Trends
Massachusetts is showing the way by going to the end users of the products and services governments buy. It’s good for suppliers as well, and produces better results for everyone.
Out of the 55 attempts, there has only been one successful recall in the state’s history. While it seems there could be a recall election before the end of the year, many details are still unclear.
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.
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.
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.
The Derek Chauvin trial is accessible to anyone with a reliable Internet connection, providing an unprecedented level of access to Minnesota courts. Some hope this becomes the norm as more trials are televised.
As vaccine rates continue to rise, many officials are establishing guidelines for what people can expect the new normal to be like. Masks, plexiglass barriers and online shopping are likely to stay.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott voiced support for Republican bills that target Harris County’s efforts to expand early voting and mail-in ballot access during the 2020 election, increasing the focus on election security.
The DMV’s app, Delaware Mobile ID, will offer a digital identification option that could prevent identity theft. While the mobile license is not widely accepted yet, officials are working to change that.
Rancho Mirage, Calif., will soon have the nation’s first community of 15 eco-friendly homes created from 3D printers. The homes sold out within minutes and two buyers paid their deposit in bitcoin.
An email exchange reveals that Tesla has been marketing two different stories regarding self-driving vehicles: one that promises the technology’s much-touted autonomy and another that assures the DMV the tech is far off.
After blackouts from wildfires and freezes, renewable energy advocates are pushing strongly to switch power generation away from natural gas and to better prepare for extreme weather events.
While some states want to prohibit the use of natural gas to curb the impact of climate change, Indiana lawmakers have proposed a precautionary bill that would prevent any specific fuel-source ban.
The legislation would block or remove government financial incentives from Big Tech companies that violate free speech by blocking conservatives from their sites. But many warn the bill could cost jobs and money.
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, voting rights are on the minds of legislators who have introduced hundreds of bills that either restrict or expand how voters can cast their ballots.
This session, Republican lawmakers have introduced five election-related bills regarding citizenship, recount requests and repealing automatic mail ballots. Democrats say the proposals are voter suppression tactics.
An urban air mobility company, Blade, has plans to establish an air taxi service between downtown Chicago and O’Hare Airport. The service would use an electric-powered helicopter and would take only 5 minutes.
The Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology voted to advance a bill that would require law enforcement to release criminal investigation files in an effort to improve police transparency.
Washington state’s vaccine plan failed to include basic logistics that would enable quick distribution to vulnerable communities. Now, the state must rebuild trust in the system that left many out.
The City Council has okayed a contract with Blink Charging to build more than 140 electric vehicle chargers in 32 sites across the city. But concerns have been raised about the firm’s business practices.
Lawmakers proposed two bills that would ban registration of new gas- and diesel-powered vehicles to further push the state towards EVs. The bills do not put end dates on ownership and the sale of 2029 or earlier gas models.
State representatives have proposed a bill that would clear 50 percent of debt owed by low-income utility customers in arrears and the other half would be paid through payment plans, giving many immediate relief.
While the decision hasn’t been confirmed, Apple could begin manufacturing its self-driving electric vehicles in a West Point assembly plant. The decision could be a big win for the state’s economic development efforts.
State and local governments have partnered with Tennessee Valley Authority and other private businesses to establish fast-charging stations for electric vehicles every 50 miles along interstates and highways.
The 129-page law includes a new oversight committee, an officer duty to de-escalate situations, limits no-knock warrants and bans chokeholds. Police reform advocates are pleased with the law and want to see it grow further.
Now that Trump has left the White House, the Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation has agreed to work with California and the Biden administration on establishing new emission guidelines for the auto industry.
Last year’s presidential elections drew masses of volunteers and donations, helping to ensure the state’s election system worked smoothly. But now election workers must produce the same success without the same resources.
Many public health officials are worried about the lack of preparedness, training, testing and vaccine distributions for COVID-19 and what that could mean for the next pandemic.
In addition to focusing on electric-powered and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion vehicles, the car manufacturer has goals to be carbon neutral for both its products and plants by 2040.
Pennsylvania’s largest transit authority is currently losing $1 million a day due to low ridership. But officials want to use the disruption to rebuild the system and make it more equitable for its community.
