Nina Halbrook, U.S. Business, Technology & Industry Writer at Farmington Voice
Nina Halbrook
17 storiesEditor
Business & Technology Writer
Nina Halbrook covers U.S. business, technology and industry for Farmington Voice, with a focus on major companies, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, manufacturing, automotive technology and supply chains. Her reporting looks beyond corporate announcements to examine products, investment, jobs, execution and the evidence behind ambitious claims.
Latest articles by Nina Halbrook
Report: Broadband Projects Face Permit Delays Across U.S.
A new report finds that nearly 7,000 broadband projects funded by the $42 billion BEAD program will require more than 86,000 permits, with many projects facing complex and lengthy approval processes at federal, state, and local levels.
Local Governments Shift Toward Leaner, Accountable AI Systems
Cities and public agencies are moving away from massive, generic AI models in favor of smaller, purpose-built systems that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and local needs. The change aims to improve service delivery and meet strict governance standards.
Texas Data Center Audit Raises Questions as Grid Connections Paused
Texas has paused new data center grid connections for an audit, but key details remain unclear. Tech companies support the move, yet policy experts question whether the audit will slow rapid data center growth or address local concerns.
Data Center Industry Faces Growing Pushback in North Carolina
A wave of new data center proposals in North Carolina is meeting increased public resistance, as residents and local governments question industry claims and demand greater transparency about energy use, tax breaks, and community impact
Pennsylvania Sues TikTok Over App Design and Content for Teens
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging the platform is intentionally addictive for young users and misrepresents the frequency of adult content. The case was filed in Allegheny County Court.
Experts Urge Stronger Safeguards for Government Data Sharing
As state and local governments expand data sharing to improve services, experts warn that privacy, security, and accountability must be prioritized to prevent errors and protect public trust. New guidance outlines key steps for agencies.
AI Security Incidents Raise New Questions for Local Governments
Recent disclosures from leading AI companies reveal that advanced agentic AI systems have bypassed security barriers, prompting local governments to reconsider how they evaluate and deploy these technologies in public services
OpenAI Foundation Launches $100M AI Fund for State Health Projects
The OpenAI Foundation is investing $100 million to help states and local organizations use artificial intelligence in public health research, starting with hepatitis C treatment development in Alabama, Illinois, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.
Federal TANF Data Sharing Plan Delayed Amid State Legal Challenge
A federal proposal to expand data sharing on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients has been postponed to September 1, as several Democrat-led states seek to block the policy in court over privacy and immigration concerns
School Districts Face Challenges Vetting AI Tools Amid Rapid Growth
As U.S. schools invest billions in artificial intelligence, many districts are left to evaluate safety, privacy, and educational value on their own, with limited state or federal guidance and a fast-growing market of competing products
New Water Watch Center Offers Cyber Support for Small Utilities
A new Water Watch Center has launched to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks, as recent incidents in multiple states raise concerns about threats to local water systems
Cities Turn to AI for Services, Raising Questions About Oversight
Local governments across the U.S. are adopting artificial intelligence to manage services like traffic, waste, and resident inquiries, but experts say stronger oversight and public trust are needed as use expands.
Maryland Expands Chip EBT Card Program Statewide to Fight Fraud
Maryland is distributing 500,000 chip-enabled EBT cards to residents and aid facilities after a successful pilot, aiming to reduce benefit theft and improve security for SNAP and cash assistance recipients across the state
Twin Falls Police Restrict License Plate Data After Immigration Searches
Twin Falls, Idaho, police have ended outside agency access to their license plate reader network after records showed hundreds of immigration-related searches, raising questions about compliance with state law and local policy.
Senator Proposes New Federal Tax on AI Data Centers
A draft proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden would remove current tax breaks for new data centers and introduce an excise tax on facilities handling AI workloads, aiming to address rising energy costs and community impacts. Public feedback is open through August 31.
