REI to stop selling clothes, cookware with ‘forever chemicals’
REI aims to have all cookware and apparel sold in its stores free of PFAS by fall of 2024. PFAS have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
United States
GE installs world’s first spiral-welded wind turbine tower
The new construction technique produces wind turbine towers 10 times faster while using up to 80% less manpower. Ultimately, this makes wind turbines much more affordable and cost-effective.
Hawaii becomes first U.S. state to ban shark fishing
The penalties for breaking the statute are steep: $500 for a first offense, $2,000 for a second, and $10,000 for any subsequent violations.
Brain circuit breakthrough paves way for opioid addiction treatments
Scientists at the Texas A&M University have identified a specific circuit in the brain from which many negative emotional states stem from during fentanyl withdrawal and could be the reason many chronic users relapse.
Utah to ban LGBTQ conversion therapy
The Utah State Legislature has unanimously approved a bill that enshrines into law a ban on LGBTQ conversion therapy. It now goes to Governor Spencer Cox, who has signaled support for it.
All U.S. military veterans in suicidal crisis are now eligible for free care
Unlike for most other medical benefits, veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to be eligible. More than 18 million veterans in the U.S. could be eligible.
California approves $2.9 billion in funding for zero-emission transportation infrastructure
The funds will be used for the installation of more EV chargers, zero-emission trucks, school and transit buses, and hydrogen refueling technology.
First vaccine to target deadly fungal infections passes preclinical tests
Fungal infections cause more than 1.5 million deaths annually and cost billions. A new vaccine from the University of Georgia could be the first clinically approved immunization to protect against them.
Walmart raises minimum wage by 17%
Starting in early March, store employees will make between $14 and $19 an hour. About 340,000 store employees will get a raise because of the move.
Biden restores protections to Alaska’s Tongass National Forest
Spanning nearly 17 million acres – an area larger than the state of West Virginia – the Tongass stores 44% of all the carbon dioxide contained in national forests across the country.