Politics & Government Good News

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

A person holding a sign that reads "PROTECT MY VOTE"

US voter registrations surge — even as Republicans try to limit ballot access

One group said it has registered over 100,000 new voters since U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.

A person walking besides gray fence in Vancouver

Good news for urban dwellers: more trees, better health

Keeping people in cities healthy, especially in poorer neighborhoods, is challenging. One simple, effective, and scientifically proven prescription for better health is planting more trees.

A photo collage of a solar farm, a dad looking after his baby, a woman holds a Barbie, a digital illustration of a virus, and the diving area at the Olympics Aquatics Center

Good News This Week: July 27, 2024 - The Olympics, Barbie, & Renewables

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

A group of people work together on an art project on Hawai’i island.

America just pulled off something that hasn't happened since 1936

Thousands of artists (and art lovers) are coming together for Arts for Everybody.

A national park ranger addresses a group of people at the Blackwell School Historical Site

America's newest national park pays homage to a complex moment in US history

The new national park will confront a complicated and shameful period of history in the American Southwest.

Two dingoes touch noses in a park in Australia

Previously hunted as pests, dingoes to be re-classified as a protected species in Australia

Despite pushback from farmers, groundbreaking new DNA research has led Australian officials to consider the protection status of the iconic dingo.

Irene Xagoraraki leads an environmental virology lab at Michigan State University.

The power of poop: Detroit's method for early disease detection is saving lives and inspiring other cities

Wastewater surveillance hit the big time during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when officials started using this technique to monitor local virus levels.

Logging in Yabbra State Forest in northern New South Wales, Australia

Instead of planting new trees, this environmental researcher wants Australia to end native forest logging

Australia contains some of the world’s most biologically diverse and carbon-dense native forests.

A Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian duck) sits in the water

Duck stamps have raised $1.2 billion for conservation since 1934 — and this year's design is cuter than ever

Hunters, birders, stamp collectors, and wetland enthusiasts are eager to get their hands on this year's Federal Duck Stamp design.

Three Leaders from island nations walk inside an office while surrounded by workers

Small island nations celebrate historic climate ruling against big polluters in international maritime court

Advocates say the ruling makes clear that complying with the Paris Agreement is not enough.

Seattle, Minneapolis named best US cities for biking — see where yours ranks

The nonprofit PeopleForBikes released their city ratings for 2024, tallying up the largest cities in America by their bikeability.

A bicyclist rides down a green bike lane in a city

This major city is on track to complete 150 miles of new bike paths in 2025

Chicago's Department of Transportation updated its 2024 bikeway plans, as part of an effort to add 150 miles of new bikeways and enhance city safety and sustainability.