Drones

New York City launches new emergency communications vehicle to improve public safety responses

The vehicle serves as a mobile tech center to improve cross-agency coordination during critical events.

State leaders push laws to bring down drones

While the federal government has ultimate authority over airspace, in the absence of firm action, more states are stepping up to protect residents from illegal drone activity.

Kentucky bans drones from being used to take fish or wildlife

Kentucky is banning the use of aircraft or unmanned aircraft, like drones, in hunting and fishing, under a new state regulation.

Detroit turns to drones in new era of transportation

Known as the Motor City for its strong history in the automotive industry, drones now represent a new chapter for Detroit’s economy.

Flying under the radar: Congress is poised to let key counter-drone authorities lapse

COMMENTARY | It could put our nation’s critical infrastructure and American lives at risk by creating an unnecessary gap in the fabric of our nation’s security.

Worries mount over drone incursions on sensitive sites

A bipartisan group of governors called on Congress to grant them authority to “mitigate” drone threats, while speakers told a House hearing threats will only multiply as the tech evolves.

How drones and AI are changing the way we fight wildfires

As the threat of wildfires intensifies, modern technology is playing an increasingly large role in both research and management. But not all communities have access to it.

North Dakota’s ‘aviation spirit’ lives on through drones

The state used drones to examine damage from last month’s severe storms and is experimenting with delivery as a way to make life easier for its rural residents and military bases.

Louisiana’s counter-UAS legislation empowers local law enforcement to secure airspace

COMMENTARY | The groundbreaking law, just signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, should serve as a model to other states on how they can protect themselves from emerging aerial threats.

Why the Trump administration grounded these middle schoolers’ drones—and other STEM research

Researchers and educators worry the sweeping cuts to education research at the National Science Foundation will limit opportunities for girls and students of color to pursue STEM careers.

Study: Drone technology has potential to help rural healthcare

The study found patients at the receiving end of drone deliveries were eager to “embrace” the new technology and expressed willingness to use it again in the future.

Law enforcement taps drones to improve response times and safety

By allowing drone operators to listen in on 911 calls in real time, a Georgia police department aims to enhance public safety operations.

How governments can get agencies to stop using foreign drones: Pay up.

A proposed bill in North Dakota offers an effective model for other states looking to cut ties with foreign-made drones.

Lessons from ‘stop and frisk’ can help police use drones without compromising civil liberties

The Philadelphia Police Department plans to expand its use of drones, including as first responders.

Aerial drones helpful in removing graffiti along Washington highways, agency says

The state’s Department of Transportation has been testing new ways to clean up and detect graffiti on signs, bridges and other structures.

Drone sighting epidemic spurs Dems in Congress to urge more transparency from feds

Unexplained drone sightings in New Jersey and New York have raised concerns across the Northeast. Some lawmakers are demanding more information from federal agencies.

Cross-state partnership looks to boost drone use and research

The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced this week it would partner with North Dakota to build its own testing site and figure out potential uses for the technology.

New York's MTA considers flying drones to keep watch over buses

The transit agency is so far just seeking “information” about the possibility of using flying vehicles to “manage and oversee its bus operations” but union officials balk at the idea of replacing humans on the ground.

How drones are helping one community recover from Hurricane Helene

In South Carolina, drones are playing a key role in disaster assessment for the city of Aiken to more efficiently and accurately apply for federal recovery funds.

Letter from Congress warns county against Chinese drone use

Arguing that the drones put privacy and national security at risk, a U.S. House committee is asking the country to stop buying them. The letter hints its efforts could expand to localities nationwide.