Nudging News Producers and Consumers Toward More Thoughtful, Less Polarized Discourse

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We appreciate the seven recommendations for new producers and consumers put forth by Darrell West and Beth Stone of Brookings that, if followed, would lead to news consumers being better able to understand the implications of policy generally and personally. Better information when combined with a willingness to understand that information is a powerful means to more thoughtful, meaningful discourse and, consequently, better decisions.

Read the full article here.

Syria: What – and who – it will take to end the war

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NOTRE DAME, IND. — Conditions in Syria have worsened significantly in recent months. President Obama declared more than two years ago that “Assad must go,” but the hard reality today is that the regime of Bashar al-Assad remains in power and has gained ground militarily. Neither the United States nor rebel forces has the power to dislodge him. Read more about it HERE

A model for hold-your-nose dealmaking in Congress

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WASHINGTON — In October, the US legislative process hit rock bottom in setting fiscal policy. Yes, there have been other low points: the downgrade of the US credit rating after the 2011 debt-limit debate, nearly going over the “fiscal cliff” last January, and then allowing the mindless “sequester” cuts to go into effect in March. Read more about it HERE