States & provinces

Bison

Wild bison return to Illinois prairie after nearly 200 years

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a historic moment for conservation, wild bison have returned to the Illinois prairie for the first time in nearly two centuries. The Nature Conservancy has successfully reintroduced a genetically pure herd to the Nachusa Grasslands, marking the first time wild bison have roamed east of the Mississippi since the 1830s. This ecological milestone aims to restore the health of the tallgrass prairie, as the bison’s natural grazing habits boost biodiversity and support other native species. The project offers a powerful model for rewilding and connecting communities with their natural heritage.

High schoolers

New Jersey becomes latest U.S. state to ban student phones in schools

By / / Good News For Humankind

Governor Phil Murphy has signed a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for all New Jersey public schools, joining a growing list of states like Florida and Indiana in restricting device use. The law, effective for the 2026-2027 school year, requires phones to be stored away throughout the entire school day to improve student focus and mental health. This comprehensive policy reflects a rising bipartisan consensus across the U.S. that removing digital distractions is essential for restoring a healthy, engaging educational environment.

American money

More than $6 billion in medical debt erased in North Carolina in 2025

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a historic move for economic justice, North Carolina has erased over 6.5 billion dollars in medical debt over the course of 2025, benefiting nearly 2.5 million residents. Governor Josh Stein announced the relief, which was achieved through a partnership with 60 hospitals that agreed to forgive old debt in exchange for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates. This massive initiative removes financial barriers to care, helps families repair their credit scores, and serves as a powerful national model for leveraging state policy to solve the medical debt crisis.

Woman's face in the shadows

New Jersey passes new law to require testing of all rape kits

By / / Good News For Humankind

New Jersey has achieved a major legislative victory with a new bill mandating the expedited testing of rape kits. The law requires kits to be submitted within 10 days and tested within 90, ensuring justice is no longer delayed. This reform addresses a hidden backlog exposed by News 12, which found thousands of untested kits gathering dust due to prosecutorial inaction. The Joyful Heart Foundation, which previously rated New Jersey as one of the worst states for survivor care, now ranks it among the best following this change.

Rhino along a river

India’s rhino stronghold records zero poaching cases in 2025

By / / Good News For Humankind

This achievement marks the second time in five years that the state has successfully protected its world-famous one-horned rhinoceros population from poachers. Before the initial success in 2022, Assam had not seen a zero-poaching year since 1977. This milestone is critical for global biodiversity, as Assam is home to roughly 70% of the world’s greater one-horned rhinos.

Woman in the shadows

New York State enacts new law offering sexual assault survivors stronger protections

By / / Good News For Humankind

The legislation, now signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, mandates strict timelines for hospitals and law enforcement to collect and process evidence kits, integrating medical facilities into the state’s tracking system. It sets clear deadlines for police to retrieve kits for forensic testing. The law also quadruples the preservation period for unreported kits to 20 years, ensuring survivors have the time and control needed to seek justice on their own terms.

Bees

Stingless bees from the Amazon granted legal rights in world first

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a historic environmental breakthrough, the Peruvian municipalities of Satipo and Nauta have become the first in the world to grant legal rights to native stingless bees. The ordinances recognize the bees’ right to exist and flourish, protecting them from threats like deforestation and invasive Africanized honeybees. This legislation integrates the traditional knowledge of the Asháninka and Kukama-Kukamiria peoples with modern law. It allows human guardians to represent the bees in court, setting a powerful new precedent for protecting biodiversity through the Rights of Nature.

Arizona flag

Arizona cancels more than $200 million in medical debt for almost half-a-million residents

By / / Good News For Humankind

Arizona has achieved a major victory for financial security by cancelling medical debt for nearly half a million residents. Governor Katie Hobbs announced the state has erased more than $200 million in this latest round, bringing the total debt forgiven to $642 million. Utilizing federal funds and partnering with the non-profit Undue Medical Debt, the program targets low-income households without requiring any application. This decisive action restores credit scores, relieves mental stress, and boosts the local economy by freeing up household income for essentials.

Infant in NICU

Colorado becomes first state in the U.S. to offer paid neonatal care leave

By / / Good News For Humankind

Colorado has made history as the first state in the U.S. to implement paid neonatal care leave, providing critical support for families with infants requiring extended hospitalization. This pioneering policy allows eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave specifically for neonatal care, in addition to standard bonding leave. This ensures parents can remain by their baby’s side during NICU stays without financial fear.

Indian women

Indian states sending cash transfers to 118 million women for unpaid household work

By / / Good News For Humankind

Several Indian states have launched schemes to provide unconditional monthly financial compensation to homemakers. These programs are now delivering direct cash transfers to over 118 million women nationwide. This policy innovation recognizes the immense value of unpaid domestic labor, empowering women with financial independence to support their families’ health and education. It sets a powerful global precedent for validating care work as essential to the economy.