dog Chained Up For 15 Years Finds New Home Thanks to Ricky Gervais

They were shocked when – after posting a photo of the pups to social media – they received an email from the 42-year-old Hollywood star offering the dogs a home.

With a little bit of coordination between the nonprofit and the actress, Scully and Mulder were shipped out to Beverly Hills to stay with their new movie mom.

In conclusion to the sweet story, Swank and the pups have reportedly been having a pawesome time hiking together on some local California trails. Though Swank plans on keeping at least one of the pups – while helping the other find a different forever home – she says that they are both the sweetest companions a girl could have.

“Fostering not only saves lives and allows more room for other animals in the shelter until they too find a foster or forever home, but it can also be an important transition to finding forever homes,” wrote Swank. “The grateful heartfelt love I receive from dogs when fostering is life-changing, not only for the dog, but for me.”

P.S. Click To Share The Barking Good Story With Your Friends (Photo by Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue)

Congressman is So Happy Over City’s New Minimum Wage, He Whips Out Guitar to Celebrate

By
McKinley Corbley
-

This Congressman was so excited over his city’s new legislation, he couldn’t help but sing a little song in celebration.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota) has been lobbying to raise the minimum wage in Minneapolis for years now – and finally, that dream has come to fruition.

On Friday, the Minneapolis City Council approved new legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by the year 2024, making it one of only a few American cities that have implemented laws for higher worker compensation.

CHECK OUT: Opposing Congressmen Become Besties When Forced on D.C. Road Trip

That’s why Ellison took to social media with a video of himself playing a little tune on the guitar in anticipation of the new legislation.

“I’ve been marching for my 15 – gettin’ paid, now that’s what I mean. I need money. That’s what I want,” crooned Ellison. “The best things in life aren’t free – but you can give them to the birds and the bees. I need money, that’s what I want.”

In addition to the video, Ellison posted a reminder about why higher minimum wage matters for the city.

MORE: San Francisco Bans Sale of Non-Rescue Animals at Pet Stores

“Today, Minneapolis took a big step toward renewing the promise of the American Dream,” wrote Ellison. “‘The American Dream’ should mean that in a country this prosperous, nobody who works for their living should live in poverty. Yet today, working a full-time job at minimum wage doesn’t lift an American worker out of poverty – it keeps her in it.”

A recent survey showed that the average 2-bedroom home in Minneapolis cost roughly $2,000 a month – a whopping price tag for the 71,000 minimum wage workers currently employed in the city.

The first pay raises of the ordinance will begin for larger businesses in January 2018 – however, the deadlines for smaller businesses are set to be slightly more relaxed in order to ease the financial transition.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share The News With Your Friends – OR,

Arcade Workers Show Great Kindness to Overwhelmed Autistic Boy

By
McKinley Corbley
-

When her 4-year-old autistic son became overwhelmed by the crowds at the local arcade, this mom was resigned to the fact that her kids might not be able to enjoy the games like everyone else.

But the arcade staff wasn’t about to let anyone miss out on the fun.

Stephanie Saad’s son Jordan is nonverbal, but he adores playing the video games at the Dave and Buster’s in Boston, Massachusetts. After attempting to go on a normal afternoon, however, the large amounts of people made him too anxious to enjoy the facilities.

CHECK OUT: Barber Goes Extra Mile For Boy With Autism, Cuts Hair in the Car

Stephanie then sent an email to the event coordinator and asked what times were the least busy for the arcade, so Jordan and his twin sister wouldn’t have to worry about the crowds.

Much to the mother’s surprise, she received an email from the staff saying that they would be happy to open the arcade earlier so the siblings could enjoy the games alone.

True to their word, Dave and Busters opened the store on the morning of June 22nd just for the Saad family. In addition to allowing other family relatives to attend, the staff gave $15 gift cards to the siblings and set several of the machines to unlimited play mode.

WATCH: Cashier’s Sweet Gesture for Boy With Cerebral Palsy

“I cried watching both of my children being able to have fun, laugh and actually stay someplace that they both were having so much fun at,” wrote Jordan’s mother on Wicked Local. “As hard as it is for Jordan to miss out on things, I know it is equally as hard for his sister who also has to leave when things are overwhelming.”

“I think it is so important that everyone know how truly amazing the Dave and Busters staff are and also, what an impact they made on my special little guy,” she added.

