As Data Centers Look to Rural New England, Maine Considers a Moratorium
Maine is weighing a moratorium on large data‑center projects as towns like Wiscasset and Lewiston pause or reject high‑cost proposals. State legislators introduced LD 307, which would form a coordination council and could halt developments over 20 megawatts until mid‑2028. The move reflects growing community concerns over grid strain, electricity prices, and water usage. Developers such as LiquidCool Solutions are seeking waivers, arguing their low‑water, immersion‑cooled facilities mitigate the risks.
Northern California Legacy Award Winner Randy Iwasaki: Always on the Move
Randy Iwasaki, the 2024 ENR West Northern California Legacy Award winner, has spent four decades driving technology adoption in California’s transportation sector. From leading Caltrans’ shift to all‑digital design to creating the 2,100‑acre GoMentum Station for autonomous‑vehicle testing, he has...
Energy Department Patched Flaws Enabling Email Impersonation in Critical Minerals System
The U.S. Energy Department patched an identity‑verification flaw in its critical minerals portal that let outsiders register with email addresses mimicking official energy.gov accounts. Security researcher Ronald Lovelace uncovered the issue using subdomain enumeration and reported it through the department’s...
Ubicquia Secures $106 Million in Series D Funding
Ubicquia, a provider of intelligent infrastructure solutions, closed a $106 million Series D round. The financing was led by 67 Capital and Marunouchi Innovation Partners, with participation from Hamilton Lane, ClearSky, GMS and strategic partner Sercomm. The capital will accelerate AI development for...
Belgian Centre for Cybersecurity Reports Significant Phishing Scams
Belgium’s Centre for Cybersecurity recorded a sharp rise in phishing complaints, logging 226 reports in Q4 2025 and 106 in January 2026. Scammers frequently masquerade as police or representatives of telecom and banking firms such as Proximus, Argenta, and Card...
Brussels’ Privacy Reforms Stumble Out the Gate
The European Commission’s digital‑omnibus package proposes to reshape the GDPR by redefining personal data, allowing pseudonymized information to fall outside strict privacy rules. National governments, led by the Cypriot Council presidency, have pushed back, warning the change could erode core...
Demand UK Digital Sovereignty
The Open Rights Group is urging the UK government to adopt a digital sovereignty strategy that reduces reliance on foreign tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Palantir. It argues that over‑dependence creates strategic fragility, citing the Trump‑ordered shutdown...
Nev. Sheriff Unveils ‘AI Brain'
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill announced two flagship initiatives for 2026: the Meridian project, a 24/7 real‑time counter‑terrorism analysis desk funded by private donations, and the AI‑powered Knowledge Value Network (K.V.N.) that will integrate crime data across the department. He...
Treasury Unveils AI Lexicon and Risk Framework for Finance
Risk says "model risk." Tech says "ML system." Compliance says "automated decision tool." Legal says "algorithm." US Treasury just fixed this: AI Lexicon + Risk Framework for financial services. 230 control objectives. NIST-adapted. "Treasury releases AI lexicon and sector-specific risk framework"...
Leading in the Age of Generative AI and Exponential Technology: A Conversation with Andrea Bonime-Blanc
In this episode, Michael Keegan talks with Andrea Bonime‑Blanc, author of *Governing Pandora*, about the unprecedented convergence of generative AI and other exponential technologies and what it means for leadership and governance. Bonime‑Blanc explains her "exponential governance mindset," a five‑part...
Cross-Border Trafficking: From Detection to Interdiction
The article by Cognyte’s Vice President highlights how Fusion Centers and AI‑driven data fusion are strengthening detection and interdiction of cross‑border human trafficking. Recent collaborative operations rescued hundreds of children and resulted in dozens of arrests, showcasing the power of...
Submit Your Nominations for the 2026 Federal IT Efficiency Flywheel Awards
GovCIO Media & Research announced that nominations are now open for the 2026 Federal IT Efficiency Flywheel Awards, to be presented at the Federal IT Efficiency Summit on May 20 in Reston, Virginia. The awards honor federal employees whose recent programs...
