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Harvey overwhelmed some levee systems. Future storms could do worse.

Emily Foxhall

December 14, 2017 |

Houston Chronicle |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Houston, Texas

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey left many Houston residents questioning the efficacy of one of the city’s only protections, the Levee Improvement Districts (LID), responsible for providing flood protection. In neighborhoods prone to flooding, there has been much debate about the actual protection the current levees provide, leading many to call for solutions like the expansion of the LIDs through elections (rather than appointees) or raising the levees.

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Can red-light cameras help curb Milwaukee's reckless drivers?

David D. Haynes

December 13, 2017 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

Video |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A columnist looks at the proposal to bring red light cameras to Milwaukee after a string of horrific car accidents where a driver blew through traffic lights. The piece covers a good deal of data on the efficacy of red light cameras in Chicago and elsewhere, pointing out the positive results of fewer crashes while pointing out the flaws, such as an increase in rear-end collisions. The author also explains how he reported the story and provides numerous links to resources so readers can continue to explore the topic.

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Be Cool, Stay in School

Adam Davidson

December 12, 2017 |

This American Life |

Podcast |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Rochester, New York

Most jobs require at least a high school education, but 80 million Americans don’t have one, leaving millions of people locked out of the social economic ladder. In Rochester, New York, an organization called Pathstone trains people without a high school degree. They created an optics apprenticeship program, graduating 9 students.

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The Unlikely Industry Empowering Women in Afghanistan

Rachi Kumar

December 11, 2017 |

Yes! Magazine |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Afghanistan, Kabul

Laila Haidary is breaking with tradition, she owns her own restaurant in Kabul, and forms part of a growing trend where women are owning or managing restaurants and denting the male dominated industry. “This idea in itself had its own challenges because our extremely conservative society does not always approve of artistic expressions. Added to that, the fact it is run by a businesswoman makes many people uncomfortable,” she says.”

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Estonia, the Digital Republic

Nathan Heller

December 11, 2017 |

The New Yorker |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Estonia

The e-Estonia project eliminates information silos, pairing blockchain with an easy to use data-sharing platform. The X-Road platform platform acts like a bridge, linking the information in places like doctors offices and governmental agencies together, providing a more efficient data management system for users and bureaucrats alike. The e-Estonia program also offers e-residencies to those who wish to use the services outside of the country. Blockchain technology lends the entire system added security.

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As shootings and homicides drop in Englewood, a new optimism grows

Annie Sweeney

December 08, 2017 |

Chicago Tribune |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

In Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, a name long synonymous with violence and gang activity, a mix of robust, data-driven policing and community engagement reversed a spike in violence from 2016 to 2017 to a degree unmatched anywhere else in the city. A $1.5 million investment in the Strategic Decision Support Center enabled Chicago Crime Lab analysts working with police at the neighborhood level to pinpoint problems and respond quickly. At the same time, police took a less antagonistic stance toward residents. That and lowered violence produced healthier activities like block parties and job fairs.

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How A Textile Factory Empowers Its All-Blind Work Crew

Alia Stearns

December 05, 2017 |

UPROXX |

Multi-Media |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Dallas, Texas

A startling 70% of blind persons in the United States are unemployed. The Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind is helping shift the understanding of what types of jobs are available to this population with a revolutionary factory built specifically for its blind employees. Each machine is retrofitted to be used safely and easily, empowering individuals to become more independent. This video takes you inside the factory to meet some of the workers.

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How Effective Is Your School District? A New Measure Shows Where Students Learn the Most

Emily Badger

December 05, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Too often people use standardized test scores as the only measure of how good a school system is. A new measure looks at the growth and proficiency of the students as a measure of performance and may be more accurate in comparing public schools across the USA.

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In a Refugee Camp, Classrooms Open Up to Somali Girls

Tonny Onyulo

December 05, 2017 |

Al-Fanar Media |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Daadab

Somali girls are rejecting traditional norms, refusing to marry early, and continuing their education at the Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya. At the camp they have access to primary, secondary, and some postsecondary education. “When the camp was established in 1991, girls made up only 5 percent of the total number of young people in education in Dadaab, according to the Lutheran World Federation. Today, female students account for almost 40 percent of those in school.”

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Denmark's new feminist party declares, 'Out with the racists! In with the feminists!'

Karis Hustad

December 04, 2017 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Denmark, Copenhagen

“Out with the racists, in with the feminists!” is the slogan of a new political party in Denmark. The Feministik Initiativ is “a new intersectional feminist party in Denmark.” It won 3,258 votes in the regional election. The party hopes to counter anti-immigrant sentiment, as well as fight for issues like equal pay and zero employment discrimination.

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