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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.

  • broadband
    News
    Texas Broadband Office Halts Federal Grant Disbursements Amid Reviews
    What to Know:
    • The hold took effect Monday and will remain in place until further notice, with no reason provided to grant recipients.
    • The action comes as the State Auditor’s Office conducts a performance audit and the comptroller conducts a separate internal review.
    • Texas selected 22 applicants for $1.2 billion in federal grants intended to serve more than 240,000 broadband-serviceable locations.
    Insider
    August 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Destroyed car is submerged in the Blanco River
    News
    Emergency Communications Commission Seeks ~$10M for Tech
    What to Know:
    • CSEC’s LAR includes about $10 million in general revenue exceptional-item funding tied to emergency communications technology.
    • The administrator’s statement identifies computer-aided dispatch and emergency notification systems as the two funding areas.
    • The LAR also includes about $1.2 million in baseline data center services funding for the biennium.
    Insider
    August 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of the Texas House chamber with people milling about inside. Most of them are wearing medical face masks.
    News
    Upcoming Hearings to Watch: Broadband, Data Centers, Cybersecurity and AI
    What to Know:
    • Broadband lawmakers will examine state and federal funding awards, pole attachment fees and potential obstacles to expanding service on Aug. 18.
    • State Affairs will focus Aug. 19 on data center growth, regulation, workforce needs and Senate Bill 6.
    • The DOGE Committee will review Texas Cyber Command implementation and Department of Information Resources oversight.
    Insider
    August 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas Tech University Logo Phone.png
    News
    Texas Tech Seeks $71M for Advanced Computing Expansion
    What to Know:
    • The request includes $35 million for computing infrastructure, $22.8 million for research and $13.2 million for academic programs.
    • Texas Tech plans to build on its NVIDIA GB300 environment with next-generation Vera Rubin architecture.
    • The university wants at least 5,000 students annually participating in computational micro-credential and upskilling programs.
    Insider
    August 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Dallas police officers at the scene of a crime in December 2023.
    News
    $3.2M Dallas Police Contract Would Consolidate Investigative Tech
    What to Know:
    • The five-year, $3.2 million agreement is scheduled for City Council consideration Aug. 25.
    • The platform would combine property-record searches with cellular mapping, data analysis and cellphone extraction tools.
    • Dallas says consolidating multiple existing agreements would improve data integration and reduce fragmented workflows.
    Insider
    August 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Computer programming glitch
    News
    Coryell County Works to Restore Systems After Technology Disruption
    What to Know:
    • County officials have not publicly identified the cause of the disruption or specified which systems were affected.
    • Emergency and other essential public safety services remained available while restoration work continued.
    • The Aug. 11 Commissioners Court agenda includes an IT transition update and a separate closed-session discussion of network security and critical infrastructure.
    Insider
    August 11, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person working on a laptop showing multiple graphs on the screen in bright cyan blue.
    News
    Cyber Command Director-Level Hirings Illustrate Leadership Organization
    What to Know:
    • The Information Sharing and Analysis Organization will oversee three centers focused on stakeholders, cyber practices and innovation.
    • The structure aligns with the command’s strategic plan priorities around information sharing, workforce development, research and emerging technologies.
    • Texas Cyber Command is scaling toward 122 employees as it builds functions transferred from the Department of Information Resources.
    Insider
    August 11, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of a Texas highway interchange on a sunny day.
    News
    TxDOT Draft LAR Includes $391M IT Capital Budget
    What to Know:
    • The proposal is about $3 million less than in the previous budget.
    • Cybersecurity funding would decrease from the previous proposal, while data center consolidation and legacy modernization would rise.
    • A $5 million advanced air mobility item includes planning for operational integration architecture, vertiport design and corridor delivery.
    Insider
    August 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Empty voting booths in a voting center.
    News
    Texas Election System Undergoing Architectural, Data Changes
    What to Know:
    • Civix is making summer changes aimed at improving system speed, reporting and data indexing.
    • The state spent about $660,000 onboarding 11 counties after VOTEC encountered financial problems.
    • The Secretary of State’s Office is considering outside consultants to evaluate the system as a whole.
    Insider
    August 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Austin skyline just after sundown.
    News
    Travis County Recommends $91M Tech Budget
    What to Know:
    • Recurring software and hardware agreements would receive a $2.1 million increase across 174 contracts.
    • Major projects include electronic health records, justice-system replacements and digital magistration.
