Finance
AI-powered balloons have been photographing Arizona homes for insurance risk assessments
The new technology raises new privacy and policy concerns.
OpenAI just cut a deal with California. Critics say it’s full of holes
OpenAI is converting to a for-profit and settling an investigation by California’s attorney general. Experts and advocates have concerns.
Maryland officials approve 'tap and go' EBT cards for public benefits
The electronic benefit transfer cards aim to reduce theft from programs that serve almost 1 million in the state.
Boston invests in curb management tech to improve resident satisfaction
A new digital payment infrastructure for curb management is helping the city better meet residents’ needs.
Judge strikes down provision of digital ad tax as First Amendment violation
The order strikes down one portion of the state's first-of-its-kind tax on digital advertising that prohibited online companies from alerting consumers to the tax, by passing it on to them as a surcharge, fee or line item on their bills.
‘Contactless’ fares quickly grow popular among T riders
A year into the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's adoption of a contactless payment option, one in four taps are now made using credit card or mobile wallet.
Updated Oklahoma campaign finance system will launch in two weeks
Guardian 2.0 will make filing and public access to campaign finance information easier, have a new login, and a more intuitive filing experience, according to state officials.
Regionalism: The next wave of public-service delivery
COMMENTARY | As federal budget cuts continue and state budgets are also subject to intense pressures, regional bodies and councils of government may be well suited to step up.
Arizona cracks down on crypto ATM scams that cost residents $177 million
Arizona has seen an increase in the number of people getting scammed via cryptocurrency.
Trump’s $100K fee for H-1B visas could have “huge” effect on tech industry
The Trump administration has since clarified that only new H-1B visa applications would be subject to the fee.
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New website tracks how Pennsylvania’s $2.2B in opioid settlement funds is being spent
Researchers hope that transparency around where the money is going will help counties use the funds more effectively.
How one local government is making payments easier for residents
Offering residents a way to submit payments through text or email is one way to boost their accessibility and satisfaction with government services, one official says.
Ohio schools turn to e-procurement amid education budget cuts
Digital procurement solutions are helping one Ohio school district purchase supplies with greater accuracy and efficiency amid statewide budget cuts.
Building digital trust: An opportunity for local governments amid uncertainty
COMMENTARY | Budget discussions should spark important conversations among local leaders, who can experiment with new trust-building tools and strategies.
How automated duplicate payment detection helps governments recover lost funds
COMMENTARY | As federal cuts and economic uncertainty squeeze federal and state budgets, AI-powered systems are uncovering millions in taxpayer dollars lost to administrative errors, offering immediate returns without raising taxes.
States have been ‘at the forefront’ of efforts to regulate cryptocurrency, experts say
As the cryptocurrency industry expands, lawmakers are exploring how to support innovation responsibly at the state and federal levels.
Local governments are being asked to do more with less. It’s time we gave them better tools.
COMMENTARY | As federal support for local government shrinks, localities can shift how they budget by doing what works first through evidence-based budgeting.
Senator reintroduces AI bill to regulate financial services industry
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds reintroduced legislation he said would create “a safe space for experimentation” for AI companies.
State DOGEs tackle local spending, property taxes
Florida’s has asked for line-by-line accounting of its local governments’ spending and any evidence of financial distress. Iowa appears to be targeting local taxation.
Could a lawsuit finally spur new York into action on food stamp theft?
The state has left defrauded food stamp recipients to fend for themselves. Internal agency emails point to a long-simmering effort riddled with delays.
