California set to become first state to provide free health care to all low-income immigrants
The move will make low-income adults eligible for the state’s Medicaid program by 2024, regardless of their immigration status.
States & provinces
Colorado to phases out coal-fire energy production by 2031
The plan offers support to impacted workers and communities, lays the groundwork for a clean energy future, and results in a nearly 90 percent reduction in Xcel’s Colorado carbon emissions.
Washington State to block anti-abortion states from accessing ID data
Inslee, the longest-serving active US governor, said he will work to “plug any gaps” in privacy laws so women can obtain abortions without fear of their information being shared.
Many U.S. states now allow mental health absences for students
At least nine states now allow students to take mental health days. Other states using less expensive solutions like in-class mediation, mindfulness exercises, and social-emotional training.
Western Australia to retire all government-owned coal-fired power stations by 2030
They will then invest an estimated $3.8 billion by 2030 into a generation of renewables and storage, mostly wind and batteries, to ensure Western Australia has affordable and reliable power into the future.
Virginia joins 20 other U.S. states banning ticket quotas for traffic cops
The National Motorists Association says that “a speed trap exists wherever traffic enforcement is focused on extracting revenue from drivers instead of improving safety.”
New York governor signs law raising age to own semiautomatic rifle
New York’s Legislature passed the bills last week, pushing the changes through after a pair of mass shootings involving 18-year-old gunmen using semiautomatic rifles.
Caribou herds in British Columbia have tripled in less than a decade
Environmentalists say the mix of traditional knowledge from Indigenous elders, hands-on community engagement, and Western science offer a model for improved conservation.
British Columbia becomes first Canadian province to remove criminal penalties for possession of some hard drugs
“By decriminalizing people who use drugs, we will break down the stigma that stops people from accessing life-saving support and services.”
Global population of one-horned rhino soars due to conservation efforts in India
The International Rhino Foundation announced the milestone, reporting that the population now numbers 4,014 individuals—up from just 100 individuals 50 years ago.