Chris Teale
@christeale.bsky.social
đ€ 216
đ„ 364
đ 163
Managing Editor, Route Fifty.
The sites are the first new ones to be unveiled by the FAA in a decade.
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Feds announce two new drone test sites
The sites â the first new ones in over a decade â will be in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2026/01/feds-announce-two-new-drone-test-sites/410703/
about 19 hours ago
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Several House bills would look to help state and local governments and their utilities boost the electric grid's cybersecurity.
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House explores grid cybersecurity boosts amid growing threats
Several bills would reauthorize programs designed to protect energy infrastructure from nation-states and other threats while helping publicly owned utilities defend themselves and share information.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2026/01/house-explores-grid-cybersecurity-boosts-amid-growing-threats/410672/
2 days ago
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New Jersey's innovation office is now codified in law, the first in the nation to be.
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New Jerseyâs innovation office first to be enshrined in state law
In his final weeks in office, Gov. Phil Murphy codified the stateâs digital delivery team, which is now known as the New Jersey Innovation Authority.
https://www.route-fifty.com/customer-experience/2026/01/new-jerseys-innovation-office-first-be-enshrined-state-law/410507/
9 days ago
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Research last year said state and local officials have an "urgent responsibility" to regulate and use AI.
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Leaders have âurgent responsibilityâ on AI regulation and use, report says
The New Deal Forum lauded several state and local governments for embracing the technology to help improve government services. But areas like privacy, security and regulation need more attention, the...
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/01/leaders-have-urgent-responsibility-ai-regulation-and-use-report-says/410475/
10 days ago
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BEAD changes last year were against the law, the GAO found.
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BEAD changes broke the law, federal watchdog finds
The Government Accountability Office found that last summerâs tweaks to the program should be submitted to Congress for approval before they can take effect.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2026/01/bead-changes-broke-law-federal-watchdog-finds/410447/
11 days ago
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It's an election year (again) and experts are worried about the role of AI as campaigns get underway and voters head to the ballot box.
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AIâs elections impact likely to grow next year, report warns
Experts warned that 2025 was just the âtip of the icebergâ in how the technology could be used, especially in deepfakes and misinformation campaigns.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/12/ais-elections-impact-likely-grow-next-year-report-warns/410343/
12 days ago
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Trump's executive order looking to preempt state AI laws is likely to face legal challenges.
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Trump AI preemption order likely to face legal challenges
State leaders said preempting tech regulation is a âdereliction of dutyâ and does not properly protect residents from the harms they may face.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/12/trump-ai-preemption-order-likely-face-legal-challenges/410158/
about 1 month ago
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The NTIA is looking into tying school subsidies to kids' screen time and what they feel is an over-reliance on tech in the classroom.
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Feds float tying kidsâ screen time to school subsidies
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said in a speech last week the agency will study whether schools are now too reliant on educational technology, and if spending has resulted in bad outcomes for student...
https://www.route-fifty.com/people/2025/12/feds-float-tying-kids-screen-time-school-subsidies/410064/
about 1 month ago
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Our skies will soon be filled with air taxis, drones and other fun stuff. States want to work more closely with the federal government to manage that airspace.
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States urge more federal coordination amid growth of new aviation options
Advanced air mobility promises air taxis, delivery planes and others in the nationâs skies. Leaders said while the FAA must lead on airspace management, it must listen to those on the ground.
https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2025/12/states-urge-more-federal-coordination-amid-growth-new-aviation-options/410034/
about 1 month ago
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Some communities in southeastern Virginia will now have their waste and recycling separated by AI-enabled cameras and pneumatic jets.
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Southeastern Virginia turns to AI to sort waste, recycling
The areaâs sortation facilities will use the technology to extract recyclables and organic waste, an effort it said will extend the life of its landfills and double its recycling rate.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/12/southeastern-virginia-turns-ai-sort-waste-recycling/409861/
about 1 month ago
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The AI moratorium still hasn't gone away, and states are mad.
