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Community building: Chicago experiment links libraries and apartments

Eva Fedderly

October 24, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

When a need for more libraries and more affordable housing arose in Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel pursued a plan to combine the two. The result is a partnership between the Chicago Housing Authority and the Chicago Public Library system. Despite some concern among neighborhood residents, the solution is largely seen as a creative approach as well as a creative use of funding and land space. Mixed-use developments are becoming more popular around the world, and this next iteration will benefit many types of Chicago residents.

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Stopping US teens from smoking, one town at a time

David Karas

October 14, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States

Activists hope to reduce the number of young smokers by raising the legal smoking age to 21. Instead of working for a national change, they're tackling the issue one small town at a time.

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Can Chinese students revive the American heartland?

Jingnan Peng

October 09, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Clinton, Iowa

The town of Clinton, Iowa was struggling both economically and with student retention until a partnership with an American businessman and a Chinese company brought 72 Chinese students to fill empty seats in the public high schools. Not only does this stir up the local economy with businesses jumping at the chance to serve a new audience, but the students all benefit from the cultural and educational exchange. The Clinton school board and district representatives all voted unanimously for the program, and both sides are looking forward to continuing to develop and grow the program.

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For Chinese high-schoolers, there's value to living and learning in Iowa

Simon Montlake

October 04, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Iowa

In the past decade, an increasing number of Chinese students have enrolled in American public schools in smaller towns, including in Clinton, Iowa. The trend serves as an important exchange program for both parties and fills the empty seats in towns where populations continue to decline.

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As legal cannabis comes to Canada, communities welcome accompanying job boom

Sara Miller Llana

September 19, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Canada, Kincardine, Ontario

In Canada, where the legalization of marijuana will become official in mid-October, some towns are gearing up by creating employment opportunities related to the now burgeoning industry. The so-called "green rush" is expected to lift up a new class of entrepreneurs and investors, but there are still many unknowns that might hinder success.

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How one North Carolina town stayed dry during Florence

Patrik Jonsson

September 17, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Swan Quarter, North Carolina

In North Carolina, residents of the town of Swan Quarter have put aside their political differences to support building a dike, meant to protect from the consequences of severe flooding and climate change. The dike has helped prevent flooding so far, but it's also lowered flood insurance premiums and sparked investment in the town based of higher confidence in the value of the land.

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Aging cocoa trees provide opportunity for agricultural reform in Ghana

Nellie Peyton

August 30, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Ghana

In Ghana, cocoa trees are aging and producing lower yields, worrying the farmers who rely on the crop to make a living; the decreased yield is also presenting opportunity for agricultural reform to produce a more sustainable vision for agriculture in the region. Across western Ghana, organizations are working together to create customary land agreements and helping land tenants to encourage long term investment in replanting cocoa trees.

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Spare some change? Helping the poor in a cashless society

Eoin O'Carroll

August 27, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Cambridge, Massachusetts

A non-profit in Cambridge, England has created a mobile app to connect homeless people with donations, even when passersby do not carry cash they can donate. Still in its early phases, the app has helped 11 people reach their saving goals -- but critics argue that the app does little to help people see the homeless as humans, and might actually increase judgement and stigma.

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In a distressed part of Ohio, one way people are finding work – and purpose

Christa Case Bryant

August 24, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Youngstown, Ohio

Flying High is a nonprofit that helps people find new jobs and purpose, especially those fighting opioid addiction. Rather than simply focusing on the healthcare solution, this program also provides job training, with 89% of participants completing the training program and 80% retaining jobs. In Youngstown, a city that has faced severe economic challenges, the chance for a sustainable job and income is offering people hope.

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To curb chronic absence, schools treat parents as partners

Stacy Teicher Khadaroo

August 21, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Providence, Rhode Island

To shift away from a punitive approach to truancy and emphasize the importance of attendance for student learning, schools across the United States are testing methods of communicating the importance with parents in new ways, including "carefully crafted" letters, texts, and even games. Results from different schools have showed up to a 20% reduction in absenteeism, but educators acknowledge that these solutions affect the simple changes and have yet to provide a comprehensive approach to barriers to attending school.

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