Sudan to outlaw female genital mutilation
Sudan has one of the highest rates of FGM in the world. According to the UN, 87% of Sudanese women have undergone the practice.
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.
Malaysia close to attaining malaria-free status after reporting no cases since 2018
Malaysia has not recorded any domestic malaria cases since 2018 after recording than 5,000 cases in 2010. If it succeeds in preventing more cases, Malaysia would be eligible to apply for malaria-free status certification from the World Health Organization in 2021.
Pakistan to hire more than 60,000 workers for 10 Billion Tree Tsunami program
The ambitious five-year tree-planting program was launched in 2018 to combat climate change. The new jobs also provide much-needed economic stimulus amid the country’s COVID-19 lockdown.
Canada to ban assault-style weapons
Canada’s government is set to announce a ban on assault-style weapons following a deadly shooting in Nova Scotia this month that killed 22 people.
FDA to authorize remdesivir for COVID-19 treatment after trial shows ‘positive effect’
The government-funded study found that patients who took remdesivir recovered faster than patients who did not, potentially freeing up more hospital beds amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Oxford University bans investment in fossil fuels after student campaigns
In a motion passed by Oxford’s governing body, the Congregation, which is made up of 5,500 academic and administrative members, the university is now required to cut all ties with fossil fuel firms and end future investment in these companies.
Los Angeles becomes the first major city in the US to offer free coronavirus testing for all residents
Los Angeles will offer the testing to residents regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms, but those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will take priority.
Indigenous group in Brazil wins decades-long battle over illegal logging
The Ashaninka indigenous community will receive $3 million in compensation and an official apology from companies. Experts said the case could serve as a legal precedent in other indigenous and environmental lawsuits in Brazil.
New York and Kentucky expand mail-in voting access
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear both signed executive orders mandating applications for absentee ballots be sent to all of their states’ voters — upon returning the applications to state officials, voters will receive ballots.
Coursera makes online catalog free for unemployed workers
Federal, state, and local government agencies in the United States and abroad that serve the unemployed can apply provide free access to Coursera’s courses—an offer that typically costs $399 per year—through September 30.