Artificial Intelligence
The data center industry’s PR blitz Is backfiring
Front group lauds purported benefits of data centers without disclosing its backer.
Artificial Intelligence
Data center audit lacks specifics even as Gov. Abbott, industry leaders tout it
Without key details on the audits but the eagerness to support them, policy watchers question how impactful these audits will be in curbing data center growth.
Artificial Intelligence
The precision pivot: The case for local, lean and governed AI
COMMENTARY | Organizations that will lead on AI adoption will not necessarily be those with the largest models or deepest budgets. They will be asking how to best deploy it.
Sponsor Content
Smarter cities, safer communities: How state and local government leaders are advancing public services with AI
AI agents are reshaping state and local government. Discover how leaders are transforming services, infrastructure and workforce productivity.
Digital Government
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announces lawsuit against TikTok
TikTok pushed back on the lawsuit, saying it relies on “misleading and inaccurate claims.”
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI Foundation gives $100 million fund state AI implementation for public health
The organization announced the launch of the Breakthroughs to Follow-Through Initiative, which will implement artificial intelligence tools in public health research work.
Artificial Intelligence
The great AI escape(s): Now what?
COMMENTARY | Trust in agentic AI cannot be based on faith in vendors’ marketing. Leaders must engineer, require and verify that trust exists when they purchase a product.
Management
New Jersey reaches its goal to eliminate veteran homelessness
Tech and data tools that enable communication and care coordination across state agencies and other service providers were a critical tool in fulfilling their mission, state officials say.
Artificial Intelligence
Report finds most data centers in urban, not rural, areas
Researchers at New York University found that 97.5% of existing data centers sit in metro areas, counter to the industry narrative that most are in rural regions.
Artificial Intelligence
Schools spend billions on AI, but struggle to figure out what’s worth buying
Educators and experts say districts are carrying much of the burden of vetting products on their own.
Digital Government
Trump admin delays TANF data sharing plan opposed by blue states
Democrat-led states are concerned the administration will share cash assistance recipients’ sensitive information with immigration enforcement and other federal agencies.
Featured eBooks
People
Voting machine researchers say federal work abruptly ended after Trump ally pushed back on their findings
Mojave Research executives said at DEF CON that the government had been preparing to expand the company’s election security work, and linked Trump adviser Kurt Olsen to pressure they faced after finding election system vulnerabilities but no evidence votes were altered.
Sponsor Content
Onix and Google Public Sector provide a blueprint for public sector cloud transformation
Transform your agency with a step by step cloud roadmap designed to modernize infrastructure, security and analytics.
Artificial Intelligence
How a research paper helped spark Utah’s data center water law
What began as an effort by three fellows at the Aspen Institute resulted in a push to bring more transparency around how data centers consume water in the state.
Artificial Intelligence
Senate Finance panel’s top Dem proposes excise tax on new data centers
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden’s draft white paper calls for a new tax on hyperscalers and data center operators.
Digital Government
Immigration searches were conducted on Twin Falls Flock network. A month later, agreements changed.
Public records show nationwide police agencies conducted immigration searches on Twin Falls Automated License Plate Readers, evading state law and department policy.
Digital Government
Maryland to expand chip EBT card program statewide
It joins a growing number of states turning to chip technology as a tool against benefit fraud.
People
Tribes join pushback against prediction markets
Amid the explosive growth of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, Tribal leaders said they undermine sovereignty and represent a major threat to gaming in Indian Country.
Artificial Intelligence
Local governments are using AI more and more. But are they doing it wisely?
COMMENTARY | AI systems can already monitor traffic lights, scan for potholes and answer residents’ questions – the hard part is making sure people can trust them.
Cybersecurity
New ‘Water Watch Center’ launched to help small utilities stop cyberattacks
The initiative comes as multiple states grapple with intrusions into their water systems that some officials suspect could be tied to Iran.
Management
How states are preparing for Medicaid eligibility changes
Medicaid work and community engagement requirements go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
