State and Federal Relations
How better edtech management can help schools navigate new immigration rules
School officials can leverage data and technology to comply with new federal immigration rules while still protecting the civil liberties of immigrant students, according to a new policy brief.
Federal tech grant recipients sweat future amid ongoing uncertainty
The federal Office of Management and Budget’s memo pausing grants caused massive uncertainty, including for technology efforts reliant on the money. Recipients say their work will continue, but be harder, without federal help.
EVs in Tennessee: Uncertainty abounds as Trump targets Biden-era electric vehicle funding
Tennessee investments in the electric vehicle sector face an uncertain future as President Donald Trump halts infrastructure spending.
States urge Supreme Court to save affordable internet access program
States are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to save a program designed to make telephone service and internet access affordable for low-income, rural and tribal residents.
How govs can strengthen their cyber staff in the new year
Budgetary and staffing challenges are likely to follow state and local governments into 2025, but experts say agencies’ progress toward addressing those obstacles will prevail too.
SNAP theft reimbursements could end for many without congressional action by Friday
Senators are also urging the Agriculture Department to speed up its rulemaking around card security that could help prevent the problem.
Trump wants even looser AI guardrails. Why California, despite passing over 20 AI bills this year, might not push back
President-elect Trump has vowed to rescind an executive order that imposed AI safeguards, and could use tech to enable mass deportations. How far will California go in the other direction?
Over half of states restrict gender-affirming care. Could the Supreme Court change that?
The high court’s ruling on gender-affirming care could also impact other laws affecting transgender people, like rules for sports and bathrooms, one expert says.
A ballot measure on Medicaid funding is poised to pass. Some say it could do more harm than good.
Proposition 35 would change how California funds its public health insurance program to address health care shortages in the state.
Virginia goes all in on passenger rail
A new rail bridge into Washington, D.C., is viewed as crucial to expanding rail service in the state, which has seen record-setting ridership in recent years.
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The numbers are in: Trump boosted roads. Biden backs biking and walkers.
A new report by the Urban Institute shows how who sits in the White House affects what locals build with federal funds. That means changes are likely in store again after the November election.
Why Buc-ee's is picking a fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis
Florida is one of a dozen states that have yet to issue a single RFP using federal dollars to construct EV charging stations. Gas stations see the chargers as an avenue to compete with local power companies.
Supreme Court deals Arizona Republicans a partial victory in voting case
The ruling allows Arizona to require proof of citizenship from people who register to vote using a state-generated form.
Congress could ease rules for small cities seeking transportation money, experts say
Discretionary grants give the president’s administration—and members of Congress—an opportunity to shape transportation policy. But applying for and administering them can be a challenge for local governments.
Biden administration lays groundwork for future bridge projects
The Federal Highway Administration awarded planning grants to 28 projects in 18 states. The announcement follows the president’s surprise decision not to seek another term.
5 things you should know about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
The Democratic nominee for vice president has pushed through big changes during his time as governor, a record that both parties will now scour as Walz becomes Kamala Harris’ running mate.
New anti-immigration laws' real focus is the U.S. Supreme Court, report says
A liberal group warns that laws in Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas that criminalize illegal entry into the country could give the conservative high court a chance to overturn a 2012 decision limiting state and local power over immigration.
The road AHEAD: Maryland to be a test-subject state in new federal hospital model
The federal AHEAD model aims to help participating states implement what’s called a total cost of care model, in which states take responsibility and accountability for health outcomes of their patients.
Lessons learned from the Medicaid unwinding period
A new report highlights how states have conducted post-pandemic eligibility renewals with the help of federal waivers and data.
Highway humor is over some drivers’ heads
States to drivers: READ OUR WITTY HIGHWAY SIGNS. Feds to states: YOU’RE NOT FUNNY.
