Digital Government
USDA proposes chip tech requirements for electronic benefit transfer cards
While the proposed rule holds promise to reduce fraud and theft in food and cash assistance programs, observers raised concerns that the rule could create too many burdens for states to administer benefits.
People
Commenters largely oppose 2030 Census overhaul, analysis finds
Nearly 90% of the over 126,000 published comments expressed dislike of the proposal.
Cybersecurity
Election office reports failed attempts to hack its online services
A state election office also saw five spikes in traffic to its ballot drop box locator on Election Day. By 9:30 p.m. EST, analysts had received no reports of a foreign influence operation.
Sponsor Content
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Public Safety
Report: How wildfire models can be enhanced for better preparation and recovery
Current models excel at demonstrating wildfires’ behaviors and risk of spreading, but new research identifies key data points that could optimize governments’ planning and preparation for such events.
Workforce
Tech companies enlist colleges to help them train data center workers
Data centers mostly create construction jobs, but staffing them does require some technicians to work there long-term.
Artificial Intelligence
Data centers are the digital steel of the AI century. America can't stop building them.
COMMENTARY | In defense of the industry that will power America's next century.
Digital Government
From data to decisions: How resident insights can drive smarter budget priorities
COMMENTARY | Local governments need to plan for the services communities will need tomorrow, and better use of data can help get them there.
Cybersecurity
More than half of schools suffered a cyber incident in the past year, report finds
The Center for Internet Security said that more than 11,000 incidents needed escalation and response in the 2025-26 academic year, while almost 80% of schools said they need more cyber support.
Infrastructure
Data center backlash playing out in Arkansas’ local races, not statewide or federal campaigns
The concern over data centers has prompted a local backlash in Arkansas, with several communities enacting measures to block their construction or impose new restrictions.
Artificial Intelligence
Rural charms drew residents to Taylor, Texas. Then came the data centers
A local family sold an 87-acre tract to a parks foundation for $10 “to be held in trust for future use as a parkland.” Later, the city’s Economic Development Corporation sold the land to a data center developer for $10 million.
Digital Government
Extended ADA Title II deadline demands a focus on procurement
COMMENTARY | What may first appear to have been a respite now is a tight timeline for getting accessibility right and meeting compliance requirements.
Sponsor Content
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Digital Government
Equity must be considered when building resident 311 services, expert says
While tools aimed at increasing the public’s engagement with local officials sound like a straightforward solution, policymakers should consider unintended negative impacts they can have on certain populations, according to new research.
Digital Government
Suburban Houston voters will be the first in Texas to decide the fate of Flock cameras
Tuesday’s election will determine if League City can keep its 55 cameras operating along city roads.
Emerging Tech
Pa. AG Dave Sunday launches effort to prevent cryptocurrency scams at Bitcoin ATMs
Business owners with kiosks have been asked to voluntarily place signage warning about popular tactics used to trick victims.
Public Safety
Cities can't predict every emergency, but they can be better prepared to respond
COMMENTARY | With sensors, video, drones and more, leaders have lots of data at their fingertips. Putting it to good use is just as important as collecting it.
Emerging Tech
Virginia high school to install quantum computer
Skyview High School in Fairfax County, Virginia is expected to allow students to start using the machine, which is the size of a small refrigerator, in the spring.
Management
Utah files criminal charges against Kalshi over operations within the state
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission also filed a lawsuit against Utah, adding to a now long list of legal fights between the state and prediction market platforms.
Cybersecurity
DHS secretary plans post-election security review
Markwayne Mullin told CISA employees he wants to assess election systems after the vote, as the agency faces scrutiny over cuts to its support for states.
Artificial Intelligence
State and local AI needs a capacity-dividend rule
COMMENTARY | If an agency saves 1,000 staff hours by automating routine preparation, it should deliberately reinvest some of those hours in supervised work that builds judgment.
