Tuesday, July 21, 2026
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What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

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175 stories, newest first.

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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
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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
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Quivering and filled with happy tears, man shares a touching story on a ‘good news’ phone

The Little Red Phone project, initiated by the Instagram account 'We're Not Really Strangers', is transforming the way people share and connect with one another. Set in bustling outdoor locations, this red phone invites passersby to share their good news, creating a tapestry of human experiences that range from the joy of a cancer-free diagnosis to the struggles of addiction recovery. In a world where social media often feels impersonal, the phone acts as a conduit for genuine human connection, allowing individuals to express their vulnerability and receive support from a broader community.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Kindness
TikTok
GrowthUpworthy

Have people ever called you childlike? Psychologists say it could mean you’re gifted.

The article explores the concept of 'psychological neoteny'—the retention of childlike traits into adulthood—and its association with high intelligence. By maintaining a childlike wonder and curiosity, individuals can engage in creative problem-solving and lifelong learning. This perspective challenges the negative connotations often associated with being 'childlike,' suggesting instead that these qualities can be a source of strength and innovation.

  • Curiosity
  • Creativity
  • Perspective
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

Hidden Artworks in Gold Surprised Renovators of America’s Oldest Basilica (LOOK)

In a remarkable twist of fate, the renovation of America's oldest basilica, St. Mary's in Minneapolis, revealed a hidden trove of gold stenciling beneath layers of paint. This unexpected discovery, made as renovators washed an arch high up on the cathedral's ceiling, has uncovered a piece of history long obscured since the 1950s. The intricate gold designs, likely concealed for aesthetic or financial reasons, astonished the renovation team and have stirred a profound emotional connection to the past, allowing contemporary visitors to glimpse the basilica as it was first seen over a century ago.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Perspective
YouTube
HopeGood News Network

Hidden Artworks in Gold Surprise Conservators Renovating America’s Oldest Basilica (LOOK)

In a stunning revelation, conservators renovating St. Mary's Basilica in Minneapolis uncovered hidden gold stenciling beneath layers of paint. This discovery, made as workers meticulously washed an arch high in the basilica's nave, reveals a layer of intricate gold designs that had been obscured since the 1950s. The basilica, completed in 1914 and recognized as America's oldest, is undergoing a significant $50 million renovation, with workers racing to meet a completion deadline by Easter Sunday next year.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Gratitude
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

A 9-year-old runner came in last place. Her coach’s epic reframe on ‘winning’ is sage life advice.

In an age where competitive success is often measured by podium finishes and medals, legendary Scottish track coach Frank Dick offers a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to win. Through his coaching of a 9-year-old runner who finished last in her race, Dick redefines success as personal improvement rather than outpacing others. His approach transforms the concept of winning into a personal milestone—a reminder that breaking one's own records holds intrinsic value.

  • Perspective
  • Hope
  • Courage
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ConnectionUpworthy

Comforting ‘Campfire Theory’ is helping people heal from painful friendship breakups

The 'Campfire Theory' has emerged as a poignant metaphor for understanding the transient nature of friendships, offering solace to those grappling with the loss of close connections. This concept, popularized by Savanna McKay, likens friendships to a campfire gathering where people come and go, each with their own reasons and seasons. Rather than viewing a friend's departure as a personal failure, McKay encourages individuals to see it as a natural part of life's ebb and flow, where paths diverge due to changing responsibilities and priorities.

  • Perspective
  • Hope
  • Gratitude
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Fan shocks The Rock with vintage wrestling magazines of his grandfather who inspired ‘Moana’s’ Maui

In a heartwarming encounter, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was presented with a deeply personal gift by a fan named Steven during a press tour in London. The gift consisted of two vintage wrestling magazines featuring Johnson's grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, who was the inspiration for Johnson's character Maui in Disney's 'Moana.' This gesture not only highlighted the enduring legacy of Maivia but also underscored the profound connections fans can have with their idols, rooted in shared history and nostalgia.

