👀 700,000-Year-Old Human

We hope you had a great weekend. In Morocco, ancient fossils are reshaping our understanding of human evolution, offering new clues about our earliest ancestors.

Across the globe, British veteran Hari Budha Magar has made history as the first double amputee to conquer the highest peaks on every continent, showing what’s possible with determination and hope.

In Pennsylvania, a local teen and a hockey team have turned a simple tradition into a wave of kindness, collecting tens of thousands of stuffed animals for children in need.

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—Stephanie S

A remarkable discovery in Morocco has unearthed remains of an early human ancestor dating back 700,000 years. Found in a cave near Casablanca, the fossils include jawbones, teeth, and a vertebra, offering a rare glimpse into a pivotal era of human evolution.

Scientists believe these remains may represent a population from the time when African and Eurasian hominins began to diverge. The site’s lush ancient landscape contrasts with today’s desert, hinting at a vibrant ecosystem once teeming with life.

The fossils bear similarities to those found in Spain’s Gran Dolina, suggesting a shared ancestor on both sides of the Mediterranean. This challenges previous ideas about how and when our ancestors migrated.

While questions remain, this finding deepens our understanding of humanity’s roots and the journey that led to modern humans.

British veteran Hari Budha Magar, who lost both legs above the knee in Afghanistan, has become the first double amputee to climb the highest peak on every continent. His journey ended with a grueling ascent of Antarctica’s Mount Vinson.

Hari’s achievement is not just a mountaineering milestone but a powerful message about overcoming adversity and raising disability awareness.

He credits his success to determination, community support, and innovative prosthetics, inspiring others to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles.

Each year, the Hershey Bears hockey team hosts a Teddy Bear Toss, where fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the first goal. This year, nearly 82,000 plushies were collected for children in need.

Local teen Gabby Kerchner helped boost donations through her nonprofit, Gabby’s Acts of Kindness, contributing thousands of toys.

The event has brought joy to hundreds of thousands of kids across Pennsylvania, spreading kindness and community spirit.

As the new year begins, many resolutions focus on what we want to stop doing: late-night scrolling, stress-snacking, or putting things off. But psychologists say goals framed around avoidance, known as avoidance goals, can actually make change harder to sustain.

In contrast, approach goals focus on what we want to move toward. For example, “stop scrolling so much” might become “spend an uninterrupted hour with a friend each week.” This small shift can change how a goal feels, from pressure to possibility.

Read the full article to learn more about this approach, and explore other science-informed practices for well-being in The Flourishing Life course by Holstee, with an exclusive offer for Good News Network readers.

🐳 Canada: Two friends bravely rescued three stranded pilot whales on a Nova Scotia beach when authorities couldn't arrive in time.

📰 USA: A new study finds that American media overreports homicides by 4,300% compared to their actual share of deaths.

🌟 South Korea: The country banned bear bile farming, freeing captive bears and closing a cruel chapter in wildlife exploitation.

🔌 Norway: Nearly all new cars in Norway are electric, demonstrating how bold policies can fast-track a greener, cleaner transportation future.

🦌 Colorado: North America’s largest wildlife bridge just opened over a busy Colorado highway.

57 years ago today, Led Zeppelin released its self-titled debut, a record that would reshape rock music. Recorded in just 36 hours at Olympic Studios in London for £1,782, the album captured the band largely performing live, with minimal overdubs. Drawing heavily from blues while pushing volume, power, and atmosphere to new extremes, the LP introduced the world to a sound that would define heavy rock.

The album spent 71 weeks on the UK charts and quickly established Led Zeppelin as one of the most influential bands in music history. Songs like Babe I’m Gonna Leave You showcased their dynamic range and intensity, setting the stage for a decade of genre-defining innovation. Today, the album remains a landmark debut and a blueprint for generations of rock musicians.

Other notable January 12 events:

1895: The United Kingdom’s National Trust was formed to preserve historic places.

1915: Rocky Mountain National Park was established by the U.S. Congress.

1959: Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in Detroit.

1967: The first person was cryonically preserved for possible future revival.

— William Shakespeare

Every day brings amazing advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how wonderful the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

🩸 Mobile Blood: Mobile blood banks are increasing donation access in rural and disaster-struck areas.

👂 Adaptive Hearing Aids: AI-driven hearing aids are learning users' preferences for improved sound clarity.

🌐 Refugee Language: Language apps are breaking down barriers for refugees integrating into new countries.

🏝️ Eco Lodges: Floating eco-lodges are providing sustainable tourism while protecting local ecosystems.

🩻 Medical Imaging: Medical imaging is detecting fractures and tumors with higher accuracy.

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