Topic: Ideas We Should Steal
Recycling Hotel Soap to Give to the Poor
Plus: A Southern city stops "debating" climate change and acts, and teaching young adults in New Orleans how to code
By Saurav UpadhyayUsing Chocolate to Reforest Haiti
Plus: A report by the World Bank on addressing mental health conditions of people affected by conflict, and the scaling of urban agriculture in Denmark
By Saurav UpadhyayA day in court without leaving home
Michigan and Ohio courts use an online system to adjudicate simple cases in a fraction of the usual time. In Philly, it could resolve over 450,000 cases a year
By Stephen St. VincentIndigenous Peoples Day
Cities around the country have replaced Columbus Day with a celebration of native people. In Philly, we celebrate a fairy tale that isn’t even historically true. Isn’t it time that changed?
By Roxanne Patel ShepelavyEven Year Elections
Cities around the country are moving local elections to even years, when turnout is (relatively) robust. In Philly, that could mean around 190,000 more people voting for the next mayor
By Stephen St. VincentDeclaring War on Tax Deadbeats
New York City has had great success collecting back taxes. Why don’t we do what they’ve done?
By Larry PlattStarting School in August
Some 15,000 Philly charter school students started school already. Following their lead could benefit all Philly families.
By Roxanne Patel ShepelavyTeaching Empathy in Schools
In Denmark, students learn empathy the way they learn math, in school. Not coincidentally, the Danes are the happiest people on earth
By Roxanne Patel ShepelavyParking Battle Bots
Robot lawyers are overturning thousands of parking tickets in New York City. When will they invade Philly?
By Stephen St. VincentCollege Savings For Every Baby
Joe Torsella, candidate for State Treasurer, wants to give every newborn in Pennsylvania a college savings plan. That makes him a politician actually running on an innovative idea
By Larry Platt