Did you hear about "Mass Diplomatic Staff Forced Out as Global Crises Multiply" this week?

It scored 32.8/100 for constitutional damage.

If not, ask yourself why. The Distraction Index tracks what's being buried.

https://distractionindex.org/week/2026-05-17

#DistractionIndex #Democracy #ConstitutionalRights #CivicTech

We already live inside software.

The Code Beneath the Floorboards is our new series on the digital systems shaping schools, work, public services, democracy, and daily life.

First post: Open Source Is Not Just for Nerds - because open technology is about autonomy, trust, repair, and power.

https://open.substack.com/pub/associationredefine/p/open-source-is-not-just-for-nerds?r=6l8ed8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

#OpenSource
#OpenTechnology
#CivicTech
#DigitalSovereignty
#DigitalRights
#PublicInterestTech
#TechForGood
#DigitalDemocracy

Generative AI is no longer confined to labs or tech companies.

It is influencing how decisions are made, how services are delivered, and how power is exercised. More people need the skills to understand and shape these tools.

That is why we're launching AI 101.

Read the newsletter: https://beta.nyc/newsletter-2026-week20

#AILiteracy #CivicTech

This week's Distraction Index (2026-05-17):

15 events scored.

Highest constitutional damage: "Trump Administration Creates $1.776B 'Truth and Justice Commission' to Compensate Political Allies" (60.3/100)

Top distraction: "Pentagon Defends Trump's Golden Dome Project Cost Estimate" (77.8/100)

Full report: https://distractionindex.org/week/2026-05-17

#DistractionIndex #Democracy #ConstitutionalRights #CivicTech

Tracking: immigration enforcement, federalism, DOJ litigation

"DOJ Lawsuit Against New Mexico and Albuquerque on Immigration Enforcement" scored 25.4/100 for constitutional damage this week.

The Distraction Index monitors 50+ events weekly across dozens of policy areas.

https://distractionindex.org/week/2026-05-10

#DistractionIndex #Democracy #ConstitutionalRights #CivicTech

Wondering what to do after this set of talks conclude? There are a bunch of open spaces starting at 03:00 PM:

Room 102A: Using AI for NON-coding tasks
Room 102B: #Space Open Space 🚀
Room 102C: CFP talk development workshop
Room 201B: #CivicTech
Room 202A: Data Scientist Meetup
Room 202B: Educators in Python: Chat about Lesson Planning and Teaching (industry & academia)
Room 202C: PDX Pythonistas
S-3: High Performance @django and FastAPI

#PyConUS #PyConUSOpenSpaces

Hey! Are you at #PyConUS and interested in #CivicTech? Come join me and @civicband and chat about how you can help where you live with #python

3pm in room 201b

Did you hear about "Trump State-by-State Election Control Plan" this week?

It scored 100/100 for constitutional damage.

If not, ask yourself why. The Distraction Index tracks what's being buried.

https://distractionindex.org/week/2026-05-10

#DistractionIndex #Democracy #ConstitutionalRights #CivicTech