Thursday, June 18, 2026

Good Today

Constructive journalism about human flourishing

Topic

Connection

The quiet, durable work of belonging to one another.

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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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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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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
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ConnectionUpworthy

The Internet’s funniest dad gets serious about the quiet shift that’s happening in fatherhood

David Ogleton, known as FitDadCEO, has become a central figure in the evolving narrative of fatherhood, using humor as a bridge to engage and support a broad online community. While his dad jokes and skits entertain millions, Ogleton's influence goes deeper, highlighting a cultural shift where dads are increasingly visible and active in parenting roles. This shift is not just comedic but significant, as it reflects broader societal changes in how fatherhood is perceived and experienced.

  • Humor
  • Hope
  • Curiosity
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ConnectionUpworthy

Greatest tourism ad ever? Trevor Noah and Roger Federer board the ‘wrong train.’

In a delightful twist of humor and scenic beauty, Roger Federer and Trevor Noah's Swiss tourism ad cleverly showcases the charm of Switzerland's Grand Train Tour. The ad, which blends the comedic talents of Noah with the iconic presence of Federer, takes viewers on a picturesque journey through the Swiss countryside, all while embracing a narrative of mistaken travel plans. The cleverness lies in its ability to feel more like a mini-documentary than a traditional advertisement, drawing viewers into the experience rather than pushing a product.

  • Humor
  • Curiosity
  • Nostalgia
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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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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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