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.
US Government to discontinue use of privately-operated prisons
A big hurdle in criminal justice reform in the United States is the abolishment of for-profit private prisons. In a system that already disproportionately convicts and incarcerates people of color, for-profit systems further exploit and profit off this system of injustice. As a major step towards Read More...
US Government commits to transitioning all federal vehicles to EV models
As part of a broader federal campaign to promote the transition to green energy and create 1 million new jobs in the auto industry and corresponding supply chains, the US federal government has announced plans to transition all government vehicles to all-electric models. Announced earlier this Read More...
Finally! Illinois becomes first state to end cash bail system
In a huge win for racial justice, the state of Illinois is on the verge of becoming the first state to end wealth-based pre-trial detention. For those being accused of a crime in the US, the general rule is that you are innocent until proven guilty. Despite this, courtrooms across the US operate Read More...
Harriet Tubman will soon replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill
With Black History Month just around the corner, we are celebrating early with the news that Harriet Tubman will finally replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Tubman will be the first woman, the first person of color, and the first activist to take a place of honor on a bill. Petitions to Read More...
White House press briefings will now be offered in American Sign Language
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced this week that press briefings will be getting an inclusive upgrade with the addition of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter at every briefing. The first signed briefing took place last Monday with an interpreter, identified as Heather, Read More...
NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing
We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city of Charlotte is taking another innovative approach to housing security. Investors have recently established a $58 million fund to purchase Read More...
German city builds sleeping pods to shelter homeless people from the cold
In the German city of Ulm, 75 miles west of Munich, people who don’t have a roof over their head can now benefit from a thoughtful initiative — the installation of a series of pods around the city for homeless people to be able to sleep in. Called Ulmer Nests, the sleeping pods are made of Read More...
The public now has a direct say on climate matters in Washington state
Oftentimes it feels like regular citizens have little to no say in national or state-level politics. That’s why we’re excited to share news out of Washington state where a new assembly is being formed that will allow 80 randomly-selected members of the public to have a direct say on climate Read More...
How the US Treasury can promote a greener economic future
As the new U.S. Treasury secretary, Janet Yellen will have to navigate the US economy not only through the devastation of the pandemic, but also towards a more sustainable future. Rachel Kyte, Dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University and former World Bank vice president, has shared key areas Read More...
Empty retail space could be the solution to California’s housing crisis
According to the California Housing Partnership, the golden state needs at least 1.3 million affordable housing units to truly begin to address the mounting housing crisis. Many lawmakers and activists see California’s underused big box stores and strip malls as a solution to this problem and Read More...