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The COVID-19 pandemic recession has revealed major cracks in our systems of public finance, from the way we tax to the limits of fiscal federalism. We need to get to work on repairs.
Officials at all levels of government are receiving increased threats. They're not getting as much support as they should from officials at the highest levels or, in some cases, from law enforcement.
Rendered in wood, steel or cement, the classic picnic table is an ever-present part of America. We explore the many places you can find them.
The continuing problems with COVID-19 data illustrate why we need to do a better job. Initiatives by some states and local governments are showing how to make that happen and derive greater value.
When you zip into a space and don’t pay for it, somebody is still footing the bill. It’s not just somebody else – it’s you. You’re paying for the traffic jams and pollution you’re getting stuck with.
Social media posts are a new contribution to the archive of political discourse. A historian discusses how they affect the current moment and how it will be remembered.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease official, speaking of the nation developing herd immunity through vaccinations and the possibility to see a true reprieve of the virus by the end of 2021. (NPR — December 15, 2020)
The amount that Iowa must return to the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund after misspending the money on a new computer system.
Without Congressional and statewide extensions to worker benefit programs, millions of workers could be left with just three days of paid sick leave and eight weeks of paid family leave per year.
Florida has had to establish a resilient power system with underground lines to ensure that customers retain power despite hurricanes and tropical storms. Now Oklahoma City is considering the switch.
At least nine states are using short-term training programs to help combat the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But some experts want to fund community colleges to improve the payoff.
A survey found that Michiganders believe COVID-19 is a major public health risk, but there is division as to why the state’s economy has slumped and whether or not state officials could be doing more to combat the virus.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, speaking as Sandra Lindsay, a critical care nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, was among the first people in the United States to receive a COVID-19 vaccination shot. (NPR — Dec. 14, 2020)
The increase in Michiganders who purchased new hunting licenses as compared to 2019. There has been a nationwide spike in hunting during the pandemic, as people have more time to invest into learning the skill and feel the need to be more self-sustaining.
In July, Independence, Mo., invested $4 million to upgrade its outdated computer network with increased security. Despite the effort, the city has suffered a major outage from ransomware.
Both parties have reinvigorated their campaigning efforts as early voting for the Jan. 5 Senate runoff has begun. The stakes are high, as U.S. Senate control has come down to these two seats.
South Carolina has refused to name the 15 receiving sites, making it unclear when health-care centers will receive the vaccines for distributions. Some believe the state is keeping the plan quiet to mitigate security risks.
Before COVID-19 swept the globe, experts were already predicting a disastrous year in cybersecurity. The pandemic offered hackers new attack vectors and proved governments must always be ready for the unexpected.
Surrendering to Republicans on Black Lives Matter and reforming policing isn't the way to motivate voters and win control of the Senate in Georgia's runoffs.
Urban and suburban America need each other more than ever. The coronavirus is making their relationship difficult as remote work changes the status quo and increases the competition for talent.
Editor-at-Large Clay Jenkinson and Professor Ed Watts explore what insights can be gained studying the last years of the Roman Republic and whether that has particular relevance in our own time.
Sen. Mike Lee, commenting as he blocked legislation that would lead to the creation of a Latino and a women’s history museum as a part of the Smithsonian Institute. Sen. Lee remarked that while he respected and shared his colleagues’ interests in sharing these stories, he did not believe women or Latinos deserved their own museum within the Smithsonian. (NPR — December 11, 2020)
The number of states plus the District of Columbia that are suing Facebook for predatory conduct.
A new study reveals that 62 percent of local companies expect to see artificial intelligence work expand in the next year, giving the city a step up in the fast-growing tech sector.
The City Council president is ready for the police department to change from gasoline to electric-powered vehicles, like Teslas, but some council members are wary and still unsure of a pilot program.
With new threats of 'faithless legislatures' ignoring the popular vote, reform is more urgent than ever. Allocating electoral votes proportionately would avoid election disasters and could have bipartisan appeal.
A three-bill package titled the “Black Workers Matter Economic Recovery Package” will provide job security for thousands of Black tourism and hospitality workers. The three bills passed unanimously.
Limited supplies of the coronavirus vaccine in the coming weeks could contribute to attempts by imposters to sell counterfeit versions of approved versions. And the risk isn’t likely to go away anytime soon.
Palm Beach County, Fla., State Attorney Dave Aronberg, speaking of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s raid on the home of Rebekah Jones, who is suspected of hacking the state’s health department computer system. Many have concerns about the raid and whether or not it was appropriate for the alleged crime. Jones is a former employee of the Department of Health and filed a COVID whistleblower complaint shortly after she was fired in May. (South Florida Sun Sentinel — Dec. 8, 2020)
The amount the Minneapolis City Council has voted to remove from the city’s police budget.
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