What to Know:

• TxDOT’s 2026-2027 budget includes $394 million for IT modernization, cybersecurity and connected infrastructure.
• Capital funding supports facility upgrades and embedded tech to improve operations and data collection.
• Recent AI strategy shifts TxDOT from pilot projects to agencywide deployments in automation and analytics.

What to Know:

• Houston ISD will pilot two new K-8 schools focused on artificial intelligence and workforce readiness.
• Curriculum elements include AI tools, design thinking and real-world problem-solving experiences.
• The announcement comes amid broader discussions about school consolidation and declining enrollment, with Superintendent Mike Miles citing potential funding sources and partnerships to support innovation and reduce costs.

What to Know:

• Myers spent nearly 14 years at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• He announced the move in a LinkedIn post, where he expressed gratitude for mentors and emphasized a continued commitment to public service.
• Myers joins DIR during a leadership transition, with Amanda Crawford appointed insurance commissioner and Tony Sauerhoff now serving as interim CIO.

What to Know:

• TxDOT has completed more than a dozen AI projects and is actively developing more than 20 others, with 200-plus use cases identified.
• The updated plan aligns with new state law and introduces a formal scoring system to prioritize AI initiatives based on readiness, risk and impact.
• Key deployments include automated invoice processing, traffic incident detection and the rollout of generative AI tools to staff.

What to Know:

• AI training will be mandatory for state and local government employees starting in FY 2026 under House Bill 3512.
• DIR will certify at least five training programs that meet new criteria focused on responsible AI use, risk mitigation and accessibility.
• Submission guidance is expected by the end of January.

Oracle’s DB@ partnerships refers to initiatives in which Oracle offers its flagship database products as managed services running directly within other major cloud providers' infrastructure — AWS, Azure, & Google.

This year marked the inception of BMC Helix as an independent company. And we’re not just growing. We’re building for the future, boldly and for the long term. That’s why being recognized as a leader in The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise Service Management, Q4 2025 report is more than recognition.

Whether launching a customer-facing app or a cloud-native platform or integrating emerging technologies, effective quality assurance (QA) ensures software performs flawlessly, consistently, securely and swiftly. With AI, this strategic pillar of modern enterprises is undergoing a transformation — evolving into intelligent QA that delivers greater speed, precision and adaptability in testing.