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.
Record low of homicides in Detroit linked to innovative program
Detroit is poised to achieve its lowest homicide rate since 1966 – with an 18% drop from last year alone – largely thanks to a programme initiated two years ago. This initiative was designed to address the backlog in Wayne County’s court docket, marking a pivotal step in the city’s efforts to enhance public safety.
Source: Detroit News
EU greenlights ban of destruction of unsold clothing
The approved regulations not only aim to curtail wasteful practices but also prioritise the development of more environmentally friendly products, emphasising the need for easier repair and recycling processes for goods.
Source: Deutsche Welle
Medical clinic finds balance between conservation and community welfare
Facing the necessity to fund medical treatment for themselves and their families, residents had to resort to logging the rainforest. In response, the charity initiated a unique project aimed at safeguarding the forest while simultaneously supporting the well-being of the local communities.
Source: BBC News
Global nations charting a path to eradicate AIDS epidemic by 2030
With new HIV infections having dropped steadily since their peak in 1995, an ambitious UN initiative is aiming to bring an end to the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Source: Live Science
$41 million allocated by US government to train clean energy workforce
In a nationwide initiative, a number of centres are set to benefit from substantial funding aimed at equipping thousands of students and professionals with the necessary skills for promising careers in the field of clean energy.
Source: Canary Media
Sesame Workshop enlists Muppets to educate children on opioid addiction
Estimates suggest that over 4% of children in the US live in homes where a parent misuses opioids. Sesame Workshop, the educational nonprofit behind one of the world’s most famous children’s shows, is now using its beloved Muppets to explain this complex health issue to its young audiences.
Source: NPR
Afrilingual bridges linguistic divides in New York City’s African communities
Up until 2016, the city’s governmental communication was limited to just six official languages, none of which catered to the linguistic diversity within its African communities. Spotting this oversight, ACT launched a language access campaign, filling a crucial gap in linguistic representation.
Source: Africa News
Turning trauma into a safe haven for abuse survivors on social media
In the face of a multi-million-dollar lawsuit filed by her abuser, Olivia DeRamus found herself looking for a place to share her experiences. Unable to find one, she took matters into her own hands, establishing a groundbreaking network that provides individuals facing adversity with a platform to be acknowledged and supported.
Source: BBC News
Conservation and Indigenous rights coexist in Cordillera Azul National Park
Traditionally, national parks have been depicted and administered as untouched, uninhabited expanses. However, Peru’s Cordillera Azul presents a different perspective, showcasing a unique harmony between conservation efforts and the rights of its indigenous communities.
Source: Reasons To Be Cheerful
Conservation pioneer boosts Uganda’s mountain gorilla population by 66%
As the founder of Conservation Through Public Health, an NGO dedicated to fostering coexistence between people, gorillas, and wildlife while enhancing their overall well-being, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka has spent three decades combating the erosion of the gorillas’ habitat.