Friday, May 29, 2020

5A- Identifying Local Opportunities

1. Late delivery of NM mail ballots feared

https://www.abqjournal.com/1460214/late-delivery-of-nm-mail-ballots-feared.html

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, many Americans are turning to absentee voting, also known as voting by mail. However, the absentee voting process is flawed as many voters have not received their ballot and may not until it is too late, or at all. The current system requires voters to apply for absentee voting to confirm their address. If approved, they are then sent a ballot to vote on. Unfortunately, the increase in absentee voting due to the pandemic has put an extra burden on the mail system. Many voters have not received their ballots yet and if the ballots are not returned to election officials by 7 p.m. on June 2nd, then the votes will not be valid.

The problem in this story is that the increase in absentee voting will potentially prevent many voters from being able to submit their vote in time.

The people who have this problem is those participating in absentee voting.

 

2. Coronavirus Causing More Issues for People in Food Deserts

https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2020/04/coronavirus-causing-more-issues-for-people-in-food-deserts/

There are many areas in America that are considered food deserts, meaning those areas have a lack of access to healthy food options due to transportation, income, and location. These areas are experiencing more difficulties as many businesses closed due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Their current issues are being amplified by many people getting laid off and current social distancing policies. With lowered incomes, increased unemployment, and social distancing policies, it is becoming increasingly difficult for these areas to access healthy food options.

The problem in this story is that people in desert areas are having even more difficulty accessing healthy food options due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

The people who have this problem are those located in desert areas.

 

3. Paterson High School Graduation Rate Dropped Two Years in a Row

https://patersontimes.com/2020/05/18/paterson-high-school-graduation-rate-dropped-two-years-in-a-row/

High schools in Paterson School District have experienced a decline in graduation rates for the second straight year. Although the previous year is not perfectly explainable, the larger drop this year is a result of a change in calculating graduation rates at the state level. This change, coming in 2019, ensured that students attending alternative schools were not apart of the graduation rate calculation.

The problem in this story is that there is a decrease in graduation rates in New Jersey.

The people who have this problem are students and school officials in Paterson, New Jersey and other nearby areas.

 

4. Philabundance to hold its first emergency food drive-through Friday morning at Citizens Bank Park parking lot

https://www.inquirer.com/news/hunger-pandemic-philabundance-food-distribution-coronavirus-phillies-20200528.html

The Covid 19 pandemic has increased the amount of people going hungry while also making distribution of food to these people more difficult. Due to financial and employment difficulties caused by the pandemic, 60% more people need food provided by Philabundance. Not only is this large increase in demand and issue to keep up with, safely distributing food to these people is also an issue. Thirty-five pounds is currently being distributed once a week by Philabundance to these people in need.

The problem in this story is that there is an increase in people not being able to afford food.

The people who have this problem is those people with a low income and cannot work during the pandemic.

 

5. Housing Authority donates $275K to ensure internet access for city students

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/05/28/Pittsburgh-Housing-Authority-donation-internet-access-laptops-city-public-schools-students/stories/202005280149

The Covid 19 pandemic has forced schools to begin teaching online, causing major issues for students in low-income areas. Many students in these areas do not have reliable internet access or equipment to participate in online schooling. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh is donating $275,000 to help buy these students laptops and other internet essentials. There still remains a large amount of students who still do not have access to their online schooling.

The problem in this story is that many students are unable to access their online schooling due to lack of internet access.

The people who have this problem is students in low-income areas who do not have reliable internet access.

 

 

 


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