Policy
Taxing Internet Ads Could Raise Lots of Money, but Doubts Persist
Maryland could be the first in the nation to tax online ads.
Cybersecurity
Report Warns of Tech Threats From ‘Other’ Chinese Companies
“The one area that China has been keen to exploit is at the state level because state governments largely are not aware of the threat it poses to them,” Sen. Marco Rubio said at the report’s release.
Digital Government
One-Third of U.S. Residents Suspicious of Census, Survey Finds
As the political stakes become clearer, more states are trying to motivate residents to participate in the census this spring.
Ideas
AI Algorithms Intended to Root Out Welfare Fraud Often End Up Punishing the Poor Instead
These systems must be designed in ways that are fair, transparent and accountable to prevent hurting society’s most vulnerable.
Ideas
How Citizen Scientists Can Help Protect Water Quality
One of the ways to help these groups gather data is to give them better tools and training.
Cybersecurity
CISA leans into facilitator role in election security plan
A strategic plan for protecting the 2020 elections from foreign interference lays out a number of plans to support and empower other stakeholders from hacks, influence operations and other threats.
Modernization
Frustrated by Flawed Broadband Maps, States Are Trying to Create Their Own
The Federal Communications Commission’s broadband maps underestimate the number of households that lack internet service. State agencies are trying to gather better data.
Cybersecurity
Iowa’s Lesson: Political Parties Are Not as Good as Government Officials at Counting Votes
Most primaries are run by state and local governments. But caucuses are different—and Iowa shows how that can be a problem.
Cybersecurity
With Cybercriminals on the Attack, States Help Cities Punch Back
As cybercriminals increase their attacks against local governments, some states are helping cities and counties better protect themselves.
Digital Government
The Census Already Started in Alaska. Native Translators Are Working to Prevent Undercount Repeat.
Across the country, tribal and non-English speaking communities are creating guidance and messages in a variety of languages to encourage Census 2020 participation.
Emerging Tech
FCC Approves $20 Billion Rural Broadband Funding Plan
While proponents heralded the fund as a major step to close the "rural digital divide," Democrats on the commission warned that many areas that need internet won't get help.
Emerging Tech
States Sue Trump Administration Over 3D-Printed Gun Regulations
The state attorneys general say they fear making online designs to create “ghost guns” more accessible will lead to violence.
Cybersecurity
FBI to Alert States About Local Election System Hacks
The FBI changed its policy to allow agents to inform both state and local election officials when election systems are breached.
Modernization
Body Cameras May Not Be the Easy Answer Everyone Was Looking For
Four states last year considered requiring police body cameras.
Emerging Tech
Electric Cars Will Challenge State Power Grids
An Energy Department study found that increased electrification across all sectors of the economy could boost national consumption by as much as 38% by 2050.
Digital Government
Government at work -- curbing curbside congestion
Steve Kelman looks at another area where civil servants are quietly working to make our lives better.
Emerging Tech
Got an Electric Car? Great! Where Do You Plug It In?
Depending on the state, access to public charging stations can be adequate — or nearly nonexistent.
Policy
Yeah, It’s an Uber. Buckle Up Anyway.
States since 2015 that passed laws requiring rear seat belt use: two.
Cybersecurity
New Funding for Election Security Assistance Doesn’t Go Far Enough, Experts Say
Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, Congress appropriated $425 million for states to help secure election infrastructure.
Emerging Tech
Has the Rise of Uber Led to More Heavy Drinking?
New research suggests that ride-hailing is associated with increases in drinking behaviors in U.S. cities and metro areas.
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