Society

Ancient technology that was centuries ahead of its time

These forward-thinking inventions are often called “ahead of their time.” They are reflections of the ingenuity of their civilizations.

Tim Brinkhof

Building Community

More Americans than ever have no friends. Here are 5 steps to make more friends.

The last decade has seen a steep drop in adult friendships and a worrying increase in loneliness. Is this the cost of our modern life?

Elizabeth Gilbert

Psychology

The secrets of cooperation

Most people care what others think of them. In many situations, that can be leveraged for the common good — cooperation.

Bob Holmes | Knowable Magazine

Fixing Justice

Volunteers build first nationwide database of police records

Thousands of volunteers are data scraping public websites to compile police records into a single national database for researchers to mine.

Kristin Houser

Series| Catalysts

From homeless to homeowner with a $6K fixer-upper

6:18

In partnership with Stand Together

Acts Housing is empowering low-income families by offering resources for every step of the process, from financial counselors to home renovation support.

Doug Dais

Fixing Justice

Qualified immunity might not protect police for much longer

The U.S. government is considering changes to qualified immunity, a doctrine that protects police from civil lawsuits.

Kristin Houser

Fixing Justice

How police spend their time

The New York Times looks at how police spend their time at work, providing insights that could be useful for “unbundling the police” efforts.

Kristin Houser

Volunteers

These kids are mowing lawns for people in need

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Raising Men Lawn Care Service has seen a surge in youths volunteering to mow lawns for those in need.

Kristin Houser

Family

This gang is breaking the stereotype of the absent black father

These dads are on a mission to change the way the world views black parenthood.

Teresa Carey

Fixing Justice

Your smartphone can help end police misconduct

There are now apps, websites, and phone shortcuts designed to help you not only document police misconduct, but also report and protect it.

Kristin Houser

Fixing Justice

Converting prisons into farms, community centers, and shelters

Across the U.S., prisons, jails, and detention centers are being transformed from facilities that confine people into ones that support them.

Kristin Houser

Fixing Justice

Why Juneteenth (June 19) could soon be a national holiday

Across the U.S., companies and governments are starting to officially recognize Juneteenth, the June 19 holiday also known as Black Independence Day.

Kristin Houser

Fixing Justice

Rethinking public safety: Are police always needed?

The mobile mental health service CAHOOTS handles public safety calls related to mental or behavioral health for the Eugene Police Department.

Kristin Houser

Sections

Video

Freethink

We focus on solutions: the smartest people, the biggest ideas, and the most ground breaking technology shaping our future.