Good News Tuesday for February 7, 2023: Niger Reduces Maternal Deaths, Washington DC Making Bus Rides Free, Solar and Wind to the Rescue in the EU, and Paper-Thin Solar Cells, Plus Update: Human Chain Guides Dolphin

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Niger Significantly Reduces Maternal Deaths

“Researchers working with Niger’s health ministry say they have managed to more than halve the number of women who bleed to death after giving birth in health facilities.” BBC News has details.

…

Washington Is Making Buses Free Forever

The Washington DC council decided to make public buses permanently free to ride starting this summer. The council also agreed to expand bus service to 24 hours on 12 major routes downtown. Fortune has details HERE.

…

Wind and Solar supplied more EU electricity than any other power source in 2022.

For the first time, wind and solar power combined supplied more electricity for the EU than any other power source in 2022. Contributing factors included Russia’s restrictions on energy exports and dips in available hydro and nuclear power. “Around 83% (of the hydro/nuclear) gap was met by wind and solar generation – and a fall in electricity demand. CarbonBrief has additional details.

…

Paper-Thin, Light Weight Solar Cells are on the Way

Researchers at MIT are developing paper-thin, lightweight solar cells. Each sheet can generate 370 watts/kg. Take a look:

…

Bonus Video: Biologists Make Human Chain to Guide Dolphin

Biologist formed a human chain to guide a dolphin out of creek to a canal to leading to the ocean.

Got Good News?

I know today’s video was more intellectual than my usual closing videos.

The video originally planned for today went to next week’s draft

where I’m collecting stories about different kinds of love for February 14th.

Then I remembered the dolphin video. Enjoy!

Feel free to share a link about your good news in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for Jan. 24, 2023: Argentina Protects Southern Peninsula, Uganda Declares Ebola Outbreak Over, Animal Testing No Longer Required by FDA, Students Make Leg for Dog, and an Uber Driver Donates a Kidney

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Argentina Protects the Southern Peninsula of South America

In December, legislators in the province of Tierra del Fuego voted to permanently protect the land and sea of the Mitre Peninsula. The protected area is Argentina’s most important “carbon sink” and includes a range of peatlands and giant kelp forests. Read more and see beautiful photos in this article from Mongabay.

…

Uganda Declares Ebola Outbreak is Over

After no new infections were reported in more than 42 days, Uganda has declared the 4-month ebola outbreak is over. The Guardian has details here.

…

FDA No Longer Requires Animal Testing on All Drugs

The US Federal Drug Administration no longer requires drugs to be tested on animals. While the law doesn’t ban the testing of new drugs on animals, it lifts the requirement that pharmaceutical companies use animals to test new drugs before human trials. Hopefully this will increase the market and fine-tuning for alternatives to animal testing. For details, see this article from NPR which came in my goodnewslestter.

…

High School Students Make Prosthetic Leg for Teacher’s Dog

High school students are refining their work on a prosthetic leg for a golden retriever who lost his leg due to cancer. You can read more about the project from this NBC News Charlotte affiliate.

…

Uber Driver Donates Kidney to Passenger

Bill Sumiel was on his way to dialysis when his Uber driver, army veteran Tim Letts, offered to give Bill his kidney. Here’s the story:

Got Good News?

Feel free to share your good news in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for Dec. 20, 2022: Respect for Marriage Act, Drones Study Hawaii’s Endangered Plants, CNN’s Hero of the Year, and Diversity Among Santas

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Respect for Marriage Act Becomes Law

US President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law last week. The bipartisan legislation requires that the US government and states recognize same-sex and interracial marriages that were legally performed. Here’s more from Politico. ABC News provides a detailed explanation of the law here.

…

Drones Help Fight Plant Extinction in Hawaii

Drones in Hawaii help locate endangered plants growing on cliffs. Robots attached to the drones can collect samples and seeds for planting. In the future, scientists hope to drop seeds encased in fertilizer. This in-depth article appeared in my 1440 Daily Digest. The illustrations, photos, and videos are fascinating. Take a look by clicking the Reuters article HERE

…

CNN’s Hero of the Year (Please Watch this Heartwarming Video!)

