Good News Headlines 10/5/2022
Louie Gutierrez (left) and Roberto Hernandez rally in support of United Farm Workers on César Chávez Street in San Francisco on March 31, 2022, during a César Chávez Day demonstration calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill that would give farmworkers the option to vote by mail in union elections. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)
‘Incredible Victory’: California Gov. Newsom Signs Farmworker Unionization Bill Into Law
by Kenny Stancil, Common Dreams
After vetoing similar legislation last year and threatening to do so again last month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed Assembly Bill 2183 into law, making it easier for farmworkers in the state to participate in union elections. The Democratic governor’s about-face on the measure represents a major victory for labor leaders. It follows a monthslong push by United Farm Workers of America (UFW) and the California Labor Federation (CLF). “This is an incredible victory,” said UFW president Teresa Romero. “Starting next year, farmworkers can participate in elections free from intimidation and deportations. ¡Sí se puede!”
Pollinator Gardens On Bus Stop Roofs Grow Across Europe
by Chris McDermott, EcoWatch
Across Europe, more and more bus stops are sporting a new look — with lush green roofs designed to support pollinators. The number of bus stops topped with pollinator gardens is expected to increase another 50% in the UK alone by the end of this year. The “bee bus stops” began popping up in Utrecht, Netherlands in 2019, with over 300 bus stops receiving the makeover. In addition to adding pollinator-friendly plants on top of the shelters, the city also introduced bamboo benches and LED lighting to the bus stops along with more electric buses. Since then, the idea has spread across Europe, and other places are inquiring about the pollinator gardens, too.
You’re Not Broken: People Share Experiences With Intrusive Thoughts To Help Normalize Them
by Jacalyn Wetzel, Upworthy
When I was younger I used to think I was dying or that I would get kidnapped by a random stranger, but I kept it to myself because I thought something was wrong with me. I thought that telling people would confirm this fear, so I kept it inside my entire life until I was an adult and learned it was part of ADHD and other disorders. But it doesn’t have to be part of a disorder at all—a vast amount of people just have intrusive thoughts, and a Twitter user, Laura Gastón, is trying to normalize them for others. Gastón tweeted that parents should talk to their children about intrusive thoughts and normalize them so children aren’t afraid that they’re broken.
