New York

The appointment of Eleonore Fournier-Tombs as chief AI officer and Stephen Graham as chief digital officer signals a more coordinated approach to AI, tech policy and public services as leadership roles evolve.

The new unit, part of the Office of Information Technology Services’ statewide strategy, will focus on New York State Police’s specific needs while preserving shared IT services like AI and information security.

New York state Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Friday — the RAISE Act — that creates safety requirements for AI developers and establishes a new oversight entity, which will issue annual reports.

New York state's policy banning students from having personal devices during the school day have led to improved concentration among students, though some parents have expressed concerns.

The renewal of a state grant program for local public agencies focuses on cybersecurity and other areas that involve gov tech. Officials encourage governments to partner on projects that could receive funding.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is pouring an additional $40 million into the clean energy workforce with aims of upping the state’s nuclear and AI capabilities.

State police announced on Wednesday the total number of tickets issued for the holiday enforcement period which began Nov. 26 and ran through Sunday, Nov. 30.

A recent survey of school administrators found that 92 percent reported a “smooth transition” during the first few months of the state's new phone policy, and 83 percent reported a more positive and engaged environment.

A multistate agreement between New York, California, Connecticut and Illuminate Education reinforces growing expectations that technology vendors take stronger measures to protect student information.

With the average cost of breaches on the rise, cybersecurity must be regarded like any other disaster, according to the Local Government Cybersecurity Alliance. Residual costs of incidents must be accounted for, a co-founder said.

As the invasive insect spreads, putting plant populations like grapevines and their related industries at risk, governments at all levels are using technology like drones and GIS to monitor the issue.

The endeavor is intended to train thousands of staffers on AI fundamentals using real-world applications, through a collaboration with InnovateUS. Other state and local governments are engaged in similar training.

Jacob, the state’s former chief digital transformation officer, succeeds longtime executive deputy CIO Jennifer Lorenz. His priorities will include helping provide AI education and training to the state workforce.

The state has set reporting deadlines for local governments, along with rules about ransomware attacks. The move reflects a larger trend as public officials seek to boost their cyber defenses.

A recent report by the New York City-based Center for an Urban Future found that 52 percent of New York high schools offer at least one foundational computer science class, raising questions about future job preparedness.

New funding distributed through the New York School Bus Incentive Program will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to cover electric buses, charging infrastructure and fleet electrification planning.

The brand-new job went to data and AI expert Shreya Amin earlier this year, but she has departed. The job opening, which has received "promising" applicants, is designed to help the state spark more innovation.

A new cyber grant program and new cybersecurity regulations for water and wastewater systems, announced Tuesday, aim to support water system resilience and protect public health in the state of New York.