Tuesday, September 22, 2026
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421 stories, newest first.

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ConnectionUpworthy

Co-authors shocked to find their children’s book written 40 years ago is suddenly a smash hit

In a delightful twist of fate, a children's book co-authored by Elissa Guralnick and Paul Levitt in 1985 has unexpectedly become a bestseller 40 years later. This resurgence was sparked by a nostalgic social media post from Eli McCann, who recalled how his eighth-grade teacher used the book to teach vocabulary, particularly the word 'ingratiate.' McCann's search for the book resonated with many, leading to a viral moment that catapulted 'The Weighty Word Book' to overnight success on Amazon.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Curiosity
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Her friends said there was no room in the car for prom photos. A stranger gave her a better shoot.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Sariah Sinay found herself excluded from her friends' prom plans, only to stumble upon an opportunity that turned disappointment into a new form of celebration. After being told there was no room in the car for pre-prom photos, Sinay chose to skip the event entirely and instead repurpose her dress for a music release cover. Her story resonated widely, capturing the attention of Leah Clancy, a professional photographer, who offered Sinay a personalized photo shoot, turning the dress's original purpose into something far more meaningful.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Second Lady Usha Vance explains how she makes her interfaith marriage work

In a world where interfaith marriages are becoming increasingly common, Second Lady Usha Vance offers a compelling narrative of how she and her husband, Vice President JD Vance, navigate their spiritual differences. Usha, a practicing Hindu, and JD, a Catholic convert, have crafted a home where diverse religious perspectives coexist, enriching their family life rather than dividing it. By embracing their distinct faith traditions, they foster a family environment where their children are exposed to both Hindu and Christian practices, allowing them to experience a rich tapestry of beliefs.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Love
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KindnessGood News Network

Japanese Fans Cleaned the Stadium After World Cup Match While the Players Cleaned Locker Room

In a remarkable display of civic responsibility and cultural pride, Japanese fans and players demonstrated their commitment to cleanliness and respect during the FIFA World Cup match in Dallas. After an exciting 2-2 draw between Japan and The Netherlands, hundreds of Japanese supporters stayed behind to tidy up their section of the stadium, collecting trash and leaving the area spotless. This act of communal responsibility was mirrored by the Japanese team, who ensured their locker room was left in pristine condition.

  • Gratitude
  • Kindness
  • Perseverance
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KindnessGood News Network

Artist Beats Brain Cancer And Paints Amazing Portraits of Hospital Staff as Thank-you Gifts (LOOK)

Vincent Serritella's journey from a brain cancer diagnosis to becoming cancer-free is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of art. Faced with a grim prognosis of stage 4 glioblastoma, Serritella underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, emerging victorious against the odds. In gratitude, he harnessed his artistic talents, cultivated over a lifetime, to create portraits of the hospital staff at Sutter Health who supported him. These portraits serve as heartfelt gestures of thanks, encapsulating the compassion and care he received during his treatment.

  • Gratitude
  • Courage
  • Hope
YouTube
ConnectionReasons to be Cheerful

French Companies Are Inviting Homeless People to Sleep in Their Offices

In France, the Bureaux du Coeur initiative is transforming unused corporate office spaces into temporary shelters for homeless individuals. Born from Pierre-Yves Loaëc's reflection on the paradox of vacant offices and homeless individuals, this project has grown from a local experiment to a national movement, aiding over 1,000 people with 160,000 nights of shelter. The initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also challenges societal stereotypes about homelessness while fostering community ties within the companies involved.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Kindness
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ResilienceNice News

The Hidden Costs of Assuming the Worst — Plus Expert Tips on How to Stop

In a world rife with uncertainties, the tendency to assume the worst can feel like a protective shield. Yet, as the article highlights, this habit often leads to unnecessary distress and missed opportunities for connection and growth. Experts like Shima Baronian and Stella Kimbrough provide insights on how our brains, wired for pattern recognition, can misinterpret signals as threats, often leading us to erroneous conclusions. They emphasize that while negative assumptions might offer short-term solace, they ultimately restrict our experiences and interactions, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of negativity.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Mindfulness
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GrowthNice News

We Analyzed Paper Money Printed by Ben Franklin to Uncover His Anti‑Counterfeiting Techniques and Materials Innovations

Benjamin Franklin's innovative approach to printing paper money in the 18th century demonstrates a profound understanding of trust as a material science. Faced with the challenge of counterfeiting in the American colonies, Franklin applied his skills as a printer to develop sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques. By experimenting with paper, ink, and printing processes, he embedded unique features into currency that were difficult to replicate, thus ensuring the reliability of paper money in a way that prefigures modern security measures.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
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HopeNice News

Diver Captures First Underwater Footage of a Great White Shark in the Mediterranean

In a stunning revelation for marine biology enthusiasts and conservationists alike, a team of volunteer divers has captured the first-ever underwater footage of a great white shark in the Mediterranean. This unexpected encounter occurred during a mission to remove abandoned fishing nets from the Strait of Sicily, a critical biodiversity hotspot. The footage, captured by Derk Remmers, underscores the fragile existence of these majestic creatures in a region where they are critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat degradation.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
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GrowthNice News

We Designed the Turf for Soccer’s Biggest World Cup Ever — Here’s How We Created the Same Playing Experience Across 3 Countries

The ambitious project of designing uniform turf for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across three countries—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—highlights the intersection of scientific research and practical application. This endeavor, led by turfgrass researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee, tackles the challenge of creating consistent playing conditions across diverse climates and stadium designs. By innovating with sod grown on plastic and developing hybrid turfgrass systems, the team ensures that the pitches remain robust and playable despite varying environmental conditions.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
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ConnectionNice News

Dutch Kids Rank No. 1 in the World for Mental Health — What Makes Them So Happy?

In a world where the mental health of young people is increasingly a concern, the Netherlands offers a beacon of hope. Dutch children rank number one globally for mental health, a testament to a culture that values balance, community, and autonomy. The secret sauce seems to be a blend of strong social ties, progressive educational policies, and a society-wide commitment to gender equality. The Dutch model showcases how the convergence of these factors creates a nurturing environment where children can thrive.

  • Gratitude
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
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ConnectionReasons to be Cheerful

The Spark: Banishing Cars With a Block Party

In a creative twist on community engagement, residents of Berkeley's Ninth Street transformed their street into a car-free zone for a day, using the guise of a block party to demonstrate the potential of a safer, more cyclist-friendly environment. This temporary reconfiguration, facilitated by the local organization Bike East Bay, included a two-way bike lane and restricted vehicular access, allowing the community to experience firsthand the benefits of a more human-centered street design. While the event lasted just one afternoon, it provided valuable data and feedback to advocate for more permanent changes.

  • Courage
  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
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ConnectionYouTube

San Diego family recovers missing teddy bear after week of search

In a heartwarming tale from San Diego, a family's determined search for a missing teddy bear has resonated widely, illustrating the deep bonds we form with cherished objects. The bear, lost during a family bike ride, prompted the family to post flyers and offer a reward, despite an encounter with a fraudulent attempt to return a fake bear. The story concluded on a positive note when a good Samaritan found the bear along the bike path and returned it, much to the joy of its young owner.

  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
  • Hope