Policy

The case for more federal oversight of state and local budgets

An influential good government group is calling for tighter standards and is out with new recommendations for how Congress and regulators can begin taking action.

Modernization

Feds prep $500M program for transportation tech

States and localities are among those eligible for the grants, which are aimed at funding projects focused on innovations like autonomous vehicles and roadside sensors.

Digital Government

Amazon to Hire for More Than 40,000 Corporate and Tech Jobs Across US

Many positions will be in Seattle and northern Virginia, but the company is looking to recruit in other regions as well.

Cybersecurity

Feds Eliminate Fee for '.Gov' Web Addresses

Smaller localities in particular have said that the $400 annual cost was a barrier to adopting the government-specific URL.

Modernization

How One State Will Work With the Feds On a Major Tech Overhaul

Wisconsin has turned to a federal team of tech experts as the state seeks to revamp its antiquated unemployment computer system.

Modernization

Lawmakers Call for Federal Program to Upgrade Unemployment Systems

Many people filing for unemployment during the pandemic have experienced long delays. Subpar technology is one of the factors commonly blamed for problems.

Digital Government

Snug and Doubled-Up Masks Can Help Stop Covid Spread, CDC Finds

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new research looking at the effectiveness of wearing two masks at once, or tighter fitting face coverings.

Digital Government

Poll Finds Steep Drop in Satisfaction With Government in the U.S.

The Gallup survey results indicate people are unhappy with other aspects of American life as well, like the moral climate and the influence of corporations.

Digital Government

Employers in D.C. Region Expect Some Remote Work Into Mid-2021, Survey Finds

About 60% of respondents anticipated less than a third of workers would return to the office by early September because of coronavirus risks. Some are planning for a portion of staff to still be working remotely even next summer.

Emerging Tech

Google Offering Near Real-Time Maps of Wildfire Boundaries

The company’s announcement comes as destructive fires are burning in a number of western states.

Emerging Tech

New Coalition Wants to Help in Fight Against Election Misinformation

The Election Integrity Partnership consists of university researchers and others. Local election officials are among those the partnership is hoping to assist in the weeks ahead.

Emerging Tech

Do All Face Masks Offer Similar Protection? New Test Offers A Way to Compare

The limited findings raise doubts about the effectiveness of neck gaiters and bandanas in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

Digital Government

Face Masks ‘Significantly Reduce’ Spread of Covid-19, Study Finds

“The effect is greatest when 100% of the public wear face masks,” researchers wrote, suggesting that officials should encourage people to cover their faces in public.

Modernization

As Virus Keeps Kids From Schools, New Figures Show Millions Lack Home Internet

Meanwhile, a California education official this week said it would take at least $500 million to get students there the computers and internet access they need, and asked the private sector to help.

Digital Government

House Democrats Unveil New $760 Billion Infrastructure Plan

The 19-page proposal recommends tapping existing federal programs to funnel money to infrastructure projects.

Policy

Federal Lawmakers Push '.Gov' Web Addresses For Local Governments

A new U.S. Senate bill comes amid concerns that online criminals can “spoof” the public with fake government websites.

Emerging Tech

The Role States Are Playing in Expanding Broadband Access

New research offers a window into what states are doing to help get about 20 million Americans who now lack reliable, high-speed internet connected with the service.