Featured Categories

Artificial Intelligence

Plan for AI to handle tax-return preparation

Plan for AI to handle tax-return preparation

Federal News Network, April 12, 2024

Millions of Americans are sweating over one of the most intrusive processes known to mankind. The IRS is in high gear as it prepares to process tax returns.

Climate

After Park City Wind failure, can Connecticut offshore wind rebound?

After Park City Wind failure, can Connecticut offshore wind rebound?

WSHU, March 18, 2024

In December 2019, Connecticut announced the largest purchase of renewable energy in state history. Providing 804 megawatts of offshore wind power, Avangrid’s Park City Wind Project promised the equivalent of 14% of the state’s electricity supply, $890 million in direct economic development, improved grid reliability during the winter and the opportunity to slash over 25 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Data Ethics

Algorithms gone awry: The impact of inappropriate data use

Algorithms gone awry: The impact of inappropriate data use

The Badger Herald, October 29, 2019

It was March 25, 2000. A sea of red filled State Street, and Badger fans around the country were celebrating. The University of Wisconsin-Madison men’s basketball had just defeated Purdue in the NCAA tournament, securing a spot in the Final Four. 

How ethics can ease our tech anxiety

How ethics can ease our tech anxiety

The Hill, September 24, 2019

The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) improving our lives is enormous. In less than a quarter of a century, the Internet has grown from niche curiosity to a modern necessity for much of the world. Interpersonal communication has never been easier and social media has profoundly changed how people interact. This same technology that allows for a more efficient and communicative modern life also puts public and personal information at risk and creates new anxieties among the public and policymakers. These heightened concerns should not be a hinderance to the furtherance of technology, but rather, they should serve as a catalyst for necessary reflection and planning. To fully realize the benefits of these technologies, organizational goals must align with defined ethical values and the public interest.

E-commerce/Retail

Future of Work

Healthcare

A Man Deliberately Got 217 COVID Shots. Here’s What Happened + More

The Defender, March 6, 2024

The Defender’s COVID NewsWatch provides a roundup of the latest headlines related to the SARS CoV-2 virus, including its origins and COVID vaccines. The views expressed in the excerpts from other news sources do not necessarily reflect the views of The Defender.

Inflation and Economics

Red Sea Crisis Escalates - Impact On Global Supply Chain And Economy

Red Sea Crisis Escalates - Impact On Global Supply Chain And Economy

Washington Independent, January 14, 2024

Amidst mounting tensions, the Red Sea crisis escalates, posing significant threats to global shipping and the economy. This article delves into the impact of Houthi militant activities on international trade routes and the wider geopolitical and economic ramifications.

National Security & Counter Terrorism

The Houthis Proved Ballistic Missiles Can Hit Moving Vessels

The Houthis Proved Ballistic Missiles Can Hit Moving Vessels

The National Interest, February 22, 2024

The Houthi conflict has provided some important data points for military analysts. It turns out that ballistic missiles can indeed hit vessels in motion, though not reliably. U.S. warships can block such missiles very well, with a dozen interceptions to their credit so far

Supply Chain

The Port of Baltimore Will Bounce Back

The Port of Baltimore Will Bounce Back

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, April 9, 2024

In the early morning of March 26, Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed when a container ship struck it, killing six construction workers and severing water access to most terminals within the Port of Baltimore indefinitely. With respect to economic losses from the port closure, the temporary losses for the region look to be severe. However, there are several reasons to be optimistic about the port's recovery and a minimal long-term loss for the region and the nation.

Supply Chain Disruption: Baltimore’s Economic Pulse Interrupted

Supply Chain Disruption: Baltimore’s Economic Pulse Interrupted

Southern Maryland Chronicle, April 8, 2024

The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge following a ship collision, causing an indefinite closure of the Port of Baltimore, poses significant disruptions to the local and national supply chain. Experts warn of extended impacts, particularly on ground transportation logistics, which could reverberate through the economy.

Transportation

United Airlines had a bad few weeks — should air travelers be worried?

United Airlines had a bad few weeks — should air travelers be worried?

The Hill, March 20, 2024

United Airlines has suffered a recent spate of flight incidents. They range from a tire falling off an airplane on takeoff from San Francisco International, an engine fire on a flight from Houston InterContinental to Fort Myers, an airplane sliding off the runway at Houston Intercontinental and a hydraulic system failure on a flight from San Francisco International to Mexico City. To throw even more gasoline on the fire, this weekend an external panel mysteriously disappeared off a United flight. In all incidences, there were no fatalities or injuries. 

Voting/Elections