Digital Government
New fellowship program looks to help policymakers improve civic tech
The initiative will provide state and local governments insights on how to improve online tools and services for their residents.
Management
States reject changes to how elections are administered
Advocates had hoped ranked choice voting would be instituted in more states but were left disappointed last night. Only Washington, D.C. and some small municipalities approved its use.
Digital Government
Governments are pushing teen social media bans – but behind the scenes is a messy fight over science
Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation has set governments against teen social media – and triggered a months-long debate among experts.
Sponsor Content
The State of Government Payments: Insights From 2024 Research
State and local governments have made strides in enhancing online payments, but they must continue to mature their payment systems to meet rising constituent expectations while maintaining back-office efficiency.
Management
How tech impacted “the information environment” of the 2024 election
Artificial and social media influenced voter behavior and political opinions, experts say.
Management
States crack down on at-home sexual assault kits
Policymakers are concerned that self-administered sexual assault exams can impede justice and recovery for survivors.
Digital Government
Residents urged to protect their EBT cards against skimming devices
Local and federal authorities are investigating the electronic skimming devices that can steal a cardholder’s account details, including their PIN code.
Digital Government
Voter suppression 2.0: How digital misinformation targets marginalized communities
As misinformation spreads across social media, targeted disinformation campaigns are using advanced digital tactics to discourage voter participation, especially within communities of color.
Infrastructure
Data centers, which require massive amounts of energy and few jobs, have downsides for Alaska
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has invited big tech companies, including affiliates of Microsoft, Facebook and Amazon, to build data centers in Alaska.
Infrastructure
‘Renewable energy growth is truly a 50-state story now’: New report shows big jump in solar, wind, EVs
A coalition of environmental groups finds U.S. renewable energy development has tripled in the past decade.
Management
What voters had to say about abortion rights in 2024
The majority of ballot measures to protect abortion rights passed, but concerns about women’s health outcomes remain.
Management
Few surprises in races for governor, ballot measures
No seats flipped among state executives, while most voters approved protecting abortion rights and rejected some changes to how their elections are administered.
Sponsor Content
City of Minneapolis Accelerates Digital Accessibility and Cuts Administrative Time in Half by Using Smartsheet to Process Event Permits
The city of Minneapolis uses Smartsheet to automate the processing of 400-500 amplified sound permits yearly.
Management
What we’re watching this Election Day
Stay tuned for results coverage and analysis through the coming days in the key races and ballot measures Route Fifty is tracking across the country.
Cybersecurity
Russian email domains sent uncredible bomb threats to polling places, FBI says
Kremlin-backed actors have a long record of sowing fear and disinformation into the U.S. election process.
Workforce
Want to see skills-first hiring in action? Look to the states
COMMENTARY | Some states are leading the way.
Digital Government
State's education department offers schools guidance on limiting student cell phone use
So far, at least eight Oregon school districts have either banned cell phone use in some schools, in individual classes or in all schools.
Digital Government
End of SNAP’s pandemic internet deduction pinches some Kentuckians at grocery store
JD Charles is among 11,800 Kentuckians who lost SNAP benefits Oct. 1. The $23 a month helped him get by on his Social Security disability income.
Digital Government
Lacking nationwide protections, states are stepping up to protect child influencers
California became the latest to sign legislation to protect so-called “kidfluencers,” after Illinois became the first to do so. More states appear to be following their lead.
Infrastructure
Nevada says it worked out the kinks in its new voter system in time for the election, but concerns remain
After recent practice runs showed significant problems in transferring data accurately, the battleground state’s new centralized voter registration system will get its first real-world test in a major presidential election.
Digital Government