The Best News of Last Week — October 10, 2022
💻 — Here’s some good things that happened around the world last week
1. Biden Pardons Thousands of People Convicted of Marijuana Possession Under Federal Law
In addition to the pardons, Biden said he had instructed Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra and Attorney General Merrick Garland to begin reviewing how marijuana is classified under federal drug laws.
Biden noted that marijuana is currently a schedule one substance under federal drug sentencing guidelines, “the same as heroin and LSD — and more serious than fentanyl,” said Biden. “It makes no sense.”
2. A 100% solar community endured Hurricane Ian with no loss of power and minimal damage
Babcock Ranch calls itself “America’s first solar-powered town.” Its nearby solar array — made up of 700,000 individual panels — generates more electricity than the 2,000-home neighborhood uses. The streets in this meticulously planned neighborhood were designed to flood so houses don’t. Native landscaping along roads helps control storm water. Power and internet lines are buried to avoid wind damage. This is all in addition to being built to Florida’s robust building codes.
3. Scientists discover wax worm saliva rapidly breaks down plastic bags
Enzymes that rapidly break down plastic bags have been discovered in the saliva of wax worms. The enzymes are the first reported to break down polyethylene within hours at room temperature and could lead to cost-effective ways of recycling the plastic.
The discovery came after one scientist, an amateur beekeeper, cleaned out an infested hive and found the larvae started eating holes in a plastic refuse bag. The researchers said the study showed insect saliva may be “a depository of degrading enzymes which could revolutionise [the cleanup of polluting waste]”.
The Slovenian parliament on Tuesday passed an amendment allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt after a constitutional court ruling made it the first country in Eastern Europe to do so.
The family law amendment was passed by 48 MPs, with 29 against and one abstaining.
Slovenia, which emerged from the break-up of Yugoslavia, is the first former communist country to endorse this reform in Europe, as most of its neighbours do not allow civil unions or same-sex marriages.
The EU parliament on Tuesday passed a new law requiring USB-C to be the single charger standard for all new smartphones, tablets and cameras from late 2024.
The measure, which EU lawmakers adopted with a vote 602 in favor, 13 against, will — in Europe at least — push Apple to drop its outdated Lightning port on its iPhones for the USB-C one already used by many of its competitors.
Makers of laptops will have extra time, from early 2026, to also follow suit.
6. Baby alpaca learns to walk again thanks to prosthetic leg in adorable clip
The prosthetic leg has an adjustable-height pylon to adapt to the alpaca’s growing height.
7. Oklahoma City Zoo welcomes first litter of African lion cubs born at zoo in 15 years
The Oklahoma City Zoo has announced the birth of four adorable lion cubs, the first born at its facility in 15 years. The Oklahoma City Zoo has welcomed four new residents: a litter of tiny newborn lion cubs. The cubs were born September 26, according to a news release from the zoo
