Minimum wage increases for 18 U.S. states in 2018
Minimum wage workers in 18 states will get a pay hike next week when higher wage floors go into effect around the country for 2018.
United States
This archive collects solutions-journalism stories and milestones from the United States — covering policy wins, community-led efforts, scientific advances, and social progress happening across the country. Each entry highlights what’s working and why it matters.
The cancer death rate in the United States drops again
The nation’s overall cancer death rate declined 1.7 percent in 2015, the latest indication of steady, long-term progress against the disease, according to a new report by the American Cancer Society.
Thousands in the U.S. were saved between 1990 and 2012 as air pollution declined
Between 1990 and 2012, particulate matter and organic aerosols significantly declined in the United States, saving thousands of lives.
Transgender individuals may now openly join the U.S. military
Starting today, transgender individuals may openly join the U.S. military, this despite stiff opposition from President Trump.
Progressive champion Pramila Jayapal became the first ever Indian-American woman elected to U.S. Congress
On Tuesday night, Pramila Jayapal became the first ever Indian-American woman to be elected to Congress, winning a seat in Seattle’s 7th Congressional District.
U.S. report says humans cause climate change, contradicting top Trump officials
Directly contradicting much of the Trump administration’s position on climate change, 13 federal agencies unveiled an exhaustive scientific report that says humans are the dominant cause of the global temperature rise.
St. Louis commits to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035
The resolution, unanimously approved by the legislative body, tasks the city with developing a plan by December 2018 to wean itself off fossil fuels.
Offshore wind power is taking off in the Northeastern United States
The first wave of six projects in the Northeast are expected to total more than 1,700 MW and cost nearly $9 billion in capital expenditures.
Trump to declare opioid crisis a ‘public health emergency’
President Trump on Thursday will announce he is directing his Department of Health and Human Services to declare the opioid crisis a public health emergency
California becomes first state to legally recognize a third gender
SB 179 helps people of all gender identities be their authentic selves.