News/Gov Tech
DOE fusion roadmap targets 2030s commercial deployment as AI drives $9B investment
The Department of Energy has released a new roadmap targeting commercial-scale fusion power deployment by the mid-2030s, though the plan lacks specific funding commitments and relies on scientific breakthroughs that have eluded researchers for decades. The strategy emphasizes public-private partnerships and positions AI as both a research tool and motivation for developing fusion energy to meet data centers' growing electricity demands. The big picture: The DOE's roadmap aims to "deliver the public infrastructure that supports the fusion private sector scale up in the 2030s," but acknowledges it cannot commit to specific funding levels and remains subject to Congressional appropriations. Why...
read Oct 17, 2025Louisiana forms 30-member committee to bring AI into K-12 classrooms, minus Chinese tech
Louisiana has formed a nearly 30-member committee to develop recommendations for implementing artificial intelligence in K-12 classrooms across the state. The initiative comes as education leaders grapple with AI's rapid integration into daily life while addressing concerns about student privacy, data security, and the technology's unproven impact on learning outcomes. What you should know: The committee includes state education board members, department officials, and national AI experts who will spend the next few months creating an implementation framework. Louisiana Tech University president Jim Henderson will lead the team, which must present recommendations at the state board of education's March 10...
read Oct 17, 2025New York school district launches LEGO robotics program for grades 4-6
The Floral Park-Bellerose School District has launched a new LEGO robotics curriculum in its Discovery Lab sessions, introducing students in grades 4-6 to hands-on coding and engineering experiences. The program represents a growing trend of elementary schools integrating robotics education to develop critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills among younger students. What you should know: Sixth graders at John Lewis Childs School participated in their inaugural LEGO robotics lesson on October 6, working in pairs to build and program robotic creations. Students used LEGO Education SPIKE Essential app and kits to construct and code an arctic ride featuring a programmable...
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Microsoft invests $12.5M to train 400K AFT and NEA teachers in AI tools
The country's two largest teachers unions have partnered with major tech companies including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to provide AI training for educators, with companies investing millions of dollars in exchange for influence in classroom technology adoption. These partnerships aim to build AI literacy among teachers while raising questions about corporate involvement in public education and whether educators might eventually be replaced by artificial intelligence. The big picture: Tech companies are investing heavily in teacher AI training as a strategic move to establish their products in schools early, with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) receiving funding from multiple companies...
read Oct 16, 2025Hampton Roads, Virginia tests AI waste sorting to cut landfill use by 50%
The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) in Hampton Roads is implementing an AI and robotics-powered waste sorting facility in Portsmouth that could cut landfill waste by 50%. The facility represents a major pivot for SPSA after losing its primary revenue source when the Navy stopped purchasing steam in 2023 and a catastrophic fire destroyed the Wheelabrator facility. What you should know: The new mixed-waste sorting system uses artificial intelligence and image recognition to identify and remove recyclable and organic materials before they reach landfills. The technology can pull out approximately 50% of materials from the waste stream, extending landfill life...
read Oct 16, 2025Saudi firm Unifonic becomes first to earn ISO 42001 AI certification
Unifonic, a Middle East-based customer engagement platform, has become one of the first companies in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region to earn ISO 42001 certification for responsible AI management systems. This achievement positions the company as a pioneer in AI governance while addressing growing concerns about AI regulatory compliance, with research showing that 65% of organizations fail to ensure proper AI compliance and 73% of leaders worry about AI risks. What you should know: ISO 42001 is an internationally recognized standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems that was introduced in December 2023. The certification requires organizations to integrate AI...
read Oct 16, 2025Chicago buses deploy AI cameras to catch illegal lane parkers
Chicago Transit Authority buses will begin using AI-powered cameras to catch drivers illegally parked in bus and bike lanes starting Wednesday. The Chicago Department of Transportation will review captured video footage to issue warnings or fines, aiming to reduce traffic backups and improve bus boarding accessibility for passengers. What you should know: The new AI camera system represents an expansion of existing enforcement technology already deployed on other city vehicles.• The cameras automatically detect when vehicles are parked in restricted bus or bike lanes and capture video evidence for review.• The Chicago Department of Transportation handles the review process and...
read Oct 14, 2025Microsoft gives all schools in its home state of Washington free AI tools to promote tech prowess
Microsoft has launched Elevate Washington, providing all 295 public school districts and 34 community colleges in the state with free access to AI tools and training resources. The initiative addresses a stark digital divide where AI usage ranges from over 30% in urban Puget Sound counties to just 2.5% in rural Ferry County, positioning Washington as a national model for equitable AI adoption in education. What you should know: The program provides comprehensive AI access and support starting January 2026, with tools designed to reduce administrative burdens for educators while giving students early exposure to emerging technologies. School districts and...
