“Regimes ban books, not democracies.”

Badge Busse, a 15-year-old high school student from Kalispell, Mont., and also the plaintiff of a lawsuit against the state that alleges Montana isn’t doing enough to address climate change. The state’s constitution says citizens have a right to “a clean and healthful environment.” Busse and the 15 other young co-plaintiffs say that state leaders need to establish limits on carbon emissions. This is the first youth climate lawsuit to ever make it all the way to trial in the U.S. (MTPR — June 11, 2023)

Nevada Assemblywoman Claire Thomas, regarding a new law that Gov. Joe Lombardo signed into law on Thursday, June 8, that made Juneteenth a state holiday. (Associated Press — June 9, 2023)

Portland, Ore., Commissioner Carmen Rubio, regarding her lone “no” vote towards a measure that will change the city code to say that people must dismantle campsites during daytime hours in most public places and bans camping entirely in some locations, such as near schools, parks and busy streets. The measure passed with a 3-1 vote and will be implemented in phases and enforcement could begin in late July. (Associated Press — June 8, 2023)

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as she signed legislation on Wednesday banning the use of handheld cellphones while driving a car, expanding on the state’s texting-and-driving ban. The law will go into effect on June 30. (Associated Press — June 7, 2023)