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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.
Nancy Hylden, a lobbyist in Minnesota, commenting on the challenges lobbyists face as state legislatures are forced to craft bills virtually, removing the traditional face-to-face exchanges that take place inside capitols. (Governing — April 3, 2020)
The number of coronavirus tests that the drive-thru testing site at Georgia Institute of Technology will be able to administer per day.
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.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as states compete for desperately needed medical equipment absent coordination by the federal government. (AP News — April 3, 2020)
The number of Zoom daily users during the month of March as thousands of workers were sent to work remotely in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. The new number is double that of daily users Zoom had in December 2019.
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.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, regarding online threats and uncomfortable experiences he’s had that prompted the Trump Administration to assign him a security detail. (AP News — April 2, 2020)
The number of seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims as of March 28, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. This is the highest level of seasonally adjusted initial claims in history.
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.
In confronting a deadly challenge like the coronavirus pandemic, they create a unified command and a compelling scoreboard, while maintaining a cadence of action, accountability and communication.
Delaying fast-approaching property-tax deadlines would help Americans facing economic stress, and it wouldn't be that costly for local governments.
Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates in calling for a nationwide shutdown, claiming that it would be the most effective method to stop the spread of the coronavirus. “Shutdown anywhere means shutdown everywhere.” (The Hill — March 31, 2020)
The number of guests who had their information compromised in a Marriott International Inc., data breach. The information included contact details, loyalty accounts and other personal details like gender and birthday.
Auditors had been reporting major problems with the state’s unemployment website since 2015 but only now, when thousands are suddenly unemployed due to the coronavirus, are officials paying attention.
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