Weekly

Priorities Podcast

Each Wednesday, StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast explores the latest in state and local government technology news and analysis. Listen to in-depth conversations with government and industry’s top executives, and learn about trending stories affecting state and local IT leaders ranging from modernization and digital accessibility to the latest advances in generative artificial intelligence.

The digital divide is shrinking, but ‘there’s still a long way to go’

Jeff Lopez, New Mexico's broadband director, and Jake Varn, associate manager with Pew Charitable Trust's broadband access initiative, said they're seeing healthy progress in broadband, but that…

5 days ago

Will we return to the ‘golden age of FEMA’?

Samantha Penta, an associate professor at the University of Albany, said proposed changes to FEMA's role in dealing with state and local agencies could affect their already…

May 13, 2026

‘Now is the time to build bridges,’ says Code for America CEO

The civic tech nonprofit Code for America is hosting its annual summit, in Chicago, this week. Amanda Renteria, the group’s chief executive, said the event is “one…

May 6, 2026

The nation’s public safety communications is at a crossroads

Paul Rosenzweig, former deputy assistant secretary for policy at the Department of Homeland Security, weighs in on FirstNet's most pressing decisions as Congress considers reauthorization.

Apr 29, 2026

How Utah’s AI policy office is laying the foundation for governance

Zachary Boyd, director of the Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, said successful AI policy will come from a recognition that no single party has all the…

Apr 22, 2026

Meet Texas’s new CIO, Tony Sauerhoff

Texas Chief Information Officer Tony Sauerhoff explains his vision for the future of IT in his state. AI, he said, will be "a big part" of it.

Apr 15, 2026

Lawsuits, soundwaves and broadband — A look at state IT’s latest headlines

On this episode of StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast, reporters Colin Wood, Keely Quinlan and Sophia Fox-Sowell talk about their biggest recent news stories. The fire department of San…

Apr 8, 2026

Meet CODE PA’s new executive director

Sara Hall, executive director of the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience, shares how she's been continuing the work started by state CIO Bry Pardoe.

Apr 1, 2026

Your Hosts

Colin Wood

Editor In Chief

Colin Wood is StateScoop's editor in chief. Contact him at colin.wood@statescoop.com or cwood.64 on Signal.

Keely Quinlan

Staff Reporter

@keelyquinlann

Keely Quinlan reports on privacy and digital government for StateScoop. She was an investigative news reporter with Clarksville Now in Tennessee, where she resides, and her coverage included local crimes, courts, public education and public health. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Stereogum and other outlets. She earned her bachelor’s in journalism and master’s in social and cultural analysis from New York University.

Sophia Fox-Sowell

Staff Reporter

@foxsophiamarie

Sophia Fox-Sowell reports on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and government regulation for StateScoop. She was previously a multimedia producer for CNET, where her coverage focused on private sector innovation in food production, climate change and space through podcasts and video content. She earned her bachelor’s in anthropology at Wagner College and master’s in media innovation from Northeastern University.

Priorities Podcast

Priorities Podcast

Your Hosts

Colin Wood

Keely Quinlan

Sophia Fox-Sowell

StateScoop Staff