An Ungoverned City

The article discusses the development of Canaan, Haiti's newest city, which emerged as a settlement for those displaced by the 2010 earthquake. Despite its growth to a population of 280,000-320,000, Canaan lacks basic amenities like running water and legally wired electricity. The residents, largely left to their own devices, have built an informal city with public spaces, a makeshift electricity network, and local governance structures. The Haitian government has made some contributions, such as constructing the first paved road and public school, but the city's development is still largely driven by the community. The article highlights the challenges of self-governance, the potential benefits of being disconnected from a corrupt state, and the efforts of residents like Evenson Louis to maintain peace and provide services like education and crime prevention in the absence of formal government support.

Land and Property Rights

The article discusses the global issue of land being acquired by investors in low-income and middle-income countries, often leading to negative consequences for local communities. It highlights the problems of corruption, human rights abuses, conflicts over resources, and environmental degradation that arise due to weak or poorly governed property rights, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. The Pulitzer Center has funded journalists to increase transparency about these land deals, expose the flaws in land governance, and showcase new approaches to secure land rights that align with local development goals. This initiative is supported by the Omidyar Network's Property Rights Initiative, American Jewish World Service, the Kendeda Fund, and other donors.

The next Congress is going to be missing some familiar faces.

The article discusses the departure of several high-profile lawmakers from Congress following the recent elections. Notable exits include Democratic Senators Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, both targeted by the GOP and defeated. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin is retiring, as is Texas Democratic Representative Beto O'Rourke, who narrowly lost a Senate bid to Ted Cruz but has generated 2020 presidential buzz. Republicans Jeff Flake of Arizona and Bob Corker of Tennessee, both critics of President Trump, are also leaving. Other departures include Republican Representatives Darrell Issa of California, Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, Dave Brat of Virginia, and Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, the longest-serving GOP senator. The article highlights the impact of these exits on the political landscape and the potential void in Senate leadership.

These are the female soldiers in Congo

The article discusses the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, particularly in the North and South Kivu provinces, where over 120 armed groups are active. These groups, including militias like Mai-Mai and various rebel forces, are engaged in battles for territorial control, sometimes aligning with or opposing the government military. The article also highlights the diverse roles of women within these fighting forces, countering the common narrative that focuses solely on their victimhood due to war-related sexual violence. Women in these groups serve as combatants, child-care attendants, medics, cooks, and spies, indicating their multifaceted involvement in the conflict.

ANALYSIS: Martin Luther King Jr. Day spotlights diversity in the 2020 Democratic field

The article discusses the diversity of the Democratic candidates in the 2020 presidential election, highlighting the range of race, ethnicity, gender, and religion represented. It notes the historic nature of this diversity and suggests that Democratic primary voters will have a choice of candidates who reflect their own identities. The article mentions several U.S. senators who have announced their intentions to run and touches on the low approval rating of Congress. It also covers the shift of moderate Democrats towards progressive platforms such as Medicare-for-all and a $15 minimum wage, influenced by the energy within the party. Tax policy and gun control are also discussed, with specific reference to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's proposal for a 70% marginal tax rate for the super wealthy and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's evolution on gun control issues.

California schools and community colleges forecast to get more money than ever

The article discusses the financial forecast for K-12 schools and community colleges in California, highlighting a $2.4 billion funding increase under Proposition 98 for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2019. This increase, along with one-time spending, results in $2.8 billion more for education, although it is a smaller increase than in previous years. The overall General Fund budget is projected to have a $14.8 billion surplus, which could potentially fund Governor-elect Gavin Newsom's early education priorities. Despite the increase, school districts face financial pressures from rising pension costs and special education expenses, as well as declining student enrollment. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors' budget request exceeds the projected funding increase, indicating potential shortfalls. The article also touches on the unpredictability of economic forecasts, referencing past inaccuracies due to unforeseen economic downturns.

CANAAN, HAITI

The article discusses the transformation of Titanyen, a region near Port-au-Prince in Haiti, known for its dark past as a dumping ground for bodies, into a burgeoning city named Canaan following the devastating 2010 earthquake. The quake displaced 1.5 million people, prompting NGOs, with support from the United States Navy and the United Nations, to build temporary housing in the area. Canaan emerged as a symbol of hope and self-reliance, with residents like Carmen 'Madame Roy' Cean taking the initiative to design and build a new community. Despite the lack of formal jobs, residents have created their own businesses, and the city continues to grow, although it still lacks basic services and formal recognition from the government, leaving its future uncertain.

And if you thought 2023 was a downer, just wait for …

The article provides a series of predictions and analyses for California's education landscape in 2024. It discusses the potential impact of Proposition 28 funding on arts education, with Manteca Unified expected to benefit significantly. The state budget is a concern, with a projected deficit that may lead to issuing IOUs to districts. The 'fiscal cliff' facing school districts due to expiring federal Covid relief, declining enrollment, and reduced state funding is highlighted, with potential layoffs and school closures. The article also covers potential ballot initiatives, including those related to school choice, transgender protections, and sports participation. It touches on the challenges charter schools may face, including enrollment declines and increased scrutiny. Additionally, the article discusses superintendent salaries and compares them to sports salaries, suggesting that with budget constraints, large raises are unlikely. Finally, it mentions tax initiatives that could affect the ability to pass future tax increases for education funding.

Supreme Court says Ruth Bader Ginsburg released from hospital

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was released from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore after being treated for a possible infection. The 86-year-old returned to her home in Washington, D.C., and is reported to be doing well. Ginsburg, who has had a history of cancer, experienced chills and fever last Friday, which led to her hospitalization. She received intravenous antibiotics and fluids, and her symptoms have abated. Ginsburg has been a Supreme Court justice since 1993 and is the second-longest-serving current member of the court.

Supreme Court says Ginsburg released from hospital

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was released from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore after being treated for a possible infection. The 86-year-old returned to her home in Washington, D.C., and is reported to be doing well. Ginsburg, who has been on the Supreme Court since 1993, had experienced chills and fever before her hospitalization. She has had a history of cancer, with two occurrences in the past year. Despite her health challenges, Ginsburg has maintained an active role on the court, with only a rare absence due to a stomach bug in mid-November.