Miniature golf courses died when the US interstate system was born. In America, mini-golf courses were a product of the Great Depression both in structure and purpose. Built for profit during the Depression, they were constructed on repurposed dirt with obstacles made of old bits of piping, near well-lit areas or billboards. This meant many of them were built along local highways. The development of the interstate caused many drivers to stop using these local highways, causing mini-golf courses to shut down due to a lack of profit. 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
