Politics
Having a difficult time finding positive news about national and global politics? Search no further! From public policy to positive leadership to democracy efforts, find the latest good news stories in the world of politics at The Optimist Daily.
Washington State bans use of for-profit detention facilities
A few months ago, we reported on a federal initiative to discontinue the use of privately-run for-profit prisons. It turns out Washington State is taking its own steps to halt the use of these unjust institutions with a new bill, approved by the governor, that bans for-profit detention centers in Read More...
New Zealand approves paid leave for miscarriage
Led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand has spearheaded progressive women’s rights policies with free menstrual products in schools and landmark pay equity laws. Now, the country is expanding upon its public health policies surrounding reproductive rights and has unanimously approved a Read More...
E-waste: Crucial “right to repair” laws have come into force in the EU
In an effort to cut the environmental impact of electronic goods, the European Union passed a law in 2019 that would force companies that sell products such as TVs, hairdryers, and refrigerators to ensure that those appliances can be repaired for up to 10 years. This week, the law finally came into Read More...
For Gen Z, climate careers are the clear path to success
For many Gen Z students contemplating their future careers, the answer is clear: addressing the climate crisis. Multiple surveys have found that overwhelming numbers of students and professionals under 25 are pursuing environmental-related degrees and careers. This shift in career aspirations Read More...
Phoenix is using green space to tackle urban heat disparities
Our latest Optimist View discussed how urban green space impacts heat exposure and health outcomes in cities. One of the cities grappling with this issue is Phoenix. As the hottest city in the US, Phoenix is very focused on keeping things cool in a warming world. The city has pledged to reach Read More...
Small things can make a huge difference for mothers with depression
Mental illness is not only hard for the sufferer but can also impact surrounding family and friends. This is especially true for the children of mothers that experience depression. Research has been found that children in this position not only are more likely to gain mental health problems Read More...
The United Arab Emirates decides to stop censoring movies
For generations now, the United Arab Emirates has censored sensitive scenes from cinematic work that are considered offensive to traditional Islamic sensibilities. This includes any scenes involving nudity, homosexuality, sex, or any other content regarded as inappropriate. Unsurprisingly, the Read More...
US Government lays out ambitious plan to replace all lead pipes
Childhood lead poisoning has decreased significantly over the past 50 years, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that up to 10 million households and 400,000 schools and child care centers still have service lines or fixtures that contain lead. These are significant health Read More...
More cities are using beets to beat icy winter roads
Many cities with harsh winters turn to salt to melt ice and make roads safer, but while this helps out drivers, it doesn’t do the environment any favors. Fifteen to 17 million tons of road salt are used on US roadways each winter, contaminating waterways and natural ecosystems while degrading Read More...
UK introduces bill to ban trophy hunt imports
Two years after its introduction, the British government is finally moving forward with a ban on trophy hunting imports. The new law, which bans bringing back trophies from exotic animal hunts, plans to protect 7,000 species threatened by international trade. The law is expected to go before Read More...