New Lyme disease treatment kills bacteria that causes lingering symptoms
A new Stanford Medicine study provides evidence that the drug azlocillin could be effective for treating Lyme disease patients infected with drug-tolerant bacteria.
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.
First-ever Native American-owned film studio opens in New Mexico
The Tesuque Pueblo tribe of New Mexico has launched Camel Rock Studios, which lays claim as the first movie studio owned by a Native American tribe in the history of Hollywood.
Colorado will replace Columbus Day with Cabrini Day
Cabrini Day – recognizing Frances Xavier Cabrini who created 67 schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the U.S. and South and Central America – will be the first paid state holiday recognizing a woman in the U.S.
Starbucks is piloting fully compostable cups in five cities
Starbucks is piloting cups that are just like the company’s normal cups, but the plastic lining has been replaced with a compostable liner, making the cups recyclable and compostable.
Virginia legislature passes sweeping carbon reduction plan
The Washington Post reports that the Clean Economy Act will create many new employment opportunities in wind and solar industries as the state’s utility companies are now mandated to use only carbon-free electricity by 2050.
Florida approves largest community solar program in the United States
The Florida Public Service Commission unanimously approved the SolarTogether program, which will ensure the development of 1,490 MW of solar over the next two years making it the largest community solar program in the US.
Virginia becomes first Southern state to ban conversion therapy for minors
On Monday, Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill that made Virginia the 20th state to ban the practice for minors.
JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo will no longer fund Arctic drilling
JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo will no longer fund oil and gas drilling in the Arctic, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The announcements come on the heels of similar commitments made by Goldman Sachs and BlackRock.
Ameren to invest $7.6 billion in smart grid technology and renewables
One of the largest utility companies in the U.S. Midwest will spend $7.6 billion on a five-year plan to install smart meters, add solar energy and battery storage, purchase 700 MW of wind power, and more.
USC will offer free tuition to students from families making $80K or less
The plan will be phased in with first-year students entering the university in fall 2020. Additionally, the university’s financial need calculations will no longer consider home ownership.