In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about a grassroots initiative in Egypt dedicated to confronting extorters, a new drug prevention curriculum challenging ideas presented in the famous “Just Say No” campaign, and the rise in local food delivery co-ops taking on giants like UberEats and DoorDash.
Online group Qawem is saving hundreds of women from sextortion in Egypt
Founded by Mohammed Elyamani last year, the organisation and its network of over 200 volunteers pressure the extorters to back down and delete any sensitive material.
“Safety First” approach to drug education is resonating with San Francisco’s youth
In a stark contrast to the sobriety-only outlook pioneered in the 1980s, a new approach is preparing children for the realities of safe drug use in a healthy and responsible way.
Small food delivery platforms are winning over local restaurants and residents
With many restaurants stating that they have negative relationships with national online delivery networks, a small local platform is filling a gap in the market.
Teenagers are using online networks to highlight racism in high school
Social platforms are increasingly becoming key tools in students’ fight for racial justice, with campaigners lobbying for progressive change both in the classroom and government offices.
Hawai’i announces legal minimum wage for those with and without disabilities
Disability campaigners are celebrating the new legislation, which replaces an outdated law that allowed employers to pay certain employees substantially less than others.
Alaska’s native communities are one step closer to food sovereignty
A grassroots project uses biomass-heated greenhouses to alleviate food insecurity in remote areas, providing jobs and access to healthy food in the process.
Old wind turbines are being repurposed as bridges in Ireland
With many difficult-to-recycle turbine blades soon to be too old to use safely, environmentalists and engineers are finding innovative new uses for these materials.
Sri Lankans are offering a digital helping hand to the country’s baby birds
People are increasingly turning online to educate themselves on how to look after young birds who have been abandoned, injured or displaced during the nesting season.