Gun violence is a singularly American problem. But there’s a proven solution, says Robert Muggah, that needs support.

A well-designed flag can be a thing of beauty, inspiring pledges of allegiance galore. But weirdly, bad flags can inspire passion and loyalty too, suggesting that democracy and design don’t always go together.

Think about everyday services, and what comes to mind? Probably practical matters: housing, food, health, education. Artist Theaster Gates wants to add a new item to the list. He makes the case for why, really, beauty is the most important basic service.

The South Side of Chicago has a reputation for violence … and it’s getting worse. On Instagram, Jon Lowenstein draws our attention to what’s going on. Check out a collection of just some of his images.