Politics & Government Good News

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

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, wearing a dark blazer and white shirt, speaks into a microphone at a podium, smiling while gesturing with his hand to his chest.

Mamdani promised public grocery stores. Now he's opening NYC's first city-funded pet food pantry, too

The new initiative accompanies free and low-cost spay and neuter services in all five boroughs.

A man in a dark polo shirt and orange snorkel gear stands in shallow ocean water holding a wooden rake-like tool, with traditional fish traps visible in the background across the water.

New Indonesia roadmap aims to protect Indigenous knowledge for biodiversity

Indonesia is developing a roadmap to recognize and protect Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation, aligning with its commitments to international frameworks.

Wildlife overpasses allow animals and vehicles to safely coexist on highways, demonstrated by this two-lane underpass built into a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks visible in the distance.

Four states just made it easier to build wildlife crossings. The bipartisan effort is being called a 'blueprint'

Studies show that a single wildlife crossing can prevent around 1,400 accidents over a 70-year lifespan, saving billions of dollars.

Two porcupines with quills raised interact closely at night, captured on thermal camera at 14°C/57°F on 08/03/2025.

Porcupines are disappearing in Oregon. Libraries are loaning trail cameras out to locals who want to help save them

To access a trail camera, locals must be signed up to participate in one of the state’s citizen science studies.

Candor Plum hugs Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul as Bill S2260 / A2218 passes the Aseemlby in Trenton on June 30, 2026

New Jersey makes it illegal to interfere with reproductive or gender-affirming healthcare

The law makes it a fourth-degree crime to harass or harm patients and healthcare providers, staff, or volunteers or block them from entering a facility that provides reproductive care, including services for trans people.

The "Animals Bridge" wildlife crossing in Montana

Montana debuts cute new license plate design projected to raise $100K for state wildlife crossings

The new design was illustrated by a recent high school graduate.

An American flag flies in the sky, with green leafy trees in the foreground

With America's 250th around the corner, it's important to know the difference between patriotism and nationalism

There's a difference. And it's not just important to scholars, but all citizens.

An aerial view of a wildlife overpass filled with lush green vegetation

This first-of-its-kind wildlife overpass crosses a 6-lane highway. People can walk across it, too

The Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge has won awards for “balancing the needs of humans and non-humans alike.”

A photo collage of a man pictured on a truck billboard, an elk caught on camera, a coral reef underwater with palm trees above it, a row of electric towers, and Miranda Kerr posing for a photo

Good News This Week: June 27, 2026 - Elks, Corals, & Wildlife Crossings

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

A security camera mounted on a weathered utility pole against a bright blue sky with white clouds, positioned to monitor the surrounding area.

After a civil rights complaint, Chicago built the nation's largest air monitoring network

As extreme heat reshapes air quality, the network of 227 monitors is expected to help identify localized pollution hot spots.

French Polynesia expands ocean protections to 30% of its waters

The government of French Polynesia announced it is expanding the extent of ocean where extractive industries like seabed mining and industrial fishing will not be allowed. With this move, 30% of French Polynesia’s waters will now be fully protected.

Critters caught on a trail camera crossing a bridge in Australia

Critics doubted a $1.46B wildlife crossing. Trail cameras tell a success story: '75 recorded uses each night'

The major wildlife corridor project includes 19 rope bridges, 24 underpasses, and two land bridges for local fauna.