Posts By Corey McCarren

GovBytes: Millions of tax-payer dollars saved by Oregon’s use of video-conferencing

As the number of agencies and businesses choosing to host video-conferences rather than in-person meetings grows, so do the savings, as well as the environmental benefits. Oregon has been boosting its video-conference efforts, and has a lot to boast about regarding the benefits of the conferences. In total, it’s estimated that Oregon has saved $2Read… Read more »

Daily Dose: USPS Changes Proposed in Obama Budget Plan

The United States Postal Service has been delivering mail on Saturday for decades, which may soon come to an end for the fourth time in history as the USPS copes with yearly deficits. President Obama’s 2013 proposed budget backs plans allowing the USPS to cut Saturday mail services, as well as increase the price ofRead… Read more »

GovBytes: Anonymous targets Alabama in latest attacks by the cyber-insurgency

Anonymous, whether viewed as an online force for good or hackers disguised as do-gooders, have undeniably far-reaching capabilities. They’ve demonstrated this again Friday (2/10/2012) by announcing that they had hacked local and state law enforcement in Alabama to gain access to the information of 46,000 residents. The information includes social security numbers, license plate numbers,Read… Read more »

GovBytes: Armored Vehicle Keeps the Peace in Fort Lauderdale

High crime rates can be tough to conquer with a limited police presence. It can also be problematic to put police on surveillance, when they may have to attend to a call elsewhere. That’s why police in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have acquired an armored vehicle, called the Peacemaker, to act as temporary surveillance that theyRead… Read more »

Daily Dose: Budget Cuts Alter National Defense Strategy

For nearly a century, the United States national defense strategy was to have the capabilities to participate in two wars at once, as well as a large military. With budget cuts very much a reality for the Department of Defense, the US is adopting a new strategy. The military will be leaner, meaner, and smaller.Read… Read more »

GovBytes: New Citizen Engagement Platform: An Experiment in Representation and Technology

One of the four pillars of democracy is representation. This pillar is deeply rooted in civic engagement and participation, of which officials in Stafford County, VA, fear is lacking. Many residents of Stafford County commute to Washington, D.C., and as such don’t have time for town hall meetings to have their voices heard. To remedyRead… Read more »

GovBytes: NYC Tests Potential Solution to Parking Woes

Those living in cities are more than familiar with circling blocks for parking spots, unable to find one. New York City, however, is testing a solution that’s been tried in San Francisco. NYC will be utilizing small sensors placed on the ground in parking spots which will transmit information on whether or not a parkingRead… Read more »

Daily Dose: Presidential Hopefuls Spread National Defense Disinformation

National defense is always a highly touted issue during Presidential campaigns. And rightfully so, as what could be more important than our national defense? This primary season, presidential hopefuls are going after Obama just as much as they are their Republican rivals. But what happens when the are spreading potentially dangerous disinformation? Recently, presidential hopefulsRead… Read more »