Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
15 results for "west coast"
More than 130 libraries across three states are launching the West Coast's largest book club to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The groundbreaking collaboration brings communities together through George Takei's powerful memoir about Japanese American incarceration.
Two decades after federal authorities declared the West Coast groundfish fishery a disaster, the final overfished species has officially recovered. The turnaround came from strict quotas, science-based limits, and fishers who stuck with a painful rebuilding plan.
Drivers honked horns and cheered as Western Australia's North West Coastal Highway reopened after Cyclone Narelle damage, saving Easter holidays for hundreds of families. Crews worked around the clock for over a week to repair flood damage and reconnect coastal communities.
A Washington self-storage facility is making it easier for customers to fight hunger. West Coast Self-Storage in Auburn has turned its location into a drop-off point for a food bank serving hundreds of families each day.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2Ffc%2F6e%2Ffc6e7341-9041-4b78-878b-2becb82e6f0b%2Fams143_2026_03_23_03_18_00_000_011431-trim-441-hd-meteor-wm-stacked.jpg)
Two brilliant green meteors dazzled hundreds of viewers across California and Oregon last weekend, part of a spectacular week of celestial fireworks over the United States. These cosmic light shows remind us that the universe still knows how to put on a free display that brings communities together in wonder.
An endangered seabird colony in South Africa has surged past 43,000 birds, marking the strongest comeback in years for a species that once completely abandoned the island. The thriving population signals ocean health along the West Coast and validates decades of careful conservation work.
A small carnivore once believed extinct has been found thriving in Northern California's remote forests. Scientists discovered 46 coastal martens surviving against the odds, offering hope for one of the West Coast's rarest animals.
A three-week pilot program shows Tesla's electric semi-truck could eliminate nearly 77 tons of carbon emissions annually compared to diesel trucks. CEVA Logistics tested the vehicle on real West Coast routes and found it seamlessly integrated into daily freight operations.
Gonzaga claimed its 14th West Coast Conference tournament championship in dominant fashion, proving that teamwork and defensive intensity can overcome any setback. The Bulldogs' 79-68 victory over Santa Clara showed how embracing a new identity turned challenge into triumph.
The Pacific Coast Dream Machines show needs volunteers for its April 2026 event, offering free admission and lunch to those who help. Every shift supports the Coastside Adult Day Health Center while making one of the West Coast's most unique car shows possible.
A 13-year-old boy swam for four hours through choppy waters to reach shore and call for help after his family was swept miles into the Indian Ocean. His quick thinking and superhuman effort saved his mother and two siblings from a terrifying ordeal off Australia's southwest coast.
Sweden is building its first major Hydrogen Valley, a six-year EU-funded project connecting the West Coast to the High Coast with over 40 partners working to produce 4,000 tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. The initiative positions Sweden as a leader in clean energy while creating a blueprint for Europe's hydrogen future.
California coastal communities are partnering with wind energy companies to secure job training, investments, and direct payments as floating wind farms move forward. Researchers are creating a toolkit to help small towns negotiate these deals effectively.
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla made history by becoming the first West Coast hospital to care for astronauts returning from space. All four crew members arrived safely after their SpaceX Dragon capsule splashed down off San Diego's coast.
A tiny settlement on New Zealand's West Coast has transformed into an eco-tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its pristine wetlands and thriving wildlife. Community-led conservation efforts have made this 30-person village a global biodiversity treasure.