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:
For a lot of people, actually paying their taxes isn’t very easy. While the IRS accepts credit cards, checks, debit cards, and direct withdrawals from bank accounts, they haven’t been able to accept cold, hard cash. Until now, that is. Thirty-four states, including Pennsylvania, now offer the option for people to pay their taxes in cash at local 7-11 convenience stores. This lets them avoid having to travel to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, which can often be located far from their homes (unlike 7-11, which is basically everywhere). There’s a small fee to use the service, and it’s a three-step process, so if you plan on using it then make sure you check it out well before the April 18th filing deadline! (via Internal Revenue Service)
High Point, N.C., faced a devastating amount of domestic violence. The city of just over 100,000 people generates over 5,000 police reports each year from domestic violence incidents alone. Victims of domestic violence have a higher risk for substance abuse and suicide, and are more likely to be murdered. So High Point took a page out of Boston’s book and turned to focused deterrence, which uses, among other techniques, positive incentives, community engagement and warnings of jail time. The results? Over the last five years, it has seen only two murders resulting from domestic violence, down from five per year, and its re-arrest rates for domestic violence are about half of those in neighboring police districts. (via Governing)
GirlTrek is an inspiring organization that helps black women uplift themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually through walking. The group organizes treks throughout the country as part of a national community. “It wasn’t about looking good or weight loss or fitting into a certain type of clothing,” recalled one participant, who eventually lost over 230 pounds. “It wasn’t, ‘Hey, you fat person, you need to do this or you’re going to die.’ It was, ‘I love you and I want you to love yourself enough to invest in 30 minutes a day, to walk yourself to freedom like Harriet Tubman did.’ And that spoke deeply for me because my life work is showing up for other people, but I wasn’t showing up for myself.” You can find the upcoming Philadelphia-area walks here. (via New York Times)
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