Score Big With Your Friends: Click To Share (Photo by the Saad Family)

25 Deserving Families Will Have New Homes, Thanks to This Veteran

By
McKinley Corbley
-

A late Army sergeant and Purple Heart recipient has left behind an awe-inspiring legacy of philanthropy.

When Sergeant First Class Stephen Florentz passed away in December, he left his $2.25 million estate to the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity – which is the largest donation that they have ever received.

The money will be used to build 25 homes for low income families in Oklahoma City.

RELATED: Strangers Join Police Officers to Buy 95-Year-old New Air Conditioner

Though there are plenty of Habitat for Humanity neighborhoods in the area, this will be the first community ever named after a donor – the Stephen Florentz Legacy Estates.

Florentz reportedly worked as a helicopter medic in Vietnam before going on to volunteer in Operation: Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia.

The sergeant received a Purple Heart award for his service and he later retired in Oklahoma. He then continued his service to fellow veterans off the battlefield by volunteering at Veteran’s Association hospitals.

Though it’s unclear as to which families will qualify for the housing, this latest donation is definitely the crowning achievement of Florentz’s compassionate legacy.

“He would be honored by what’s happened today. He gave his life for veterans,” the veteran’s friend Mike Bourland told KFOR.

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share This Inspiring News With Your Friends (Photo by Crazyemt, CC)

After Days of Intense Search, Lost Dogs Return Home When They Smell Family Cooking Breakfast

By
McKinley Corbley
-

When two mischievous pups dashed away from their owners into the wilderness, their humans were worried that they would never see them ever again.

Upon smelling their favorite food, however, the dogs eventually came home.

When miniature schnauzers Charlie and Theo were out with their owners Liz and Graham Hamson on a walk last week, the pups ran into a foggy forest and did not return.

WATCH: Drone Photographer Warns Surfers of Shark Circling Beneath Them

The Hamsons hired rescue drones and organized search parties of over 120 people to search the surrounding area for the dogs. After 96 hours of searching, however, there was still no sign of Charlie and Theo.

In a last ditch attempt to find their dogs, the Hamsons started cooking their dog’s favorite snack – barbecued sausage – by the spot where they were last seen.

After camping out overnight, the Hamsons were shocked to see the dogs eventually reemerge from the woods.

CHECK OUT: Dog Rescued by Drone After Being Trapped in Mine for 5 Days

“When they first appeared it was like a mirage. I could not believe it was them,” said Ms. Hamson, according to the Telegraph. “My husband ran up the hill to grab them as I was just shaking and crying. I could not function.”

According to the pups’ parents, the sausage seemed like a reasonable form of bait, as Charlie and Theo enjoy a cooked sausage every Sunday morning for breakfast.

They didn’t expect such pawesome results, however, until they were reunited with their beloved dogs once more.

Go Tail Your Friends: Click To Share The News (Photo by Liz Hamson)

Officer Adopts Abused Siblings After Investigating Their Case

By
McKinley Corbley
-

This police officer went above and beyond the call of duty when he answered a report on a child abuse case in 2015 – and thanks to him, it had a happy ending.

Jody Thompson of the Poteau Police Department in Oklahoma was off duty when he overheard the police dispatcher mention a case of child abuse.

Since Thompson used to handle dozens of child abuse cases at the district attorney’s office, he decided to tag along with the other officers and offer up his expertise.

WATCH: This Policeman Calm a Knife-wielding Assailant With a Hug

That’s when they found John Thompson, who was only eight years old at the time, tied up in a trash can filled with cold water. It was clear that he hadn’t eaten and there were bruises on his body.

Thompson now says that the second he laid eyes on the youth, he knew he wanted to look after him for the rest of his life.

The officer covered the boy with a blanket and took him to a state detective agency where they could take photos of John’s injuries as evidence against the abusive father. Thompson then took John to the emergency room and sat by his side the whole time.

While John was recovering in intensive care, Thompson became a certified foster parent so he could adopt the youngster and bring him home. In the very same week, the Thompson family found out that they were pregnant with their third biological child.

RELATED: Police Officer Saves the Day by Jumping onto Runaway Horse Wagon

Seven months later, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services found out that John’s mother, who was in jail, had given birth to a baby girl.

When the newborn was only 24 hours old, Thompson adopted her too.

