People

Commerce secretary announces ‘rigorous review’ of BEAD program

Howard Lutnick said it is in “dire need of a readjustment,” and pledged to take a tech-neutral approach while dismantling many of the broadband access program’s Biden-era requirements.

‘Science experimenting’ in a leading AI state

New York CIO Dru Rai said failing fast doesn’t need to be a bad thing as agencies experiment with new technologies.

Tech boom highlights need for regional collaboration

Dallas and its surrounding communities in North Texas are experiencing an influx of companies and people. As the issues that come along with that boom don’t respect county or city lines, one expert says a regional approach is needed.

Advocates gear up for FirstNet reauthorization push

The dedicated public safety communications network's authority runs out in 2027. Supporters don’t want to see the service interrupted given the good it has done already.

Amid DOGE push, states wrestle with defining ‘government efficiency’

Several states have instituted new committees in their legislatures in a bid to rein in spending. But others suggest the path to efficiency is less about grabbing headlines and more about finding new ways of working.

DHS personnel descend on New Orleans to help secure Super Bowl LIX

CISA has already conducted physical and cybersecurity vulnerability assessments ahead of the Feb. 9 NFL championship game.

A BEAD critic could end up running the internet access program

Arielle Roth, a former aide to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been tapped to head up the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. She has long been skeptical of some of the $42 billion effort’s provisions.

Preparing for battle: Cybersecurity incident response for public bodies

COMMENTARY | It may feel impossible to plan for a cyberattack, but public sector organizations can take several steps now to protect themselves, both legally and through policy.

Trump signs AI executive order

The order calls for the development of an AI action plan and sets up a process for revoking actions taken under President Biden’s previous AI executive order signed in October 2023.

Rethink federal spending to save broadband subsidy, tech group argues

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation said the government should prioritize affordability over infrastructure and tweak eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

In times of crisis, states have few tools to fight misinformation

Social media companies have pushed back against efforts to crack down on falsehoods.

North Dakota lawmakers discuss adding computer-generated images to definition of child pornography

Possessing a computer-generated image of child pornography would be punishable as a felony in North Dakota under a bill discussed Monday by state lawmakers.

Fearing AI will take their jobs, workers plan a long battle against tech

At a landmark gathering in California, workers discussed defenses against artificial intelligence and surveillance technology.

A challenging transition for new state CIOs

Several people are new to leading their state’s technology divisions and must navigate all manner of rules and laws while trying to make their own mark on the position.

How to improve government efficiency — from the easy wins to the tough challenges

COMMENTARY | It’s about more than cutting costs. Governments must build systems that work better for their constituents, and allow their employees the chance to shine.

Meta to move content moderators to Texas as part of plan to end fact-checking program

The tech giant’s decision to end the program comes as CEO Mark Zuckerberg seeks to mend ties with the incoming Trump administration.

Resilience over resources: Closing the cybersecurity gap in state and local government

COMMENTARY | While they may lack the budget and staff to mount an effective defense, states and localities can take many other steps without needing to spend more money.

Technology is supposed to decrease teacher burnout – but we found it can sometimes make it worse

COMMENTARY | Asking teachers to adopt new tools without removing old requirements is a recipe for burnout.

How system modernization is helping Idaho mitigate unemployment

The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses is leveraging a new web-based portal to make it easier and quicker for people to obtain professional licenses and enter the workforce.

Could 3D-printed housing help address Oklahoma’s affordable housing crisis? A lawmaker thinks so

A state lawmaker wants to use the same technology that is being considered for use on Mars to help tackle Oklahoma’s affordable housing crisis.