We’re kicking off the week at Squirrel News with reports on how the UK elected its most diverse parliament to date, the bike giveaway scheme advancing mobility justice in Chicago, and exciting progress being made in stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes.
UK makes history with most diverse parliament ever
Britain’s newly elected Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is set to lead a parliament that marks a historic milestone in diversity. Following a decisive electoral triumph on Thursday, which ended 14 years of Conservative leadership, Starmer will preside over a parliament that is not only more ethnically diverse but also boasts a record number of female representatives.
The Bike Chicago programme is distributing free bicycles to underserved communities – a climate-friendly strategy that not only improves active transportation but also supports equity.
Stem cell therapy shows breakthrough against type 1 diabetes
Early results from clinical trials suggest that an experimental stem cell therapy could potentially transform the treatment of type 1 diabetes by restoring insulin production in patients.
New Arctic “dirty fuel” shipping regulations fight climate impact
New regulations have officially banned the use of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in Arctic waters. HFO, known for its high emissions of black carbon, a potent accelerator of Arctic ice melt, has long been a staple in global shipping, notably for tankers.
New law ensures child influencers get fair share of social media revenue
Effective July 1st, a new amendment to the state’s Child Labour Law mandates that children under 16 must receive compensation for their appearances in their guardians’ social media posts. This law aims to protect young people by guaranteeing them a portion of the earnings generated from their participation in online content.
Book bans face tougher standards in Vermont in win against censorship
Starting July 1st 2025, Vermont’s public schools and libraries must adopt fair, inclusive procedures for challenging and removing books. Books can no longer be prohibited or limited due to their content on topics such as politics, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
New discovery paves the way for climate-proof chocolate
Researchers have made a breakthrough in sustainable cocoa cultivation – making it more resilient to climate challenges. This new discovery has the potential to ensure a stable future for cocoa production – securing the ingredient for chocolate enthusiasts worldwide.
Introducing wildlife-rich wetlands to tackle sewage pollution
As sewage and agricultural runoff continue to pollute the UK’s rivers, researchers and communities are rallying for solutions. The introduction of biodiverse wetlands offers hope for cleaner waterways.
Interactive atlas measures global progress in sustainable transit options
The world’s first interactive atlas allows users to track cities’ advancements in sustainable transportation. From extensive public transit networks to accessible bike lanes, users can explore how urban areas worldwide are embracing car-free options to improve mobility and reduce environmental impact.
