Fearful and tragic events occur all over the world, and they seem to loom much closer than ever now that news travels through dozens of different technological outlets in order to capture the reader’s attention. While tough to digest, an awareness of current events cultivates intellect. But heavy doses of pessimistic news also produce fatigue and apathy. Sometimes, a reminder that good forces exist enables a news-weary audience to confront reality with renewed faith. With the intent to produce this healing effect, listed below are five pieces of news that are not only current, but most importantly, good.
1. The youth of Britain will rise.
Just last week, the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union in a historic and close referendum. The final percentages were 48.1 percent for Remain, and 51.9 percent for Leave. The camp that supported a British exit, or a “Brexit,” did so for reasons that ranged from financial security to tighter regulation of immigration. Ultimately, however, the Brexit message boasted an undercurrent of nationalism that proved so intoxicating that it caused the death of Member of Parliament Jo Cox, who advocated the rights of refugees as well as for the continuance of Britain’s EU membership. The person who murdered her held ties to white supremacist groups, and when asked for his name in court, replied with: "My name is death to traitors, freedom for Britain." While the referendum results pose a threat to other EU memberships and caused panic to ripple across the globe, the most reassuring factor in the entire debacle is that an overwhelming majority of British youth voted in favor of Remain. Unfortunately, the results of the vote ensure that these young voters will have to endure the consequences of the Leave decision that majority of their elders lauded. In the midst of this foreboding reality, however, the British youth have spoken through their vote to Remain. They chose to side with a more secure future, and managed to tune out the far-right, anti-immigrant messages of the Brexit campaign. Surely this generation will grow to mend the fragmented relationship with the EU and place not only the UK, but the rest of the world, in safer hands.
2. Pulse nightclub refuses to back down.
One of the grimmest realities that followed the devastating shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, was the fact that the Senate refused to pass four gun control measures. As the tragedy occurred during June, also known as Pride Month, it also produced the need for increased security at Pride events. At the Pride in New York City, Barbara Poma, the owner and event manager of Pulse nightclub, announced that a Latin Night is to be held in Orlando this Thursday. This Latin Night would be the first hosted by Pulse since the shooting, which fatefully unfolded during a Latin Night. While next week’s Latin Night will not take place in the Pulse building, which remains off-limits, it nevertheless represents the perseverance and pride of the Latinx Orlando LGBTQ+ community that thrives even in the face of danger.
3. Sweden works to welcome refugees into schools.
The refugee crisis has rightfully dominated the news headlines as of late, especially with the UN announcing that there are currently more refugees in transit than ever before. This crisis has unfortunately been met with a concerning rise of right-wing parties in Europe rather than with hospitality. Yet from the start, countries such as Sweden have set the precedent for welcoming refugees, especially those fleeing civil war in Syria. Beyond border entry, Sweden also strives to foster an accommodating and supportive environment for the thousands of refugee children that enter its school system. While this integration has not proven to be easy or seamless, the fact that a European country upholds the provision of education to its young refugee population demonstrates that not every host nation greets these traumatized people with hostility.
4. Affirmative Action policy won in the Supreme Court.
As the final rulings from the Supreme Court calendar break the news, a somewhat understandable emphasis falls upon the disappointing results. This year, the court’s decision on immigration struck a painful chord with communities of color. Yet another ruling could potentially result in a celebration and sigh of relief for this same demographic. In the case Fisher v. University of Texas, white college student Abigail Fisher claimed that the university’s decision not to admit her was a product of racial discrimination. The Supreme Court, however, ruled against Fisher and in favor of the university’s right to consider race a factor in the diversity of its student body. This case safeguarded Affirmative Action policy and its contribution to the diversification of college campuses.
5. Clinton takes the lead in the latest poll.
The latest Washington Post and ABC News poll shows Clinton with a 51 percent lead over Trump’s 39 percent. One of the additional questions on the poll asked whether each candidate was qualified to serve as president, and Clinton won pollsters’ confidence at 61 percent while Trump reached a meager 34 percent. As November approaches, this poll result will hopefully be the first of many blows the Trump campaign. Another factor that could jeopardize his success is the fact that his campaign finances drop lower each day. These statistics reveal that Trump may not be as powerful or rich as he claims.
From refugees to racial justice, these five pieces of news shed light on some of the most intimidating and fear-inducing news topics floating around in today’s informational galaxy. Allow them to serve as a reminder that the bad, terrible, and ugly exists in a balance alongside the good, fortunate, and beautiful.
