Digital Government
States advance data privacy laws as issue evades Congress
In the absence of federal action on data privacy standards, several states have stepped up. But some warned that could create a patchwork of laws and result in a compliance nightmare for businesses.
Management
More schools stock overdose reversal meds, but others worry about stigma
Eight states currently require all or some schools to offer naloxone in a bid to curb opioid overdoses. But some experts question the effectiveness of such policies.
Digital Government
Nationwide test of Wireless Emergency Alert system could test people’s patience–or help rebuild public trust in the system
COMMENTARY | The Oct. 4 text message is supposed to reach all compatible devices in the U.S. It could shed light on how government agencies can improve their emergency communications.
Sponsor Content
In a BYOD world, higher ed campuses need tools for closing security gaps
Daniel Schneider, director of cybersecurity sales at ThunderCat Technology, highlights the most pressing cyber threats and the trusted tools education leaders are using to combat them.
Management
‘Disaster gentrification’ looms over Lahaina
The Hawaii city is recovering after a wildfire killed at least 115 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings. A top concern for officials is preventing local residents from being priced out.
Digital Government
Survey: Residents want local governments to be more transparent
The vast majority of respondents want an accessible website with easy to access information and mobile tech to make it easier to engage with local agencies, according to a government technology company.
Management
Why fentanyl trafficking enforcement may fall short
Several states this year passed laws targeting drug traffickers through increased penalties. But one expert says efforts to curb the fentanyl supply could open the doors for newer, more dangerous substances to arise.
Management
In scrapping its LGBTQ-related travel ban, California pivots to ‘hearts and minds’
Lawmakers nixed a seven-year ban on state-funded travel to states that enact discriminatory laws.
Digital Government
Predictive policing software terrible at predicting crimes
A software company sold a New Jersey police department an algorithm that was right less than 1% of the time.
Digital Government
Should public officials be allowed to block constituents on social media?
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to answer that question as a new term gets underway. The justices will hear two cases on the issue out of California and Michigan in which lower courts ruled differently.
Finance
Shutdown averted: States, localities breathe a sigh of relief
Congress voted to fund the government for 45 days. For now, the agreement puts off hard decisions about what to do regarding public assistance programs and the tens of thousands of federally funded state workers that would be impacted.
Featured eBooks
Emerging Tech
The hazards of facial recognition in schools
New York has banned the emerging technology in its schools, arguing that the concerns surrounding it “are not outweighed by the claimed benefits.” Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Sponsor Content
Using technology to address police staffing & image challenges
How police chiefs are using new digital investigation tools to boost productivity and morale.
Management
A Richmond program to reduce gun violence has had rare success. Now it’s expanding.
Research shows that 76% of its nearly 2,000 participants were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital for gun violence.
Finance
Why this shutdown could be even more significant for states and localities
Not all states, cities and counties are the same when it comes to shutdowns, but some places will feel it more acutely than others.
Infrastructure
Disaster recovery projects stall nationwide as FEMA runs out of money
The agency has paused $2.8 billion in spending as it braces for a looming government shutdown.
Workforce
Amid a youth mental health crisis, teachers get schooled
Educators, who are on the front lines of the issue, are increasingly being trained in how to recognize signs of mental distress in their students.
Management
Cities turn to GIS mapping to find housing for the homeless
As a nationwide housing shortage continues to push people into homelessness, cities like Denver and Los Angeles are turning to data to help locate public land to put housing on.
Infrastructure
In unique approach, one county utilizes a P3 to build public schools
Instead of it taking six years to build six schools, it took three. The first-of-its-kind project saved Prince George’s County, Maryland, millions of dollars—and includes 30 years of maintenance.
Management
Juries often struggle to understand forensic science. A short training video could help.
COMMENTARY | One out of every five wrongful convictions cataloged through September 2023 involved improper forensic evidence. Studies indicate that just a little training could help jurors avoid sending innocent people to prison.
Finance