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CDC Disease Tracking System Modernization Jeopardized by Cuts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in the middle of modernizing a data system responsible for tracking diseases across the nation, but recent layoffs and contract uncertainty have put the future of the critical system in jeopardy.
Recent News
  1. University of Tulsa Launches State’s First Cyber Range
    The University of Tulsa’s Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) announced the launch of the state’s first cyber range, which will focus on expanding services to protect and defend Oklahoma entities from cyber threats.
  2. Witnesses Urge Improvements for ‘Essential’ State/Local Cyber Grant Program
    The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is up for reauthorization this year, and cybersecurity experts testified before Congress on Tuesday to explain that the program is working but may need some tweaks to make it more effective.
  3. North Carolina, Raleigh Annette Taylor to Help Lead North Carolina’s Efforts to Close Digital Divide
    The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has named Annette Taylor as the new deputy secretary for NCDIT’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity. The position, created in July 2021, is intended to prioritize the state’s efforts to close the digital divide.
  1. NTIA Nominee Pledges Broadband Expansion Without Favoritism for Musk
    Arielle Roth, the Trump administration’s pick to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), pledged to implement Biden-era bipartisan broadband expansion plans while vowing not to favor White House advisor Elon Musk’s Starlink as part of that process.
  2. Better Together: A Community-based Approach Boosts State and Local Cybersecurity
    Evolving cybersecurity threats are putting constant pressure on state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) organizations, which must shore up their defenses despite limited resources. In a recent interview, Kateri Gill, Director of CIS Services at the Center for Internet Security (CIS), provides critical insight into navigating today’s cyber landscape.
  3. California Bill Targets AI-Powered ‘Robo Bosses’
    Calif. State Senator Jerry McNerney, a Democrat, has introduced the “No Robo Bosses Act” that would require human oversight of artificial intelligence systems in the workplace with the goal of preventing abuse.
  4. Virginia Expands Permit Transparency Website
    The Commonwealth of Virginia has added two new state agencies to its Virginia Permit Transparency (VPT) website, which serves as an online resource featuring the vast majority of permit applications considered by Virginia agencies.
  1. New York State Names First Chief AI Officer
    The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) announced the appointment of Shreya Amin as the state’s first chief artificial intelligence (AI) officer. In her new role, Amin will play a pivotal role in shaping AI strategy for ITS, its partner agencies, and New York State.
  2. Trump Issues Executive Order Seeking Broad Changes to Elections
    President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) on Tuesday that aims to make sweeping changes to U.S. elections, and warns that states will lose Federal election grants if they do not comply with new requirements.
  3. Alabama Schools Install new Weapon Detection Systems
    Huntsville City Schools (HCS) – the school district that serves Huntsville, Ala. – is rolling out a new advanced weapon detection systems at all elementary schools across the district.
  4. University of Hawaii Offers Free AI Training to Students, Employees
    The University of Hawaii is partnering with Google to provide free AI training to its students and employees across its 10-campus system.
  5. USF Lands $40M Gift to Create College for AI, Cybersecurity
    The University of South Florida (USF) has received a $40 million gift to establish the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
  6. Montana AG Bans Chinese AI Platform on Department Devices
    Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen banned the use of DeepSeek, a China-based artificial intelligence platform, on all Montana Department of Justice (MTDOJ) devices.
  7. Chicago Launches Workforce Vacancy Data Dashboard
    The Chicago Office of the Mayor and the City of Chicago’s Office of Budget and Management (OBM) have launched the Workforce Vacancy Data Dashboard on OBM’s website. The new interactive tool provides an accessible, user-friendly way to explore and filter vacancy data across all city departments.
  8. Oklahoma IT Disposal Program Supporting Conservation Efforts
    The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit partner of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, recently received a $15,000 donation thanks to the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services’ (OMES) IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) program.
  9. FCC Fast-Tracks Copper Line Phase-Out for Modern Networks
    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expediting its transition from legacy copper lines to modern network infrastructure after announcing a new series of actions to help streamline its modernization efforts.
  10. Hawaii Looks to Digitize Plants and Animals Declaration Form
    The state of Hawaii is piloting “Akamai Arrival,” a new program that will digitize the state’s Plants and Animals Declaration Form, with a goal of streamlining the process for travelers arriving in the islands.