BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New England is no stranger to frigid winters, but five of its states are now working together on a major effort to keep homes warm with cleaner, more efficient technology. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island have jointly launched the New England Heat Pump Accelerator, a $450 million initiative funded through the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. Katie Dykes, commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, called the initiative “a big deal,” explaining that it’s “unprecedented to see five states aligning together on a transformational approach to deploying more-affordable clean-heat options.” The program aims to deploy more than 580,000 heat pumps over the next few years, reducing carbon emissions, cutting heating bills, and helping families move away from fossil fuels. Why New England is the perfect testing ground Much of the region still relies heavily on oil, propane, and natural gas, especially in Maine, where more than half of homes use heating oil. This dependence leaves residents vulnerable to volatile prices and high emissions. But despite the need, several barriers have held back broader heat pump adoption, including high upfront costs, limited awareness, and persistent myths about whether the technology can handle bitter winter temperatures. “There’s not full awareness that these cold-temperature heat pumps can handle our winters,” said Joseph DeNicola, deputy commissioner of Connecticut’s energy agency. He noted that many units can now heat homes at a cost lower than traditional delivered fuels. Some states are already proving the point: Maine hit its goal of installing 100,000 new heat pumps two years early, and Massachusetts is on track for its 2025 target. What the accelerator actually does The program is organized into three major areas, or “hubs,” that work together to increase adoption: 1. The market hub: reducing costs upfront The majority of the program’s funding (around $270 million) will go to midstream incentives. Distributors will receive funding to lower the price of heat pumps for contractors, who then pass those savings on to consumers. This approach is designed to shift the market itself, encouraging distributors to keep units in stock and making clean heating the easier choice for contractors. Expected cost reductions include: $500 to $700 off cold-climate air-source heat pumps $200 to $300 off heat pump water heaters “It should be very simple for contractors to access this funding,” said Ellen Pfeiffer of Energy Solutions, adding that incentives will be applied automatically without extra paperwork. 2. The innovation hub: supporting vulnerable communities Each state will receive $14.5 million to fund pilot programs that address barriers in low- and moderate-income communities. Ideas include lending libraries of window-mounted heat pumps, which would offer a stopgap solution for residents whose heating systems fail unexpectedly. The innovation hub will also invest in workforce development. Program leaders are coordinating with contractors to design new training pathways, with an expected launch in April 2026. 3. The resource hub: one-stop support for stakeholders A centralized resource center will provide information for contractors, distributors, and program implementers. Organizers hope all three hubs will be fully operational by spring 2026. Big goals, big impact If successful, the accelerator will reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 million metric tons by 2030, equivalent to removing more than 540,000 gas-powered cars from the road. The program also arrives as federal tax credits of up to $2,000 for heat pumps are expected to phase out, meaning states will play an even more crucial role in advancing clean energy. For Dykes, the regional effort is about more than technology. It’s about empowerment: “This is one example of a way we are helping to make progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but with a solution that can help people take control of their energy costs. That’s really what we’re focused on.”The post New England’s bet on heat pumps: a $450 million push toward cleaner, cheaper home heating first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM ‘Tis the season of hosting, gathering, feasting! For many of us, this time of year is basically one long parade of hugs, handshakes, shared desserts, and recycled indoor air. It’s also, unfortunately, prime time for the cold and flu carousel to spin at full speed. And while it should feel normal to ask people if they’re sick before they show up to your home (does anyone else remember the global pandemic?), most of us still treat that question like it’s a breach of etiquette. But here’s the truth: with so many respiratory viruses circulating like the flu, RSV, and good old-fashioned mystery sniffles, a quick “Hey, is everyone feeling well?” is one of the kindest things you can ask. