Amidst the pandemic and the continued decline of the print media business, local newsrooms in the middle of America stay afloat in part due to the very communities they serve. While advertising tanked, these newsrooms have gained more digital traffic than ever from locals clinging to them for updates on the pandemic. Even competitors are helping each other; some publishers have taken to publishing other papers to keep them from closing down for good. 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
