Amid a challenging year, Guardian readers shared their favourite feelgood moments of 2025, from a new Pope's message to a viral raccoon raising funds for charity. Discover the stories that brought joy.
New security footage shows a raccoon's chaotic break-in at a Virginia liquor store, where it smashed bottles and passed out after drinking. The animal was later released unharmed. Read the full story.
A raccoon crashed through a Virginia liquor store ceiling, smashed bottles, and was found 'very intoxicated' in the bathroom. Read the full bizarre story of this furry bandit's spree.
A raccoon smashed its way into a Virginia liquor store, destroyed stock, and passed out in the bathroom. Read the bizarre story of this furry intruder's wild night.
A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store, smashing bottles and getting drunk on scotch before being found passed out. Read the hilarious story of the animal's boozy escapade.
A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store, smashed bottles, and drank scotch before being found passed out. The animal was safely released after sobering up. Read the full story of this unusual break-in.
A raccoon broke into a closed Virginia liquor store, drank alcohol, and passed out. The animal was safely released after sobering up. Read the full story.
A man's attempt to save an injured raccoon by driving it to a nature centre backfired when the animal bit him, leading to a positive rabies test. Learn the vital safety lessons.
New research reveals urban raccoons are self-domesticating with shorter snouts. Discover how these 'trash pandas' are evolving and what it means for their future.
An escaped raccoon was filmed roaming a garden in Gwennap, Cornwall, before being secured. This follows another exotic animal escape in the area this month. Read the full story.
An escaped raccoon was found in a Cornwall greenhouse, sparking an RSPCA response. This follows the discovery of a missing flamingo from a local park now living in France.
Exclusive analysis of Governor Glenn Youngkin's political trajectory as he navigates Virginia's legislative challenges while positioning himself as a potential vice-presidential contender in the upcoming election cycle.
A prominent Virginia Democrat miraculously survives after being shot twice in the head by his own father in a devastating domestic incident that has rocked the political community.
Democrat Abigail Spanberger creates political history in Virginia, becoming the state's first female governor after a hard-fought election campaign. In her emotional victory speech, she pledged to bridge political divides and serve all Virginians.
Breaking: University of Virginia campus plunged into lockdown as police respond to active shooter emergency. Students shelter in place amid ongoing security threat.
Chaos erupted at the prestigious University of Virginia as an active shooter sent students fleeing for their lives in a terrifying overnight lockdown that gripped the Charlottesville campus.
The University of Virginia faces unprecedented demands from the Trump administration to hand over confidential student records and internal communications, sparking fears of political targeting.
New legal documents reveal Virginia Giuffre, known for allegations against Prince Andrew, claims she was first raped aged nine by her own father - claims he vehemently denies as 'false and defamatory'.
Virginia authorities are searching for three suspects who wore Halloween masks during a series of criminal incidents, sparking a major police investigation and community alert.
The US Department of Agriculture is deploying vaccine-laden baits across southeastern states in an ambitious airborne operation to curb the spread of raccoon rabies.
Democratic Representative Abigail Spanberger and Republican Attorney General Jason Sears clash in pivotal Virginia debate, with surprise endorsements reshaping the political landscape ahead of crucial elections.
In a tense Virginia governor's debate, Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican John Snyder sparred over abortion rights, economic policies, and education, setting the stage for a contentious election battle.
Discover Virginia's breathtaking diversity on an unforgettable road trip journey through Blue Ridge Mountains, historic towns, and stunning Atlantic coastline.
A Virginia family's beloved cat, Galena, was miraculously rescued after being missing for over two weeks, discovered trapped inside a shop wall just metres from her home.
The wife of a powerful Oklahoma attorney has avoided prison time after pleading guilty to killing a woman while driving under the influence, in a case that has sparked outrage across the state.
A Virginia Beach family is in mourning after a husband's quick demise from a Vibrio infection, contracted from seawater, prompting urgent health warnings.
A school bus driver in Georgia has been arrested and charged with DUI and child endangerment after being stopped by police with a bus full of students.
A remarkable story unfolds in Pembroke, Maine, where a stray cat's incredible journey of survival and unexpected friendship with a baby raccoon has captured hearts on social media and sparked a community-wide rescue mission.
A Syrian refugee who cynically pretended to help a vulnerable, intoxicated woman has been sentenced to six years in prison for a brutal sexual assault in Manchester city centre.
Maryland State Senator Charles E. Sydnor III was arrested for alleged drunk driving after police found him unconscious at a green traffic light. The incident raises serious questions about accountability.