Management
A last-minute change to Georgia’s ballot QR code bill could steer voting in a new direction
A small change to a bill passed during June’s special session adds a new twist to the question of how future elections in Georgia will be run.
Artificial Intelligence
How Virginia became the world’s data center capital and how it’s going
From AOL’s arrival in Ashburn to today’s AI-driven boom, Virginia became the backbone of the internet economy. Now lawmakers are debating how to manage the industry’s soaring energy demands and economic influence.
People
A new kind of bet on sports gambling
COMMENTARY | The Online Problem Gambling Act, while far from perfect, will reshape sports betting in Colorado and could provide more insight into how to curb harms.
Sponsor Content
From AI Pilots to Mission Impact: Observability and Federal AI Success
AI success starts with visibility. Discover the operational foundations agencies need to scale AI securely.
Public Safety
What California has learned from an AI-enabled early wildfire detection system
A public safety program in the state is using a sensor network and real-time data to suppress wildfires more quickly and gain insights on developing climate-related risks.
People
Digital tools connect rural Texans to mental health care
In Bastrop County, Texas, the public health department is implementing a new digital platform to deliver mental health support to rural residents.
Infrastructure
New Mexico residents say their names used without permission to support Project Jupiter data center
Letters supporting project appeared on a state comment portal after Project Jupiter canvassers approached residents in at least three cities.
Artificial Intelligence
Where a small government should start on its AI journey
COMMENTARY | The fastest path is towards better operations, and over the course of a 90-day period, even a small team can embrace the tech and make big improvements.
Finance
Nevada official ‘cautiously optimistic’ about AI solution to reducing SNAP error rates
After launching a new data analytics program earlier this year, the Nevada Division of Social Services is seeing early gains in identifying erroneous or fraudulent SNAP payments.
Digital Government
FCC votes to review E-Rate program amid screen time concerns
The agency is questioning whether the program has “achieved” its connectivity objectives for schools and libraries, and whether it should be “reoriented” or “narrowed.”
Finance
House passes bill that would ban ride share ‘surveillance pricing’ based on personal data
Surveillance pricing is the practice of using information about a consumer gathered from personal devices or other sources and charging different prices to individuals or groups based on their likely willingness to pay.
Featured eBooks
Infrastructure
San Marcos becomes the first Texas city to ban data centers, testing its local control
As Texas counties have faced hurdles to curb the rapid growth of data center developments, cities could have more success with banning them through their zoning laws, land experts say.
Sponsor Content
Future-Proofing Your Finance Cycle Management
Public finance is changing fast. Discover how leading governments are modernizing budgeting, planning and reporting.
Cybersecurity
Government groups call for $300M to fund cyber grant program
Various state and local organizations urged the Senate in an open letter to appropriate the money for Fiscal Year 2027 to the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.
Artificial Intelligence
In bipartisan fashion, PA lawmakers vote to repeal tax incentives for data centers
House lawmakers voted 197-5 on Thursday to pass a bill that would repeal sales tax incentives for data center owners and operators.
Artificial Intelligence
Police use of artificial intelligence grows as rules lag behind
Experts warn that AI-powered policing could expand surveillance and amplify bias.
Digital Government
States must consider future of broadband offices
Some state offices risk sunsetting prematurely, before the deployment of billions in federal funds.
Management
REPORT: How states can help close growing gaps in LGBTQ+ data
State-level data on LGBTQ+ issues is becoming increasingly important amid the federal government’s efforts to limit its collection and presence, experts say.
Artificial Intelligence
North Dakota lawmakers zero in on AI, data centers
A new state commission work will study data center development, including water and electricity consumption, and how other states are approaching where they’re built.
Artificial Intelligence
Regulating artificial intelligence will be ‘colossal task’ for Alabama lawmakers
The leader of the Alabama Senate said regulating AI would be a “colossal task,” and the Legislature would have to take “baby steps.”
Artificial Intelligence
The public-sector talent marketplaces that will fail
COMMENTARY | Most platforms degrade within three years, and rely on staff heroics and manual work. Treating it like long-term infrastructure, not a one-time purchase, is key to maintaining trust.
