Management
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.
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The nation’s housing crisis needs more than AI to solve it, experts say
The technology is just one of many levers to effecting change in the housing landscape for states and localities, experts say.
Crypto kiosks were used to scam $56 million from Texans last year. Lawmakers are calling for regulation.
Fraudsters are increasingly using the ATM-like machines for fast access to money that’s difficult to trace.
U.S. Supreme Court declines request to block Texas’ app age verification law
A federal appeals court had allowed Texas to require app stores to verify users’ ages and seek parental consent before a minor can download apps while litigation continues.
A last-minute change to Georgia’s ballot QR code bill could steer voting in a new direction
A small change to a bill passed during June’s special session adds a new twist to the question of how future elections in Georgia will be run.
Nevada official ‘cautiously optimistic’ about AI solution to reducing SNAP error rates
After launching a new data analytics program earlier this year, the Nevada Division of Social Services is seeing early gains in identifying erroneous or fraudulent SNAP payments.
REPORT: How states can help close growing gaps in LGBTQ+ data
State-level data on LGBTQ+ issues is becoming increasingly important amid the federal government’s efforts to limit its collection and presence, experts say.
Department of Justice sides with Elon Musk’s xAI in Southaven lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by the NAACP, claims that xAI is illegally operating gas turbines to power its data centers in Southaven and Memphis.
Louisiana courts more voting system vendors ahead of 2028 elections
State officials have spent eight years trying to replace outdated machines.
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.
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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.
Big Tech finds a foe in Texas’ robust consumer protection laws and AG Ken Paxton
Paxton is banking on his recent lawsuits against tech and social media companies like Meta, WhatsApp and Discord to win a Senate seat, building on notable victories in years past.
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.
Walz signs bill enacting social media guardrails for Minnesota children
The bipartisan law requires parental consent for Minnesota children under 16 to obtain a social media account. The account defaults to the highest privacy settings that allow parents to limit their child’s usage.
Denver launches AI platform to boost permitting efficiency and housing development
Using AI, the Denver Permitting Office hopes to simplify the application process for customers and thereby streamline staff reviews.
WhatsApp, Meta can access Texans’ private messages, AG Ken Paxton claims in lawsuit
The attorney general’s office argues WhatsApp and parent company Meta are deceiving users by claiming the companies can’t view their encrypted messages.
Indiana schools face stricter cellphone rules under new ‘bell-to-bell’ law starting July 1
During a signing event, Gov. Mike Braun called the legislation one of the country’s strongest statewide responses to student cellphone distractions.
How Boston modernized its hiring infrastructure to attract talent
By reviewing user feedback and existing hiring requirements, the city was able to design a more streamlined and cost-effective hiring and onboarding system, local officials say.
State audit slams NYC schools for lack of student data privacy oversight
The state comptroller's audit comes as NYC expands AI use in classrooms and relies more on third-party tech vendors.
Michigan Senate passes ‘Kids Over Clicks’ bill targeting social media addiction, online exploitation
State lawmakers brought new changes for the ways in which Big Tech companies are held accountable for unethical practices that leave children and teenagers vulnerable to the perils of social media.
