Artificial Intelligence
AI therapy chatbots draw new oversight as suicides raise alarm
Despite Trump efforts to override state laws, legislators press ahead.
While Washington talks AI, 16,000 small towns are on their own
COMMENTARY | Federal initiatives and state programs to help local governments navigate artificial intelligence are flourishing. But they're barely reaching the communities that need them most.
New York lawmakers are ready to try regulating the AI industry again
Past bills attempting to rein in the powerful industry have been watered down, but lawmakers have ambitious plans to regulate AI in 2026.
California investigates Elon Musk’s AI company after ‘avalanche’ of complaints about sexual content
Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office is looking into whether a new AI image editing tool from Elon Musk's company violates California law.
Denver schools blocking students’ access to ChatGPT over concerns about group chats, adult content
District officials said the popular AI chatbot’s new features could lead to cyberbullying and expose students to content related to self-harm and violence.
Kentucky attorney general’s lawsuit says AI company ‘preys’ on youth
The suit alleges the company has violated the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, the Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act and other laws.
How preemption worsens the AI accountability gap
COMMENTARY | The federal government wants to stop states regulating the technology, but doing so risks various harms and does not guarantee international leadership.
California tax revenue getting a boost from AI boom — but for how long?
As talk of a possible AI bubble grows, so does uncertainty around an important source of California tax money.
The data center rush in Appalachia
Big tech eyes coal country as AI demand soars, but rural communities push back.
Leaders have ‘urgent responsibility’ on AI regulation and use, report says
The New Deal Forum lauded several state and local governments for embracing the technology to help improve government services. But areas like privacy, security and regulation need more attention, the group said.
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2026 is set to be the year of agentic AI, industry predicts
Leaders from major technology companies said their clients are asking for more specific agentic AI solutions, and cloud computing and data transformation will pave the way.
AI’s elections impact likely to grow next year, report warns
Experts warned that 2025 was just the “tip of the iceberg” in how the technology could be used, especially in deepfakes and misinformation campaigns.
An AI tool built by local government, for local government
Washoe County, Nevada, is helping develop an AI tool aimed at meeting the unique needs and demands of its residents and employees.
Hochul signs watered down AI regs, but New York lawmakers still got some wins
After Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed completely rewriting the bill with exact wording from a weaker California law, legislators negotiated back in measures that went beyond the West Coast version.
How an AI agent can help caseworkers maintain the ‘human relationship’ with clients
In California, Riverside County is experimenting with an AI agent that aims to help caseworkers focus more on supporting public benefit recipients and less on administrative tasks.
Texas lawmakers from both parties oppose Trump’s order targeting state AI laws
Texas’ new law regulating AI is set to take effect Jan. 1, two months after Trump’s executive order threatening to cut off some federal money if states pass “onerous” AI laws.
How AI is helping local governments access federal grant funding
COMMENTARY | Before, employees had to sift through hundreds of pages of information and fill out unique applications. AI has made the process more streamlined and less time-consuming.
Meeting with developers, New Hampshire representatives assess AI tools, concerns
Legislators and officials could conscript AI agents to streamline their work, but such tools also carry risks and warrant regulation, employees of AI developer Anthropic said to representatives at a Dec. 15 meeting of the caucus.
New Jersey’s New Year’s resolution to tap AI for better service delivery
At a time when states are pressed to innovate their public benefit systems, the Garden State is prioritizing expanding its AI tools under a new grant program.
States will keep pushing AI laws despite Trump’s efforts to stop them
Nearly 40 states have adopted or enacted artificial intelligence measures this year, and more are expected in 2026.
