Best of Good News 2025

December 31, 2025

Hello dear Good News community,

As the year draws to a close, we’re all coming together to wrap up 2025 on a positive note. This final edition of the year offers a glimpse of the uplifting developments that took place in 2025 and a preview of the good things already in store for 2026. Wishing you a great start to the new year!

Enjoy reading, Selina

(Opens in a new window)

Ozone hole over arctic closes earlier than in years

This year, the ozone hole over Antarctica closed early — on December 1st — the earliest since 2019. According to the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation program, it was also the smallest in the past five years. The global ban on ozone-depleting substances like CFCs continues to drive the layer’s recovery. Source: THE GUARDIAN

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Thailand says goodbye to plastic waste imports

Thailand has banned the import of plastic wate from January 1, 2025, to address pollution from poorly managed shipments, mainly from nations like the US and Japan. Between 2018 and 2021, the country received over 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste. Source: AL JAZEERA

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Africa's first remote surgery successfully completed

"In a medical first for Africa, a patient in Angola was successfully treated for prostate cancer through remote robotic surgery. The procedure was carried out by surgeon Vipul Patel, who operated from Florida—over 11,000 kilometers away. This breakthrough marks an important step toward greater global health equity. Source: ABC NEWS

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

The European Court of Justice strengthens the rights of trans people

The European Court of Justice has strengthened the rights of trans people to change their gender identity in public registers. Authorities may not demand proof of a surgical procedure to change the gender marker. Incorrect personal data must also be corrected immediately and national law must not be an obstacle. Source: ILGA EUROPE

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Blood test detects cancer years before first symptoms appear

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated in a study that a blood test can detect tumor-related genetic mutations up to 3.5 years before a clinical diagnosis. Earlier detection offers patients better chances of recovery, gentler treatment options, and more time for medical professionals to act. Source: INDEPENDET

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Titanium heart keeps patients alive for over 100 days

Around 23 million people worldwide are waiting for a donor heart. Research offers hope: in Australia, a man received an artificial heart made of titanium that kept him alive for more than100 days until a donor heart became available. In the future, artificial hearts could replace transplants. Source: THE GUARDIAN

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Titanium heart keeps patients alive for over 100 days

Around 23 million people worldwide are waiting for a donor heart. Research offers hope: in Australia, a man received an artificial heart made of titanium that kept him alive for more than100 days until a donor heart became available. In the future, artificial hearts could replace transplants. Source: THE GUARDIAN

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Italy recognises femicide as a crime in its own right

Italy now classifies femicide - the killing of a woman because of her gender - as a specific crime. This strengthens the fight against gender-based violence, increases the visibility of femicides and prevents them from being trivialised as 'relationship dramas'. Source: POLITICO

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Opioid-free painkiller approved in the USA

After more than 20 years, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new opioid-free painkiller. Early tests show: It is neither euphoric nor intoxicating, but helps with chronic pain. / Editor's note: It cannot be ruled out that new drugs have been developed on the basis of animal testing. Source: BBC

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

New museum makes stories of migrants visible

The new museum “Fenix” has opened its doors in Rotterdam. Covering around 16,000 square meters, it is dedicated to the stories of people with a migration background - told through works of art, photographs and personal objects. The museum aims to promote dialog and open up new perspectives. Source: THE NEW YORK TIMES

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

EU approves first medication for postpartum depression

The European Commission has approved, for the first time, a medication for postpartum depression. The drug, Zuranolone, can alleviate depressive symptoms within just two weeks. However, it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Until now, there was no approved treatment for postpartum depression. Source: DIARI NEWS

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Speaking multiple languages may slow aging

Speaking multiple languages regularly helps keep the mind sharp for longer—a Europe-wide study with over 80,000 participants shows. According to researchers, multilingualism trains the brain’s attention and control mechanisms, protecting against accelerated aging. Source: EURONEWS

Go to article (Opens in a new window)

Thank you to 2.852 supporters!

Wow, we’re overwhelmed – 2.852readers have supported us this year! Without you, our work wouldn’t be possible. Thank you so much. 🫶 Your support helps cover most of our salaries and ongoing production costs. Want to help too? 👉 Here’s the Donorbox link. Every dollar goes directly to our work. 🤩 Thank you!

Good News is largely financed by the voluntary contributions of its users. We are a non-profit organisation and all income is reinvested. Thanks to your voluntary contributions, we are able to cover a large part of our staff and production costs.

🩷 We hope that with our hand-picked daily edition, we have been able to motivate you to initiate and promote positive change yourself.

💌 If you know someone who would enjoy receiving this newsletter, please forward this email to them to sign up (Opens in a new window).

📲 Download our Good News app (Opens in a new window) .

Best regards,

Bianca Kriel & Selina Mahoche