Rhode Island becomes fourth U.S. state to make community college free
The Promise Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and fees at the Community College of Rhode Island for new students starting this fall regardless of their income.
States & provinces
This archive collects milestones and progress stories involving U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and subnational governments around the world. From landmark legislation to public health wins and environmental gains, these stories highlight the real-world impact of regional policy and governance.
California lawmakers approve cap-and-trade extension through 2030
The vote came with bipartisan support, a significant shift from previous years where climate policies squeaked by along party lines or with only a handful of Republicans in favor.
Washington State will now alert survivors when domestic abusers try to buy a gun
This alert system will be the first of its kind in the country.
Qinghai province in China ran on 100% renewable energy for 7 days
For seven continuous days, over 5 million citizens living in the Qinghai Province in northwest China survived on 100 percent renewable energy, according to the State-run Xinhua News Agency.
111 terminally ill patients took their own lives in first 6 months of California right-to-die law
The End of Life Option Act made California the fifth state in the nation to allow patients with less than six months to live to request end-of-life drugs from their doctors.
Hawaii first U.S. state to declare everyone deserves basic financial security
Hawaii is taking the lead in embracing yet another innovative idea: universal basic income (UBI).
Hawaii becomes America’s first state to join the Paris climate accord
Hawaii has become the first American state to adhere to the Paris climate agreement, just days after President Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the international pact.
California commits to 100% renewables by 2045
California will source 100 per cent of its power from renewable energy, including solar and wind power by 2045.
Illinois passes automatic voter registration
With the unanimous passage in both the Illinois House and Senate of automatic voter registration (AVR) legislation, it is safe to say this particular reform is moving along rapidly with bipartisan support.
California grid sets record, with 67% of power from renewables
Overall, renewables accounted for 42 percent of the California grid’s power on Saturday, not counting the large hydropower plants.