Chris Teale
@christeale.bsky.social
đ€ 221
đ„ 365
đ 188
Managing Editor, Route Fifty.
reposted by
Chris Teale
Technology and Democracy
3 days ago
@routefifty.bsky.social
's
@christeale.bsky.social
covered RethinkAI's piece on how
#AI
will increase demand for government services before it increases efficiency.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/03/ai-risks-creating-demand-machine-governments-report-warns/411830/
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AI risks creating a âdemand machine' for governments, report warns
Instead of making public-sector employees' lives easier, the tech could create even more work, unless leaders rethink agency processes and workflows, researchers at New America said.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/03/ai-risks-creating-demand-machine-governments-report-warns/411830/
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State and local governments could be targets for Iran-linked hacktivists in retaliatory strikes, experts warned yesterday.
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Iran-linked hacktivists could target governments, experts warn
State and local governments and some crucial technology infrastructure are among the key retaliatory targets as hostilities escalate in the Middle East.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2026/03/iran-linked-hacktivists-could-target-governments-experts-warn/411869/
3 days ago
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Housing affordability is a massive issue, and one leader said AI can be a "force multiplier" in helping ease it, including by speeding up permitting approvals and backlogs.
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AI could be âforce multiplierâ in tackling housing crisis, expert says
Cities across the country are using the technology to ease permitting approvals and backlogs, and one leader called on them to lean in further and set ambitious but achievable goals.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/03/ai-could-be-force-multiplier-tackling-housing-crisis-expert-says/411795/
4 days ago
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Concerns are growing about the U.S.'s readiness for the World Cup in a few months amid frozen grant funding and a lack of information sharing capabilities.
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Leaders sound the alarm for physical and cyber attacks ahead of summer World Cup
A lack of federal grant funding and information sharing could hamper preparations, they said, and leave cities vulnerable to physical or cyberattacks when games get underway.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2026/02/leaders-sound-alarm-physical-and-cyber-attacks-ahead-summer-world-cup/411751/
5 days ago
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New York counties soon will have access to a dashboard that will allow them to evaluate AI tools and see what their peers think.
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New York counties to roll out AI assessment tool
The new dashboard will help county tech and procurement leaders analyze and evaluate various products available on the market as they try to adopt them responsibly.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/02/new-york-counties-roll-out-ai-assessment-tool/411711/
8 days ago
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More from NACo's meeting this week, this time on data centers and what some have termed a "race to the bottom" to attract them.
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Localities bemoan apparent ârace to the bottomâ on data centers
Attendees at the National Association of Counties said tech companies are not being good partners, but research and recent deals suggest a new way of doing business for local governments.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/02/localities-bemoan-apparent-race-bottom-data-centers/411677/
9 days ago
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The first of a few from the National Association of Counties' Legislative Conference in D.C. This first one on the future of the MS-ISAC and cybersecurity information sharing.
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âItâs not overâ: Cyber info-sharing center begins ânext chaptersâ after losing federal funding
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center now has 24 states and 3,000 individual organizations as dues-paying members after losing federal funding, a leader said.
https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2026/02/its-not-over-cyber-info-sharing-center-begins-next-chapters-after-losing-federal-funding/411633/
10 days ago
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The federal Lifeline program could be subject to tighter rules under a plan advanced by the FCC.
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FCC could tighten federal Lifeline program rules
The agency is advancing new eligibility requirements in the face of what it says is massive fraud across several states in the $1 billion-a-year internet and phone low-income assistance program.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2026/02/fcc-could-tighten-federal-lifeline-program-rules/411599/
11 days ago
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First we had sports betting, and now we have prediction markets, which look to be another flashpoint between the federal government and the states.
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Feds want to stop states regulating, blocking prediction markets
The online marketplaces have exploded in popularity, but while state leaders say they are like sports betting, regulators argue they are instead subject to federal oversight and threatened legal actio...
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2026/02/feds-want-stop-states-regulating-blocking-prediction-markets/411557/
12 days ago
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Age verification is never not in the news, especially state laws restricting minors' access to social media. But it faces a tricky path ahead.
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Age verification laws face mixed prospects, experts say
A Supreme Court decision last year on a Texas law may have opened the door for similar rules. But speakers at State of the Net warned they face a long road fraught with challenges.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2026/02/age-verification-laws-face-mixed-prospects-experts-say/411492/
16 days ago
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Oklahoma is looking to practice "accountable innovation" as it embraces AI.
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How Oklahoma has embraced âaccountable innovationâ
The Sooner State has run hard towards AI in its bid for government efficiency, but one of its tech leaders said during a recent conference that transparency and training are critical.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/02/how-oklahoma-has-embraced-accountable-innovation/411459/
17 days ago
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California Senator Scott Wiener said this week that Congress' efforts to preempt state AI laws have been "ham handed."
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California senator dings âham handedâ approach to AI preemption
Scott Wiener, a key architect of major tech legislation in the state, said efforts to stop others doing the same are overly broad, especially as Congress has not legislated on the issue.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/02/california-senator-dings-ham-handed-approach-ai-preemption/411385/
22 days ago
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Truly a $21 billion question.
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Debate intensifies over how to spend leftover BEAD money
One elected leader said Congress needs âmore sayâ on spending, while others said it should stick to its original intent and be used by states to close the digital divide how they see fit.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2026/02/debate-intensifies-over-how-spend-leftover-bead-money/411351/
23 days ago
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Two recent reports warned of the impact of data centers and AI on water, but said policy changes and fixing leaks could help avert the worst of it.
