Artificial intelligence

Virginia lawmakers weigh risks and rewards of AI chatbots

As chatbots become study aids, companions, and even mental health supports, legislators grapple with how to regulate a fast-moving technology.

Beyond chatbots: How agentic AI can transform government services

COMMENTARY | The technology holds much promise for the public sector and could revolutionize how employees work. But it must be approached with caution.

Innovative mapping tool reveals hidden wetlands and enhances conservation efforts

An AI-powered model aids states and countries in planning and restoration priorities.

State officials should use ‘safety goggles’ when implementing AI, Minnesota official says

As state legislators interested in AI expands, so too should their efforts to establish guardrails and policies that ensure the tech’s responsible use.

Could AI prevent teacher burnout?

Some educators are using AI to streamline lesson plans, personalize learning and reduce burnout, freeing up hours for themselves and their students.

Florida enlists robot bunnies to manage invasive pythons

To track down and remove invasive Burmese pythons, the South Florida Water Management District is turning to toy rabbits to bait the snakes.

Teachers lean on AI to help English learners as Trump pushes schools to integrate the technology

Teachers are embracing AI tools to translate texts and create engaging language acquisition activities for English learners. But federal funding cuts could complicate that work.

Bills banning deepfake pornography return to the Michigan Senate floor

House Bills 4047 and 4048 would allow individuals to take civil action over the non-consensual creation of deepfake pornography.

With more self-driving cars on the road, states put more rules in place

Lawmakers in 25 states introduced 67 bills related to autonomous vehicles this year.

Tech is changing the government procurement landscape, report says

Governments are exploring digital solutions to improve the procurement process, and, ultimately, the tech products they purchase, a new report says.

Montana governor announced EO for AI, trades workforce development

The 406 JOBS Initiative directs the Montana Department of Labor and Industry to develop and implement a statewide framework to align with federal executive orders.

Teachers union looks to states and industry for AI regulation absent federal action

Having lost faith in the chance of broad federal regulation, teachers unions are betting on state legislators and private sector companies to safeguard AI in schools.

Free AI training comes to California colleges — but at what cost?

California education leaders are striking deals with tech companies to provide students with opportunities to learn AI.

Quality digital solutions can build public trust, report finds

Digital services that are transparent and informative can help build residents’ trust in their local governments, a new report from CivicPlus says.

AI teacher tools display racial bias when generating student behavior plans, study finds

While AI tools could help teachers save time and streamline routine paperwork, they could also promote bias in lesson planning and classroom management recommendations.

Pittsburgh to launch AI pilot to expedite affordable housing applications

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh is turning to artificial intelligence to help its staff process housing voucher applications quicker and more accurately.

Should Lyft and Uber charge more if your battery is low? California may soon ban that

California lawmakers are backing a bill to ban rideshare services from using customers' information like a cellphone’s battery life, model and geolocation data to set different prices.

With AI, more efficient mailrooms help state agencies meet their mission faster

COMMENTARY | By applying AI-powered intelligent document processing to specific mailroom workstreams, government agencies can glean and apply best practices not only to their mailroom operations.

Will new AI academy help teachers or just improve tech’s bottom line?

The American Federation of Teachers says its AI training initiative will modernize teaching, while critics say it’s ‘a gigantic public experiment that no one has asked for.’

Cities turn to tech to make curb ramps ADA-accessible

Localities must install or regrade their curb ramps when roads are changed, and they are using aerial photography, geospatial data and AI to help.