Today’s Squirrel News highlights include a new scheme helping Denverites stay active and earn cash by embracing sustainable commuting options, prescription meal kits designed to fight diabetes, and a conservation win with zero elephant poaching recorded in a Republic of Congo National Park.
Denver offers cash incentives for bike commuters to meet climate goals
The pilot programme aims to not only promote the well-known benefits of reduced emissions and increased physical activity but also provides monetary incentives to residents who choose bikes over cars.
Prescription meal kits combat diabetes epidemic in California
With over half of Stockton, California’s residents grappling with diabetes or prediabetes, a prescribed meal programme emerges as a promising solution to drive positive change in the community.
Changing US zoning rules emerges as “blueprint for housing affordability”
In an attempt to tackle the ongoing housing crisis, cities across the US are exploring proactive approaches, including allowing increased density in downtown areas and along transit corridors, eliminating parking requirements, and permitting the construction of accessory dwelling units – secondary dwellings on the same lot.
Bern declares itself a ‘safe harbour’ for migrants
The Swiss capital, Bern, has become part of a network of primarily German cities by officially designating itself a “safe harbour” for refugees and migrants. This decision stands in contrast to the prevailing national policy, sparking discussions on the city’s commitment to providing sanctuary and support.
Belgian council shifts focus to support individuals living alone
For much of the past decade Carla Dejonghe has worked to highlight the ways in which single people are often disadvantaged, whether through higher household expenses or the assumption that they are available to work evenings and weekends. Now she is successfully advocating for her municipality to evaluate the effects of its policies on single residents.
Minnesota launches license plate to honour missing Indigenous relatives
On the Day of Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, Minnesota introduced a meaningful initiative – a license plate dedicated to finding and honouring those who are missing or murdered within the Indigenous community, with proceeds going towards building solutions.
A California tribe’s move to tackle wildfires and restore water balance
In a move to address the escalating threat of devastating wildfires and enhance water restoration efforts, the North Fork Mono Tribe is pioneering a transformation in fire management policies across the Western region.
Wild horses as firefighters: a California naturalist’s proposal
As wildfires continue to pose a threat, a California naturalist suggests a controversial yet intriguing approach: utilising wild horses to graze on the grass and brush that fuel these blazes in fire-prone wilderness areas.
How radio serves as a crucial lifeline for women worldwide
Radio is amplifying voices of women making waves in unconventional spaces: from challenging the status quo in Afghanistan to addressing climate threats in Fiji’s remote archipelago, advocating for migrant farmworkers in the Yakima Valley, and uniting indigenous women in the Ecuadorian Amazon to safeguard their land from pollution and oil company destruction.
