Here at The Citizen, we do problem-solving journalism, looking for ideas and solutions to move the region forward and make a better city. Here are some other great ideas for solving the world’s problems, from media outlets around the globe:
Philadelphia recently won a $3.5 million MacArthur Foundation grant to reduce its prison population. Mayor Kenney has revealed nine key initiatives that will be funded by this grant (via PhillyMag):
- Expand diversionary programs
- Code violations, rather than criminal charges, for low-level offenders
- Pilot program to reduce racial disparities in arrests in two districts
- Audit of racial disparities across the system
- Developing a “learning-based risk tool” to inform bail decisions
- Increase use of alternatives to cash bail
- Expand Defenders Association pretrial capacity
- Improve handling of inmates with mental illness
- System-wide training on racial bias
The water crisis in Flint, Michigan is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lead poisoning in America. Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver tackles the issue, using Sesame Street characters to drive the point home. While every dollar we invest in correcting lead exposure, we would see a $17 to $221 return on investment. While completely eliminating the problem would take $16.6 billion per year for ten years, a viable plan has been put forward, yet never passed by Congress, to insulate all of America’s children from lead poisoning for only $230 million per year for 10 years. (via Last Week Tonight)
The criminal justice system isn’t always kind to victims of sexual assault. One of the worst practices is that of destroying evidence, like rape kits, just months after the assault occurs, even if the statute of limitations is fifteen years. That’s why Amanda Nguyen is pounding the pavement, reaching out to every state legislature and the U.S. Congress to get a victim’s bill of rights passed that would, among other things, allow this evidence to be preserved. (via FastCo.Exist)
Photo header: Wikimedia Commons
