Utah teen’s viral letter about her dad’s alcoholism

Good News Notes: “Preslee Scott spent more than one afternoon in her early teen years picking up her dad’s empty beer cans and dumping them in the outside trash can after he’d fallen asleep on the couch. So in December, when the Utah teen was asked by her 10th-grade English teacher to write an essay…

Drone Reforestation: Rebuilding Forests with Scalable Technology

Good News Notes: “Reforestation efforts have traditionally required armies of volunteers and workers to plant trees in areas that have been affected by deforestation and forest degradation. This is a time-consuming and difficult labor and means that costs vary heavily depending on site accessibility and local infrastructure. There are other established rapid reforestation methods –…

California and Biden plot to vacuum away climate change

Good News Notes: “Solar panels, wind turbines and electric cars will go far in helping California and the Biden administration meet their aggressive climate goals — but not far enough. As time runs short, scientists and government officials say the moment to break out the giant vacuums has arrived. The art of industrial-scale carbon removal — sucking…

Central Texas brothers develop app to assist people with gardening at home

Good News Notes: “Two Central Texas brothers are at it again, cross-breeding farming and technology. They’ve grown from helping folks farm at home in a box to cultivating a new app to assist you with gardening. Brothers Luke and Nathan Heath are launching their app called “Smart Garden Assistant” later this month  on Earth Day, April 22….

Addiction recovery programs find new ways to offer support in pandemic

Good News Notes: “At 49, Stephen Deason, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, is now 5-and-a-half years sober. “Recovery has kind of given me an amazing life, and I’m really happy for that,” the non-profit founder says. “Five years in is where they often tell you things start to clear up, and that’s definitely true.” Still, Deason says, the…

Syracuse University addresses food insecurity on campus

Good News Notes: “While it might be tucked away in a small room at Hendricks Chapel, the food pantry fills a great need at Syracuse University. “It’s a pantry for students by students,” said Syeisha Byrd, Office of Engagement Programs Director. It’s well stocked with non-perishable food as well as personal care items. “We try…