Flint, Michigan Achieves Clean Water

Good morning. It’s been a busy week so far. From Flint’s decade-long fight for clean water finally reaching its goal, to Baltimore’s streets growing safer than they’ve been in nearly half a century, these stories show the power of persistence and community action.

In California, a vineyard is harnessing coastal winds to craft award-winning wines while running entirely on renewable energy. Meanwhile, a breakthrough gene therapy has restored hearing for children born deaf, offering hope to families around the world.

—Stephanie S

ENVIRONMENT

Flint Replaces 11,000 Lead Pipes After 10 Years, Clean Water Victory Achieved

Flint, Michigan, has completed the replacement of nearly 11,000 lead water pipes, marking the end of a decade-long fight for clean water. The crisis began in 2014, when cost-cutting and improper water treatment led to widespread lead contamination.

Activists, supported by organizations like the ACLU and NRDC, took legal action that resulted in a 2017 settlement requiring free pipe replacements and ongoing water safety measures.

Delays from COVID-19 and management issues slowed progress, but as of July, the city has met its goal. Most remaining lead lines are at vacant or opt-out properties.

This milestone is a testament to community persistence and the power of collective action.

INSPIRING

Baltimore Homicide Rate Falls to Near 50-Year Low

Baltimore is on track for its lowest homicide rate in nearly 50 years, with only 68 homicides recorded through June. This marks a significant drop from last year and reflects a 20% reduction in non-fatal shootings.

Mayor Brandon Scott credits the progress to a comprehensive, evidence-based public safety strategy developed with community input.

While celebrating the milestone, city leaders emphasize that more work remains to ensure lasting safety for all residents.

SUSTAINABILITY

How Coastal Winds Perfect These Grapes and Power a Sustainable Winery

A California winery at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains uses constant coastal winds to both mature its grapes and power its entire winemaking operation with a 400-foot wind turbine.

Scheid Family Wines combines sustainable practices like hi-tech irrigation, natural rodent control, and energy-efficient equipment to reduce its environmental impact.

The winery produces award-winning wines with zero carbon emissions, even sending surplus wind energy back to the grid.

MEDICINE

Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Every Child in Groundbreaking Deafness Trial

A groundbreaking gene therapy trial has restored hearing in all 10 children and young adults born with congenital deafness. Participants, aged 1 to 24, gained the ability to hear everyday sounds for the first time.

The therapy targets a mutation in the OTOF gene, delivering a healthy version directly to the inner ear. Results were rapid, with most patients experiencing significant improvement within a month.

Researchers are hopeful this marks the start of new treatments for genetic deafness.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: July 11, 1975

Fleetwood Mac’s 'White Album' Turns 50

Fifty years ago today, Fleetwood Mac released their self-titled album, nicknamed the White Album, marking a bold new era for the band. With the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, the group hit a creative turning point, fusing California folk-rock with the band’s bluesy British roots.

The result? A No.1 record on the Billboard charts, 37 weeks in the Top 10, and a launchpad for what would become one of the most iconic albums of all time: Rumours.

Other notable July 11 events:

1864: President Abraham Lincoln came under enemy fire, the only sitting U.S. president to do so.

1914: Babe Ruth made his Major League Baseball debut as a pitcher.

1960: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was first published.

1962: The first transatlantic satellite TV transmission took place.

GOOD NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

What made us 😄 this week

🦊 California: After years of searching, a photographer captured rare footage of the near-extinct Sierra Nevada red fox in California's Lassen Volcanic National Park.

🐦 Denmark: A rescued crow has formed a special bond with a young boy, waiting for him to return from school each day and treating his family as its flock.

🎓 Minnesota: For 30 years, the small town of Swanville has ensured every graduating senior receives a scholarship funded by community events.

🎨 Italy: A once-abandoned town in southern Italy has been revived by over 140 vibrant street murals, drawing thousands of tourists.

🏠 Florida: A tiny home village in Tampa Bay is providing affordable, hurricane-resistant housing for over 60 people, and recently withstood a direct hit from Hurricane Milton without any damage.

WORDS TO INSPIRE

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.

— Jim Valvano

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE

Good news is such a vibe

Every day brings amazing advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how wonderful the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

🌍 Global Progress: Over a billion people have escaped extreme poverty in the last 30 years.

📚 Education Access: Youth literacy rates are now over 90% worldwide.

📱 Digital Connection: Nearly 5 billion people have access to the internet and global communication.

👶 Child Survival: Global child mortality has dropped by over 60% since 1990.

🚀 Cosmic Discovery: We’ve photographed black holes, explored Mars, and are decoding the origins of the universe.

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