Over 150 organisations back call to ban oxo-degradable plastic packaging
Oxo-degradable plastics are being produced and sold in many countries, with society being led to believe they safely biodegrade in nature
2017 C.E.
Worldwide emissions of heat-trapping carbon dioxide have flattened out in the past three years
The study, published in the journal Earth System Science Data, said global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry were projected to grow by just 0.2 per cent this year. That would mean emissions have levelled off at about 36 billion metric tons in the past three years, even though the world economy has expanded, suggesting the historical bonds between economic gains and emissions growth may have been severed.
Andrea Jenkins from Minneapolis becomes the first openly transgender black woman elected to public office in the U.S.
Jenkins, who has been elected to the Minneapolis City Council, became the second openly transgender candidate to win a race Tuesday night.
Danica Roem of Virginia to be first openly transgender person elected, seated in a U.S. statehouse
The race focused on traffic and other local issues in suburban Prince William County but also exposed the nation’s fault lines over gender identity.
Maine voters approve expanding Medicaid under Obamacare
The vote makes Maine the 32nd state to agree to expand Medicaid to thousands of low-income adults who qualify for coverage.
California voters approve gun control measure Proposition 63
The initiative outlaws the possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, requires background checks for people buying bullets, makes it a crime not to report lost or stolen guns, and provides a process for taking guns from people upon their conviction for a felony.
Maine votes to raise minimum hourly wage to $9 next year, $12 in 2020
Maine voters decided Tuesday to raise the state’s minimum wage for the first time since 2009, bumping it to $9 per hour next year, from $7.50, and to $12 by 2020 as part of a national push by progressive groups.
Massachusetts passes Question 3, banning small cages for farm animals
Question 3, the Massachusetts ballot question that would have banned the sale of foods derived from animals raised in cruel conditions, has passed handily, setting new rules on the size of cages in which farmers can raise chickens, cows, and pigs.
Montgomery County Council in Maryland unanimously approves $15 minimum-wage
Montgomery, which is the largest and one of the most affluent jurisdictions in Maryland, is the first in the state to require a $15 minimum wage, and the second jurisdiction in the Washington region, after the District of Columbia.
Nevada passes measure to expand background checks for gun sales
The Yes vote on Question 1, which would require in-person background checks for all guns sold among friends, online and at gun shows, was approved by a 50.45 percent to 49.55 percent margin.