🥶 Electric Ferry Survives -13°F

Good morning. While many of us are beginning to brace the cold weather, we’re looking at an electric ferry quietly making its way through the icy waters of northern Norway, showing that green technology can handle even the coldest days.

Space agencies and private companies are getting ready for a busy year, with missions heading to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

And after years of steady research, cancer survival rates in the US have reached new highs, with more people living longer after diagnosis.

👉 P.S. If you’d like to support our small team and help us keep sharing good news, consider joining our premium newsletter. You’ll be part of a community that believes good news matters.

—Stephanie S

On this chilly morning, let’s take a moment to marvel at a quiet revolution gliding through the icy waters of northern Norway. The M/F Vargsund, now the world’s most northern electric ferry, has begun regular service between the islands of Kvaløya and Seiland, braving temperatures as low as -13°F. It’s a striking reminder that green technology is not just for mild climates or fair-weather days.

What makes this story stand out is the ferry’s resilience. While cold has long been the nemesis of batteries, the Vargsund’s all-electric system performed flawlessly on its maiden voyage, carrying passengers and cars across a frozen landscape. At 50 meters long, with room for 28 cars and 100 people, it’s not just a technical achievement but a symbol of what’s possible when ambition meets necessity.

Norway’s commitment to electrification is already legendary, with nearly all new cars sold last year running on electricity. Now, even in the far north, the country is proving that clean transport can thrive in the harshest conditions.

It’s worth wondering what other boundaries might quietly fall as technology adapts to the world’s toughest challenges. Where else might we see the unexpected become routine?

Space fans, 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year. NASA is finally sending astronauts back to lunar orbit with Artemis II, while Blue Origin is testing its first lunar lander. China is rolling out a trio of ambitious missions, including a new moon rover and an asteroid sample return.

Japan is also making its first move toward Mars, aiming to grab samples from the planet’s mysterious moons. If you love space, this is a year to watch. Dive in for the full rundown.

A team in South Korea has created a soft exoskeleton shirt that weighs less than two pounds but can help people with muscle conditions lift up to 34 pounds. It’s made from high-tech fabric that acts like extra muscles, giving wearers a real boost for daily tasks.

What’s cool is that it slips on just like a regular shirt and costs much less than bulky robotic gear.

If you’re curious about the future of wearable tech, this is worth a look.

Here’s a stat worth celebrating: after two decades of breakthroughs, 7 out of 10 people diagnosed with cancer in the US now live at least five years. That’s a huge leap, especially for tough cases like leukemia and even pancreatic cancer.

Researchers credit better screening and new treatments for these gains. The numbers are more than just data; they’re real hope for millions.

If you want a dose of optimism, this story is worth a look.

💰 Iowa: The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt returned $33 million in lost assets to rightful owners last year.

👶 California: A Los Angeles mom and her baby boy both survived a nearly impossible ectopic pregnancy, defying the odds of less than 1 in a million.

🪸 Global: Study shows restoring reef fish stocks could raise sustainable catches by 50%, yielding millions more meals to fight hunger.

🎙️ Oregon: High schoolers record anonymous, encouraging voice messages for peers, fostering compassion and mental health support in the community.

💉 Indonesia & Madagascar: Intensive vaccination drives have eradicated recent polio outbreaks in both countries, marking a major step toward a polio-free world.

116 years ago today, Django Reinhardt was born in Belgium, becoming one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century and the creator of what we now call gypsy jazz. Raised in Romani encampments near Paris, Reinhardt mastered violin, banjo, and guitar before a devastating fire at age 18 severely damaged two fingers on his left hand. Doctors believed his career was over.

Instead, Reinhardt rebuilt his technique from scratch, developing a radical two-fingered playing style that transformed jazz guitar forever. In 1934, alongside violinist Stéphane Grappelli, he co-founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France—one of the first jazz groups to feature the guitar as a lead instrument. Despite never learning to read music, Reinhardt composed extensively and collaborated with legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

Other notable January 23 events:

1855: The first bridge over the Mississippi River opened in Minnesota.

1943: Casablanca premiered in U.S. theaters, later winning Best Picture at the Oscars.

1973: A peace accord was reached between the United States and Vietnam.

1986: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its first class of artists.

— Alan Watts

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:

👩‍🏫 Teacher Mentors: Global teacher mentorships are improving education quality and boosting student success.

🏢 Vertical Gardens: Vertical gardens are improving air quality while adding green space in dense cities.

♿ Inclusive Work: Global disability inclusion programs are creating accessible workplaces and opportunities.

🛺 E-Rickshaws: Electric rickshaws are reducing urban air pollution and the use of horses while providing affordable transport.

🫀 ECG Wearables: Wearable ECG monitors are helping detect heart issues early during everyday activities.

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