Cities Saving States

http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/03/02/cities-saving-states-lagos-nigeria

Seth Kaplan

Foreign Policy

2 March 2015

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Although Nigeria "is arguably the worst-run of the world’s major countries," it's biggest city is providing a model for how to turn poor governance around. Lagos, a historically fragile city like the rest of Nigeria, has devolved more power to civilian rule, which has shown positive results for the health of the city.

Drugs, Risk and the Myth of the ‘Evil' Addict

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/drugs-risk-and-the-myth-of-the-evil-addict

Maia Szalavitz

The New York Times

27 September 2011

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While critics argue that Naloxone isn't safe for over-the-counter use, some cities have found success distributing Naloxone to community members to help save lives of addicts who overdose. Naloxone can be administered to help those overdosing survive and jump-start the withdrawal process.

For Teenage Smokers, Removing the Allure of the Pack

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/01/for-teenage-smokers-removing-the-allure-of-the-pack

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

1 August 2012

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Adolescent smoking remains a challenging health problem because of the allure of cigarette branding. Australia is piloting the transformation of cigarette packaging with a generic look that reduces the appeal of smoking. In Florida, the Truth campaign has exposed that cigarette companies targeted teenage consumers and, in response, created a set of new advertisements that presented the cigarette industry with transparency.

Out of Debtors' Prison, With Law as the Key

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/27/shutting-modern-debtors-prisons

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

27 March 2015

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Rampant misconduct by judicial systems across the country brought to light a crippling practice of debtors' prisons—where disadvantaged individuals unable to pay fines and fees were continually and wrongfully imprisoned, creating a vicious cycle. The American Civil Liberties Union stepped in to work with governments and private companies to increase transparency, eliminate abuse, and reeducate law enforcement officials. The state of Ohio has emerged as a leader in reforming debtors' prisons, though there is still work to do.

Out of Prison, Into a Vicious Circle of Debt

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/09/out-of-prison-into-a-vicious-circle-of-debt

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

9 June 2011

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Many offenders get out of jail owing hundreds or thousands of dollars in court and parole fees but face barriers to financing and job acquisition, sticking them in a punitive, vicious cycle of debt and arrest. A program called the Clapham Set, perhaps paired with conditional cash transfers - may be a solution, as it erases fees for felons who complete rehab and job training upon release.

Overkill

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/05/11/overkill-atul-gawande

Atul Gawande

The New Yorker

11 May 2015

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An investigation reveals a startling percentage of medical procedures provided in the United States are unnecessary or inappropriate - harming patients physically as well as financially. This "profit-maximizing medical culture" can be countered by incentivizing health care facilities to eliminate needless procedures, federal crackdowns, and increasing access to information for patients.

Philly-area firm leads the hospital-bill fight vs. the $500 Tylenol

https://whyy.org/segments/inside-the-complicated-world-of-medical-billing

Zach Seward

WHYY

5 December 2013

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With more and more Americans having to pay medical costs out of pocket, a small company out of Philadelphia called ELAP is on the front lines of the war against escalating charges. By helping overwhelmed patients to de-mystify and negotiate medical bills, they are ensuring patients get the best value and avoid egregious financial distress.

Solving San Francisco's crisis of homelessness requires a sweeping, costly plan for housing and treatment - and political unity that has been missing for two decades

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/SHAME-OF-THE-CITY-A-WAY-OUT-Solving-San-2525635.php#page-1

Kevin Fagan

SFGate

4 December 2003

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To combat rampant homelessness, cities like New York are investing in supportive housing and comprehensive, consistent services for the homeless population. Although San Francisco has smaller-scale supportive housing programs. political will and regular funding are necessary to grow those initiatives and make a large impact on homelessness in the city.

How to Topple a Dictator (Peacefully)

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/13/a-military-manual-for-nonviolent-war

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

13 February 2015

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The Center for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies provides a "blueprint" for peaceful and democratic revolution, busting myths about the process of nonviolent revolt and helping dissidents in countries around the world to accomplish political goals, such as fighting corruption or protecting the environment.

A Simple Fix for Drunken Driving

http://www.wsj.com/articles/a-simple-fix-for-drunken-driving-1439564251

Keith Humphreys

Wall Street Journal

14 August 2015

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South Dakota’s “24/7 Sobriety” initiative breathalyzers tens of thousands of people every day in an effort to curb drunk driving. Rather than legislation that takes penalizes offenders by taking away their license, the state addresses the behavioral issue instead. In counties that use the “24/7 Sobriety,” they’ve seen a 12% decrease in repeat drunken-driving arrests.