Qualcomm Seeks Spectrum for 5G Sidelink to Aid First Responders
Qualcomm has filed a request with the FCC to secure dedicated spectrum for its 5G sidelink technology, aiming to support mission‑critical communications for first responders. The company plans to leverage device‑to‑device links that operate independently of traditional cellular infrastructure, enabling...
2026 Identity Fraud Targets Precise, Not Broad Attacks
This Week in Fraud (2/17) https://t.co/DeKt9G8P3d "2026 identity fraud is more sniper than shotgun" Great stuff from Nick. https://t.co/eNakT4O4Fd
'As Long as the Message Gets Out': Ky. FD Lights up TikTok with Fire Safety and a Sense of Humor
The Owensboro Fire Department (OFD) launched a TikTok channel to spread fire‑safety messages and boost recruitment. Within a week the account amassed 1,400 followers, with its debut video garnering over 15,000 views and subsequent clips reaching thousands. The department pairs...
EU Member States Are Able to “Partially Suspend” EU Entry/Exit System During the Summer Travel Peak
The European Commission announced that after the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout completes on 10 April 2026, member states may partially suspend the system for up to 90 days, with a possible 60‑day extension to cover the summer travel peak. This flexibility...
Micrologic Partners with Cohesity to Become the Leading Sovereign Cloud Data Protection Solution in Canada
Micrologic, a Canadian sovereign‑cloud provider, has teamed with AI‑driven data‑security firm Cohesity to launch a fully Canadian‑jurisdictional data‑protection platform. The joint solution combines Micrologic’s Canada‑only cloud infrastructure with Cohesity’s backup, disaster‑recovery and isolated recovery environment technology. It promises recovery speeds...
Thales and Georgia State of Driver Services Deliver Enrolment Kiosks to Issue Credentials
Thales, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), has deployed 30 inclusive enrolment kiosks across 23 high‑volume customer service centers. The kiosks enable citizens to renew licenses, obtain driving‑history reports, and change addresses without staff assistance. By...
$40K Grant From Gary Sinise Foundation Helps Pa. FD Replace Outdated Extrication Tools
The Gary Sinise Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to West Hazleton, Pa., fire department, enabling replacement of its 1994‑era extrication tools with lighter, higher‑capacity equipment. The new gear can lift overturned vehicles, railcars and stabilize structures, dramatically improving rescue operations. Department...
DfE Seeks Partner for Development of AI-Powered Tutoring Tools for Disadvantaged Students
The UK Department for Education (DfE) is issuing a £1.8 million contract to develop AI‑powered tutoring tools aimed at disadvantaged pupils. The procurement, expected to be awarded by May, will run for nearly three years with a possible one‑year extension. Up...
When Iran Took the Internet Hostage, Elon Musk Held the Keys
In early 2026 Iranian protests triggered a sweeping internet shutdown, but smuggled Starlink terminals let activists maintain contact with the outside world. The satellite service enabled images and messages to bypass state jamming, turning a near‑total blackout into a contested...
Home Affairs to Move All Visa Processing Online
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs will close all visa desks abroad, routing every application through its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform. The rollout, slated for completion by 2029, will extend from tourist visas to study, work and other categories,...
Ukraine Says Cyberattacks on Energy Grid Now Used to Guide Missile Strikes
Russian cyber actors targeting Ukraine’s energy grid have shifted from causing immediate outages to gathering intelligence that guides missile strikes. By mapping facilities, tracking repair crews, and monitoring recovery rates, they provide real‑time data that improves strike accuracy. The number...
Why National Unmanned Aircraft System Policy Must Lead with Integration – Not Interception
The United States faces a pivotal shift in unmanned aircraft system (UAS) policy, urging a move from a counter‑UAS‑first narrative to an integration‑first strategy. Lawful drone operations must become visible through Remote ID, Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and public education,...
