Colorado pardons marijuana convictions, saving turtles with decoy eggs, Belgium’s transgender deputy PM

Photo: David Mark / Pixabay (CC0)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a mass-pardoning of marijuana convictions in Colorado, the use of decoy turtle eggs in the crackdown on Costa Rica’s illegal wildlife trade, and Europe’s most senior transgender deputy prime minister.

Colorado governor is to mass-pardon over 2,700 marijuana convictions

By automatically expunging the records of those eligible for the pardon, minor marijuana offences will no longer stand in the way of people obtaining jobs and student loans.

Source: Denver Post

Decoy turtle eggs put in nests to track the illegal wildlife trade in Costa Rica

Using satellite tracking, the stolen fakes were consistently monitored, from thief to trafficker to consumer.

Source: The Guardian

Europe’s most senior transgender politician is Belgium’s deputy prime minister

Not only does Belgium have a new governing coalition, but its new deputy prime minister is now the most senior transgender politician in Europe.

Source: CNN

Out of retirement: the care home seniors chasing global cycling glory

Using static bikes and videos, residents can compete for medals and are able to travel the world without leaving their care homes.

Source: The Guardian

Fossil fuel workers are increasingly switching to new jobs in the renewable energy sector

Those hoping to future-proof their careers are turning to greener industries.

Source: The Guardian

One million wells in India to battle water shortage

The Indian megacity of Bangalore is now turning to ancient digging methods to ensure a safe and constant water supply.

Source: BBC

Battling Covid beyond borders: doctors in Afghanistan consulted via telephone

Countries grappling with war zones and low-resources are particularly challenged by the pandemic. Doctors in Afghanistan now receive assistance via telemedicine, forging collaboration among practitioners world wide.

Source: BBC

A new movement is highlighting the presence of Black geographers in the USA

Francisca Rockey founded the initiative in order to illuminate little known faces in the profession.

Source: Euronews

240,000 new trees planted in India as part of nine-year-old campaigner’s birthday present

Nine-year-old climate activist, Licypriya Kangujam, asked her followers to plant one tree each in lieu of gifts.

Source: Euronews

Tasmanian Devils have been reintroduced into the wild in Australia

3,000 years after the species was wiped out, the carnivorous marsupial is back in Australia’s mainland.

Source: Posibl

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