US citizens choose democracy, first female vice president, dolphin rescue scheme

Photo: Jacob Creswick/Unsplash (CCO)

In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about the US election and Kamala Harris’ history-making win, Nevada’s vote to protect same-sex marriage within its constitution, and an innovative new project saving beached dolphins in Cape Cod.

Highest voter turnout in US election history results in a win for justice and equality

The rejection of the Trump administration’s racist, xenophobic and misogynistic policies marks a clear turning point in US politics.

Source: The Guardian

Kamala Harris will make history as the first female, Black, and Asian-American vice-president

The California senator – who is of Indian and Jamaican heritage – is breaking a number of records before even setting foot in the White House.

Source: The Guardian

Cape Cod dolphins are being rescued from strandings due to an innovative new scheme

A publicly-accessible app-based solution has raised the survival rate of beached dolphins by 64% since its introduction.

Source: BBC

Nevada has become the first state to constitutionally protect same-sex marriage

Nevada voters overturned a ban on same-sex marriage, making it the first state to recognise LGBT+ couples’ right to marry in its constitution.

Source: CBS News

Alabama has voted to remove racist language from its constitution

Although segregation hasn’t been legal in Alabama since the 1950s, a section remains in the state’s constitution requiring Black and White children to attend schools separated by race.

Source: CNN

Mississippi will remove a confederate relic from its state flag

The racist imagery will be replaced with the state’s official flower, a magnolia, and the phrase “In God We Trust”.

Source: NBC News

UAE announces relaxing of Islamic laws for personal freedoms

The move will allow unmarried couples to cohabitate, loosen alcohol restrictions, and criminalise honour killings.

Source: AP News

Scotland becomes the first UK nation to ban smacking of children

Once the law comes into force, it will provide children with the same protection from assault as adults.

Source: The Guardian

Dutch government pilots technology to cut e-bike road deaths

The digital system automatically reduces electric bicycles’ power in built-up areas.

Source: The Guardian

A youth-led movement is making climate science accessible to those outside the west

Recognising that the people who are most affected by climate change are often the least able to access information about it, Climate Cardinals is translating crucial resources into over 100 different languages.

Source: Reset

Chris Nikic becomes first person with Down’s syndrome to finish an Ironman triathlon

A 21-year-old triathlete from Florida has become the first person with Down’s syndrome to finish an Ironman event – swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running a 26.2-mile marathon.

Source: BBC

Read more