Politics & Government Good News

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

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A graphic sticker that says 'I Voted'

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.
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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...
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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?
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A photo collage of two kids in front of a vending machine, the checkout counters at Home Depot, a bag with the label 'Turkey Dinner In A Bag', an animal seen in frame with shipping containers behind it, and a man wearing a face mask organizing produce at a grocery store

Good News This Week: November 29, 2025 - Groceries, Gardeners, & Food Banks

Your weekly roundup of the best good news worth celebrating...
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A group of people gathers at an Ostbelgien Citizens Assembly meeting

To restore trust in government, this Belgian town opened a lottery that elects 30 random citizens to power. It's working.

Ostbelgien took a bet that a participatory democracy would improve its government. Six years later, that bet is paying off.
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A photo collage of a powdered form of KLU156, Chris Martin singing on stage, an indigenous man raises his fist in the air, two men shovelling the ground, and a man riding a rickshaw

Good News This Week: November 22, 2025 - Walls, Tamales, & Park Rangers

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