Universal pre-kindergarten sounds like a great idea in theory, but it can lead to unintended consequences when implemented incorrectly, as New York City found out. While many embraced the policy, it disproportionately hit residents living in the poorer areas of the city. How? By providing universal pre-K, daycare centres lost a significant number of three and four-year-old enrolees, who contribute the most to their slim profit margins, causing closures mainly in lower-income areas. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
