In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about landmark legislation preventing book bans in Illinois, a groundbreaking move to halt the creation of new coal-fired power plants in India, and a campaign in Colorado to keep incarcerated persons better connected to their families free of charge.
Illinois set to be the first US state to ban book bans
The landmark legislation is being hailed as “a triumph for our democracy”, representing a counter-movement to growing efforts to restrict books across the US.
Colorado lawmakers push to make prison phone calls free
With daily 15-minute phone calls adding up to a bill of $438 a year, many families can’t afford to speak with incarcerated loved ones – something this bill aims to change.
A tiny Latino-majority city is the blueprint for energy independence
Residents of Chelsea, Massachusetts put actionable data into the hands of decision makers, resulting in the creation of a town microgrid and energy resilience.
Honey production sweetens snow leopard conservation in Kyrgyzstan
A new program by two snow leopard conservation NGOs is helping herders diversify away from livestock toward beekeeping, agroecology, ecotourism and handicrafts.
Empty department store gains new lease of life as a high school
When toxic materials were found in their building, students at Burlington High School needed a fast solution. The answer came in the form of a disused Macy’s store.
Chile’s firefighting goats are protecting native forests from blazes
The Buena Cabra project in the southern Chilean city of Santa Juana is employing the goats as part of a trial of sustainable methods of wildfire management.