Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs order protecting rights to gender-affirming healthcare
Walz’s executive order parallels legislation awaiting a floor vote in the state House to make Minnesota a “trans refuge state.”
United States
This archive gathers more than 1,500 solutions-journalism stories tied to the United States — covering policy wins, community efforts, scientific advances, and social progress reported from across the country. Each article highlights what is working, who is driving change, and what results have followed.
Remnants of two banned insecticides nearly eliminated in Great Lakes region
In 2006, the U.S. EPA banned the agricultural use of lindane, linked to anemia, lung cancer, and lymphoma. In 2010, it began to phase out endosulfan, which experts say may damage the liver and kidneys.
Over 7,500 cannabis convictions expunged in Missouri
The expungement is the latest byproduct of the constitutional amendment approved by Missouri voters, which legalized pot for adults and cleared the way for Missourians to have their records cleared.
Seattle becomes first U.S. city to outlaw caste discrimination
For ages, caste has governed nearly every aspect of Hindu religious and social life, with each group maintaining a distinct position in this complicated hierarchy.
Michigan to pass “historic” law banning anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination
The law adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s law prohibiting discrimination based on individual characteristics in housing, employment, and public accommodation in public services and educational facilities.
Eli Lilly caps the cost of insulin in the U.S. at $35 a month
Insulin costs in the U.S. are notoriously high compared to the costs in other countries; the Rand Corporation, a public policy think tank, estimated that in 2018, the average list price for one vial of insulin in the U.S. was $98.70.
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.
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.