California has a lot to celebrate today: the overturning of Proposition 8, the state’s same-sex marriage ban, thanks to Judge Vaughn Walker. Today, Vaughn Walker ruled: “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license.” “The state does not have an interest in [...]

Oakland, California made history today when it legalized large-scale marijuana cultivation for medical use. The city plans to issue up to four permits for “industrial” cultivation starting in 2011. The resolution passed the city council easily after a nearly four-hour debate. “This is going to grow as an industry. And someone is going to have [...]

As of August 1, 2010, IKEA will begin to phase out all incandescent light bulbs in their US stores. The recent IKEA environmental initiative has a target date of incandescent bulb elimination by January 1, 2011. IKEA will be the first US retailer to completely phase out incandescent light bulbs. “IKEA is committed to integrating [...]

The California state Assembly voted 41 to 27 this week to pass a bill that would ban single-use plastic grocery bags. The ban will be the first like it in the United States, according to lawmakers and environmentalists. Shoppers would have to bring reusable bags to the store or pay at least 5 cents each [...]

John Kerry and Joe Lieberman detailed their much-touted climate bill, now called the American Power Act, this week. For the full report, head over to John Kerry’s website to read the whole shebang. Here’s the skinny: Offshore Drilling:States would be allowed to opt out of offshore drilling up to 75 miles from their coast. Transportation: [...]

Worried about what kind of food they’re feeding your little monkies in school? We all are. Since Food Inc., as well as Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, there has been heightend awareness regarding the nutrition the public school system is offering the youth of today. Now, actor Woody Harrelson has jumped on board, becoming an advocate [...]

Bad news for millions of seniors who have Medicare. News is emerging that sharp premium increases are in the works this year – as high as 14.2% – showing that even those who are insured are facing out of control heathcare costs. It was revealed on Friday that on average, premiums for Medicare Advantage plans offering medical and prescription [...]

The Federal government recently announced their goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2020. The largest energy consumer in the U.S. will cut its emissions by making gains in efficiency and using more renewable energy. The government spent $24.5 billion on electricity and fuel in 2008 alone and hopes to save $8 [...]

Indonesia has a lofty goal of decreasing emissions by 26%, by 2020. To help reach this goal they are making plans to set up a $1 billion fund to invest in renewable energy projects and water treatment to address the effects of climate change. The Government Investment Unit will contribute $100 million to the Indonesia [...]

The “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon organized by George Clooney brought in the most money a telethon of this kind has ever raised, bringing in an astonishing $58 million for victims of the Haiti earthquake. And the money keeps coming in from around the world, with donations being made via telephone, online and mobile; iTunes sales as [...]