Today’s Top Good News Story

Portugal just received approval to build its largest-ever wind farm, complete with environmental safeguards

Portugal’s government just gave environmental approval for the country to build its largest-ever wind farm — once completed it will support the energy consumption of 128,000 homes every year.

The wind farm will join forces with one of Europe’s largest hydroelectric projects, making it a true (and literal) powerhouse.

The company behind the project says it also plans to introduce environmental safeguards around the wind farm, including no new road construction, planting native species and fruit trees, managing forests, restoring ponds, and installing bat nest boxes.

Why is this good news? While construction won’t happen for this wind farm until early next year — any and all projects that take the world a (large or small!) step closer to a decarbonized grid and net-zero carbon emissions is worth celebrating. Especially in this case, since it’s adding on to an existing, massive clean energy facility.

→ Read more​

Together with West Paw

Our sponsors help keep the Goodnewsletter free — thank you for supporting them when you can!

It’s the dog days of summer.

And your pup deserves the best. West Paw makes it easy by providing safe and non-toxic toys that are infinitely recyclable and built to last.

Whether your dog is a fetch fanatic, rough tugger, puzzle champion, or superstar snuggler, West Paw has a toy, treat, or accessory for them.

Want to spoil them? You’ll find the perfect companion to beat the summer heat indoors or at the lake in the Rumpus fetch toy or fan-favorite Toppl.

The best part? Goodnewsletter readers can use code GOOD to take 20% off a West Paw purchase through July 12.

→ Learn more​

More Good News

​A Wisconsin park just enhanced accessibility with new ‘track chairs’ to help visitors with disabilities enjoy the trails. Earlier this year, the park also introduced water wheelchairs that can float in the water, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s lake, too.

[Related: National parks are expanding their adaptive excursion offerings so people with disabilities can better enjoy the parks, too.]

​After they were forced to close on Sundays due to budget cuts, NYC libraries got funding back to reopen. After months of public outcry and pressure from the City Council, the libraries’ budgets were fully restored and they’ll once again be open to provide important services every day of the week.

​​A package of bills in Michigan will help address racial disparities in maternal health care.​ The legislation goes beyond implicit bias training to fix ​racism in maternal health care​ and would require the state to gather data on bias and racism that could occur in care during pregnancy and after birth.

Good Progress To Celebrate

Violent crime in the U.S. declined by over 15% in the first three months of 2024 — and the murder rate could see its largest annual decline ever

New statistics show that in the first three months of the year, violent crime dropped by 15.2% in the United States compared to the same time period in 2023. Murders declined by 26.4%, aggravated assaults by 12.5%, and robberies by 17.8%.

These declines held true in every region in the U.S. — and this latest data shows that the “historic decline” in violent crime we saw in 2023 is continuing this year.

Additionally, if the decline in the murder rate continues at its current pace, the U.S. could be on track to see its largest-ever annual decline.

Compared to 2023, murders in the first five months of the year have dropped by more than 40% in cities like New Orleans, Boston, Baltimore, and more.

→ Read more​

Introducing the Newest Goodnewspaper

We’re thrilled to introduce for the first time ever… The Music Edition!

Music is all around us — a universal and ubiquitous concept that soundtracks our lives in unique ways. It makes us feel confident and energized, perfectly describes our feelings, and ultimately, becomes a mechanism for doing more good.

Our first-ever Music Edition of the Goodnewspaper will remind you that music is an intrinsic link among us all; a language, a resource a source of joy, a channel for culture, and a means to progress.

→ Get a copy (free shipping!)

→ Subscribe and save​

More Good bits

🗑️ It’s officially Plastic-Free July! A.k.a. the perfect opportunity to opt for no- or low-waste solutions in your life.​

🌎 And while the most sustainable product is the one you already own, if you do have a need, choose something plastic-free.​

🦀 Conservationists are protecting giant, ancient crabs that live beneath Rome.​

🏝️ Small island nations just won big against major polluters.

⛺️ Summer camp, but make it inclusive.​

*Some of these recommendations may include affiliate links, which means if you buy anything from this email, we may get something in return at no extra cost to you. (Thanks for your support!)

What’s good?

In honor of The Music Edition of the Goodnewspaper…

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to? (Or… who’s at the top of your concert wish list?)

Reply and let me know!

— Megan