It’s the start of a new year, and we’re going back to our scheduled programming by talking about Iceland’s new female-majority government, Belgium becoming the first EU country to ban disposable vapes, and El Salvador’s annual homicide rate dropping to its lowest ever level.
Leader of the Social Democrats Kristrún Frostadóttir, 36, also becomes the country’s youngest prime minister. It’s the first time Iceland has a government where all party leaders are women, as well as the first time the country has both a female president – Halla Tómasdóttir – and a female prime minister.
Belgium becomes first EU country to ban sale of disposable vapes
Belgium has become the EU first country to ban the sale of disposable vapes in an effort to stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and to protect the environment. The sale of disposable electronic cigarettes is banned in Belgium on health and environmental grounds from 1st January.
El Salvador sees record low number of homicides in 2024
In 2024, the Central American nation saw only 114 homicides – a huge drop in comparison to 2015, where the 6,656 homicides that year made it one of the world’s deadliest countries.
Starting January 1st 2025, all newly registered cars are required to be emissions-free – and Norway may even hit this ambitious climate target without an official ban.
The world’s fifth-largest economy is set to ban polystyrene foam
California is about to prohibit the use of Clamshell containers, cups and other foodware items made from expanded polystyrene foam, with environmental nonprofit Ocean Conservancy estimating this could eliminate up to 3.9 billion pieces of foamware every year.
Los Angeles is seeing an uptick in its number of bike lanes
Since adopting the “Twenty-eight by ’28” transport plan back in 2017 to improve public transit options before the summer Olympics, miles and miles of new bike lanes have been appearing all across the city.
Barcelona’s climate shelters provide free respite to vulnerable residents
With temperatures easily reaching 40°C in the summer months, the city’s 368 shelters are free of charge, accessible for people with disabilities, offer comfortable seating and free drinking water.
Kansas City’s Wellness Court prioritises treatment and support over punishment
Designed with those experiencing mental health crises, disorders, and addiction issues in mind, the mental health and drug courts encourage voluntary court-supervised programming and inclusive treatment instead of sentencing for low-level crimes.
New Orleans offers PlayStations in exchange for firearms
A city-supported gun buyback initiative is hoping to improve public safety through a weapons amnesty – and is giving those who participate video games consoles worth up to $500.
