Today on Squirrel News, we explore initiatives including a project safeguarding children from the mafia in Italy, Tennessee’s groundbreaking AI law protecting artists, and a climbing club uplifting refugees.
Project to save children from the mafia extended to Sicily and Naples
The scheme was founded in 2012 to prevent at-risk children being enticed by Italy’s most powerful mafia, the ’Ndrangheta’.
Source: The Guardian
Tennessee enacts first law protecting artists from AI impersonation
Tennessee leads with a new law to shield musicians from unauthorised AI mimicry. The Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act introduces AI-specific protections to prevent the misuse of an artist’s voice, bolstering the state’s legacy as a music powerhouse.
Source: NPR
Deutsche Bahn strikes landmark wage deal offering flexible work hours
Germany’s Deutsche Bahn and the GDL union have reached an agreement that allows train drivers to opt for reduced weekly working hours without sacrificing wages, a move hailed as a milestone for labour flexibility.
Source: Reuters
India plans to replace minimum wage with living wage — report
India aims to transition from a minimum wage system to a living wage by 2025, with support from the International Labour Organisation to ensure basic needs are met. This move could help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for over 500 million workers.
Source: Economic Times
A fresh approach to food banks in the UK
The Bread and Butter Thing transforms the traditional food bank model in the UK by not only distributing surplus food to prevent waste but also fostering community connections and providing vital support services.
Source: Positive News
Innovative solutions for a sustainable food system
As the global food system faces dual challenges of high greenhouse gas emissions and inadequate nutrition for billions, innovators are stepping up with green solutions, from lab-grown dairy in London to urban food forests in Philadelphia.
Source: BBC
Davenport University launches bilingual programme to aid immigrant education
Davenport University’s Casa Latina programme offers a novel approach to empower immigrants and bilingual students by providing flexible, bilingual academic and support services, enabling efficient degree completion and improved job market readiness.
Source: The Hechinger Report
Drones empower activists to expose environmental, animal rights violations
Inexpensive and easy to use, drones are proving invaluable for activists monitoring illegal fishing, hunting and deforestation – as well as keeping tabs on zoos and aquariums.
Ocean Conservation Namibia’s team is on the frontline, saving seals from entanglement in marine debris while their online videos spotlight the broader issue of ocean pollution, driving home the urgency for worldwide environmental action.
Source: The New York Times
Vilnius locals mentor Ukrainian refugees
Through the BeFriend Vilnius programme, Lithuanian locals are volunteering as mentors to help Ukrainian refugees navigate new lives away from conflict, offering practical assistance and emotional support.
Source: Reasons to be Cheerful
Refugees find community through free climbing club
The Refugees Rock climbing club provides refugees and asylum seekers with more than just physical activity, as it offers a space for building confidence and community connections.