In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re covering Mexico City’s ban on traditional bullfights and the introduction of a bloodless version of the practice, the creation of a new town in Britain designed with cycling as a priority, and a radio show that gives homeless people a platform to share their stories as on-air presenters.
Mexico City introduces “bloodless bullfighting” in win for animal rights
Mexico City’s congress has voted to ban traditional bullfights and replace them with a new form of bloodless spectacle, marking the latest episode in a years-long legal battle to outlaw the practice in the capital.
The British town that’s a model for bike-friendly living
The Waterbeach development near Cambridge has been designed with cycling at its heart, and features extensive bike infrastructure as well as multiple green transport choices for car-free lifestyles.
Native American suicide rates almost halve in New Mexico
Suicide rates among Native populations have historically been disproportionately high, usually 91% above the national average. New Mexico, however, saw a 43% reduction in Native American suicide rates between 2022 and 2023 far exceeding the state’s overall 9% decrease.
Iceland’s four-day workweek is a resounding success
Back in 2019, Iceland gained attention as an early adopter of the four-day workweek not through sweeping legislation, but via agreements that let workers negotiate reduced hours. Nearly six years later, almost 90% of Icelandic workers enjoy a workweek of 36 hours, down from the previous 40, with no loss in pay.
Drones offer a boost to rainforest restoration with tree-seeding trial
The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, the Woodland Trust, is using drone technology to plant thousands of native trees in south-west England. In one of the country’s most ambitious projects of its kind, drones have scattered 75,000 seeds across Cornwall’s Bodmin landscape.
US farmers turn to sheep as eco-friendly lawn mowers for solar farms
Facing mounting debt and declining crop prices, some U.S. farmers are turning to an unconventional side business: renting out sheep to eat unwanted weeds and vegetation at solar farms. Also known as solar grazing, the trend might emerge as an alternative source of income in the agricultural economy.
Hope for endangered penguins as no-fishing zones agreed off South Africa
The new deal will restrict fishing near colonies on Robben Island and Bird Island for 10 years, after a long debate between industry and conservationists.
How Nigeria’s biggest street festival encourages HIV testing
To address rising HIV rates, the Wise Up Campaign is reaching young people in a new way: by bringing awareness and testing to the lively Calabar Festival and Carnival.
The youth club supporting the children of sex workers in Kolkata
In Kolkata’s red-light districts, DIKSHA youth club is a safe space for the children of sex workers to stay while their mothers work. Since 2001, the club has worked to educate these children on their rights, prevented girls from entering the sex trade, and played an important role in reducing stigma against these children in the broader community.
Radio show gives homeless people a voice as on-air presenters
Every third Thursday of the month, residents of Somerset can tune into their local radio station and hear from some presenters that may otherwise go unheard: homeless people.
