Today on Squirrel News, we learn about the new deal that will make vital drugs more affordable for people in the US, the free transportation programme for low-income residents in Philadelphia, and innovative roofs that cool homes in Sierra Leone.
White House strikes deal to slash prices of costliest medications
The Biden Administration has agreed with drug manufacturers on reductions of 38 to 79 % to the prices of vital and expensive medicines like blood thinners and diabetes drugs for patients on Medicare. The change will take effect in 2026.
Free transportation for low-income residents of Philadelphia
The poorest households in the city struggle the most with transportation costs, creating a barrier for job seekers. The new free travel requires no application: all income-qualified residents between 18 and 64 are granted service automatically.
The policy extends a pilot programme that made enrollment at community colleges in the state free for people above 25 without a degree. There is no minimum age and an additional stipend will also books and supplies for some.
Climate change and urbanisation in the capital of Sierra Leone has driven temperatures as high as 40ºC, with high humidity on top of that. A programme installing heat-reflective mirrored sheets has shown initial results of cooling up to 6 ºC.
New alert system to address disparity in search for Indigenous people in the US
Native Americans are at a higher risk of going missing or being victims of violence, crimes that are often under resourced and unsolved. The FCC announced a new nationwide alert code for indigenous and tribal people to boost law enforcement and help close the gap.
Prisons across the US are facing dangerous staffing shortages, resulting in lower safety and quality for prison inmates and staff. The Colorado government has built new staff housing units in the hope of attracting and keeping a full workforce.
Your phone can detect earthquakes and help with early warnings
Most Android smartphones have accelerometers, tiny devices to detect phone rotation. Google has enabled crowdsourcing of the data to help with early detection and getting people to safety before a quake hits.
How a Polish activist united the country to cut back on coal
60% of Poland’s electricity is still generated by coal plants, causing significant air pollution. Krakow resident Anna Dworakowska started a Facebook group to monitor smog levels in the city, which ultimately led Krakow and other cities to ban coal plants.
Former oil executive on a quest to plug abandoned oil wells
Former oil and gas executive Curtis Shuck stumbled upon an oil well in 2019, improperly abandoned and leaking methane and other pollutants. He founded Well Done which has so far plugged 45 such wells across the US.
How solar brought energy sovereignty to a rural Hawaiian island
Electricity costs in the island of Moloka’i in Hawaii are the highest in the country. The community of 7300, 65% Native Hawaiian, is now on the way to reaching energy sovereignty and sustainability thanks to micro- and nanogrids of photovoltaic arrays with batteries.
