Artificial Intelligence
Schools spend billions on AI, but struggle to figure out what’s worth buying
Educators and experts say districts are carrying much of the burden of vetting products on their own.
Digital Government
Trump admin delays TANF data sharing plan opposed by blue states
Democrat-led states are concerned the administration will share cash assistance recipients’ sensitive information with immigration enforcement and other federal agencies.
People
Voting machine researchers say federal work abruptly ended after Trump ally pushed back on their findings
Mojave Research executives said at DEF CON that the government had been preparing to expand the company’s election security work, and linked Trump adviser Kurt Olsen to pressure they faced after finding election system vulnerabilities but no evidence votes were altered.
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Smarter cities, safer communities: How state and local government leaders are advancing public services with AI
AI agents are reshaping state and local government. Discover how leaders are transforming services, infrastructure and workforce productivity.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate Finance panel’s top Dem proposes excise tax on new data centers
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden’s draft white paper calls for a new tax on hyperscalers and data center operators.
Digital Government
Immigration searches were conducted on Twin Falls Flock network. A month later, agreements changed.
Public records show nationwide police agencies conducted immigration searches on Twin Falls Automated License Plate Readers, evading state law and department policy.
Digital Government
Maryland to expand chip EBT card program statewide
It joins a growing number of states turning to chip technology as a tool against benefit fraud.
People
Tribes join pushback against prediction markets
Amid the explosive growth of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, Tribal leaders said they undermine sovereignty and represent a major threat to gaming in Indian Country.
Artificial Intelligence
Local governments are using AI more and more. But are they doing it wisely?
COMMENTARY | AI systems can already monitor traffic lights, scan for potholes and answer residents’ questions – the hard part is making sure people can trust them.
Cybersecurity
New ‘Water Watch Center’ launched to help small utilities stop cyberattacks
The initiative comes as multiple states grapple with intrusions into their water systems that some officials suspect could be tied to Iran.
Management
How states are preparing for Medicaid eligibility changes
Medicaid work and community engagement requirements go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
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Infrastructure
Lack of broadband service, funding gives rise to telehealth services in rural clinics
Clinics with better internet connections are now offering telehealth services to patients who can’t do it from their homes.
Sponsor Content
Defending the Digital Front Door: A Strategic Approach to Website and Infrastructure Security in State and Local Government
Discover how governments secure digital services while balancing performance, accessibility, and cybersecurity.
Artificial Intelligence
As AI ‘therapists’ dish out advice, California lawmakers try to set some limits
A new bill would stop companies from marketing chatbots as therapy and force stricter oversight of AI in mental health care.
Digital Government
The missing piece in urban mobility strategies: Private parking garages
COMMENTARY | Many city governments have invested heavily in connected mobility infrastructure. Few have thought of including the parking garage down the block.
Cybersecurity
More US water systems struck by hackers
The FBI said systems in at least seven states have been hit, following an Iran-linked group’s hack in Minnesota. Experts urged operators to beef up operational technology cybersecurity.
Artificial Intelligence
State AGs call for transparency from OpenAI after unprecedented Hugging Face hack
More than a dozen attorneys general are demanding answers from OpenAI after a cyber intrusion.
Digital Government
All eyes on Flock as Idaho navigates surveillance technology across the state
The technology faces nationwide controversy because of concerns around data privacy, shaky oversight and the potential for warrantless searches.
Artificial Intelligence
Powering the ballot: Why AI’s energy footprint is the ultimate midterm election issue
COMMENTARY | Americans are pushing back against the power demands of AI buildout. Data centers should use existing technology to ease that strain before asking for ratepayers to stump up.
Management
Oklahoma puts data at the forefront of its rural health improvement strategy
Data usability is a core component to Oklahoma’s priorities under the Rural Health Transformation Program, particularly as tight progress report deadlines to CMS determine future funding levels.
Artificial Intelligence
How the Texas transportation department has embraced AI
From traffic management, to collecting and analyzing crash data, to helping employees be more efficient, the agency has embraced the tech and encouraged responsible adoption while doing so.
