Hello, friends! 👋

269 years ago today, the first political cartoon appeared in an American newspaper, masterminded by none other than Benjamin Franklin. Known for his many hats - inventor, diplomat, writer - Franklin also had a knack for political commentary, as he demonstrated in 1754 with his iconic "Join, or Die" cartoon.

In a bold call to unite the British colonies amidst the brewing revolution, Franklin depicted the colonies as segments of a divided snake - a potent symbol that still resonates today. The cartoon not only underscored the urgency of unity but also pioneered the use of visual satire in American journalism. While Franklin later donned many roles, including statesman and scientist, his legacy as a trailblazer in political cartoons continues to inspire artists and activists alike.

Alright, time to turn the pages and dive into the top positive news stories from around the world! 👇

Quote of the Day 🗣

100-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Throws First Pitch ⚾️

In a heartwarming event that saw over 25,000 spectators rise to their feet, centenarian and Holocaust survivor Helen Kahan threw the first pitch at the Tampa Bay Rays versus New York Yankees game. The pitch, which took place on Kahan's 100th birthday, was not just a display of her strength and resilience, but also a recognition of her incredible journey and commitment to sharing her life story through the Florida Holocaust Museum.

As Kahan made her way onto the field, her family, spanning from her children to her great-grandchildren, rallied behind her, all donning Tampa Bay Rays jerseys emblazoned with "Bubbi" – the Yiddish term for grandma. The cheers from the crowd were deafening as she threw the pitch, a perfect arch that marked the opening of the game. Kahan, who has been a beacon of hope at the Florida Holocaust Museum, felt incredibly honored by the gesture. "It means the world to me that my story and the stories of so many others won't be forgotten. This pitch is for every life lost, every survivor, and for future generations to remember," she said.

The game was more than just a celebration of Kahan's life; it was also a fundraising effort for the Florida Holocaust Museum. Proceeds from the game were donated to the museum, and the Rays Baseball Foundation presented a $10,000 grant. The outcome of the game saw the Tampa Bay Rays clinch a victory over the New York Yankees, but the real triumph of the day was the strength, resilience, and spirit of Helen Kahan, whose life story serves as a lesson in empathy, kindness, and the power of human resilience.

Three College Degrees, One High School Diploma, One 17-Year-Old 🎓

Tristan Andrade, a 17-year-old from Arizona, is on the verge of a remarkable achievement. Alongside his high school diploma, Tristan will also be graduating with three associate's degrees this spring, a result of his participation in Estrella Mountain Community College's concurrent enrollment program from eighth grade. This extraordinary accomplishment, according to college president Rey Rivera, is a "very unique" story, even among the 1,500 students participating in their early college programs.

Andrade's degrees are in artificial intelligence, computer science, and mathematics, with AI being his primary passion and intended future field. After his high school and community college graduation, Tristan plans to attend Arizona State University in the fall to pursue his bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated 4 + 1 program. Reflecting on his experiences, Tristan highly encourages other students to concurrently take high school and college courses, citing the benefits of saving time, money, and the valuable real-world experiences gained from his older classmates.

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Fantastic Finds 🔍

Once lost, now found. A 2nd-grader who vanished while camping in Michigan is found safe.

Appreciating the teachers. A Minnesota substitute teacher gets honored during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Saving the turtles. This Mexican family gave up a life of fishing to monitor and rescue sea turtles.

Drought no more. California's Lake Oroville highlights the reversal of severe-drought levels in stunning before and after images.

Hapi Hits 😊

🦭 Hey, baby seal. This surfer finds a baby seal on the shore and it’s incredibly adorable.

🌽 Cat on the cob. This cat gobbles on corn on the cob faster than anyone or anything we’ve ever seen.

🐶 Catch me if you can. This little pup loves to chase his big brother around the house.

HapiReview of the Day 🎉

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