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Last Days of Solitary

Lauren Mucciolo Dan Edge

April 18, 2017 |

PBS Frontline |

Documentary |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Warren, Maine

Across the United States, the use of administrative segregation is being rethought and reduced, as study after study shows it’s link to higher rates of violence and recidivism. At Maine State Prison, over the course of six years, the number of people in solitary went from 100 to 8, while also seeing a decline in fights, use of weapons, and emergency room transportation in the prison’s general population. The prison has instead started implementing individualized mental health programming and structured living units – opting to implement rehabilitation over punitive measures.

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Has a bold reform plan helped to shrink Philly's prison population?

David Gambacorta Samantha Melamed

April 12, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country, but with a $3.5 million McArthur Foundation grant the city has used several initiatives to change that. The efforts appear to be working, with the number of inmates falling by 12 percent over one year. Programs include getting addicts treatment instead of more jail time, working to release those who cannot afford bail ahead of a trial and making attorneys more available for those who want to seek early parole.

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As the U.S. Wrests Greater Control Over HIV, What's the Key to Success?

Benjamin Ryan

April 05, 2017 |

POZ Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

As HIV rates rise, various states within the United States are working to address underlying issues that contribute to this increase by improving surveillance methods. Based on the premise that better record-keeping will lead to better solutions, some cities are already seeing success in reducing rates because they’re better able to target specific populations and communities.

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Gifted programs across Washington leave out black and Latino students — but Federal Way is one model for change

Claudia Rowe

April 02, 2017 |

The Seattle Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Federal Way, Washington

Despite comprising a third of the population, poor and minority students are drastically underrepresented in gifted education programs across the nation, even if their academic performance is on-par with their white peers. Federal Way Public Academy in Washington has re-examined its methods for finding academically talented kids and is changing the numbers.

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Within integrated schools, de facto segregation persists

Erica Green

March 25, 2017 |

The Baltimore Sun |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Columbia, Maryland

Students in advanced classes in Howard County, Maryland schools are disproportionately white. Faculty and administration are working to identify, understand, and change the ways that implicit bias favors white students as early as elementary school. Other steps taken include the elimination of some prerequisites to advanced classes and a shift in mindset that students in advanced classes are trying to become college ready rather than already being college ready.

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The Stanford Professor Who Fought the Tax Lobby

Alex Mayyasi

March 22, 2017 |

Priceonomics |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Sacramento, California

ReadyReturn is the only program in the United States that provides taxpayers with completed tax returns. It’s simple, easy, and has a 99% user satisfaction rate. Who’s not happy? Intuit, H&R Block, and other tax preparers who have fought the California program every step of the way.

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What selling drugs taught him about running a supermarket

Jane M. Von Bergen

March 20, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A former drug dealer who made massive amounts of cash finds his skills adapt well to the job he found after prison in a supermarket. Luckily the manager at this particular store recognized that fact and gave Louis Rivera a chance when we begged for a job right after his release. It was difficult for Rivera to adjust to making so much less money, but he has applied his business skills to move up into management and tries to help others following in his footsteps.

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Reentry Think Tank wants returning citizens designing reentry services

Tony Abraham

March 09, 2017 |

Generocity |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Reentry Think Tank in Philadelphia brings a badly needed component to the world of services helping inmates reintegrate back into society: The experiences of actual former inmates. The nonprofit created fellowships for those coming back from prison and it has joined with the larger Philadelphia Reentry Coalition to make sure these voices are at the table with policy makers. They're working on a list of policy suggestions called the People's Bill of Rights in a model they want to see replicated across other social services.

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Philadelphia's Soda Tax Is Reducing Consumption—and Maybe Jobs

Elena Gooray

February 28, 2017 |

Pacific Standard |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Soda taxes are are showing unexpected financial reprecussions, resulting in greater harm to the soda businesses than anticipated leading to massive workforce reductions. A proposed solution is to tax sodas based on how much sugar is in then, rather than a blanket tax.

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A dilemma for renters in Nashville

David Plazas

February 22, 2017 |

The Tennessean |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is trying out creative ways to help residents deal with rising rent. While state policies do not always favor rent control and mixed-income housing units are still years away, several solutions are being implemented right now. Neighborhoods are creating tenant unions and community benefit agreements to ensure that tenants stay up-to-date about housing information. The mayor’s office is also providing financial support to first-time homebuyers.

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