Illinois governor clears thousands of marijuana convictions
Illinois’ governor granted more than 11,000 pardons for low-level marijuana convictions, describing the step as a first wave of thousands of such expungements.
United States
Mattel commits to use sustainable materials in toys and packaging by 2030
In an expansion of its Environmental Sustainable Sourcing Principles that were announced in 2011, Mattel plans to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics materials in both its products and packaging by 2030.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy restores voting rights for 80,000 on probation or parole
“I am proud to sign one of the most progressive expungement laws in the nation, which will allow more New Jerseyans the opportunity to fully engage in our society,” Murphy said.
Hawaii’s state bird, the nene, is no longer an endangered species
Thanks to recovery efforts—including native captive breeding, rigorous habitat restoration and active management strategies—population numbers rose from 30 in 1960 to about 2,800 today.
Sprint to go 100% carbon neutral and 100% renewable electricity by 2025
The company has committed to source 100% renewable electricity across the company’s entire operations — all retail stores, offices, call centers, and network sites.
Goldman Sachs will end funding for Arctic drilling
The multinational investment bank has updated their energy policy for the first time since 2015, stating that they will end financing for new drilling or exploration in the Arctic.
Los Angeles libraries will stop collecting late fees for overdue books
The city will stop collecting fines for past-due books and other materials this spring, part of a larger effort to make the 73-branch library system more welcoming to the city’s neediest residents.
The state of New York sees first drop in opioid deaths since 2009
After years of rising opioid-related overdoses deaths among state residents, 2018 finally saw a drop, from 2,170 deaths in 2017, to 1,824 deaths – a 15.9 percent decrease.
Kansas City becomes first major American city with universal fare-free public transit
Free bus service, which is expected to cost about $8 million, has been pitched as a major help to low-income residents who rely on transit to commute to work.
United States enacts animal cruelty bill into law, making it a federal felony
Animal cruelty has officially become a federal felony after President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan bill, Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, into law.