Ransomware Gangs Advancing Moscow’s Geopolitical Aims, Romanian Cyber Chief Warns
Romanian officials say recent ransomware attacks on the country’s water agency, oil pipeline operator and coal‑based power producer were part of a coordinated Russian hybrid operation. Groups such as Qilin and Gentlemen, which speak Russian, claimed responsibility, linking the attacks...
Rohde & Schwarz Advances Airport Security with Walk-Through Scanning Technology
Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the QPS Walk2000, a millimeter‑wave walk‑through scanner that uses AI and machine learning to detect both metallic and non‑metallic threats in real time. The system allows passengers and staff to walk through at a normal pace...
IT Grads Find Opportunity at Home Affairs Departments
Amazon Web Services has placed 20 unemployed IT graduates in Gauteng home affairs offices through the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme. The graduates will receive foundational AWS cloud training, certification, mentorship and compensation through December, directly supporting the department's digital...
Attackers Exploit Ivanti EPMM Zero-Days to Seize Control of MDM Servers
Attackers are actively exploiting two critical Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM) zero‑days (CVE‑2026‑1281 and CVE‑2026‑1340) that allow unauthenticated remote code execution. More than 4,400 EPMM instances are exposed on the public internet, giving threat actors full control of enterprise mobile...
Banks, Operators to Drive Africa’s Stablecoin Tipping Point
African banks and mobile network operators are poised to accelerate stablecoin adoption, turning the continent’s burgeoning mobile‑money ecosystem into a mainstream digital payments layer. Ripple’s Reece Merrick highlighted that once banks and telcos embed stablecoins in custody, payments and treasury...
BBC – Police to Scan Football Fans’ Faces in Liverpool Using Live Facial Recognition
Police in Liverpool will employ live facial‑recognition technology during the Everton versus Manchester United Premier League match. The deployment is presented as a tool to manage crowds while respecting attendees' rights. Advocacy group Big Brother Watch criticised the move, urging...
U.S. Forest Service Stops Issuing Firefighter Pants That Contain PFAS, Following ProPublica’s Reporting
The U.S. Forest Service has stopped issuing wildland firefighter pants treated with PFAS after ProPublica exposed the agency’s long‑standing use of the chemicals. Supplier TenCate had been applying PFAS‑based finishes to Kevlar‑blend fabrics to repel gasoline and water, despite internal...
The Business Case for Dash Cams: Prioritizing ROI in a Precarious Fiscal Climate
Municipal fleets face tighter budgets as city revenues dip and confidence in meeting future fiscal needs wanes, prompting officials to scrutinize new technology spend. New research from Wakefield for Samsara shows dash cams delivering rapid ROI, with 96% of agencies...
Smart Technology for Safer Schools
South Africa's Department of Basic Education and police have launched a five‑year Safe Schools Protocol, prompting schools to adopt smart card platforms for daily access control. Modern NFC‑enabled cards combine identity verification, time‑based rules, biometrics, and cashless payment functions, creating...
Centre Approves ₹2,432 Crore to Implement Amended BharatNet Programme in Andhra Pradesh
The Indian government has approved ₹2,432 crore to fund the Amended BharatNet programme in Andhra Pradesh. The scheme, managed by the newly formed Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL), will upgrade 13,426 gram panchayats to a ring‑topology optical fiber network and...
Top ICT Tenders: SARS Mulls Tech Upgrades
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued three high‑profile ICT tenders aimed at overhauling its procurement ecosystem. One tender seeks an integrated strategic sourcing and e‑procurement platform that merges its current fragmented systems, integrates with existing ERP modules, and...
Cape Town Spearheads Public Engagement via Online Portal
Cape Town has launched a refreshed online collaboration platform that lets residents, workers and visitors submit ideas, join public consultations and comment on city projects. The digital hub supports English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, expanding access across the metropolis. Users can...