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Threat of AI law preemption has states on edge again
The moratorium on state-level AI regulations, which failed to be included in the federal reconciliation bill this summer, has been floated to make a return as an executive order or in must-pass defens...
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/12/threat-ai-law-preemption-has-states-edge-again/409832/
about 2 months ago
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St. Paul, Minnesota is still recovering from a cyberattack last summer, but it could have been much worse, officials said.
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St. Paul officials still dealing with summer cyberattackâs fallout
The Minnesota capitalâs networks were disrupted in July and government operations are still recovering. Preparedness and partnerships were key in the cityâs response.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2025/11/st-paul-officials-still-dealing-summer-cyberattacks-fallout/409810/
about 2 months ago
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At last week's GOVIT event, speakers said employees young and old need a "shared purpose" and a sense of civic duty.
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Government workers young and old need âshared purpose,â say local leaders
Agencies must wrestle with retirements, a multi-generational workforce and attracting employees despite the lure of the private sector. Experts said itâs doable, especially when you appeal to someoneâ...
https://www.route-fifty.com/people/2025/11/government-workers-young-and-old-need-shared-purpose-say-local-leaders/409778/
about 2 months ago
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My first of several from last week's GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium in Minneapolis, and it's on the need for leaders to "walk the talk" amid these volatile times.
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Amid distrust and volatility, leaders urge governments to âwalk the talkâ
Itâs been a tricky year for states and localities, but speakers at the recent GOVIT Leadership Summit and Symposium said communication and keeping promises can help those governments navigate choppy ...
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/11/amid-distrust-and-volatility-leaders-urge-governments-walk-talk/409731/
about 2 months ago
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Another Route Fifty Innovation Spotlight, this time about government leaders embracing the "any door" approach to service delivery.
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Government leaders embrace âany doorâ service approach
Speakers at Route Fiftyâs recent Innovation Spotlight said the public sector should learn to be more human focused in how it delivers services, an effort that shows long-term value for money.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/11/government-leaders-embrace-any-door-service-approach/409678/
about 2 months ago
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More states are looking at laws to take down drones in their airspace, but they may run up against federal preemption.
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State leaders push laws to bring down drones
While the federal government has ultimate authority over airspace, in the absence of firm action, more states are stepping up to protect residents from illegal drone activity.
https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2025/11/state-leaders-push-laws-bring-down-drones/409529/
2 months ago
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The government reopened, and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program got reauthorized. For now.
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Government funding deal reups cyber grant program
Lawmakers reauthorized the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program as part of the deal to reopen the federal government, but funding remains an open question.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2025/11/government-funding-deal-reups-cyber-grant-program/409489/
2 months ago
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That Nevada hack this summer was apparently caused by an employee accidentally downloading malware from a spoofed website, according to a state report.
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Report blames Nevada hack on employee downloading malware
The August cyber incident took down state websites after a state worker inadvertently downloaded malware onto a government machine. And while hackers demanded a ransom, none was paid.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2025/11/report-blames-nevada-hack-employee-downloading-malware/409460/
2 months ago
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A tech-related ballot initiative in New York City got its moment in the sun last week.
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Voters approve digitized New York City map amid affordable housing push
Supporters said the new map, which was approved overwhelmingly last week, will help speed up approvals of new housing and development projects. Opponents warned it would centralize power away from the...
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/11/voters-approve-digitized-new-york-city-map-amid-affordable-housing-push/409434/
2 months ago
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As much as $21 billion may end up left over from BEAD's $42 billion, according to recent research. Folks have some thoughts on what to do with that spare cash.
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Half of BEAD funds may end up unspent, report says
Around $21 billion of the federal broadband program could be left over, according to recent research, which also found that as many as 1 million locations could still be unserved.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/11/half-bead-funds-may-end-unspent-report-says/409325/
2 months ago
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Digital twinning in Phoenix and its surrounding towns and cities.
