Welcome to the Overnight News Digest, a regular community feature on Daily Kos, consisting of news stories from around the world, sometimes coupled with a daily theme, original research or commentary. Editors of OND impart their own presentation styles and content choices, typically publishing each day near 12:00 AM Eastern Time.
The OND comes with a crew consisting of founder Magnifico, current leader Neon Vincent, regular editors side pocket, maggiejean, Chitown Kev, Doctor RJ, Magnifico, annetteboardman and Man Oh Man. Alumni editors include (but not limited to) wader, planter, JML9999, Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse, ek hornbeck, ScottyUrb, Interceptor7, BentLiberal, Oke and jlms qkw.
Please feel free to share your questions on today’s news, along with your own articles and stories in the comments.
Inside a Civil War Most People Have Never Heard Of
In recent years the Central African Republic (CAR) has posed some of the most vexing questions in Africa: How does a relatively large country (roughly the size of France), with a small population (4.5 million) and vast resources (including gold, diamonds, and timber), become a failed state? How does a place that has avoided major conflicts over its 57 years of independence and one that was most often seen as a haven for refugees from neighboring war-torn countries suddenly find itself become a killing ground?
Nine-minute photo essay.
The American Obsession with Lawns
We are at a moment when the American Dream, inasmuch as it still exists, is changing. The idea of homeownership is untenable or undesirable for many. While green spaces are important, a large area of green grass seems to be a lower priority for many. With a growing movement that embraces a more natural lifestyle, there is a trend toward the return of naturalized lawns that welcome flowering weeds, and subsequently support a more diverse entomological ecosystem.
Old habits die hard, however. And it is hard to also abandon this idea of a manifestation of material success, especially as it is so readily recognized as such. As of 2005, lawns covered an estimated 63,000 square miles of America. That's about the size of Texas. It's the most grown crop in the United States--and it's not one that anyone can eat; it's primary purpose is to make us look and feel good about ourselves.
History of lawns, with socio-economic aspects. As a westerner who lives in a desert, this is a constant question for me. @diabolo
Report: Utah Schools More Likely to Punish Students of Color
In 2014, Native American students had a higher rate of schools referring them to law enforcement agencies, followed by black students. During the same year, the report found that less than 0.5 percent of white students were referred to law enforcement.
Expulsion numbers among Hispanic students were two times higher than white students. The study notes that the two groups had comparable rates in 2012.
"It is getting better," researcher Vanessa Walsh said. "But it's also getting worse."
This was originally published by the AP, carried by the Salt Lake Tribune, picked up by US News.com and tweeted by Voices for Utah Children @UTchildren