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Rural school district creates free internet service to keep students connected

Tahera Rahman

September 18, 2020 |

KXAN-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Lockhart, Texas

At least 40 percent, or 2,000, students from Lockhart ISD didn’t have access to reliable internet. To address the issue, the school district built seven towers. They also installed antennas on individual homes so they can receive the signals from the towers. As a result, 1,300 students got connected. “This is about equity,” Estrada said. “Every one of our Lockhart Lions needs to have access to the opportunities they deserve to grow and truly thrive.”

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Pa. Supreme Court halts Philly criminal trials streamed on YouTube over possible harassment

Vinny Vella

September 17, 2020 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia criminal trials were broadcast live on a public YouTube channel to provide for public access to the courts during the pandemic shutdown, but the practice was halted over a complaint by prosecutors that this means of public access created opportunities for harassment and intimidation of victims, witnesses, and defendants. Responding to an emergency petition by the Philadelphia district attorney, the state Supreme Court halted the YouTube broadcasts. Prosecutors said they will explore alternatives including private Zoom calls and closed-circuit feeds.

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How the book industry is weathering the COVID-19 storm

Kate Tuttle

September 17, 2020 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Despite book sales being up during the coronavirus pandemic, many book stores aren't seeing a viable source of income due to the cancellation of book launches and many digital purchases being made on wholesale sites. Authors and publishers, however, have found a silver lining by using technology to host virtual book readings which allows them to reach audiences they may not have before.

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Will the Special Investigative Unit decrease gun violence in Flint?

Amy Diaz

September 15, 2020 |

Flint Beat |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Flint, Michigan

In the first full month since it was created to take illegal guns off the street, Flint's Special Investigative Unit seized 64 firearms and made dozens of arrests. The unit's predictive policing approach relies on data that tell the police where gun crimes are concentrated. Critics contend that focusing enforcement on historically high-crime areas creates a feedback loop of racially disparate policing, in that more cops in a neighborhood means more arrests, which in turn invites more enforcement. Targeted gun enforcement has a mixed record of crime reductions and racial inequities.

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Smartphones saving the rainforest

Julie Ball

September 15, 2020 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Brazil

Rainforest Connection makes a smartphone app that is part of a system using solar-powered phones in the rainforests of Brazil, Sumatra, Costa Rica, and Peru to stream audio of suspected illegal logging. This system, using recycled phones, enables the capture and shutting down of logging operations. In Brazil, about 100 loggers have been arrested and a large share of the rainforest has been protected, though many loggers there and in other countries still evade detection. This app is one example of innovations in use around the world to extend the lives of smartphones to benefit environmental conservation.

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Spy planes provide modest help to Baltimore crime fight over three months, researchers find

Tim Prudente

September 11, 2020 |

The Baltimore Sun |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Baltimore, Maryland

After three months of a pilot project putting video-equipped planes in flight over Baltimore, police made arrests in 21% of the 81 cases in which video evidence was provided. The arrest rate is slightly greater than in the many more cases that were not aided by aerial video. But researchers and police have not concluded from the evidence that the project is effective enough to continue after its six-month, privately funded run. Civil liberties advocates have challenged use of the so-called spy planes, which the city hopes will help combat its high rate of homicides and other violent crimes.

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Women Data Scientists Created GPS-Driven App to Help Kenya Keep Covid-19 Numbers Low

Sharon Kiburi

September 11, 2020 |

Zenger News |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Kenya

Women in GIS Kenya created a digital tool that helps the government track the number of Covid-19 cases, recoveries, and confirmed deaths, as well as the number of tests administered. The online database combines a survey that assesses a person's symptoms with cellphone GPS data to create a map of current hot spots and recommend treatment locations. The government credits the tool, which can also predict high-risk areas vulnerable to future outbreaks, with helping to keep Kenya's COVID-19-related deaths relatively low compared to other countries. The tool is popular among younger, tech-savvy populations.

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What Kenya can teach its neighbors — and the US — about improving the lives of the "unbanked"

Kelsey Piper

September 11, 2020 |

Vox |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya

Mobile banking in Kenya has increased economic mobility for families living in poverty. The mobile money system is not connected to bank accounts, making it accessible to the overwhelming majority of Kenyans who don't have bank accounts but do have cell phones. Mobile banking allows deposits and withdrawals as well as transfers, and has allowed families to save money to use when their income, often from farming, takes a hit thus creating a security net for themselves and allowing them to receive funds from friends and family. Savings allow families to meet basic needs and access medical care if necessary.

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Texas Teacher Takes Her Students On A Road Trip Through U.S. History — Remotely

Emma Talkoff Emily Alfin Johnson

September 11, 2020 |

NPR |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States

Students taking AP U.S. History at Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, may have been limited in their ability to attend in-person classes, but their teacher decided to supplement their lessons by taking on a 15-day virtual road trip across the U.S. to see the places often mentioned in their textbooks. Cathy Cluck traveled as far as the east coast to show students historic sites like Jamestown, Gettysburg, the Lincoln Memorial, and many others.

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Online Art Keeps Bosnia's Isolated Seniors Connected in Pandemic

Lidija Pisker

September 09, 2020 |

Balkan Insight |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Our Bridge in Bosnia provided services to seniors to combat social isolation. Despite having to shut down in-person classes due to the pandemic, both groups now use online art and music classes to reach people who are isolated and at risk of depression. The group joined with the Serbian association, Art Aparat, to offer singing, art, and handicraft classes by video. In person connections are preferred and missed, but the group adapted to changing circumstances to provide even more isolated seniors with social connections, and the partnership allows for cultural exchanges.

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