As climate changes, cities grapple with big rains

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/02/04/climate-change-infrastructure

Dan Kraker

Minnesota Public Radio

4 February 2015

Radio / 5-15 Minutes

While some parts of the United States struggle with drought, others are faced with more water than they know what to do with. Minnesota reconstructs roads and drainage systems in order to be more prepared for the large amounts of rain fall they have received, largely due to climate change.

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.

Colombia's Data-Driven Fight Against Crime

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/11/20/colombias-data-driven-fight-against-crime

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

20 November 2014

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Colombia has attempted to decrease murder and homicide rates by setting up curfews for teenagers, forcing bars to close earlier in the evening, and creating gun laws to prevent the carrying of weapons. As a result of this epidemiological, data-driven approach, along with other governmental factors, the homicide rate has decreased significantly in most of the cities in which it was implemented.

For Better Crime Prevention, a Dose of Science

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/16/making-sure-crime-prevention-pays

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

16 January 2015

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Crime is a result of many underlying social issues, but Crime Lab, a research organization with branches in New York and Chicago, is studying which simple solutions will have the most impact in their city. Cost-effective efforts such as tutoring combined with cognitive behavioral therapy have proven to be successful.

Free pre-K: Strong early gains, but long-term questions

http://seattletimes.com/html/education/2024591420_edlabtulsaxml.html

Claudia Rowe

The Seattle Times

20 September 2014

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Preparing the young for elementary education is a priority to nurture reading and social skills. For 16 years, Tulsa Oklahoma has instituted a state funded preschool, staffed with teachers trained in early education. Tulsa’s Pre-K initiative has shown that their children are more prepared for literacy skills and math; however, maintaining the positive results is a long-term challenge.

Green Roofs in Big Cities Bring Relief From Above

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/23/in-urban-jungles-green-roofs-bring-relief-from-above

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

23 May 2012

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New York City black tar roofs cause a number of environmental problems, including air pollution, heat absorption that raises energy consumption, and storm water runoff in the sewer system. Efforts to turn these old roofs into green spaces cool the buildings, enable the containment of more rainfall, reduce sewer discharge, generate energy, and absorb carbon emissions. New York City has a pilot program offering financial help for green roofs.

Education lessons from Maine, New Hampshire

https://digital.vpr.net/post/education-lessons-maine-new-hampshire

Jane Lindholm

Patti Daniels

Vermont Public Radio

7 April 2015

Radio / Over 15 Minutes

As Vermont struggles to create legislation regulating school district management and financial efficiency, the state looks to models in Maine and New Hampshire for guidance. In Maine, school districts have tried to save money and resources through consolidation; in New Hampshire, officials have reworked the way schooling is financed altogether.

Colorado's Effort Against Teenage Pregnancies Is a Startling Success

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/06/science/colorados-push-against-teenage-pregnancies-is-a-startling-success.html

Sabrina Tavernise

The New York Times

5 July 2015

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Colorado causes a large decline in teen pregnancy and abortions by implementing free, long-term birth control to prevent pregnancy. While demonstrating massive success, its continuity is in the air considering the ongoing fight over health insurance at the federal level.

Excess, deprivation mark state prisons

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/prison-223376-time-most.html

Brian Joseph

Tony Saavedra

Orange County Register

2 September 2011

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The California prison system is overwhelmed after adopting tough-on-crime laws with no improvement. New York adopted more tolerant policies and has decreased the state's crime rate and its prison population.