Advancing TB Test Technology, Where It Matters Most

https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/12/advancing-tb-test-technology-where-it-matters-most

Jens Erik Gould

The New York Times

12 June 2015

Text / 800-1500 Words

Tuberculosis is still a rampant problem in the developing world. Doctors are looking for even more advanced ways to test for TB beyond the GeneXpert tests.

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.

Fighting TB with a Drive-in Film and Test

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/03/fighting-tb-with-a-drive-in-film-and-test

Amy Maxmen

The New York Times

3 April 2015

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Slow test results make it difficult to stop the spread of tuberculosis. Using faster diagnostic technology and driving vans to rural areas in Tanzania, GeneXpert is making progress in treating this curable disease.

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.

For V.A. Hospitals (and Patients), a Major Health Victory

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/30/for-v-a-hospitals-and-patients-a-major-health-victory

Tina Rosenberg

The New York Times

30 January 2015

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Although patients go to hospitals to receive medical care, many Americans will acquire infections that did not already have them. The United States as a whole has made modest progress at reducing the rates of hospital-acquired infections. Spearheading the efforts, the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers have devised anti-MRSA strategies to keep patients safe.

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.