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Local Officials Say They Need More Time to Spend CARES Act Money, as Future Aid Remains in Doubt
State and local governments are up against a Dec. 30 deadline to use the coronavirus relief money, a timeframe that many local officials say should be extended.
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Pandemic Drives Delaware to Pinpoint Internet Connectivity Speeds
The coronavirus pandemic has shown a spotlight on the digital divide and Delaware is hoping to gather more precise data on broadband deserts and connection speeds to help guide its broadband expansion plan.
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Florida AG Calls for Probe of Push to Help People Vote by Paying Off Criminal Debts
After Mike Bloomberg raised $16 million to help people with criminal records vote in the state, some officials said the billionaire is “buying votes” for Joe Biden.
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HHS to Start Testing Your Poop for COVID-19
Testing will cover approximately 10% of Americans within the next eight weeks, with an option to expand that to 30% within another nine weeks.
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How the Government Shifted Its Onboarding Strategy During the Pandemic
Despite a largely remote workforce, the government hasn’t stopped hiring employees, especially those performing critical mission functions.
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Schools Are Juggling All Kinds of Learning Models This Year. But That Doesn’t Always Mean They Are Hiring More Teachers.
In many districts, some students are staying home to learn online while others head back into the classroom. Who will teach them?
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Rise in Virus Among Young Adults Poses Threat to Older Americans, CDC Warns
Data cited in a new report indicates that increased cases among older adults have followed upticks among younger parts of the population.
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Treasury to Experiment with Blockchain for Grants Management
After learning from other blockchain proof of concepts, officials will see if the technology can increase transparency into payment tracking.
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Pandemic’s Uncertainties Hang Heavy Over Small City's Budget
Augusta, Maine has already resorted to layoffs and furloughs to slow spending. Looking ahead, there are still questions about what will happen with badly needed state aid and other revenues.
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Senate Still Divided on Comprehensive Data Privacy Legislation
Though recent bills are similar, lawmakers have yet to resolve two polarizing issues: preemption and private right to action.
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Watchdog Highlights Need for Better Cyber Coordination Across Government
A pair of reports point to confusion about the State Department’s new cyber bureau and the vacuum left behind by the eliminated White House cyber coordinator position.
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One Officer Indicted in Breonna Taylor Case, But Not In Her Death
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Two Louisville police officers shot and wounded ... No evidence of widespread Covid-19 outbreaks in reopened schools ... California protects Joshua trees but allows solar companies to cut them down ... Colorado will furlough thousands of state employees, including the governor.
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Millions Raised to Pay off Debts so Floridians with Criminal Records Can Vote
The money, partially raised by Mike Bloomberg, will go towards paying off the court fines and fees of thousands of people with criminal records, allowing them to vote in the upcoming election.
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Court Ruling Clears Way for Ranked-Choice Voting in Presidential Contest in Maine
The state would become the first to allow for the voting method in a presidential election.
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Predicting Coronavirus Outbreaks Using Google Searches for Gastrointestinal Problems
New research found that Google searches for symptoms associated with the coronavirus might be able to predict outbreaks before positive test results confirm them.
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Hurd, Kelly Introduce Resolution to Encourage Governmentwide Vision of Artificial Intelligence
The resolution urges lawmakers to pass legislation to encourage federal agencies to develop innovative artificial intelligence tools.
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How Local Governments Can Get Feedback From a More Diverse Range of Residents
Participation in local government often skews heavily toward white residents, elderly people, and homeowners.
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House Bill Proposes Millions to Build U.S. Quantum Network Infrastructure
The legislation would establish an Energy Department-led “research, development and demonstration program.”
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Justice Department Dubs New York, Seattle, and Portland as ‘Anarchist Jurisdictions’
The three cities were flagged for “permitting anarchy, violence and destruction” as part of the Trump administration’s bid to cut funding to cities where recent protests over racial injustice and police brutality have occurred.
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