Route Fifty

Traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City and other major metro areas are still leading in AI, a new study says. But more are showing promise and could catch up. buff.ly/1DoPyTa

California, Colorado and Montana have passed neural data privacy laws meant to prevent the exploitation of brain information collected by consumer products. via @KFFHealthNews buff.ly/32iNCEL

Securing operational tech in the U.S. is crucial to protect its critical infrastructure, experts say, particularly as a key cybersecurity information-sharing law is set to expire in two months. via @NextgovFCW buff.ly/TWxWQ4O

Learn from @NavaPBC how data sharing can help identify potentially eligible individuals, ease the income verification process and even reduce fraud. buff.ly/sFq3a8o

ICYMI: The U.S. Senate has confirmed Arielle Roth to head @NTIAgov. In her new role, she will oversee the $42 billion broadband expansion program, which she has previously criticized. buff.ly/u6b3gE6

The Open Technology Institute at @NewAmerica has called for the use of zero-knowledge proofs, which verify a user’s age without disclosing any personal information. ✍️ @chris_teale buff.ly/fIKqCZN

Chatbots may give students quick answers when they have questions, but they won’t help students form relationships that matter for college and life success. via @CalMatters buff.ly/BdYZblQ

ICYMI: The federal government marked a major milestone in its efforts to roll out broadband internet under a revised $42 billion program earlier this month. But a new report suggests that policymakers could do even more to improve it. buff.ly/CWoFi4x

ICYMI: A major federal funding cut could make state and local crime labs’ struggles worse. via @stateline_news buff.ly/Sjnm4Om

Following a federal lawsuit, a Kentucky public school district has agreed to not block users from its social media pages and refrain from “suppressing criticism” of the district’s policies or public positions. via @KYLantern buff.ly/7wf3hdf

The U.S. Senate confirmed Arielle Roth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to run the federal agency responsible for administering the BEAD program to expand broadband. Roth previously criticized it for pushing a “woke social agenda.” ✍️ @chris_teale buff.ly/u6b3gE6

Some states are implementing promising approaches to help agencies better share data. Learn from @pewtrusts how Massachusetts is supporting the use of cross-sector data to target more effective public health efforts. buff.ly/3mcsRSF

The ePermit Act would require data standards and guidance; prototype tools for permitting agencies; and an interagency system connecting agencies and their data to enable better coordination across the permitting landscape. via @NextgovFCW buff.ly/nkSjHMP

In 2024, @VirginiaLottery generated $5.5 billion in sales. Now, it's looking to AI to not only customize gamers’ experiences, but operate more efficiently. ✍️ @chris_teale buff.ly/qmnlA9l

Artificial intelligence has taken off on campus, changing relationships between students and professors and among students themselves. via @ConversationUS buff.ly/CFwpmh1

ICYMI: Traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City and other major metro areas are still leading in AI, according to the @BrookingsInst. But more are showing promise and could catch up. buff.ly/M2NEhi6

Two key federal grant programs that financially support state and local forensic labs are at risk, which experts say could hinder labs' efforts to address already mounting workloads. via @stateline_news buff.ly/Sjnm4Om

In an attempt to ensure Georgia courts can transition into the age of AI as smoothly as possible, a special committee established in August dug into the issue. A new report offers tips for rolling out the tech. via @GeorgiaRecorder buff.ly/IKDRmKw

A vulnerability in Microsoft’s SharePoint Server is under active review by threat intelligence researchers as some have found evidence that U.S. government systems have been exposed and potentially compromised. via @NextgovFCW buff.ly/h1gsx4h

Amid funding uncertainty, speakers during the @GovExec Efficiency Summit said tech could help with predictive maintenance and making the trains run smoother. A lot of work lies ahead. ✍️ @chris_teale buff.ly/mMZnBYi