People
New York aims to train up to 40,000 residents for AI-ready jobs
A new AI workforce training and upskilling center in the state builds upon Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent efforts to prepare residents for tech of the future.
States navigating a ‘critical time’ of Medicaid changes amid midterm elections, expert says
State officials and observers across the U.S. are voicing their concerns about the tight compliance deadline for implementing new Medicaid requirements and the unclear path ahead.
Leading presidential scholar urges government leaders to be curious, empathetic
Jon Meacham said in a speech that while AI “is going to be more important than the Industrial Revolution,” local governments must work to rebuild trust in these fraught times.
Russia targets Democrats and Ukraine supporters ahead of midterms, top intel lawmakers say
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., described Russian disinformation and more targeted Chinese influence efforts during a press roundtable, while reporting better access under intelligence chief Jay Clayton.
New Jersey announces research center to study social media impacts
The announcement comes in the wake of states’ legal settlement with Meta, after they accused the tech company of knowingly designing social media apps with addictive and harmful features.
How digital service experience is shaping CIO approaches to state operations
Better communication with and recognition of IT teams can help chief information officers deliver enhanced services to residents and improve staff morale, state officials said.
Officials see gaps in election communications as AI makes foreign influence easier
Sources describe weakening cooperation between the federal government and state and industry partners ahead of the midterms, as AI gives foreign operatives cheaper ways to produce and spread deceptive messages.
Fears about kids’ online safety unite Democrats and Republicans
Amid a decline in youth mental health, momentum builds for a federal crackdown on social media companies over protections for kids.
California takes major step to regulate AI in the workplace
The state recently passed the ‘No Robo Bosses’ Act, making it the first in the nation to restrict employers from relying on artificial intelligence for hiring or disciplinary actions.
Florida region’s ‘digital ecosystem’ looks to help it compete in economic development
Tallahassee has struggled in recent times to tell its story, the head of its chamber of commerce said, and various online portals will help it seize control of the narrative.
Former state official reflects on tech’s role in uplifting residents
Ivy Teng Lei, California’s first chief digital strategy officer, implemented personal data controls and easier vital records requests during her time in the role. She said her background helped prepare her for what lay ahead.
The priorities facing mayors change. The need for data doesn’t
COMMENTARY | Cities across the nation are facing numerous challenges, and data-informed leadership is crucial in working to try to solve them.
‘We're all just trying to help,’ local Service to the Citizen winner says
Crystal Sprague, the director of innovation and performance in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, said her Service to the Citizen honor comes amid massive upheaval and change.
Counties are where government has to show its work
COMMENTARY | Counties build and run the machinery of public life under a budget that cannot hide the tradeoffs — and that is what equips them for government’s hardest choices.
‘I don’t trust you’: Tensions reach boiling point on election security call for state leaders hosted by Trump administration
Democratic election officials criticized Homeland Security leaders for lackluster support as the midterm election looms.
Serving military-connected students is a strategic imperative for higher education
COMMENTARY | The relationship between service members and academic institutions has not kept pace with today’s realities and must place more emphasis on key support systems.
Voting machine researchers say federal work abruptly ended after Trump ally pushed back on their findings
Mojave Research executives said at DEF CON that the government had been preparing to expand the company’s election security work, and linked Trump adviser Kurt Olsen to pressure they faced after finding election system vulnerabilities but no evidence votes were altered.
Tribes join pushback against prediction markets
Amid the explosive growth of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, Tribal leaders said they undermine sovereignty and represent a major threat to gaming in Indian Country.
Former county CIO reflects on lessons learned from decades in government
Steve Monaghan, the former CIO of Nevada County, California, said workers should be focused on building their organizational health, not just fixing the issues of the day.
Inside the World Cup security operation
A massive effort years in the planning at the federal, state and local level helped keep the tournament safe, even as it faced enormous threats of many kinds that all needed mitigating.
