Good Governance
What does good governance look like? In this good news section, we share international examples of good governance, from efforts directed at the protection of civil rights to initiatives aimed at the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the environment.
Free diapers for Medicaid families opens a new frontier in public health
Set to make history, Tennessee will offer free diapers to Medicaid families, making it the first state in the US to do so. This effort, just approved by federal officials, is set to begin in August. Following closely, Delaware gained similar government approval to expand a trial program that Read More...
The case for taxing big fossil fuel firms: a solution for funding climate resilience
A fresh report argues that imposing a tax on fossil fuel firms operating in the wealthiest countries may dramatically boost climate finance, delivering much-needed assistance to countries dealing with the effects of the climate catastrophe. The plan, presented in the Climate Damages Tax study, Read More...
USDA implements new school meal standards to reduce added sugars
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced significant changes to school meal laws, including the first time added sugars will be banned on the nation's school menus. The new standards also aim to reduce sodium consumption as part of a larger push to improve the nutritional Read More...
Mongolia signs historic climate finance deal to protect grasslands
Mongolia's government and a coalition of partners signed a pioneering nature financing deal, marking a watershed moment in environmental protection. This historic agreement seeks to protect 35.6 million acres of the country's pristine lands and rivers, including the world's last vast swath of Read More...
Thailand advances LGBTQIA+ rights
Thailand is on the verge of making history by becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to officially recognize non-heterosexual unions and the second Asian country after Taiwan. With overwhelming support, the draft amendment known as the Marriage Equality Bill is gaining traction, indicating a Read More...
Restoring Indigenous stewardship: Yurok Tribe to co-manage National Park lands
As the Yurok Tribe makes great progress towards regaining its ancient lands, the reverberations of history may be heard in the towering redwoods of northern California. After centuries of dispossession, the Yurok people have reached an extraordinary agreement with the Redwood National and State Read More...
Europe raises the bar: MEPs approve the world's first comprehensive AI legislation
In a historic move, the European Parliament approved the world's first comprehensive framework for regulating artificial intelligence (AI). Driven by concerns about prejudice, privacy violations, and societal hazards, the AI Act represents a crucial step toward managing the rapidly increasing AI Read More...
National Park Service bans commercial air tours over Bandelier National Monument
The National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a ban on commercial air tours over Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, intending to preserve the park's serene natural landscape and cultural heritage. This decision is part of a larger effort to reduce Read More...
Arizona's new Chief Heat Officer to address and manage soaring temperatures
In reaction to the searing temperatures and the warmest year on record, Arizona's Department of Health Services named Dr. Eugene Livar its Chief Heat Officer. Dr. Livar, a physician and former assistant director for public health preparation, offers important experience to the position, having Read More...
France sets a global precedent, guaranteeing abortion as constitutional right
French parliamentarians passed a historic bill to include abortion rights in the country's constitution, demonstrating strong support for women's reproductive rights. France is now the only country that specifically guarantees a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy. President Emmanuel Macron Read More...