Artificial Intelligence
What’s in the water? What we know and don’t know about data center water discharge in Virginia
Most data centers in Virginia are permitted to discharge water into municipal wastewater systems, the same place household water goes to be treated and recycled for consumption. But there’s limited data tracking of potential chemicals in data centers’ discharge water.
Infrastructure
Federal broadband policy is increasingly being recast around satellite
With few meaningful competitors, SpaceX's Starlink is the primary beneficiary.
Artificial Intelligence
States are moving fast on AI. Now, we must measure what matters
COMMENTARY | Several are already charting a path forward on how to use the technology, but few have built the systems needed to measure its long-term impact.
Sponsor Content
Beyond black box AI: A better approach to legal data intelligence
Agencies face mounting legal and regulatory data demands. Discover how modern tools improve speed, consistency, and defensible decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence
Maine enlists AI to help combat rising home insurance rates
The state is administering a grant program for residents to retrofit their homes with climate resilient roofs, and an artificial intelligence-enabled platform looks to enhance program speed and efficiency.
People
Massachusetts establishes nation’s first union for ride-hailing drivers
The state’s almost 70,000 drivers can now join the App Driver’s Union, following voter approval of the right to unionize in November 2024 via ballot question.
Artificial Intelligence
Experts tell Alabama lawmakers to clearly define ages, artificial intelligence in future legislation
Kevin Frazier, AI innovation and law fellow at the University of Texas, told lawmakers that an outright ban on AI is not the answer.
Digital Government
Texas’ app age verification law allowed to go into effect for now
A federal appeals court allowed Texas to require app stores to verify users’ ages and seek parental consent before a minor can download apps.
Cybersecurity
Israeli researchers link Iran government to LA Metro cyberattack
Security company Gambit said the March hack could be traced to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security, rather than a hacktivist group that had previously claimed responsibility.
Artificial Intelligence
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new data center standards reflect new reality
The announcement underscores the year-long evolution in the governor’s approach to what has become an energy and environmental flashpoint in Pennsylvania.
Artificial Intelligence
Empire AI is already making rapid progress in drug discovery
A Q&A with the University at Buffalo’s Venu Govindaraju on the project’s long-term benefits to New York.
Featured eBooks
Emerging Tech
New drone authorities for local law enforcement: Turning power into preparedness
COMMENTARY | State and local agencies now have more ability to combat aerial threats on their own, but they must make sure they are fully equipped to do so.
Sponsor Content
Future-Proofing Your Finance Cycle Management
Local governments face rising financial complexity. Explore four modernization strategies transforming budgeting, reporting, transparency, and community engagement in 2026.
Public Safety
Georgia fire department launches drone program to enhance public safety response
A public safety agency in the state recently enlisted a drone to expedite first responders’ reaction and preparation for emergency calls.
Customer Experience
Disability advocates sue over website accessibility delays
The National Federation of the Blind sued the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services after a rule requiring government websites to be accessible was delayed for a year.
Artificial Intelligence
California judges are testing a new AI clerk, and you won’t know if it’s looking at your case
Courts in Los Angeles and Riverside counties are testing an artificial intelligence tool and deciding whether it can be used in high-stakes criminal cases.
Management
Walz signs bill enacting social media guardrails for Minnesota children
The bipartisan law requires parental consent for Minnesota children under 16 to obtain a social media account. The account defaults to the highest privacy settings that allow parents to limit their child’s usage.
Cybersecurity
State leaders renew call for cyber grant program’s renewal
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program is facing down a September deadline for reauthorization. Without it, officials warned that current efforts would lose momentum.
Finance
Bally’s picked to launch Rhode Island’s second online sportsbook
Only two bidders vied to join the state’s in-person sports betting market.
Artificial Intelligence
As Illinois lawmakers debate POWER Act, concerns about data centers spill into rural communities
On the heels of Sangamon County approving a $500 million data center in central Illinois, residents throughout the region express concern over facilities’ impact on energy, water, and the environment.
Emerging Tech
States have more than one option for 2027 benefits verification — but may not know it
COMMENTARY | Agencies must take an approach designed for adaptability to help manage changing requirements, keep costs under control and improve outcomes.
