Politics & Government Good News

Ways that people, organizations, and governments are fighting to strengthen democracy in the United States and around the world

A woman in a blue blazer holds papers above her head while smiling, surrounded by people clapping and cheering outdoors.

New Mexico bans uranium mining on 13 million acres of state land

The state land commissioner said that the long-lasting environmental and public health impacts of uranium contamination outweigh any potential revenues to state coffers uranium mining could provide.

A brass-colored security camera mounted on a metal pole, featuring a circular lens array at the top. An orange metal arm extends from the right side of the frame.

Amid scrutiny, Texas agencies are blocked from spending on Flock: 'Stop turning Texas into a surveillance state'

The order came as The Texas Tribune was preparing to publish an investigation detailing how a state agency has devoted at least $30 million to building the state’s Flock surveillance network.

A concrete underpass with yellow metal railings sits in an arid landscape. A blue and white semi truck with an empty flatbed trailer is visible on the road above the structure. Sparse green shrubs grow in the foreground.

When this Idaho wildlife crossing is complete, migrating deer will be able to walk under a busy highway

The Rocky Point Wildlife Underpass is nearly built along US Highway 30, south of Montpelier.

New Mexico's electricity prices are some of the lowest in the country. Solar is to thank

Abundant sunshine and smart policy have made New Mexico’s grid far more climate-friendly.

Large electrical distribution cabinets with colored wiring and circuit breakers line a concrete floor beneath an industrial ceiling with cable trays and fluorescent lighting.

New NJ law requires data centers to report water and energy use: 'They will not operate in the shadows'

The law requires operators to disclose total energy consumption, energy used for cooling and IT equipment, peak daily water use, water sources, and backup power supplies to the state Board of Public Utilities twice a year.

Men at a solar farm, fixing and tending to solar panels

Amid Europe's record-breaking heat and drought, solar power made it possible to cope

Europe’s solar panels produced 17% more power during the summer’s heat waves than they normally do, stabilizing the grid as afternoon cooling demand climbed.

Inside a retail store, a mannequin wears a blue plaid shirt and olive pants while standing near display tables with folded clothing. A large red directory sign on the left lists store sections numbered 1, 2, and 3. Large windows show a parking structure outside.

West Virginia gives 54K low-income families a $200 school clothing allowance

In a new twist in the handling of the program, some low-income children who didn’t apply for the money have now received the back-to-school financial assistance.

A tabby cat sits in bright sunlight on a concrete surface, with its eyes closed. Behind it stands a yellow brick building with windows and green foliage to the left.

Why Nebraskans are campaigning for a statue of a cat outside the state's Capitol

State senators will formally pitch the statue for feedback this week.

A dark wooden log cabin with a steep pitched roof covered in moss sits among tall trees in a dense forest. The cabin has horizontal log walls, small windows, and wooden steps leading to an entrance, with a wooden deck visible on the right side.

Maryland's newest state park opens this week: '55K acres free to the public'

Savage Highlands State Park was a former privately held woodland resort in Garrett County. Now, it's home to yurts, cabins, and campsites at a much lower price.

A pregnant person wearing a white shirt and jeans holds their bare belly with both hands.

Arkansas Medicaid now covers doula care, complying with law meant to improve maternal health

Coverage begins on September 1, 2026, complying with 2025 law aiming to improve maternal health outcomes.

Aerial view of a highway with two tunnels carved through a forested mountainous area. A long freight train travels on parallel tracks alongside the highway through the dense coniferous forest.

Washington State wildlife overpass celebrates major victory: '10,000 crossings and no roadkill'

Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 sees a ‘wild’ milestone 12 years after it initially opened to animals.

A large black tire stands upright in a field of yellow and purple wildflowers against a clear blue sky.

California's new 'tire efficiency' rules aim to save drivers $1B a year, reduce 2M tons of carbon emissions

The nation’s first tire efficiency standards target an overlooked drag on fuel economy that can cost drivers more at the pump.