Though Thompson says he never planned on having such a big family, he has never been happier – and apparently, neither has John.

CHECK OUT: Strangers Join Police Officers to Buy 95-Year-old New Air Conditioner

“John is amazing. He’s a straight-A student, on the honor roll, in the gifted and talented program, involved in the local drama club,” Thompson told CBS News of his now 10-year-old son. “That kid’s very resilient. He bounced back from this.”

Earlier last week, Thompson was given a commendation by the police department in honor of his compassion towards the two siblings.

“Jody’s actions as well has his families are second to none. The example of love and compassion he has shown to this young man and his sister is an example everyone should follow,” Poteau Police Chief Stephen Fruen said in a statement. “It’s men like you that make me proud of our law enforcement brothers and sisters. You are very deserving of this commendation. I am proud to serve with you.”

Click To Share This Inspiring Story With Your Friends (Photo by Poteau Police Department)

Help Fund Sudden Funeral for a Kind Homeless Man Featured on GNN in November

By
Good News Network
-

I got an email on Monday from someone who wanted to thank me for a story that appeared on Good News Network in November. Such a note isn’t unusual for me, but I learned the other reason she was contacting us—and I was speechless.

“Call me!” was the only reply I could muster when she revealed she was the daughter of the homeless man in the story and that he had just died on Sunday.

I met Steve Knoke by chance on a Santa Barbara, California street when i offered him a warm greeting, a smile, and a question. He wheeled his suitcase over to the bench next to mine and rested his weary body.

“Oh, I’m doing fine. I’ve been drawing.”

MORE: 9-Year-Old Boy Uses Birthday Money to Save Racehorse On Death Row

I learned many things about Mr. Knoke in the 40-minute encounter—most impressive among them, that he was kind and generous, even while homeless and penniless.

A young woman approached at one point and gave him half of a small pizza, the leftovers from a dinner out at a local restaurant. Already touched by the one kindness, I watched as fellow homeless souls passing by approached Steve, asking him to share. Share he did, with glad heart and a smile for two different hungry wanderers. (The love-fest didn’t end there, as the woman, who must have been watching us from down the sidewalk, came back and delivered a newly ordered hot meal to reward Steve for his selflessness.)

ALSO: Bank That Lost 66 Workers on 9/11 Has Paid for All Their Kids to Go to College

I learned that Steve was a veteran, though recently his benefits had not been accessible due to his nomadic lifestyle. He was also quite the artist. I bought one of his vibrant abstract designs, not only to help out the guy, but because I admired this lucid man’s creative expression.

His daughter, April Knoke, told me the Santa Barbara police early this year had paid for a ticket so the 62-year-old could return to Minnesota to see his brother again.

April was reunited with her father in February after not seeing him for most of her life. She said he left town when she was 17 to “follow a voice that told him to go to Texas.” In a follow-up email she sent a remarkable photo of his military service days in the U.S. Air Force, and another from his late 20s.

“Without your article,” April said, “we wouldn’t have had this glimpse of who he was for the last 17 years.”

“Also we found a poem he wrote at least 30 years ago (Mind Blown).” It was entitled, ‘The Unexpected Dream’, and is pictured below.

April and her sister have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise $2,000 to give their father an honorable funeral. Let’s show them there is a worldwide community of strangers who are not only fans of Good News but fans of Steven E. Knoke and his brand of gentle kindness.

So far, they’ve raised just $290, so donate, if you can, to say farewell to Steve: “A kind homeless man, an artist, a poet, a brother, a son and a friend.”

Please SHARE to Show You Care… Or,

Professor’s Response to Student’s Absence: Bring the Baby

By
Good News Network
-

A post shared by Morgan King (@morgantking) on

 

When this young mother was absent from a college class earlier this month, her professor offered the most heartwarming response to the student’s excuse.

Normally, when 21-year-old Morgan King attends class at the University of Tennessee’s Department of Child and Family Studies, she asks her grandparents to look after her 3-month-old daughter Korbyn. On this particular weekday, however, the caregivers had a prior engagement and Morgan couldn’t find a sitter.

The distressed mother sent an email to her professor Sally Hunter, explaining her absence.

While some educators may have taken a more curt approach to the situation, Hunter became accommodating.

