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Scientists accidentally created an enzyme that eats plastic and it could be the answer to our waste crisis

Josh Gabbatiss

April 16, 2018 |

The Independent |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Japan

Plastic is a leading cause of much of the world's pollution problem. But thanks to a discovery in a Japanese recycling center, scientists believe they may have identified a substance that can drastically reduce the amount.

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Problem-Solving Prizes

William Kremer Harriet Noble

April 16, 2018 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom

Cash prizes push people to solve all sorts of problems. Advancements in aircraft and spacecraft in particular have came out of public innovation challenges.

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Building an open, digital democracy in Taiwan

Nithin Coca

April 10, 2018 |

Equal Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Taiwan

In Taiwan, more than 4,500 citizens helped design regulations on ride-hailing and taxi companies by sharing feedback on digital platforms. The online tools can support democratic policymaking but face some accessibility barriers. They are part of a wider initiative by President Tsai Ing-wen to increase governmental transparency and civic engagement.

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Community groups help Colorado counties participate in Superfund process

Jonathan Romeo

April 07, 2018 |

Durango Herald |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Pueblo, Colorado

When lead and arsenic levels threatened the communities in Southeastern Colorado, the Environmental Protection Agency was asked to step in. In order to have a seat at the table when decisions were being made, community members in the city of Pueblo created a Community Advisory Group. This allowed them to not only increase their understanding of possible decisions, but also offer feedback. It has also offered a model for surrounding communities that are facing similar situations.

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Sharing Public Spaces to Improve Public Health

Patricia Leigh Brown

March 27, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Orange Grove, California

Joint use policies turn communal spaces—such as schools and churches—during off-hours into a place for public health programs. This can be especially impactful in communities were the ability to exercise outside can be curtailed by lack of green space, environmental issues, or public safety concerns.

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The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions — And Broken Toilets

Peter DiCampo

March 19, 2018 |

Bright Magazine |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Kenya

In order to create a larger role for aid recipients in conversations about how success and failure are defined for international aid, the What Went Wrong project was founded. People use mobile phones to contact the journalists about a failed aid project, and the journalists gather information about the project, publish reports on social media, and share their findings with the people who originally reported.

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Richland County takes chance with opportunity zones

Tracy Geibel

March 13, 2018 |

Richland Source |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Many cities have the potential to prosper under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which created “opportunity zones” to increase investment in “distressed” areas. To maximize the potential for local investment, the Richland County Community Development Group united key players to ensure census tracts in the county would be considered. Though the opportunity zone program is in its early stages, Richland County led all the preparation work for local cities to receive big business investment for years to come.

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Europe's beauty spots plot escape from the too-many-tourists trap

Joe Dodgshun

March 07, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Germany, Berlin

At the world’s most popular sites, innovations in tourism management can benefit both visitors and residents. Marketing efforts in Iceland are successfully distributing tourists all over the country throughout the year, and locals in Miami Beach, Florida, receive SMS alerts about traffic congestion so they can plan ahead. These are just two examples of the many initiatives currently in progress.

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Can Apprenticeships Train the Workforce of the Future? States Hope So.

J.B. Wogan

March 01, 2018 |

Governing |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Helena, Montana

There is a skills gap in America between people who are unemployed and companies who are hiring for specific skills. Apprenticeships are one way to fill that gap. The apprenticeship model is spreading all across the country, and it has a lot of benefits: companies get government subsidies to pay workers who will be trained in a specific role. The companies and the individuals benefit.

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These four cities have achieved inclusive growth—here's how

Josh Lowe Thomas Graham

March 01, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Austin, Texas

Only four U.S. cities - Albany, Austin, Charleston, and Denver - have achieved inclusive growth between 2010 and 2015. It’s part dumb luck, and part strategic policymaking, say city officials. They recommend nurturing the unique identity and assets of your city while being agile and transparent when facing problems.

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