A remarkable coalition of media and civic groups has formed a new organisation to save local news from its current crisis. This has stemmed from worries that the scale of the crisis is beyond what philanthropy alone has resolve. Government has traditionally played a role in protecting editorial independence and providing subsidies to newspapers, radio and TV stations to help maintain a functioning free press. So, the idea of government helping to save local media should not be so concerning to journalists, as it is essential to maintaining a vibrant local press and democracy. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
