Author Archive
Chris Teale
Emerging Tech
How tech can help localities solve weather gaps
National Weather Service radars may miss storms or other incidents, but now local governments are investing in their own equipment to supplement those federal tools.
Artificial Intelligence
New AI center announced for St. Louis
The Spirit of St. Louis AI Innovation Center looks to position the city and the surrounding region as a hub for the technology with computing power and other resources.
Artificial Intelligence
Data centers are Americans’ least favored development, poll finds
The survey from Public First and ITIF found that 46% oppose data centers in their communities, compared to 26% who support, far behind other projects.
Digital Government
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.
Artificial Intelligence
Many localities have tried data center moratoriums, tracker finds
The National League of Cities found that 76 cities, counties or towns have at least attempted moratoriums or permanent bans, with most being successful. That number is likely even higher.
Cybersecurity
States, feds scramble to prevent more water cyberattacks
In the weeks after nine states were hit, lawmakers at the federal and state levels have proposed new funding to harden infrastructure, but experts warned they remain vulnerable.
Emerging Tech
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.
Artificial Intelligence
How one Virginia county’s AI platform protects sensitive data
Prince William County uses Liminal to prevent employees from inputting sensitive data into generative AI in what a spokesperson described as a “filtration level.”
Public Safety
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.
Artificial Intelligence
Iowa academics launch tool to help localities weigh proposed data centers
The Iowa Data Center Decision Tool helps communities decide if data centers are right for them by identifying key questions they should ask about a project’s impact.
Cybersecurity
Former California CISO reflects on cyber’s importance in state government
Now a senior advisor at World Wide Technology, Vitaliy Panych said his aim was always to make everyone a “risk practitioner,” while managing an enormous state infrastructure.
Featured eBooks
Digital Government
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.
Artificial Intelligence
Report finds most data centers in urban, not rural, areas
Researchers at New York University found that 97.5% of existing data centers sit in metro areas, counter to the industry narrative that most are in rural regions.
Artificial Intelligence
How a research paper helped spark Utah’s data center water law
What began as an effort by three fellows at the Aspen Institute resulted in a push to bring more transparency around how data centers consume water in the state.
People
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.
Cybersecurity
More US water systems struck by hackers
The FBI said systems in at least seven states have been hit, following an Iran-linked group’s hack in Minnesota. Experts urged operators to beef up operational technology cybersecurity.
Artificial Intelligence
How the Texas transportation department has embraced AI
From traffic management, to collecting and analyzing crash data, to helping employees be more efficient, the agency has embraced the tech and encouraged responsible adoption while doing so.
Emerging Tech
New Mexico opens grant fund to invest in new businesses
The state’s $150 million Research, Development & Deployment Fund invests in early-stage companies in emerging industries, as a complement to any federal funding received.
People
Former county CIO reflects on lessons learned from decades in government
Steve Monaghan, the former CIO of Nevada County, California, said workers should be focused on building their organizational health, not just fixing the issues of the day.
Artificial Intelligence
Community opposition helped block $170B in data center projects, report finds
A lack of transparency around ownership, power and water requirements was cited as the most common issue in 46 cancelled projects across a two-year period in 20 states.
