We hope you had a great weekend. In a small Canadian town, a century-old convent awaits someone with a dream to preserve its heritage and give it new life.

On the open prairie, virtual fencing is changing how cattle are raised, promising benefits for farmers, animals, and the land.

And in a story of quiet heroism, a woman’s patience and kindness helped a cat survive against the odds, reminding us that rescue often begins with simply noticing those in need.

—Stephanie S

© Town of Gravelbourg

GOOD HISTORY

Own a 100-Year-Old Convent for Free…If You Vow to Protect Its History

In the small Canadian town of Gravelbourg, a 100-year-old convent stands as a testament to French heritage on the prairie. The town is offering this historic building for free to anyone who promises to preserve its legacy and bring a thoughtful plan for its future.

Once a bustling school for 600 students, the convent has sat vacant for years. Town leaders hope to see it transformed, ideally into much-needed housing, but are open to creative ideas that respect its history.

The convent is part of a trio of national historic landmarks, alongside a cathedral and a former bishop’s palace. Its architecture and story reflect the dreams of French settlers who wanted to create a cultural center in North America.

If you have a vision for breathing new life into a piece of history, Gravelbourg is waiting for you.

© Chiku Singh

GOOD PEOPLE

Abandoned Cat Survives Two Years in Bathroom Until Heroic Woman Steps In

A British woman rescued a gentle cat that survived two years in a derelict bathroom in Abu Dhabi. After seeing a photo, Chiku Singh drove 90 minutes daily to gain the cat’s trust and eventually brought her to safety.

The cat, named Tara Nova, received medical care and is now waiting to travel to a loving home in the UK.

Singh’s story reminds us that rescue begins with noticing those in need and taking action to change their fate.

© Nick Jorgensen Land and Cattle

GOOD ANIMALS

Virtual Fences Could Unleash Thousands More Cattle onto Open Land

Virtual fencing, using GPS-enabled collars, is allowing ranchers to graze more cattle on open land rather than keep them in barns. This technology guides cows with audio cues and gentle vibrations, reducing the need for costly physical fences.

Farmers benefit from lower labor and material costs, while cattle enjoy more natural grazing. The system also helps restore prairie ecosystems by mimicking the movement of native grazers.

Early adopters report that cows quickly learn the boundaries, and the collars are durable and solar-powered. While not perfect, virtual fencing could make grass-fed beef more affordable and sustainable for everyone.

© 2D Photonics

GOOD SCIENCE

Graphene Dream Becomes a Reality as Miracle Material Enters Production for Better Chips

Graphene, once hailed as a miracle material, is finally entering large-scale production after years of research. This ultra-thin carbon sheet promises faster, more efficient chips and batteries that use less energy and operate in extreme conditions.

Startups like 2D Photonics and Paragraf are leading the way, with support from major companies and governments. Applications range from military tech to biomedical sensors and electric vehicles.

Graphene-based batteries are already being made, offering rapid charging and improved safety. The era of graphene is just beginning, with exciting possibilities ahead.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: October 27, 1962

Vasili Arkhipov’s Calm Stopped a Nuclear War

63 years ago today, during the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Soviet naval officer Vasili Arkhipov made a decision that may have saved humanity. Aboard the submarine B-59, surrounded by U.S. Navy ships dropping depth charges, the crew believed war had already begun. The captain and political officer agreed to launch a nuclear torpedo, but Arkhipov, the flotilla’s Chief of Staff, refused to give his consent. His “no” vote was the only thing that stopped a nuclear exchange.

Arkhipov convinced the captain to surface and await orders from Moscow instead, defusing a moment that could have ignited global war. Decades later, declassified records confirmed B-59 was indeed armed with nuclear torpedoes, and in 2017, Arkhipov was posthumously honored with the “Future of Life Award.” His quiet courage remains one of history’s most consequential acts of restraint.

Other notable October 27 events:

1275: The city of Amsterdam was founded.

1904: The first New York City Subway line opened to the public.

1955: Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean and Natalie Wood, was released.

2004: The Boston Red Sox ended the “Curse of the Bambino,” winning their first World Series in 86 years.

GOOD NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

What made us 😄 this week

😂 China: A young ring bearer fell asleep in a mini sports car while being driven down the aisle at a wedding, delighting guests with his adorable entrance.

🐐 Vermont: A ski resort is using a flock of goats and sheep as an eco-friendly, quiet alternative to traditional landscaping.

🎂 New Jersey: A 5-year-old boy who idolizes Jimmy Carter celebrated his birthday with a Carter-themed party and received a surprise gift from the former president’s granddaughter.

🙏 Italy: The mortal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi will be displayed to the public for the first time in 800 years.

🐳 Australia: The eastern Australian humpback whale population has rebounded to over 50,000 individuals, now far surpassing pre-whaling levels.

WORDS TO INSPIRE

The sky is the part of creation in which nature has done for the sake of pleasing man.

— John Ruskin

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Good news is such a vibe

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:

🦏 Wildlife Revival: Wildlife conservation in Africa has boosted elephant and rhino populations after decades of decline.

💧 Smart Water: Smart water meters are helping cities track usage and prevent waste with real-time data.

🔭 Science Nights: Community science nights are inspiring children to explore space and technology.

🌐 Language Exchange: Online language exchange communities are connecting people to learn and teach languages.

♻️ Plastic Banks: Community-led plastic banks are turning waste into currency for local essentials.

GET FREE SWAG

Spread a little good news, and good things come back your way.

When you share your unique link, you’re not just passing along uplifting stories; you’re earning a few surprises from us, too. Brighten someone’s day, grow the circle, and enjoy some goodies while you’re at it. You’re currently at {{rp_num_referrals}} referrals.

Click the button below, then copy and paste the link to share.

If that button doesn’t work, you can copy and share your referral link with your friends: {{rp_refer_url}}

How are you feeling after reading today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate