China installs more than 100GW of solar in first half of 2024
China installs more than 100GW of solar in first half of 2024 Read more
Today (2017 C.E. - 2024 C.E.)
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bill banning “gay or trans panic” defense
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed a slate of 39 bills into law, including H.B. 4718. The legislation, sponsored by bisexual state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D), states that in criminal trials, “evidence of the discovery of, knowledge about, or potential disclosure of an individual’s actual or perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation is not admissible” for the purposes of demonstrating “reasonable provocation.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs bill banning “gay or trans panic” defense Read more
Thai tiger numbers swell as prey populations stabilize in western forests
The tiger population density in a series of protected areas in western Thailand has more than doubled over the past two decades, according to new survey data. Thailand is the final stronghold of the Indochinese tiger, the subspecies having been extirpated from neighboring Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam over the past decade due to poaching, habitat loss and indiscriminate snaring.
Thai tiger numbers swell as prey populations stabilize in western forests Read more
Island states win historic climate case in world oceans court
Nine small island states have won a historic climate change case at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which ruled that all signatories to a United Nations treaty on marine activities must do more to protect the world’s oceans from climate change. The tribunal found that signatories to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea’s responsibilities to prevent marine pollution extend to greenhouse gas emissions, which harm oceans by altering the earth’s atmosphere.
Island states win historic climate case in world oceans court Read more
U.S. President Biden announces additional $1.2 billion in student debt relief for 35,000 public-sector workers
President Joe Biden announced another round of student loan debt forgiveness, totaling $1.2 billion for 35,000 public-sector workers including teachers, nurses, and firefighters. The administration has now canceled more federal student loan debt than any prior administration – now totaling more than $168 billion for nearly 4.8 million Americans.
South Korea’s top court upholds the rights of people in same-sex relationships in historic ruling
The landmark ruling states that benefits from South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service can be claimed by people in same-sex partnerships and that treating same-sex couples differently than heterosexual ones is “an act of discrimination that… violates human dignity and the right to pursue happiness.” South Korea does not recognize same-sex marriage under the law, so the ruling is major progress in extending the protections and rights to same-sex couples.
Near-extinct Siamese crocodiles make comeback in Cambodia
Cambodia has welcomed 60 baby Siamese crocodiles – a hatching record for the endangered species in this century, conservationists say. They have called it a “real sign of hope”, after more than 20 years of efforts to revive the reptile’s numbers in the remote Cardamom Mountains. The olive green freshwater reptile has a distinct bony crest at the back of its head – by some estimates, it can grow up to 3m or nearly 10ft.
Near-extinct Siamese crocodiles make comeback in Cambodia Read more
California passes first-in-the-nation law banning forced outings of queer students in state public schools
The SAFETY Act prohibits “parental notification” policies in school districts that require educators to notify parents if their child requests to use pronouns and facilities different from the gender they were assigned at birth. The law, which goes into effect immediately, also protects teachers and administrators from retaliation if they choose not to to follow district directives to out queer kids to their parents.
U.S. Internal Revenue Service collects milestone $1 billion in back taxes from high-wealth taxpayers
Last year the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) launched a series of initiatives aimed at pursuing high-wealth individuals who have failed to pay their tax debts. The IRS says the campaign is focused on taxpayers with more than $1 million in income and more than $250,000 in recognized tax debt.
Deforestation in Colombia falls to lowest level in 23 years
The amount of forest loss fell from 1,235 sq km in 2022 to 792 sq km in 2023 – a 36% decrease, official figures revealed. Most of the environmental gains were in the Amazon rainforest, where the Colombian government is focusing much of its conservation efforts.
Deforestation in Colombia falls to lowest level in 23 years Read more