U.S. raises minimum wage for federal employees to $15
The directive will impact almost 70,000 federal employees most of whom work at the Departments of Defense, Agriculture and Veteran Affairs.
Today (2017 C.E. - 2025 C.E.)
This archive spans one of the most eventful periods in recent history, from 2017 through 2025. Browse more than 4,100 articles documenting scientific breakthroughs, policy wins, social progress, and human ingenuity from the present era. Each story highlights what people and communities around the world are building, solving, and achieving right now.
New artificial pancreas proves “life-changing” for young diabetics
The new study from the University of Cambridge involved 74 children with type 1 diabetes, aged one to seven, with subjects using the CamAPS FX artificial pancreas system for 16 weeks and showing promising results.
Sara Gill becomes Pakistan’s first transgender doctor
Dr. Gill has been described as a “beacon of hope” for the country’s neglected transgender community to pursue their dreams.
France ends ban on gay and bisexual male blood donors
France passed its first ban on men who have sex with men donating blood in 1983, in the early years of the AIDS crisis.
California becomes first U.S. state to require insurance to cover the cost of at-home STD tests
In addition to requiring coverage of costs for at-home test kits, the new legislation calls for increasing the number of health care providers that can offer STI tests.
Germany to dedicate 2% of its land to wind power development
If successful, the plan will add up to 10 gigawatts of new onshore wind capacity every year for the rest of the decade.
The Philippines bans child marriage
Under the new law, culpable parties can face prison terms of up to 12 years for marrying or cohabiting with anyone under the age of 18.
New Orleans to rename Robert E. Lee Blvd. for legendary musician Allen Toussaint
The New Orleans City Council voted unanimously to change the name last week. Toussaint was a New Orleans music legend who died in 2015.
Israel lifts surrogacy ban for same-sex parents
The new law will also grant equal access to surrogate pregnancy for all, including single men and transgender individuals.
Belgium enshrines the “right to disconnect” for government workers
Bosses won’t be able contact employees outside of work hours except in exceptional circumstances, according to a proposed law for civil servants in Belgium.