People
‘Cowards’: State leaders condemn Trump admin election actions
A raid in Georgia and continued government legal action for voter data prompted a furious response, especially after administration officials abruptly withdrew from a hastily scheduled conference appearance.
‘We’re basically pushers:’ How a battle over kids on social media is unfolding in two California courtrooms
Lawsuits in California federal and state court are unearthing documents embarrassing to tech companies — and may be a tipping point into federal regulation.
What Minnesota reveals about the future of fraud prevention
COMMENTARY | States must act early to invest in modern identity and fraud controls and clearly explain how they are protecting taxpayer dollars. Doing nothing is not an option.
Expert warns of the ‘digitally invisible’ population amid yawning digital divide
It’s not just infrastructure that keeps people offline, but also a lack of digital skills and trust, warned Nicol Turner Lee of the Brookings Institution during this week’s CX Workshop.
Reddit briefly blocked on university network
Catholic University in Washington, D.C. said an automated system flagged the platform during a routine scan, and it was quickly reversed after pushback. Some worry it sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
Still early days for state chief AI officers
The role is still being defined by its earliest incumbents, as states remain uncertain about the future of the technology and how to deal with its impacts.
Feds float tying kids’ screen time to school subsidies
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said in a speech last week the agency will study whether schools are now too reliant on educational technology, and if spending has resulted in bad outcomes for students.
Government workers young and old need ‘shared purpose,’ say local leaders
Agencies must wrestle with retirements, a multi-generational workforce and attracting employees despite the lure of the private sector. Experts said it’s doable, especially when you appeal to someone’s sense of civic duty.
Threats against public servants increased over 35 times what they were a decade ago, according to new research
Threats and violence against public servants hurt the ability of the government to deliver, say the groups behind a new map showing threats against public sector employees.
From technologist to ‘digital governor’: State CIO role has evolved dramatically
Once expected to be a purely technical role, research found the job has evolved to be a strategic leader, communicator and bridge between the governor, legislators and more tech-focused positions.
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At heated City Council hearing, Philly tech officials “failed” their first AI test
At a contentious hearing on artificial intelligence in government, lawmakers and community advocates expressed grave concerns about the city’s preparedness for the AI era.
Preparing New York for evolving cyber threats
An interview with New York State Deputy Chief Cyber Officer for Operations Michaela Lee.
New York City turns to data sharing to help the formerly incarcerated reenter society
A six-month pilot program aims to expedite the process for people leaving a carceral setting to obtain a government-issued ID, the lack of which often stymies their ability to get assistive services, officials say.
Here’s how NY plans to regulate kids’ use of social media
The state attorney general’s office released draft rules around age verification and prohibitions on showing algorithmic feeds to minors without parental permission.
Inside New York City’s new academy to grow IT talent
The city launched its first Information Technology Management Academy last month. Officials say they hope to support employees’ long-term career growth in technology.
Police reflect on Hurricane Katrina’s public safety communications legacy
Amid commemorations of the hurricane’s 20th anniversary, those who responded remember how tough it was to communicate and said people must take those lessons into the future.
Their childhoods are on display for millions. States want to protect them.
‘Kidfluencers’ are taking the internet by storm, with few rules for their parents.
Fraud-fighting oversight committee gets a life extension in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’
The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee was set to sunset in September, but now has life through 2034.
Birmingham, Alabama ‘steadfast’ in Tech Hub commitment
The Magic City received a $44 million federal implementation grant in January, only to see it rescinded in May. Mayor Randall Woodfin said he is confident of final success, but otherwise will keep building the city as a tech leader.
Maryland already seeing ‘big impact’ from federal DOGE cuts
Cuts thus far in 2025 are hitting as hard as two years of federal sequestration cuts a decade ago, state Comptroller Brookie Lierman said. Maryland is now looking to further diversify its economy.
