The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched a new pilot program that will use artificial intelligence (AI) tech to proactively detect potential subway and commuter rail track defects before they escalate into operational issues that disrupt service to customers.

A new report from the nonprofit Educause finds that the higher education community is increasingly viewing artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic priority, but is still facing operational and institutional roadblocks to fully embracing the new technology.

Gene Dodaro, comptroller general of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), told lawmakers this week that his agency is preparing to potentially take President Donald Trump to court over his efforts to freeze Federal funding for programs that Congress has already approved.

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is working with the City of Sacramento to launch a Bus Stop Enforcement Program that is aimed at improving safety and accessibility for riders and SacRT employees.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety has created a new human trafficking dashboard that combines data from several state agencies into a centralized location to increase accessibility for the public, policy makers, and researchers.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act into law. The legislation bans smartphones and other personal electronic devices like smart watches from all public schools in Arkansas. The legislation will go into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. 

The cybersecurity nonprofit StateRAMP will transition to GovRAMP. The organization said the rebrand reflects its “ongoing mission to unify cybersecurity frameworks across all levels of government, including state, local, tribal, and educational institutions, while continuing to bridge the public and private sectors.”

The state of New York has launched a new website and interactive tree tracking tool that will help document progress towards the state’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has launched the Online Report Card, which will make K-12 public education data more accessible for students, families, and community members.

The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is asking state lawmakers to approve a $140.6 million budget request that includes $9.5 million of funding aimed at improving security and customer service for taxpayers and local governments.