Digital literacy, not bans, should shape states' approach to social media
Protecting children from harmful content is important, but states should help young people understand the platforms’ risks and make informed decisions about what to view, experts say.
Outdated flood data could drown out actual infrastructure needs
Historical data fails to capture current flooding conditions, which could steer communities in the wrong direction when trying to plan and recover from weather events.
Is government culture stifling customer experience innovation?
Risk aversion among government managers is blocking needed improvements to key programs, according to a recent white paper.
A balancing act: Adding humor to government communications
COMMENTARY | Local and state agencies walk a fine line between showing their personality through humor and remaining factual.
More than $42 billion in broadband funding allocations announced
President Joe Biden released how much each state will receive in funding under the bipartisan infrastructure law to expand access to high speed internet in America’s under- and unserved communities.
The government has a controversial idea to track mental health crisis calls
The national 988 hotline may start pinpointing callers, a move opponents say could lead to forced intervention and violate caller trust.
How will AI affect workers? Tech waves of the past show how unpredictable the path can be
COMMENTARY | New digital technologies have been a constant for workers over the past few decades, with a mixed record on the economy and individuals’ daily lives. AI’s effect will likely be just as unpredictable.
We’re going to Miami. Join us to learn what’s new in state and local technology.
Our annual Tech Summit is June 26-27. Come hear how local leaders from across the country are using technology to address the biggest issues facing communities.
States Need Better Tech, Training to Keep Repeat Drunk Drivers off the Roads
Lacking adequate resources, states are often unable to provide complete criminal histories to the FBI’s databases, which are critical resources for reducing impaired driving by repeat offenders, according to a new GAO report.
Virginia Gives Its Transit Agencies Access to Planning Software
The software helps agencies find gaps in their transportation networks and understand where service can be added or refined. It can also analyze demographic data to ensure that service is as equitable as possible.
With $1.4B Investment, Texas Hopes to Sprint to the Front of the Microchip Manufacturing Race
The state will pump the money into microchip research and manufacturing initiatives in an effort to attract new investments, secure lucrative federal grants and create thousands of high-paying jobs over the next decade.
The Debt Deal Casts Doubt on Whether Congress Will Fully Fund the CHIPS Act
The Commerce Department has made available $500 million in its $11 billion effort to create regional technology and innovation hubs in small rural communities across the country.
Lawmakers Try to Keep Kids Off Social Media, Porn Sites
Skeptics doubt legislators’ ability to thwart tech-savvy teens.
Staffing Challenges Spur Another Look at Four-Day Workweeks
School districts think shorter weeks could attract more teachers, while one Colorado city hopes they can help address chronic staffing shortages at its police department.
Why Blockchain Is a Key Technology for State and Local Governments
COMMENTARY | Blockchains are a promising solution for securing data in health care, finance, voting and other public applications.
The Latest ‘Right to Repair’ Law Is the Broadest One Yet
Minnesota is the fourth state to require manufacturers to share parts and repair information with equipment owners and independent shops to more easily fix devices like phones, laptops and appliances.
The Challenge in Identifying Problematic Online Gambling
While technology can help spot those who exhibit signs of problem gambling, finding just what to measure and interpreting that data is tricky.
City Greenlights Autonomous Vehicle Testing for Public Transit
Phoenix wants AV providers to test automated driving systems to help it make decisions about future public transit.
Start Students Early to Build Semiconductor Talent Pipeline
One way to reduce the expected workforce crunch is to educate high school and college students about why working in the semiconductor industry is valuable, one expert said.
Montana Ban Targets TikTok, Along with China and Big Tech
State lawmakers are treading on new ground with an outright ban, but legislators around the country are concerned about the reach of social media. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
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