read Oct 13, 2025Garbage in(put), garbage out(put): Dallas okays AI cameras on sanitation trucks to detect violations
Dallas City Council has approved over $850,000 to install AI-powered cameras on 50 sanitation trucks, designed to automatically detect code violations like illegal dumping, high weeds, and graffiti throughout the city. The initiative represents a growing trend of municipalities using artificial intelligence for code enforcement, though it faces scrutiny over surveillance concerns and data privacy as similar programs have encountered resident pushback in other cities. What you should know: The cameras will be mounted on brush and bulk collection trucks starting in early to mid-2026, following final contract approval by the City Council. Two cameras per truck will capture still...
read Oct 10, 2025Virginia Tech releases 7-principle AI framework for campus use
Virginia Tech has released a comprehensive framework for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence across its campus operations, research, and teaching functions. The 18-month effort, led by a university-wide working group, establishes seven core principles and governance structures to guide AI adoption while aligning with the institution's land-grant mission and "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve) values. What you should know: The framework represents one of the most comprehensive institutional approaches to AI governance in higher education, addressing everything from classroom use to research applications. The working group, co-chaired by Dale Pike, associate vice provost for technology-enhanced learning,...
read Oct 10, 2025India launches world’s first chatbot payment system through United Payments Interface
India is launching a pilot program allowing consumers to make payments directly through AI chatbots using its government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the country's dominant instant payment platform. This initiative marks the world's first government-supported chatbot transaction system, positioning India as a global testing ground for AI-powered commerce that could set precedents for other major markets. What you should know: The payment system will initially roll out through ChatGPT before expanding to other major AI platforms. Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude will follow as the next platforms to integrate the payment capability. Bengaluru-based fintech company Razorpay developed the technical integration...
read Oct 9, 2025Norwegian Army selects Six Robotics’ autonomous drone swarm system
The Norwegian Army has selected Six Robotics' Valkyrie autonomous drone swarm system for a pilot program focused on concept and technology development across multiple Army units. This contract marks a significant milestone in Norway's military modernization efforts, as armed forces worldwide increasingly integrate autonomous systems to maintain operational advantages in future combat environments. What you should know: The Valkyrie system represents Norway's strategic investment in next-generation warfare capabilities that prioritize speed and autonomy. The drone swarm will support training and exercises with advanced unmanned systems, preparing soldiers for combat environments defined by autonomous operations. Valkyrie provides scalable and intelligent swarm...
read Oct 7, 2025Maryland offers up to $500K for cyber-AI clinics to train workers
Maryland has launched the Cyber and Artificial Intelligence Clinic Grant program, offering up to $500,000 per recipient to colleges, nonprofits, and training providers to establish cyber and AI clinics. The first-of-its-kind state initiative aims to address thousands of vacant cybersecurity positions annually while providing digital security services to vulnerable community institutions like schools, hospitals, and small businesses. What you should know: The Maryland Department of Labor's new grant program targets both workforce development and community cybersecurity needs through a dual-purpose clinic model. Grant recipients must train at least 100 cyber professionals annually between 2027 and 2029, covering both technical roles...
read Oct 7, 2025White House unveils AI action plan prioritizing innovation over regulation
The White House has released an artificial intelligence "action plan" that consolidates pro-innovation executive orders issued since January 2025, explicitly prioritizing American AI superiority through deregulation and reduced oversight. The plan represents a significant departure from the Biden administration's approach, which emphasized bias reduction and regulatory safeguards, instead favoring rapid private-sector development and market-driven innovation. The big picture: The action plan is built around three strategic pillars designed to maintain America's competitive edge in AI development. Accelerating AI innovation focuses on removing regulatory barriers, promoting open-source AI development, and expanding workforce training programs. Building American AI infrastructure targets energy systems,...
read Oct 6, 2025Deloitte refunds $440K after AI creates fake citations in Aussie government report
Deloitte Australia will refund the Australian government for a report containing AI-generated fake citations and nonexistent research references that were discovered after publication. The consulting firm quietly admitted to using GPT-4o in an updated version of the report, after initially failing to disclose the AI tool's involvement in producing the $440,000 AUD analysis of Australia's welfare system automation framework. What you should know: The fabricated content was discovered by academics who found their names attached to research that didn't exist. Chris Rudge, Sydney University's Deputy Director of Health Law, noticed citations to multiple papers and publications that did not exist...
read Oct 2, 2025Long Beach offers free 90-minute AI workshops with cybersecurity focus
Long Beach is launching a comprehensive artificial intelligence education initiative this month, offering residents hands-on training in AI tools while addressing growing concerns about digital privacy and security. The program represents a notable example of how municipalities are responding to the rapid adoption of AI technologies in everyday life. The City of Long Beach's Department of Technology and Innovation (TID) will host five free community workshops throughout October, coinciding with Digital Inclusion Week. These sessions aim to demystify artificial intelligence for everyday users while teaching essential cybersecurity practices—a combination that reflects the dual challenge facing communities as AI becomes more...
