In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we cover Egypt’s malaria-free status, the Texas teen courts providing peer-led alternatives to incarceration, and how Colorado’s wildlife crossings have reduced animal-related accident rates by nearly 90%.
Egypt has officially been declared malaria-free by the WHO
Egypt is the third country in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve this, following the UAE and Morocco. Globally, 44 countries and one territory have hit this milestone.
Texas teen courts offer alternative to prison for youth
El Paso’s Teen Court offers a peer-led, youth-driven alternative focused on supporting teenagers, helping them avoid the harsh consequences of the traditional criminal justice system.
Colorado’s animal crossings reduce wildlife-related crashes by nearly 90%
Thanks to wildlife bridges and long stretches of fencing, Colorado is becoming a nationwide leader in reducing human-animal collisions. The Colorado Department of Transportation has built over 40 wildlife underpasses and three overpasses, with additional projects in the pipeline, funded by both state and federal resources.
Medicaid expands to include traditional healing practices for Native Americans
For the first time, Medicaid will provide coverage in four states for traditional healing practices used by Native American communities. They were previously funded through IHS appropriations, Tribal resources, pilot programmes, and grants.
Why Dutch prisons are closing: a look at the declining inmate population
While global prison populations are on the rise, the Netherlands is seeing a steady decline. With fewer inmates, several former prisons have been repurposed into hotels and cultural spaces.
Bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental health care
Police officers often face the challenge of responding to mental health crises despite limited training in this area – and these encounters can sometimes escalate with harmful outcomes. New initiatives are aiming to improve the relationship between law enforcement and healthcare and better address these situations.
In our everyday lives, conversations about death are often avoided or seen as uncomfortable. But where can people openly engage in these important discussions? Enter Death Cafes, where communities gather to discuss death and dying in a safe, supportive space led by facilitators and end-of-life doulas.
The rise in clubs and gigs for neurodivergent people
Autistic people and those with ADHD can feel stressed at regular gigs, prompting a wave of carefully tailored new events. Out of Body Pop is part of a growing clutch of music events geared towards these audiences, many of whom find regular nights out difficult.
The impact of Entebbe’s state-of-the-art children’s hospital
A free hospital with a commitment to serving marginalised communities is transforming paediatric care in Uganda. Over the next decade, funding will gradually transition to the Ugandan government, while a mandate guarantees continued access to care.
