In today’s edition, we’re talking about a huge win for reproductive rights in the UK, the renewable learning funds making higher education accessible to all in Hawai’i, and the formerly unhoused people leading guided tours around England’s capital.
UK MPs vote to decriminalise abortion in step forward for reproductive rights
British MPs have voted to decriminalise abortion, marking the biggest step forward in reproductive rights in almost 60 years. In an amendment to the government’s crime and policing bill, parliament voted to change the criminal laws that govern abortion in England and Wales so that women procuring a termination outside the legal framework cannot be prosecuted.
Hawai’is pay-it-forward loan plan gives college students no interest, no fees
At the University of Hawai’i Mānoa’s College of Engineering, a renewable learning fund has been launched to provide zero-interest loans to low-income students to cover any remaining education costs after grants and scholarships.
How the energy of “No Kings Day” can be channelled into political productivity
“It has to be about the future,” explains Timothy Snyder, history professor and author of “On Tyranny”. In this interview with MSNBC, he discusses the importance of finding solutions to right-wing problems within the anti-Trump movement.
Taking apart buildings piece-by-piece is emerging as a climate solution
A growing movement within the construction industry is exploring the possibility of reusing pre-loved materials from unused buildings for future projects.
Cloudburst tunnels and sponge parks: Copenhagen gets ready for the future
Predictions of 30% more rain before the end of this century have led Copenhagen to undertake climate-adaptation projects on a massive scale. Water, that would otherwise flood the city, can be pumped into 7 huge rain tunnels or absorbed into 20 sealed “sponge” parks and stored for irrigation in dry times.
The water conservation concept that won over Oklahoma’s farmers
Thanks to the creative conservation practices adopted by farmers across the state, roughly 100 streams have been revived. The main solution was surprisingly simply: give cows clean drinking water and keep them out of local streams.
The homeless tour guides leading the way around London
Unseen Tours trains formerly unhoused individuals to lead guided walks around different neighbourhoods across London. The charity hopes to spark conversations around homelessness and reduce the stigma that can come with it.
Florida inmates grow mangroves to protect coastline from hurricanes
A new programme inside Volusia County Jail helps incarcerated individuals directly contribute to mangrove restorations efforts. Using on-site greenhouses to cultivate the trees, the inmates are helping to build natural defences against storm surge and coastal erosion.
The Scottish clowns bringing joy to paediatric wards
For many children, being in hospital can be a frightening, lonely and often deeply boring experience. Professionally trained clowns are stepping in to distract young admittees and make their stay feel a little lighter.
