Digital Government
Police department turns to new data tool to boost performance
The Rochester, New York, Police Department started using a tool known as Commons in April. It provides frequently updated criminal justice data and can help set policy goals.
Emerging Tech
Tech can help address aging population’s health needs, expert says
A program in New York aims to support healthy aging among older individuals by encouraging social interactions and health maintenance using TVs.
Digital Government
AGs in both Carolinas target Chinese app linked to international fentanyl trade
The Chinese messaging app WeChat has more than a billion users globally. Six state attorneys general want to know how it is fighting its use for money laundering.
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Public sector agencies face rising challenges—but also a chance to innovate, boost efficiency, and build future-ready operations amid tighter budgets and scrutiny.
Public Safety
Washington to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters
A new state law set to take effect in 2029 will require repeat speeding offenders to install the devices in their vehicles.
Cybersecurity
Encryption needs balance between privacy and transparency, Virginia tech leader says
The recent “Signalgate” incident highlighted reliance on encrypted messaging apps and tools, even as state and local officials must be cautious to preserve the public’s right to see their communications.
Management
Albany’s blueprint for schools: cell-free halls, looser Yeshiva rules, new aid math
It’s up to school districts in New York to figure out how to implement cellphone bans, but the budget does include $13.5 million to assist districts in purchasing supplies that can help.
Cybersecurity
Ken Paxton says Google will pay Texas $1.4B to settle privacy suit
The state attorney general sued Google in 2022, alleging it unlawfully tracked and collected users’ private data.
Customer Experience
Raleigh to launch self-service portal for residents
Officials in the North Carolina city say they want to simplify the way its 500,000 residents engage with its agencies through its “Ask Raleigh” customer experience center.
Digital Government
Tech helps New Jersey house unsheltered veterans
More than 30,000 U.S. veterans were unsheltered last year. New Jersey is turning to a cloud-enabled platform to streamline and expedite efforts to get veterans in the state housed.
Digital Government
Senate votes to repeal rule allowing Wi-Fi hotspot loans
Senators passed a resolution overturning an FCC rule that allows schools and libraries to use E-Rate funds to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots. Opponents said the effort would only widen the digital divide.
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Artificial Intelligence
Backers urge Ohio lawmakers to pass AI restrictions
The measure focuses on prohibiting deepfake child pornography but also require watermarks and punishes AI identity fraud.
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Public Safety
Texas lawmakers want to spend millions on Child ID kits. Experts say there’s no evidence they work.
Texas legislators slipped millions for child ID kits into a 1,000-page budget proposal. The move comes two years after they quietly cut funding for such kits following a ProPublica and Texas Tribune report that showed there’s no evidence they work.
Digital Government
Doing less with less: Coping with federal cutbacks and fiscal uncertainty
COMMENTARY | Shrinking revenues and rising costs put state and local governments in a bind, especially as the federal government retreats. Strategic austerity might be the path forward.
Artificial Intelligence
How states can prepare to leverage AI for benefits eligibility
As benefits application backlogs continue to mount, artificial intelligence could help ease the squeeze on already strained caseworkers, experts say.
Management
Alabama governor to weigh cellphone ban bill
Gov. Kay Ivey in her 2025 State of the State endorsed legislation to ban cellphones in schools, saying that social media is negatively impacting students.
Artificial Intelligence
California regulator weakens AI rules, giving Big Tech more leeway to track you
Pressure from the governor preceded the AI regulation retreat. Big tech gets more leeway to help make decisions or target ads.
Digital Government
Problem solved: How data makes cities more efficient, effective and attuned to AI
COMMENTARY | If the public sector wants to operate at peak performance, it must harness its data and deploy it across all its functions. Cities across the world are showing what is possible.
Emerging Tech
Watchdog details how to build community trust in smart cities
A new report from the Government Accountability Office offers policy suggestions for officials to ensure smart city tech can be deployed in communities safely and effectively.
Digital Government
Data centers defend environmental record amid AI push
Several states are worried about the power and water impacts of the centers needed to power the technology. But the industry moved to assure those concerned that they have it under control.
