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.
Major win for NYC street vendors as new bill expands number of permits
New York City street vendors have just scored a major victory: The City Council finally passed long-overdue legislation, lifting the restrictive and outdated permit cap that has forced thousands of vendors to operate without a proper license. Called Intro 1116-B, the legislation is the first major Read More...
This startup has a simple plan to de-risk small-scale African farming
African agriculture, especially small farms, have not had it easy over the past few years. Droughts, pests, floods, and local conflict have exacerbated challenges for many food producers. This is why insurtech startup Pula is working to provide small farmers with insurance to help manage the Read More...
Planting more trees linked to lower rates of depression in urban areas
We frequently discuss the link between nature and mental health on The Optimist Daily. Another study has emerged solidifying this positive relationship. A study from a team of European researchers has found that more trees planted in a city correlates with fewer antidepressant Read More...
Illinois directs marijuana sales revenue to areas harmed by war on drugs
One argument for the legalization of marijuana is the opportunity to fund critical community projects and organizations with the tax revenue from legal sales. The state of Illinois is doing just this and they are being very precise with where this money goes. The state is distributing $31.5 million Read More...
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...