Welcome to the Good News Roundup for September 7, 2026
Principal saves 1,600 students from devastating Nepal flood
A Nepali principal has been praised for his quick thinking after evacuating around 1,600 students just 10 minutes before a devastating flood swept away their school.
Rajendra Dawadi acted after receiving warnings that a major flood was approaching, deciding it was better to evacuate the children rather than risk waiting.
His decision proved critical, with the three-storey school building destroyed by the floodwaters. Read more about this incredible story of quick thinking and survival here.
Olivia Rodrigo festival raises $20 million for women and girls
Olivia Rodrigo’s inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival has raised an incredible $20 million US for charities supporting women and girls.
The star-studded California music event featured performances from Rodrigo, Stevie Nicks and Alanis Morissette, and initially raised $10 million US for 10 nonprofit partners, with Melinda French Gates matching the donation to double the total.
The festival celebrated music, community and women’s rights while supporting women’s health, reproductive rights and organisations tackling gender-based violence. Read more about the festival here.
New statistics show more people are choosing to drink less
More people are choosing to drink less, with just 54% of US adults now reporting that they drink alcohol, down from 62% in 2023.
Younger generations are increasingly embracing alcohol-free drinks, mocktails and new ways to socialise, reflecting a growing focus on health and wellbeing.
The shift is also reshaping the industry, with around $830 billion wiped from the market value of major alcohol companies over four years, while Jim Beam prepares to pause production at its main Kentucky distillery throughout 2026. Read more here.
Water-powered innovation helps Nigerian hospitals
A groundbreaking Nigerian invention is helping hospitals access reliable electricity and medical grade oxygen using water and solar power.
Engineer Derick Nwasor and co-founder Joy Egbe developed Just Add Water, a regenerative fuel cell system designed to reduce reliance on diesel generators and distant oxygen supplies.
Already operating in three hospitals in Lagos, the technology has generated more than 100 MWh of clean electricity and produced 17,800 litres of medical grade oxygen, supporting care for more than 11,100 patients.
Read more about the invention here.
