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Cities Closely Watching Chicago's Version of a Fitbit

Tod Newcombe

November 15, 2016 |

Governing |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Already a model for the 'Smart City Trend', Chicago is now continuing its innovative streak by launching an "urban sensing" project, which will gather, analyze and publicize sensory data on the city’s air quality, traffic flow, and hyperlocal weather conditions. These sensors will not only provide the public with immediate and practical information about traffic, air and weather safety, but also guide city planners’ in designing energy efficient infrastructure.

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As Columbia meal-sharing app stalled, NYU counterpart soared

Rahil Kamath

November 14, 2016 |

Columbia Daily Spectator |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

To address the food insecurity problem among its low-income students, Columbia University launched Swipes, a meal sharing app in which students with a surplus of “meal swipes” could donate them to students in need. But when that app struggled to function and roll out properly, Columbia looked downtown to New York University, where student Jon Chin launched a similarly purposed but more effectively designed app, Share Meals. So far, the app has enabled over a thousand meal donations, and is hoping to work with Columbia to share its code and expand its donor services.

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A day to expunge criminal records is hugely popular in Philly

Jane M. Von Bergen

November 11, 2016 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, people with certain types of misdemeanors can ask the courts to seal their records from public view. When this law was passed, a team of 175 lawyers, paralegals, and law students volunteered to help eligible people start the process of sealing their records. The event was a big hit with 1,853 people signing up for help, so many that registration had to close. Of the applicants, 1,200 will likely get their records sealed.

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Teaching Teens Financial Literacy

Arielle Dreher

November 09, 2016 |

Jackson Free Press |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Jackson, Mississippi

Students at Provine High School will soon be able to open up accounts with Hope Credit Union, right in their own hallway. The partnership is helping students realize that having a relationship with a financial institution can create a more stable financial future, breaking the cycle of poverty.

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How Forensics Are Boosting the Battle Against the Wildlife Trade

Heather Millar

November 08, 2016 |

Yale Environment 360 |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya, Mombasa

In recent years, advances in technologies such as genetics testing, forensic sciences, and online database management have allowed governments and organizations to tackle poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife at a whole new level. Where before law enforcement generally focused on capturing poachers and traders red-handed - usually resulting in the arrest of players low down on the chain - technology is helping investigators target the ringleaders and instigate preventative, rather than reactionary, measures.

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Cash and Tech Replace Bags of Rice in Urban Humanitarian Aid

Molly McCluskey

November 04, 2016 |

Diplomatic Courier |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Jordan, Amman

Refugees often find cold cash far more helpful than bags of rice or other products foundations provide. Iris scanners can make identity verification much easier for refugees to access money that is distributed to them at banks.

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A Renewable Energy Revolution in Small-Town America

Nicolas Pollock, Deborah Fallows, James Fallows

November 03, 2016 |

The Atlantic |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Spearville, Kansas

Small towns across America are leading the shift towards renewable energy. Part of a series called "American Futures", this video visits Kansas, Pennsylvania, and California to learn more about green initiatives in biofuel, wind, and solar power. Although each solution is different, each are a new way of generating income for the residents of the towns and often comes with societal acceptance as well.

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Australia's Lesson for a Thirsty California

Sylvia Rowley

November 01, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Australia

In Australia, an impending drought demanded urgent changes. Addressing these needs, various government agencies launched innovative campaigns to establish new norms around collaboration and conservancy.

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How One University Used Big Data To Boost Graduation Rates

Anya Kamenetz

October 30, 2016 |

NPR |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia State University in Atlanta is using a predictive analytics model to identify red flags that can stop students from graduation. With this system, the university advisors can intervene early on and help students graduate.

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Estonia ditches paper with model e-governance services

Denys Krasnikov

October 28, 2016 |

Kyiv Post |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Estonia

Through the Estonian government's e-services, which include digital options for voting, paying taxes, storing identification, and more, the country saved roughly €280 million over the span of a decade thanks to the lower cost of collecting digital signatures.

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