Policy choices tied to lower poverty rates in 2021
We’ve written about the impact of stimulus checks during the pandemic, but the US also responded with additional measures like raising food stamps benefits, barring eviction, and offering financial support to small businesses. It looks like this policy choice paid off; poverty in 2021 is Read More...
The public now has a direct say on climate matters in Washington state
Oftentimes it feels like regular citizens have little to no say in national or state-level politics. That’s why we’re excited to share news out of Washington state where a new assembly is being formed that will allow 80 randomly-selected members of the public to have a direct say on climate Read More...
This school district is keeping snow days alive so kids can be kids
A heavy weekday snowstorm may be a nightmare for adults who must commute through town, but if you’re a kid, it’s the best thing ever. Heavy snow usually means school is canceled for the day, which means it’s time to play in the white fluff and get cozy with books and movies. Or at least, Read More...
New Jersey passes bill to protect poor communities from pollution
In the past months, the state of New Jersey has passed some landmark laws that have been worth sharing. It started in June when the state mandated that climate change education must be a part of the curriculum in schools. Then, just weeks ago, Gov. Phil Murphy signed off on a new law that allows Read More...
South Australia becomes first Aussie state to ban single-use plastics
Although bans on single-use plastics have been enforced in countries all around the world, such policy has yet to be implemented in Australia. But that is about to change after South Australia became the first Australian state to introduce laws banning some single-use plastics including cutlery, Read More...
New law allows chefs to run little restaurants out of their homes
Wouldn’t it be amazing if people with a knack for cooking could run a small restaurant out of their home? Well, in the city of Riverside, California, that’s now possible. Riverside recently passed law AB-626 that opens unprecedented doors of opportunity by allowing residents to operate small Read More...
New Jersey enacts new law to help undocumented immigrants find jobs
California has long been the only state to have passed a blanket law to aid all undocumented immigrants, but now New Jersey has joined the state after Gov. Phil Murphy repealed key restrictions. The restrictions barred undocumented individuals from obtaining occupational and professional Read More...
Cities that implement bike-share programs see more people bike to work
In the past decade, bike-sharing systems have exploded in popularity across America. Whereas there were only four US cities with a bike-sharing system in 2010, over 50 cities had a bike-share system by 2016. The often brightly colored bikes with whimsical company names promise city dwellers an Read More...
Portugal gives migrants full citizenship rights during pandemic
Coronavirus is unique because of its truly global impact, but with that said, it’s also exposing inequalities in our world. For many migrants, for instance, sheltering in a safe space is not always a possibility. Gaining access to healthcare is also not so simple. To make amends for this, Read More...
The case for putting speed limits on cargo ships
Should cargo ships start going slower on their journeys across the ocean? This is the question being discussed this week at the UN where officials will hear proposals to cut shipping industry emissions by introducing speed limits. Container ships and other ocean liners in the industry deal with a Read More...