I often pass playgrounds with a sense of nostalgia and think, “How wonderful it would be to be a child again and just play.” But play is about much more than fun: it builds courage and supports both physical and mental health. In Wales and Los Angeles, there are even playgrounds for everyone—young and old, and for people with disabilities.

Spain, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Pacific island nations—what do they have in common? They all bring good news. Enjoy reading today’s edition!

6 Good News for the weekend!

This week is all about koalas. On Monday, we shared news about the planned “Great Koala National Park” in New South Wales. Today brings more good news: a new vaccine is set to protect koalas from chlamydia, a disease that can be deadly for them. Nationwide, these highly endangered animals are now being vaccinated to improve their chances of survival.

I just returned from my summer vacation in South Holland. What stayed with me most while cycling through the idyllic landscape were the grazing cows, sheep, and numerous farms. Fittingly, today’s Good News is about Oosterwold, where residents are required to use their own land to grow fruits and vegetables. It doesn’t get any fresher or more local than straight from your own garden!

Good news from Denmark: Tax-free books aim to boost reading.

The airline Qantas was fined 50 million euros for illegal layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Could this ruling set a precedent for similar cases?

Today, we have three positive updates from the U.S.: Americans are drinking less alcohol, the crime rate is falling, and balcony solar panels are booming. A great way to start the new week!

Have a great weekend filled with good news!

I find this news really encouraging: In South Africa, rhinos are now being vaccinated with radioactive isotopes to deter poachers — a truly clever and animal-friendly solution. And in Amsterdam, “animal ladders” are being installed to help cats and other wildlife climb out of the canals instead of drowning. It’s great to see how these innovative ideas are improving the lives of animals.

In Finland, England, the U.S., the Netherlands, and Cuba — good things are happening all around the world: Researchers are developing ideas that support our health and the environment. Governments are backing their communities and NGOs are passionately working to make the world a little better. Enjoy the read!

Whew, it’s Friday — and juggling a full-time job, being a dog mom, and personal commitments has me pretty wiped out going into the weekend. What still gives me energy? Our Good News of the week: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has for the first time classified fur farming as systematic animal cruelty — and the EU is currently considering a ban. Also: Researchers have, for the first time, grown lab-cultured muscle tissue that closely resembles real meat fibers — a major step toward animal-free meat alternatives. I hope these stories bring a little smile to your face, too.