RELATED: Teacher Cuts Hair to Match Student Who Was Mocked

“I’m so sorry that childcare issues are what caused you to miss class today,” wrote Hunter. “In the future, if you are having trouble finding someone to watch Korbyn, please feel free to BRING HER with you to class. I would be absolutely delighted to hold her while I teach, so that you can still pay attention to the class and take notes.”

“I work for the Department of CHILD and FAMILY Studies – so how terrible would it be, if I was unwilling to have a child visit our class?” she added. “I’m very serious with this offer – just bring Korbyn with you!”

MORE: Firefighter Adopts Baby He Helped Deliver

After the email was republished thousands of times on social media, Hunter seemed amused by the attention.

“It seems you have made us ‘Twitter famous’ — ha!” Hunter wrote in a follow-up message. “I can’t believe so many people are reacting to the email I sent you earlier this week. Seems to me that inviting Korbyn to class was just the decent thing to do.”

While it may be the decent thing to do, we still give Professor Hunter an A+ for kindness towards a struggling student.

Click To Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends (Photo by Morgan King)

Why This Air Force Veteran Visited Disneyland 2,000 Days in a Row

By
Good News Network
-

This Air Force veteran may be 44 years old, but he still experiences childlike joy every single day he visits his favorite place on Earth: Disneyland.

And he has been going for quite a while now – Jeff Reitz just broke a Guinness Record for visiting Disneyland 2,000 days in a row.

The veteran first fell in love with the magical theme park on January 1st, 2012. Though Reitz was unemployed at the time, he had been given park passes from a friend as a Christmas gift.

RELATED: Veterans Find Peace Protecting African Wildlife from Poachers

Reitz says that the park gave him something to look forward to every day, and every visit made him feel a little better than the day before.

He doesn’t usually spend the whole day immersed in the fun – he stops by just long enough to lift his spirits.

Even though he now works full time at the Long Beach Veterans Administration Hospital, Reitz never fails to show up at the Disneyland turnstiles and enjoy the fairytale sanctuary.

(WATCH the video below)

Multiply The Magic: Click To Share With Your Friends – Photo by Disney366

Strangers Buy Car For Youth Who Walks 3 Miles to Work Every Day

By
McKinley Corbley
-

This 20-year-old had such an impressive work ethic, the community decided to reward him for his diligence with a big surprise.

It all started when Andy Mitchell saw Justin Korva dressed in a fast food worker’s uniform, walking on the side of the road in 95 degree heat. Mitchell pulled over and offered to give the young man a ride.

Korva gratefully accepted, explaining that he worked at the Taco Casa in Rockwall, Texas. The youth went on to say that since he didn’t have a car, he had to walk 3 miles to and from work every day. Once he had enough money saved up, he hoped to buy his own car.

RELATED: Guy Sacrifices His Tesla to Save Unconscious Driver, Elon Musk Offers to Repair It

Impressed by Korva’s integrity, Mitchell posted about his new friend on Facebook.

“To all the people that say they want to work but can’t find a job or don’t have a vehicle, all I can say is you don’t want it bad enough,” Mitchell wrote.

His post was shared on social media hundreds of times – but a few people were particularly inspired to take action in response to Korva’s automotive dilemma.

Samee Dowlatshahi, owner of Samee’s Pizza Getti Italian Bistro and Lounge, offered to put out a donation box to help raise money for Korva’s car.

In just two short days, Mitchell and Dowlatshahi had collectively raised $5,500 to buy a car for Korva.

MORE: Strangers Join Police Officers to Buy 95-Year-old New Air Conditioner

Then, Danny Rawls, general sales manager at the local Toyota dealership, saw the post and spoke with his manager. The dealership offered to slash the price of a 2004 Camry for Korva.

After purchasing the car, the men still had enough money to buy Korva a year’s worth of insurance, a $500 gas car, and a year’s worth of oil changes. Then, they drove the vehicle over to the young man’s work for a surprise.

“Justin, you can’t imagine all the people who wanted to help you,” Mitchell told Korva in the restaurant parking lot. “So, instead of walking to work, buddy, you’re driving this car from now on.”

CHECK OUT: Youth Melts Internet Hearts, Escorting Fearful Senior Down the Escalator

Dumbfounded by what was happening, he responded by saying: “Are you serious?”

When the crowd cheered in response, Korva wiped the tears from his eyes and gave everyone a hug, thanking them for their kindness.