  • Gratitude
  • Kindness
  • Love
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

‘We can’t beat you up for peace’: Ringo Starr shares a universal message on his 86th birthday

Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, celebrated his 86th birthday with his enduring message of 'peace and love.' For 18 years, Starr has invited people around the world to join him in a simple yet profound ritual: at noon on his birthday, wherever they are, to think, say, or post 'peace and love.' This year, the celebration included friends, family, and fellow musicians at Beverly Hills Garden Park, emphasizing that peace is not something to be demanded or enforced, but a state of being to be embraced and shared.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Love
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Man who was mistakenly added to a group chat shares the moment he knew they’d be lifelong friends

In the age of digital connectivity, a simple mistake in a group chat invitation became the serendipitous catalyst for an enduring friendship. Kendrick Constant, mistakenly added to a WhatsApp group of strangers considerably older than himself, decided to embrace the mix-up with humor and curiosity. His playful response, including photoshopping himself into their group photo, was met with open arms and mutual laughter, setting the stage for a genuine connection. Over the years, this accidental bond evolved into real friendships, marked by shared experiences like jam sessions and family celebrations.

  • Curiosity
  • Humor
  • Love
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Second Chances Farm is where retired racehorses and incarcerated men find healing

Second Chances Farm in Sykesville, Maryland, offers a powerful narrative of mutual healing and transformation. Here, retired racehorses, once destined for uncertain and often grim futures, find solace alongside incarcerated men on the brink of rejoining society. This unique partnership, a collaboration between the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, provides these men with not only vocational skills in equine care but also a deep sense of purpose and empathy. As they learn to care for the horses, they also learn to care for themselves and others, embodying the profound truth that redemption often flourishes in the presence of something that needs us.

  • Hope
  • Empathy
  • Perseverance
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

11-year-old ‘Wasn’t Going to Let a Man Die’ When He Alone Dove in to Rescue Drowning Man

In a remarkable act of bravery and empathy, 11-year-old Avory Woolery from Kentucky demonstrated a maturity beyond his years by rescuing an unconscious man from a swimming pool. Witnessing a dire situation unfold and noting the inaction of bystanders, Avory took decisive action, diving into the water to save the man, whom he regarded simply as a fellow human deserving of life. His quick thinking and sense of responsibility were pivotal in bringing the man to safety, where CPR was administered until emergency services arrived.

  • Courage
  • Empathy
  • Responsibility
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

The ‘Dude Dad’ simple fix for losing friends after 30 is backed by real science

In a world where the loneliness epidemic is increasingly prevalent, especially among men over 30, content creator Taylor Calmus, known as 'Dude Dad,' offers a refreshing perspective on fostering male friendships. His approach, backed by scientific literature, suggests that men connect best 'shoulder to shoulder'—through shared activities rather than face-to-face conversations. This insight challenges the conventional wisdom that men need to open up emotionally to combat loneliness, instead emphasizing the value of collaboration on projects as a means to forge lasting bonds.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Kindness
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Brit in America delightfully recaps his first 4th of July experience

In a delightful recount of his first Fourth of July experience, a British visitor to the U.S. shares his astonishment at the warmth and friendliness he encountered, a sentiment echoed by other international visitors during America's 250th Independence Day celebrations. The TikTok video by Jase (known as @jaseinamerica) captures the light-heartedness of being handed a Bud Light instead of coffee as a morning greeting and the thrill of participating in quintessentially American festivities such as dunking booths and fireworks.

  • Curiosity
  • Gratitude
  • Kindness
TikTok
KindnessGood News Network

Quirky Campaign Leaves Nice Surprises on Cars of Anyone Who Took Cabs Home from the Bar

In a heartwarming initiative, the Montana Barfairies have turned the simple act of leaving gift cards on cars into a viral movement advocating for responsible drinking. By leaving $5 coffee gift cards on vehicles left overnight at bars, they reward those who choose not to drive drunk, transforming a potential source of dread—a windshield note—into a pleasant surprise. This small gesture has rippled outwards, inspiring others and garnering millions of views on social media, as the campaign highlights the importance of making safe choices.

