PLACE aims to address the inequality in access to mapping data by establishing a non-profit data trust that serves the public interest. Unlike big tech companies like Google and Facebook, which are driven by shareholder interests, PLACE focuses on democratizing data, ensuring ethical use, and engaging with governments and local partners. The organization operates on a membership model, with fees based on the type and size of the organization. PLACE emphasizes transparency, privacy, and data security, and collaborates with various stakeholders to maintain high standards and ethical practices in mapping data.

Improved hurricane track and intensity forecasts are aiding public preparedness, but forecasters at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference highlight concerns about short fuse hurricanes that rapidly intensify near land. State transportation officials plan phased shutdowns of I-95 and U.S. 1 flyover exits from Key Biscayne in July.

The Danakil plain in northern Ethiopia, rich in minerals and home to the Afar people, is one of Earth's hottest and lowest places. It serves as a terrestrial analogue site for Mars research due to its extreme conditions. Europlanet 2020, a consortium of European planetary scientists, conducted field research there, led by biochemist Dr. Felipe Gómez. The region also faces challenges such as poverty and lack of UNESCO protection, despite its scientific and economic potential. Local salt miners and the village chief, Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan, see benefits from science, mining, and tourism, but disparities remain. The area's history of interest to colonizers and miners continues with the presence of companies like Yara Mining.

Cyclone Idai severely impacted central Mozambique, leading to the resettlement of 93,000 people in government sites with minimal resources. The cyclone and climate change have disproportionately affected the poor, with many losing their livelihoods. Mozambique's government, dominated by FRELIMO, faces criticism for corruption, lack of transparency, and mismanagement, particularly in the hasty selection of resettlement sites and the handling of post-cyclone recovery. The opposition parties RENAMO and MDM are weak, and the recent national elections have been contested. The infrastructure in Beira and beyond was already fragile before the cyclone, and the disaster has exacerbated the situation, leaving many in a state of dependency and seeking opportunities to rebuild their lives.

The article discusses the impact of U.S. airstrikes in Somalia, focusing on the civilian casualties and the lack of reparations or acknowledgment from the U.S. military. Families of the victims, including Quasim Dahir and Mohamed Osman Abdi, express their grief and demand justice, compensation, and recognition. The article highlights the broader issue of civilian harm caused by U.S. military operations, the relaxed rules under the Trump administration, and the challenges in obtaining reparations. Human rights advocates argue that many of these killings constitute extrajudicial actions, and the lack of reparations reflects a broader issue within the U.S. Department of Defense.

Bobi Wine, a Ugandan singer-turned-politician, has emerged as a significant challenger to long-time President Yoweri Museveni. Wine's activism focuses on corruption, unemployment, and social inequality, resonating with Uganda's youthful population. His arrest in August sparked widespread protests and international solidarity, highlighting the growing discontent with dictatorial regimes across Africa. Wine's trial for treason, set to begin on October 1, could further escalate tensions. The article underscores the broader regional implications of Wine's struggle, as young Africans increasingly demand political change.

In Geita, Tanzania, the stark contrast between the wealth generated by the Geita Gold Mine and the poverty of the local community is evident. Despite the mine's significant contributions to the national economy, local residents face severe hardships, including inadequate healthcare and infrastructure. The article highlights the disparity in living conditions between the local Tanzanians and the predominantly white expatriates working in the mines. It also discusses the broader issues of corporate responsibility, government corruption, and the potential for small-scale mining to provide sustainable livelihoods. The tension and violence resulting from these inequalities underscore the need for better regulation and more equitable distribution of resources.

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has been conducting operations in Somalia since 2007, admitting to four civilian deaths. However, organizations like Amnesty International and Airwars report significantly higher numbers, prompting Rep. Ilhan Omar and other Democratic representatives to demand clarity on the military's investigation methods. The letter to AFRICOM's chief, Gen. Stephen Townsend, calls for transparency in defining combatants and civilians and addressing discrepancies in casualty reports. AFRICOM's recent report on airstrikes has been met with mixed reactions, with calls for more detailed public accounting and engagement with affected communities.

Uber's aggressive expansion in Kenya has left many drivers, like Harrison Munala, in significant debt and financial distress. Initially promising lucrative opportunities, Uber's fare cuts and increased competition have drastically reduced driver incomes. Many drivers, burdened with loans for vehicles, struggle to make ends meet, with some even facing eviction. The article highlights the broader economic impact, including increased car repossessions and dissatisfaction among drivers. Despite some drivers managing to pay off their loans, the overall sentiment towards Uber remains negative due to perceived exploitation and misleading practices.

Anita Pettit, a supposed investigative reporter with a significant following, was revealed to be a fictitious persona created by the Israeli private intelligence company Percepto International. This 'deep avatar' was part of a disinformation campaign to influence elections and smear organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross in Burkina Faso. Percepto's CEO, Royi Burstien, admitted to using such avatars for intelligence gathering and manipulation. The exposure of Pettit and similar bots was the result of a six-month undercover investigation by the #StoryKillers consortium, which includes 30 newsrooms and the European non-profit Forbidden Stories. The investigation also uncovered another Israeli company, Team Jorge, which operates thousands of fake social media profiles to spread propaganda. Social media platforms have begun removing these fake profiles after being alerted to their existence.