Cybersecurity
McConnell Voices Support for $250 Million in Election Security Funds
The bill marks “a great step forward,” but states will need more consistent investment to make long-term improvements, according to CISA Director Chris Krebs.
Emerging Tech
Six U.S. Cities Make the List of Most Surveilled Places in the World
A new report found that CCTV surveillance is increasing in certain areas of the U.S., with one city government watching its citizens from 35,000 cameras.
Cybersecurity
Senate backs $250M in election security grants
With the threat of Russian interference in the 2020 elections looming, lawmakers added fund for states to shore up election infrastructure and improve voting system cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
Report on Election Security Gains Attention, and a Sharp Rebuke
It showed another kind of election security threat: companies looking to profit from a country on edge about the integrity of its national and local elections.
Digital Government
State Attorneys General Launch Google Antitrust Probe
The investigation of Google’s advertising practices is the latest to target tech companies.
Ideas
What Urban Sprawl Is Really Doing to Your Commute
Urban traffic congestion is growing dramatically, according to a new report. So why aren’t drivers taking longer to get to work?
Cybersecurity
Lawmakers Want to Expand DHS' Cyber Monitoring Program to State and Local Governments
Under a forthcoming bill, lawmakers also aim to make it easier for agencies to put the data collected under the program to good use.
Ideas
The Dangers in Smart Cities
Smart cities make for a larger attack footprint, and more potentially devastating results from a breach or hack.
Modernization
Leveraging Technology to Clear Criminal Records
Cook County, Illinois, will automatically expunge low-level convictions for marijuana offenses using software from Code for America.
Emerging Tech
DHS Launches Smart City Sensor Pilot in St. Louis
The outcomes could inform the city’s future procurement decisions.
Modernization
Facebook Expands Tool That Lets Local Governments Send Alerts
The system will offer authorities a way to send targeted notifications about emergencies and other issues to residents.
Cybersecurity
Coordinated Ransomware Attack in Texas Seen as Escalation From Prior Hacks
Twenty-three local governments were attacked over the weekend. The willingness of city governments to pay ransoms may be emboldening opportunistic hackers, security experts warn.
Ideas
How Cities Are Getting Smarter
There isn’t one definition of a smart city technology, but here are places governments are making progress.
Cybersecurity
Fewer Than Half of States Take These Two Election Security Precautions
The Brennan Center for Justice found only 24 states will both have voting systems that create a paper trail and require audits of the 2020 election results.
Artificial Intelligence
How One City Saved $5 Million by Routing School Buses with an Algorithm
The Boston Public School District held a contest to determine the best solution for busing around 25,000 students to school every day. The winning algorithm improved the efficiency of the routes in 30 minutes.
Modernization
In This City, Residents Can Search And Apply for Affordable Housing Online
San Francisco took a laborious paper process and transformed it into an easy-to-use online application system for open affordable housing spots.
Emerging Tech
Facial Recognition Software Prompts Privacy, Racism Concerns in Cities and States
Some lawmakers are proposing to limit its use even as law enforcement officials and landlords are embracing it.
Digital Government
The Benefits of High-Tech Job Growth Don't Trickle Down
A new study from the U.K. finds that although high-tech and digital industries spur job growth, less-skilled workers don’t even get spillover benefits.
Emerging Tech
A Small Texas City Will Become the Country’s ‘Hypersonics Research Capital’
The Army Futures Command will test missiles and autonomous vehicles some 100 miles east of Austin.
Modernization