Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 161 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.”

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story