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Chandler Treon

Chandler Treon is an Austin-based staff writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in literature and a master’s degree in technical communication, all from Texas State University.

  • Aerial view of a city illuminated in blue and covered in connecting blue lines to indicate connectivity.
    News
    Brownsville’s AI Factory: A Local Hub for Smart City Innovation
    What to Know:
    • The city-operated AI Factory processes real-time data from cameras, sensors and connected systems to enhance public safety, traffic control and emergency response, according to CIO Jorge Cardenas.
    • The platform is powered by the city’s own fiber network and private 5G infrastructure, allowing for secure, high-speed data processing without relying on third-party cloud providers.
    • Brownsville plans to offer compute capacity to neighboring cities that lack similar capabilities.
    Insider
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Shutterstock_Budgeting
    News
    Texas Budget and CIOs Signal Major IT Overhauls in 2026
    What to Know:
    • Texas’ 2026–27 state budget includes more than $1 billion in IT capital funding for modernization across key agencies.
    • Major initiatives include system overhauls at HHSC, TxDMV and DFPS, and creation of the new Texas Cyber Command.
    • Agencies are expanding use of AI, automation and data integration, with new vendor opportunities expected in late 2025 and into 2026.
    Insider
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Payments
    News
    Top Agencies, Vendors Drive $6.3B in Texas Tech Spend for FY 25
    What to Know:
    • The state of Texas spent about $6.3 billion on IT-related goods and services in Fiscal Year 2025.
    • The Health and Human Services Commission and Department of Transportation were the top-spending agencies.
    • Deloitte, Rackspace and the Texas Facilities Commission were among the highest-paid vendors.
    Insider
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A row of wooden figures of business people with a hand pushing the largest one on the far right up higher than the rest. Dark wood background.
    News
    Texas Government IT Sees Wave of Leadership Changes in 2025
    What to Know:
    • Several Texas agencies and cities appointed new CIOs in 2025, including Dallas, El Paso and the Office of Court Administration.
    • Long-serving CIOs in San Antonio and statewide judicial services announced plans to retire.
    • Agencies also added deputy CIOs to support cybersecurity, AI initiatives and IT modernization.
    Insider
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A row of students working on desktop computers in a computer lab.
    News
    Prairie View A&M Awarded $1.98M for Semiconductor Training Program
    What to Know:
    • The university received $1.98 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to launch a workforce training program in 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI) microelectronics.
    • The initiative is a partnership with the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute and Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing program, focusing on advanced semiconductor design and manufacturing skills.
    • The grant is part of the Texas CHIPS Act strategy to expand in-state semiconductor capabilities through education, research and industry collaboration.
    Insider
    December 19, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • San Antonio City Hall
    News
    San Antonio CIO to Retire, City Launches Search for Successor
    What to Know:
    • San Antonio CIO Craig Hopkins will retire in early 2026 after leading the city’s IT department since 2017.
    • Hopkins will stay through the transition to support continuity and onboarding of the new CIO.
    • The CIO role oversees a $330 million tech portfolio and is responsible for cybersecurity, digital services and IT strategy across 40 city departments.
    Insider
    December 18, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Medical technology, doctor use AI robots for diagnosis, care, and increasing accuracy patient treatment in future. Medical research and development innovation technology to improve patient health
    News
    Texas to Participate in New Tech-Driven Medicare Review Program
    What to Know:
    • Texas is a pilot state in CMS’ new WISeR Model, which uses AI and clinical review to reduce wasteful Medicare spending.
    • Cohere Health will operate in Texas, reviewing select Medicare services for medical necessity under the model.
    • Providers face new review options, including pre-authorization through WISeR participants or post-service audits, starting in 2026.
    Insider
    December 18, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • cybersecurity_shutterstock_217515769
    News
    CISA’s New Cyber Guidelines Could Help Texas Manage Growing Threats
    What to Know:
    • CISA’s updated cybersecurity goals are voluntary but provide clear, outcome-focused guidance for critical infrastructure protection.
    • Texas agencies have faced recent cyber incidents affecting water systems and public data, highlighting gaps the federal goals aim to address.
    • While not required, aligning with the goals may support funding eligibility, vendor alignment and insurance readiness for Texas organizations.
    Insider
    December 16, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A pile of tax documents.
    News
    Texas Comptroller Launches Local Fiscal Transparency Database
    What to Know:
    • The database offers public access to local bond, tax rate election and project spending data statewide.
    • Required fields include projected tax rates, election outcomes, ballot language, project lists and bond expenditure details.
    • Local governments are responsible for submitting accurate data; the Comptroller’s Office does not independently verify submissions.
