Philip Vance Smith II is the editor for a prison paper, and he’ll likely hold the position for some time as he’s serving a life sentence. Since he’ll never leave prison, people might question the value education holds for him. However, he’s found a transformative, rehabilitative value in learning that’s independent of chasing a career. It’s given him room to think, reflect, and grow as a person. Philip reports that these effects aren’t just visible in his life, but that they impact the entire prison culture and create positive change. 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