read Sep 30, 2025Denver appoints first-ever chief AI officer to transform city services
Denver CIO Suma Nallapati will expand her role to become the city's first chief artificial intelligence and information officer (CAIO), a move Mayor Mike Johnston says positions Denver as a leader in municipal AI adoption. This new role reflects the growing importance of AI in city operations and the need for dedicated leadership to ensure responsible implementation across government services. What you should know: Nallapati, who has served as Denver's CIO since 2023, will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive AI strategy for the city and county.• Her expanded responsibilities include creating policies around AI governance and equity...
read Sep 29, 2025NY’s Alfred State gets $474K NSF grant for robotics technician training
Alfred State has been awarded a $474,019 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop educational pathways for robotics and automation technicians in agricultural and industrial sectors. The funding addresses the growing demand for skilled technicians in automation—a critical need for maintaining food security and supporting manufacturing workforces in rural areas. What you should know: The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant will fund a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for high-paying automation careers through innovative educational strategies. Assistant Professors Jessica Hutchison and Dr. Mohamed Eleshaky are leading the project titled "Developing a Robotics and Automation Technician Pathway for the...
read Sep 29, 2025Microsoft wins $3.1B federal AI contract with free Copilot access
Microsoft has secured a massive government cloud and AI contract through the General Services Administration's new OneGov deal, offering steep discounts including free access to its Copilot AI assistant for federal agencies. The agreement could generate $3.1 billion in first-year savings alone and positions Microsoft to dominate the rapidly expanding federal AI market against competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. The big picture: This represents a strategic land grab for the federal government's AI infrastructure, with Microsoft leveraging existing compliance advantages to secure long-term vendor relationships. The three-year agreement covers Microsoft 365, Azure Cloud Services, Dynamics 365, and cybersecurity tool...
read Sep 29, 2025Mamma m-AI! Greece deploys tech to speed up crime investigations
Greek police will begin integrating artificial intelligence into their crime-fighting operations, with the technology set to analyze CCTV footage, handle traffic violations, and assist with domestic violence cases. The initiative, developed through collaboration between Greece's Ministry of Citizen Protection and Ministry of Digital Governance with Google's involvement, aims to dramatically reduce investigation times and free up officers for other duties. How it works: AI will replace time-intensive manual processes that currently burden Greek law enforcement.• While it can take weeks for personnel to review CCTV footage for theft clues, AI can accomplish the same task in minutes, accelerating efforts to...
read Sep 29, 2025Trump administration makes AI top priority for government efficiency, IRS and more in sights
The Trump administration has officially designated artificial intelligence as a key priority in its fiscal year 2027 science and technology agenda, formalizing what many agency leaders have already identified as crucial for streamlining government operations. This White House directive comes as federal agencies increasingly view AI as essential for maintaining efficiency while operating with reduced workforce levels. What you should know: The administration's AI focus reflects broader government efficiency goals aimed at doing more work with fewer federal employees. Agency leaders across government have previously discussed how AI can streamline operations and reduce staffing requirements. The formal designation in the...
read Sep 26, 2025DHS deploys SF-based Hive AI tools to detect fake child abuse imagery
The US Department of Homeland Security is deploying AI detection tools to distinguish between AI-generated child abuse imagery and content depicting real victims. The Department's Cyber Crimes Center has awarded a $150,000 contract to San Francisco-based Hive AI, marking the first known use of automated detection systems to prioritize cases involving actual children at risk amid a surge in synthetic abuse material. Why this matters: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported a 1,325% increase in incidents involving generative AI in 2024, creating an overwhelming volume of synthetic content that diverts investigative resources from real victims. The detection...
read Sep 25, 2025Pennsylvania state rep seeks ban on AI primary teachers following pro-AI charter school rejection
Pennsylvania State Rep. Nikki Rivera has introduced legislation to ban charter schools from using artificial intelligence as the primary instructor, requiring certified human teachers instead. The bill follows the state Department of Education's rejection of Unbound Academy's charter application, which proposed AI-driven instruction with human "guides," highlighting growing concerns about AI replacing traditional teaching methods. What you should know: Rivera's proposed legislation would deny AI-powered charter and cyber charter applications as a safeguard against unproven instructional practices. The bill aims to prevent taxpayer dollars from being redirected "from those manipulating the law for their own profit at the expense of...
read Sep 25, 2025Americans left and right want child protection over AI innovation by 9-to-1 margin, reveals poll
A new YouGov poll reveals overwhelming bipartisan support among Americans for prioritizing child protection over tech industry growth in AI policy, with voters supporting protective measures by a 9-to-1 margin. The findings expose a stark disconnect between public sentiment and ongoing Republican divisions in Congress, where lawmakers remain split between promoting AI innovation and implementing stronger regulations. The big picture: Americans across all age groups, income levels, and political affiliations want Congress to focus on safeguarding children from AI-related harm before fostering tech industry growth. 89% of Trump voters and 95% of Harris voters agree that Congress should prioritize safeguards...
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