Positive News Thursday
An eclectic collection of upbeat news stories to brighten the day.
Not Long To Go
For eight years, something pale and curving has been growing out of a former parking lot in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. Locals have called it a spaceship, a cloud, a wave. On Tuesday, September 22, it finally opens, and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art becomes the most ambitious new cultural institution in America. It is worth saying plainly what this building is for, because the shorthand everyone reaches for is wrong. This is not a Star Wars museum. It is a billion-dollar argument that the hierarchy we inherited - the one that puts oil painting at the top and comics somewhere near the service entrance - needs to be reconsidered. The museum is dedicated to the ‘Universal Language’ of Illustrated Storytelling.
Cooler Than White
It’s well known (and scientifically proven) that wearing white on a hot summer day can help keep you cool. Darker and more colourful clothing absorb more sunlight, while white reflects it. But scientists in Australia have now developed a purple fabric that challenges this conventional wisdom - and could eventually help people stay cool without sacrificing colour. The new textile uses passive radiative cooling, a process that allows a material to reflect sunlight while releasing heat as infrared radiation. During outdoor testing in direct sunlight, the purple fabric remained 4.2°C (7.6°F) cooler than commercial white cotton and 6.2°C (11.2°F) cooler than conventional purple cotton.
Air Conditioning as Art: Ancient technique to cool the air is being revitalised. No electricity required.
Global Democracy
In 1789, only two in the world had an elected parliament and elected government - the UK and the US. As of 2025, 34 countries do not have elected parliaments and governments - and 165 do. Electoral democracies - classified in the data by having an elected government and parliament, universal voting rights, a political opposition, and competitive elections did not become the global majority until the 1990s. By 2025, 117 countries could be classified as democracies, while 82 could not. While dozens of countries have become less democratic over the last decade, in the much larger arc of history, the world has made incredible progress - which is also indicative that future progress is possible, too.
My Feed, My Way
Australia is drafting legislation that will allow social media account holders to opt out of the powerful algorithms pushing dangerous and divisive content into users’ feeds, part of new laws designed to boost online safety. Users over 16 years of age - Australia has already passed a law banning major social media platforms from allowing children under 16 to hold accounts - will be given new tools to turn off algorithm-driven content, with platforms facing fines of more than A$100m for non-compliance. Under the plan (dubbed “my feed, my way”) users opting out of the algorithm will see content only from individuals and groups they have actively chosen to follow. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is expected to highlight the plans at the United Nations general assembly in New York later this month.
Zero Roadkill
A wildlife crossing in Washington State celebrated 10,000 safe crossings and zero roadkill. The Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 has been open for 12 years, and it’s been so successful that the state is planning to build 15 more under-crossings and one more over-crossing.
China Oil Down
China's oil consumption fell by a whopping 9 percent, with transport emissions down 16 percent, in Q2 2026. The amount of oil displaced exceeded the UK's total oil consumption over the same period.
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." Paulo Coelho, from The Alchemist
On This Day
10 September 1960: Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia runs a world record 2:15:16.2 barefoot to win the men's marathon at the Rome Olympics, Africa's first Olympic gold medal. Because his issued shoes caused blisters and didn't fit properly, he decided to run without them, matching his training habits. He later won another gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first person to defend an Olympic marathon title.
Today's Articles
Boutique Cruising: New luxury, contemporary vessel with 60 staterooms is about to transform river cruises in Europe.
Big Oil is Worried: Advance in 'climate attribution' means scientists can now draw a straight line from a single oil company’s emissions to a specific disaster.
Mood Boosting Video
Don't watch this run in the final round of the 2025/26 Red Bull Cerro Abajo World Series in Germany unless you want a massive vicarious adrenalin rush.