Nelly Cheboi was voted CNN’s Hero of the Year for her work creating computer labs for children in Kenya.  Ms. Cheboi quit a lucrative job in Chicago to start the nonprofit, TechLit Africa which provides donated and upcycled computers to thousands of students in rural Kenya. I couldn’t wait to share this video showing Ms. Cheboi’s enthusiasm as he honors her mother and thanks others who have helped her.

…

Growing Divesity Among Santas

After being harassed for having a Black Santa decoration on his lawn two years ago, Chris Kennedy became a professional Santa Claus. Chris is one of the Santas featured in the documentary, Santa Camp. Below is a video from ABC News about Chris, diversity, and Santa Camp. The video includes a very brief segment reporting on protests of inclusivity from 3:17 to 3:42 in case you want to skip to Mr. Kennedy’s response.

…

Got Good News?

Feel free to Share!

Good News Tuesday for Sept. 14, 2021: College for 9/11 Children, Education Reforms in China, Mexico Bans Cosmetic Testing on Animals, A Boy and his Dog, and a Special Chandelier

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Bank Pays Tuition for Children of 9/11

In the aftermath of 9/11/01, the banking firm of Sandler O’Neill that was on the 104th floor in the World Trade Center started a foundation to pay the college tutition for the children of employees who died in the attack. So far, 54 young men and women have had their college tuition paid, with 22 still eligible. The ones who’ve attended or are attending college have gone to many different schools “from Stanford to Notre Dame to community colleges and technical institutes.” The Good News Network has details.

…

China’s Educational Reforms Aim to Reduce Unhealthy Pressure

China’s Ministry of Education’s published sweeping reforms on Monday such as banning end-of-year exams for 6 and 7 year old children.  It is hoped that the reforms will close educational and finanacial gaps between schools which have led to social distortions and financial burdens for parents. This article includes insights from a reporter who worked in the Chinese private tutoring industry.

…

Mexico Bans Cosmetic Testing on Animals

Mexico had become the first North American country, and the 41st country worldwide, to ban consmetic testing on animals. Here’s more from Tree Hugger.

…

13 Year Old Boy Saves Sisters from House Fire (and the Dog Saves the Boy)

When his parents were at the grocery store, Briar saw that the house had caught on fire. He got his four sisters outside to safety, then Mandy, the family dog, led Briar out. Here’s the video:

…

Nurse Creates Beautiful Chandelier from Vaccine Vials

After working for seven months as part of a Covid vaccinating team, retired nurse Laura Weiss repurposed 300 vaccine vials into a beautiful chandelier. See the best photos of her creation, “Light of Appreciation” in this article from NPR. Here’s a preview:

…

Got Good News?

Please share your good news or GNT link in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for August 24, 2021: From Mining to Fruits and Flowers, Goodbye Pesticide, Raising Butterflies, and the Cat Who Knew Where to Look

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

An Indian Mining Community is Switching from Coal to Forest Fruits and Flowers

The state of Chhattisgarh in India is moving away from opening new coal mines and toward supporing the harvest of forest goods like tamarind, cashew nuts, flowers, and medicinal seeds. Sushma Netam, who oversees the state program has reported an increase in fmaily incomes since setting a minimum price prompts middlemen and traders to pay a fair price. You can read more about this green economy at Good Good Good.

…

EPA Finally Bans Pesticide Linked to Neuroligical Problems in Children

After years of pressure, the US Environmental Protection Agency is following the scienc to ban the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos which has been linked to neurological problems in children. The chemical will be banned from food crops, but has not yet been banned for use on golf courses. For details, see US News and World Report.

…

97 Year Old Encourages Others to Join her in Saving Butterflies

Just a few years ago, Gwen Erickson, 97, of Minnesota started raising and releasing endangered monarch butterflies. She collects the eggs to let them go through metamorphosis in relative safety for a better survival rate. Read more and see her getting a butterfly kiss here in this article from Postbulletin.com.

