Artificial Intelligence
As data centers seek to tap Texas’ energy, grid regulators are close to approving a new way of vetting requests
The Public Utility Commission of Texas on Thursday will weigh and vote on ERCOT’s proposal to streamline the power approval process for data centers.
Management
Department of Justice sides with Elon Musk’s xAI in Southaven lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by the NAACP, claims that xAI is illegally operating gas turbines to power its data centers in Southaven and Memphis.
Digital Government
Feds praise BEAD’s progress, but others aren’t convinced
The NTIA touted the program’s first-ever connections and said more is to follow. Some Democrats in Congress said the agency is being evasive about what happens to leftover funds.
Sponsor Content
The platform federal agencies trust: How Adobe Connect expands security for mission readiness and workforce transformation
Secure mission critical collaboration with FedRAMP High. Discover what Adobe Connect enables for federal agencies.
Artificial Intelligence
How are New York’s congressional candidates using AI? Debate moderators want to know
“What’s your chatbot?” is the new “what’s your bagel order?”
Management
Louisiana courts more voting system vendors ahead of 2028 elections
State officials have spent eight years trying to replace outdated machines.
Cybersecurity
The evidence is on camera. Keeping it there requires an identity resilience strategy
COMMENTARY | Footage captured by CCTV and other devices is only as trustworthy as the identity infrastructure controlling it.
Artificial Intelligence
Former New Jersey official argues AI could strengthen, not weaken, democratic institutions
Beth Simone Noveck, a former top AI official in New Jersey, recently released a new book that explains how the technology can help government work better and restore trust in it.
Artificial Intelligence
Microsoft’s clean energy reversal collides with Virginia’s climate goals
Amid a data center boom in the state, the tech giant backpedals on a key climate promise.
Infrastructure
Local Tennessee officials are putting data center plans on ice to consider regulations
Two rural areas paused development for at least a year; Nashville also contemplates moratorium amid public pushback.
People
The workforce cliff: What happens when the last IBM i engineer retires from government
COMMENTARY | Many agencies still rely on mainframes, which are built on programming languages kept alive by a shrinking group of late-career specialists. This creates operational and cybersecurity risks.
Featured eBooks
Cybersecurity
Cyber framework harmonization is a thorny, yet not intractable issue, experts say
Those inside and outside government agree harmonizing and streamline cyber regulations would save time and compliance costs. A consensus might be emerging around what to do next.
Sponsor Content
Smarter Communities: Scaling AI in State and Local Government
Turn AI pilots into real results. Learn how government leaders are driving productivity and better public outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence
On the historic route from Selma to Montgomery, an AI cloud looms
In this rural Alabama community, some residents can’t flush their toilets. Developers want to build a state-of-the-art data center next door.
Artificial Intelligence
It was a pretty good year for regulating AI in New York
State lawmakers passed a variety of artificial intelligence guidelines before the end of the legislative session.
Artificial Intelligence
As AI scales in government, visibility, zero trust and data protection are critical
COMMENTARY | States and localities are embracing the technology but must keep several security challenges in mind as they do so. As AI evolves, controls must evolve too.
Digital Government
Attacks on telecom infrastructure are growing, report says
Industry groups found that over 18,000 incidents were reported last year, which represented a 59% jump from 2024. Better enforcement and regulation could prevent it, the groups said.
Digital Government
More states restrict 3D-printed firearms
At least six states this year have outlawed or imposed regulations on such guns.
Artificial Intelligence
Meet the women leading the people-powered push against data centers
Through public office, environmental justice and urban planning, they’re demanding a say in what gets built in communities across the country.
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Cybersecurity
Lawmaker proposes overhaul of critical infrastructure cyber plans as AI threats rise
The measure would require CISA to refresh long-outdated sector cybersecurity plans as lawmakers warn that advanced AI tools could accelerate the discovery and exploitation of software flaws.
Artificial Intelligence
Data center moratoriums gain ground in states and cities
Legislators in New York passed a bill imposing a one-year pause on new hyperscale data centers, while residents in one California city voted recently for a complete ban.
