In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we look into recent statistics showing a rebound in global life expectancy, a former British far-right figure shifting his focus to helping others leave extremist ideologies, and how a Pennsylvania prison is experimenting with a new approach to rehabilitation.
Global life expectancy rebounds to pre-pandemic levels
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in life expectancy worldwide in 2020 and 2021. However, recent data shows a recovery trend, with life expectancy in 2022 returning to the 2019 level of 72.6 years, and in 2023, it increased further to 73.2 years.
UK appoints first nature envoy to tackle species decline
Ruth Davis has been named special representative for nature ‘to put climate and nature at the heart of our foreign policy’. Davis previously held senior roles at charities including Greenpeace, the RSPB and Plantlife, and the thinktank and consultancy E3G.
For nearly two decades, Nigel Bromage was a prominent figure in the British far-right movement. After breaking away from his past, Bromage founded Small Steps, an organisation of former extremists dedicated to supporting those who want to leave these ideologies behind.
Groundbreaking therapy shrinks man’s brain tumour by half in a few weeks
Paul Read, 62, from Luton, has become the first participant in a pioneering clinical trial targeting glioblastoma – a highly aggressive form of brain cancer with a typical survival rate of just 18 months. The treatment involves delivering low-dose radioactivity directly into the tumour to destroy cancer cells.
Free child care available in select states while parents and guardians vote
Olympic track and field champion Allyson Felix has teamed up with organisations across three states to make sure parents can access free child care when heading to the polls – helping to remove barriers for those who want to exercise their right to vote.
“Dirt doesn’t burn”: Why homeowners are rebuilding with earth
For decades, earthen construction has been overlooked by mainstream builders in the US. However, as climate change intensifies wildfire risks, homeowners are rediscovering earth as a fireproof building material – turning to it not just for its sustainability points but as a practical defence against fire.
Farming collective offers land and advice to eco-friendly startups
A farming collective is turning green ideas into reality – offering both land and guidance to emerging businesses with a passion for organic practices.
NYC’s new offshore reefs nurture marine life and protect waterfront communities
Built with $111 million in post-Sandy recovery funds, the “Living Breakwaters” project is roughly 1,000 feet (300 metres) from Tottenville Beach. While these rock and concrete structures can’t completely prevent flooding, their design aims to weaken powerful ocean waves – minimising daily erosion and potentially reducing storm damage along the coastline.
Portland and Chicago turn dirty waterways into community hubs
For years, Portland’s Willamette River was considered off-limits, plagued by pollution and a swimming ban in place since 1924 due to raw sewage contamination. Today, the Willamette is thriving thanks to efforts led by advocates – with the river even reopening for swimming in 2012.
The Pennsylvania prison with a cat and a fish tank to reduce recidivism
The US has the highest prison population in the world and a staggering reoffending rate, with two-thirds of released inmates returning to crime within three years. One prison in Pennsylvania is experimenting with a different approach to rehabilitation – and since its establishment two years ago, the facility has reported only one violent incident.
