Author Archive

Chris Teale

Chris Teale
Chris Teale is the managing editor for Route Fifty, where he covers state and local government technology.
Cybersecurity

Water systems’ cybersecurity dogged by ‘turf war’ between IT, OT

It can be hard to break down siloes between the operational and information technology in water utilities. But speakers at a recent panel called for more visibility and cooperation to keep critical infrastructure safe.

Cybersecurity

82% of schools suffered recent cyber breaches, report says

The Center for Internet Security said it observed nearly 14,000 security events and confirmed 9,300 cyber incidents, which tend to surge during high-stakes periods like exams.

Artificial Intelligence

Oklahoma saves time, money by using AI to review procurement data

The state had come under fire for errors and a lack of oversight in some of its purchasing. A new tool has helped make employees more efficient, fix errors and provide oversight.

Digital Government

‘Leave it alone’: Amid BEAD review, state leaders plead for stability

While elected officials in Washington criticize the broadband program’s speed and requirements, some officials urged them to let states proceed with plans to get people connected.

Digital Government

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.

Cybersecurity

Critical infrastructure leaders must ‘wake up’ and invest in cyber, report says

A new report from the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center warned of the threats faced by critical infrastructure and urged states to spend more to protect themselves.

Artificial Intelligence

New Hampshire’s benefits program embraces AI amid modernization push

The state had already upgraded its systems before the COVID-19 pandemic, so it didn’t struggle as much with fraud. Now, it is looking to emerging tech to help adjudicate claims.

Artificial Intelligence

AI could aid public transit track inspections

A prototype between New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Google Public Sector spotted 92% of track defects that had been identified by human inspectors. Experts said there is more to come in this area.

Artificial Intelligence

‘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.

Artificial Intelligence

Public-sector concerns over AI are lessening, survey says

Google Public Sector found that IT leaders in state and local government are less worried about training, privacy and security than before. A Google exec said that showed a growing understanding of the tech.

Cybersecurity

New Jersey report warns stolen credentials remain top cyber threat

Bad actors are still looking to take advantage of phishing attacks to steal passwords, a recent report from the state’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness said.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmaker favors ‘issue by issue’ approach to AI regulation

Congress should not just pass sweeping federal standards and leave states to regulate the rest, Rep. Jay Obernolte, a California Republican and a key player on regulating the tech, told Route Fifty.

Artificial Intelligence

‘Not your parents’ automation’: How generative AI will impact jobs in major cities

Previous generations of automation impacted industries in small towns and more rural communities. This new revolution will be most felt in the country’s largest metro areas.

People

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.

Public Safety

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.

Artificial Intelligence

ChatGPT Gov offers another option to boost employee productivity

States and localities could be the ones who benefit the most from another generative AI option, as they have the most direct contact with residents who benefit from their programs.

Cybersecurity

Exclusive: StateRAMP to rebrand later this year

The voluntary program will be rebranded as “GovRAMP” to better reflect that its offerings can be used by local governments, educational institutions and others, the organization’s executive director told Route Fifty.

Artificial Intelligence

Lawmaker warns of ‘patchwork’ state AI laws

Congress must take the lead on regulating the technology, said Rep. Jay Obernolte during a recent tech conference, otherwise the country risks a repeat of what has happened on data privacy laws.

Artificial Intelligence

States must ‘keep delivering’ amid new Trump AI order

The pace of the new administration rescinding previous guidance and implementing their own might make leaders’ heads spin. But experts said they cannot be distracted from their own missions.

People

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.