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Phoenix plans digital twin to solve regional challenges
The Arizona regionâs smart city consortium wants to bring together several towns and cities to explore how to potentially work on issues around traffic, development, climate and others.
https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2025/11/phoenix-plans-digital-twin-solve-regional-challenges/409287/
2 months ago
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It'll be a busy time in Los Angeles in the coming years, and the city is turning to tech to help get ready.
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âGame onâ: LA ramps up tech ahead of major sporting events
The city is set to host the World Cup, Super Bowl, Olympics and Paralympics in the coming years, and it is looking to AI to help improve its services.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/11/game-la-ramps-tech-ahead-major-sporting-events/409257/
2 months ago
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Kansas has relied on paper for its regulatory rulemaking process since 1965. It's now turning to software to help streamline it.
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Kansas looks to tech to modernize agency rulemaking
The state will use a cloud-based platform to draft, publish and take comments on regulations, having relied on paper since 1965.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/10/kansas-looks-tech-modernize-agency-rulemaking/409213/
2 months ago
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E-Rate funding for Wi-Fi on school buses and loan programs for Wi-Fi hotspots is gone, and a nonprofit has stepped up in its place.
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Nonprofit offers alternative funding for school, library Wi-Fi programs
Mission Telecom said it would match any discounts those institutions received under the FCCâs E-Rate program for loaning out Wi-Fi hotspots and providing service on school buses.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/10/nonprofit-offers-alternative-funding-school-library-wi-fi-programs/409141/
3 months ago
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A report from New America called for changes to how AI is implemented in state and local governments, or else it could "entrench the status quo."
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Report warns AI could âentrench the status quoâ unless changes are made
Researchers at New America called on governments to use the tech to rethink how they structure their institutions, or else they could repeat the mistakes of past innovations.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/10/report-warns-ai-could-entrench-status-quo-unless-changes-are-made/409107/
3 months ago
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A final one from NASCIO, on states' continued interest in regulating AI. It's unlikely to die down anytime soon.
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State interest in AI regulations unlikely to die down soon, expert says
Even as the federal moratorium threatens to return, state legislators want to regulate the technology themselves absent action from Congress, and are looking at a variety of areas to do so.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/10/state-interest-ai-regulations-unlikely-die-down-soon-expert-says/409080/
3 months ago
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A final one from NASCIO about the changing role of the state CIO. They used to be a technologist, but now are much more focused on building relationships and setting strategy.
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From technologist to âdigital governorâ: State CIO role has evolved dramatically
Once expected to be a purely technical role, research found the job has evolved to be a strategic leader, communicator and bridge between the governor, legislators and more tech-focused positions.
https://www.route-fifty.com/people/2025/10/technologist-digital-governor-state-cio-role-has-evolved-dramatically/409009/
3 months ago
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There are more than 100 uses of generative AI in state government, NASCIO says. It's only going to accelerate in the coming years.
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Generative AIâs state government use ticks up
States have found more than 100 uses for the technology according to a recent survey, and while there might be excitement and momentum for its continued use, plenty of pitfalls lie ahead.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/10/generative-ais-state-government-use-ticks/408972/
3 months ago
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Another from NASCIO, as states' dreams of modernizing their IT and tech are running up against hard budget realities.
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Statesâ IT modernization dreams run into budget realities
Federal funds have largely dried up, meaning state tech leaders are worried about how they will be able to afford to execute their strategies and wondering where more money can come from.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/10/states-it-modernization-dreams-run-budget-realities/408938/
3 months ago
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The first of several from last week's NASCIO conference in Denver. First, on the importance of website accessibility but the lack of money to make necessary changes.
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Accessibility funding inconsistent despite growing importance, report finds
The National Association of State Chief Information Officersâ annual survey found that, while nearly all states are ploughing ahead to comply with a federal accessibility rule, they need more money to...
https://www.route-fifty.com/customer-experience/2025/10/accessibility-funding-inconsistent-despite-growing-importance-report-finds/408910/
3 months ago
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Billions of dollars look to be left over under the revised BEAD plans, and states are left to wonder, what will happen to that money?
