Tuesday, July 21, 2026
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172 stories, newest first.

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KindnessUpworthy

Woman with cancer apologizes to Rihanna for her appearance. Rihanna has the best response.

In a touching encounter at a grocery store, Rihanna exemplified the power of sincere kindness. When a fan named Robin, who is living with cancer, apologized for her appearance, Rihanna's immediate response was both disarming and empowering. She assured Robin, "You're fire just like that," turning what could have been an awkward moment into an affirmation of self-worth. This interaction highlights how meaningful words can be, especially to those grappling with illness-related changes in appearance.

  • Kindness
  • Love
  • Courage
Instagram
GrowthUpworthy

Person with self-described ‘funny body shape’ posts breathtaking videos underwater

Shoog McDaniel, known for their underwater artistry, has turned self-acceptance into a visual and poetic experience. Through stunning videos of themselves swimming in natural springs, McDaniel challenges conventional beauty norms, embracing their unique body shape with humor and grace. Their work, often accompanied by thoughtful voiceovers, transforms personal exploration into public celebration, inviting viewers to reconsider what beauty means and how self-love can be a powerful act of resilience.

  • Courage
  • Self-Love
  • Perspective
YouTube
GrowthUpworthy

That voice telling you you’re ‘not smart enough’ just lost its favorite argument

The article highlights a significant shift in the understanding of intelligence, bridging the gap between traditional 'book smarts' and 'street smarts'. New research shows that our brains continue to absorb and apply knowledge well into adulthood, challenging the notion that learning peaks in early life. This suggests that real-world experience is not just supplemental but integral to our cognitive development.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perspective
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

The ‘Claw Master’ hacked claw machine games by discovering the perfect drop spot

In a whimsical yet insightful twist on the classic arcade game, The Claw Master, known as Myooran, has captivated millions by unraveling the mystery of claw machines. His playful tutorials, shared widely on social media, guide enthusiasts on how to outsmart these notoriously tricky machines, shifting focus from the toy to the strategic drop. His techniques, like the 'swing trick,' have not only delighted audiences but also demystified a game often criticized for being rigged, offering a sense of empowerment and possibility.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

‘Spiritual shift’: ICU nurse shares the one phrase that means someone will pass very soon

In the often sterile and clinical environment of an ICU, nurse Kirstie Robb has observed a profound, almost mystical phenomenon: patients seem to possess an innate awareness of their impending death. Robb, who has shared her experiences on TikTok, recounts that those near death often express a final, poignant desire to communicate love to their families, coupled with a calm acknowledgment of their fate. This 'spiritual shift,' as she describes it, transcends medical explanation, occurring even when patients' vitals appear stable. Her observations underscore the mystery of human consciousness and the depth of our connections, even at life's closing moments.

  • Perspective
  • Love
  • Hope
Instagram
HopeUpworthy

May the Anne Hathaway ‘burkini’ debates finally lay swimsuit judgment to rest

The article delves into the debates surrounding Anne Hathaway's choice to wear a full-body swimsuit, highlighting the intricate layers of societal pressure women face regarding their swimwear choices. Hathaway's decision, which some have inaccurately labeled as a 'burkini,' has sparked discussions about empowerment and personal choice, emphasizing that liberation from societal expectations doesn't adhere to any specific garment. The piece underscores the inconsistency in societal messages, where women are praised for skin protection but criticized for similar choices made by Muslim women wearing burkinis.

  • Perspective
  • Courage
  • Hope
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

What ‘familect’ do you speak? Linguists explain the weird words and phrases used within families

In an era where communication is often dominated by the digital and the ephemeral, the concept of 'familect'—a family's unique private language—offers a heartening reminder of the enduring power of intimate, personal connection. Georgetown University linguist Cynthia Gordon’s research illuminates how these quirky, often unintentional family dialects arise from shared experiences, whether through a child’s charming mispronunciation or a nickname for the TV remote that only makes sense within the household. Familects serve as linguistic heirlooms, encapsulating shared histories and reinforcing familial bonds by marking who belongs and offering a shorthand to mend rifts without words.

  • Curiosity
  • Love
  • Perspective
Instagram
HopeUpworthy

‘Incredibly smart’ crow creates makeshift perch to drink from a cup of water on a hot day

In a delightful display of avian ingenuity, a crow named Auggie has captured the internet's heart by fashioning a makeshift perch to drink from a cup of water during a heatwave in Virginia. Chelsea, the bird's human observer, shared the incident on Instagram, marveling at how Auggie used a stick to balance himself while drinking water from a dish too precarious for his full weight. This account not only highlights the crow's problem-solving abilities but also underscores the broader intelligence of crows, which have been likened to early human tool-users.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

14-year-old Arizona boy saves woman with dementia found wandering in 103º heat

In a heartening tale from Gilbert, Arizona, 14-year-old Royal Cothrun exemplifies the profound impact of youthful empathy and quick thinking. While on a bike ride, Cothrun encountered Teresa Morgan, a 75-year-old woman with dementia, disoriented and vulnerable in the oppressive 103º heat. With a keen sense of responsibility, he engaged her in conversation, assessed the situation, and used his Google Glasses to capture the encounter, ultimately helping her recall her son's phone number. His actions not only ensured her safety but also highlighted the potential of technology in assisting real-world crises.

