In our weekly good news round-up, we feature three positive stories from across the week that showcase remarkable innovation, breakthroughs, and progress within the realms of healthcare, sustainability, equity and inclusion, workplace wellbeing, social impact and more.

Here are our favourite positive stories of the week, 21 to 27 October, 2024.

High street retailer brings back vinyl albums

WH Smith is set to reintroduce vinyl albums in its stores for the first time since the 1990s, reflecting a resurgence in the popularity of records. The high street retailer will stock LPs in 80 UK locations, appealing to both long-time vinyl enthusiasts and a new generation of listeners.

This move comes amid a broader revival of vinyl, with UK record sales reaching their highest levels since 1990 — 5.9 million units sold in 2023. Notably, Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and the Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds were among the year’s best-selling albums. 

WH Smith originally sold vinyl from the 1950s until the 1990s when CDs eclipsed the format.

AI system halts train to prevent collision with elephants crossing the tracks

AI is becoming a powerful tool in wildlife conservation, particularly in mitigating human-animal conflicts — as demonstrated this week in India.

An AI-powered safety system prevented a potential collision between a train and a herd of elephants crossing the tracks in the northeastern state of Assam.

Drivers of the Kamrup Express were alerted in time to apply emergency brakes, avoiding harm to the animals. This AI system, already credited with averting 800 potential elephant collisions in Tamil Nadu and Assam, detects wildlife and sends alerts to train operators.

With plans to expand AI-assisted surveillance across all elephant corridors, India’s East Central Railways aims to enhance safety for both trains and wildlife.

RELATED: Learn about our 2025 programme Rail Revolution: 200 Years on Track

Campaign promotes biodiversity by letting nature take its course

A new campaign in the US by a wildlife conservation group is urging Americans to “leave the leaves” this autumn to support biodiversity. By avoiding the usual practice of raking, people can help protect essential habitats for native wildlife, plants, and fungi.

Leaf litter provides food and shelter for a variety of species, and removing it disrupts this delicate ecosystem. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the ecological benefits of fallen leaves and how they contribute to sustaining local biodiversity.

Advice is that if you still have leftover leaves and debris, you can pile them up in a corner of your garden and they will break down into an incredible compost for your garden that can be used over the coming seasons.

The campaign coincides with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) which started this week. It’s taking place in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November; this is the 16th meeting.