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What will become of leftover BEAD money?
States and the federal government are projecting billions of dollars in savings from the latest round of broadband plans. Where those savings go next remains an open question.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/10/what-will-become-leftover-bead-money/408682/
3 months ago
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AI has hit schools "like a ton of bricks," a new report says, with leaders worried about cheating, phishing, deepfakes and misinformation, with little in the way of policy to govern its use.
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AI has hit schools âlike a ton of bricks,â report says
A survey by Keeper Security found that most education leaders are concerned about AI-related incidents, but few school districts have formalized policies governing the tech.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/10/ai-has-hit-schools-ton-bricks-report-says/408649/
3 months ago
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Federal funding for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center has run out, and now it moves to a paid membership model.
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Federal funding runs out for cyber info-sharing center
Without federal support for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, it now shifts to a paid membership model.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2025/10/federal-funding-runs-out-cyber-info-sharing-center/408612/
3 months ago
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Governments are turning to social media influencers (of the local kind) to help them get their messages out and meet people where they are.
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Governments are relying more on social media influencers
More are using influencers as trusted community messengers for public information and education campaigns, a trend that started during the pandemic and is not going away.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/10/governments-are-relying-more-social-media-influencers/408588/
3 months ago
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Revised BEAD plans are rolling in, and the federal agencies in charge say they're "pleasantly surprised" with what they're seeing from states.
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Feds âpleasantly surprisedâ by new round of BEAD proposals
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said she was encouraged by the revised plans coming in from states and predicted âtremendous successâ in building out broadband internet.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/10/feds-pleasantly-surprised-new-round-bead-proposals/408551/
4 months ago
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The FCC voted this week to end federal funding for Wi-Fi hotspot loans and Wi-Fi access on school buses.
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FCC ends federal funding for Wi-Fi hotspots, access on buses
Chair Brendan Carr said the two uses of E-Rate funding were unlawful and it represented âoverreachâ by the Biden administration.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/10/fcc-ends-federal-funding-wi-fi-hotspots-access-buses/408519/
4 months ago
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FCC Chair Brendan Carr is steeling himself for an effort to use the agency's authority to preempt "heavy handed" state AI laws.
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FCC chair floats preempting state AI laws
Brendan Carr said the agency will explore whether it can block âheavy handedâ regulations of the technology. Experts arenât sure it has the authority to do so.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/09/fcc-chair-floats-preempting-state-ai-laws/408472/
4 months ago
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Google's Rapid Innovation Team may be small, but they're using AI to help state and local governments solve big problems.
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How Googleâs Rapid Innovation Team uses AI to quickly solve governmentsâ problems
A small team will typically deploy within an agency and, over the course of six weeks, build a solution in what is a far quicker process than usual procurement. Results already suggest its methods are...
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/09/how-googles-rapid-innovation-team-uses-ai-quickly-solve-governments-problems/408437/
4 months ago
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OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank will open five new AI data centers as part of their Stargate initiative.
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OpenAIâs infrastructure platform to open five new data centers
The company will add locations in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio and elsewhere in the Midwest, representing seven gigawatts of planned capacity for Stargate out of its original 10 gigawatt commitment.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/09/openais-infrastructure-platform-open-five-new-data-centers/408363/
4 months ago
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A new bill would require federal agencies to jointly study the impacts of data centers on rural areas.
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New federal bill would mandate agencies study data centersâ rural impact
The legislation would require several federal agencies to study their effects on energy supply, reliability and costs to consumers amid what is expected to be accelerating demand.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/09/new-federal-bill-would-mandate-agencies-study-data-centers-rural-impact/408328/
4 months ago
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That 10-year federal moratorium on states regulating AI sure seems like it'll come back soon, in some form.
