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.

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.

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

How social media is influencing our interactions with public lands

Getting the perfect online photo is drawing more people into nature. Land managers are trying to mitigate risks and damage to wild places.