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Linda Yancey and psychotherapist Terri Cole agree: normalizing this conversation protects the people you love. Why checking in about symptoms actually matters Many people don’t automatically connect their mild symptoms to the potential impact on others. But as Dr. Yancey explains, “Mild cold symptoms can be serious for certain people and young children.” A little congestion might be nothing to you, but infants, older adults, and immunocompromised friends can end up in the hospital from something as simple as a lingering cough. RSV is a perfect example. Most adults experience it like a typical cold, but babies under six months and kids under two with heart or lung conditions face a much higher risk of severe illness. The same goes for the flu, a virus that hospitalizes hundreds of thousands of people every year. And culturally, we’ve been conditioned to “power through” sickness. No paid sick leave? No problem, we’ll often go to work anyway. Social plans that took weeks to coordinate? Why cancel when you can just grab tissues and pretend it’s allergies. As Dr. Yancey puts it, “People don’t want to let down the people around them,” even if pushing through puts others at risk. How to ask someone if they’re sick (without making it weird) Terri Cole, LCSW, specializes in boundary-setting, and she says the key is to skip the dramatic lead-in. No “we need to talk,” no family meeting, no nervous texts with seven disclaimers. Instead, keep it light and collaborative. Try something like: “Hey, can we agree to let each other know if anyone isn’t feeling well this season? I’m trying to be mindful of everyone’s wellness. I’ll do the same on my end.” That’s it. No accusations, no guilt-tripping. Just a simple agreement to look out for each other. Cole also recommends sharing context when it’s relevant. If you’re hosting a gathering where someone’s bringing a newborn or an immunocompromised relative, being upfront helps everyone make informed decisions. “You don’t have to write a thesis,” she says, “but a little background information helps people understand why you’re asking.” Define what “sick” actually means One person’s “tiny cough” is another person’s full viral storm. That’s why Dr. Yancey suggests using a clear benchmark: fever. “A fever of one hundred one or higher is a nice dividing line,” she says. “You’re genuinely sick.” Congestion and coughs can be trickier to interpret, especially because COVID-19, RSV, and flu all present similarly. But if someone is feverish, coughing, or struggling with more than mild sniffles, or in other words actively symptomatic, then it’s worth hitting pause on the potluck. You might still get sick (and that’s okay) Even with check-ins, boundaries, vaccines, and best intentions, holiday germs have range. Indoor gatherings plus cold weather plus travel equals prime conditions for viruses to do what they do. That said, asking about symptoms gives everyone more agency. It’s a chance to protect yourself, protect vulnerable loved ones, and avoid the dreaded text two days later that says: “Sooo… I just tested positive.” And remember: if you’re going to ask others to be honest, you’ll need to do the same. As Dr. Yancey puts it, “If you are sick — symptomatic, coughing, congested, especially feverish — you really do need to stay home.”The post Is it rude to ask if someone’s sick before a holiday hangout? Here’s what the experts say first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Persistent hormone disruption during pregnancy trimesters appears to increase the likelihood of autism in children, shows a new large cohort study. Women who experience continuing thyroid hormone irregularities throughout pregnancy may face a higher chance of having a child diagnosed with autism, according to a study released in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. […] The post Normal Thyroid Function in Pregnancy Linked to Lower Autism Risk in Large Cohort Study appeared first on Good News Network.

Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry split in July after nearly a decade together. The pair has an on-again, off-again relationship that gave them a daughter, Daisy Dove, in August of 2020. Orlando also has a son, 14-year-old Flynn, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Miranda Kerr. Holidays can be challenging after a breakup, but according to Orlando’s Instagram stories, he’s having fun. The Deep Cover star shared a sweet photo with his two children standing near the steps of a beautifully decorated harvest porch. Orlando Bloom blurred out his children’s faces, but his smile speaks for the entire family. Orlando Bloom Adores His Children He loves spending time with his children and wants them to know how important they are to him. He told People in a 2024 interview that he likes old-fashioned family values. “Family time is, for me, a meal together. Sitting down at a table,” Orlando said. “It is going out on a walk or going on an adventure. It’s games, it’s play; It’s connection; It’s holding hands and hugging. And telling people you love them a lot.” During an interview with Today in July, Orlando Bloom spoke about his breakup from Katy Perry and how he and his children were dealing with it. “I’m great, man. I’m so grateful. We have the most beautiful daughter,” he said. “You know, when you leave everything on the field, like I did in this movie, I feel grateful for all of it. And we’re great. We’re going to be great. It’s nothing but love.” Orlando’s sentiment echoed a statement released shortly after the breakup. “Due to the abundance of recent interest and conversation surrounding Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry’s relationship, representatives have confirmed that Orlando and Katy have been shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on co-parenting,” the statement said. “They will continue to be seen together as a family, as their shared priority is — and always will be — raising their daughter with love, stability and mutual respect.” This story’s featured image is by Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty Images.

Even the TV show’s host was crying. During the “Rad Humans” segment on her talk show, Kelly Clarkson introduced the nonprofit Cake4Kids—and before long, the emotional moment sent happy tears streaming down everyone’s face. For 15 years, the network of volunteer bakers have been providing custom birthday cakes for homeless kids, foster children, and others […] The post Kelly Clarkson Show Fills With Tears When Mom Meets Cake4Kids Baker Who Makes Birthdays Special for Needy Kids appeared first on Good News Network.