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Older Americans have been in isolation during COVID-19 to protect their physical health, but the solitude has damaged their mental health. Advocates hope the pandemic acts as a wake-up call for better long-term solutions for elderly care.
Technologists who have worked for and with the government say the change in presidential administrations has sparked new interest in public-sector tech efforts, and the moment is perfect for it.
The recent Senate confirmation of the first Indigenous American, Deb Haaland, to lead a Cabinet department gives us reason to rethink our assumptions about First Nations’ relationship to power. A new book can help.
South Carolina State Sen. Kevin Johnson, a Democrat who supports and owns guns, regarding the proposed legislation that would make everyone 18 years and older a member of a militia to ensure that the federal government would never be able to confiscate their firearms. The unorganized militia would allow members, nearly all state residents, to carry any weapons legally. Those who did not want to be a part of the militia group, could resign and resume a civilian status. (Associated Press — March 23, 2021)
The amount that Atlantic City, N.J., will spend to repaint its Black Lives Matter tribute on the road in a way that will not confuse motorists. The tribute, which covered the entire road, confused drivers so much that the city had blocked it off to prevent anyone from driving on it.
The California county unanimously approved trial of a guaranteed minimum wage program. The first cohort of 125 low-income, non-white mothers will receive $1,000 monthly payments for the next two years.
While some companies are advocating for their workers’ mental health, others seem to take advantage of remote workers’ blurred lines between work and home and many aren’t getting the support they need.
Five people involved in the Capitol insurrection have been banned from going on social media sites or online at all to prevent further attacks and disinformation. But some worry it’s an infringement on free speech.
With the help of the federal digital consulting office 18F, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will begin a highly anticipated overhaul of the state’s unemployment insurance system.
Whether it is California or Texas, the homeless struggle to find emergency shelter when the temperature drops, sometimes with tragic results. But state and local governments need to move beyond short-term solutions.
The White House is formulating a massive infrastructure package. Here are cost-cutting ways for Congress to help states and localities float the bonds to fund their share. Muni "flower bonds," anyone?
Gun violence has increased during the pandemic. Recent mass shootings have intensified calls for reform, but state legislators have very different ideas about the way forward.
North Dakota House Majority Leader Chet Pollert, regarding the popcorn maker that was removed from the Capitol after it triggered two fire alarms this week, forcing the legislators to evacuate the building. (Associated Press — March 24, 2021)
The number of Americans killed by guns in 2020, making it a record year for gun violence.
While it does seem as though a special election will be held, Gov. Gavin Newsom likely won’t be ousted by the recall efforts. A survey shows that only 40 percent of voters would cast their ballot for a replacement.
If a government agency requests access to user data, the individual may only have 7 days to block the request. Advocates say the systems in place are unfair and don’t provide enough protections for data privacy.
The new website is intended to supplement vaccine scheduling information for small or new vaccination providers that is inadequate or non-existent. Soon the new website will allow users to book inoculation appointments.
Officials are scrambling to expand the state’s electric grid in anticipation of the summer heat and the looming green energy timelines. But to avoid more blackouts, California may need a complete infrastructure overhaul.
New data from the CDC reveals an increasing number of Americans die from firearms each year. Both the rates of death and total death count are growing.
Videoconferencing has served us well during the pandemic, but it shouldn’t become the standalone “new normal” for public hearings after the crisis has passed. There’s a different dynamic when people are physically present.
The massive federal stimulus package signed last week by President Biden will bring billions of dollars to state and local governments. Here's what that will mean for technology modernization efforts.
ACLU of Tennessee Executive Director Hedy Weinberg, regarding the state bill that would ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports and now headed to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. Republican lawmakers in at least 20 states are pushing similar bills. (Associated Press — March 23, 2021)
The proportion of parents who are at least somewhat concerned that in-person instruction will lead to more coronavirus infections. Seven in 10 parents are worried about their child falling behind academically.
The funds paid for research into reallocating police department funding to community programs. The $3 million contract is one of the most expensive of its kind in city history.
Electric vehicle incentive programs, like the Clean Air Vehicle decal program, which gives access to carpool lanes, can encourage some consumers to make the switch, yet EVs are still out of reach financially for many.
Tennessee businesses can mandate their employees get vaccines if being unvaccinated poses a threat to others in the workplace. But not all officials agree that COVID-19 vaccines should be required.
In the past 90 days, the world has witnessed a serious escalation in cyberattacks. Some experts are still predicting that the worst is yet to come. Are we prepared?
Patrick Lin, director of the Ethics and Emerging Sciences Group at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, regarding police use of armed robots, like Boston Dynamics’ Digidog that was deployed in the Bronx in New York City last month. (Ars Technica — March 21, 2021)
The amount that a small number of eligible Black residents of Evanston, Ill., could receive in reparation payments that can be used towards home repairs or other house payments, in response to the city’s historically racist housing policies. Though other cities have launched initiatives, reparation payments are not widely supported; a survey last summer found that only one in five respondents agreed that the U.S. should pay reparations.
Following the high-profile cyber attacks involving Microsoft and SolarWinds, government agencies are taking a closer look at the risks posed by third-party vendors and how they respond to incidents like these.
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