The Latest - YES! Magazine Solutions Journalism

Capitalism vs. Climate: Naomi Klein’s New Film Takes Us From the Current Crisis to the World We Want

In "This Changes Everything," Naomi Klein lays out how industry interests are opposed to those of ordinary people—a point climate activists have had trouble communicating and been reluctant to fully embrace.

Kate Aronoff | Nov 5, 2015

A Quarter of Pakistani Girls Are Married Before They’re 18. This Film Shows What That Feels Like

In her directorial debut, Afia Nathaniel brings the reality of Pakistan's child bride crisis to American audiences.

Leigh Finke | Nov 4, 2015

Clean elections

5 Ways Voters Stood Up to Big Money, Despite Losses

From campaign finance reform to protecting small business, Tuesday's elections had a few big victories.

Araz Hachadourian | Nov 4, 2015

The Color of Food: How Gardens and Farms Can Help Us Heal From a History of Racism

When we work together, share meals together, and laugh together, we’re repairing relationships with the soil as a community.

Natasha Bowens | Nov 3, 2015

Don’t Just Divest, Reinvest—From Fossil Fuels to a Healthy Economy

Reinvestment could also unite students organizing for other forms of divestment, like prison divestment and divestment in solidarity with Palestine.

Meaghan LaSala | Nov 3, 2015

Ben Newhouse with solar array. Photo by Mary Hansen.

Renewable energy

As State Pols Resist Obama’s Climate Plan, West Virginians Build Renewables Anyway

So far, the state isn’t stepping up to build a solar-powered future. That leaves the bulk of the work to residents.

Mary Hansen | Oct 31, 2015

Clean elections

Can Seattle Boot Big Money Out of Elections By Giving Everyone “Democracy Vouchers”?

Early results show Seattle passing the Honest Elections ballot initiative. Voters will receive four $25 “democracy vouchers” every election year, which they can donate to the campaign of their choice.

Marcus Harrison Green | Oct 30, 2015

Will the New Economy Be Capitalism, or Something Else? Join Us for a Discussion on November 9

To debate this crucial issue in the new economy, we’re co-hosting a panel on November 9 with experts in the field. Please RSVP and join us!

| Oct 30, 2015

Cooperatives | Wealth and inequality

How Creative Finance Launched Worker-Owned Co-ops In Post-Sandy New York

Half of small businesses don’t make it past the first five years, and owners lose everything trying to pay off the loans. The Working World lets co-ops stabilize before repayment even begins.

Araz Hachadourian | Oct 29, 2015

The Crunch illustration by Jennifer Luxton.

Sustainable food and farming

Can Reddit Bring the Campfire Ghost Story Back to Life? (And Other Scary News to Chew On)

Man-made space trash is headed for Earth; there is science to back up why we love horror movies; and campfire stories are reimagined for the tech era.

| Oct 28, 2015

Goodbye McMansion, Hello Simple Life: What I Learned From Thoreau

The philosopher’s lessons include how to let go and find happiness—even after crippling debt and a heartbreaking divorce.

Kaci Yoh | Oct 26, 2015

I Owed My Parents Everything—But My Son Will Owe Me Nothing

Why family debts shouldn’t be about money or expectations, but about love.

Shin Yu Pai | Oct 26, 2015

Colorado Pushes for Universal Health Care That’s Governed by the People

Next year, residents will vote on replacing the Affordable Care Act with ColoradoCare, a plan that works like a cooperative. In a purple state like this, it just might work.

Nathan Schneider | Oct 23, 2015

Patient finance illustration by Jennifer Luxton.

Local economies | Jobs

Why Slower Money Is the Key to a Real Economic Recovery

An exciting crop of organizations are financing businesses in a way that creates real wealth. Here are a few ways to scale them up so that they can truly challenge Wall Street.

Keith Harrington | Oct 23, 2015

Wealth and inequality | Citizens United

The Interest-Free Lending Circles That Help Friends and Families Do DIY Loans

Who needs banks when you have communities? And organizations like Mission Asset Fund have even figured out how to use the system to raise credit scores.

Liz Pleasant | Oct 21, 2015

Do We Even Need International Borders? (and Other News to Chew On)

Opening borders can have unexpected benefits; studies show alarming links between air pollution and dementia; and Native Americans talk about illegal immigration.

| Oct 21, 2015

10 Kids’ Halloween Costumes Inspired By Rad American Women, From Angela Davis to Patti Smith

At a time when GOP candidates can barely name an important woman from history, these Rad American Women of Halloween are a great way to have fun and educate others.

Kate Schatz | Oct 20, 2015

Wealth and inequality

When Energy Bills Skyrocketed, These Neighbors Banded Together to Keep the Lights On—And Won

For nearly 20 years, utility company Central Hudson has operated more or less unchallenged—until Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson came along.

Laura Gottesdiener | Oct 19, 2015

Health care

Take a Walk: 11 Ways to Build the Healthy Habit

Walking might just be the easiest way to get in daily exercise. Here are a few ways to make the practice even easier.

Jay Walljasper | Oct 17, 2015

How a Prison’s Debate Team Beat Harvard’s (and Other News to Chew On)

Bernie Sanders calls climate change our biggest security threat, a video illustrates how few women are in positions of power, and Black Lives Matter organizers take on more than just race.

| Oct 16, 2015

Jazz economy illustration by Jennifer Luxton.

Call for Submissions: Picturing the New Economy

YES! Magazine and the New Economy Coalition want to create some new visual culture for our economic movements. Here’s how you can help. Deadline is October 20.

| Oct 15, 2015

Chinese boys laughing in Guizhou province. Photo by Grigvovan / Shutterstock.com.

Can Local Economies Revolutionize the US? This Adviser to China Thinks So

Laurence Brahm advises the Chinese government on economic and environmental policy. Here’s what he thinks the United States can learn from China.

Marcus Harrison Green | Oct 15, 2015

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