Rules & Public Services - Page 2
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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.
Oakland County Targets Invasive Plants Along Major Roadways
Oakland County will treat invasive Phragmites and knotweed along main roads through October, aiming to protect native plants and prevent infrastructure damage in dozens of local communities.
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.
Cheshire Schedules Public Hearing on 2026-27 Capital Budget
Cheshire residents can weigh in on the Town Manager's proposed capital budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at a public hearing set for August 26 at Town Council Chambers. The council will vote on the budget following the hearing.
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.
Pennsylvania Sets New Rules for Data Center Projects Statewide
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order making stricter standards mandatory for new data center developments in Pennsylvania, responding to mounting criticism and concerns about local impacts and energy use
Loudoun County May End Fast-Track Data Center Approvals
Loudoun County supervisors are proposing to require public hearings and board votes for more than 20 pending data center applications that were previously exempt from new zoning rules, potentially changing the approval process as soon as September 1
LAPD Schedules DUI Checkpoints and Patrols Across Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Police Department will conduct DUI checkpoints and increase patrols in areas with a history of impaired driving incidents starting Wednesday night, aiming to reduce crashes and ensure drivers are properly licensed.
Oklahoma Libraries Add Digital Access Pods in Statewide Broadband Push
Oklahoma is installing private digital access pods in up to 175 libraries statewide, aiming to bridge the digital divide for rural and underserved residents by 2026. The $14.5 million project is funded by federal COVID-era relief.
Triadelphia Reservoir Water Contact Advisory Issued for Residents
WSSC Water has issued a month-long advisory urging people and pets to avoid direct contact with Triadelphia Reservoir water after harmful algal blooms were detected. Recreation remains open, but extra precautions are recommended for all visitors.
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
Michigan Libraries Add Outdoor StoryWalks and Expand Community Services
Libraries across southeast Michigan are introducing outdoor StoryWalks and new community programs, aiming to boost literacy and engagement as reading habits shift and library visits evolve after the pandemic
Farmington Hills Lifts Deer Feeding Ban After State Law Change
Farmington Hills residents can now feed wildlife, including deer, under new Michigan rules that override the city's previous ban. The city will no longer issue citations, but state limits and restrictions still apply.
Ypsilanti Township Considers Power Moratorium for U-M Data Center
Ypsilanti Township officials will vote on a six-month pause for new power transmission projects as they review the University of Michigan's $1.2 billion data center plan, which could reshape local infrastructure and impact residents near Textile Road.
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Behavioral Health Transport Reform
New bipartisan bills in Michigan aim to create a statewide system for behavioral health transportation, offering safer, more cost-effective options for residents in crisis and reducing strain on emergency services
Waymo Approved to Expand Driverless Rides in 18 California Counties
Waymo has received state approval to expand its driverless passenger service across 18 California counties, including new areas in the Bay Area, but has not yet announced when rides will begin in the newly authorized locations
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.
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 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.
Oakland County Approves $1.5M for Ferndale Planned Parenthood Clinic
Oakland County commissioners have allocated up to $1.5 million to support Planned Parenthood's Ferndale clinic, ensuring continued reproductive health services after closures in Livonia and Warren. The funding extends operations through August 2028.
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
Lisle Schedules Special Branch Pickup After August Storms
Lisle residents can place storm-damaged branches at the curb for a one-time special collection beginning August 17, following specific size and weight guidelines set by the village
Cheshire Police Department Opens Applications for Full-Time Officers
The Cheshire Police Department in Connecticut is seeking applicants for full-time police officer positions, including both entry-level and POST-certified lateral transfers. Applications must be submitted by September 10, 2026.
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