In today’s edition of Squirrel News, renewables reach a new global high thanks to a surge in solar energy, in the UK the first baby is born to a woman with a transplanted womb, and a football programme in Africa helps women prisoners get back on their feet.
More than 32% of the world’s power came from renewable sources in 2024
Despite a 4% increase in global energy needs due largely to data centres and heatwaves, renewables topped last year’s portion adding a record 858 TWh. Solar was the largest contributor for the third year in a row.
Woman becomes first UK womb transplant recipient to give birth
The development will offer new hope to women born without a womb or whose womb fails to function. Three more womb transplants have been carried out in the UK, with medics hoping the recipients of those wombs will have babies.
Unanimous vote to expedite Medicaid access for pregnant Alabama women
In an effort to address high maternal and infant mortality rates in the state, Republicans and Democrats alike passed a bill Tuesday to allow women to have their healthcare covered for two months while they are waiting for their application to be approved.
Meta blocks livestreaming by teenagers on Instagram
Under-16s will also require parental permission to turn off a feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity in their direct messages. The changes were announced alongside the extension of Instagram’s teen accounts system, which lets parents set different limits.
The trans organisers creating better housing solutions
Studies suggest that nearly one in three trans people experience homelessness in their lifetime. Baltimore Safe Haven, the only housing provider specifically for trans people in the state, is hoping to change that.
Based in one of the most deprived communities in Glasgow, the service’s goal is to cut down on drug-related harm in a region with a high number of intravenous users. Following similar programmes in 18 other countries, the scheme has already managed to prevent overdose deaths, improve health issues and clean up the local area.
Manchester’s phone-free nightclub reviving the rave spirit
At festivals, gigs, and club nights, the view of the stage is often obscured by a sea of phones held aloft in the air. Smaller, more underground nightclubs have closed, giving way to day parties and superclubs such as Manchester’s Warehouse Project.
The disused Paris railway track turned into a green space for wildlife
Inside the French capital’s ring road, the Petite Ceinture, a disused circular rail line, now abounds with nature trails, shared gardens, and even urban farms.
An ancient Yemeni tradition is bringing back bee populations
Yemen is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world – but this isn’t stopping beekeepers. As blooming seasons are brief in the region, apiaries are going mobile, a practice known locally as Tazeeb.
Learning to coach football is empowering women prisoners in Africa
The Football for Reform programme started in Sierra Leone, but its popularity and success have led to programmes in other African nations. BBC’s Africa Daily speaks to the founder, a trainer and prisoners about the difference this is making to women and society.
