Inspector General flags Amtrak’s contracting process as potential fraud risk

Amtrak’s contracting process has vulnerabilities that could lead to fraud and overpayment, according to a new Office of Inspector General (OIG) report released July 2. The findings come as Amtrak receives increased funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), highlighting the need for better oversight of these investments. According to the report, company […]

Iowa opens application period for $400M broadband expansion program

The Iowa Department of Management, Division of Information Technology is making $400 million available to facilitate broadband infrastructure and deployment across the state. The round will officially open for applications today and will close July 30. Released through the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program, the initiative pulls from the federal Broadband, Equity, Access and […]

Virginia deploys AI review of government regulatory processes

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 51 on July 11, launching the nation’s first agentic artificial intelligence-driven regulatory review. Agentic artificial intelligence (AI) refers to AI technologies that can act independently to complete complex tasks with minimal human input. Instead of simply responding to prompts, it takes initiative, performs multi-step processes and makes decisions […]

Washington State plans $419M investment for multifamily housing developments

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Multifamily Housing Unit plans to invest $419 million in state funding to increase housing availability over the next two years. According to the MHU’s Biennial Investment Strategy, eligible projects will include multifamily housing development — including new constructions, acquisitions and rehabilitations — that will benefit people who are low-income, […]

Ohio targets traffic safety with over $137M transportation investment

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced a $137.5 million investment for roadway safety earlier this month, marking the ninth consecutive year the state has led the nation in per‑capita transportation investment. This year’s funding focuses on reducing pedestrian deaths. Last year, 125 pedestrians were killed in Ohio and so far this year 50 have […]

Supreme Court clears restriction for federal education layoffs, reform

The Supreme Court is lifting a restriction on the Trump administration, allowing for widespread workforce reductions at the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The high court’s unsigned order on Monday will overrule a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the administration from implementing widespread layoffs across the DOE.  The preliminary injunction, issued in May by a federal […]

California awards $100M for BART extension through San Jose, Santa Clara

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has awarded two grants, totaling $100 million, to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II (BSVII) project. Supporting the project, CTC approved $25 million from the 2025 Local Partnership Competitive Program, which supports projects that address mobility and transportation […]