  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Perspective
YouTube
ConnectionGood News Network

Young Man Interviews 3,000 World War II Vets Over 10-year Project–Preserving Their Stories

Rishi Sharma, driven by an insatiable curiosity, embarked on a decade-long journey to interview World War II veterans, capturing their stories before they fade away with time. His project has grown into a historical treasure trove, preserving the wisdom and experiences of a generation whose numbers have dwindled from 700,000 to just 30,000. Sharma's dedication has not only fulfilled his personal quest for understanding but also contributed a significant cultural resource that serves as a moral compass for society.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Gratitude
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

Professor breaks down how a PhD differs from a master’s degree in layman’s terms

In an insightful exploration, Dr. Ari demystifies the often misunderstood distinction between a master's degree and a PhD. Through her engaging TikTok videos, she clarifies that while a master's degree focuses on learning and understanding existing knowledge, a PhD is about producing new knowledge and filling gaps in current research. This distinction is crucial for those contemplating further education, as it highlights the shift from being a consumer of knowledge to becoming a creator or producer of it.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Hope
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Guy finds long-forgotten album in a thrift shop, reunites the band, and is sharing their music with the world

In a serendipitous discovery, veteran music promoter Marcus Pollard uncovered a forgotten vinyl album in a thrift shop, which turned out to be a live recording from the 1960s by the Canadian indie band, The Glass Cage. This find set off a chain of events that led to the reunion of band members, including Norman Roth, who hadn't heard their music in over fifty years. Pollard's dedication to reviving the music culminated in the remastering and official release of the album, "Where Did the Sunshine Go?", scheduled for release in 2026.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Love
TikTok
ResilienceUpworthy

People rally behind an older woman who refused to train her 25-year-old replacement

In a striking example of standing up against workplace ageism, an older employee, known as 'The Unobsolete,' refused to train her younger replacement after being passed over for a promotion. Her decision, shared on TikTok, resonated widely, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of age bias in the workplace. The story highlights her refusal to be exploited for her decades of expertise without fair compensation. Instead of yielding to pressure, she negotiated a favorable severance package, maintaining her dignity and setting a precedent for others facing similar injustices.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Perspective
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Michael J. Fox saw Harrison Ford’s Parkinson’s acting on ‘Shrinking,’ and immediately reached out

In a heartwarming intersection of art and life, Michael J. Fox was moved by Harrison Ford's portrayal of a Parkinson's patient in the Apple TV series 'Shrinking' and reached out to the show's creators to join the cast. Ford's performance resonated deeply with Fox, who has been living with Parkinson's himself, leading to a poignant scene where the two actors share screen time as fellow patients. This collaboration not only marks Fox's return to acting but also highlights the power of authentic representation, as both actors bring their personal experiences to the roles, creating a narrative that is both humorous and deeply touching.

  • Courage
  • Hope
  • Perspective
YouTube
ResilienceNice News

What’s “Emotional Sobriety”? Learn How the Self-Regulation Tool Can Help You Maintain Peace Amid Life’s Ups and Downs

Emotional sobriety, a concept developed by Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, extends beyond addiction recovery to offer a framework for anyone seeking to regulate their emotions effectively. This practice involves developing skills for emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and the ability to support oneself emotionally, as described by psychiatrist Gail Saltz. The article emphasizes that emotional sobriety is not about suppressing emotions but rather about acknowledging and managing them healthily, enabling individuals to navigate life's challenges without being overwhelmed by their feelings.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Perseverance
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Development specialist who’s worked with 5,000 kids shares one rule every parent should know.

In a world rife with parental frustration, Dr. Siggie Cohen offers a refreshing perspective by suggesting a shift from questioning to directing our children. This approach, encapsulated in the simple yet profound rule "Don't ask. Tell.", encourages parents to eliminate rhetorical questions that often lead to defensive reactions from children. By replacing questions like "Why is your room so messy?" with direct statements like "Please tidy up your room before dinner," parents can foster clearer communication and reduce household tension.

