Politics & Government Good News

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

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.
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Sea creatures in ocean

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.
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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.
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A Blanding's turtle walks across a wildlife tunnel in Eliot, Maine

Maine's first 'turtle tunnels' help endangered reptiles cross a 'highway of death'

Installed in 2021, local officials now say that there has been a “substantial reduction” in casualties for the endangered species.
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A close-up of a healthcare worker in a white coat applying a colorful rainbow plaster to the upper arm of a person in a checked top, after a vaccination.

Young women now have a 'close to zero' risk of cervical cancer death thanks to the HPV vaccine

Deaths have dramatically declined since school-age girls in England started being offered the vaccine in 2008 — and it’s saved around 200 lives in England so far.
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A small yellow cottage in Iowa

New tiny home village will house the homeless with $300 monthly rent and free healthcare

The new community is in the process of being built, and will include 50 cottage homes for new residents.
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Two photos side by side. On the left, a man sleeps on a cot in a homeless shelter. On the right is Aurora, Colorado Mayor Mike Coffman

A Colorado mayor has secretly been sleeping in his city's homeless shelters for months: 'It's made me more compassionate'

Mayor Mike Coffman said he is “committed to making sure” his city’s programs “meet the needs of the area's homeless.” Now, he’s walking the walk.
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NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani signs an order "repealing bedtime" during the Knicks finals. He is surrounded by cheering children

Zohran Mamdani's favorite children's book represents what he wants for all NYC kids (Exclusive)

The Mayor of New York City has been clear about his vision for universal childcare and early education. Who is the inspiration behind his efforts?
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An aerial view of the Willard Springs Wildlife Overpass in Arizona

Arizona is building its 27th wildlife crossing. Altogether, they've reduced collisions by 90%

The new project, over I-17, just south of Flagstaff, is projected to be completed by fall 2026.
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A male cyclist ride a bike down a nondescript city street

Brooklyn, Minneapolis named best US cities for biking in 2026 — see where yours ranks

To qualify, a city must be connected by safe, low-stress routes like bike lanes, park loops, and protected paths. The better the safety and access, the higher the score.
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