Artificial Intelligence
AI therapy chatbots draw new oversight as suicides raise alarm
Despite Trump efforts to override state laws, legislators press ahead.
Cybersecurity
Election officials say trust with CISA is broken — and may not come back
States once embraced federal election security help. Now many say politicization and pullbacks have shattered that partnership.
Artificial Intelligence
While Washington talks AI, 16,000 small towns are on their own
COMMENTARY | Federal initiatives and state programs to help local governments navigate artificial intelligence are flourishing. But they're barely reaching the communities that need them most.
Sponsor Content
A Connected Government: A Roadmap for State and Local Health and Human Services
SLG HHS leaders reveal why interoperability and AI are mission-critical—and how unified data platforms transform service delivery, efficiency, and public trust.
Management
Report: How governments can balance fraud prevention with benefit accessibility
Research suggests that some Americans can accept some level of benefit fraud to ensure more eligible recipients have access to the assistance they need.
Emerging Tech
Feds announce two new drone test sites
The sites — the first new ones in over a decade — will be in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
Artificial Intelligence
New York lawmakers are ready to try regulating the AI industry again
Past bills attempting to rein in the powerful industry have been watered down, but lawmakers have ambitious plans to regulate AI in 2026.
Artificial Intelligence
California investigates Elon Musk’s AI company after ‘avalanche’ of complaints about sexual content
Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office is looking into whether a new AI image editing tool from Elon Musk's company violates California law.
Management
How improving residents’ digital literacy can enhance government service delivery
A nonprofit is offering digital skills training to senior centers across the nation. One Dallas official says the initiative can better residents’ individual experiences and how agencies serve them.
Cybersecurity
House explores grid cybersecurity boosts amid growing threats
Several bills would reauthorize programs designed to protect energy infrastructure from nation-states and other threats while helping publicly owned utilities defend themselves and share information.
Artificial Intelligence
Denver schools blocking students’ access to ChatGPT over concerns about group chats, adult content
District officials said the popular AI chatbot’s new features could lead to cyberbullying and expose students to content related to self-harm and violence.
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Infrastructure
Wyoming County approves construction of what could become the largest data center in US
The project could eventually use the same amount of electricity as produced by 10 nuclear power plants, boosting Wyoming’s energy industry while challenging efforts to limit emissions and stressing water supplies.
Sponsor Content
Plan, Act, Recover: Disaster Preparedness in the US Public Sector
Public sector agencies are under pressure to be ready for the unexpected, from infrastructure failure to public health emergencies, while ensuring the well-being of their communities.
Infrastructure
Data will be key to lead pipe removal efforts, nonprofit says
States have about a year to confirm their plans to remove lead service lines with the federal government. Preparing data now could help officials draw such plans more efficiently.
Digital Government
Virginia social media law takes effect amid legal challenge
Minors in the commonwealth can now only use the platforms for one hour a day, with any more time requiring parental approval via age verification. An industry group is suing to block it.
Emerging Tech
DHS launches office for drone and counter-drone technologies
The agency said the new office is already in the process of finalizing a $115 million investment in counter-drone tech that will be used to help secure the FIFA World Cup and activities celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Management
Tech industry group seeks to block reworked Arkansas social media law
The earlier law and the reworked version would have required age verification to create new social media accounts. A federal judge declared the 2023 law unconstitutional and permanently blocked it in April.
Infrastructure
South Dakota looks to space for final stretch of high-speed internet access initiative
The state will soon receive $72 million in federal funds to support satellite internet for more than 2,000 locations in need of broadband.
Management
NJ bill targets social media companies promoting diet products to children
A bill sponsor said social media companies must have safeguards in place to protect young users from content that promotes eating disorders.
Management
Texas shares entire voter registration list with the Trump administration
Texas turned over data on more than 18 million voters, including partial Social Security numbers, as Democrats raise questions about voter privacy.
Emerging Tech
This year’s top trends in aerial imagery, AI and GIS
COMMENTARY | These technologies will propel state and local governments forward in 2026, and will transform how they understand realities, anticipate risks and protect their communities.
