Good News Tuesday for March 28, 2023: “Hotel Rwanda” Hero Released from Prison, The Latest World Happiness Report, A Circus Comeback without Animals, and a 100-Year-Old Speaks Out for Books and People

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

“Hotel Rwanda” Hero Paul Rusesabagina Freed from Prison

Rwanda’s government has freed Paul Rusesabagina, who inspired the film “Hotel Rwanda” for saving hundreds from genocide. AP reports, “Rusesabagina was credited with sheltering more than 1,000 ethnic Tutsis … during Rwanda’s 1994 genocide in which over 800,000 … were killed. He received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom for his efforts.” His family alleged he was kidnapped and taken to Rwanda against his will, convicted of terrorism, and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Here’s more of the story from AP, and additional coverage in the following video:

…

World Happiness Report: Benevolence is Still Up

Benevolence is about 25% higher than it was pre-pandemic according to the latest World Happiness Report. “Even during these difficult years, positive emotions have remained twice as prevalent as negative ones, and feelings of positive social support twice as strong as those of loneliness,” said John Helliwell, one of the authors of the report in an interview with CNN. The report also identifies the world’s happiest countries. CNN has more HERE.

…

Ringling Bros. Circus Coming Back Without Animals

After years of declining ticket sales and public concerns about the treatment of circus animals, the famous Ringling Brothers circus took down their tents. Now, they’re coming back, redesigned without the animals. Read all about it in this article from ABC News.

…

100-Year-Old Grace Linn Made a Quilt and Speaks Out For Reading Freedom

You’re never too old to be an activist. One-hundred-year-old, Grace Linn is a great example. She’s been speaking out against book banning and in favor of reading freedom. She’s made a quilt of banned and targeted books. She explains more on MSNBC:

“Every human being is just as important as any other.”

Grace Linn

…

Got Good News?

Feel free to share your good news in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for March 21, 2023: A Wind Farm in Ukraine, US EPA Proposes Limits on “Forever Chemicals,” Living Longer with Gender Equality, and Two Rescues

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Building Continues on a Wind Farm in Ukraine

In spite of the challenges Ukraine has faced defending itself from Russian, a Ukrainian energy company has finished the construction of the first 114 megawatts (MW) of a 500 MW wind farm. For details on this story, click HERE.

…

EPA Proposes Restricting “Forever Chemicals” in Drinking Water

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal to limit hazardous chemical, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aka “forever chemicals” in drinking water. These chemicals are used in non-stick surfaces and being resistant to oil and water are hard to break down. This is something my region of coastal North Carolina has been fighting for years. Here’s more from AXIOS.

…

People Live Longer in Countries with Gender Equality

A study of 156 countries showed a correlation between gender equality and longevity for both women and men. The biggest connection showed up in the area of education. While this may not be a surprise, it’s good to have the published research. NPR has details HERE.

…

Oregon Jogger Rescues a Woman from Burning Hotel

A 74 year old jogger, Greg Spike, rescued a grandmother from a burning hotel in Oregon. Here’s the story from USA Today.

…

Man in China Climbs to Rescue Child from Ledge

In Changzhou, China, an unidentified middle-aged man was seen climbing up a pipe to reach a child who had fallen to the second-floor ledge of a building. Here’s the video:

https://youtu.be/AD8vYU36aXE

…

Got Good News?

Feel free to share your good news in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for March 7, 2023: Protecting the High Seas, A Man from Mumbai Made his Apartment Building More Sustainable, Writing about Female and Minority Scientists, Running for a Liver, and Teen Sisters Rescue Kids from Icy Pond

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Protecting the High Seas

On Saturday, more than 100 countries agreed to the “legally binding” UN High Seas Treaty to protect marine biodiversity with the goal to bring 30% of the world’s land and sea under protection by the end of the decade. Here’s more from Reuters.

