Maryland’s foster care matching platform demonstrates continued success
The state’s Department of Human Services is seeing staff spend less time on manual administrative work and more time connecting youth with caregivers after a system modernization project, one official says.
Breaking down silos: A practical guide for cross-agency data sharing
COMMENTARY | Regulations provide clear guidance on how to share responsibly, yet are routinely used to justify inaction. Being a responsible data steward means using the data, not just protecting it.
Kentucky bill regulating kids’ social media had bipartisan support, AG backing. What killed it?
The bill took a sweeping aim at “addictive” online features like doomscrolling and autoplay, and would have also required social media platforms to estimate the age of users and restrict usage for those under the age of 15.
How states can address broadband worker shortages
Amid funding uncertainty, existing programs may offer starting point to build workforce.
FCC votes to review E-Rate program amid screen time concerns
The agency is questioning whether the program has “achieved” its connectivity objectives for schools and libraries, and whether it should be “reoriented” or “narrowed.”
States must consider future of broadband offices
Some state offices risk sunsetting prematurely, before the deployment of billions in federal funds.
AI translation tools require ‘due diligence’ from state and local leaders, expert says
Jurisdictions increasingly expect their offices to provide multilingual services in spite of resource constraints.
The missing link in digital government: Connectivity
COMMENTARY | Many residents receive information on mobile devices, and any government that does not have a mobile-first strategy risks leaving them behind.
A central Texas Library closing the digital divide
On the edges of a booming metro area, the Martindale Community Library brings mobile hotspots, new technology, and digital skills to an older community.
Federal judge blocks Trump administration’s overhaul of SAVE database
Several states have used the revamped database to verify voters’ citizenship, but the judge said this threatened their privacy and voting rights.
Governor’s call for school cellphone ban has a familiar ring to it in Olympia
Washington state lawmakers have proposed similiar bills in recent years, and state Superintendent Chris Reykdal has previously pushed schools to adopt phone restrictions.
Feds praise BEAD’s progress, but others aren’t convinced
The NTIA touted the program’s first-ever connections and said more is to follow. Some Democrats in Congress said the agency is being evasive about what happens to leftover funds.
Attacks on telecom infrastructure are growing, report says
Industry groups found that over 18,000 incidents were reported last year, which represented a 59% jump from 2024. Better enforcement and regulation could prevent it, the groups said.
More states restrict 3D-printed firearms
At least six states this year have outlawed or imposed regulations on such guns.
Michigan city launches digital hub for budget transparency and planning
A new engagement platform aims to help officials in Rochester Hills better invest public dollars into what taxpayers want, one official says.
HHS wants states to use more predictive analytics in child welfare
The artificial intelligence push is part of the Trump administration’s agenda to modernize the child welfare system and address the shortage of foster homes across the U.S.
Colorado bill to ban surveillance prices, wages vetoed by Gov. Polis
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoed a bill that would have prohibited corporations from using someone's personal data to set individual wages and prices.
Policies to close digital divide must pass ‘kitchen table test,’ nonprofits say
Several groups said communities that lack connectivity must be the ones to shape policies to benefit them, and they urged the federal government to step up with money and training.
Maine enlists AI to help combat rising home insurance rates
The state is administering a grant program for residents to retrofit their homes with climate resilient roofs, and an artificial intelligence-enabled platform looks to enhance program speed and efficiency.
Texas’ app age verification law allowed to go into effect for now
A federal appeals court allowed Texas to require app stores to verify users’ ages and seek parental consent before a minor can download apps.
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