| MOST POPULAR Astroturfing and the Coronavirus The latest variety of fake pandemic news has something in common with fake grass commonly used in large sports venues. “Astroturfing” describes what appear to be grass-roots, citizen-led movements, that are actually traced back to lobbyists with an agenda. A new report traces the origins of “Reopen” protests, which have state and local governments fighting this strain of misinformation that aims to minimize the size of the coronavirus threat. Ransomware Revisited Hackers hit the Southern California city of Torrance with a ransomware attack in March and officials thought at the time that no data had been exposed. But personal information, including Social Security numbers and city financial data subsequently showed up online. GT’s Lucas Ropek has more on the leak and its aftermath.
Life After Lockdown? States across the country are beginning to ease coronavirus-related restrictions, and opening up their economies in limited ways. There are as many strategies as there are state and local leaders, working to do what’s in the best interest of their communities. The latest installment of our shared series with the Australia-New Zealand School of Government offers some best practices on leading through this stage of the crisis. And as part of the road forward, front-line experts from various agencies gathered on a webinar this week to discuss the possibility of a second wave, and the many lessons learned from COVID-19 and other large-scale events requiring a coordinated response. “It will be important, if we get a break this summer,” said former FBI Assistant Director Kevin Brock, “not to take the foot off the pedal and say we’re done assembling a plan and getting material and to be ready for what might come in the fall.” | 