…

A 92-year-old Mumbai Man Transformed his Housing Society into a Green Hub

When Navin Chandra moved into his apartment building, the residents were paying a lot of money to have their water delivered by a tanker truck. He convinced his neighbors to invest in rainwater harvesting, solar panels, a windmill, and a composting pit. Eventually, the community became water independent, has a rooftop garden, and gets 50% of their electricity from nature. Read more from the Good News Network.

…

Jessica Wade has written over 1700 Wikipedia Articles about Female and Minority Scientists

The 33-year-old British physicist, Jessica Wade, writes Wikipedia biographies for little-known female and minority scientists “to highlight their contributions and hopefully encourage more women to join and stay in the field.” She also wrote a children’s book called, Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small. Nice News has details.

…

A Transplant was Successful after a Doctor Ran through Marathon to Pick up the Liver

The route to transport the liver for transplant was blocked by a marathon in Philadelphia. So, a surgeon ran about a mile to and from a hospital, weaving through runners, to pick up the liver for the patient. The Good News Network has more.

…

Hero Sisters Rescue Kids from an Icy Pond

Sisters Jacora and Jasmine Morris ran from their Iowa apartment to save two young children from an icy pond. Here’s their story:

Good News Tuesday for February 28, 2023: Toddler’s Heart Restarts after 3 Hours of CPR, Car-Free Streets, Former Poachers Protect Sea Turtles, and a Special Cat Rescue by Turkish Firefighter

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Toddler’s Heart Restarts after Three Hours of CPR

Waylon Saunders was found face down in an icy swimming pool. His body temperature was so low, paramedics couldn’t get a reading. When he arrived at the hospital, he had no pulse and was “legally dead and had been for a while.” But a team at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in Ontario performed CPR for 3 hours without stopping while warming his body. After almost three hours, Waylon’s heart restarted. Here’s more from The Good News Network.

…

Car-Free Streets

In Dublin, New York and California, cities that closed streets to cars in favor of pedestrians during the pandemic are keeping the streets car free. Here’s more from GoodGoodGood.

…

Former Poachers are Protecting Sea Turtles in the Philippines

As a child, Johnny Manlugay didn’t know killing sea turtles and collecting their eggs was illegal. Now he’s using his former poaching skills to help protect endangered turtles. You can read about how it works HERE.

