Social media's democratic role debated

Newsletter for February 14, 2024

Happy Valentine's Day! Well, it's night by now, but yeah lol. Whether you're getting ready to go on a date or hopping on a train to support youth innovators from Baltimore (like me), I hope you have a good night. And I hope you enjoy the highlights from today's coverage below.

— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

Organized by the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, the Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival recently touched down at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Downtown Baltimore. I attended its closing program: a debate, moderated by renowned journalist April Ryan, on social media's impact on disinformation and the democratic process. Panelists from the ACLU, Boston University, Techdirt and the UC Digital Cultures Lab touched on topics as varied as Jan. 6, the Cambridge Analytica scandal and Section 230. Check out my article for some highlights from the spirited and insightful debate.

➡️ Find out more about this story in my full report here.

Mayor Cherelle Parker of Philadelphia expressed strong support for Philly's digital equity efforts during that city's National Digital Inclusion Alliance conference. You'll find that the Philly Mayor highlighted the progress made by the local government in recent years in our coverage. Her commitment to advancing digital equity aligns with her broader mission of making Philadelphia a safer, cleaner and greener city while ensuring access to economic opportunities for all residents.

➡️ Find out more about this story in my full report here.

• Happy Love Data Week! Did you know that the University of Maryland, Baltimore has a Center for Data and Bioinformation Services? Well, it does, and it's celebrating the week at UMD's Health Sciences and Human Services Library through tomorrow. [University of Maryland]

• Venture For America is currently accepting applications for its Class of 2024. Applications close on March 11. Yes, that's Micky Wolf, CEO of Dent Education, a VFA alum, in the post: [LinkedIn]

• Video didn't kill the radio star after all. Check out this segment on DC's WPGC 95.5 featuring The Be. Org's CEO Tonee Lawson. [Instagram]

• In celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February, Baltimore City Public Schools is highlighting different CTE programs throughout the city. Check out this video from Patterson High. [YouTube]

• Do you need a library card, free coworking space, online courses or to conduct genealogy research? Pratt Library can help with those things and others. [The Pratt]