…

Cat Helps Rescuers Find 83 Year Old Woman

Piran, a black cat whose 83 year old guardian went missing was meowing persistently by a gate to a cornfield. When rescuers searched the field, they found where the woman had fallen into a ravine. Here’s the video:

Here’s more of the story from the Good News Network.

Good News Tuesday for August 3, 2021: Hydrogen Power at the Olympics, Sharing the Gold, Old Growth Forests, and Students Build Wheelchair Stroller Attachment

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Hydrogen is Powering the Olympic Village

At the International Olympic Village in Tokyo, hydrogen fuel cells power dormitories, cafeterias, stadiums, a hotel, and a fleet of vehicles. This power source, not to be confused with hydro-electric power, produces no emissions of any kind except water, which can be used to irrigate agriculture or gardens. After the games, the village will be “converted into hydrogen-powered flats, a school, shopping center, and more.” Learn more from the Good News Network.

…

Sharing the Gold

Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim tied for first place in the men’s high jump competition in Tokyo. Instead of competing in a jump-off to decide who would receive the gold medal and who would get the silver, the Qatari athlete asked an official “Can we have two golds?” Going outside the box, the athletes ended up sharing the gold medal. This article includes details and moving photos of the two athletes who are also friends.

…

US Stops Old Growth Timber Sales in Largest Temperate Rainforest

The US Department of Agriculture announced in July to stop large-scale old growth timber sales in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, 9.3 million acres of the world’s largest temperate old growth rainforest. For more information and phenomenal tree photo, visit the Good News Network.

…

Students Design and Build Wheelchair Stroller Attachment

High school students in Maryland designed and built a wheelchair stroller attachment so that people with disabilities can walk their babies. The idea came about when the students found out their theatre teacher, Chelsie King was expecting a baby, and her husband Jeremy has impaired mobility. You can read more about it here at CNN and/or enjoy this video:

…

Got Good News?

Please Share your good news or GNT link in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for July 20, 2021: Saying No to Oil, Fixing Old Cars, and A Girl and Her Dog

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Saying No to Oil

A major Oil Company in India and the country of Greenland have decided stop looking for oil and plan to invest more in renewable Energy.

“The age of fossil fuels, which powered economic growth globally for nearly three centuries, cannot continue much longer. The huge quantities of carbon it has emitted into the environment have endangered life on Earth.”

Mukesh Ambani Chairman of Reliance Industries

The Good News Network brings us details on this story.

…

Doing What He Can

Restaurant owner Eliot Middleton of South Carolina is also a trained mechanic. He rehabs old cars and gave 32 cars to rural families where there is no public transportation, no taxis and no Uber. Then CBS did a story about him, and the donations are pouring in.

…

A Girl and Her Dog

Bella was born with morquio syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes a person’s muscles progressively waste away, along with other painful health issues. Watch what a difference a Great Dane named George has made in her life. “Before George, Bella’s leg muscles were quickly deteriorating, but her family says after six months with him, her legs were strong enough to hold her own weight. “

…

Got good news?

Please share your good news or GNT link in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for July 6, 2021: Wales Takes a Big Step, Nurse Stops Hospital Fire in India, Florida Creates Wildlife Corridor, and Valedictorian Speaks his Truth on Acceptance, Mental Health, and Identity

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Wales Puts a Hold on New Road Building

As part of their plan to reach zero emissions by 2050, the Welsh government is putting a hold on new road building. They’re not saying they will never build roads again, but for now, no new roads.

“We need a shift away from spending money on projects that encourage more people to drive, and spend more money on maintaining our roads and investing in real alternatives that give people a meaningful choice.” Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for climate change. For details, see this article from The Guardian found in my Goodnewsletter.

…

Nurse in India Saves 36 Babies from Hosptial Fire

P Jayakumar, a nurse and father of two, put out an electrical fire at a public hospital in India saving 36 babies. After stopping the fire, Jayakumar, who has asthma, was hospitalized in the ICU for five days for smoke inhalation before going home. Here’s the story from The New Indian Express

…

Florida Creates Protected Wildlife Corridor

The governor of Florida recently signed bipartisan legislation to create one of the biggest wildlife corridors in the developed world with $400 million of initial funding. The act will help protect many species, including endangered Florida panthers. Here’s more from the Good News Network.