Pulselight Platform Now Available to NHS via £10bn Fortrus Framework
Pulselight has become an authorised partner on the £10 bn Fortrus Digital Enablement Framework, giving NHS trusts a fast, compliant route to acquire its advanced data‑analytics platform. The framework, created by the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, streamlines procurement...
ICASA Urges Telcos to Act Early on Licence Renewals
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued a reminder that all telecom licence holders must verify expiry dates and file renewal applications between 12 and six months before a licence lapses. The directive covers both Individual Electronic...
SA Maintains Mobile Network Quality Improvement
South Africa rose to 60th place out of 125 nations in Opensignal’s Global Network Excellence Index, up from 64th earlier in 2025. The index, released in February 2026, evaluates mobile performance on time spent on 4G/5G, Excellent Consistent Quality (ECQ)...
Bridging the Gap Between Technical Innovation and Development Impact
The article argues that open‑source software can bridge the gap between technical innovation and development outcomes, noting that roughly 80% of government digital‑transformation projects fall short of their goals. It cites high‑impact examples such as Linux, OpenSSL, and OpenMRS, which...
Defra Adopts Sustainable Tech Device Procurement
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a five‑year End User Services contract with Atos that will supply laptops, phones and tablets to its 30,000 staff, with 90 % of the 72,000 devices sourced as refurbished...
DWP Tech and STEM Placement Applications Close This Week
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Digital is accepting applications for its University Leavers Engineering Programme, a two‑year placement that blends hands‑on software and infrastructure engineering with leadership training and a master’s qualification. Launched in April 2025, the scheme operates...
How Did L.A. Police Solve So Many Killings in 2025?
The Los Angeles Police Department reported a 101 percent homicide clearance rate for 2025, far surpassing the roughly 58 percent national average. The figure reflects 156 of 230 murders solved that year and the clearance of 78 older cases, boosted...
Data for Breakfast Canberra
Snowflake is hosting "Data for Breakfast Canberra" on 17 March 2026, aimed at Australian Public Service (APS) data and AI professionals. The event will feature a Snowflake keynote on secure, AI‑ready data collaboration, public‑sector case studies, and deep‑dive sessions on agents and...
Washington D.C. Revolutionizes Air Traffic Control with Digital Flight Strips at Reagan National Airport
Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport has replaced its paper Flight Progress Strips with a digital ground‑control system supplied by Leidos. The upgrade is part of the FAA’s $12.5 billion National Airspace System modernization program and brings the United States in...
QLD Building Commission Moves IT Under Operations
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has reorganised its digital and information division under a newly appointed chief operating officer, Amanda Pafumi, replacing the former CDIO role with a general manager, digital and information. This shift integrates technology functions into...
Sri Lanka Launches CROPIX DPI to Bridge Gaps in Agriculture
Sri Lanka has launched CROPIX DPI, a national digital platform that consolidates fragmented agricultural data into a single, mobile‑accessible system. The platform integrates the crop registry, yield forecasts and climate analytics, enabling automated data exchange among farmers, officials and policymakers....
Mass. Fire Officials Credit Free Smoke Alarm Program with Saving Family in Mobile Home Fire
The Chelmsford Fire Department’s free "Get Alarmed Chelmsford" program installed smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors in the mobile‑home‑dense Chelmsford Commons neighborhood, achieving a 25% enrollment rate in its first month. On Feb. 8, a detector installed through the initiative woke a family...
FCC Votes to Expand Potential 900 MHz Broadband Usage
The FCC unanimously approved a report and order that expands the 900 MHz band from 6 MHz to a full 10 MHz for private‑wireless broadband use. The new rules let utilities, enterprises and critical‑infrastructure operators acquire the entire 5 × 5 MHz swath (896‑901/935‑940 MHz) while preserving...
California Tried to Protect Students’ Data. Tech Companies Found Loopholes
California is drafting Assembly Bill 1159 to tighten student data privacy after tech companies have exploited loopholes in the state’s 2014 education privacy law. The bill would expand the definition of education‑technology products, restrict AI use of student data, and...