In the latest update from Squirrel News: a Marseille mosque embraces the queer community, Australia’s Senate approves ‘right to disconnect’ law, and Greece makes history as the first Orthodox Christian nation to legalise same-sex marriage.
Elizabeth Jacyshyn-Owen
“We are Islam”: The mosque in Marseille catering to the queer community
Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed lives as an openly homosexual imam in France. His religion has long been the subject of heated debate here, especially after the Islamist-motivated terrorist attacks on the editorial offices of Charlie Hebdo and the concert at the Bataclan in 2015. During his first term in office, President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to create a “French Islam” and replace the imams sent from Turkey, Algeria and Morocco with imams certified by the French state.
Ecosia plants 200 million trees, Ireland launches deposit return scheme, Brazil’s first all-women samba school
In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we cover the remarkable achievement of sustainability-centric search engine Ecosia in planting 200 million trees, Ireland’s launch of bottle return scheme set to reduce plastic pollution, and the exciting debut of Brazil’s first-ever all-women samba school.
Female education surge in India, US toughens laws on toxic air, “extinct in the wild” bison return to Europe
In the latest update from Squirrel News, we explore the 32% increase in female participation in higher education in India over the last ten years, the Biden Administration’s reinforced measures targeting harmful air pollutants, and celebrate a successful conservation endeavor that has reintroduced “extinct-in-the-wild” Bison to Europe.
33 stories on solutions and progress in January
It’s the start of a new month – which means it’s time for our January roundup! In today’s edition, we’ll take a look back at some of our editors’ favourite articles from the past month – from world-firsts to tried-and-tested solutions, there’s a wealth of positivity to celebrate in January.
Germany’s four-day workweek trial, the caretakers keeping the Amazon standing, pedalling for change
In this installment of Squirrel News, we delve into Germany’s trial of a four-day workweek, the tireless efforts of the guardians preserving the Amazon rainforest, and the bike company giving the formerly incarcerated a second chance.
Biggest US solar-plus-storage project goes live, UK to ban disposable vapes, intergenerational tutoring
In the latest update from Squirrel News, we highlight the launch of the largest solar-plus-storage project in the United States, discuss the upcoming prohibition of disposable vapes in the UK, and shed light on the growing trend of intergenerational tutoring spreading across US schools.
Surge in global green energy, bans halt billions of plastic bags from being used, HPV vaccine success
In this latest update from Squirrel News, we delve into the remarkable acceleration of global renewable energy expansion, the significant impact of bans in preventing billions of plastic bags from entering circulation, and a recent study underscoring the overwhelming success of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.
Nunavut regains resource autonomy, world-first malaria vaccine programme for kids, Thailand’s Clean Air Act
Today on Squirrel News, we delve into Canada granting the mineral-rich Arctic region of Nunavut control over its valuable resources, Cameroon’s groundbreaking initiative: the world’s first malaria vaccine programme for children, while environmental activists celebrate a victory in Thailand following the successful implementation of new laws aimed at fighting air pollution.
Global tobacco consumption in decline, action against money laundering, guerrilla fighters turned craft brewers
Today at Squirrel News, we highlight the positive shift in public health as the global tobacco industry experiences a decline, tougher anti-money laundering rules for cryptoassets and dealers in luxury goods in the EU, and Colombia’s unlikely beer company with a message of peace.
The new cancer drug that’s kinder than chemo, water ATMs, violence prevention strategy in Philly high schools
Today at Squirrel News, we delve into a exciting cancer drug offering a less-invasive approach to treatment compared to traditional chemotherapy, the rural entrepreneurs in India making safe drinking water accessible at an affordable price, and a pioneering violence prevention strategy that is reshaping the concept of safety in Philadelphia’s high schools.
Flee funds for domestic abuse survivors, Spain’s first lawmaker with Down’s syndrome, UK’s 12-year solar power high
In today’s edition, we’re looking at the financial lifelines being offered to those looking to escape abusive relationships, Spain’s trailblazing Down Syndrome representative in parliament, and the UK’s solar energy milestone with rooftop installations reaching a 12-year peak in 2023.
