Digital Government
Bluesky blocks access in Mississippi, citing free speech and privacy concerns over age verification law
Bluesky said on Friday that it made the decision after the U.S. Supreme Court declined for now to block a Mississippi state law that requires users of websites and other digital services to verify their age.
Cybersecurity
Wyden calls for review of US court systems’ cyber posture after case system hack
Since the incident, several district courts have instructed filers not to submit sealed documents, amid risks that the systems protecting them may not be secure.
Infrastructure
Teachers are happy with cellphone bans; students are more ambivalent
With cellphone bans, teachers have reported less stress, better ability to manage their classrooms and social benefits for their students, according to new research.
Sponsor Content
AI-Powered Agents Streamline State and Local Service Delivery
State and local agencies can use AI agents to bridge workforce gaps. Salesforce Agentforce offers low-code tools to deploy support across key functions.
Digital Government
Telemedicine patients with opioid use disorder struggle to fill prescriptions
Nearly a third of patients surveyed had a hard time getting buprenorphine.
Customer Experience
Trump signs order calling for improved government design
The new “America by Design” effort includes a recruiting push for relevant talent — though the administration has shed many government designers since Trump took office.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside Virginia’s AI-driven streamlining of regulations
The effort will be led by Vulcan Technologies, a startup founded by three Ivy League graduates with big plans to expand to other states and the federal government.
Artificial Intelligence
Amid community opposition, Alabama hyperscale data center project hits a speed bump
A vote by City Council members in Bessemer to send the proposal back to its planning and zoning commission could delay its final consideration by weeks, if not months. Residents worry the pause is only delaying the inevitable.
Artificial Intelligence
Inside the Memphis Chamber of Commerce’s push for Elon Musk’s xAI data center
In the face of intense public opposition, the city’s Chamber of Commerce has gone to unusual lengths to promote Musk’s xAI facility: sending out a mailer, for the first time in recent memory, that includes misleading facts.
Workforce
Tech can help public sector drivers feel safer on the job, report says
Government organizations that leverage tools like dash cams can foster safer driving behaviors, and such measures can even increase staff retention, a new report finds.
Digital Government
Rescissions mean public media can’t fund warning system grants
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting can no longer administer the $136 million Next Generation Warning System grant program, which funds equipment upgrades and training to boost alerts and warnings.
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Public Safety
Providence opens Rhode Island’s first ‘real time crime center’
The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island warns the system could normalize constant surveillance and threaten privacy rights.
Sponsor Content
From Reactive to Proactive: Building a Framework for Modern Citizen-Centered Government
A recent survey reveals a major gap between citizen expectations and government services—impacting trust, efficiency, and agency effectiveness across state and local levels.
Artificial Intelligence
Not just electricity — water supplies will be taxed by data centers
Proposed mines, factories and data centers threaten to deplete the underground aquifers that supply up to 40% of the Great Lakes’ volume — and drinking water reserves for nearly three-quarters of Minnesotans.
Digital Government
Mapping helps Maine adapt to changing broadband rules
The Maine Connectivity Authority has mapped its broadband infrastructure and potential service areas, as well as assets related to digital equity. Doing so means everything can be quickly adjusted as guidance changes.
Artificial Intelligence
Cities across the US are embracing AI guidelines for local government workers
Municipalities have been forging ahead on usage policies for their employees, drawing from federal guidance but also implementing their own initiatives.
Artificial Intelligence
At least 4 bills to reform sweeping AI law expected during Colorado special session
State lawmakers failed to pass tweaks in regular session. They’ll try again this week.
Artificial Intelligence
Piloting AI: Mastering ‘AI-manship’
COMMENTARY | Just like pilots know when something is wrong when they fly a plane, local tech leaders should trust their instincts on AI, especially if the systems produce unfair or suspicious results.
Artificial Intelligence
How New Jersey’s AI assistant saves the state time and money
Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole said the cost is about $1 per user, per month, and has already helped employees save hours of time by helping with various tasks.
Artificial Intelligence
Virginia lawmakers weigh risks and rewards of AI chatbots
As chatbots become study aids, companions, and even mental health supports, legislators grapple with how to regulate a fast-moving technology.
Digital Government
The National Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ youth went dead. States are scrambling to help.
Advocates say mental health issues are rising in that population amid hostility from the Trump administration.