    Insider
    December 16, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • quantum computing processor
    News
    UT Austin Awarded $4.8M to Launch Quantum Metrology Facility
    What to Know:
    • UT Austin’s Texas Quantum Institute received $4.8 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to establish QLab, a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility.
    • QLab will support semiconductor and quantum industries by advancing measurement tools critical to chip manufacturing at the atomic scale.
    • The grant is part of Texas’ broader strategy under the Texas CHIPS Act to strengthen research, manufacturing and workforce development in the semiconductor sector.
    Insider
    December 12, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Trump
    News
    Trump AI Order Sets Up Potential Clash With Texas Laws
    What to Know:
    • A new federal executive order aims to curb state laws that create compliance burdens or compel changes to AI model outputs.
    • Trump’s executive order directs federal agencies to challenge conflicting state AI laws, with legal, regulatory and funding actions set to begin within 90 days.
    • Texas laws such as TRAIGA and HB 4 could face pre-emption or funding penalties if deemed inconsistent with the national AI policy framework.
    Insider
    December 12, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • flooding
    News
    Texas Cities and Counties Invest in Flood Tech
    What to Know:
    • Kerr County officials are moving forward with a new flood warning system in partnership with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority.
    • San Marcos is seeking $4.78 million in state funding, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority has earmarked $1.5 million to support local deployment.
    • The Texas Department of Information Resources has launched a statewide procurement for flood early warning systems under its Cooperative Contracts Program.
    Insider
    December 11, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Plainview Courthouse.png
    News
    Plainview Promotes David Ellis to IT Director
    Ellis succeeds Isauro Gutierrez, who held the role for 12 years.
    Insider
    December 11, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person in a business suit tearing up a contract that says "cancelled" in red letters on it.
    News
    Texas Cancels HUB Certifications, Shifts Focus to Veterans
    What to Know:
    • Texas has replaced its HUB program with VetHUB, focusing solely on businesses owned by veterans.
    • Emergency rules eliminate race- and sex-based eligibility, aligning with Gov. Abbott’s Executive Order GA-55.
    • Previous HUB certifications will be revoked unless businesses meet the new veteran criteria.
    Insider
    December 09, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Silicon,Wafer,Negative,Color,In,Machine,In,Semiconductor,Manufacturing
    News
    Temple College Awarded $9.8M for Semiconductor Training Hub
    What to Know:
    • Temple College received $9.8 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to create the Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor.
    • The program will offer stackable credentials, certifications and degrees, including an applied bachelor’s in semiconductor technology.
    • This is the second TSIF grant to a Texas college, following a $3.6 million award to Austin Community College for a semiconductor lab in Round Rock.
    Insider
    December 09, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The bitcoin logo in orange and yellow on a dark background surrounded by connected yellow dots.
    News
    Texas Invests $5 Million in Bitcoin Under New Law
    What to Know:
    • Texas is the first U.S. state to allocate public funds to bitcoin, following the creation of a digital asset reserve.
    • A $5 million bitcoin purchase was reported in November.
    • Vendors may see future opportunities as the state moves toward direct custody and supporting infrastructure.
    Insider
    December 05, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • TASSCC DIR Panel 2025.png
    News
    From Guidance to Execution: DIR Pilots Full-Service Procurement Support
    What to Know:
    • Texas leaders made clear that AI is now an expected part of funding and oversight conversations, and vendors should prepare to quantify efficiency gains.
    • A new “Procurement-as-a-Service” model aims to help smaller agencies modernize faster with DIR support.
    • Contracts move faster when vendors come prepared with an understanding of state-mandated terms.
    Insider
    December 05, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Stephanie Muth.
    News
    Muth to Succeed Young as Head of Texas Health Agency
    What to Know:
    • Stephanie Muth will become executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on Jan. 3, succeeding Cecile Erwin Young.
    • Muth previously led the Department of Family and Protective Services and held multiple senior positions at HHSC.
    Insider
    December 04, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas AG Licensing Portal.png
    News
    Agriculture Dept. Launches New Agencywide Licensing System
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has launched a new, fully digitized licensing system to make it easier to apply for, renew and update licenses.
    • The agency says the system adds online applications, dashboard renewals, real-time updates and status tracking with notifications.
    • The new system was built internally, allowing TDA to tailor the platform to agency needs while saving taxpayer dollars.
    Insider
    December 04, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Columns outside a courthouse formed by blue and orange data points. Dark background.
    News
    Texas Senators Urge Congress to Reject AI Law Ban
    What to Know:
    • A bipartisan group of 16 Texas senators is urging Congress to reject a federal moratorium on state AI laws.
    • The Trump administration is seeking to block state-level AI regulations through the NDAA or executive action.
    • Lawmakers warn the move would undermine Texas' new AI law, TRAIGA, and violate states’ rights.
