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.
Groundbreaking treaty protects environmental activists in Latin America
After eight years of planning, a key treaty between Latin American and Caribbean countries finally went into effect last week. Called the Escazú Agreement, the groundbreaking international legislation is the first international treaty in the region and serves to both preserve the environment and Read More...
New vaccine offers potential breakthrough in the fight against malaria
We recently discussed how mRNA technology could provide more effective vaccines for diseases like malaria. It turns out a successful malaria vaccine is coming onto the scene sooner than anticipated with the announcement that researchers have developed a single-dose formula with at least 75 percent Read More...
California commits to end oil extraction in the state by 2045
Following the federal commitment to reduce US emissions by 50 percent by 2030, California has expanded upon its climate commitments with the new goal of phasing out all oil extraction in the state by 2045. Additionally, it has demanded that the Department of Conservation halt all fracking permits Read More...
US Commits to cutting emissions by 50% by 2030
Last week’s global summit on climate change yielded some pretty impressive climate commitments from a variety of world leaders. One of the prominent pledges is that from the US which committed to reducing emissions by 50 percent by 2030. This commitment is expected to be made official in a Read More...
North Dakota to offer Covid-19 vaccines to Canadian truck drivers
The border between the US and Canada has been closed since March of last year, but truck drivers continue to drive essential goods between the two countries. To protect these essential workers and extend the reach of unused Covid-19 vaccines in the US, North Dakota is extending vaccine eligibility Read More...
Santa Barbara institutes nation's first 100 percent rental assistance program
As families struggle financially during the pandemic, we’ve highlighted different solutions like mandatory mediations and legal assistance services that are helping avoid a housing crisis. Santa Barbara County is addressing the issue with a novel comprehensive rental assistance Read More...
New Mexico added to growing list of states to legalize recreational cannabis
Another state has decided to legalize the recreational use of cannabis this week, bringing the total of states to have done so since last November to seven. New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed legislation that will make the legalization of recreational marijuana official. The Read More...
LA could become largest US city with a guaranteed income program
After a successful initial trial across the state in Stockton, Los Angeles is set to become the largest US city with a guaranteed income program for poor residents. Mayor Eric Garcetti is seeking approval from the City Council this week to set aside $24 million from next year’s budget to Read More...
Soap is a big water polluter. This probiotic version does the opposite
We use soap to clean our dishes, clothing, and even ourselves, but this same soap that we use to clean isn’t so great for rivers and oceans. Especially in countries where many people still use rivers for washing purposes, soap can directly contaminate ecosystems and pollute water that communities Read More...
Toads on the road: Street closure offers amphibians safe passage in Estonia
A busy road in the Estonian capital of Tallinn will be closed for the month of April not for construction, but for frogs and toads. Each spring, the area around the road becomes a popular breeding ground for toads and frogs, so the city has closed the road to protect these vulnerable species as Read More...