Author Archive
Chris Teale
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.
Digital Government
Yearbook report recognizes states’ phone-free school laws
Eleven states were honored for passing new laws or strengthening existing ones governing phone use in schools, although some were dinged for confusing implementation.
People
Inside the World Cup security operation
A massive effort years in the planning at the federal, state and local level helped keep the tournament safe, even as it faced enormous threats of many kinds that all needed mitigating.
Digital Government
Building regions’ economies must move beyond ‘incentive wars,’ leading researcher says
Too often, state and local governments try to attract large tech companies with tax breaks and other sweeteners. But true growth should build an ecosystem that lets businesses of all sizes scale up.
Artificial Intelligence
New York data center pause inspires strong reactions
President Donald Trump was among the first to criticize Gov. Kathy Hochul’s one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers, along with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and others.
Artificial Intelligence
Modernization a challenge when systems can’t go down, city leader says
While agencies want to embrace artificial intelligence and retire legacy tech, it’s difficult when those power vital services that cannot break, a senior official said this week.
Digital Government
Feds call on more states to make network vandalism a felony
Currently, 28 states classify vandalizing telecommunications equipment as a more severe crime. FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty called on the remaining 22 to follow their lead.
Featured eBooks
People
How Maryland embraced government efficiency
The state has looked to improve its service delivery both for its residents and the employees who administer those programs, including in major initiatives like benefits.
Digital Government
Judge reinstates digital equity grants
The $2.75 billion program under the Digital Equity Act can and should proceed, a judge ruled, but it cannot use race when considering recipients.
People
Governors ban state employees from insider trading on prediction markets
More state leaders are either banning or severely curtailing workers from using nonpublic information to profit on the platforms amid worries of wagering on government actions.
Public Safety
Feds tie counterterrorism grants to election security measures
The new guidance from FEMA would require states to take various steps on elections before receiving funds. Government groups criticized the move as an overreach.
Artificial Intelligence
New York governor signs nation’s first moratorium on large data centers
Kathy Hochul said the one-year ban on hyperscale data centers comes alongside an effort to establish standards for their development and prevent residents footing the bill.
People
Beeck Center leader reflects on ‘bipartisan opportunity’ for government efficiency
Efforts at the federal level generated a lot of headlines, but at the state level, where the goal is delivery, a lot more progress can be made, said the head of the Georgetown University-based center.
Artificial Intelligence
Illinois governor signs major AI safety law
The legislation requires large developers to identify, disclose and mitigate risks, protects whistleblowers and — in a national first — mandates regular third-party audits.
Artificial Intelligence
How Texas modernized a ‘train wreck’ customer service center
The licensing division of the state’s Department of Public Safety left people on hold, sometimes for hours, until it modernized its systems and broke down siloes.
People
Libraries lament ‘cascading effects’ of E-Rate’s potential demise
Advocates warned the FCC’s vote to review the program could blow massive holes in their budgets and force service reductions or even closures if new funding sources aren’t found.