    • Capital plans cover end-of-life infrastructure and 884 county computers.
    Insider
    August 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A shopping cart made of bright red lines surrounded by bright red and blue lines like a data highway. Dark background.
    News
    HHSC Adds Rural AI, Cyber Grants to Procurement Forecast
    What to Know:
    • Two rural health grant opportunities focus on AI, telehealth and cybersecurity services.
    • Three technology procurements were pushed back, including data broker services and a public health electronic health record system.
    • HHSC did not provide estimated values for the newly listed grant opportunities.
    Insider
    August 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A computer chip layout with a vehicle icon in the center, all illuminated in blue against a black background.
    News
    TxDMV Plan Centers on Registration and Title System Modernization
    What to Know:
    • TxDMV is replacing its legacy Registration and Title System through a phased project expected to take three biennia.
    • The 89th Legislature approved $125 million for the system modernization.
    • The plan includes $49 million in technology replacement and upgrade projects across fiscal years 2027-2031.
    Insider
    August 04, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas flag on a flagpole next to the Alamo.
    News
    Chris Minchew Joins Fortinet as Texas SLED Named Account Manager
    What to Know:

    • Minchew brings about eight years of technology sales and account management experience.
    • His career has centered on supporting public-sector technology customers across Texas.
    • He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in business marketing and management from Texas Tech University.
    Insider
    August 04, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • US-NEWS-ONE-NORTH-TEXAS-LARGEST-WATER-1-DA.jpg
    News
    Plano Budget Proposes $6.2M in Technology Replacements
    What to Know:
    • The replacement plan covers core infrastructure, employee devices, security cameras, audiovisual systems and emergency communications equipment.
    • Information Security funding would rise 21.1 percent, supporting zero-trust access, network detection, penetration testing and expanded risk management.
    • Other planned work includes new asset-management software, traffic-management computers and foundational development for an AI-enabled digital service portal.
    Insider
    July 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Dallas on a sunny day.
    News
    James Wilkinson Named Dallas Chief Information Security Officer
    What to Know:
    • Wilkinson will begin the role Aug. 17 and lead Dallas’ enterprise information security program.
    • He brings more than 25 years of technology, cybersecurity, risk management and operational leadership experience.
    • His background includes 26 years of military service and senior roles at MUFG, Lockheed Martin and Wells Fargo.
    Insider
    July 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Student Laptops.jpeg
    News
    DIR to Issue Solicitation for End-User IT Outsourcing Services
    What to Know:
    • The forthcoming request for offers will cover services and equipment supporting end-user computing environments.
    • The solicitation will be offered through the Department of Information Resources’ Cooperative Contracts Program.
    • DIR plans to post the RFO Aug. 11.
    Insider
    July 31, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Broadband
    News
    Texas Broadband Awards Face Audit After Lawmakers Question Process
    What to Know:
    • The audit will examine how the Broadband Development Office evaluated applications, changed payment terms and documented award decisions.
    • Lawmakers questioned whether some satellite and middle-mile projects received favorable treatment despite competing proposals or existing service.
    • Providers called for clearer scoring, stronger mapping, better challenge procedures and more explanation when applications are rejected.
    Insider
    July 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A row of servers in a Google data center.
    News
    Texas Senators Examine Rising Cost of Data Center Tax Breaks
    What to Know:
    • Lawmakers discussed mandatory reporting on electricity, water and project benefits as a condition of receiving the exemption.
    • Witnesses urged the state to give host communities more control over local tax incentives, infrastructure demands and land-use impacts.
    • The committee took no vote, leaving repeal, restructuring and other safeguards for possible consideration next session.
    Insider
    July 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Cybersecurity: Managing Risk
    News
    HHSC Plan Emphasizes Cybersecurity, AI, Data Governance
    What to Know:

    • HHSC plans to modernize cybersecurity with Zero Trust access, continuous monitoring and post-quantum cryptography.
    • Data priorities include analytics for fraud detection, data stewardship policies and a connected analytics data mart.
    • The agency is seeking higher IT procurement thresholds, citing overlapping reviews and longer timelines for large technology projects.
    Insider
    July 28, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Flock Safety license plate reader
    News
    Conroe Council Seeks Vote on License Plate Cameras
    What to Know:
    • The existing Flock Safety program remains in place, with no new review process or ballot measure approved.
    • Council members cited public safety benefits alongside concerns about privacy, data access, retention and oversight.
