Author Archive
Chris Teale
Cybersecurity
Cyber grant funding lapses soon and state leaders want it renewed
The $1 billion State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program runs out of money in September.
Cybersecurity
State and local leaders look to FedRAMP changes as potential inspiration
The federal government is looking to cut red tape around its security assessment program and embrace automation. State and local leaders believe they can learn a lot from the revamp.
Digital Government
Public safety, government groups call for FirstNet reauthorization
The collection of 17 public safety and local organizations said it is “imperative” that the FirstNet Authority be reauthorized before it expires in 2027.
Digital Government
Trump nominee pledges to ‘finish the job’ on BEAD
Arielle Roth told the Senate Commerce Committee she would prioritize getting Americans connected if confirmed to lead the NTIA and not favor one technology over another.
Digital Government
Battle to save major internet subsidy reaches Supreme Court
Advocates and elected officials warned of the harm if the Universal Service Fund is struck down as unconstitutionally financed. Justices appeared inclined to preserve the fund.
Artificial Intelligence
Partnership for Public Service launches AI Center for Government
The good-government nonprofit said the center will focus on developing AI leaders, building talent and allowing agencies at all levels of government to share information and best practices.
Digital Government
Government websites are littered with accessibility issues, research finds
A separate survey found that while local leaders understand the importance of making their pages accessible to those with disabilities, it’s hard to find the staff, time or money to make the changes necessary.
Workforce
Wisconsin speeds up licensing amid shift to cloud platform
The state saw a 35% increase in the number of licenses it issued in 2023-2024 compared to any other two-year period.
Artificial Intelligence
Majority of applicants say they’d use AI agent to navigate public benefits processes
A new survey from Salesforce found that 87% of respondents would use an AI agent. Many of the public feel interactions with government agencies can be challenging and leave behind billions of dollars in unclaimed benefits because of it.
Cybersecurity
Trump order put states at the forefront of cyber and natural disaster response
The executive order signed this week is part of a wider push to put the onus on states and localities to prepare for disasters, rather than the federal government.
Digital Government
Vermont explores having telehealth hubs at libraries
An initial grant will help researchers study the feasibility of offering services at the state’s 185 libraries in a bid to help people access care even from remote areas.
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Cybersecurity
Texas mulls establishing new Cyber Command
Legislation would create the command and mandate that it set up a cybersecurity strategy. Gov. Greg Abbott said it is vital to protect the Lone Star State from bad actors.
Digital Government
New bill would loosen various BEAD rules
Republicans have long complained about some of the broadband program’s requirements and preference for fiber. New legislation would tweak many of those rules.
Cybersecurity
What’s next for cybersecurity, election info sharing?
Federal funding has been slashed by $10 million for two information sharing centers, which both have tens of thousands of members. A more fragmented and expensive future could follow as states and others go it alone.
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.
