United States Highlights
6,500 Volunteers Build 10,000 Beds in 24 Hours for Kids Who Don’t Have One of Their Own (WATCH)
6,500 volunteers, including Lowe’s employees, came together at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina and built more than 10,000 beds in just 24 hours. Supporting the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace, their round-the-clock effort will help thousands of children finally have a bed of their own—bringing comfort, stability, and better sleep to families in need.
Owl Found in Concrete Gets Feather Transplant So it Can Fly Silently Again into the Wild (WATCH)
A great horned owl found covered in concrete in a Utah mixer has returned to the wild after six months of expert care at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab. Rescuers safely removed the concrete and even gave the owl a feather transplant to restore its silent flight. Thanks to quick action and dedicated rehabilitation, the owl is healthy and free again.
College Commencement Speaker Announces He’s Paying Off Final Year of Loans For Graduates, in Honor of Father
At North Carolina State University’s commencement, the speaker surprised more than 170 graduating students by announcing he would pay off their final year of student loans. He made the generous gift in honor of his father, giving graduates a brighter financial start as they begin their next chapter.
Celebrating 15 Years of Matching Disabled Youth with College Athletes–Over 4,500 Kids Discover the Power of Belonging
Boston nonprofit Team IMPACT is celebrating 15 years of pairing children facing serious illness or disability with college athletic teams, helping more than 4,500 kids feel empowered and included since 2011. What began with one match in Massachusetts has grown into a nationwide network of over 850 teams, spreading resilience, friendship, and a powerful sense of belonging.
In a Thrilling Comeback Victory Cherrie DeVaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby (WATCH)
Cherrie DeVaux made history by becoming the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby after her long-shot horse, Golden Tempo, surged from last place to a thrilling comeback victory. Despite 23-1 odds and a recent heel condition, the team’s determination paid off in the sport’s biggest race. It’s uplifting news that highlights perseverance and a major step forward for women in racing.
Scientist Discovers New Species of Wildflower That Only Grows in New Jersey
A Temple University researcher, Sasha Eisenman, has identified a rare wildflower in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens that had long been mistaken for another species and is now confirmed to be unique to the state. This exciting discovery highlights New Jersey’s rich biodiversity and could support stronger efforts to protect the newly recognized plant and its habitat.
Chicago Turns All Public School IDs into Library Cards to Boost Student Access
Chicago Public Schools began letting students use their school IDs as Chicago Public Library cards in 2022, removing extra signup barriers. The change has boosted attendance and library use across all 81 Chicago Public Library locations, giving more teens easy access to books, learning resources, and supportive community spaces.
Scientists Unveil Hemp Alternative to Plastic That Can Withstand Boiling Water and Stretch to 1,600% its Size
Scientists have developed a non-toxic, hemp-based alternative to plastic packaging that can stretch up to 1,600% while remaining highly durable. With a high glass transition temperature, it can withstand boiling water, making it a promising, eco-friendly option to reduce reliance on conventional plastics.
Hero British Cop ‘Saves Life’ of American Officer While on Holiday in Nashville
A British police sergeant, Taylor Johanson, was hailed as a hero after stepping in while on holiday in Nashville and helping save the life of local Officer Peter Kinsey during a roadside assault. His quick, brave actions protected a fellow officer and highlight the power of international goodwill and courage in a moment of crisis.
Global Good News
Guinea Worm Disease Reaches All-Time Low: Only 10 Human Cases Reported in 2025
Guinea worm disease hit an all-time low in 2025, with only 10 human cases reported worldwide—bringing eradication closer than ever. That’s a 33% drop from 15 cases in 2024, marking major progress against an ancient illness. If this trend continues, Guinea worm could become just the second human disease ever eradicated after smallpox.
108-year-old Delaware Woman Renews Her Driver’s License to 2033, Works Out Thrice a Week
Susan Young Browne, 108, renewed her Delaware driver’s license through 2033, meaning she’s cleared to drive until age 115. Celebrating her birthday in Dover, she stays active by working out three times a week and embracing “growing old gracefully.” Her continued independence and vitality are inspiring proof that healthy habits and a positive outlook can support longevity.
What went right this week: the life-saving malaria jab, plus more
This week brought encouraging progress: a malaria vaccine significantly reduced child deaths, offering new hope for families and health systems. Ocean defenders won an important court victory, strengthening protection for marine ecosystems. Electric trucks also gained momentum, signaling cleaner transport and a faster shift toward lower-emission freight.
May Cause Joy: The Full-Spectrum Health Benefits of Dance
A new piece highlights the full-spectrum health benefits of dance, inspired by a high-energy David Byrne show where the audience danced for nearly two hours. It notes that dancing can spark rare, unfiltered joy while supporting overall well-being. It’s good news because it celebrates a fun, accessible activity that can boost both physical health and mood.
Facing Desertification, Man’s Campaign Draws 30,000 Volunteers to Plant 1 Million Trees in his County
In China’s arid Gansu Corridor, a viral “Plant a Tree in Minqin” social media campaign brought 30,000 volunteers from major cities to Minqin County to help fight desertification. Together they planted 1 million trees, giving the county a powerful boost in protecting its land and building a greener, more resilient future.
30 Years of Volunteering Has Kept This California Creek Pristine
For 30 years, Michael Thilgen, his neighbors, and two generations of volunteers with the Friends of Sausal Creek have restored and protected Oakland’s Sausal Creek from its source in the Oakland Hills downstream. Their long-term stewardship has transformed an important watershed into a thriving haven for native species, showing how sustained community action can keep local waterways healthy and pristine.
English Pony Found Unharmed Having Been Trapped Entirely Inside a Tractor Tire
In Stoke-on-Trent, residents discovered a pony completely stuck inside a derelict tractor tire and quickly called for help. Rescuers freed the animal safely, and the pony was found unharmed despite the strange circumstances. The swift community response and successful rescue turned a baffling situation into heartwarming good news.
The world’s largest museum of illustration is about to open its doors
British illustrator Quentin Blake has founded the world’s largest museum dedicated entirely to illustration, celebrating the art form and his lifelong craft. The new museum aims to inspire and uplift other artists by giving illustration a major new home and platform. It’s good news for creatives and audiences alike, bringing more visibility, support, and joy to the world of visual storytelling.
Fabulous Vietnam Pheasant Not Seen in 20 Years Returns to Wild Thanks to Zoo Coalition
An international coalition of conservation groups, zoos, and Vietnamese partners is working to return the Vietnam pheasant to the forests of central Vietnam after it disappeared from the wild for over 20 years. This major reintroduction effort offers fresh hope for restoring a rare species and strengthening the region’s biodiversity through global teamwork.
Everglades Restoration Project Ongoing for 20-Plus Years Sees Huge Rewilding Success
After more than 20 years of restoration work, Florida’s Picayune Strand—once drained for planned suburban development—has been successfully rewilded back toward its native wetland ecosystem. This major reverse-engineering effort near Everglades National Park is bringing vital habitats back to life, strengthening the Everglades’ resilience and supporting wildlife recovery.
The English restaurant turning hospitality on its head
A pay-as-you-can restaurant in Stroud is reimagining hospitality by serving great food while inviting guests to pay what they can. By making meals accessible and welcoming, it’s helping strangers connect and build a stronger sense of community—showing how kindness and creativity can make dining a force for good.
Monet for nothing: the famous artworks cheering up UK high streets
UK town centres are brightening up as reproductions of iconic works by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh are being displayed on high streets to bring great art closer to local communities. The initiative makes culture more accessible, adds beauty to everyday spaces, and helps create a more welcoming atmosphere for shoppers and residents alike.