…

Turkish Firefighter Rescues and Adopts Cat

After a firefighter rescued a cat who’d been trapped in rubble for ten days, the cat would not leave his side. Watch this short, sweet video!

~~~

Got Good News?

Feel free to share in the comments!

Good News Tuesday for February 21, 2023: Solar Lamps to Ukraine, Community Supports Black Author, Women in India Save Endangered Stork, and a Teen Saves a Man and his Dog from from a Frozen Lake

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Sending Solar Lamps to Ukraine

A San Francisco non-profit is sending thousands of solar lamps to Ukraine where the war leaves millions of people without electricity. The lanterns produce 50 hours of light on one solar charge and have a USB port. This ABC affiliate has details.

…

Author gets Overwhelming Community Support after his Black History Appearances were Cancelled.

After his Black History Month appearances were cancelled by Alabama schools, author Derrick Barns received overwhelming support from community members who raised money and organized books drives to donate his positive books. Here’s more from Atlanta Black Star.

…

Women Save the Rarest Endangered Stork in India

 Stork biologist Dr. Purnima Devi Barman mobilized 10,000 women into the “Hargila Army” to advocate for and protect the rarest endangered stork in India. Read about the success of the movement in this article from the Good News Network.

…

Teen Saves a Man and his Dog from a Frozen Lake

Teenager Joseph Salmon and several strangers saved an 83-year-old man and his dog after the man’s car fell through the ice in Iowa. The first video shows the rescue and the second is an interview with Joseph.

…

Got Good News?

Feel free to share in the comments!

GNT for Feb 14, 2023: England’s Green Space Plan, Healing Children in the Australian Surf, Rescue Workers Find Earthquake Survivors in Syria and Turkey, and Teens Build a Robotic Hand for New Classmate

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Earth Love in England: Plan for All to Live Within 15-minute walk to Green Space

England’s new government plan to restore nature aims that everyone will live within a 15-minute walk of green space or water. BBC has details.

…

Ocean Love for Children in Australia

Children with chronic conditions can learn to surf as a form of physical therapy at the Perth Children’s Hospital in Australia.

“There’s a lot of emerging evidence about how the ocean … can actually make you feel good and give you a sense of wellbeing,” __Joanna White

Read about how nine-year-old Ruby, who had severe burns, and her family have been helped by this program at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

…

Sending Love and Light to Rescue Workers and Survivors in Syria and Turkey

The news from the earthquake near the border of Syria and Turkey is horrific with so many deaths. But amidst the despair, rescuers are still finding survivors. I want to acknowledge the rescue workers and the survivors with prayer and gratitude. Keep looking for the miracles.

…

Brotherly Love: Teenagers Build a Robotic Hand for New Student

Students in Tennessee built a robotic hand for their new classmate. Just watch!

Got Good News?

Please feel free to share your good news in the comments.

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. 31, 2023: Pope Fracis Calls to Decriminalize Homosexuality, More Affordable Solar Panels, Students’ Art on Electrical Boxes, and a Rescued Dog Saves Her Dad

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Pope Francis Calls on the World to Decriminalize Homosexuality

In an interview last week, Pope Francis said homosexuality should not be a crime and called upon the 67countries with such laws to decriminalize. GoodGoodGood has details HERE.

…

Solar Panels Will Soon be More Affordable

The cost of solar panels is getting ready to “plunge” due to increasing access to affordable materials. TechCentral has details.

…

Elementary Students Make Art from Defaced Electrical Boxes

Student Art

Elementary Students in San Diego, California have turned defaced electrical boxes into beautiful works of art. Take a look and read their story HERE,

…

Rescued Dog Saves Her Dad

When Brian Myers had a stroke and fell, Sadie the German Shepherd he rescued, pulled him to his cell phone so he could call for help. You can read all about Sadie and Brian in this article full of photos and a video of the two reuniting after Brian’s hospital stay. Here’s a video of Brian telling the story:

…

Got Good News?

Feel free to share 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 Jan. 17, 2023: Decrease in US Cancer Deaths, a Helper Wins a House, Community Center Replaces a Polluting Factory, and Successfully Stopping Traffic for a Koala

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

…

Death Rates from Cancer Decrease 33% in US

US death rates from cancer have decreased by 33% since 1991 according to a recent report from the American Cancer Society. The decrease is attributed to early detection, treatment improvements, decrease in smoking, and the HPV vaccine. Here’s more from CNN.

…

Man Who Helped Disabled People Find Houses Wins a House

What goes around, comes around, and sometimes karma works within a person’s lifetime. Such is the case for Grant Carson who spent 27 years helping disabled people in Glasgow find homes and who recently won a £2.5million country house in a charity raffle. The Good News Network has details.

…

Town Opens Community Center Where a Factory Used to Pollute a Black Neighborhood

For years, Ruth Reed and Mary Sue Rich worked to shut down a charcoal plant that polluted the air over Black homes in Florida. Finally, in 2018, after the city bought the property, “…Mrs. Reed sat on top of a Yellow Cat excavator and knocked the first wall of that charcoal plant down.” Earlier this month, the community celebrated the opening of the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place on the site now containing a gymnasium, a branch library, a gathering place for seniors, a banquet hall and meeting rooms. NPR has the story.

…

Stopping Traffic for a Crossing Koala

Will Thorton was sitting on his balcony in Queensland, Australia when he saw a koala bear trying to cross a busy highway, so he rushed out barefoot to stop traffic to help the koala cross the road.

…

Got Good News?

Feel free to share your good news in the comments!