Emerging Tech
Police Departments Experiment With 70-Pound Robot Dog
Departments have deployed the cyber K-9s in hostage situations and as part of the covid response. Proponents say the robots can help keep officers out of harm's way, while critics worry how they could be used without clear policy guidelines in place.
Cybersecurity
Hackers Seized on the Pandemic. Some States Are Fighting Back.
Cyberattackers have forced states to take down websites, stolen $36 billion in unemployment payments and exposed millions of residents’ personal information to scammers.
Cybersecurity
Report: Mobile Phishing to Steal Government Credentials Increased 67% in 2020
State and local governments are more exposed than federal agencies in the new teleworking age, but threats have increased across the board.
Cybersecurity
CISA, DHS Bolster State and Local Cybersecurity Programs
CISA added another vendor to an intrusion detection plan and DHS increased the required cybersecurity spend for certain FEMA grants.
Modernization
Lawmakers Call for Federal Program to Upgrade Unemployment Systems
Many people filing for unemployment during the pandemic have experienced long delays. Subpar technology is one of the factors commonly blamed for problems.
Cybersecurity
Despite Security Concerns, Online Voting Advances
Online voting is likely to become more popular as technology improves and as election officials seek ways to expand access to the ballot. But security experts warn of hacking threats.
Digital Government
Poll Finds Steep Drop in Satisfaction With Government in the U.S.
The Gallup survey results indicate people are unhappy with other aspects of American life as well, like the moral climate and the influence of corporations.
Policy
Biden Asks OSHA to Consider COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules
A national order from OSHA would bring all states under the same rules, since even states with independent agencies must meet or exceed the federal standard.
Ideas
How the Biden Administration Can Restore Trust in Government
Governments can use technology to meet people where they are, serve people better in their real lives, and make successes visible to demonstrate the value of effective governing.
Modernization
Pro-bono technologists look to help cash-strapped states struggling with legacy systems
As COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities in state and local government IT systems, the newly formed U.S. Digital Response stepped in to help.
Emerging Tech
A State Becomes the First to Suspend Facial Recognition Technology in Schools
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there are “serious and legitimate privacy concerns” with the technology—but only prohibited its use until 2022.
Ideas
How the U.S. Can Fight the Opioid Epidemic During COVID-19
A majority of states—more than 40—have reported increases in opioid-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
Ideas
Why It's Hard to Get People to Take COVID Seriously
It's difficult for public health agencies to raise the right amount of fear in people, an expert says.
Ideas
Tribes Mount Organized Responses to COVID-19, in Contrast to State and Federal Governments
Responding to the pandemic also means continuing to exercise sovereignty.
Cybersecurity
Senate proposes $58M boost to CISA's budget to clear out risk assessment backlog
The Senate Appropriations Committee's bill would aim to help CISA reduce an ongoing backlog of vulnerability assessments requested by state and local agencies.
Digital Government
House Bill Would Create NOAA-Led National Database to Help Coastal Communities Confront Rising Seas
The hope is to ready them up to face future weather threats.
Digital Government
Election Disinformation Fears Came True for State Officials
Some state and local Republican officials are refusing to concede elections and claiming voter fraud.
Acquisition
Tech experts call on feds to coordinate benefits solutions
With surges in unemployment insurance applications straining legacy IT systems at the state level, digital services specialists say that the federal government should take a more central role in fielding tech infrastructure.
Acquisition
Chicago launches a challenge to extend outdoor dining into winter
As COVID-19 continues to upend local economies, the Windy City is getting creative to support the restaurant sector.
Digital Government