Data & Investigative Analysis - Page 2
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Cities Use AI to Cut Housing Permit Delays and Speed Up Reviews
Cities across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to reduce housing permit backlogs, with new federal funding supporting automated systems aimed at eliminating costly application errors and shortening approval times.
Census Bureau Finds Over Half of U.S. Workers Now Use AI Tools
A new Census Bureau survey shows 55% of American workers have used AI for job tasks, with most reporting time savings. The findings highlight how AI is becoming routine in workplaces and raise questions for government adoption strategies.
Missouri Unveils Flood and Drought App for Real-Time Updates
Missouri has launched a new mobile app and website to help residents and officials monitor flood and drought risks, offering real-time data, alerts, and predictions statewide. The project is funded by $10.4 million in federal relief.
How Tool Sprawl Is Complicating Local Government IT Operations
State and local agencies are facing mounting challenges from fragmented technology systems, increasing manual workloads and security risks. Leaders are now rethinking how to streamline IT tools and improve service reliability.
Alabama Data Centers May Outpace Statewide Home Power Use
A wave of proposed data centers in Alabama could consume more electricity than all residential homes combined. Alabama Power says rates won't rise, but residents and experts question whether new laws and oversight will truly protect customers.
New Guide Helps Cities Build Digital Service Teams for Residents
A new toolkit offers step-by-step guidance for city and state officials looking to launch digital service teams, aiming to improve access to government services and address challenges with technology and staffing.
Cloud Security Gaps Challenge Local Governments Adopting New Systems
Local governments are moving finance operations to cloud-based ERP systems, but experts warn that misconfigurations and overlooked security practices can leave sensitive data at risk despite modern technology.
I-94 in Cook County Ranks Among Nation's Deadliest Highways
A new study finds I-94 in Cook County, Illinois, is the fourth deadliest highway stretch in the U.S., with 52 fatal crashes over three years. Several other Chicago-area expressways also appear in the national top 100.
Lakeville Man Sentenced to 78 Months for $250M Fraud and Witness Tampering
Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir of Lakeville, MN, received a 78-month federal prison sentence for his role in a $250 million child nutrition fraud scheme and for attempting to tamper with a trial witness during the case.
Iowa Launches Tool to Guide Local Data Center Decisions
A new online tool from University of Iowa experts aims to help local governments evaluate the benefits and challenges of proposed data centers, as more communities weigh the impact of these large facilities on resources and infrastructure
Rhode Island Ranks 13th Safest for Senior Drivers in New Study
A new analysis places Rhode Island among the top safer states for drivers aged 65 and older, with the state ranking 13th out of 48 based on recent traffic fatality data. The findings highlight regional differences in senior driver safety across the U.S.
Detroit Animal Euthanasia Fell Under El-Sayed's Oversight, Records Show
A review of Detroit's animal control records finds that euthanasia rates for dogs and cats dropped after Abdul El-Sayed became health director in late 2015, despite recent political claims suggesting otherwise
Federal Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Over Minnesota Voter Data
A federal judge has rejected the Department of Justice's attempt to obtain Minnesota's full voter registration list, marking the 23rd consecutive loss for the DOJ in similar cases across the country
Colleges Urged to Prioritize Support for Military-Connected Students
With traditional college enrollment declining, U.S. colleges are being called to treat military-connected students as a core population, not a niche group, by building coordinated support systems that go beyond processing benefits.
22 States Challenge DHS Subpoena for Trucker License Data
A coalition of 22 states is seeking to block a federal subpoena that would give the Department of Homeland Security access to millions of commercial driver's license records, raising concerns about privacy and federal overreach
Flock Safety Cuts Data Retention as Cities Drop License Plate Cameras
Flock Safety is reducing its recommended data retention period and adding new oversight tools after more than 50 U.S. communities canceled or suspended use of its automated license plate reader cameras in 2026
California's Former CISO Reflects on Cybersecurity Challenges in Government
After two decades in California state agencies, Vitaliy Panych discusses the evolution of cybersecurity, the launch of Cal-Secure, and the growing risks facing public sector organizations as technology and AI reshape government operations.
Frog and Toad Monitoring Reveals Species Shifts in Southeast Michigan
Long-term monitoring by Friends of the Rouge shows four frog species declining and several others increasing in the Rouge River watershed, raising questions about habitat changes and climate impacts in southeast Michigan.
Report: Broadband Projects Face Permit Delays Across U.S.
A new report finds that nearly 7,000 broadband projects funded by the $42 billion BEAD program will require more than 86,000 permits, with many projects facing complex and lengthy approval processes at federal, state, and local levels.
10 Most Affordable Cities to Live in California Ranked for 2026
A new analysis from Houzeo highlights ten California cities where home prices and living costs remain below state averages, offering residents more attainable housing options and lower expenses compared to much of the state
Over 100 License Plate Cameras Now Monitor Lansing Area Roads
More than 100 automated license plate reader cameras are now installed across the Lansing region, with the highest concentration near Michigan State University. Residents can check camera locations and learn how their data may be used.
Local Governments Shift Toward Leaner, Accountable AI Systems
Cities and public agencies are moving away from massive, generic AI models in favor of smaller, purpose-built systems that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and local needs. The change aims to improve service delivery and meet strict governance standards.
Texas Data Center Audit Raises Questions as Grid Connections Paused
Texas has paused new data center grid connections for an audit, but key details remain unclear. Tech companies support the move, yet policy experts question whether the audit will slow rapid data center growth or address local concerns.
Michigan Journalist Uncovers Family Ties to Indian Boarding Schools
A new book by Sierra Nadeau reveals her family's hidden history in Michigan's Indian boarding schools, shedding light on the generational impact of these institutions and the silence that followed their closure in 1983
Michigan Lawmakers Consider Ban on Seclusion in Public Schools
Michigan schools reported nearly 18,000 incidents of seclusion or restraint during the 2024-2025 school year. A new bill could prohibit seclusion and require more staff training to address student crises and trauma.
Experts Urge Stronger Safeguards for Government Data Sharing
As state and local governments expand data sharing to improve services, experts warn that privacy, security, and accountability must be prioritized to prevent errors and protect public trust. New guidance outlines key steps for agencies.
AI Security Incidents Raise New Questions for Local Governments
Recent disclosures from leading AI companies reveal that advanced agentic AI systems have bypassed security barriers, prompting local governments to reconsider how they evaluate and deploy these technologies in public services
OpenAI Foundation Launches $100M AI Fund for State Health Projects
The OpenAI Foundation is investing $100 million to help states and local organizations use artificial intelligence in public health research, starting with hepatitis C treatment development in Alabama, Illinois, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.
School Districts Face Challenges Vetting AI Tools Amid Rapid Growth
As U.S. schools invest billions in artificial intelligence, many districts are left to evaluate safety, privacy, and educational value on their own, with limited state or federal guidance and a fast-growing market of competing products
Cities Turn to AI for Services, Raising Questions About Oversight
Local governments across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to manage services like traffic, waste, and resident inquiries, but experts say stronger oversight and public trust are needed as use expands.
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