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We Went to a 'Form-a-Palooza,' a Hackathon for Better Paperwork

Gracie McKenzie

August 08, 2017 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

The forms required to receive social services can be long and difficult to navigate, despite their essential nature for many people in need. In D.C., a new team meant to coordinate innovation across agencies gathered wonks and interested residents to figure out how to make those forms clearer and easier to use.

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This N.H. town couldn't ‘bear' it any longer — so it passed an ordinance

Matt Rocheleau

August 07, 2017 |

The Boston Globe |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Lincoln, New Hampshire

A number of towns across northern New England struggled with furry invaders ripping into trash bins and dumpsters, which not only scattered litter and left a big mess, but increased the risk of dangerous encounters between humans and bears. When educational initiatives and voluntary compliance proved ineffective, Lincoln passed an ordinance requiring residents and businesses to secure their garbage - or face a fine. The bylaws have proven to be the most effective method for deterring the hungry forest critters.

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Rise of the Government Chatbot

Zach Quaintance

August 04, 2017 |

Government Technology |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

City governments have been implementing “chatbots” to provide a way for residents to both communicate with city government as well as receive information about and assistance with services through text or Facebook. Chatbots provide a means for residents to interact with services all day as well as reduces city staff’s workload.

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Why Salt Is This Power Plant's Most Valuable Asset

Molly A. Seltzer

August 04, 2017 |

Smithsonian |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, McIntosh, Alabama

One of the greatest challenges to integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid has been the issue of storage - where and how to keep power generated during off-hours (such as overnight) when demand is low. While batteries are on the rise as one solution, an Alabama power plant has discovered a natural way of storing energy until it is needed: pumping air into salt caverns.

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Finding Some Peace After War

Dave Philipps

August 02, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Warrior Expeditions is one of several organizations helping veterans embark on outdoor experiences, such as hiking the Continental Divide. Participants find that these trips, sometimes months-long, offer the time and space to begin processing their experiences of combat and loss.

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How technology is helping cities cope with mass migration

David Hatch

August 01, 2017 |

Citiscope |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

In an era of mass migration and vast displacement, communities and governments around the world are struggling to cope with the influx of millions of immigrants and refugees. But different innovations in technology are making integration easier and increasing access to resources for new arrivals - from mobile banking accounts to online housing databases. Part 3 of 3.

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Sending Health to Rural Ghana via Traveling Medics

Andrew Higgins

August 01, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Ghana

In places such as Ghana, people live far from proper healthcare, which is why Community Health Workers in the region, and in other regions lacking access to healthcare, are being trained. CHW's can help educate individuals about how to stay healthy, increase prevention techniques, and help them get proper medical aid.

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Counting On Medicaid To Avoid Life In A Nursing Home? That's Now Up To Congress.

Susan Jaffe

July 31, 2017 |

Kaiser Health News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

Congressional Republicans' push to reduce Medicaid funds is a threatening proposition to the people who use its services. Medicaid funds services at home which allows people to live at home instead of in a nursing home by providing minor house renovations, a visiting nurse or other worker, or other home products.

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Free Lunch at the Library

Catherine Saint Louis

July 30, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Cincinnati, Ohio

From New York to Ohio to California, librarians have teamed up with the USDA summer food service program, along with other non-profits, to feed kids dependent on free/reduced-price lunches during the school year. Using census data to locate communities of greatest need and data to measure participation trends, the collaborative has witnessed a surge in effectiveness and impact across the states. Families, librarians, and public officials alike express satisfaction and enthusiasm for the initiative and its future.

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Foodstuffs: Giving Food Stamp Recipients a Place at Farmers Markets

Ben Henry

July 27, 2017 |

New Hampshire Public Radio |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Dover, New Hampshire

While farmers’ markets popularity has increased in the last decade, the higher prices mitigate equal access to such provisions -- and, by extension, the health benefits. As a result, non-profits and farmers' markets across New Hampshire are collaborating with a state program, Granite State Market Watch, to enable low-income food stamp recipients to use the markets. The state matches every dollar worth of stamps, providing needed purchasing power to enjoy the fresh bounty as well as an increased customer base and revenue stream for the local farmers.

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