California becomes first state to offer health insurance to some undocumented immigrants
The plan will provide Medicaid coverage to approximately 90,000 undocumented residents between ages 19 and 25.
Costa Rica passes law to ban Styrofoam containers
Costa Rica has passed legislation creating a full ban on the import, marketing, and distribution of all Styrofoam, or polystyrene, containers.
UK government commits to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050
The UK government has committed to net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050, making it the first country with a major economy to create such a deadline.
Judges in Botswana unanimously rule to decriminalize homosexuality
In the landmark ruling, the southern African nation’s High Court rejected sections of the penal code that criminalize same-sex relations and impose up to seven years in prison.
New Zealand ‘wellbeing’ budget focuses resources on vulnerable populations
Family violence, mental health needs, and child poverty are all at the center of New Zealand’s new ‘wellbeing’ budget, with billions being newly allocated to causes that relate to the overall wellbeing of New Zealanders.
‘Humanity’ added as a religion option on Kolkata college admissions forms
Many students and alumni celebrated the change as a bold statement of inclusivity and progress.
“Transgender” removed from World Health Organization mental disorders
The removal of ‘gender identity disorders’ from their diagnostic manual marks a historic decision for the transgender social justice movement worldwide.
Tanzania bans plastic bags
The government of Tanzania has issued a ban on producing, using, importing, or selling plastic bags.
Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage
The parliament of Taiwan voted to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the first government in Asia to do so.
Federal court rules Ohio’s congressional map unconstitutional
The ruling, by a three-judge panel from the Federal District Court in Cincinnati, ordered new maps to be drawn by June 14 to be used for the 2020 election, when Democrats will fight to preserve their House majority.