A Chance to Go From Hard Lives to Healing

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/18/a-chance-to-go-from-hard-lives-to-healing

Patricia Leigh Brown

The New York Times

18 September 2014

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A novel way to help young men growing up in communities in which concentrated poverty, violence and unemployment are well-documented barriers to health and longevity: male youth of color are trained to be the emergency response team to help stabilize street victims before doctors or nurses begin procedures.

A Fla. District Leads in Violence Prevention

http://www.pulitzer.org/files/2012/public_service/assault09.pdf

Kristen A. Graham

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network)

1 April 2011

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Palm Beach County, Florida has many of the same social problems that Philadelphia has, including “gangs, drugs, and poverty.” However, their school system has managed to keep students safe by employing “safe-school case managers” who build relationships with students, and they offer a youth court that is a system run by students who peer-review cases of unrest. The initiatives in this county has prevented school violence from happening without metal detectors and just two police officers.

Armed With Data, Fighting More Than Crime

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/02/armed-with-data-fighting-more-than-crime

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

2 May 2012

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CitiStat has show great success in cities like Baltimore, where it has improved city services' efficiency (removing snow, fixing potholes, etc.). Many cities use Stat programs, but Baltimore has been a particular case of success. Looking at how it implemented its CitiStat program holds lessons for other cities.

Behind LA's dramatic decline in gang violence

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/24/gang-violence-decline_n_6656840.html?cps=gravity_2659_7317138142693194709

Ann Brenoff

The Huffington Post

24 February 2015

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In the past, Los Angeles was a dangerous city fraught with gang wars. Lately, though, LA has become a safer city due to six changes enforced by the police cracking down on public violence and gangs.

Can Government Play Moneyball?

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/16/can-government-play-moneyball

David Bornstein

The New York Times

16 April 2014

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The pressure is on for the federal government to spend tax money more wisely. Evidence-based policy making is gaining in popularity as a way for the government to spend tax money wisely. While not quite as flashy or exciting as past ways, this has a proven track record of positive impact.

Can We Fix the Climate by Being More Like Hawaii?

http://thetyee.ca/News/2014/09/29/Fix-Climate-Hawaii

Geoff Dembicki

The Tyee

29 September 2014

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Amidst a world struggling with smart ways to confront climate change, Hawaii's 2050 Plan for sustainability is working to be a model for the rest of the world. So far, it is on it's way to being a leader in solar energy, with Honolulu having the most "solar panels per capita than any other North American city," and the state is working to produce more food locally, as well.

Carrot and stick approach gives offenders a choice

http://www.fayobserver.com/article/20131222/News/312229867

Greg Barnes

Fayetteville Observer

22 December 2013

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The use of a gun in a violent crime can carry a penalty of 30 years or more in prison. High Point, NC, has been using call-ins for 16 years - a carrot-and-stick approach aimed at reducing violent crime and drugs in the city.

‘A National Admissions Office' for Low-Income Strivers

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/16/upshot/a-national-admissions-office-for-low-income-strivers.html

David Leonhardt

The New York Times

16 September 2014

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Attending college is not always a given option for gifted teenagers from less-than-wealthy backgrounds. National organization QuestBridge creates a way for low-income and minority high-achieving students to go to their dream colleges free of cost.

A Book in Every Home, and Then Some

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/16/a-book-in-every-home-and-then-some

David Bornstein

The New York Times

16 May 2011

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Lack of reading material is not only a third-world problem – many poor families in the United States lack access to and funds for books. A program that helps get books to into the homes of low-income families can boost literacy, and help publishers, too.

An Inclusive Emerging Economy, With Africa in the Lead

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/27/an-inclusive-emerging-economy-with-africa-in-the-lead

David Bornstein

The New York Times

27 November 2014

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In combatting poverty, a giant informal economic system has quietly emerged in Africa. Women participate in micro-finance organizations that loan money in order to allow them to create businesses and become self-managing.