The state of New York sees first drop in opioid deaths since 2009
After years of rising opioid-related overdoses deaths among state residents, 2018 finally saw a drop, from 2,170 deaths in 2017, to 1,824 deaths – a 15.9 percent decrease.
North & Central America
This archive covers progress stories from North and Central America, spanning the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the nations of Central America. Readers will find reporting on health, environment, community resilience, and policy advances across the region.
Kansas City becomes first major American city with universal fare-free public transit
Free bus service, which is expected to cost about $8 million, has been pitched as a major help to low-income residents who rely on transit to commute to work.
United States enacts animal cruelty bill into law, making it a federal felony
Animal cruelty has officially become a federal felony after President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan bill, Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, into law.
Researchers create AI system that predicts epileptic seizures with 99.6% accuracy
The system will give people suffering from epilepsy warning that a seizure is imminent, enabling them to take medication—or alert a friend, relative or medical professional.
Kansas City bans gay conversion therapy
The city council on Thursday approved an ordinance banning the therapy, which tries to change a gay or transgender person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Heliogen, a clean energy startup, announces solar technology breakthrough
With their technology, concentrated solar energy can now create the extreme heat required to make cement, steel, glass and other industrial processes – replacing fossil fuels in a heavy carbon-emitting corner of the economy.
Canada invests $175 million in nature conservation projects
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change has announced the first in a series of more than 60 conservation initiatives launching in every province and territory under Canada Nature Fund’s Target 1 Challenge.
More than 1,000 Google employees signed a letter demanding the company reduce its carbon emissions
Googlers are pushing for a commitment to zero emissions by 2030 and to cancel contracts with fossil fuel companies.
Apple commits $2.5 billion to combating housing crisis in California
In partnership with Governor Newsom, the state, and community-based organizations, Apple is providing a significant investment that offers statewide housing support as well as funding for projects in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area.
The NCAA will now allow athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness
The decision is a major shift for the NCAA, which had historically been steadfast in prohibiting college athletes from being paid.