Scholars who study civil damage awards from U.S. juries continue to debate how best to understand outcomes and the factors that influence them.
The push for open government and open data by federal officials, as well as authorities across many states and cities, can seem an unmitigated good. Talk to journalists, however, and there are myriad areas where they believe government at all levels is still being less than transparent — and less than helpful in revealing facts that the public is entitled to know.
“Zero tolerance” disciplinary policies arose in the late 1980s and early 1990s in response to perceptions of rising school violence. The concept was simple: Students who committed certain infractions were to be expelled or given out-of-school suspension regardless of individual circumstances.
A new generation of research on urban communities and poverty contains rich material, compelling data and fresh angles for journalists on metro beats. Much of this can be localized, and having a strong understanding of recent scholarship can deepen understanding and coverage.
As U.S. states, cities and towns seek to promote economic growth by helping to foster new businesses and innovation, universities, colleges and regional knowledge centers have become a key area of focus for policy makers. Research shows that the dynamics are complex, however.
