Good News Headlines 5/18/2026
Photo courtesy Bingjiefu He/Wikipedia
New York Mayor Mamdani Applauded For Closing $12 Billion Budget Deficit Without Austerity Measures
by Julia Conley, Common Dreams
In announcing New York City’s executive budget for the 2027 fiscal year on Tuesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani proved that when city governments “stand with working families, not billionaires, there is nothing they cannot accomplish,” said US Sen. Bernie Sanders, an early backer of the democratic socialist leader. “Congratulations to Mayor Mamdani,” said the Vermont independent senator. “He inherited a huge budget deficit, brought it down to zero, and still invested in childcare, housing, and city infrastructure.”
49 Ways To Have Fun Right Now!
by The Guardian
The world often feels dominated by sadness and doomscrolling. But fun is still possible – and necessary. Here are tried and tested ways to enjoy yourself.
Young Inventor Plans To Stop 90% Of Floating Sea Plastic By 2040
by Tom Pattinson, Positive News
Dutch inventor Boyan Slat believes that the world’s ocean plastic crisis could be dramatically reduced within the next 15 years – and for less than $1bn (£750m). His nonprofit organisation, The Ocean Cleanup, is already deploying technology designed to stop waste before it reaches the sea. The approach focuses on rivers, where much of the world’s ocean plastic originates. Floating barriers trap debris as it flows downstream, while autonomous ‘interceptor’ boats equipped with conveyor belts collect the waste.
Successful Homeless Village In Scotland Offers Residents Independence But Asks Responsibility
by Andy Corbley, Good News Network
A small village for homeless residents has opened in the west of Scotland with the aim of empowering tenants with responsibility and time to get their lives back on track. The charity Social Bite has partnered with the Salvation Army for the management of the South Lanarkshire homeless village, called Harriet Gardens, which it spent some $3.5 million to build. Consisting of 15 “nest” units with 1 bed and 1 bath, Harriet Gardens residents will share a gym, community space, and cooking facilities.
Mom Takes Action After Learning About Proposed Data Center Just 12 Miles From Home. Days Later, Company Gives Up
by David Chiu, People
When Wisconsin mother Jayne Black talks about her work as a clean-air activist, she chokes up a little. The environment is an issue that is very personal: her daughter Erin, 41, has multiple sclerosis and her son Sam, 37, has asthma. “All I can see is my daughter’s face and my son’s face,” Black, 64, of De Pere, tells PEOPLE, “because I know that their lives are so impacted by this, and people don’t understand that. Everything I do is for them, and I’m thankful it benefits a lot of people.”
