Policy Making
Strong public policy leads to more cohesive, resilient, and sustainable societies. In this section, find out about the latest legislations from around the world aimed at making our world a better place.
A big win for parents: free childcare is coming to San Francisco
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Living in one of the most expensive cities on Earth just got a little easier for families. In a major move to tackle affordability, San Francisco will now offer free childcare to families earning under $230,000 a year, and a 50 percent subsidy to those Read More...
From past-due to forgiven: inside North Carolina’s massive medical debt reset
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When Dawn Daly-Mack checked her mailbox one ordinary day, she nearly tossed an envelope she assumed was junk. Instead, she thought twice and opened it, finding a message that was far from mundane. “I opened it up and it said, ‘Your medical bill has Read More...
EU to reinstate Bay of Biscay fishing ban in 2026 after dolphin deaths decline
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Each winter, the Bay of Biscay sadly becomes a hotspot for tragedy and loss for dolphins. These highly intelligent marine mammals migrate into the region just as fishing activity intensifies, creating a dangerously deadly overlap. For years, hundreds of Read More...
Stingless bees win historic legal rights in Peru’s Amazon rainforest
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an amazing environmental move, stingless bees in Peru’s Amazon rainforest have become the first insects in the world to be granted legal rights. This is nothing short of a brilliant step toward protecting some of the most critical pollinators on Read More...
Grandparents raising grandkids get a lifeline in New Mexico’s free child care expansion
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When New Mexico rolled out its landmark universal child care program, most headlines focused on working parents. But tucked into the policy is a quieter, deeply meaningful change: grandparents who are raising their grandchildren can now access free child Read More...
Norway hits pause on deep-sea mining until 2029 amid growing environmental pressure
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Norway has hit the brakes on its controversial plans to mine the deep ocean floor, announcing it will not issue any deep-sea mining licenses until at least 2029. The decision, confirmed in early December 2025, marks a significant shift in momentum for the Read More...
UK to ban AI ‘nudification’ apps in crackdown on deepfakes, digital misogyny, and abuse
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The UK is moving to outlaw AI-powered “nudification” apps in a sweeping effort to tackle a new wave of online abuse, particularly targeted at women and girls. Announced just before the end of 2025, the upcoming legislation will make it a criminal offense Read More...
NYC’s safest year on record: 2025 sees historic drop in shootings and violent crime
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where headlines often spotlight urban crime, New York City just made history— but for all the right reasons. According to the NYPD, 2025 marked the lowest number of shootings ever recorded in the city’s history, a milestone city leaders are Read More...
California leads the charge: why banning polystyrene foam is a game-changer
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Politics may often feel gridlocked, but this year we witnessed powerful examples of what’s possible when courage meets action. In our Best of 2025 Politics roundup, we’re featuring policies and leaders that pushed for equity, justice, and real-world Read More...
Ireland makes basic income for artists permanent, signaling support for creative economy
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Politics may often feel gridlocked, but this year we witnessed powerful examples of what’s possible when courage meets action. In our Best of 2025 Politics roundup, we’re featuring policies and leaders that pushed for equity, justice, and real-world Read More...