Ideas

Subj: This Email Could Wreak Havoc on the 2020 Election

Beware of COVID-related phishing threats that target local voting.

Modernization

Local Governments Have Embraced New Technology to Weather the Pandemic, Survey Finds

More than 95% of state and local leaders who responded to the poll said their agencies used software to maintain service levels as employees began working largely from home.

Digital Government

DHS Shares People’s Personal Information with 11 Government Programs, Saving Taxpayers Millions

The agency released its annual report on automated data sharing, touting the economic benefits by reducing costs and erroneous and duplicative payments.

Cybersecurity

Ransomware Attacks Demanding Larger Payouts from Local Governments

The average ransom demanded of a local government in a cyberattack grew from $30,000 to $380,000, according to one cybersecurity firm.

Modernization

One State Launches Online Tool to Help Residents Gauge Risk of Exposure to Covid-19

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services launched the "Decision Tool" after contact-tracing data showed an increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases linked to mass gatherings.

Cybersecurity

For Election Administrators, Death Threats Have Become Part of the Job

In a polarized society, the bureaucrats who operate the machinery of democracy are taking flak from all sides. More than 20 have resigned or retired since March 1, thinning their ranks at a time when they are most needed.

Emerging Tech

New Coalition Wants to Help in Fight Against Election Misinformation

The Election Integrity Partnership consists of university researchers and others. Local election officials are among those the partnership is hoping to assist in the weeks ahead.

Ideas

The U.S. Election System Is Not Ready for Blockchain Technology … Yet

Blockchain does not exist in a vacuum. It requires extensive support from human personnel and other technology.

Ideas

AI Methods Make COVID-19 Forecasting More Local

The researchers say that officials and anyone in the public can use in their decision-making processes.

Cybersecurity

More Federal Funds Could Help Small Jurisdictions With Technical Tools to Secure Elections, Expert Says

The potential for disinformation to disrupt the process casts a shadow on significant improvements made since 2016.

Ideas

Energy Is a Basic Need, and Many Americans Are Struggling to Afford It in the COVID-19 Recession

And the problem could get worse as the economy continues to struggle.

Modernization

IT modernization for the COVID era

Crises are clarifying events, and the pandemic is making clear the limits of IT systems built for a different era.

Artificial Intelligence

One City Rejected a Policing Algorithm. Could It Be Used For Other Purposes?

In Pittsburgh, an algorithm that deployed law enforcement officers to predicted crime “hot spots” might be repurposed to send social services to areas in need instead.

Modernization

Ditching Legacy Systems Will Require Adjusting Some Regulations, Experts Say

Federal investment in upgraded technology will help governments better take care of the American people, experts say, but that means rules must be updated to foster innovation

Ideas

Dashboard Displays COVID-19 Disparities by County

Although COVID-19 has swept across the entire country, its burden has not been spread equally.

Ideas

Rural America Is More Vulnerable to COVID-19 than Cities Are, and It's Starting to Show

Of the top 25 COVID-19 hot spots that popped up in the last two weeks, 18 were in non-metropolitan counties.

People

Public sector employment continues to slide

However positive signs in the May jobs report could sideline federal legislation to extend aid to local governments.