Headlines read conflict, economic inequality, and societal division. However, according to many measures, the world is becoming more prosperous and less hungry than ever before. World Good News highlights some of the overlooked positive news each week while contextualizing bad news in history.
United States Legal System Holds Strong. Former U.S. President, Donald Trump stands trial this week over hush money charges stemming from a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet. The American judicial institutions passed an unprecedented test by beginning the proceedings, marking the first time a former president has faced a criminal trial.
A Mere 10% of the World Lives in Extreme Poverty. In 1800, 78% of the world lived on less than $2 per day. By 1950, half of the world’s population lived in extreme poverty. Nowadays a tiny minority of 9% live in extreme poverty. With a minor reversal during COVID-19, the world is trending positively.
Joyful English Redhead Completes Epic 10,000 mile Run Across Africa. On Sunday, Russ Cook, Britain’s “Hardest Geezer,” completed a year-long mission to run the entire continent. Mr. Cook raised nearly $1 million for homeless young people and clean water for Africa. The young man faced an armed robbery in Angola, was kidnapped, and almost had his run stopped short for lack of a visa. But he persevered and inspired millions online with his Forest Gump-like story of hard-won accomplishment.
Over 300 Missiles and Drones Prevented from Harming Civilians. On Saturday night in Tel Aviv and the surrounding Israeli airspace, allied defenses intercepted more than 300 Iranian missiles and drones. 99% of projectiles fired by Iran were shot down, thereby preventing harm to countless civilians and critical infrastructure. While tensions remain extremely high in the region, one can assume that retaliation would be worse had so many lives not been protected.
Inflation in Argentina Fell to 11% Down from 25%. Argentina’s inflation rate is one of the highest in the world, with the annual figure nearing 300%. The monthly rate, while still much too high, has fallen drastically since austere measures were implemented by Argentina’s new President Javier Milei.
America isn’t as Divided as We Think. Eight out of ten Americans still believe in freedom of religion and the press. Nine out of ten believe the right to vote and equal protection under the law are both essential. There is hope that most Americans still believe in fundamental freedoms and agree on most issues.
Cyclists Now Outnumber Motorists in Paris. Academics from L’Institut Paris Région, Europe's largest urban planning agency, found that more Parisians travel by bike than by car. For journeys from the outskirts of Paris to the center, the number of cyclists far exceeds the number of motorists, a massive change from just five years ago.
Solar Topped Coal in Texas for the First Time Ever. Coal’s market share fell below 10% in the Lone Star State. Solar power, negligible just six years ago, eclipsed coal in March 2024 by generating 3.26 million MWh, or enough to power 300,000 homes. This makes Texas the nation’s leader in solar energy production and one of the most sustainable developed regions in the world.