  • Kindness
  • Courage
  • Hope
Instagram
ResilienceGood News Network

Woman Rower Breaks Men’s Record for Fastest Solo Voyage from California to Hawaii

In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, Kelsey Pflendler has set a new record for the fastest solo voyage from California to Hawaii, surpassing both men's and women's previous records. Her journey, completed in just 43 days, is a testament to her resilience and skill, honed over years as a rafting guide and team rower. Pflendler's achievement not only underscores her personal strength but also serves as an inspiration to many, as she expressed hope that her journey would empower others to feel more confident in their capabilities.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Hope
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

Backpackers met in the ’90s, felt a spark, and lost touch. A clever plan got them back together.

In a tale that seems to leap straight from the pages of a romantic screenplay, Tom and Kim's love story began with a serendipitous encounter while backpacking through Europe in the mid-90s. With no means to stay in touch, Tom devised a bold plan to reconnect with Kim by volunteering as a street performer in a bustling area, hoping she would find him amidst the crowd. Miraculously, his gamble paid off, and this chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership, resulting in a marriage that has thrived for 27 years.

  • Hope
  • Courage
  • Love
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Her dad died in 2018. He’s in her wedding photos anyway.

In a world where absence can feel so stark, Mia Chard's wedding day served as a poignant reminder that love and memory can transcend the boundaries of life and death. When her father passed away in 2018, Chard faced the daunting task of walking herself down the aisle. Choosing to bring her father's old Rollei film camera, she inadvertently captured a series of double-exposed photographs that layered images of her wedding day with pictures from a family gathering in 1999. The result was a spectral presence of her father beside her in the wedding photos, a tender coincidence that provided unexpected solace.

  • Gratitude
  • Courage
  • Perspective
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

‘America is great’: German soccer fan scared of the U.S. weeps after seeing so much kindness

Sebastian Kraus, a German soccer fan, arrived in the United States with trepidation fueled by media portrayals of a dangerous country. However, his experience at the World Cup in Boston was transformative. Overwhelmed by the kindness and camaraderie he encountered, Kraus found himself in tears—not from soccer defeat, but from the warmth of the American people. His newfound friends, like Bob who offered him a ride home, embodied a hospitality that defied his fears and reshaped his perception of the United States.

  • Hope
  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

Sally Field got the call that her father had died mid-scene on ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’ Robin Williams noticed before she said a word.

In a poignant moment on the set of 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' Sally Field received the devastating news of her father's passing. Despite her attempt to remain composed and continue filming, her emotional flatness caught the attention of Robin Williams. Demonstrating his profound empathy and acute awareness, Williams immediately halted production and ensured Field could leave to grieve and tend to family matters. This act of kindness underscores Williams' sensitivity to the needs of those around him, a trait that left a lasting impression on Field and others who worked with him.

  • Kindness
  • Empathy
  • Perspective
Instagram
ConnectionUpworthy

Sixth-grade boys recorded messages for their future selves. Seven years later, they listened.

In a heartwarming project inspired by the movie 'Boyhood,' sixth-grade students at McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, recorded messages to their future selves, only to revisit these messages seven years later. This initiative offered a unique time capsule, capturing the youthful curiosity and aspirations of the boys. As they watched their younger selves pose questions about favorite movies, hobbies, and life lessons, the now young adults responded with a blend of nostalgia and self-awareness. The earnestness of these interactions is palpable, especially in moments where they reflect on personal growth and the timeless advice to 'be kind to everyone.'

  • Curiosity
  • Kindness
  • Perspective
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Family of 5 sells everything to live inside a 40-foot ‘skoolie’

In a daring move against the grain of conventional living, Caleb and Emily have transformed a 40-foot retired school bus into a mobile home for their family of five. This decision came after realizing that their suburban lifestyle, while picturesque, left them with little quality time together. Their new 'skoolie' lifestyle allows them to travel across the country, homeschooling their children and working remotely, thus prioritizing family time and shared experiences.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Love