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.
Ideas
Data Evangelists Spread the Word on Boosting Government Performance
A recent gathering of state and local officials had the feel of an old time revival.
Digital Government
How California’s Consumer Privacy Act Will Become the Digital Law of the Land
Under the law, the onus is on consumers to request that companies disclose or delete their personal data. But more states and the federal government could still jump into the privacy debate.
Artificial Intelligence
New York Just Set a ‘Dangerous Precedent’ on Algorithms, Experts Warn
NYC’s task force on algorithms was supposed to be a beacon of transparent government. It couldn’t even gain access to basic information.
Cybersecurity
Kansas Abandons Technology Trumpeted by Kris Kobach, Trump’s Onetime Voter Fraud Czar
The computer program, known as CrossCheck, matched various state voter rolls against each other to identify duplicate voters.
Cybersecurity
Survey: Ransomware Will Continue to Threaten Public Sector Organizations in 2020
About one-third of the state and federal IT officials who responded said they faced a ransomware attack in the last three years.
Cybersecurity