…

Valedictorian Bryce Dershem Finishes his Speech

(I first heard this story on Sunday when the priest at my church shared it in his sermon about different kinds of power.)

In spite of spending six months of his senior year in treatment for anorexia, Bryce Dershem graduated as class valedictorian of his New Jersey high school. Multiple videos and articles indicate that Bryce’s high school principal took a hard line in telling the valedictorian he could not say anything in his speech about his LGBTQ status or his mental health treatment. At the graduation ceremony, when Bryce started to speak his truth, the principal disconnected his microphone and took away Bryce’s printed speech notes. Students yelled, “Let him finish!” The good news is that someone brought him another mic and Bryce finished his speech from memory. He talked about overcoming challenges and accepting yourself. I was impressed by Bryce’s courage and composure.

Here’s an interview with Bryce from NBC News followed by a video of his speech.

Here’s the speech:

Got good news?

Feel free to share your good news or GNT link in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for June 29, 2021: Premature Baby’s First Birthday, Honoring Parents, Free Phone Calls from Prison, and Saving Pangolins

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Most Premature Baby Celebrates His First Birthday

When Richard Scott William Hutchinson was born five months early weighing less than a pound, doctors said he had zero chance of survival. On June 5, he celebrated his first birthday! Here’s the story from CNN.

…

College Graduate Honors Parents with Photos from the Field

Jennifer Rocha, a recent graduate of the University of California, honored her parents by taking graduation photos in the farm fields where they worked to support her education. You can see the photos in this story from Good Morning America.

…

Connecticut is the First US State to make all Phone Calls from Prison Free

When a person is in prison, connections to loved ones offer support for rehabilitation. Connecticut has become the first US state to make calls from prison free. A new law allows incarcerated men, women, and juveniles a minimum of 90 minutes a day of free calls. Here’s more from WHDH 7News.

…

Vietnamese Conservationist Wins Goldman Prize for Saving Pangolins

Thai Van Nguyen founded Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, which rescued 1,540 pangolins the world’s most trafficked mammal. Van Nguyen is a recent winner of the Goldman Prize also known as the Green Nobel Prize. Here’s his Goldman Prize film:

…

Got good news?

Feel free to share your good news or GNT link in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for June 15, 2021: Recycled Hospital Ward, Peaceful Protests, Rainbow Cookies, and an Eagle Rescue

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Hospital Ward Made from Recycled Material

A hospital ward in Taiwan was made from recycled material. Engineer Arthur Huang is the co-founder and CEO of Miniwiz — a company that transforms waste into “…1,200 materials that can be used for construction, interiors and consumer products.” This article from CNN includes an interesting video showing Arthur Huang’s innovation and passion for recycling.

…

Research Confirms BLM Protests were Overwhelmingly Peaceful

The Harvard Radcliffe Institute has been collecting and studying data on protests in the US. What they’ve found is that Black Lives Matter protests and demonstrations were “overwhelmingly peaceful.” (This is what happens when we look beyond the mainstream headlines.) Here’s the report from the Harvard Radcliffe Institute which came in my Goodnewsletter.

…

Community Supports Bakery’s Rainbow Cookies

After a Texas bakery made beautiful rainbow heart shaped cookies, they lost a few customers and got some cruel anti-pride comments. “But for every negative comment or bad review they’ve received as a result of the rainbow-striped cookies, there are “20 positive ones” that make all the difference,” said the co-owner Dawn. Here’s more the story from CNN.

…

Kayakers Save Eagles

BBC News reports a kayaking couple from Hungary saved two eagles who were stuck together on the water and in danger of drowning. (It’s possible the eagles got stuck during fighting.) The rescuers, Klaudia Kis and Richard Varga, then resumed their three month journey to promote eco-awareness. Here’s the rescue:

…

Got Good News?

Please feel free to share your good news or GNT link in the comments!