Policy

Over 500 people have signed an online petition asking Quincy Public Schools to temporarily allow remote learning amid a new wave of COVID-19 cases, while the state points to mounting evidence it’s been harmful for kids.

The Federal Aviation Administration has authorized beyond visual line of sight flights for unmanned aircraft systems across 35 miles of New York’s 50-mile drone corridor. The decision was announced yesterday.

The state is gearing up to expand the use of e-books for STEM-related subjects in K-8 and some high school classes, in place of traditional textbooks. Proponents say digital texts are easier to transport and update.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is backing a plan to boost hydrogen production in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption, but critics say "blue hydrogen" favors the energy industry over the environment.

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission terminated in late December 2021, with members reportedly planning to form a nonprofit that will continue efforts to develop and promote cybersecurity policy.

The school software company Anthology’s first user conference since acquiring ed-tech developer Blackboard last year will feature keynotes from thought leaders, peer-driven discussions and networking opportunities.

The university has submitted to the state a supplemental budget request for a range of projects that includes IT improvements, infrastructure for security and green energy, construction projects, research and others.

Problems with construction permits have slowed progress on an $84 million, three-year project to reach 570 schools and administrative buildings with high-speed Internet, expected to be finished by 2023.

Editorial staff of The Columbian in Vancouver, Wash., make the case that the state has an essential role in helping rural school districts with smaller tax bases to fund necessary modernization and facility upgrades.

Much of the growth in gambling revenue over the last two years has been through new online forms of gaming, including such casino games as slots and blackjack, and sports betting. Many casinos, meanwhile, are struggling.

Internet-based service firms such as Airbnb, Vacasa and VRBO had been bumping up against short-term rental caps in Oregon towns. So they began aggressively soliciting property owners in unincorporated seaside neighborhoods.

As cases of COVID-19 skyrocket with the prevalence of a new variant, New Jersey’s largest school district is preparing technology, materials and all necessary links and codes should students have to learn remotely.

Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel recently responded to a congressional letter requesting a timeline for critical FCC broadband map updates. No dates were provided in the response.

The new product goes deeper on geographic information, offering data such as property assessment, outlines, demographics and building type — even in rural and tribal areas. It comes amid an influx of broadband funding.

At a summit earlier this month, experts explored policy questions around electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In general, policymakers should look at all levels of charging to serve as many EV use cases as possible.

The new round of funding will go toward digital skills, data analytics, the state’s educational and workforce data infrastructure, programs for front-line health care workers, special education, charter schools and more.

Buffalo Public Schools are considering temporarily resuming remote instruction after winter break as the new omicron variant of COVID-19 continues spreading rapidly. Administrators are waiting on more data.