News Stories Of Good Feelings

[Celestial]

So, in case we're not all aware, there's a lot of terrible stuff on the news at the moment. This thread is not about that. This is for posting all the gems form newspapers which inspire good feelings in you, for whatever reason. Whether it is a news story about people doing good, positive news about the environment or just unexpected cultural stuff that is somehow just nice, this is the thread to post them.

A few rules:
1) All the stories must be positive in some way, shape or form, even if it's just inspiring good feelings in you. If it is the latter, explain why it is nice so we may better appreciate where you are coming from.
2) That said, if it is racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise potentially offensive in any way, it will be removed, and questions will be raised about why you find such things positive.
3) Keep news stories as neutral as possible. While it is nice that a political party of your choice won an important election, this is not the place for it. Discussions and Debates is the place for such threads.
4) Reputable news sources only please. Encourage the spread of good journalism!

I'll start with the news story that inspired me to create this thread:
Why are shops in Iraq stocking up on Scottish sweets?

This just made me feel lots of strange warm fuzzies. I think it is because it is a cultural connection that is unexpected but makes perfect sense when you think about it. It also shows how universal human love for sweets is. Plus I like seeing local Scottish businesses thrive and tap into unexpected markets. Not to mention that a lot of news stories coming out of Iraq are...less than pleasant, so this is a wonderful change showing a different side of the country, even if it is a zone which is not exactly Iraq (Kurdistan).

What are some news stories which made you happy to see? Share them here and spread the love!

[Twillie]

So apparently there's an annual competition for comedic wildlife photography, with a few of the finalists featured in this NPR article. There's also a link for all 40 photos in the article, with some adorable and others pretty suggestive x3

[Celestial]

So guess whose alma mater and current university where I am doing my postgrad was named University of the Year?

St Andrews named University of the Year via BBC.

[Ryanruff13]

CNN: Starbucks plans to improve US employees' mental health benefits

[Ryanruff13]

From Entrepreneur, Amazon is making structural changes, as the result of evolutions in machine automation and artificial intelligence.

"Unquestionably, automation and AI will transform the business landscape. Many jobs will be taken over by machines, potentially putting people out of work. However, that doesn’t mean that automation will replace people in the workforce. Some occupations that machines can’t touch — such as musicians, therapists, and criminologists — will only increase in demand. New positions will be created as a result of these technological advances."

Going off the excerpt: while there is the obstacle of short-term layoffs to overcome, according to the article it also does potentially mean less strenuous and dangerous tasks, and the expansion of certain industries. Especially depending on the industries (with more economically valuable and emotionally satisfying jobs) that end up seeing more love, I'd say that this may turn out to be awesome!

[Ryanruff13]

Triple-post: First smartphone made entirely in Africa is unveiled. Good sign of much-needed economic development for Africa!

[Ryanruff13]

I suppose there's no rule against quadruple-posting so: First drug that can slow Alzheimer's dementia

Seriously, considering how my girlfriend recently participated in a walk inspired by her late grandfather having fallen victim to it when she was 10, and her friend currently having her father struggle from it, this is just so relevant to us.

[Twillie]

I like to use the search engine, Ecosia, whenever I can, a not-for-profit that uses the ad revenue from users' searches to plant trees around the world, as well as engage in other activities to promote sustainable biodiversity and energy. To show their receipts, they often blog and make video updates on past plantings, current activities, and future plans of where and what to plant. With an increase in usership, their latest updates and plans are pretty cool to read.

[Allison]

A boy in Michigan invited his entire kindergarten class to his final adoption hearing.
youtu.be/4sLWWhjZZe8

[Celestial]

Since the world seems a bit bleak right now, here are 99 positive news stories from 2019.

[Celestial]

I would like to present to you the story of two dorks who made an Earth sandwich by placing pieces of bread on opposite sides of the world.

Proof that humanity can be ridiculous sometimes in the best way possible.

[Ryanruff13]

Florida’s chief science officer doesn’t mince words on climate change; says humans need to reduce carbon emissions

Climate change itself is dark, but it makes it good news to hear somebody from my own state raise awareness of it! Especially important considering how the state is right next to the ocean...

[Celestial]

I think this is a very good news story:

St Andrews Exhibition Sheds Light on the History of Smoking

Now, normally here I would talk about how good it is to talk about such a controversial topic and tell its history, thus educating more people and making them aware of why we have the attitudes we have today. I could also talk about the value of culture and historical exhibitions. But that's not why I'm posting this story. The reason is much simpler and way more selfish.

I helped make dis. 83

[Liou]

Suddenly, some Hope for the environment is coming out of this whole situation.
Lockdown is having visible effects on the waters of Venice (the Guardian)

and on air quality in China (CNN)

(News sources will likely contain many sidelinks to less good news, browse carefully)

[Celestial]

Bells of Notre-Dame ring on one year anniversary of the fire to honour healthcare workers.

I like this. It is a wonderful testament to the major props going out to healthcare workers right now but also it is so good to see Notre-Dame recovering after the fire last year. There is a lot of resilience and hope in this story and I am all for it.