    Insider
    December 02, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Warning,Of,A,System,Hacked.,Virus,,Cyber,Attack,,Malware,Concept.
    News
    Frisco Disables Emergency Alert System After Cyber Attack
    What to Know:
    • Frisco’s CodeRED alert system has been taken offline following a cyber attack that exposed user data.
    • City officials are advising residents to change reused passwords immediately, as the compromised data may impact other personal or business accounts.
    • The breach is part of a wider cybersecurity event impacting jurisdictions nationwide.
    Insider
    December 02, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Closeup of a person about to press on a keyboard key that is colored blue and says "outsourcing" on it.
    News
    DIR Seeks Cooperative Contracts for End-User IT Outsourcing Services
    What to Know:
    • DIR has opened a competitive solicitation to refresh or expand its vendor pool for end-user IT outsourcing services.
    • Vendors may offer services including desktop support, asset management, hosted virtual desktops and emerging tech like AI and cloud solutions.
    • Selected vendors will enter Master Cooperative Contracts and serve a wide range of public-sector customers across Texas.
    Insider
    November 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person in a business suit sitting at a table typing on a laptop. There are symbols hovering above the laptop including "AI" and locks, peoples and buildings.
    News
    Texas Parks and Wildlife Outlines Internal AI Use Policy
    What to Know:
    • TPWD’s new internal AI policy outlines rules for the responsible use of generative AI tools by agency staff.
    • All AI tools must be approved by the IT Division, with strict limits on high-risk use cases.
    • The policy emphasizes training, data privacy and human oversight in AI-assisted decision-making.
    Insider
    November 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A broadband tower in the middle of a rural landscape.
    News
    Texas Secures $1.27 Billion for Broadband Expansion
    What to Know:
    • Texas received federal approval for its $1.27 billion BEAD plan, selecting 22 providers to deliver broadband service to more than 240,000 unserved and underserved locations statewide.
    • A state-funded match program awarded $177 million to help smaller providers meet federal cost-sharing requirements without reducing project scope.
    • Projects were selected through a competitive process emphasizing speed, scalability and cost-efficiency.
    Insider
    November 25, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • An abstract background concept of a cybersecurity map
    News
    Texas Purchases Statewide MS-ISAC Membership Under New Model
    What to Know:
    • Texas has secured a statewide MS-ISAC membership through November 2026.
    • The federal government ended funding for MS-ISAC in late 2025, citing redundancy with other federal programs and shifting cybersecurity priorities.
    • Texas members will continue to receive threat intelligence, incident response support and domain-blocking tools.
    Insider
    November 21, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • San Antonio
    News
    San Antonio Names Shannon Lawson CISO/RSOC Director
    What to Know:
    • Shannon Lawson has been named chief information security officer for the city of San Antonio and director of the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center.
    • He most recently served as CISO at Redapt and was previously assistant CIO and CISO for the city of Phoenix.
    • Lawson’s background includes leadership roles with the state of Alaska, NAVWAR, the U.S. Navy and NSA.
    Insider
    November 21, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The iconic Texas Aggie class ring on A&M's campus.
    News
    Vince Kellen Named CIO of Texas A&M University System
    What to Know:
    • Vince Kellen will lead IT strategy as CIO for the Texas A&M University System starting Dec. 1.
    • He was previously CIO at the University of California, San Diego, overseeing AI and research tech modernization.
    • Kellen holds a doctorate in computer science with a focus on human-computer interaction.
    Insider
    November 20, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The state of Texas flag superimposed over a pile of $100 bills.
    News
    The Perfect Match: Long-Term Partnerships Over One-Time Sales
    What to Know:
    • A panel at the Texas IT Leadership Forum emphasized that successful vendor relationships depend on collaboration, not commodity-style transactions.
    • Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas and state courts CIO Casey Kennedy highlighted key differences in how cities and state agencies manage procurement, especially around pricing flexibility and vendor capacity.
    • Speakers urged vendors to invest in long-term partnerships through effective communication.
    Insider
    November 20, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Grace Ruwwe Headshot.png
    News
    CSEC Director of IT Named CIO of the Year
    Commission on State Emergency Communications Director of IT Grace Ruwwe and public-sector IT leaders from various agencies were recognized for their contributions to the state’s public service.
    Insider
    November 20, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Angelo State University sign.
    News
    Angelo State RSOC Requires Student Collaboration in New RFP
    What to Know:
    • Angelo State University (ASU) is procuring a vendor to design, develop and implement a cybersecurity data dashboard for its Regional Security Operations Center.
    • Student collaboration is a core requirement of the solicitation.
    • The solution must integrate with ASU’s Microsoft environment and tools like ServiceNow, CrowdStrike and Okta, and comply with security standards including NIST and FedRAMP.
    Insider
    November 18, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
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