“He’s a very humble young man and accepted it with stride,” Rawls told CBS News. “There couldn’t have been more of a deserving individual, for sure.”

(WATCH the video below)

Drive This Story Over To Your Friends: Click To Share (Photo by Andy Mitchell)

Students Create App to Improve Your Public Speaking and Speech Anxiety

By
McKinley Corbley
-

Do you get queasy when you think about getting on a stage? Do you have trouble getting through a speech without stuttering? Well, now there’s an app for that.

Two college students from Drexel University have created an app called Orai – and it’s designed to help people improve their public speaking skills.

Orai uses artificial intelligence to offer constructive and concise feedback on clarity, timing, content, delivery, pace, and vocal energy. The app is free to download for Android and iOS.

RELATED: A Genius Invention is Saving Thousands of Animals From Drowning in Backyard Pools

There is a large nunber of people who can benefit from such coaching. The app’s website claims: “Studies show that people are more afraid of public speaking than death. In fact, about 75% of people in the world admit that they are afraid of public speaking.”

One of the app’s creators, 22-year-old mechanical engineering student Danish Dhamani, suffered from speech anxiety because of his thick Eastern accent. Since Dhamani was born in Pakistan before being raised in Tanzania and moving to the United States, he was self-conscious about speaking in front of his class. That’s when he got the idea to create Orai.

CHECK OUT: 10-Year-old Boy Invents Device That Will Save Children From Hot Cars

Since Dhamani and his friend Paritosh Gupta first started pitching Orai during business competitions, they have been awarded over $40,000 in prize money – which has gone towards the app’s financing.

While the app is still being revised and improved upon, it has already been downloaded by over 35,000 people. Dhamani and Gupta caution that Orai’s early design will not contain all the features, or benefit from feedback, like later versions will.

For amateur public speakers, however, it’s a good start.

“It forces people to ask themselves, ‘What am I doing verbally?’ and then that hopefully leads them to the next question: ‘How can I make it better?’” adjunct communications professor Michael Wissot told NBC News.

Click To Share the Benefits (Photo by Astro_Matt, CC)

These Wild Birds Get the Girls By Playing the Drums (See it to Believe it)

By
McKinley Corbley
-

If their mohawks didn’t already make them attractive enough to lady birds, these extraordinary cockatoos attract mates by drumming with their own hand-crafted drumsticks.

The palm cockatoo, native to the Cape York Peninsula in far North Queensland, has been named “the Ringo Starr of birds”, as they have quite a knack for keeping the beat.

“The large smoky-grey parrots fashion thick sticks from branches, grip them with their feet and bang them on trunks and tree hollows, all the while displaying to females,” said Professor Heinsohn, from the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society.

WATCH: Dog Starts Tickling Baby to Stop the Crying, Adorable Gigglefest Ensues

“The icing on the cake is that the taps are almost perfectly spaced over very long sequences, just like a human drummer would do when holding a regular beat.”

This rhythmic revelation that they can recognize a beat places the palm cockatoo in a category belonging to few other species in the animal kingdom.

“Each of 18 male palm cockatoos, known for their shyness and elusiveness, was shown to have its own style or drumming signature,” said Professor Heinsohn. “Some males were consistently fast, some were slow, while others loved a little flourish at the beginning.”

RELATED VIDEO: Bear Literally Can’t Stop Jumping For Joy After Being Rescued

“Such individual styles might allow other birds to recognize who it is drumming from a long way away.”

While these feathered musicians may not be writing tunes about an octopus, they are adept at creating love songs as part of a courtship ritual meant to seduce a mate, according to a painstaking study.

This research is part of an ongoing investigation of the palm cockatoo, its mating habits, and habitat loss in New Zealand. Since the birds are notoriously skittish, scientists have been stalking the birds with a video camera for the last seven years.

(WATCH the video below)

These Birds Will Get By With A Little Help From Your Friends: Click To Share (Photo by C. Zdenek)

Umpire Stops Woman From Committing Suicide Then Works in Stadium With View of Bridge

By
McKinley Corbley
-

36-year-old John Tumpane has been been a baseball umpire for more than half of his life – but this week’s game in particular was one that he would never forget.

Tumpane was walking back across the Roberto Clemente Bridge on the Allegheny River towards his hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was just a few hours before the Pirates versus Rays game on Wednesday, and the umpire had just picked up some lunch.

