Apr 3, 2017

Facebook helps launch $14 million news literacy program

Alessio Jacona / Flickr cc

Facebook is teaming up with several along with several journalism foundations and internet tech companies in an effort to improve online news literacy and increase trust in journalism. The News Integrity Initiative, a $14 million investment run by the CUNY's Tow-Knight Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism, will fund research and projects and convene meetings with industry experts. Besides Facebook, other funders include Mozilla, AppNexus, Betaworks, the Craig Newmark Philanthropic Fund, the Ford Foundation, the Democracy Fund, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Tow Foundation.

Why it matters: Since its fake news saga during the election, Facebook has taken numerous steps to prove it's serious about promoting good journalism. In taking these steps, Zuckerberg is positioning his tech company to become a global social infrastructure organization, a vision he laid out in a sweeping manifesto last month.

What's next: The Initiative has already signed on 19 contributing groups, ranging from PR firms Edelman and Weber Shandwick to schools like Arizona State University, that will host events around the world to promote news literacy. The initiative also aims to find additional funders and participants as it grows internationally.

Go deeper

Zachary Basu

Boris Johnson admitted to hospital as coronavirus symptoms persist

Photo: Ray Tang/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to the hospital for tests as a "precautionary step" as his coronavirus symptoms have continued to persist 10 days after testing positive, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.

Why it matters: Johnson was the first major elected leader to test positive for the coronavirus. He was admitted on the same day that Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare televised address to the nation, urging the British people to confront the pandemic with the same "self-discipline" and "resolve" that has defined the country in times of crisis.

Go deeper9 mins ago - World

Axios

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 4 p.m. ET: 1,252,265 — Total deaths: 68,413 — Total recoveries: 258,495 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 4 p.m. ET: 325,185 — Total deaths: 9.267 — Total recoveries: 16,820 — Map.
Public health latest: CDC launches national trackers and recommends face coverings in public. Federal government will cover costs of COVID-19 treatment for uninsured. Surgeon general says this week will be "our Pearl Harbor, our 9/11 moment."
2020 latest: "We have no contingency plan," Trump said on the 2020 Republican National Convention. Biden says DNC may have to hold virtual convention.
States updates: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state is "literally going day-to-day" with supplies.
Work update: Queen Elizabeth II urges the British people to confront pandemic with "self-discipline" and "resolve" in rare televised address.
What should I do? Pets, moving and personal health. Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — Q&A: Minimizing your coronavirus risk.
Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Keep ReadingUpdated 28 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Ursula Perano

Queen Elizabeth addresses U.K. amid coronavirus crisis: "We will meet again"

In a rare televised address on Sunday, Queen Elizabeth II urged the United Kingdom to respond to the coronavirus pandemic with the "self-discipline" and "resolve" that have defined the British people in moments of crisis.

Why it matters: It's just the fifth time that the queen, who traditionally speaks to the nation once a year on Christmas Day, has addressed the British people in this way during her 68-year reign.

Go deeper39 mins ago - World