Share the Good News (June 14-20)

With all the negative news out there, I thought it would be a great time to share some good news. Share the Good News will be a weekly thing, so I hope you enjoy it! And if you have good news you’d like us to share, send us a message.

1. We are not alone!

You’ve probably pondered about possibility of other life in the universe. Well, think smaller. We are not alone in our galaxy. Using the Drake equation, scientists have calculated there to be a minimum of 36 active, communicating, and intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way (the galaxy where Earth resides). However, we don’t have the details on this extraterrestrial life because of time and distance constraints. Regardless, how cool is it to know other life is out there?? (Or scary.)

2. Scientists have harnessed usable energy from plants

Plants are important because they provide oxygen for us to breathe. Plus, they make great decorations for our homes! Moreso, Israeli researchers believe they have discovered a way to produce hydrogen from plants to produce electricity. This was discovered by using microscopic algae at Tel Aviv University laboratory. What a great find for renewable energy!

3. DACA recipients don’t have to worry about deportation

The commonly referred to DACA “Dreamers” of America are able to thrive in the USA instead of living in fear of being deported. On Thursday, the Trump Administration’s attempt to exterminate DACA was shut down by the Supreme Court. That means the 650,000 individuals who were brought into America as children are still able to go about their lives and continue to pursue their dreams and goals freely. According to a government study, “nearly 800,000 people over the years have taken part in the program. More than 90 percent are employed and 45 percent are in school.” If these dreamers are doing their part to work and contribute to the US, then it seems as if the attempt to end DACA was a prejudice act rather than a pursuit to better our country.

4. You can go on a date with Keanu Reeves

For all you single ladies out there, or actually for any Keanu Reeves fans, it’s your lucky day! (I mean, did you see him in John Wick??) Keanu Reeves is auctioning off a 15-minute Zoom date to the highest bidder. All of the money from the highest bidder will go to Camp Rainbow Gold, a charity that gives children with cancer and their families some sort of fun, exciting experience. The highest bid currently stands at $16,800. Reeves is typically a private person, so this is a once in a lifetime chance. If you have an extra couple thousand of dollars, I suggest you jump on this opportunity. Hey, it’s for a great cause!

5. Mortgage rates are low low low

If you are in the market for a new home, this is VERY good news. Mortgage rates are at a record low! The average rate on a 30-year loan has dropped to 3.13 percent; this is the lowest it has been since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in 1971. If you’re looking for a shorter-term loan, 15-year rates dropped to 2.58 percent from 2.62. If you’re able to, snag these low rates while you can!

6. Video games are a form of therapy for children with ADHD

Four million children between the ages of 6 and 11 are affected by ADHD. A new video game called EndeavorRx helps treat children with ADHD and was approved by the FDA on Monday. This video game will only be accessible to children between the ages of 8 and 12 with certain types of ADHD. The goal of the game is to steer an avatar through a dotted line path to collect rewards. “The EndeavorRx device offers a non-drug option for improving symptoms associated with ADHD in children and is an important example of the growing field of digital therapy and digital therapeutics,” stated the director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. This is such a great opportunity for children to enjoy and benefit from treatment!

7. A fish has learned to walk on land

Nothing is impossible! I never thought I would live to see the day where a fish walks on land…but man, was I wrong. According to a new study, Beenies, also known as the “land fish,” has adapted to be able to survive and crawl on land. You are probably thinking to yourself, “how in the world is this possible?” Well, simply because of their ability to adapt and a special diet! These snake-like fish are said to either stay in the water, or live on land full-time as adults. We should learn to never underestimate nature.

8. Audio tweets are making Twitter more personal

I don’t know about you, but if I can’t clearly get my point across over text, I will resort to a voice memo; that way, I can express my point the way I would in person. Twitter is now incorporating audio snippets into their tweets because sometimes, 270 characters are just not enough. Each voice memo can be as long as 140 seconds long, and if you have more to say, you can keep talking, and it will roll into a thread. This feature will first be launched on iOS for a limited group of people. Twitter can sometimes be a platform for misunderstanding intentions. With this new element, people will be able to express their thoughts exactly how they would in person.

9. New York makes Junteenth a state holiday

It is so important that we shed light on the enslavement history of our country so we might grow from it and avoid repeating it. On Wednesday, the governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, signed an executive order making Juneteenth a paid holiday in remembrance of the emancipation of slaves in the United States. He has already proposed legislation to make Juneteenth an official state holiday for next year. This is a step in the right direction, remembering and respecting every single African American who had to endure the pain of slavery, and the effects that it still has on the Black community today.

10. Netflix CEO donates $120 million to HBCUs

Two hundred African American students will have their entire college tuition paid for because of a $120 million donation to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) made by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin. You heard that right, 200 students. This is said to be the largest donation made to HBCUs in the history of their existence. Hastings explained that the reason for his donation was to bring the HBCUs story front and center and that his donation is just “a drop in the bucket compared to the need.” This donation is such such a great way to reward Black students for their hard work and to give HBCUs the recognition they deserve.

Thanks for reading! I’ll be back with some more good news next week 🙂 Feel free to download and share the condensed version.

Photo of the week:

Photo by @wolfdog.adventures