Route Fifty
California Fires Back Over Trump Administration’s Water, Air Complaints
State agencies said many of the water and air quality violations flagged by the EPA in a series of letters issued in September were already being addressed or were based on incorrect data.
Nextgov
Agency Spending on Outsourced IT Nearly Doubled in Fiscal 2019
Only a portion of that was directly spent on cloud services.
Route Fifty
As Cyclist and Pedestrian Fatalities Rise, Watchdog Flags Shortcomings With Traffic Safety Data
A federal oversight agency is offering recommendations for improving the consistency and availability of fatality and injury statistics reported by states.
Route Fifty
Report: Georgia Towns Too Reliant on Fines and Fees as a Revenue Generator
A new study analyzes three towns’ reliance on fines and fees for their annual budget, finding they represent between 14% and 25% of revenues.
Route Fifty
Nothing Can Alleviate the Pain of a Stillborn Baby. But States Consider Helping with Parents' Financial Burdens
Several states have passed laws allowing parents of stillborn babies to claim tax credits. Several others have proposed it.
Route Fifty
Big City Finance Officials See Recession on the Horizon
That’s one of the notable findings in a new survey of over 500 city finance officers.
Route Fifty
Ohio Establishes ‘Cyber Reserve’ to Combat Ransomware
The civilian unit of the National Guard will be on call to assist local governments that come under cyberattack.
Route Fifty
What’s the Right Treatment for Lyme Disease? State Legislatures Wade Into the Debate
Reports of Lyme disease have more than doubled over the past two decades. Patients contend that insurance companies sometimes won’t pay for long-term treatment, while some doctors say that it isn’t necessary.
Nextgov
VA Aces IG Audit On Mobile Device Security
The audit comes as good news for the department, which historically has struggled to manage its technology systems.
Nextgov
Lawmakers, Think Tank To Develop Bipartisan National AI Strategy
Two representatives are teaming up with the Bipartisan Policy Center to work on a national framework for AI development and deployment.
Route Fifty
Seeking Attention For City Priorities From 2020 Presidential Candidates
A group of local officials is developing a platform of issues they want to see discussed during the race.
Route Fifty
The States Where Public University Tuition Rates Rose the Most After Big Budget Cuts
Tuition rates at four-year public colleges climbed 37% over the last decade as states have slashed education funding.
Nextgov
White House Tech Chiefs Preview 2020 Cyber Initiatives
Over the next year, agencies can expect to see a big push for identity management protocols, network monitoring tools and supply chain security policies.
Nextgov
Military Algorithm Can Predict Illness 48 Hours Before Symptoms Show
The program lead says future troops might be deployed with wearables like watches or chest straps that will know when they are getting sick and how long it will take them to get better.
Route Fifty
A Teenager Needed a Tampon. When Her School Didn't Have One, She Called Her Legislator
A Pennsylvania teen teamed up with a state representative to write legislation that would require schools to provide free pads and tampons for students.
Route Fifty
Dollar Value of Outdoor Recreation For Each State Detailed in New Data
More states in recent years have been devoting special attention to the outdoor recreation economy. The figures help show its size.
Route Fifty
Mayors Call For Solar Tax Credit Extension
Citing job growth and investment in the green economy, 231 mayors are calling on Congress to extend renewable energy tax credits through 2027.
Route Fifty
How Cities Can Cool Down Urban Heat Islands
Growth and climate change are warming cities. Local leaders can consider a variety of approaches to reduce temperatures.
Nextgov
House Committee Advances Bill to Expand DHS Cyber Monitoring Program
As state and local governments face rising cyber threats, the legislation would give them free access to the tools provided under the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program.
Nextgov