Emerging Tech
The mobile driver's license is hitting its tipping point — states just need to give it a shove
COMMENTARY | mDLs are available in 21 states and Puerto Rico, showing that the technology has real promise. The rest of the states must follow suit to make them truly useful.
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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
How the World Cup became a ‘forcing function’ for drone security
While some acknowledged the rollout was a little “chaotic” at times, experts said it has helped states and cities think a lot more about how they manage their skies.
New Mexico opens grant fund to invest in new businesses
The state’s $150 million Research, Development & Deployment Fund invests in early-stage companies in emerging industries, as a complement to any federal funding received.
New drone authorities for local law enforcement: Turning power into preparedness
COMMENTARY | State and local agencies now have more ability to combat aerial threats on their own, but they must make sure they are fully equipped to do so.
States have more than one option for 2027 benefits verification — but may not know it
COMMENTARY | Agencies must take an approach designed for adaptability to help manage changing requirements, keep costs under control and improve outcomes.
With driverless cars a reality, what can cities do to prepare for them?
Companies have made tremendous strides in various urban areas across the U.S. But leaders have a lot more work ahead to integrate AVs properly.
3D-printed homes, an abandoned $590,000 deposit, the FBI: What really happened in this small town?
Two men promised a $1.1 million 3D printer could fix Cairo, Illinois’ housing crisis. More than a year later, the one duplex it printed still isn’t finished.
Nevada’s unregulated ‘crypto kiosks’ are a paradise for scammers, AARP warns
Cryptocurrency is designed to be anonymous and instantaneous, which makes it an ideal vehicle for scammers, who extort or convince victims to deposit their cash into a crypto kiosk and transfer it to the scammer’s digital wallet.
States weigh pros and cons of investing in cryptocurrency
From strategic reserves to the bond market, policymakers increasingly eye digital currency options.
New program offers cities support for drone first responder programs
The National League of Cities has launched an initiative to support cities’ education and exploration of drone technologies that can enhance public safety agencies’ response to 911 calls.
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A new kind of fire detection technology comes to a California county
San Bernardino County is building a network of sensors that detect when high-risk lightning strikes the ground, giving fire officials an early warning to weather events that could escalate into wild fires.
Businesses can’t require microchip implants for workers under new Washington law
Workers in the state don’t need to worry about their employers forcing them to get a microchip implant under a bill signed Wednesday.
Report: States are taking a cautious approach to agentic AI
The new phase of AI has piqued tech leaders’ interest, but a recent report indicates that they are still trying to understand the technology first.
Questions about self-driving cars amplify after one blocked an ambulance responding to Austin shooting
While the encounter didn’t significantly hinder response to the shooting, it has raised concerns about the vehicles as they expand to more Texas cities and before new state regulations kick in.
Michigan House committee hears proposal to restrict state drone purchases
The bill would ban state dollars being used to purchase drones from companies listed as concerns by the federal government, and give agencies a five-year replacement window.
Labor advocates try to put the brakes on unregulated, self-driving Waymo cars
Minnesota doesn’t have laws regulating autonomous vehicles, and some lawmakers argue that the state needs to get them in place now to ensure the introduction of self-driving cars doesn’t cause chaos.
Why quantum security must be on every CIO’s 2026 priority list
COMMENTARY | The consequences of a quantum-backed cyberattack could be tremendous, especially if they target critical infrastructure. Too many states have not planned ahead.
The case for cross-agency data sharing: Unlocking government's hidden potential
COMMENTARY | Agencies are using shared data to increase wages, boost public health and help move people out of poverty. Far from being a pipe dream, it’s already creating real results.
Demystifying the public sector’s flood risk challenges
COMMENTARY | Current maps are insufficient, especially in the face of rising threats. AI, machine learning and other technologies offer a new path forward.
Arizona Senate panel advances bill that shields police surveillance cameras from public scrutiny
Republican legislation exempts license plate reader data from public records despite sponsor’s claims about preventing overreach.
