The Best Fix for High Unemployment? Prevent Companies From Laying Off Workers

http://www.nationaljournal.com/next-economy/solutions-bank/the-best-fix-for-high-unemployment-prevent-companies-from-laying-off-workers-20140109

Clare Foran

National Journal

9 January 2014

Text / Under 800 Words

The unemployment crisis is a hard thing to solve - businesses sometimes have no choice but to let workers go. An innovative program tries to prevent joblessness by temporarily paying a portion of workers’ salaries at struggling companies.

A Card That Gives Migrant Workers a Name

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/a-card-that-gives-migrant-workers-a-name

Ankita Rao

The New York Times

18 September 2015

Text / 1500-3000 Words

In India, corruption in the distribution of government ID cards leaves the poorest without legal identity or protection. A non-profit group is creating and distributing unofficial ID cards and legal aid for day workers in major cities in India.

After the Wars, Common Ground in Oregon's Forests

https://www.invw.org/2015/04/27/after-the-wars-common-ground-in-oregons-forests

Ben DeJarnette

Investigate West

27 April 2015

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Summer in the Northwest presents a great risk of wildfires. A pile burning operation, just one facet of the strategy that Oregon has enacted to conserve its forests, clears undergrowth to lessen the risk of mega-fire. The work stimulates the local economy and provides employment, but it's also a very small part of what needs to be done.

From Institution To Inclusion

https://wamu.atavist.com/from-institution-to-inclusion

Martin Austermuhle

American University Radio (WAMU)

14 March 2016

Text / Over 3000 Words

For individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington, D.C., inclusion’s uphill battle, while still happening, has shown results. After the practice of institutionalization ended decades ago, there was a shift to group home living, nonprofit advocacy groups, and job placements. Challenges remain though, like slow-moving bureaucracy, funding, and those still fighting inclusion, but moves toward inclusive jobs and living continue.

Helping Where Help Is Wanted

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/10/helping-where-help-is-wanted

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

10 January 2012

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Vacant positions exist in many employment sectors, including in education and in hospitals. ReServe is a program that joins retired professionals to part-time paid positions in non-profits to perform duties. A controversy has emerged that suggests these positions should be paid at a professional-rate salary.

In a Second Career, Working to Make a Difference

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/in-a-second-career-working-to-make-a-difference

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

5 January 2012

Text / 800-1500 Words

Some inner city schools, nonprofits, and businesses in New York lack the staff to make their organizations function for the people they serve. ReServe is a program that links retired professionals with part-time jobs in schools, libraries, hospitals and other city agencies to help fil this gap.

The Search for Land, Food, and Open Space on Silicon Valley's Coast

http://cattle-drive.com

Matt Hansen

Cattle Drive

1 July 2014

Text / Under 800 Words

Historically, open land conservationists and cattle ranchers in California were rivals but with new research, which praises controlled cattle grazing habits, cows are being welcomed back to open land grasslands, regenerating the habitat and agricultural economy.

Birth Control for Bambi

http://undark.org/article/birth-control-for-bambi

Benjamin Goldfarb

Undark

15 April 2016

Text / 1500-3000 Words

The overpopulation of white-tailed deer is a conservation realization and an environmental disaster for the communities that harbor them. Hastings-on-Hudson, a progressive community, has opted for a humane birth control method PZP that is injected by darts into does. The method is successful for its non-lethal approach and the population growth has slowed, but as of yet has not significantly decreased.

Free Cash in Finland. Must be Jobless.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/17/business/economy/universal-basic-income-finland.html

Peter S. Goodman

The New York Times

17 December 2016

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Monthly unemployment checks are dissuading individuals from finding work for fear that their work will pay less. Oulu, Finland is testing out 'basic income' where everyone receives a government cheque, to encourage people to work without fear of losing their monthly assistance.

Chicago's next top cop faces daunting to-do list

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-rahm-emanuel-police-superintendent-20151225-story.html

Bill Ruthhart

Chicago Tribune

26 December 2015

Text / 1500-3000 Words

Rahm Emanuel fired Garry McCarthy, Chicago Police Superintendent, following the release of a video of a cop fatally shooting Laquan McDonald, which has led to a search for a new superintendent. The hope is that the new hire will help turn things around by having a good rapport with Emanuel, be able to connect the citizens and the police, and help reform the police department.