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Daily Archives: February 20, 2017

ProPublica Project – Documenting Hate

“The 2016 election left many in America afraid – of intolerance and the violence it can inspire. The need for trustworthy facts on the details and frequency of hate crimes and other incidents born of prejudice has never been more urgent. At this point, there is simply no reliable national data on crimes. And no government agency documents lower-level incidents of harassment and intimidation, such as online or real-life bullying. Documenting and understanding all of these incidents – from hate-inspired murders to anti-Semitic graffiti to racist online trolling – requires new, more creative approaches. That’s why we have marshaled a national coalition of news organizations, civil-rights groups and technology companies intent on creating a database of reported hate crimes and bias incidents. ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. In addition to us, the project’s growing list of partners include The Google News Lab, Univision News, the New York Times Opinion Section, WNYC, BuzzFeed News, First Draft, Meedan, New America Media, The Root, Latino USA, The Advocate, and Ushahidi. We’re also working with civil-rights groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, and schools such as the University of Miami School of Communication. We will for the first time be able to take a rigorous look at hate crimes in America – combining data analysis, social media newsgathering, and ambitious investigative storytelling….”

Human Genome Editing: Science, Ethics, and Governance

“Genome editing is a powerful new tool for making precise alterations to an organism’s genetic material. Recent scientific advances have made genome editing more efficient, precise, and flexible than ever before. These advances have spurred an explosion of interest from around the globe in the possible ways in which genome editing can improve human health.… Continue Reading

GAO – Presidential and Congressional Transition documents

“During presidential transitions, GAO provides information specifically for new administrations as well as new Congresses. The resources and recommendations here can help policymakers and other leaders find ways to greatly improve government operations and potentially save millions of dollars. Three sets of resources are available here, specifically focusing on the issues and challenges that should… Continue Reading

The Presidential Timeline Project

“The Presidential Timeline project supports educators in developing students’ historical thinking skills and promoting civic engagement. The project consists of the Presidential Timeline website, Summer Teacher Institutes and webinars. The National Archives provides historical content and primary sources, and the University of Texas at Austin provides technical skills to create and maintain the website. Both… Continue Reading

Savings Externalities in a Second-Best World

Hayashi, Andrew T. and Murphy, Daniel Patrick, Savings Externalities in a Second-Best World (February 16, 2017). Virginia Law and Economics Research Paper No. 2017-03; Virginia Public Law and Legal Theory Research Paper No. 2017-08. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2918999 “The debate among legal scholars about individuals’ failure to save enough for retirement happens on a “micro”… Continue Reading

Views of Trump Are Already Strongly Felt, Deeply Polarized

Pew – February 16, 2017 – In First Month, Views of Trump Are Already Strongly Felt, Deeply Polarized – Opposition to Trump’s refugee policy “Less than a month after Donald Trump took office, the public’s initial impressions of the new president are strongly felt, deeply polarized and far more negative than positive. The latest national… Continue Reading

Atlantic FAQ on President Trump and conflict of interest issues

The Atlantic – “President Donald Trump still has not taken the necessary steps to distance himself from his businesses while in office. In accordance with a plan that he and one of his lawyers, Sheri Dillon, laid out at a press conference on January 11, Trump has filed paperwork to remove himself from the day-to-day… Continue Reading