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Mobile phone data could help speed up crucial aid to disaster victims

Fergus Peace

August 28, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Haiti

When disaster strikes, people are often quick to provide help -- but that help is often misdirected because it is hard to know where those who need help are located. Researchers are now exploring how to use cell towers and mobile data to predict movement and provide better services.

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Spare some change? Helping the poor in a cashless society

Eoin O'Carroll

August 27, 2018 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Cambridge, Massachusetts

A non-profit in Cambridge, England has created a mobile app to connect homeless people with donations, even when passersby do not carry cash they can donate. Still in its early phases, the app has helped 11 people reach their saving goals -- but critics argue that the app does little to help people see the homeless as humans, and might actually increase judgement and stigma.

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Can the Manufacturer of Tasers Provide the Answer to Police Abuse?

Dana Goodyear

August 27, 2018 |

The New Yorker |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Data suggests that when an officer is wearing a body camera the likelihood that they will shoot a person decreases by as much as 60 percent. Axon Enterprises, which originally made a fortune from selling taser guns to police departments, started investing in body cameras back in 2006. Now, they are the largest manufacturer “holding contracts with more than half the major police departments in the country.” The company believes this technology will bridge the gap between lethal force and safety.

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Automated Fact-checking

Tim Harford

August 27, 2018 |

BBC |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United Kingdom

Technology has made it easier to fact-check speeches and interviews in real time. The organization Fullfact has made software that processes dialogue looking for claims and highlights whether those claims match verified data. The tools help fact-checkers contribute to public debate around the world.

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Access Bollywood: app opens up cinema to millions of blind Indians

Priti Salian

August 24, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: India

Using audio descriptions of a movie’s action, the XL Cinema app increases the accessibility of movies to a vision impaired audience. The free app has been used thousands of times and production studios are interested in working with XL Cinema to expand its offerings.

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You Can Now Read Literary Classics on New York Public LIbrary's Instagram

Linda Poon

August 23, 2018 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The New York Public Library Insta Novels program makes public domain works available to be read on Instagram. Featuring engaging artwork and a user friendly format, Insta Novels make literature available to users with a smartphone and provide a path to digital engagement for the library.

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Mapping murders: this new data tool is helping cities understand violent crime

Edward Siddons

August 23, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

A new online tool developed by researchers at New York University offers more current data on homicides for the 80 largest cities in the United States than annual reports by the FBI. The tool offers a more realistic picture of crime that could blunt widespread fear and curtail moves by policymakers to pass legislation rapidly based on inaccurate data. However its growth and success is dependent on data produced by city governments.

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This restaurant takeout service swaps styrofoam for sustainable

Teresa Carey

August 21, 2018 |

PBS NewsHour |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Durham, North Carolina

Eliminating single use plastics requires developing alternatives for consumers. In Durham, North Carolina, Green-to-Go offers a reusable container service for take-out orders. Users can download the Green-to-Go app, which links to participating take-out restaurants. A reusable take-out container replaces the need of as many as 1,000 single use containers, marking an important step toward a circular-use economy.

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Gaming for good: This Detroiter's board game business hopes to bring jobs and education to the city

Kristen Davis

August 21, 2018 |

Model D |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

Lee Gaddis transformed an interest in board games into a business that helps all gamers, while on the side empowering youth to find career opportunities in gaming in his hometown of Detroit. The TableTopper is a product that turns any table into a gaming table. More than that, Gaddis turned this idea into a way to support jobs in Detroit. He still sees gaming as a way to inspire youth, engage creativity, and expand career options.

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Rohingya turn to blockchain to solve identity crisis

Skot Thayer Alex Hern

August 20, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Malaysia

Blockchain can be used to create digital identities for people who have lost legal documents or been denied citizenship. The technology is helping Rohingya in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia gain access to banking and educational opportunities.

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