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.

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.

In Egypt, Sowing Seeds of Gender Equality

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/22/in-egypt-sowing-the-seeds-of-gender-equality

Elizabeth Stuart

The New York Times

22 January 2015

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Muslim women in Egypt are expected to marry young and to stay close to home, and if they do not, they can be subjected to abuse or heavy criticism by men in the household. Save the Children’s Choices program offers educational workshop sessions for boys and girls, ages 10 to 14, which help them explore gender identity. Through discussions, the program hopes to change gender norms.

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.

Solving the Homelessness Problem, with Housing

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/3983820-181/solving-the-homelessness-problem-with

Angela Hart

The Press Democrat

25 June 2015

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In a county in California, federal agencies are implementing a model known as Housing First which gets homeless people safe, secure housing before tackling root causes of homelessness.

Study: Low Injury Rate Shows Gun-Control Laws Work

http://www.civilbeat.com/2015/08/study-low-injury-rate-shows-gun-control-laws-work

Chad Blair

Honolulu Civil Beat

19 August 2015

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Hawaii is one of the states with strongest gun laws and lowest gun death rates. A study found that states with stricter gun control laws, ammo regulation, background checks, and reporting of lost firearms had the lowest injury rates.

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.