Digital Government
The first-in-the-nation TikTik ban that wasn’t
U.S. Federal District Court Judge Donald Molloy strikes down the Montana Legislature’s statewide restriction, which has been stalled in legal limbo since its passage in 2023.
Public Safety
Eyeball recognition, surveillance towers part of $40 million immigration awards for local Florida police
Gov. Rob DeSantis and the Cabinet approved the latest portion of a $250 million state grant for enforcement.
Digital Government
Alabama joins early state efforts to launch chip-enabled EBT cards
California and Oklahoma also lead the nation in EBT card modernization efforts intended to stamp out costly benefit fraud and theft.
Sponsor Content
Beyond compliance: Emerging lessons from H.R 1’s impact on benefits delivery
H.R. 1 imposes strict compliance requirements and financial penalties, but provides an opportunity to transform the public benefits experience for constituents and caseworkers alike.
Cybersecurity
‘It’s not over’: Cyber info-sharing center begins ‘next chapters’ after losing federal funding
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center now has 24 states and 3,000 individual organizations as dues-paying members after losing federal funding, a leader said.
Artificial Intelligence
New Google partnership a ‘sizable investment’ in AI for teachers
Tech giant won’t attach a price tag to 3-year agreement with ISTE+ASCD.
Infrastructure
Data center tax breaks are on the chopping block in some states
Rising energy costs and environmental concerns drive states to reconsider incentives.
Digital Government
FCC could tighten federal Lifeline program rules
The agency is advancing new eligibility requirements in the face of what it says is massive fraud across several states in the $1 billion-a-year internet and phone low-income assistance program.
Artificial Intelligence
As data centers look to rural New England, Maine considers a moratorium
The bill’s advocates want answers about how data centers will affect energy costs in the region, which already has some of the country’s highest electricity prices.
Management
Louisiana mifepristone lawsuit could hinder telehealth abortion nationwide
Missouri, Idaho, Kansas, Texas and Florida are also suing the FDA over mifepristone’s regulations and asking the courts to restrict or rescind approval of the drug altogether.
Cybersecurity
The shifting cybersecurity mandate for states
COMMENTARY | Federal retrenchment means states must step up with funding and resources in a more complex environment. Multi-year federal funding can reduce some of those burdens.
Featured eBooks
Digital Government
Maryland turns to tech to improve foster care outcomes for children
A software tool is helping the Maryland Department of Human Services connect children in foster care with more family members or friends, which is linked with better adulthood outcomes.
Sponsor Content
How Workday supports transit agency operations
Transit agencies have unique needs as they navigate aging infrastructure and assets, complex capital projects, and the expectations of both the public they serve and their own workforce.
Digital Government
Feds want to stop states regulating, blocking prediction markets
The online marketplaces have exploded in popularity, but while state leaders say they are like sports betting, regulators argue they are instead subject to federal oversight and threatened legal action.
Management
Hidden in plain sight: Surveillance at the Arizona border
From hidden license plate readers to AI-powered cameras, federal agents have built a vast monitoring network that stretches deep into Arizona.
Artificial Intelligence
Republican governor asserts states’ right to legislate AI
Utah Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged the logic to the Trump administration’s plan for U.S. AI dominance, but not at the expense of state laws ensuring safety.
Infrastructure
Data center growth goes full steam ahead across the US
Investments in and construction of data centers are increasing across the U.S., particularly in areas where such facilities have previously lagged.
Digital Government
Showcase honors state projects for ‘doing things differently’
Online government platform Apolitical joined two other bodies to celebrate public sector breakthroughs throughout the nation, including on AI, digital transformation, citizen engagement and emerging tech.
Artificial Intelligence
Republican lawmakers ask GAO to review current AI regulatory landscape
Leaders in the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee have asked the Government Accountability Office to examine the regulatory landscape at both the state and federal level.
Artificial Intelligence
AI enters the race: How Texas primary candidates are using it in 2026 ads
As Texas voters head into the 2026 primary, candidates are using artificial intelligence to mock opponents and sharpen attacks.
Digital Government
Age verification laws face mixed prospects, experts say
A Supreme Court decision last year on a Texas law may have opened the door for similar rules. But speakers at State of the Net warned they face a long road fraught with challenges.
