All Perspectives
US homelessness declines: What's working?More communities are focusing on providing their chronic homeless populations permanent, supportive residences. Experts say that's the path to take to in order to put a roof over every citizen's head.
Difference MakerThis man will serve 2,000 free meals for ThanksgivingRodney O鈥橬eill is carrying on a 40-plus-year tradition in Olympia, Wash., that was started by his mother. He, and more than 600 volunteers, also serve meals at Christmas and Easter.
Want to make a difference? Three ways to get started.It doesn鈥檛 have to take much. Here are some 鈥榣ow cost鈥� and 鈥榣ow time commitment鈥� ideas for giving back.
Why can't renewable jet fuels take off?Alaska Airlines on Monday fueled one of its commercial flights from Seattle to Washington, D.C., partly with jet fuel made of wood scraps. The widespread use of renewable fuel in the airline industry faces significant obstacles, however.聽
How one of Gen. George Patton鈥檚 grandsons helps vets with PTSDBenjamin Patton created free filmmaking workshops that tap into the power of storytelling. Participants report a significant drop in PTSD symptoms after completing the workshop, he says.
Sportswear companies make fashion statement out of ocean trashThis month, Adidas is selling shoes made mostly of plastic collected off the coast of the Maldives, and a swimsuit line from Volcom is largely made from recycled nylon materials, including abandoned fishing nets.
On energy thinking, a narrowing gap?Hydrocarbon extraction and energy conservation can both be done in ways that protect the environment and the bottom line.
Readers RespondReaders write: Need for non-gender pronouns, more needed for Congress, hate speechLetters to the editor for the Nov. 14, 2016 weekly magazine.
Difference MakerA Denver native brings the vast outdoors to at-risk youthsJes Ward is the executive director of cityWILD, which enables students in Denver to raft, backpack, mountain-bike, and snowshoe 鈥� while they also strive to reach their full potential.
How a 鈥榗omputer guy鈥� came to be a Promise Fellow for kids who have it toughWilliam Lah got involved at a local middle school, pledging that students will have a caring adult in their life, no matter what. Among other things, he helps them envision a future at college.
Refugee restaurant dishes up African fare to win Italian heartsItaly has become the main arrival point in Europe for people fleeing persecution and poverty in Africa. The hope is the new restaurant will improve community relations, one of its founders says.
In bid to improve police-minority relations, 'Bigs in Blue' pairs cops, youthsBig Brothers Big Sisters is undertaking the program, which could change perceptions for both police and children, says the organization's president.
Readers RespondReaders write: Good partnership, hacker photosLetters to the editor for the Nov. 7, 2016 weekly magazine.
How one engineering program used storytelling to recruit more womenThe mechanical engineering department at the University of Texas at Austin has worked to expand other people's understanding of what engineers do.
Difference MakerA daytime refuge for homeless people: the duo behind the pioneering effortIn San Francisco, Laura Slattery and Tina Christopher open church doors to homeless people during the day. The women鈥檚 own lives have taken elaborate twists and turns.
Is the cash bail system rigged against the poor? Reform movement swells.Officials in San Francisco have backed a lawsuit against their own city that claims its cash bail system is discriminatory. As the bail reform movement grows, advocates are seeking to eradicate the monetary system entirely.聽
Amid climate change, small-scale farmers find merit in traditional techniquesMany small farmers are using natural methods to improve the soil and protect against pests. 'We can feed our people,' one says.
Thanks to volunteers, Olympic track at Sarajevo makes a comebackSports enthusiasts came together to repair the bobsled and luge track, which was devastated by the Bosnian war. Even though its condition is still rough, some say it's one of the best tracks for summer training.
'Barefoot surveyors' flag needs in world's slums: A key to urban development?The surveyors use mobile phones to map and document the slums' demographic data. Their work has paved the way for new partnerships between local governments and community-based groups.
Where democracy thrivesWhile candidates and parties battle it out high in the political canopy, American democracy endures on the forest floor.
