Taco Bell launches new 50 item “Veggie Mode” menu
The menu will be available at all Taco Bell locations on March 12, and their kiosks will allow customers to select “Veggie Mode” to see a vegetarian-only menu.
United States
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.
Reddit now lets you report users who might be at risk of self harm
The company teamed up with Crisis Text Line to offer support to users who might be suicidal or hurt themselves in some way.
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.
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.
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.
MIT uses machine learning to develop powerful antibiotic
The drug works in a different way to existing antibacterials and is the first of its kind to be found by setting AI loose on vast digital libraries of pharmaceutical compounds.
Scientists invent device that generates electricity ‘out of thin air’
Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have designed a device that uses a natural protein to create electricity from moisture in the air.
Researchers invent an “EpiPen” for spinal cord injuries that can prevent paralysis
The approach was demonstrated in mice at the University of Michigan, with the nanoparticles enhancing healing by reprogramming the aggressive immune cells—call it an “EpiPen” for trauma to the central nervous system.