New York City plans to divest $5bn from fossil fuels and sue oil companies
Mayor Bill de Blasio: ‘It’s up to the fossil fuel companies whose greed put us in this position to shoulder the cost of making New York safer and more resilient’
United States
Walmart boosts minimum wage to $11, hands out bonuses up to $1,000 for hourly workers
The increase for the nation’s largest private employer also comes amid political pressure to bolster minimum wages and comes amid a hot streak for the retailer.
North Carolina Congressional map ruled unconstitutionally gerrymandered
The ruling was the first time that a federal court had blocked a congressional map because of a partisan gerrymander, and it instantly endangered Republican seats in the coming elections.
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.
Appeals court rules Portland ban on fossil fuel terminals is constitutional
The Oregon Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that the Portland City Council did not violate the U.S. Constitution with a 2015 resolution that banned new fossil fuel terminals.
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.
Minimum wage increases in Montana
Montana’s minimum wage went up 15 cents to $8.30 an hour. The modest increase is something employers implement starting Jan. 1.
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.
Florida’s minimum wage increases in 2018
The minimum wage increased in the Sunshine State by 15 cents to $8.25.