Politics & Government Good News

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

A group of volunteers plants a small evergreen tree in soil outdoors, with several people gathered around watching and assisting with the planting work.

Every $1 a city spends on parks returns $3 — and scientists want more trees

Researchers are calling for cities to double down on one of the simplest yet most powerful solutions to many problems - planting more trees.

Woman in light blue blazer gestures while speaking at a table during a meeting with multiple people seated and standing around her. Documents are visible on the table in front of her.

There are more women running for governor across the US than ever before

There are 85 women major-party candidates running for governor across 36 states this year.

Row of residential houses with solar panel arrays mounted on their pitched roofs against a clear blue sky.

New England invested in solar. It saved residents millions in electricity costs during a heat wave this month

A new report found that solar arrays saved $39 million to $54 million in a single day of a recent heat wave.

A photo collage of a mom holding her child, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul standing in front of a lectern, a red wolf puppy, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and a man stands next to a pile of boxes

Good News This Week: July 18, 2026 - Vaccines, Mosquitoes, & Red Wolves

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

A sea turtle's head and shell viewed from above at the water's surface, with turquoise water surrounding it.

Florida's adorable sea turtle license plates have raised millions to save the endangered species

The sea turtle design is the second-most popular specialty license plate in the state.

A bear walks across a highway lined with stopped vehicles with their headlights on.

North Carolina builds 'mirrored' wildlife crossing for both humans and bears to cross Appalachian Trail

The first-of-its-kind land bridge is set to be complete by the end of the year.

Mamdani sits in a classroom looking at a kid that's out-of-focus and out-of-frame

Mamdani, NYC public schools invest $67.5M in special education amid federal budget cuts

New York City’s $67.5 million investment in preschoolers comes as families and advocates worry federal changes could make special education services even harder to access.

Large industrial facility with tan upper section and corrugated metal lower section, set against rolling hills with scattered forest in background.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul establishes the nation's first statewide moratorium on new AI data centers

Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order pausing the development of hyperscale AI data centers on Tuesday.

Two people in winter clothing run across a paved plaza with concrete seating and metal railings. Patches of snow are visible on the ground near modern furniture and storefronts with large windows.

'Hostile architecture' makes it impossible for homeless people to rest in public. One city just voted to eliminate it

The city council approved a resolution that prohibits the city from installing “hostile architecture” in public infrastructure, including new projects, repairs, and replacements.

A photo collage of a policeman standing, brain scans, Mayor Zohran Mamdani shaking hands with another person, an aerial view of a shoreline next to the mountains, and a scuba diver underwater

Good News This Week: July 11, 2026 - Snails, Poems, & Leopards