In today’s edition of Squirrel News, 200 UK companies adopt a permanent four-day workweek with no pay cuts, New York secures $950 million for its largest solar farm, and startups turn vacant offices into indoor farms for local food production.
200 UK companies adopt permanent four-day workweek
200 UK companies have permanently adopted a four-day workweek with no loss of pay, benefiting over 5,000 employees. Supporters say the change improves work-life balance, attracts talent, and maintains productivity.
New York State’s largest solar farm moves forward with $950 million investment
To help meet New York’s goal of sourcing 70% of its electricity from clean energy by 2030, Greenbacker Renewable Energy has secured $950 million to build the state’s largest solar farm. The 500-megawatt project, expected to power 120,000 homes, is set to begin operations in 2026.
Solar and wind outpace all other energy sources, driving fastest shift in history
Solar and wind power are being deployed five times faster than all other new electricity sources combined, making them the most cost-effective and scalable solutions for global energy demand. With storage solutions in place and fossil fuel generation stagnating, renewables are on track to dominate electricity production.
UK launches ‘skills passport’ for fossil fuel workers’ shift to clean energy jobs
To make sure fossil fuel workers aren’t left behind in the shift to clean energy, the UK and Scottish governments have introduced a digital skills passport to help them transition into offshore wind and other renewable sectors.
After a surge in violent crime during the pandemic, U.S. homicides fell by 16% in 2024, continuing a downward trend, according to a new report from a nonpartisan think tank. While crime remains a key political issue, experts say the data suggests significant progress in restoring public safety.
Los Angeles turns planned jail site into housing for homeless residents
Instead of building a new jail, Los Angeles repurposed a vacant lot into The Hilda L. Solis Care First Village, a shipping container housing complex providing both temporary and permanent shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Sacramento builds homeless campus: ‘Heck of a lot cheaper than letting someone stay unsheltered’
Sacramento County is building the Watt Service Center, a 13-acre facility offering shelter, health care, and job support. Expected to serve 18,000 people over 15 years, the centre provides resources to help individuals transition out of homelessness.
US cities expand municipal ID programmes to help immigrants
Without official identification, many undocumented and unhoused residents struggle to access essential services, from health care to banking. Municipal ID programmes in cities like New York and Greensboro are bridging this gap.
Startups are converting empty buildings into vertical farms that grow fresh produce in controlled environments. These urban farms reduce food transport emissions, use less water than traditional agriculture, and offer a sustainable solution to both unused office space and local food production.
Restorative justice programme helps couples heal after domestic conflict
The CHAT Project in Richmond, California, uses restorative justice to help families move beyond conflict through therapy, accountability, and community support. By focusing on healing over punishment, the programme equips participants with tools to rebuild relationships and co-parent effectively.