Drones
Coverage of ways unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are changing how state and local government collects data on physical infrastructure, maps jurisdictions via GIS and monitors public safety from the sky. Also includes stories about efforts by private-sector companies and education institutions to improve how drones can better help government deliver services.
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County commissioners will vote on accepting a nearly $10.7 million federal grant that would help police spot and deal with unauthorized drones during 2026 FIFA World Cup games in June.
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The National League of Cities will work with tech company BRINC to educate cities, towns and villages on standing up drone-as-first-responder programs. That includes assistance on FAA approvals and training.
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The North Carolina Department of Transportation demonstration project, one of eight selected by the FAA, will test using electric drones and aircraft to shuttle medical supplies to and from rural facilities.
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As some public safety agencies are experiencing more flexibility and speed in getting waivers from the Federal Aviation Administration for advanced drone programs, experts predict the use of UAS to rapidly rise.
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The city’s commission has approved the purchase of three drones at a cost of more than $15,000. Police, who have 10 licensed drone pilots, will use them in searches, rescues, and to follow fleeing suspects.
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Georgia state lawmakers are advancing multiple bills with the potential to further regulate drone operations across the state, citing ongoing concerns over public safety and national security.
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As more police agencies and other operations turn to drones, the skies are increasingly crowded with the machines. Involi’s new platform, now operating in Dallas, uses real-time data to help keep those skies safe.
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Through a combination of vehicle, drone and in-person imagery, the New York State Electric & Gas company is examining its infrastructure. The work will be used to recommend equipment replacement and upgrades.
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The White House said Tuesday the null late last year were authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for “research and various other reasons.”
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Marines used their new hunter-killer system to blast dozens of target drones out of the sky Saturday over a training ground on the Big Island of Hawaii.
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Officials in the southern Illinois city’s public works and fire departments are collaborating to augment usual inspections with clear aerial views of any damage. Their work could become a disaster response and recovery staple.
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Drone technology is rapidly transforming government operations, but agencies face a complex web of challenges from navigating new regulations and security threats to harnessing AI and counter-drone technology.
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The Hoosier State will receive a Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grant from the federal Department of Transportation. Plans include teaching students about flying drones and collecting data.
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The tech is headed to an area where sightings of mysterious aircraft have set residents on edge and drawn accusations that the federal government isn’t taking the incidents seriously.
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The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a one-month ban on unmanned aerial vehicles flying over parts of about two dozen towns and cities in New Jersey.
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The FBI says more than 5,000 drone sightings that the bureau investigated in New Jersey ended up being small planes, hobbyist drones, helicopters, stars or law enforcement aircraft.
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A government investigation has kicked off in New Jersey after recent reports of what news outlets are calling “mysterious” drone sightings in multiple states.
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More than seven months after Manatee County, Fla., launched a pilot program for a drone that can quickly respond to medical emergencies, 911 dispatchers have yet to use it.
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North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, along with researchers from other universities and industry partners, will co-develop an advanced simulation platform between ground and air transport systems.
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A high school in Colorado next year will start offering a course in unmanned aerial systems, with the high school providing an in-person flight teacher and Aims Community College leading an online, ground-school course.
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A community college in Southern California will offer a bachelor’s degree in drone and autonomous systems starting in 2026, aiming to prepare a workforce to use new technologies and applications of unmanned aircrafts.