Finance
States begin banning ‘surveillance pricing’ that uses personal data to charge more
Maryland and New Jersey laws target grocery stores, while Connecticut’s applies more broadly to retailers.
Cybersecurity
Chinese telecom firms kept footholds in US networks despite federal crackdowns, House probe finds
China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom retained equipment, data center space and network ties after FCC restrictions, including a China Mobile-linked network that appeared in routes to Salt Typhoon servers.
Digital Government
State lawmakers call for stronger digital identity, data privacy frameworks
Utah and Colorado are exploring two initiatives that could serve as north stars for other lawmakers looking to expand their digital or mobile identification programs.
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Emerging Tech
New Mexico opens grant fund to invest in new businesses
The state’s $150 million Research, Development & Deployment Fund invests in early-stage companies in emerging industries, as a complement to any federal funding received.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is being used to boost Medicaid enrollment, but not without concerns
A health plan in California will use an AI program to schedule appointments and remind Medicaid enrollees to fill out paperwork. The plan says it can do the work of 40 employees at a fraction of the cost.
Artificial Intelligence
Data center approvals in Texas halted until audits completed, Gov. Greg Abbott says
On Monday, the governor ordered the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to audit all data centers wanting to connect to the state’s power grid.
People
Former county CIO reflects on lessons learned from decades in government
Steve Monaghan, the former CIO of Nevada County, California, said workers should be focused on building their organizational health, not just fixing the issues of the day.
Digital Government
Rural health transformation funds go to tech companies for innovations
The new fund will implement new technologies from health-focused startups in rural communities, but the strategy has its doubters.
Digital Government
Online prediction markets rile up state lawmakers
They say Kalshi and Polymarket are more like sportsbooks than commodity markets.
Artificial Intelligence
Beyond the note-taker: What city managers should demand from meeting intelligence
COMMENTARY | General AI tools and note-takers fall short of what is required to act on decisions made. Several key questions help separate a note-taker from meeting intelligence.
Featured eBooks
Artificial Intelligence
Community opposition helped block $170B in data center projects, report finds
A lack of transparency around ownership, power and water requirements was cited as the most common issue in 46 cancelled projects across a two-year period in 20 states.
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Cybersecurity
Smart phones render Nevada privacy law vague and outdated, says attorney
“The burden has now become placed on us as humans. If we want to have a private conversation, we really need to take extra steps to have that private conversation,” an attorney said while arguing a case involving the statute.
Cybersecurity
CISA urges water utilities to take exposed systems down after Minnesota hacks
A memo distributed to water industry members and obtained by Nextgov/FCW makes mention of Iran but does not directly present evidence attributing the latest Minnesota incident to the country.
Artificial Intelligence
From pilot to proof: How revenue agencies can launch AI responsibly
COMMENTARY | Leaders typically face constrained budgets, staffing gaps and complex fraud. AI can help address one of those issues, if it is tested properly and can work well under strain.
Digital Government
Yearbook report recognizes states’ phone-free school laws
Eleven states were honored for passing new laws or strengthening existing ones governing phone use in schools, although some were dinged for confusing implementation.
Artificial Intelligence
New York Is struggling to track its own AI use
Several agencies’ high-profile AI programs do not appear in the state’s AI inventory.
Digital Government
Feds quietly moved a Medicaid technology project to a central data hub as new eligibility requirements approach
Federal technology offerings promise to help states implement some parts of Medicaid work requirements kicking in on Jan. 1, 2027, but not all of them.
Public Safety
Why large events require smarter, long-term security investments
COMMENTARY | The just-concluded World Cup and upcoming Olympics highlight the need to plan beyond the stadium or venue and support public safety years after fans go home.
People
Inside the World Cup security operation
A massive effort years in the planning at the federal, state and local level helped keep the tournament safe, even as it faced enormous threats of many kinds that all needed mitigating.
