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Beet juice, molasses and mag: Colorado's search for the right highway de-icing mixture

Pam Boyd

January 19, 2019 |

Sky-Hi News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Colorado

As Colorado searches for the most effective and efficient de-icer for its winter weather, the state weighs the pros and cons of using agricultural by-products like beet juice and molasses as base ingredients. The quest for finding the perfect de-icer comes up against environmental concerns – especially considering the robust outdoors of Colorado – as well as budget limitations and effectiveness.

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DOT hopes technology can turn wrong-way drivers around on NC highways

Adam Owens

January 18, 2019 |

WRAL-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Raleigh, North Carolina

The North Carolina Turnpike Authority is trying out new technology – sensored flashing lights – that will help alert drivers when they’re going the wrong way down highways. While still being tested, the technology has already prevented four cars from entering an expressway the wrong way. Beyond alerting the drivers, the technology also alerts the State Highway Patrol and State Traffic Operations Center with location information.

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Lawrence reborn: A polluted mill town reclaims its future

Story Hinckley

January 11, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency empower local communities—and workers—to redevelop abandoned industrial sites. These sites, known as brownfields, are often left in disuse because of the presence of hazardous pollutants. In Lawrence, Massachusetts, public and nonprofit job training programs funded by the EPA retool locals in environmental remediation. These new jobs help economically disadvantaged communities platform toward a more sustainable future; and they promote new development, attracting further investment.

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China gets tough on US recyclables. How one Maine town is fighting back.

Christa Case Bryant

January 03, 2019 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Sanford, Maine

When China, the country that processes much of the United State's recyclables, became much more stringent about how much contaminated recycling it would accept, municipalities had to figure out how to avoid the fines that could come with recycling done wrong. In Sanford, Maine, they manages to cut their contamination rate from 15-20% to 0-3% by investing in more serious inspections and helping residents learn what is recyclable and what isn't.

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For Those Experiencing Homelessness, ‘The Bin' Honors Their Belongings

Rikha Sharma Rani

December 21, 2018 |

Next City |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

In Los Angeles, The Bin gives homeless people a chance to store their valuables. “If I didn’t have this bin, I’d have to get rid of most of my stuff. These bins are really great to have.” Across the nation, other cities are unfolding efforts to help the homeless population.

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Silicon Valley voters just demanded that tech companies be responsible for their communities

Sean Captain

November 07, 2018 |

FastCompany |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, California

Taxing big tech is a popular idea among residents of cities profoundly shaped by the industry. San Francisco, Mountain View, and East Palo Alto have all approved new taxes pulling money from big tech to fund housing and homelessness programs, public transportation and bike paths, and local STEM education.

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Toxic secrets: Pollution, evasion and fear in Wausau's River Street neighborhood

Shereen Siewert

October 30, 2018 |

Wausau Pilot and Review |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Wausau, Wisconsin

A local citizens group called Citizens for a Clean Wausau in Wisconsin is calling for greater transparency from government officials on environmental records related to project zoning and properties. While the group has had some legal successes, project development projects have continued to move forward despite public health and environmental concerns from digging up contaminated soils.

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Pakistan Tries a New Way to Pay for a Dam: Crowdsourcing

Meher Ahmad

October 25, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Pakistan

Under financial strain, Pakistan is asking its citizens and Pakistanis abroad to donate money to build two dams. Only $48 million of the estimated cost of $14 billion has been raised so far, yet the country’s new prime minister Imran Khan is optimistic. “We can build dams in five years if the donations continue,” he said.

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Tamarindo Revives and Transforms Abandoned Lots With Projects for the Community

Noelia Esquivel

September 25, 2018 |

La Voz de Guanacaste |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Costa Rica, Tamarindo

The Tamarindo Integral Development Association (ADI) has achieved success in a seemingly mundane task: taking charge of vacant lots. The ADI first borrowed use of vacant lots to start a farmers market and a soccer school. The group then mapped 40 vacant lots across the Tamarindo area. Now, the group is successfully working on reviving public spaces for the common good all across the town.

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Inside Greece's first smart city: 'Now you don't need to know a politician to get something done'

Venetia Rainey

September 04, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Greece, Trikala

To improve government services and fight brain drain, the Greek city of Trikala transformed itself into a hub of innovation. Rather than spend money the city didn’t have, officials partnered with the EU and tech companies to host pilot projects, including driverless buses and an e-complaint system. Trikala is now recognized as one of the world’s top smart cities.

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