Today on Squirrel News, Florida constructs a massive reservoir to secure drinking water and restore ecosystems, Thailand cuts its teen pregnancy rate in half, and the UK reviews its school curriculum to teach students critical skills for identifying misinformation and extremist content online.
Florida builds world’s largest environmental restoration project
Florida is constructing a massive reservoir as part of the world’s largest environmental restoration effort in the Everglades. This project aims to secure drinking water for millions, reduce harmful algal blooms, and restore the state’s delicate ecosystems.
Thailand cuts teen pregnancy rate in half, sets new goal to reduce STDs
Thailand has halved the rate of teen pregnancies over the past decade through community-focused sexual well-being campaigns. The government’s new target includes reducing teenage births to under 15 per 1,000 by 2027 while addressing the rise in syphilis cases among youth.
UK to review school curriculum to teach students how to spot fake news
The UK is launching a review of the school curriculum to introduce critical thinking skills aimed at helping students identify misinformation and extremist content online. The initiative will span multiple subjects to better prepare children for navigating digital information.
Ukraine legalises medical cannabis for patients under prescription system
Ukraine has legalised medical cannabis, enabling doctors to prescribe treatments for conditions such as chronic pain and epilepsy. The law requires patients to obtain cannabis-based medicines through electronic prescriptions and licensed pharmacies.
Oklahoma universities, hospitals partner to address health care shortages
To address critical health care worker shortages, Oklahoma universities are partnering with hospitals to provide tuition incentives and hands-on training for students pursuing health care degrees.
Denver’s year-long basic income programme shows lasting impact on homelessness
After a year of Denver’s basic income experiment, nearly half of participants have secured housing, with significant reductions in unsheltered nights, hospital stays, and public assistance use.
Denver’s green schoolyards improve student outcomes, community health
Denver transformed nearly 100 elementary schoolyards into green spaces, resulting in better academic performance, improved community health, and increased property values. A new study reveals a $3 return for every $1 invested in green schoolyards.
NYC programme pays low-income youth to learn swimming, explore water-related careers
The NYCHA Swim Corps offers New York City public housing residents the chance to learn swimming while earning a stipend, addressing safety and job access in water-related industries.
Baltimore’s floating island aims to restore marine life
The long-polluted Inner Harbor in Baltimore is getting a boost from the National Aquarium’s new floating island, designed to filter water and attract wildlife. This innovative wetland uses native plants and technology to improve water quality.
Artists turn air pollution into creative solutions
As air pollution claims millions of lives annually, artists and designers are finding innovative ways to help. From Abu Dhabi’s Smog Free Tower to India’s AIR INK, these projects use technology to capture pollution and transform it into jewelry and ink.
