Latest News
Many want Minnesota’s Corrections Department to release non-violent, elderly and medically compromised prisoners as a way to protect them from the coronavirus. None of the state prisons have an ICU or any ventilators.
The state only has tests for every 362 per 100,000 people and fewer test results means less information to help public health officials understand the virus. “It’s really important for us to know if they’re positive.”
Work to bridge the digital divide has gained momentum in recent years in state and local government, and the case to close the gap may get a further boost by the novel coronavirus reinforcing the importance of having the Internet at home.
Federal fiscal assistance could avert budget-balancing cutbacks at the state and municipal level as the coronavirus devastates the economy. Here are some of the strategies and policies that are likely to be — or ought to be — considered.
The information they collect for operational purposes can be leveraged in numerous ways to help them deal more effectively with the economic devastation of the coronavirus.
The revenue drop from COVID-19 is barely starting to show up in official figures, but already furloughs and major shortfalls are common in state and local governments around the country. The pain may be sudden, but it could last for years.
Throughout the ages, writers and historians who have witnessed pandemics have chronicled their impact and provided us with a valuable history lesson on how not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Masks are commonplace due to COVID-19 so companies are expanding their facial recognition capacity to recognize the masked faces. Privacy concerns are more pressing than ever as the pandemic could increase society surveillance.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry says that about half of the recent million or more recent claims filed so far have been paid. “We will take care of everyone’s concerns.”
As COVID-19 has increased patient numbers and discouraged in-person, non-urgent appointments, it could be an inflection point for telehealth. “I don’t think we’ll ever go back to where we were.”
2020 candidates are having to maneuver their campaigns around coronavirus constraints with video and phone calls. While there are drawbacks to online-only campaigns, there can be some benefits, like reaching wider and different audiences.
Local governments have a legal obligation to keep conducting business and engaging the public during the global pandemic, but there can often be more to virtual public meetings than meets the eye.
It may not always look pretty, but the American system of federalism creates opportunities to try different things and pick up the slack when there's a shortfall at one level of government.
The legal system has had to adapt to a virtual system as the coronavirus threat continues. While some believe this can help the courts break down barriers and silos, many are concerned about the efficacy of virtual court.
Only 10 of Pennsylvania’s counties or municipalities are allowed to have detailed data about infectious diseases in the area. An antiquated law is frustrating officials and threatening to further spread the coronavirus.
Four of Ohio’s cities are dependent on income taxes. With thousands now unemployed, the coronavirus’s financial toll continues to mount. “Who knows how long this is going to last, but the effect will be felt immediately.”
A Microsoft executive believes that COVID-19 could revolutionize the way artificial intelligence is used in health care, now and in the future. Even beyond telehealth developments, increased tech could mean early detection of disease.
After issuing a stay-at-home order, Louisiana workers have transitioned to working remotely during April. But many companies had to scramble to ensure their workers had the capability to work from home.
Revisiting a prediction about microchip implants in the brain allows society to ask questions about how much technology we need and the importance of enacting proactive regulations to restrain potential abuse.
When an emergency like the coronavirus makes it too dangerous for lawmakers to convene in person, they should be allowed to meet, debate and vote remotely. The technology is readily available.
This week’s security newsletter covers the growing concerns about hacker opportunities while states and localities struggle to manage operations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, what to do about election security?
The removal of Captain Brett E. Cozier of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt for his handling of the coronavirus evokes the sometimes-controversial career of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt.
A short-term federal forgivable-loan program for property owners whose tenants can't pay their rent during the pandemic would protect badly needed state and local revenues.
As unemployment claims continue to spike, the Labor Department’s website couldn’t handle the huge increase in volume. “We are going to work to make sure people get the unemployment that they need to get through this crisis.”
The addresses of confirmed coronavirus cases are being shared with emergency personnel to protect responders from the infection. That despite concerns that patient privacy is being breached.
Anonymized cellphone data are being used to track social distancing effects, but the public shouldn’t be complacent with the method. This pandemic will set the precedent for how these crises are managed in the future.
The state could lose $195 million annually for every 1 percent of the population that is undercounted. Officials hope that the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t dissuade residents from participating in the Census.
Shortages of badly needed hand sanitizer for public safety workers led the owners of the Catoctin Creek Distillery to retool their whiskey manufacturing into a hand sanitizer production line.
Lobbyists can't grab lawmakers outside of chambers and committee rooms anymore. They're doing their best to stay in the loop through calls and texts but complain the legislative process has become a lot less transparent.
The range of applications for unmanned aerial vehicles has grown in recent years and, with COVID-19, their purpose could cross into more sensitive areas, such as security and surveillance, according to research.
Sponsored
-
Sponsored
Most Read
