Halfway there: 10 Good News from six months of 2026

July 11, 2026

Hello dear Good News community,

The first half of 2026 is over. We have combed through countless good news stories from the first six months of 2026—and put together a handpicked edition just for you. It has given us hope, courage, and optimism, and we hope it does the same for you. Here’s to a great rest of 2026!

Enjoy reading, Selina

A new AI detects 130 health risks while you sleep

Researchers at Stanford University have developed an AI that can assess the risk of over 130 diseases from a single night in a sleep lab. By analyzing brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and movement, the AI can estimate years in advance the likelihood of conditions such as dementia, heart disease, or cancer. Source: DW

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New therapy brings hope for Hepatitis B

For the first time, two major studies show that chronic Hepatitis B can be functionally cured. In about 20% of the treated individuals, the virus was no longer detectable following a new combination therapy. Experts are calling this a breakthrough for millions of affected people worldwide. Source: SCIENCE

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Indonesia revokes mining and logging licenses in orangutan habitats

After devastating floods in Sumatra, the Indonesian government took action: dozens of resource companies had their licenses revoked, and others face lawsuits. The measures aim to protect forests and save one of the world’s rarest orangutan species. Source: MONGABAY

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First "Our Ocean" Conference in Africa marks a success

The international "Our Ocean" Conference in Mombasa has concluded with financial pledges totaling 6.4 billion US dollars. Around 300 new measures aim to accelerate the protection of the world's oceans to still reach the global protection goal for 2030. Source: MONGABAY

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EU removes Greece from crisis list after 16 years

Greece is returning to European normalcy: For the first time since the outbreak of the debt crisis 16 years ago, the European Commission has removed the country from the list of member states with macroeconomic imbalances—thanks to strong growth and declining debt. Source: HELLAS JOURNAL

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Warsaw recognizes same-sex marriage for the first time

For the first time, Warsaw’s city hall has officially recognized the marriage of a same-sex couple. This was made possible by a court ruling that obligates Poland to recognize marriages legally performed in other EU countries. LGBTQ+ organizations are calling this a historic step forward for equal rights in the country. Source: EURONEWS

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Solar energy overtakes coal in the US

A historic turning point in the US power market: While solar energy climbed to 12.8% in May, the share of coal power plummeted to a historic low of just 12.2%. This marks the first time that solar power has overtaken coal. Source: EURONEWS

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Colombia halts deforestation for beef

Millions of hectares of rainforest have already been lost in Colombia, driven in part by cattle ranching. A historic new law aims to change that: in the future, anyone selling or exporting beef must prove that no forest was cleared for its production. Source: MONGABAY

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Research maps the clitoral nerve network for the first time

An international research team has visualized the clitoral nerve network for the first time using 3D scans. The images show five branching nerve strands and challenge previous assumptions. These findings close a gap in medical knowledge and could make future surgeries in the vulvar area more precise. Source: THE GUARDIAN

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Amsterdam bans ads for meat and fossil fuels

Amsterdam is sending a political signal for climate and health: starting this summer, no ads for meat, flights, cruises, or fossil fuels will be allowed on city property. Amsterdam is the first capital in the world to implement such a ban. Source: DUTCHNEWS

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Halfway Through 2026: Thank you for your support! 🚀

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Best regards,

Bianca Kriel & Selina Mahoche