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.
This map tells you how to vote during a pandemic
Poll closures due to the pandemic combined with fears that the USPS may not be able to keep up with mail-in ballot demands has many Americans wondering how to ensure their vote is counted this November. Fortunately, a new tool is here to help you navigate voting during this unprecedented election Read More...
It could be possible to stop locust swarms using their own scent
A single locust is just bigger than a paper clip. But when these solitary critters attract others into a growing swarm, billions of locusts wind up flying together, forming a moving carpet that can block out the sun and strip the landscape of plants and crops. Giant swarms like this have Read More...
Data shows we could elect record numbers of women to the House in 2020
In 2018, the US set a national record with 108 women being elected to the House of Representatives. In 2020, we are on track to surpass that milestone with a surge of victories by women in primaries across the country. More than 30 states have held their primaries so far and more women have Read More...
Thought Leader Series: Damon Gameau and the world in 2040
If it was up to you, what would our world look like in 2040? Would there be more trees? More sustainable development? Less meat-eating? This is the exact question Damon Gameau set out to answer in making his film 2040. Inspired by his young daughter, Velvet, he set out to scour the globe for Read More...
These solar-powered fridges are reducing food waste and hunger in Nigeria
Food waste is a huge problem all around the world, but the causes of spoilage are different depending on the region. In many developing countries like Nigeria, the primary cause of waste is not inefficient purchasing and cooking habits, but inadequate storage facilities to keep food fresh. When Read More...
Indian company tackles taboo by introducing paid leave for periods
How many days a month have you missed work or requested a day off for stomach pains and cramps because of menstruation? This is the question one of India’s largest food-delivery firms, Zomato, put to its 4,000 employees, 35 percent of whom are women, in announcing a new paid period leave policy Read More...
Philadelphia to provide free internet for 35,000 low-income families
The pandemic has shown us all how important it is to be connected to the Internet. The problem, however, is that millions of Americans still live without a reliable connection to the web, which is especially problematic for kids considering the school year is just around the corner and is expected Read More...
Croatia’s 1,000 Solar Roofs initiative is profitable and community-oriented
Famous for its beautiful coastline and Game of Thrones filming locations, Croatia is also finding newfound notoriety as home to a progressive new green energy initiative. The country’s 1000 Solar Roofs project is environmentally and economically beneficial and has been selected for support as Read More...
New York is spending $1 billion to lower utility bills for residents
As summer heatwaves converge with a surging pandemic and an impending economic collapse, energy-efficient homes are becoming particularly critical to Americans’ well-being. Millions now face tough choices when it comes to energy usage: The longer they stay home to stay safe from both scorching Read More...
Oaxaca state in Mexico bans sale of junk food to children to curb obesity
Future generations from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca may steer clear of obesity-related health issues, thanks to a new law passed by state officials, banning the sale of junk food and sugary drinks to children, in an attempt to reduce high obesity and diabetes levels. Oaxaca is the first Read More...