Management
IRS Direct File to open a week after Trump’s inauguration
Republicans on Capitol Hill have asked the incoming president to scrap the free tax filing service developed during the Biden administration.
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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
How a new database in New Mexico aims to de-escalate police encounters
The state’s Nontraditional Communication Registry helps inform police officers of conditions or disabilities that may impact someone’s ability to interact with law enforcement.
School software provider is the latest target of major hack of personal data
The incident is the latest large-scale data breach in the U.S., as year after year, the number of cybercrimes continues to rise.
‘Optionality’ could be the key to better customer experience, experts say
As digital advances have prompted state agencies to innovate their benefits systems, experts say officials should first consider what residents want.
Remote learning hurt high school grad rates. Ditching exit exams helped, new research finds
Even students who were in elementary school when COVID struck might need extra support to graduate high school, the authors of a new study said.
Can AI help government prevent homelessness?
A predictive model is helping Los Angeles authorities link people at risk of homelessness to assistive services to keep them housed.
Local fire department testing new wildfire risk reduction app
The wildfire mitigation app uses AI to recommend tips for making people's homes more fire resistant.
States reject changes to how elections are administered
Advocates had hoped ranked choice voting would be instituted in more states but were left disappointed last night. Only Washington, D.C. and some small municipalities approved its use.
How tech impacted “the information environment” of the 2024 election
Artificial and social media influenced voter behavior and political opinions, experts say.
States crack down on at-home sexual assault kits
Policymakers are concerned that self-administered sexual assault exams can impede justice and recovery for survivors.
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States overwhelmingly approve noncitizen voting bans
Voters in all eight states approved constitutional amendments with at least 60% of the vote, even as experts and state leaders say the issue is exceedingly rare.
What voters had to say about abortion rights in 2024
The majority of ballot measures to protect abortion rights passed, but concerns about women’s health outcomes remain.
Few surprises in races for governor, ballot measures
No seats flipped among state executives, while most voters approved protecting abortion rights and rejected some changes to how their elections are administered.
What we’re watching this Election Day
Stay tuned for results coverage and analysis through the coming days in the key races and ballot measures Route Fifty is tracking across the country.
Lessons learned from former Mayor Lightfoot’s Chicago tenure
A book released this year by Chicago Tribune journalist Gregory Royal Pratt reflected on her single term in office, broken promises and the need to build relationships inside and outside city hall.
Over half of states restrict gender-affirming care. Could the Supreme Court change that?
The high court’s ruling on gender-affirming care could also impact other laws affecting transgender people, like rules for sports and bathrooms, one expert says.
Will Mississippi schools join the cellphone ban bandwagon?
A Mississippi lawmaker is already crafting a bill to ban cellphones in classrooms, but how would it play out?
Inside mobile health clinic efforts to reach more residents, address gaps in care
To increase the accessibility and affordability of reproductive health care, local health departments are giving the green light to mobile solutions.
Self-driving cars aren’t here yet, but states are getting the rules ready
New laws aim to address safety, liability concerns.
For people with opioid addiction, Medicaid ‘unwinding’ raises the stakes
More than 25 million Americans have lost Medicaid coverage since the expiration of federal COVID-19 pandemic protections. For those in opioid addiction treatment, a loss of coverage can be deadly.
