Our progress updates bring you the news filtered through the lens of outcomes. We ask: Has the event, action, or utterance changed anything? In particular, has it contributed tangibly to resolving any of the problems that we focus on here? Our reports demonstrate progress towards a solution – or regrettably, a regression from possible resolution. If our editors do not agree that the event, action, or utterance has moved the needle of progress one way or the other, then it won’t be reported here.
Energy Market, State and Local Governments Reduce Emissions
In the past four years, changing markets and state and local government policy have helped reduce carbon emissions despite Trump's promise to bring back coal.
Georgia Organizers Raise Bar in Battle Against Voter Suppression
Fair Fight, New Georgia Project, Black Voters Matter, and others worked overtime to increase access for marginalized voters in the 2020 general election.
Tennessee Law Lifts Telemedicine Restrictions for Duration of Pandemic
Tennessee passes law to expand telemedicine coverage until April 2022 in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
Chattanooga Nonprofit Cuts Household Costs, Carbon Emissions With Utility Program
Utility efficiency initiatives may not be the best bang-for-your-buck climate solution. But they advance equity in the bargain.
Pro Athletes Speak Up for Social Justice, Voting Rights
Professional athletes use their celebrity and wealth to push for social change and encourage fans to vote in response to police violence against Black citizens.
Georgia Voters, Organizations Fight for Functional Election
In a state with a legacy of voter suppression, dysfunctional primaries alarmed voting rights advocates. Here’s how they’re working to ensure a better general election.
Florida, Texas Latest to Propose Anti-Protest Legislation
Florida and Texas governors magnify disturbances at mostly peaceful protests to propose harsh anti-protest legislation that could strip protesters of their right to vote.
Tennessee Law Could Disenfranchise Protestors
A new Tennessee law makes camping on state property, among other protest-related offenses, a felony. In Tennessee, people convicted of felonies lose the right to vote.
Online Services Increase Access to Contraception
It can be hard to get birth control, particularly for women in rural settings. A new wave of companies makes it easier.
Voters Should Expect Shorter Lines, Faster Vote Counting for November Election
Voters should expect more to go right on Election Day as election officials learn from mistakes made in the primaries.
To Estimate COVID-19 Cases, Chattanooga Tests Its Wastewater
Wastewater testing for Covid-19 shows greater numbers than reported cases. That could affect decisions to reopen schools and businesses.
Basketball, COVID Money Tracker Put Eyes on National Debt
The national debt has returned to the spotlight thanks to rising NBA star Spencer Dinwiddie and the COVID Money Tracker, an accountability tool from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.