As he was strolling along, he saw a young woman climb onto the other side of the railing.

RELATED: Crowd Hangs On to Suicidal Man For 2 Hours Until Help Arrives

Alarmed, Tumpane went over to the woman and casually asked her what was going on, so as not to frighten her.

“I just wanted to get a better look of the city from this side,” she replied, according to the umpire’s memory.

“Oh no,” Tumpane said, hooking his arm around hers. “You don’t want to do that. It’s just as good over here. Let’s go grab some lunch and talk.”

When she tried to tell him that she was fine and she wanted to stay there, Tumpane knew something was wrong. The umpire then hooked both of his arms around her torso.

MORE: Previously-Suicidal Man Runs Marathon With Guy Who Talked Him Down From Bridge

The woman began crying and struggling against Tumpane’s grip, saying that she “just wanted to end it”.

After asking some nearby pedestrians to call 911, Tumpane continued issuing words of comfort.

“I was thinking, ‘God, this has got to be a good ending, not a bad ending,’ and held on for dear life,” said Tumpane, who has no training in suicide prevention or crisis management, according to the LA Times. “She said, ‘You don’t care about me.’ I said, ‘I care.’ She said, ‘I just want to end it right now. I want to be in a better place.’ I said, ‘You’re going to be all right.’”

CHECK OUT: Dramatic Reduction in Teen Suicide Attempts After Same-sex Marriage Legalization

Several other pedestrians held onto the woman as police arrived. Finally, the woman was properly pulled back over the rail and treated by medical assistance.

Tumpane continued to comfort the woman until he needed to get to work at the Major League Baseball game.

“It’s also hard when you stand back behind home plate and look and you see the bridge in the distance, In between innings and whatnot, just thinking of how things could have maybe been,” Tumpane said after the game. “Glad it was this way.”

(WATCH the video below) – Photo, CC, David Trainer

Click To Share The News With Your Friends

Watch This Policeman Calm a Knife-wielding Assailant With a Hug

By
McKinley Corbley
-

Most people who are confronted by a knife-wielding stranger aren’t able to keep their cool – but Officer Anirut Malee has become the definition of cool.

A desperate man carrying a large blade walked into the Huay Kwang Police Station in Bangkok, Thailand last Saturday.

Closed circuit camera footage shows Malee calmly talking to the man, and gesturing towards the knife. The details of the dialogue are unknown, but after about twenty seconds of conversation, the man hands the knife over.

RELATED: Jail Inmates Rush to Save Fallen Officer, Rather Than Escaping

Rather than arresting the assailant, Malee tosses the knife aside and wraps the man up in a bear hug.

The police officer later explained that the man was a musician and security guard who had fallen on hard times. Though it is unclear as to what he was trying to accomplish with the knife, Malee says that the 46-year-old had just endured the theft of his guitar and withholding of his paycheck for three days, which was “stressing him out”.

Malee offered his sympathy, and said that he would give the man his own guitar. They also agreed to go get lunch together sometime.

The man was then taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. No charges were filed against him.

(WATCH the video below)

Pass The News On To Your Friends: Click To Share

20 Years Later, Man Fulfills Promise to Marry His Preschool Sweetheart

By
Good News Network
-

It was a match made in heaven – or rather, it was a match made in preschool.

Laura Scheeler and Matt Grodsky first met when they were just three years old. Despite his young age, however, Matt knew he was one day going to grow up and marry his buddy Laura.

“One of my very first memories is of being 3 years old and standing up in front of my pre-school class, declaring that I would marry her someday,” writes Matt via the Instagram account called The Way We Met.

CHECK OUT: World’s Longest Marriage Ends in Husband’s Death: Wife Says It was Blessing to be Married

“Laura taught me how to ride the swings, draw rolling hills, and the ‘right way’ to properly eat string cheese. We have fond memories of playing hide-and-go-seek, chasing after each other on the playground, and mischievously staying up during nap time.”

“Eventually, we lost touch upon entering our Elementary School days and for the next seven years, our family’s annual Christmas cards was the only way we ever saw each other’s faces,” says Matt.

Then, as fate would have it, Laura was in high school when she saw Matt’s number in her friend’s phone. The friend offered to set her up with that long lost playmate. Two weeks later, Matt and Laura were dating.

