As many of you know, Missourians for Safe Energy, the energy policy arm of Peaceworks, has been active in opposing AmerenUE's plans to build Callaway 2, a massive and phenomenally expensive new nuclear reactor. Ameren does not have the demand to justify building Callaway 2, and there is a much cheaper, much faster and more workable strategy to getting off fossil fuels through investments in efficiency and renewables.

Ameren, however, was pushing hard for Callaway 2. And, since the investment community finds new nuclear plants too risky, Ameren tried to get the Missouri General Assembly to repeal a voter-enacted consumer protection law (No CWIP) that prohibits utilities from charging for plants until they are built. Due to strong opposition from groups and businesses across the political spectrum, the repeal of No CWIP was avoided.

On April 23, seeing that their proposed law was doomed to failure, Ameren announced they were suspending their pursuit of Callaway 2. They told the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, however, that they wanted them to continue the process of reviewing their application for a license to build the plant. This past week, on June 23, they reversed themselves again, telling the NRC that they want the review of their application suspended. The Callaway 2 license application remains docketed, but it is not, at this point, moving forward. Callaway 2 is not definitely out of the picture, but it definitely is on back burner. And it is certainly due to the activism of all of us who worked to stop CWIP that this is the case.

CELEBRATE WITH US TUESDAY EVENING: We in MSE see this as reason to celebrate. We invite you to come by the Peace Nook this coming Tuesday, July 7. Between 7-8 p.m. we will gather in the lounge in the back of the Nook for a little celebration. Network with good people. Enjoy some refreshments. And, if you'd like, stick around to talk about what comes next. All supporters of a sustainable, carbon-free, nuclear-free future are invited to join us. We do ask that you RSVP so we have some idea how many to expect.

Peaceworks is holding our Summer Salons at Peace Park (weather permitting) or in the back of the Peace Nook if it is raining. Our Salons begin with a potluck dinner and a time for socializing, followed by a participatory discussion of a topic of interest. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair if you'd like and your own table service if you can. All are welcome.

For the July 12 Salon discussion the topic is: "Walking Our Talk: Exploring How We Make a Better Tomorrow by our Actions." All perspectives are invited. The discussion is participatory and inclusive. There's no expert who'll be there to provide "the answers." Rather, everyone's ideas are welcome on the table.

Pastors for Peace, traveling across continent in a people-to-people humanitarian aid caravan to Cuba, will arrive in Columbia for a potluck dinner and educational program, beginning at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, July 14 in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend this free event. Parking available behind the church, located at E. Broadway and Waugh St.

The program will include a presentation by Ellen Bernstein, who has traveled to Cuba 60 times. She and the other caravanistas are urging an end of the five-decade-long US embargo of the island nation. Rev. Larry Brown, the talented mid-Missouri folk troubadour, who's also traveled twice to Cuba, will perform.

Pastors for Peace works with the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center in Havana, the Cuban Council of Churches and a distribution committee with representatives from ten different Cuban denominations to deliver humanitarian aid Friendshipments. Call Jeff at 573-449-4585 for more details about the local event, sponsored by Columbia Peace Coalition.

Peaceworks is holding our Summer Salons at Peace Park (weather permitting) or in the back of the Peace Nook if it is raining. Our Salons begin with a potluck dinner and a time for socializing, followed by a participatory discussion of a topic of interest. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair if you'd like and your own table service if you can. All are welcome.

For the July 26 Salon discussion the topic is: The topic for that evening is: "Loving Our Perceived Enemies? How do We Relate to War Mongers, Bigots and Homophobes?" All perspectives are invited. The discussion is participatory and inclusive. There's no expert who'll be there to provide "the answers." Rather, everyone's ideas are welcome on the table.