    • The council must vote before Aug. 17 on whether to put the issue on the November ballot.
    Insider
    July 28, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Illustration of an open laptop with book pages coming off of the screen. Dark blue background with bright cyan blue cloud symbols.
    News
    Texas Higher Education Board Adopts AI Code of Ethics
    What to Know:
    • The policy creates a formal process for complaints and review when the agency’s use of AI produces an adverse outcome.
    • It emphasizes human review, privacy, security, transparency and agency accountability.
    • The policy governs the coordinating board, not Texas colleges and universities.
    Insider
    July 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Austin City Hall on a sunny day.
    News
    Austin Approves $20M in Technology Investments
    What to Know:
    • All nine items moved through the consent agenda, with only the payment-processing amendment drawing separate comment.
    • The package includes cybersecurity training, network threat management, data analytics and systems supporting city utilities and courts.
    • The $20 million figure combines new contract ceilings, contract increases, grant funding and required city matches.
    Insider
    July 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Downtown Austin and the capitol as seen from Congress Avenue.
    News
    Texas HHS IT Budget Director Announces Retirement
    What to Know:
    • Dorothy Sinclair has spent more than 18 years with Texas Health and Human Services.
    • Her current role includes oversight of a $2 billion biennial IT budget.
    • The agency named Blanca Tondre as IT budget director in May.
    Insider
    July 23, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Beaumont, Texas, skyline on a sunny day.
    News
    Beaumont Weighs Technology Needs in Tight Budget Year
    What to Know:
    • Departments submitted $2.9 million in new IT requests.
    • Proposed spending includes $726,000 for an enterprise resource planning project and $767,000 to replace end-of-life Cityworks software.
    • Officials are also considering better mapping of water meters.
    Insider
    July 23, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • BANNER_Austin_1.jpg
    News
    Austin Unveils Budget for Consolidated IT Department
    What to Know:
    • The ONE-ATS initiative would transfer 191 IT positions from 15 departments without eliminating jobs.
    • The city expects $5.8 million in technology savings from retiring redundant applications and contracts.
    • Proposed funding includes updates to permitting, public-safety communications and enterprise software systems.
    Insider
    July 21, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • nurse
    News
    Board of Nursing Eyes $1.7M Technology Modernization Request
    What to Know:
    • Three servers and two storage devices are expected to reach end of life in November 2027, according to board materials.
    • The proposal includes server and storage replacement, cloud-based disaster recovery, records management, website hosting and enterprise software costs.
    • A separate staffing request includes technology-related positions for cybersecurity, data analysis and system support.
    Insider
    July 21, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas flag on a flagpole next to the Alamo.
    News
    What We're Hearing: TFC CIO May Be Headed to General Land Office
    What to Know:
    • Manukonda has served as the Texas Facilities Commission’s CIO since 2022.
    • The General Land Office’s CIO post opened when Sean Peterson left in May for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
    • Neither agency has publicly confirmed the personnel move.
    Insider
    July 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Hands holding a phone with a chatbot graphic saying "hi."
    News
    DIR Chatbot Notice Offers Look at AI Disclosure Expectations
    What to Know:
    • Vendors may need to document model ownership, government data sources, training practices and external data sharing.
    • Testing, human oversight, retention, user feedback and encryption could become routine parts of agency reviews.
    • Suppliers that cannot provide clear governance details may make it harder for agencies to complete required public disclosures.
    Insider
    July 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Houston_shutterstock_4419276341
    News
    Harris County Budget Hearings Surface Tech Opportunities
    What to Know:
    • Harris County is moving toward vendor engagement to replace an enterprise resource planning system and purchase new tolling equipment and commercial permitting software.
    • Other potential opportunities include vendor-management tools, traffic signal battery systems and upgrades tied to county software and 311 services.
    • Many projects remain early-stage, with funding, scope and procurement schedules still pending.
    Insider
    July 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The columns and edge of the roof of a court building as seen from below.
    News
    Texas Indigent Defense Commission Floats Tech, AI Modernization Request
    What to Know:
    • TIDC’s proposal identifies possible tools for legal research, drafting, discovery review, trial preparation, case management and client administration.
    • The technology component is part of a broader $64.1 million proposal to stabilize and modernize public defense systems.
    • The posted document lists conflicting cost figures for the technology component, so the final request amount remains unclear.
    Insider
    July 16, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
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