State and Federal Relations
Do data centers need a ‘national strategy that puts communities first’?
The House passed a bill to mandate that state regulators have a strategy to have large consumers pay for their own power. But plenty of work lies ahead.
BEAD’s job is both ‘easier’ and ‘harder’ amid funds release, research finds
States will soon be able to connect unserved locations, but several reports warned that a lot of hard work remains ahead to truly close the digital divide.
‘We cannot ignore the warning signs’: Shapiro pushes federal government to act on AI
The governor criticized President Donald Trump and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson for failing to prioritize AI regulations in Washington, D.C.
Money worries weigh on critical infrastructure amid growing cyber threats, report finds
A joint survey found that while almost all state tech leaders are worried about cyberattacks, they lack the funding to protect some of these crucial systems.
Pennsylvania politicians react to calls for an AI development slowdown
Gov. Josh Shapiro, Attorney General Dave Sunday and members of Congress have weighed in on calls to slow AI development.
What happens to BEAD dollars after the last location is connected?
COMMENTARY | States may still be left with additional funds even after their existing obligations are met. The future use of those funds is a significant policy and implementation issue.
States can spend leftover BEAD funds to connect missed locations, NTIA says
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration said states can use at least some of the remaining $21 billion for anywhere still unserved by broadband.
White House launches water cybersecurity pilot in Texas
Project Watershed 250 will stress-test utilities over six months and could serve as a model for protecting water providers nationwide.
States are mostly compliant with website accessibility rule, report finds
But many remain concerned about their ability to investigate and remediate any issues ahead of next year’s extended deadline, the report from NASCIO notes.
How the World Cup became a ‘forcing function’ for drone security
While some acknowledged the rollout was a little “chaotic” at times, experts said it has helped states and cities think a lot more about how they manage their skies.
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Counties and cities sue over counterterrorism grant rule changes
The four local governments said the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to tie the grants to election security measures were unconstitutional, as states run elections, not the feds.
Federal judge tosses out DOJ lawsuit seeking Minnesota voter data
The DOJ is now 0-23 in such cases.
‘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.
Blue states seek to stop DHS from accessing commercial driver's license database
In a court filing, a coalition of Democrat-led states says the Department of Homeland Security’s demand for trucker data is part of a broader effort to create a “nationwide surveillance system.”
6,000 BEAD projects need 86K+ permits, report finds
Researchers found that over half of those projects will need at least 10 permits, while 1 in 7 will require more than 20 across the state, local and federal levels.
Trump admin delays TANF data sharing plan opposed by blue states
Democrat-led states are concerned the administration will share cash assistance recipients’ sensitive information with immigration enforcement and other federal agencies.
Senate Finance panel’s top Dem proposes excise tax on new data centers
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden’s draft white paper calls for a new tax on hyperscalers and data center operators.
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.
How states are preparing for Medicaid eligibility changes
Medicaid work and community engagement requirements go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Chinese telecom firms kept footholds in US networks despite federal crackdowns, House probe finds
China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom retained equipment, data center space and network ties after FCC restrictions, including a China Mobile-linked network that appeared in routes to Salt Typhoon servers.
