Washington State will now alert survivors when domestic abusers try to buy a gun
This alert system will be the first of its kind in the country.
Good News Links
Court finds that approval of Dakota Access Pipeline violated the law
A federal judge ruled that the federal permits authorizing the pipeline to cross the Missouri River just upstream of the Standing Rock reservation, which were hastily issued by the Trump administration just days after the inauguration, violated the law in certain critical respects.
South Korea to boost minimum wage by 16%
South Korea’s minimum wage is set to increase next year by 16 percent, the biggest jump since 2001.
World’s first malaria vaccine will be given to thousands of babies in Africa
Last week WHO announced that one of several potential malaria vaccines in development has made it through a crucial phase of trials and is now ready to be tested in the field.
Apple to build a $921 million data center entirely powered by renewables
Multinational tech company Apple recently announced plans to spend $921 million on a second renewables-powered data centre in Southern Denmark.
Sweden’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2045 written into law
Sweden has committed to becoming a net-zero carbon emission emitter by 2045, following a law passed in the nation’s parliament on Thursday 15 June.
Anglican church set to offer special services for transgender people
The General Synod, meeting in York, voted in favour of the move by 284 votes to 78. It was the second time in two days that it gave overwhelming support to motions seen as positive towards LGBT people, suggesting to some a significant change of mood.
U.N. conference adopts treaty banning nuclear weapons
The treaty — adopted by a vote of 122 in favour to one against (Netherlands), with one abstention (Singapore) — prohibits a full range of nuclear-weapon-related activities, such as undertaking to develop, test, produce, manufacture, acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, as well as the use or threat of use of these weapons.
Nepal votes in first local elections in 20 years
The people of Nepal have voted for representatives in municipal and village councils for the first time in two decades, a landmark moment in the country’s transition to democracy.
Seattle’s ‘democracy vouchers’ aim to amplify low-income voices
The city’s new “Democracy Voucher” program, the first of its kind in the US, provides every eligible Seattle resident with $100 in taxpayer-funded vouchers to donate to the candidates of their choice.