In this week’s final edition of Squirrel News, we’re highlighting the Ashaninka tribe’s work to restore their Amazon territory, how Arizona is breaking down language barriers for Navajo voters through audio ballots, and the partnerships between hospitals and anti-hunger organisations to make sure patients receive nutritious meals.
Ashaninka tribe of the Amazon restores territory, sets sights on regional change
The Organization of Indigenous People of the Jurua River has secured a $6.8 million grant from the Amazon Fund – the world’s largest initiative against deforestation. Using the Apiwtxa community as a model, the funding will focus on Indigenous land management, sustainable food production, and more.
Arizona’s overcomes language barriers for Navajo voters with audio ballots
Federal law mandates that counties with large populations of Native language speakers provide ballot translations. However, the choice of what is translated – and what isn’t – can be just as impactful as the translations themselves.
Residents of key swing states can score free concert tickets by registering to vote
Propeller, a platform that connects music fans with their favorite artists’ social justice initiatives, has launched its Vote Club campaign. The initiative provides free concert tickets to voters in pivotal states where every vote can make a difference this election season – hoping to increase voter turnout.
Hospitals partner with food programmes to provide patients with nutritious meals
Healthcare providers and anti-hunger organisations have long recognised the link between diet and health. Now, these groups are joining forces to make sure patients leave the hospital with access to nutritious food.
Kentucky governor prohibits conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors
Democratic governor Andy Beshear emphasised the need for the measure to safeguard children from the harmful practice, which aims to alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through counselling, despite being widely discredited and lacking any scientific basis.
Scientists discover new blood group, solving 50-year-old mystery
In 1972, doctors encountered a puzzling case when a pregnant woman’s blood sample lacked a surface molecule present in all known red blood cells. This discovery has now led to the identification of a previously unknown blood group.
Hope for coral reefs after IVF colonies survive record heat event – study
Young corals bred using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and planted in reefs around the US, Mexico and the Caribbean have surprised scientists, after most survived last year’s record marine heatwave, while older corals struggled.
Restoring natural river curves could be key to preventing flooding
For centuries, rivers have been artificially straightened – but experts now believe that returning them to their natural winding paths could not only reduce flood risks but also support thriving ecosystems for wildlife.
How one Delaware programme could help end homelessness
Four years ago, New Castle County purchased a hotel to shelter its most vulnerable residents. Since then, the initiative has turned from temporary emergency housing into a holistic model aimed at better addressing homelessness.
