In the first edition of Squirrel News in 2024, discover how a NGO in Ecuador is protecting 10% of the globe’s avian species, explore the emergence of job centers embracing neurodiversity, and learn about a groundbreaking women-led porn app that aims to put the female gaze front and centre in a male dominated industry.
Elizabeth Jacyshyn-Owen
Season’s greetings from Squirrel News
Photo: Dušan veverkolog/Unsplash (CC0) Dear readers, friends and Squirrel Community, […]
Year in review: 279 constructive news pieces from 2023
Over the past few years, our annual reviews have typically featured 25-30 noteworthy news items. However, recognising the wealth of exciting events and big developments throughout the year, we’ve taken things a step further. Introducing monthly reviews has revealed that limiting ourselves to 30 articles for the entire year is insufficient. There’s an abundance of content deserving of at least a brief, if not a more in-depth, exploration.
This year, we’re elevating our approach by presenting a compilation of our ten solution-oriented monthly reviews. We believe this expanded perspective captures the essence of the diverse and impactful stories that unfolded throughout the year.
We hope you enjoy the read and extend our warmest wishes for a Happy New Year!
Free public transport for Montpellier residents, NYC bans solitary confinement, solid state EV batteries
In our last full edition of 2023, we’re talking about the southern French city of Montpellier becoming the latest European metropolis to allow all its residents to ride public transport for free, NYC council voting to ban most instances of solitary confinement in city jails, and how solid state batteries could be a gamechanger in the electric car industry.
Pope greenlights same-sex blessings, bikes for refugees, solar-powered fridges transform Africa’s energy grid
Today at Squirrel News, we’re highlighting the Pope’s decision to allow Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, an inspiring project that donates bicycles to refugees promoting mobility and independence, and the transformative impact of solar-powered fridges in providing energy access to remote communities in rural Africa.
Three million acres returned to Tribal Nations, US sets solar installation record, new Alzheimer’s drugs
Today at Squirrel News, we’re talking about a government initiative returning millions of acres of appropriated land to Indigenous tribes, an extraordinary year marked by a surge in solar installations, and promising developments in the approval process for two dementia medicines in Britain, bringing hope to those affected by the condition.
Slovenia’s anti child poverty blueprint, EU tightens corporate accountability, Ukraine advances EU accession talks
In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about Slovenia’s remarkable achievement in reducing child poverty by one-third over the last decade, the latest developments in stricter new laws regarding corporate accountability, and the announcement that Ukraine is set to begin official talks to join the European Union.
Disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, ending overseas funding for fossil fuels, a new approach to psychosis treatment
Today at Squirrel News, we’re talking about a pre-arrest diversion initiative offering a novel new approach to community youth engagement, the beginning of the end to overseas financing for fossil fuels with the recent addition of Australia and Norway to the CETP, and how Finland’s groundbreaking path to psychosis treatment is making waves on the global stage.
Austria adopts Housing First model, 2,000 captive rhinos to be released into the wild, saving birds via green tourism
Today at Squirrel News, we’re finding out how Austria is mirroring Finland’s success in providing secure shelter for thousands of homeless individuals, exploring a programme dedicated to ensuring the enduring prosperity of the southern white rhino population, and shedding light on an Egyptian NGO’s green tourism scheme designed to support migratory birds and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
Housing First: Austria to provide thousands of unhoused persons with homes
An initiative long demanded by experts is set to address homelessness in Austria: Over 1,000 homeless people are to be given their own flat by September 2024.
South Africa’s four-day workweek a success, free therapy for young NYers, self-test HIV kits fight stigma
In today’s edition, we delve into South Africa’s experiment with a four-day workweek in a first for the continent, discover how free online therapy for New York City’s teenagers is helping address a mental health crisis, and explore the concept of self-test HIV kits in Ghana.
Detroit’s homicide rate plummets, EU bans destruction of unsold clothing, saving a forest by building a clinic
In the latest instalment of Squirrel News, we delve into the huge decrease in Detroit’s homicide rate thanks to a city-wide programme, the European Union’s endorsement of a ban on the destruction of unsold clothing in favour of eco-friendly alternatives, and a medical clinic striking a harmonious chord between conservation efforts and community well-being.