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Lawmaker warns of âpatchwork of indecisionâ from state AI laws
A 10-year ban on states regulating the technology was stricken from the reconciliation package this year, but speakers at a House hearing said the federal government must lead the way.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/09/lawmaker-warns-patchwork-indecision-state-ai-laws/408299/
4 months ago
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Governors raised concerns about unauthorized drone incursions, and a House hearing last week heard similar worries.
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Worries mount over drone incursions on sensitive sites
A bipartisan group of governors called on Congress to grant them authority to âmitigateâ drone threats, while speakers told a House hearing threats will only multiply as the tech evolves.
https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2025/09/worries-mount-over-drone-incursions-sensitive-sites/408265/
4 months ago
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Big news from the Quantum World Congress last week, as Maryland announced it'll open a quantum center.
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Maryland to open new quantum center
The state, which unveiled the center at the Quantum World Congress, is partnering with the University of Maryland Economic Corporation and Microsoft on the project through its âCapital of Quantumâ ini...
https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2025/09/maryland-open-new-quantum-center/408225/
4 months ago
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The Quantum World Congress is back in town, and Fairfax County, Virginia sees the technology as a "blue ocean" for growth.
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How quantum became a âblue oceanâ opportunity for a Virginia county
Fairfax County hosts the Quantum World Congress this week in a bid to make the entire Greater Washington region a hub for the emerging technology and to form alliances.
https://www.route-fifty.com/emerging-tech/2025/09/how-quantum-became-blue-ocean-opportunity-virginia-county/408166/
4 months ago
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Revised BEAD plans are rolling into NTIA, and while fiber remains the most-used technology, satellite is growing.
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Satelliteâs use grows as BEAD plans roll in
Fiber still leads the way, but SpaceX and Amazonâs Project Kuiper look set to be bigger players in the tech-neutral federal program.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/09/satellites-use-grows-bead-plans-roll/408132/
4 months ago
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Leaders need to make sure that every employee is invested in the cybersecurity mission and know the positive impact they can have, speakers said at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit this week.
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Cyber leaders say culture is hard to track but must constantly evolve
Speakers at this weekâs Billington Cybersecurity Summit said if even the lowest-level employees are shown where they can make a difference, it can encourage that culture.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2025/09/cyber-leaders-say-culture-hard-track-must-constantly-evolve/408044/
4 months ago
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Emergency management and law enforcement officials told a House subcommittee there is much to be done if states and localities are to be able to respond to multiplying threats and challenges.
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Upgraded 911 and reauthorized FirstNet among public safety officialsâ tech priorities
Emergency management and law enforcement officials told a House subcommittee there is much to be done if states and localities are to be able to respond to multiplying threats and challenges.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2025/09/upgraded-911-and-reauthorized-firstnet-among-public-safety-officials-tech-priorities/408012/
4 months ago
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Two California cities - Lancaster and San Jose - have turned to AI to speed up permitting.
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California cities turn to AI to streamline permitting
Lancaster and San Jose both said they would use the technology to make it easier and faster to get a building permit by pre-screening and validating applications.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/09/california-cities-turn-ai-streamline-permitting/407978/
4 months ago
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A North Carolina Senator is suing over an award-winning ad campaign that took a 2018 TED Talk she gave and manipulated it using AI.
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North Carolina lawmaker sues over AI-generated ad campaign
State Sen. DeAndrea Salvadorâs TED Talk was manipulated and used in a campaign for energy efficient appliances in Latin America, and won awards at a major event in Cannes.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2025/09/north-carolina-lawmaker-sues-over-ai-generated-ad-campaign/407945/
4 months ago
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A bill to reauthorize a popular cybersecurity grant program for state and local governments is moving through the House. The program expires this month.
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New bill would reauthorize state and local cyber grant program
The bipartisan legislation, which expires at monthâs end, would extend the popular program and ensure that critical infrastructure and AI systems are covered under it.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2025/09/new-bill-would-reauthorize-state-and-local-cyber-grant-program/407892/
4 months ago
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