Schools spend billions on AI, but struggle to figure out what’s worth buying
Educators and experts say districts are carrying much of the burden of vetting products on their own.
Maryland to expand chip EBT card program statewide
It joins a growing number of states turning to chip technology as a tool against benefit fraud.
States begin banning ‘surveillance pricing’ that uses personal data to charge more
Maryland and New Jersey laws target grocery stores, while Connecticut’s applies more broadly to retailers.
From pilot to proof: How revenue agencies can launch AI responsibly
COMMENTARY | Leaders typically face constrained budgets, staffing gaps and complex fraud. AI can help address one of those issues, if it is tested properly and can work well under strain.
AI could offer a helping hand for treasury management, study finds
More effective treasury management, including via the use of tech, can help local governments build financial resilience amid budget and staffing shortages, one expert says.
Ohio city launches digital platform for new participatory budgeting program
Through the program, residents will have a direct say over how city officials invest taxpayer dollars for infrastructure improvements more effectively, one official says.
Automatic enrollment could make text reminders more cost efficient, expert says
An opt-out model for court date reminders can help reduce court date no-shows, which have significant time and financial costs for state and local governments.
Cash App parent company to pay $45 million in multistate fraud settlement, state AG says
Virginia is among 46 participating states in the settlement with Block, Inc., the company behind Cash App. The commonwealth will receive about $845,500.
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.
House passes bill that would ban ride share ‘surveillance pricing’ based on personal data
Surveillance pricing is the practice of using information about a consumer gathered from personal devices or other sources and charging different prices to individuals or groups based on their likely willingness to pay.
House lawmakers advance measure to tax digital advertising platforms
Supporters say the legislation could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue for the state.
Bally’s picked to launch Rhode Island’s second online sportsbook
Only two bidders vied to join the state’s in-person sports betting market.
From chaos to coordination: What true payment alignment looks like for cities in 2026
COMMENTARY | Staff currently spend hours reconciling payments from disparate systems. Having operational unity helps departments get on the same page.
Human review, responsibility should be the ‘core feature’ of AI solutions, official says
Keeping human judgement at the center of AI tools, like automated parking enforcement, can help improve the accuracy of citations and dispel community backlash, experts say.
Pennsylvania senators weigh consumer protections from cryptocurrency scams
Lawmakers hope that by regulating ATM-like kiosks, they can protect Pennsylvanians.
Tech giants are spending more than ever to shape California politics. See how much.
Tech giants involved in AI and cryptocurrency spent $39 million last year to influence lawmakers and policy. It's the start of what could be a spending blitz in the upcoming election.
North Dakota moves forward with stablecoin as local banks express interest in pilot project
The Bank of North Dakota is on track to introduce stablecoin to local banks this September after state regulators approved the technology’s use in bank-to-bank transactions.
Your personal data might set your grocery prices. States aim to crack down.
Retailers are using surveillance pricing to set individualized amounts customers will pay.
Lawmakers consider bill that would keep private keys private in Rhode Island
Rhode Island lawmakers are again weighing a bill to limit when courts and government agencies can compel disclosure of private keys tied to digital assets, identities and accounts.
Oklahoma lawmakers move to protect ratepayers from effects of data centers
There are at least 30 data centers in Oklahoma that are currently operating, planned or under construction.
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