Data

States pass privacy laws to protect brain data collected by devices

California, Colorado and Montana have passed neural data privacy laws meant to prevent the exploitation of brain information collected by consumer products.

How one state overcomes barriers to better share public health data

Massachusetts’ data warehouse allows agencies to collaborate and address pressing health issues.

After last Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan fell short, new proposal aims to be flexible, data-driven

Draft released last week still a work in progress; advocates worry it leaves too much open-ended, as cuts to federal programs loom.

Lawmakers call for probe of Oklahoma incubator program amid data collection concerns

Two Republican lawmakers want to probe the long-term effectiveness of a state program designed to nurture new small businesses.

Feds look at new way to get food stamp data from Washington and other states

The Trump administration is taking a new approach in its attempt to snatch personal data of food stamp recipients from states.

Michigan attorney general joins states to sue Trump administration for sharing health data with ICE

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 19 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit this week against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for sharing personal health data about Medicaid recipients with the Department of Homeland Security.

How a ‘mundane’ start to digital transformations can help cities leverage AI

Sandy Springs, Georgia, is taking a slow and steady approach to a digital transformation project, starting with breaking down silos and building staff’s data literacy.

Facial recognition technology stirs more controversy in Milwaukee

A local law enforcement agency is facing public criticism over biometric surveillance plans.

The future of federal abortion data collection is unclear

Federal data collection on abortion is indefinitely on pause, making it difficult to determine how the reversal of Roe v. Wade has reshaped Americans' lives.

New data dashboard aims to help police, policymakers tackle crime

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has released a data tool to improve crime reduction efforts and increase data transparency in communities.

Inside Illinois’ journey to build a centralized platform for child welfare services

A digital transformation among six child welfare agencies in Illinois is helping to break down silos and connect families with the mental and behavioral health services they need.

As food insecurity creeps up, data helps food banks cater to those in need

Americans are concerned about food access and costs. Data maps are one tool communities can leverage to meet their needs.

Missouri will hand over personal data of food aid recipients to feds

Missouri has agreed to abide by a request from the federal government to turn over personal data about anyone receiving food assistance, the state social services agency confirmed to The Independent Tuesday.

Amid fiscal uncertainty, evidence-based budgeting comes to the fore

A good-government nonprofit will host a virtual event designed to help counties determine whether budgetary decisions will, or did, produce the intended outcomes.

South Carolina database makes addiction treatment measurement accessible

The platform is the first of its kind to break down care delivery county by county and help understand how well treatment is working.

Pennsylvania turns to AI to help reduce time-to-hire

The state aims to bring the time it takes to hire a new employee down to within 50 days.

Police department turns to new data tool to boost performance

The Rochester, New York, Police Department started using a tool known as Commons in April. It provides frequently updated criminal justice data and can help set policy goals.

Problem solved: How data makes cities more efficient, effective and attuned to AI

COMMENTARY | If the public sector wants to operate at peak performance, it must harness its data and deploy it across all its functions. Cities across the world are showing what is possible.

First-of-its-kind assessment maps states’ public health data-sharing policies

Timely, accurate, and complete information is vital to detecting, preventing disease.