Alabama

Officials said online the city was hit by a “sophisticated, socially engineered phishing scheme” linked to construction of a recreation center. A payment of $432,739.21 was issued to an unauthorized entity.

A bill headed to Gov. Kay Ivey's desk would limit the amount of screen time allowed for children in licensed child-care facilities and state-funded preschool and kindergarten programs, though teachers can still use them.

Gov. Kay Ivey said the new Technology Quality Assurance Board will offer state leaders a way to collaborate on cybersecurity and newer forms of government technology. It’s the latest example of states trying to get a better grip on AI.

A new digital report card from the Alabama State Department of Education tracks data such as admissions, completions and exits of the state's educator preparation programs.

Schools in Alabama have a year to voluntarily implement a digital literacy and computer science course approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. It will become a requirement within 18 months.

A recent cybersecurity incident narrowly averted with federal help emphasized the importance of training and standardized cybersecurity tools, the state CIO and chief information security officer said.

Huntsville may play a pivotal role in the transition to commercial space stations once the aging International Space Station is decommissioned in 2030 due to cost concerns, according to some industry experts.

Alabama's FOCUS Act bars students from using most personal devices at school. Some teachers say it was the best educational change in years or decades, and some parents say the change was easier than they anticipated.

A partnership between a recently established economic development organization and various credentialing and education programs in the region will promote cybersecurity, robotics, IT, STEM and other fields.

After a bus driver shortage resulted in a delayed or canceled routes and stranded students last year, St. Louis Public Schools has a new $30 million contract with Zum Services to provide and track buses for 220 routes.

Commenting on a Facebook post asking for their reactions to Alabama's school cellphone restrictions, many parents voiced their support, and some said the policy should apply to teachers, too.

Administrative systems at the county 911 center were impacted by a cybersecurity incident, though radio communications and certain dispatch functions were unaffected. Officials are taking steps to contain the issue.

The state Office of Information Technology reported the breach, which is affecting systems across the state. Some state employee usernames and passwords were compromised in the incident, uncovered Friday night.

K-12 students will have to store any wireless communication devices in their cars or lockers during the school day. Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to sign the bill, as she said in February that she supported it.

The university will offer a bachelor’s degree in Esports Performance Management and Coaching, much of which will focus on the health and wellness of an esports athlete.

An informative event last week hosted attendees from law enforcement, the judicial system, private businesses and educational institutions such as Troy University, Wallace Community College and local high schools.

New legislation in Alabama bans K-12 students from using portable communication devices on campus during the school day and requires that they be trained on the risks of social media.

Legislation active in each state focuses on the functions of IT agencies. One such bill would replace Florida Digital Service, while Alabama representatives may add cybersecurity to the Office of Information Technology’s duties.