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Infographic: The future of cybersecurity budgeting

Rob Sobers Science & Technology

Online scams and data breaches are at an all-time high as hackers learn new security software and coding for various products. Cybersecurity spending is set to hit $133.7 billion by 2022, leaving some companies worried about allocating their budgets. Companies are not prioritizing cybersecurity as a "checkbox item," which is leading to the headaches of security breaches and personal data being stolen. A company’s overall security posture can improve if everyone is on the same page about budget allocations and how they impact the business.

Voting rights for formerly jailed felons in Florida limited by new restitution…

Michelle R. Matisons Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

Voting rights activism is a great idea in principle for those seeking to call attention to the extra-punitive measures that haunt formerly incarcerated people. In practice, allowing new voters to register can tilt the national political scene and threaten the balance of partisan power in stronghold states. Such is the case in Florida. Last November, Florida passed Amendment 4, which reinstates voting rights to 1.4 million residents. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.

VA, Microsoft team up to serve disabled vets

Roy Phillips Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

On April 30, the Veterans Administration announced that Microsoft will be providing select VA clinics and hospitals with the Xbox Adaptive Controller as well as consoles and games. The goal of the program is to afford vets with mobility problems the opportunity to both socialize and engage in physical activities. So far, VA medical centers in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington state have confirmed participation. Six additional sites will be announced in the future.

How social media is shaping modern-day police work

Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & Security

Social media can be an excellent tool to bridge gaps between law enforcement and the community. Kearney, Nebraska, police recently trained in social media to improve transparency, communication, and be more engaged and informed. More than anything, though, the department wishes to explore the possibilities of using social media to fight crime. We are immersed in a digital world, and using the power of social media to solve cases has become a priority for law enforcement agencies around the world.

Climate change creates clashes in courts, streets

Michelle R. Matisons Waste Management & Environmental

There are many ways people are remonstrating against climate change currently — from packing the streets to bringing action forward in less-populated courts. While putting on festive clothing and donning your favorite environmental slogan with large numbers of people is surely the more exciting option, key elements of the climate battle persist in the more understated world of the U.S. court system as well. More and more, the courts have become a refuge for frustrated organizations and individuals who want companies held accountable, and the legal strategy has been somewhat effective in educating the public about relations between different branches of government.

Essential elements of an employment application

D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

One of the most important tools in evaluating and screening applicants for employment is a written application for employment. Employers should never accept a resume in lieu of a completed application for employment. Regardless of whether the application form is an old-fashioned pen-and-paper type or an online version, it should contain certain basic inquiries. This article outlines some of the basic statements and inquiries that should appear on every application and could serve as a helpful checklist for reviewing your own application form.

5 resources to create or update your church’s security plan

Deborah Ike Religious Community

Unfortunately, we continue to see churches and places of worship become victims of violent attacks. While our first and most important tool is prayer, there are several additional steps church leaders can take to protect their congregations. Deciding when and which doors to lock, how to respond in the event of an emergency, how to collaborate with first responders on emergency response plans, and establishing safety teams are just a few examples. Here are five resources to consider.

Springfield, Missouri’s Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium is…

Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

Here’s a multibillion-dollar American success story that began in the unlikely setting of a small-town liquor store. That’s where, in 1971, Johnny Morris launched his Bass Pro Shops hunting and fishing empire — selling bait and fishing tackle out of the back of his father’s Brown Derby booze shop in Springfield, Missouri. More than just an entrepreneurial retailer, Morris, now 71, is also one of America’s most renowned outdoorsmen, and his ultimate vision goes way beyond selling fishing rods, bass boats and shotguns. He is a powerful advocate in support of global environmentalism and conservation.

As citizenship question reaches high court, a look at how census data is…

Michelle R. Matisons Civil & Government

You may have heard about the Supreme Court’s census case, expected to be ruled on this summer. The case has broad-reaching implications. Additionally, census forms are scheduled to be printed in June, so it’s best for the court to make a hasty decision on the matter. United States Department of Commerce v. New York, No. 18-966, is focused on whether it’s constitutional to ask about a respondent’s U.S. citizenship status when collecting other data. On that note, how is census data actually used?

Unsafe firms imperil US workers, occupational safety group report says

Seth Sandronsky Facilities & Grounds

Employers can and should do a better job of ensuring U.S. worker safety, according to a new report from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH). Titled "The Dirty Dozen," it details how 12 firms put workers and communities at risk with unsafe labor practices. The report marks Workers’ Memorial Week, which honors Americans who have died and suffered injuries and illnesses on the job. "Too many workers become ill, injured and die each year under the watch of their employers who, in some cases, are repeat offenders and among the world’s most profitable companies," said Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, co-executive director of NCOSH.

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