Topic: The MacArthur Foundation

Russia should be rewarded with NATO membership

Russia should be on the agenda for NATO summit in Chicago this weekend. In spite of recent tensions, the historically fractured relationship between Russia and NATO is the most ripe for transformation. Obstacles like missile defense and Eastern Europe can be resolved.

Supreme Court sizes up teens who murder

Two cases involving life sentences for 14-year-olds who murdered will test the Supreme Court's past rulings that teens are not small adults and must be given a chance for redemption.

ICNL promotes freedom of assembly around the world

The ICNL(International Center for Not-for-Profit Law) received $1 million from the MacArthur Foundation to advance its mission of creating a legal framework for the right of assembly and association in countries around the world.

Crisis Action makes a big noise using quiet citizen diplomacy

Crisis Action acts like a coach or talent scout for humanitarian and other citizen groups – but always behind the scenes.

What tax reform would mean at the state level

Congress could go a long way towards fixing the federal system without destroying state revenue codes—but only if reform is done carefully.

David Carroll tracks turtles to reveal what nature has to say to humans

Scientist David Carroll doesn't publish academic papers but tells turtles' stories through his art and writings.

Write stuff: The workshop that shapes American literature

The Iowa Writers' Workshop, on its 75th anniversary, offers a window into the state of American letters.

West Africa Rising: Why Indian firms are bidding to buy up Nigeria's decrepit electrical grid

More than 200 companies – including India's Tata Group, New Jersey's Honeywell Energy, and Nigerian conglomerate Dangote Group – have signed up to own a rusty piece of Nigeria's grid.

Bill Drayton sees a world where 'everyone is a changemaker'

Bill Drayton founded Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, which now has put about 3,000 social entrepreneurs into the field all over the world, three decades ago. A college professor once described him as having "the determination of Job and the brains of a Nobel laureate." Says Drayton: "The life purpose of the true social entrepreneur is to change the world."

Broadway's Spider-Man may lose its genius, director Julie Taymor

After spending nine years shepherding 'Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark' to Broadway, theater phenomenon Julie Taymor reportedly no longer will direct the show.

Does Facebook boost civic engagement among American youths, too?

Participation in online communities increases civic engagement – but just socializing on Facebook doesn't, according to a new study of young Americans and the Internet.

Is an Apple Mac-lash coming?

To some, Steve Jobs has created a 'walled garden' that ultimately must wither. Google represents an 'open' way that invites everyone to play. But there's no clear winner yet.

George Clooney-backed satellite project to monitor volatile Sudan

The border between Sudan's northern and southern regions will be under near-daily satellite surveillance under a new effort backed by the UN, Google, and George Clooney.

Cut America's debt, but spare Social Security

Congress can cut the budget without hurting Social Security, Medicare, and other social insurance programs.

India, Pakistan release prisoners ahead of top talks

India-Pakistan peace talks appear to be picking up, as both countries made 'goodwill gestures' of releasing prisoners ahead of a meeting between home ministers.

Nuclear summit: How much 'loose nukes' material is out there?

The Obama nuclear summit is focusing less on nuclear weapons and more on more poorly guarded nuclear materials that could be used to build nukes.

Cesar Chavez and Hugo Chávez: more alike than they are different

Cesar Chavez and Hugo Chávez may have different reputations, but they both offer lessons for progress in America.

Indian land trust abuse and the woman who finally got US to pay up

Elouise Cobell persisted 13 years in her case against Indian land trust abuse by the US. Now the Obama administration is set to pay $3.4 billion to rectify the century-old problem.

People making a difference: Robert Quinn

When scholars face threats, this global networker finds them safer places to do their work.

As economic crisis deepens, private foundations step into the breach

Some 50 of them pledge more than $100 million to help those affected by the economic crisis.

Milwaukee's urban farmer

One man’s vision: to bring sustainable agriculture to inner cities.

USA

The writers who scored this year's MacArthur genius grants

Older veterans now helping vets of Iraq and Afghanistan

Having 'been there' themselves, Vietnam veterans are better able to listen to and counsel younger vets troubled by their combat experience.