WATCH: Man Takes Mom on Bucket List Adventure as Redemption for Unappreciative Younger Years

Despite going to different high schools and different colleges, Laura and Matt stuck it out over the long distance.

When they had been dating for several years, Matt decided to take Laura on a picnic date in front of the preschool where they first met in May 2015.

Then, he got down on one knee to keep the promise he made 20 years previously—and the two were married in December.

“I was enamored with Laura as a child,” says Matt, “and I still am to this day.”

Click To Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends (Photos by Matt Grodsky)

Paramedics Stop to Do Right Thing After Seeing 98-Year-old Mowing the Lawn in the Heat

By
McKinley Corbley
-

When these paramedics drove past an elderly woman mowing the lawn by herself in debilitating temperatures, they knew they had to turn around and do the right thing.

Paramedic Kent Haney and EMT Matt Linda of the East Texas Medical Center ambulance crew in Waco pulled their ambulance over in front of the senior’s house. After briefly chatting with her, Haney and Linda offered to finish mowing the lawn.

Despite Margaret Durham being 98 years old, she reportedly has been mowing her own lawn for years – but not on Wednesday.

CHECK OUT: Strangers Join Police Officers to Buy 95-Year-old New Air Conditioner

Durham’s neighbor Dashlin James was working on his car outside when he saw the ambulance pull over in front of the senior’s house. Concerned for Durham’s health, he kept an eye on the scene until he saw the paramedics taking over the lawnmower.

Moved by the strangers’ kindness, James snapped a picture of the sweet scene.

“Definitely an act of kindness!” James told KWTX. “I thought it was a very great gesture of them, I mean, when they’re not saving lives, they’re out helping the community, it’s greatly appreciated and I’m sure she appreciates it as well.”

Now that Haney and Linda know about Durham, they say they will be checking up on her every so often in the future.

Grow Some Positivity: Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by Dashlin James)

Dad of Bullied Boy Asks For Celebs to Wish Son a Happy Birthday, Amazed by Responses

By
McKinley Corbley
-

All this English dad wanted for his son’s birthday was someone famous or esteemed to say some kind words about him – little did the father know that young Ollie was about to become the talk of Tinseltown.

Christopher, who is Ollie’s dad, first took to social media asking if celebrities could give his son a shoutout in recognition of his 9th birthday.

“Strange request. Anyone know anyone famous/well known who could send Ollie a positive/9th birthday message?” wrote Christopher. “The bully keeps saying to him that everything O has, he has bigger/better/more often. O excited for his birthday but keeps being told it won’t be as good as his own.”

MORE: Robert Downey Jr. Comes to the Rescue of Bullied 7-Year-old

“I would be so grateful and I appreciate it is an odd request. Just would love someone to tell him he does mean something,” he added.

Soon after Christopher published the tweets, he was inundated with love for Ollie.

Sports teams, police departments, television hosts, movie stars, politicians – even astronauts – all made special messages for Ollie.

Former Labor party leader Ed Miliband, as well as Canada’s first astronaut on the moon Chris Hadfield, American singer and actor Dionne Warwick, and the City of Manchester were among the thousands of well-wishers reaching out to Ollie.

Additionally, Ollie was sent personalized videos from Good Morning Britain, Jake Humpherey, Ben Shires of CBBC, and YouTube star Alfie Deyes. One of the illustrators from the Simpsons even sent a drawing of Bart Simpson saying happy birthday.

CHECK OUT: Bullying Rates Have Fallen By Half in the Last Decade – Study

Oscar award-wining actor Russell Crowe wrote: “Hey Ollie, heard it was your birthday. 9 years old eh? Congratulations, Happy Birthday!!

The English Football Association invited the youngster to the games by saying: “Happy birthday, Ollie! Fancy coming to see us in September? Let us know and we’ll make it happen.”

Lewinsky, who is an outspoken advocate against bullying, wrote: “Happy birthday, ollie! we’re rooting for you to have a gr8 day… + rooting for you always. hang in there!”

The original thread goes on and on, but one thing is for sure – Ollie was given a birthday surprise that he will never forget.

Click To Share The Sweet news With Your Friends (Photo by Caroline Bonarde Ucci, CC)

1...842843844...1,716Page 843 of 1,716
© Copyright 1997–2026 GNN, LLC