In today’s Squirrel News, Gen Z protestors in Nepal organise a Discord poll as an ‘egalitarian’ way to find a temporary head of government, the Brenner Tunnel breaks ground with the goal of improving transit connections between major cities across Europe, and people living with Parkinson’s benefit from table tennis.
After a social media ban that backfired and a collapse of Nepal’s government, Gen Z political protesters organised a Discord poll to elect an interim leader during the chaotic situation, a way of designating leadership that its backers are calling more egalitarian and transparent.
The advisory committee to the US Census of scientific experts and statisticians was eliminated by the Trump administration earlier this year. Now experts outside the bureau have resurrected the group with the word ‘independent’ before the title to challenge the statistical changes they find worrying.
Since her firing as archivist of the US, Colleen Shogan has brought together presidential centers, civic groups, former presidents and first ladies to fill the gap she sees in civic education at all ages. The goal is to strengthen democracy by teaching a better understanding of the US democratic system.
Threats to US judges have increased, and women are particularly vulnerable. Through groups like Article III Coalition and Speak Up for Justice, women judges are using network news and town hall events to reach a population where 70% do not understand basics, like separation of powers and the Bill of Rights.
Four transportation infrastructure projects centred in Italy are now underway as part of an EU effort to accelerate passenger train travel and reduce car and truck traffic between major European cities. The latest, the Brenner Tunnel, which broke ground this week, will be the longest train tunnel in the world.
In a new study, conservation scientists have identified the most effective scenarios of reforestation to benefit climate and communities. Adapting and combining existing maps, they have created a web tool, available on the Nature Conservancy website, which they hope will help planners direct reforestation efforts.
The heath habitat has a long recovery still ahead, but a study shows early promise. Forestry England has recovered 170 hectares of heathland so far, and 70 different species are already thriving, putting the project ahead of schedule.
Poaching and political upheaval in Uganda caused rhinos to disappear by the 1980s. In 2005, a private ranch identified as an ideal habitat became home to six animals. In that protected environment, their numbers swelled to 50, enough that some will be reintroduced to Ugandan national parks next month.
Traditional bamboo structures in Assam, India, accommodated temporary flooding but required a yearly rebuild. An Indian NGO designed an adaptation to the old design, building 60 houses and schools that have survived for eight years with only minor repairs, despite the longer periods of flood now common.
Parkinson’s sufferers formed the Ormesby Table Tennis Club in Middlesbrough, UK, after a member read about a Japanese study that showed the positive effect of table tennis on the disease. They report it increases their confidence, makes them feel less isolated, and reduces their symptoms.
