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Poachers vs. Poop

John Platt

April 11, 2018 |

The Revelator |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: South Africa

After 15 years of collecting dung and DNA from elephants, conservation biologist Samuel Wasser and his team were able to create a map documenting nearly all of the African elephant populations. With this in place, the information can be used to help law enforcement identify poaching hotspots and arrest ivory traffickers. Now this same process is being applied to other endangered species.

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Taking Aim at Gun Violence, With Personal Deterrence

Tina Rosenberg

April 03, 2018 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Newburgh, New York

To decrease the amount of gun-related fatalities, cities are focusing on joint efforts with their communities and police departments to target those most at risk for shooting or being shot on the streets. Known nationally as Ceasefire, this initiative aims to identify the individuals from this selected target group - and open a dialogue about their options and the consequences of gun-related retaliation. Nationally, the program has had some trouble sustaining when the cities rely too much on the police department, but when it works, shooting have decreased dramatically.

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Could venomous snails be part of the solution to the opioid epidemic?

Lindsey Konkel

April 02, 2018 |

Ensia |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Salt Lake City, Utah

Patients who experience chronic pain are commonly prescribed opiates. Over time, their tolerance to the medication builds up and they must increase their dose to maintain the positive effects of opiates, often leading to addiction problems. A neurotoxin found in a venomous sea snail is proving to be more effective in relieving chronic pain because it works better over time and it is non-addictive.

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When tokhang takes your children away

Portia Ladrido

March 27, 2018 |

CNN |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Philippines

Community groups and organizations are helping women deal with the deaths of their sons due to a drug war that has killed thousands in the Philippines. One of those organizations is Baigani, which takes family out of town for a family therapy event. “The women share their skills, their strengths, and together, attendees and counsellors, suggest plausible livelihood and jobs that they could take on.”

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Threat Assessment Teams

Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

March 26, 2018 |

The Philadelphia Citizen |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Increasingly, schools are using threat assessment teams to prevent shootings. Composed of school and law enforcement officials, the groups direct potentially dangerous students to appropriate resources. One study found no racial bias in the process compared to zero tolerance policies that show significant disparities. Threat assessment teams are also unique in their intent to address all gun violence: "Spending money to prevent kids from getting to that point can have ripple effects outside of the school walls as well—in reducing violence on the street, and treating the trauma that precedes it."

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What if what really matters in fighting crime is how well you know your neighbor?

David D. Haynes

March 21, 2018 |

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It turns out the old adage of knowing your neighbor really can help make your neighborhood safer. A study of more than 250 cities found that a key factor behind a drop in crime in the last 20 years was the mobilizing of citizens by nonprofit organizations like block clubs. In Milwaukee these “urban guardians” have helped bring communities together and foster safer spaces that also address urban blight.

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Here's one of the best things schools can do to prevent mass shootings

Matt Rocheleau

March 14, 2018 |

The Boston Globe |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New Bedford, Massachusetts

As gun violence continues to threaten schools across the country, school districts have stepped up to put preventative measures in place. One such measure are threat assessment teams, comprised of mental health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement, who work to proactively identify students that may be a potential threat. In doing so, they seek to address issues like bullying or problems at home that may cause students to turn to violence in the first place.

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Helping Montgomery Families Initiative seeks comprehensive approach to truancy, suspensions

Melissa Brown

March 09, 2018 |

The Montgomery Advertiser |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Montgomery, Alabama

Inspired by Mobile, Alabama's own program, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office is implementing a crime prevention program that identifies students missing school and intervenes with informational meetings and home visits. Since the Mobile program began in 2003, over 4,000 children have benefited from the services. District Attorney Daryl Bailey noted, "It’s a proactive program in terms of law enforcement, which is unusual."

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Trump Wants to Arm Teachers. These Schools Already Do.

Erica Green Manny Fernandez

March 01, 2018 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Sidney, Ohio

Amidst a backdrop of growing conversation around gun control and reform, especially as it pertains to school shooting incidents, President Trump suggests the solution is arming teachers. Some schools, however, have already done this to varying degrees of success and acceptance.

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Last year, 39 UK youths were fatally stabbed. None were in Scotland. Why?

Edward Siddons

February 28, 2018 |

Apolitical |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Scotland, Glasgow

Glasgow used to be called the murder capital of Western Europe until officials decided to tackle violent crime with a public health focus, using tactics similar to those used to control epidemics. A carrot and stick approach included harsher sentences for possessing a knife, but also an array of services designed to connect gang kids with jobs, housing, therapy and education. Violence dropped dramatically as much of the gang infrastructure was dismantled, so other cities are exploring adopting the model.

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