Politics & Government Good News

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

Tim Walz speaks into a megaphone outside of the Minnesota Governor's Mansion

Tim Walz urges 'good trouble' to protesters outside governor's mansion: 'Do it with Minnesota decency'

In a casual address in the front of his home, Gov. Walz spoke to protestors about “speaking up” amid ICE occupation across the state.

A close-up of the hands of a therapist and patient during a treatment session

England's new '10-minute clinics' treat emergency mental health crises and ease burden on hospitals

Units are staffed with specialist doctors and nurses to provide 24/7 support for patients feeling suicidal or experiencing symptoms of psychosis or mania.

Small town street at dusk with American flags

One way to strengthen democracy? 'Local patriotism,' or getting people to love where they live

A political scientist found that people who loved their town were more likely to attend city council meetings, contact local officials, volunteer for campaigns, and discuss local issues with friends.

Portrait of Martin Luther King Jr in color

3 Ways To (Actually) Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

It's important we don't reduce Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a “day off” or a quote on social media.

A block of New York City apartment buildings

New study: Surprising mental health benefits came from Biden-era rental assistance

Researchers suggest fiscal policies like the emergency rental assistance program are also a tool for improving public health.

A person walks down a flight of stairs into a cave at Craters of the Moon National Monument

These national monuments are 10 of the best hidden gems in the whole national park system

National monuments are areas of federal land protected for their significant historical, cultural, or scientific importance.

An aerial view of a wildlife overpass over six lanes of highway on I-25 in Colorado.

North America's 'largest wildlife overpass' is finally complete. It's expected to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes by 90%

Elk, black bears, mountain lions, and more can now safely cross a six-lane highway thanks to an overpass that connects 39,000 acres of habitat.

Children (photographed from the knees down) paint a sidewalk yellow

Florida removed colorful sidewalks in the name of 'safety.' This city in Greece proves that painted roads can save lives

This intersection in Athens was causing near-constant car crashes. Then Asphalt Arts stepped in.

A Progress Pride flag-colored crosswalk painted in a busy intersection in St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida banned Pride crosswalks — so St. Pete installed rainbow bike racks instead

The city is cleverly asserting its support of LGBTQ+ community members while still complying with new state regulations.

New study finds a more effective way to hold US elections: 'Less likely to elect an extreme candidate'

Three mathematics professors explain why ranked choice voting better represents the whims of voters — and why U.S. democracy is straining under its current system.

A photo collage of a popemobile encased in glass, a whale shark swims in the ocean, Pattie Gonia poses for a photo, solar panels cover a parking lot, and two people sitting on a bench

Good News This Week: December 6, 2025 - Sharks, Santas, & Solar Panels

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...

An aerial photograph of Reyjavik at the end of the city downtown.

Iceland was just named the safest place to live in 2025. The US ranked 128. Here's what they do differently

What makes Iceland the planet’s most peaceful country — and why is America slipping so far behind?