New York grants free tuition for all state colleges
New York just became the first state in the nation to make tuition free for middle class students at both two- and four-year public colleges.
States & provinces
California EPA becomes first U.S. agency to declare that Roundup causes cancer
The state of California has finalized its decision designating glyphosate, the main ingredient in the pesticide Roundup, as a known human carcinogen under the state’s Proposition 65.
California commits to using climate science in water decisions
This resolution is the first commitment by a water-related state agency to use climate science in all permits, plans, policies, and decisions.
Maryland House votes to ban fracking by veto-proof margin
The majority, including a handful of Republicans, voted to ban the practice after hearing arguments that science shows that the risk of earthquakes, water contamination and health problems increases in fracked areas.
New Jersey will no longer collect loans from families of dead students
After a ProPublica and New York Times investigation into New Jersey’s student loan program, Gov. Chris Christie stayed silent. On Monday, he signed a reform bill ending its most onerous practice.
Ontario to give every citizen $1,320 income boost to overcome poverty
One in five children live in poverty in Canada, according to Unicef, and a recent poll found two-thirds of Canadians open to the idea of basic income
Georgia elects first openly gay man to state legislature
Voters in Georgia’s House District 101 did something no other district in Georgia has ever done: They elected an openly gay man to the state legislature. Sam Park will serve portions of Gwinnett County, Georgia starting in January.
Maine passes ranked-choice voting
Under the election overhaul, ballots are counted at the state level in multiple rounds. Last-place candidates are eliminated until a candidate wins by a majority.
Gun-safety initiative heads to big win in Washington
With broad support across both sides of the Cascade Mountains, Initiative 1491, a gun-safety ballot measure, won easily.
Arizona sheriff officially charged with criminal contempt in racial profiling case
Sheriff Joe Arpaio has been arresting undocumented immigrants with no state charges against them. He has now been charged with criminal contempt.