San Francisco creates world’s first ever transgender cultural district
The creation of Compton’s Transgender Cultural District is to stop the displacement of trans people from a place they were traditionally welcomed in, and to teach trans history.
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.
Michigan becomes first state in Midwest to allow recreational cannabis
Michigan is now the first Midwestern state to legally allow recreational cannabis. It’s the 10th state to legalize recreational pot.
District of Columbia lawmakers vote for 100 percent clean power by 2032
The D.C. City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted “yes” in a preliminary vote to require 100 percent of electricity in the district to come from renewable sources by 2032.
The U.S. establishes its first cybersecurity defense agency
President Donald Trump signed into law the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Act of 2018, thereby establishing the first agency devoted to defending U.S. infrastructure from both cyber and physical attacks.
New peanut allergy drug shows ‘lifesaving’ potential
The results of a new study may lead to approval of what could be the first oral medication that ameliorates reactions in children with severe peanut allergies.
Gun control groups eclipse NRA in U.S. election spending
Amid a numbing succession of mass shootings, gun control groups outspent the National Rifle Association in the midterm election cycle.
The U.S. FCC approves SpaceX’s plan to launch 7,518 internet satellites
Elon Musk says that the Starlink satellite constellation will maintain a line of sight to everyone on Earth, providing global internet connectivity.
Massachusetts voters uphold transgender rights law
The Yes on 3 campaign described Massachusetts as the first state in the nation “to successfully defend transgender rights by popular vote.”
Colorado elects nation’s first openly gay governor
Colorado Democratic US Rep. Jared Polis will be his state’s next governor, becoming the nation’s first openly gay man elected to a governor’s mansion.
Florida restores voting rights to more than 1 million former felons
Amendment 4 automatically reinstates voting rights for people with felony convictions upon completion of their sentences, including prison, parole and probation.