Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act limits the legal liability of websites that allow their users to post their own content and also allows those sites to moderate user-generated content. Section 230 obviously protects the large social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, but it also protects less obvious online platforms, such as information … Continue reading
Latest Entries
Could virtual learning be setting students up for a more successful future?
Students in all levels of education are experiencing virtual learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, The New York Times surveyed students for opinions pertaining to remote learning[1]. Though most who were questioned had reservations about the inability to be in a classroom environment, a silver lining is emerging as it becomes … Continue reading
The Future of Regulations Suspended During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many agencies suspending their regulations to assist both the economy and public health.[i] The pandemic and economic stagnancy have drawn attention to the undue burden that many regulations place on growth and development.[ii] Many have wondered how necessary various regulations are, and whether they should endure after the pandemic … Continue reading
I Have to Pay What? The Current State of Surprise Medical Billing
Health insurance is a beautifully, complex thing. Costs for healthcare often varies by the insurance plan. Some plans pay for every penny, while others are more selective in what is covered. However, in the grand scheme of things, when an individual visits a health facility, they can pretty much expect most of their costs to … Continue reading
Fast or For All? COVID-19 Vaccine Development
The United States, along with the rest of the world, has been pushing forward with full force on developing an effective COVID-19 vaccine. With 7 COVID-19 vaccine prospects in phase-three trials, and 17 in or having completed phase-two trials, [I] the idea of having a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the year calls attention … Continue reading
How COVID-19 is Affecting Mental Health
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated several known risk factors for mental health issues, unsurprisingly causing a spike in symptoms of depression and anxiety and exacerbating existing mental health conditions. Such risk factors for mental health issues include, but are not limited to, uncertainty and fear of the future, economic instability, social isolation, physical inactivity, … Continue reading
Prioritizing Our Private Sector
As we near the end of the month, we are nearing the expiration of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. This program issues a $600 weekly benefit for Americans that typically do not qualify for unemployment insurance. Those eligible include the individuals who are self-employed, part-time employees and others who do not have qualifying work … Continue reading
Potential Benefits and Costs of US Backed Nuclear Power Plants Abroad
Last month the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced its reversal of a legacy policy that banned the financing of nuclear power projects abroad[1]. The decision, currently in the public notice and comment period, was lauded as a victory by the energy, environmental, and national security spheres[2][3] but raises several concerns around carbon emissions, … Continue reading
Bringing Out the Worst in Each Other: COVID-19 and Opioid Use Disorder
The COVID-19 pandemic is raising concerns about the medical and psychological implications for those with Substance Use Disorders (SUD), in particular, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). A White House drug policy office analysis indicates an 11.4% increase in overdose fatalities in the first four months of 2020, compared to the same time last year. Non-fatal overdoses have increased by 18.6% in the same time frame. [I] Individual states have … Continue reading
The Prospects of Vocational Education
Out of every 100 students who enter ninth grade, 18 will fail to graduate high school on time, 25 will earn their high school diploma but not enroll in college, and 29 will enroll in college but fail to complete a degree[i]. Even then, among the remaining students, 12 will graduate high school and … Continue reading