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Researchers warn of AI, data centersâ water impact
Two separate reports warned the technology and the infrastructure needed to power it could exhaust water supplies. But they said policy could help avert the worst disasters.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/02/researchers-warn-ai-data-centers-water-impact/411316/
24 days ago
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From my conversation with Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who's had to deal with all manner of issues including ICE, a DOJ voter data request/demand and doxing.
www.route-fifty.com/people/2026/...
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Maine secretary of state reflects on a tumultuous period
Shenna Bellows has lived through federal demands for voter data, ICE raids, doxing and more. But with this yearâs midterm elections fast approaching, thereâs more to do.
https://www.route-fifty.com/people/2026/02/maine-secretary-state-reflects-tumultuous-period/411283/
25 days ago
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The Super Bowl is on Sunday and state, local and federal agencies of various stripes say they are prepared.
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Super Bowl gears up for massive security operation
While immigration officials will reportedly not be present at the San Francisco game this weekend, a raft of federal, state and local agencies will be on site to keep the event safe from various threa...
https://www.route-fifty.com/public-safety/2026/02/super-bowl-gears-massive-security-operation/411215/
29 days ago
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The U.S. Conference of Mayors and Google unveiled an AI playbook last week to help city leaders get to grips with how to use the tech.
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Mayors group rolls out AI playbook
The U.S. Conference of Mayors and Google partnered on the playbook, which they said would help city leaders deploy the technology safely and measure success.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/02/mayors-group-rolls-out-ai-playbook/411149/
about 1 month ago
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An interesting time was had last week at the National Association of Secretaries of State's winter conference.
www.route-fifty.com/people/2026/...
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âCowardsâ: State leaders condemn Trump admin election actions
A raid in Georgia and continued government legal action for voter data prompted a furious response, especially after administration officials abruptly withdrew from a hastily scheduled conference appe...
https://www.route-fifty.com/people/2026/02/cowards-state-leaders-condemn-trump-admin-election-actions/411119/
about 1 month ago
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Congress is starting to get into gear to reauthorize the authority for FirstNet, the dedicated public safety communications network.
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FirstNet reauthorization effort hits Congress
A Senate subcommittee discussed reupping the public safety networkâs authority before it lapses next year, while a new House bill would do the same.
https://www.route-fifty.com/public-safety/2026/01/firstnet-reauthorization-effort-hits-congress/411082
about 1 month ago
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Digital equity remains a hot topic, and an expert at this week's CX Workshop warned of the "digitally invisible" population.
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Expert warns of the âdigitally invisibleâ population amid yawning digital divide
Itâs not just infrastructure that keeps people offline, but also a lack of digital skills and trust, warned Nicol Turner Lee of the Brookings Institution during this weekâs CX Workshop.
https://www.route-fifty.com/people/2026/01/expert-warns-digitally-invisible-population-amid-yawning-digital-divide/411045/
about 1 month ago
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Interesting research from Brookings, which found that millions of workers exposed to AI should be OK to pivot for various reasons, but some may struggle.
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Most workers at risk from AI can transition, report finds
Recent research from the Brookings Institution warned that while most workers exposed to AI can pivot, millions in administrative and clerical roles may struggle.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/01/most-workers-risk-ai-can-transition-report-finds/410976/
about 1 month ago
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The federal government's preemption of state AI laws remains "top of mind" for tech leaders as the new year rumbles on.
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AI preemption âtop of mindâ for state, local tech leaders
Observers called for an intergovernmental working group as well as better collaboration, one month on from President Donald Trumpâs executive order targeting âcumbersomeâ state AI regulations.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/01/ai-preemption-top-mind-state-local-tech-leaders/410931/
about 1 month ago
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Most states can do better in their policies on cell phone use in school, according to a new report card.
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Report card finds âroom for improvementâ in statesâ school cell phone policies
Just two states â North Dakota and Rhode Island â have implemented what several groups described as a âgold standardâ bell-to-bell policy. Others have more work to do.
https://www.route-fifty.com/digital-government/2026/01/report-card-finds-room-improvement-states-school-cell-phone-policies/410890/
about 1 month ago
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Two House hearings last week highlighted ongoing tensions between Congress and state governments about regulating AI.
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House hearings highlight AI divides
Two separate hearings last week shone light on lingering issues over preempting state and local AI regulations and the role of Congress in finally forming a national standard.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/01/house-hearings-highlight-ai-divides/410819/
about 1 month ago
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Catholic University in Washington, D.C. briefly blocked Reddit on school networks, then unblocked it, blaming an overzealous automated content filter.
www.route-fifty.com/people/2026/...
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Reddit briefly blocked on university network
Catholic University in Washington, D.C. said an automated system flagged the platform during a routine scan, and it was quickly reversed after pushback. Some worry it sets a dangerous precedent for th...
https://www.route-fifty.com/people/2026/01/reddit-briefly-blocked-university-network/410785/
about 1 month ago
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At the National Association of Counties' event last week, several leaders discussed data centers and how they're dealing with various issues surrounding them.
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Counties wrestle with data centersâ power consumption
A recent survey from the National Association of Counties found that more than half of leaders spend time discussing data centers and other energy-intensive facilities.
https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/01/counties-wrestle-data-centers-power-consumption/410749/
about 2 months ago
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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 2 months 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/
about 2 months 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/
about 2 months 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/
about 2 months 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/
about 2 months 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/
2 months 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/
3 months 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/
3 months 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/
3 months 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/
3 months 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/
3 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/
3 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/
3 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/
3 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/
3 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/
4 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/
4 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/
4 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/
4 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/
4 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/
4 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/
4 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/
4 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/
4 months ago
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