  • Perspective
  • Kindness
  • Curiosity
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

A bride’s divorced parents entered the reception together to ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’

In a heartwarming and humorous display of co-parenting, Stacy Jump and Randall Hazer, a divorced couple, made a memorable entrance at their daughter's wedding reception to Taylor Swift's 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.' Their choice of song, while seemingly tongue-in-cheek, highlighted a genuine camaraderie and a shared commitment to celebrating their daughter's special day. This moment, which resonated with the 100 guests present, underscores the possibility of maintaining healthy relationships post-divorce, especially for the sake of family harmony.

  • Gratitude
  • Humor
  • Perspective
YouTube
CreativityGood News Network

Artist Creates Amazingly Detailed Drawings Using Only Typewriter Keystrokes (LOOK)

James Cook, a London-based artist, has turned the mechanical clatter of vintage typewriters into a symphony of visual art. Using only his right index finger, he painstakingly types over a million keystrokes to create intricate artworks, from cityscapes to celebrity portraits. His latest masterpiece, 'Wimbledon 2026', combines his love for tennis and art, taking six weeks to complete and gaining viral attention with over 8 million views on social media. Cook's journey from a school art project to a full-time artist showcases his unique ability to blend nostalgia with modern creativity.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Creativity
YouTube
KindnessNice News

With Cross-Country Bike Tour, Motorcyclists Raised Over $1 Million for Wounded Warrior Project

In a remarkable display of camaraderie and purpose, the Great American Convoy, led by Adam Sandoval, has successfully raised over $1 million for the Wounded Warrior Project. This cross-country motorcycle tour not only highlights the power of collective action but also underscores the deep appreciation and support for veterans who have served. The convoy, which began in Arkansas and traversed to Maine and the Midwest, brought together bikers from various backgrounds, unified by a shared mission to support those who bear the scars of military service.

  • Gratitude
  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
Instagram
ConnectionGood News Network

Florida Teen’s ‘Storm Smart’ Program Teaches Hurricane Preparedness to Students – Because the Schools Didn’t

In the wake of Hurricane Irma's devastation, 16-year-old Elise Raurell from South Florida recognized a glaring gap in her community's education system: the absence of hurricane preparedness instruction. Driven by her experience and a desire to make a difference, Raurell founded 'Storm Smart,' a program that equips students with essential knowledge about emergency kits, safety protocols, and the dangers of standing water and glass during storms. Her initiative, which began as a Girl Scout Gold Award project, has since empowered over 500 students, not just with life-saving information, but also with leadership and teaching opportunities as they pass on their learning to peers.

  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
  • Leadership
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

Her groundbreaking theory on the origin of life was rejected 15 times. Then biology proved her right.

Lynn Margulis, a biologist whose groundbreaking theory on the origin of life faced initial rejection, ultimately reshaped our understanding of evolution through her concept of symbiogenesis. Her theory, which proposed that life evolved through organisms merging to form new entities, was initially dismissed by the scientific community for its audacious challenge to Darwin's survival of the fittest. Yet, as the decades passed, evidence confirmed her ideas, underscoring that cooperation, not competition, is a fundamental driver of life.

  • Perseverance
  • Courage
  • Perspective
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

In 1971, at a Disneyland gig, Linda Ronstadt unknowingly created one of rock’s biggest bands

In 1971, during a gig at Disneyland, Linda Ronstadt unintentionally set the stage for the formation of one of rock's most iconic bands, the Eagles. Ronstadt’s manager assembled a group of musicians, including Don Henley and Glenn Frey, to accompany her tour. These musicians, initially brought together for a temporary stint, found their synergy so compelling that they soon decided to form their own band. Ronstadt, instead of reacting with dismay at their departure, supported their decision, demonstrating a rare generosity and belief in their potential.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
ResiliencePositive News

What went right this week: the good news that matters

This week's roundup of positive developments highlights a series of breakthroughs across environmental, medical, and technological fields. Europe is leading the charge in pollution reduction, with Estonia, Luxembourg, and the UK topping the Environmental Performance Index for their significant strides in renewable energy use and emissions cuts. Meanwhile, a historic forest recovery in the northeastern United States showcases nature's resilience, with Massachusetts now boasting 60% forest cover after extensive deforestation in the past.

  • Hope
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
Instagram
ResilienceUpworthy

Woman who crushed records rowing solo to Hawaii shares her ‘big, hard, scary thing’ advice

Kelsey Pfendler's extraordinary journey across the Pacific Ocean is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and purpose. Alone in a small boat for 44 days, she not only shattered records by becoming the youngest and fastest person to row solo from California to Hawaii but also used her adventure as a platform for meaningful advocacy. Her voyage was not just about personal achievement; it was about raising awareness and funds for the Whale Foundation, an organization supporting the mental health of river guides, a cause close to her heart due to her own experiences with PTSD.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Hope