MOST POPULAR Neither Spooky Nor Scary: Digital States Survey Grades Tech Progress While 2020 has been singular in so many ways, the Digital States survey, released by GT’s sister organization the Center for Digital Government this week, offers a longer term perspective on states’ journey toward becoming more digital. In addition to mounting impressive responses to COVID-19, this year’s survey notes progress in cloud adoption, infrastructure modernization and connectivity endeavors. See GT Editorial’s analysis of every state’s technical progress since the last benchmark in 2018 and who emerged at the head of the class in 2020. How Can Tech Be More Equitable? Incredible innovations from emerging technologies seem to come at an ever-faster pace, but revelations in recent months have proven that their benefits are not universal. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s EmTech Virtual Conference, attended by GT’s Andrew Westrope this week, featured a panel of experts with ideas on how to make sure equity and inclusion are center stage in technology investments. When the Cars Are Away, the People Will Play So-called “slow streets” pilot programs in a number of cities have produced a perhaps predictable result. Five U.S. cities that limited vehicle use on select corridors were studied by a transportation company, revealing that in general, fewer cars means more pedestrians and cyclists. The results have officials asking whether the pilots should become permanent. Treats Not Tricks No matter your political affiliation, admiration for Oreos is universal. Earlier this month, 2020 fittingly brought us asteroid-related fears amid news reports that one might collide with earth in November. In a popular GT Question of the Day this week, we explore valiant efforts to construct a doomsday bunker to protect one of our most precious resources from destruction in the event of a direct hit. Please forgive us the lack of technology in this story, but everyone loves Oreos. |