Public Safety
In some Missouri counties, 911 doesn’t exist. Upgrades to emergency dispatching will change that
In some parts of the state, calls are rerouted to a 10-digit landline number. But federal funds mean that 911 call centers and dispatchers are in line for major upgrades.
Digital Government
Data centers are booming in Texas. What does that mean for the grid?
As energy demand surges, largely due to crypto mining facilities, data centers and industrial electrification, Texas officials are looking at how to increase supply and shore up the grid.
Cybersecurity
Preparing for battle: Cybersecurity incident response for public bodies
COMMENTARY | It may feel impossible to plan for a cyberattack, but public sector organizations can take several steps now to protect themselves, both legally and through policy.
Sponsor Content
Bridging the digital divide: How government can enhance citizen engagement
Citizens expect seamless, personalized digital services from government, but a survey found 74% frustrated with website accessibility, despite 57% preferring online interactions.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump signs AI executive order
The order calls for the development of an AI action plan and sets up a process for revoking actions taken under President Biden’s previous AI executive order signed in October 2023.
Emerging Tech
AI could help mitigate lithium battery fires, study finds
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can detect when a lithium battery begins to overheat, which they say can help inform public safety efforts to mitigate fires.
Digital Government
Rethink federal spending to save broadband subsidy, tech group argues
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation said the government should prioritize affordability over infrastructure and tweak eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Workforce
Idaho lawmakers consider requiring employers to verify immigration status of workers
The E-Verify program shows little impact in other states.
Digital Government
In times of crisis, states have few tools to fight misinformation
Social media companies have pushed back against efforts to crack down on falsehoods.
Workforce
California city taps AI to streamline government hiring
High vacancy rates have prompted Long Beach, California, to leverage artificial intelligence to give its hiring process a boost.
Digital Government
Amid budget ‘crisis,’ Maryland looks to modernize government
Gov. Wes Moore this month signed an executive order mandating agencies review data to find cost savings. He also is looking to modernize the state’s permitting and licensing processes.
Featured eBooks
Public Safety
Lessons from ‘stop and frisk’ can help police use drones without compromising civil liberties
The Philadelphia Police Department plans to expand its use of drones, including as first responders.
Sponsor Content
Navigating data security challenges in hybrid cloud environments
As data grows and cyber threats evolve, agencies must modernize infrastructure by adopting hybrid cloud environments, balancing seamless access with robust security measures to protect sensitive information and maintain operational efficiency.
Digital Government
For New York statewide school cellphone ban, Hochul proposes $13.5 million to cover costs
The proposal came Tuesday as Hochul presented her $252 billion 2026 state budget, which would send roughly $37.4 billion to schools across the state.
Finance
Inside Missouri’s push to help gig workers access benefits more easily
The state saw a reduction in benefits application rejections and churn after implementing an income verification platform for nontraditional workers.
Artificial Intelligence
North Dakota lawmakers discuss adding computer-generated images to definition of child pornography
Possessing a computer-generated image of child pornography would be punishable as a felony in North Dakota under a bill discussed Monday by state lawmakers.
Artificial Intelligence
Trump axes Biden’s AI executive order
President Donald Trump vowed to repeal the order during campaigning and in his presidential platform.
Infrastructure
Developers plan to build Kentucky’s first ‘hyperscale’ data center in Louisville
The operation could eventually use as much electricity as one of the state’s power plants produces.
Management
States urge Supreme Court to save affordable internet access program
States are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to save a program designed to make telephone service and internet access affordable for low-income, rural and tribal residents.
Infrastructure
Feds offer new data, research to refresh states’ water woes
A new report and data tool from the U.S. Geological Survey can help policymakers better understand where water supply risks exist in the U.S. to inform efforts to better manage the critical resource.
Finance
Possible TikTok ban could restrict how many Ohio small businesses connect with customers
TikTok could be banned in the United States on Sunday, which could impact how many Ohio small businesses reach customers.
