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Saving Lives With Tech Amid Syria's Endless Civil War

Danny Gold

August 16, 2018 |

Wired |

Multi-Media |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Syria

For people living in Syria, minutes can save people from dying due to bomb strikes. So three men got together and created Hala, and launched a warning system that uses data from aircraft to predict where and when warplanes will strike, then notifies nearby people. Now, the Hala team has 60,000 followers on Facebook, and 16,400 Telegram channel subscribers. “Without the Sentry warning, my family and I would probably be dead.”

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How a Scrappy California Crime Lab Learned to Crack More Gun Cases

Ann Givens

August 14, 2018 |

The Trace |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, California

The Contra Costa Police Department crime lab has accelerated processing ballistics evidence through a national database that works like fingerprints for guns. The result has been connecting gun violence incidents more quickly and getting dangerous offenders off the streets. The lab’s director was able to do this without extra funding or staff by implementing new protocols and cross-training staff.

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Is Blockchain Technology the Future of Voting?

Nafeesa Syeed

August 10, 2018 |

Bloomberg |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, West Virginia

During West Virginia’s primary elections, a pilot program used blockchain technology and a mobile app to record votes. The aim was to improve election security and make it easier for Americans abroad to cast their ballots. Critics say that the program left many security issues unsolved.

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New digital software reduces absenteeism in health centres

Lilian Namagembe

August 07, 2018 |

Daily Monitor |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Uganda

An electronic human resources system has reduced health worker absenteeism in Uganda, improving health service delivery across the country. The tool requires workers to sign in and out, pushing them to show up for their shifts and allowing supervisors to more easily reward good performance and adjust staffing levels.

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Yelp for Cops

Simone Weichselbaum

July 16, 2018 |

The Marshall Project |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Police in New York already use algorithms to fight crime and now they have turned to a tech startup that uses algorithms to gauge trust levels towards citizens. The so-called “sentiment meter” is meant to address where police are falling short with the community and it has garnered the interest of police departments in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Grand Rapids, Mich., as well. But some are skeptical of the data methods and what they are actually measuring.

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Trying to Cut Crime in Public Housing by Making It More Livable

Tina Rosenberg

July 10, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

To make neighborhoods safer, New York City is attempting to strengthen "collective efficacy." Research shows that an engaged community, where residents feel they can trust each other and the government, can help lower crime; improving buildings, offering summer jobs, opening a community center, and providing more services are just some of the actions taker to create safer communities - and it's working.

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Leeds is fighting loneliness with an app and a map

Anoush Darabi

July 04, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Leeds

With a single tap, public health workers in Leeds can use a mobile app to record signs of loneliness in the city. Their observations generate a heat map of social isolation, which then guides community outreach efforts and increases efficiency.

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Governments Explore Using Blockchains to Improve Service

Adrianne Jeffries

June 27, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Governments around the world are exploring whether blockchain technologies can improve public administration. In theory, blockchain could improve accountability and trust in government. In practice, pilot projects are hitting roadblocks and may take more time to implement and scale than some might hope.

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To Combat Potholes, Cities Turn to Technology

Jenni Bergal

June 18, 2018 |

Governing |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Watch out, potholes. Local governments are coming for you. New technology makes it easier than ever to report potholes, track repairs, and anticipate road issues before they even happen.

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Can 30,000 Cameras Help Solve Chicago's Crime Problem?

Timothy Williams

May 26, 2018 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Using advanced data, cameras, and innovative mapping, Chicago is hoping to finally solve crime in the city. Hidden sensors like ShotSpotter and crime forecasting software HunchLab are being used to turn massive amounts of data into usable information for law enforcement officers, but concerns about privacy and surveillance are prevalent.

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