Finance

‘Contactless’ fares quickly grow popular among T riders

A year into the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's adoption of a contactless payment option, one in four taps are now made using credit card or mobile wallet.

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI researchers see current chatbot use supporting — not replacing — workers

A study co-authored by OpenAI found ChatGPT to primarily be used in decision-making capacities, minimizing its potential as a worker replacement.

Digital Government

Improving communications ahead of the next wildfire emergency

The Tubbs Fire in California in 2017 highlighted various shortcomings around communicating. Since then, agencies have embraced tech to more effectively plan their response.

Sponsor Content

The future of public service delivery is personalized, accessible and connected

Union County is transforming service delivery with a unified digital front door—connecting systems, streamlining access, and improving experiences for residents and staff alike.

Digital Government

How centralized design systems help build trust in digital services

A new resource from the Beeck Center highlights how states can improve online experiences for residents by creating a standard design system for agencies to follow.

Artificial Intelligence

New California law forces chatbots to protect kids’ mental health

California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved mandatory monitoring and reminders when kids use chatbots. Child advocates backed a different bill.

Cybersecurity

New Rhode Island cyber range prepares students for real world danger lurking in cyberspace

State leaders celebrated at a “powering up” ceremony at Rhode Island College Wednesday for a new state-of-the-art cyber range, where students gain hands-on learning experience to prevent and respond to cyber threats.

Digital Government

Planning for mega-events: How governments can prepare for the World Cup

COMMENTARY | Infrastructure could be overwhelmed next year as millions of visitors descend on the nation’s cities. Preparing now and embracing digital tools can help mitigate the worst scenarios.

Artificial Intelligence

Connecticut city turns to AI to increase trust in local government amid immigration enforcement

Hartford officials hope that real-time and AI-enabled translation services will enable non-English speakers to continue engaging with government services.

Finance

Updated Oklahoma campaign finance system will launch in two weeks

Guardian 2.0 will make filing and public access to campaign finance information easier, have a new login, and a more intuitive filing experience, according to state officials.

Artificial Intelligence

How the biggest health systems in Connecticut are using AI in patient care

Health care providers say a new AI tool is transforming how they interact with patients.

Artificial Intelligence

State and local leaders can harness AI to deliver results

COMMENTARY | Elected officials must embrace a mindset of targeted implementation, smart mitigation and a curious mindset if they are to seize on the technology’s promise.

Sponsor Content

Mapping What Matters: Powering Public Safety and Citizen Experience with Geospatial

Geospatial data is mission-critical for modern governance, enabling smarter planning and disaster response. This report reveals key gaps and strategies for enterprise-scale adoption.

Workforce

A Florida ‘library without books’ looks to expand one county’s tech workforce

In Osceola County, a tech library will offer residents services and tools to develop their digital skills, improving accessibility and equity in the community, one official says.

Digital Government

Nonprofit files lawsuit to reinstate digital equity grants

The Trump administration cancelled funding under the Digital Equity Act earlier this year. A group that was in line to receive some of those funds is now suing to get them back.

Digital Government

Iowa AG joins brief supporting Tennessee law requiring social media age verification

The filing was made in support of a Tennessee state law requiring social media platforms verify a user's age before approving their account.

Digital Government

The end is near for Windows 10. Here’s how local and state government IT officials are preparing.

For government IT departments, it’s not an option to run fleets of computers sans the latest security tweaks, especially since they’re connected to a city’s most vital functions.

Workforce

Change management remains central to local government modernization

A Missouri city has seen financial and staff capacity gains after modernizing its hiring system. One expert says the key to their success was prioritizing change management among staff.

Emerging Tech

Detroit turns to drones in new era of transportation

Known as the Motor City for its strong history in the automotive industry, drones now represent a new chapter for Detroit’s economy.

Cybersecurity

Nevada still mum on whether it paid ransom to cyber attackers

The governor’s office did not directly respond to questions about additional details on the cyber attack, including what ransom was demanded by the attackers, and whether a ransom was paid by the state.

Infrastructure

A Bitcoin mine came to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Dafter Township isn’t happy

The mine’s computers emitted a loud, persistent hum that has, for the time being, been silenced by litigation.