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.
Parental leave revolution: South Africa's landmark decision sets new standards
South Africa plans to pioneer shared parental leave, making it the first country in Africa to implement this provision. The country's highest court recently declared that both parents had the right to time off following the birth or adoption of a child, allowing them to determine how to divide a Read More...
Developing public lands for affordable homes
A radical solution is taking root in the magnificent landscapes of the American West, where growing demand for housing collides with huge state-owned trust lands. States are looking for creative ways to repurpose these lands, which were originally earmarked to fund schools and local communities, to Read More...
Rainforest nations join forces to protect biodiversity
Late last month, major rainforest nations gathered in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, to address the rising problem of deforestation and safeguard the invaluable biodiversity found in tropical rainforests. These regions, which include the Congo, Amazon, and Asia-Pacific basins, are home to Read More...
France pledges to embed abortion rights in constitution
President Emmanuel Macron pledged to enshrine a woman's right to choose abortion in the French constitution by next year. This steadfast commitment comes as France responds to stringent measures placed on reproductive rights in other nations, highlighting its unflinching commitment to abortion Read More...
Breaking barriers: Mexican students by border gain affordable access to California colleges
California Governor Gavin Newsom approved legislation allowing low-income Mexican students living near the US border to attend some California community institutions at in-state tuition rates. This historic legislation is a beacon of hope for youngsters in California's south. Students who are Read More...
Judge overturns Galveston’s discriminatory electoral map in a voting rights victory
A federal judge issued a stinging reprimand to the Republican commissioners of Galveston County, Texas in a landmark case. The decision, which Judge Jeffrey Brown described as a "stark and jarring" violation of the Voting Rights Act, is a watershed moment in the fight for fair representation. In Read More...
California becomes first state to issue an "Ebony Alert" to prioritize missing Black youth
California became the first state in the country to enact the "Ebony Alert" law, which is intended to prioritize the search for missing Black youngsters. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 673 into law last Sunday, marking an important step forward in tackling the missing Black children and Read More...
Connecticut passes new gun control law: A step towards safety
Connecticut, known for its strict gun control laws, enacted one of the most stringent firearm rules since the 2013 law authorized in the aftermath of the devastating Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Despite court challenges around the country, the new law, signed by Democratic Governor Ned Read More...
With landmark legislation, California strengthens LGBTQ+ protections
Governor Gavin Newsom of California recently adopted a series of legislative measures aimed at strengthening LGBTQ+ protections and encouraging inclusivity across the state, in a landmark move to buttress LGBTQ+ rights. With these revolutionary laws, California maintained its national leadership in Read More...
In response to high demand Oregon boosts legal psilocybin access
Epic Healing Eugene is now the epicenter of Oregon's blossoming psilocybin movement, thanks to its captivating environment and dedicated facilitators. Epic Healing Eugene, which opened this June, is America’s first licensed psilocybin service center. It is open to individuals over the age of 21 Read More...