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.
New York’s cannabis legalization puts social justice front and center
The latest state to join the growing list of states that have legalized recreational cannabis use is New York. Signed into law this week, the bill makes recreational cannabis available for purchase and legal possession in 18 months when the state draws up regulations surrounding its Read More...
Massachusetts passes sweeping climate legislation to reduce emissions
We recently shared how Massachusetts is on the verge of constructing the nation's first utility scale offshore wind farm. Now, it's continuing to expand its commitments to a post-carbon future with the passage of a sweeping climate law that will guide the Bay State towards its target of net-zero Read More...
Hemp-based insulation is toxin-free and continually absorbs emissions
In one Parisian apartment building, the residents rarely turn on the heat, even in the dead of winter. That’s because the walls are filled with “hempcrete,” an innovative insulation that is better for people and better for the planet. The revolutionary material doesn’t contain harmful Read More...
Tree branches provide the materials for safe and natural water filters
Xylem is a thin material that makes up the interiors of non-flowering trees. This straw-like conduit material draws water up from the ground to nourish trees and is interconnected with membranes that filter out sap and bubbles from the water. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Read More...
US announces measures to expand offshore wind energy production
We recently shared how the US is making progress towards its first utility-scale offshore wind farm in Massachusetts. Now, the country is ramping up wind power even further with the announcement of a New Wind Energy Area between Long Island and the New Jersey coast. The new project is part Read More...
High school student develops infection-detecting suture thread
In low and middle-income countries, 11 percent of surgical wounds develop an infection. The problem is particularly severe among women in some African nations where 20 percent of those who deliver via cesarean section experience infection at surgical sites. Realizing the scope of this problem, Read More...
New study shows that California’s diesel regulations are paying off
California has some of the most comprehensive air pollution prevention measures in the US and although cities like Los Angeles are still infamous for their smog, a new report shows that the state’s policies have been highly effective at improving air quality. Researchers from the University Read More...
This new partnership is mapping out gas leaks in American cities
As major methane emitters, gas leaks are dangerous for human health and the environment, but detecting them is not always easy. This is why the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Google Earth have teamed up to seek out leaks more efficiently. EDF and the Google Earth Outreach Team joined Read More...
Oakland, CA to launch large-scale UBI experiment
After encouraging preliminary results from Stockton's universal basic income (UBI) experiment, another California city is testing out guaranteed income as a strategy for economic empowerment for marginalized groups. The City of Oakland announced this week that it will provide $500 a month to 600 Read More...
The Optimist View: Knocking down the negative news bias
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” - Victor Frankel The old news mantra, “If it bleeds, it leads” has long steered traditional media outlets towards the violent, the Read More...