News/Gov Tech
Seattle mayor takes jab at cross-the-way Bellevue while unveiling new AI policy
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell took a playful jab at neighboring Bellevue during the unveiling of his city's new artificial intelligence policy, declaring "They don't have an AI House in Bellevue" while highlighting Seattle's innovation edge. The remarks underscore growing competition between the two Washington cities as tech companies increasingly establish offices across the region, with Bellevue attracting major players like Amazon, OpenAI, and Zoom in recent years. What you should know: Harrell made his comments while unveiling Seattle's AI policy at the AI House, a startup hub financially supported by the city on Seattle's waterfront. The mayor emphasized Seattle's "unique...
read Sep 12, 2025AI police reports via bodycam save 20 minutes per case but raise courtroom concerns
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office has completed a pilot program testing Axon's Draft One artificial intelligence technology, which creates initial police report drafts from body camera audio. The technology saves deputies an average of 20 minutes per report, freeing up hundreds of hours across the department for patrol duties and community engagement rather than paperwork. What you should know: Draft One uses AI to transcribe body camera audio into preliminary police reports, though multiple safeguards ensure human oversight remains central to the process. Deputies must modify at least 10% of the AI-generated draft before submission, and the software includes random...
read Sep 11, 2025Pennsylvania’s AI Horizons summit bets big on AI hardware with $20B investment push
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined Senator Dave McCormick and industry leaders at Pittsburgh's second annual AI Horizons summit, where the city is positioning itself to become a global leader in physical AI technology and hardware manufacturing. The event highlighted Pennsylvania's broader strategy to attract AI infrastructure investments and streamline regulations to capture what Shapiro called a "generational change" in economic opportunity. What you should know: Pittsburgh is specifically targeting physical AI technology manufacturing rather than just software development, aiming to produce the hardware that industries worldwide will need as AI integration accelerates. Key investment details: Shapiro highlighted Pennsylvania's success in...
read Sep 11, 2025Naval War College and Salve Regina host AI national security forum
The U.S. Naval War College partnered with Salve Regina University to host the third Forum at Newport, focusing on artificial intelligence and national security implications. The event brought together military leaders, academics, and industry experts to examine how AI technologies are reshaping defense strategies and preparing tomorrow's military leaders for emerging challenges. What you should know: The forum featured keynote remarks from Admiral (ret.) Michael S. Rogers, former commander of U.S. Cyber Command, emphasizing the critical intersection of AI and national security.• The event was designed to strengthen collaboration between the two Rhode Island institutions and foster scholarship on global...
read Sep 11, 2025Water in a dust bowl: Tulsa teachers build underwater robots for Navy-aligned STEM program
The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance hosted professional development training for 20 teachers to launch underwater robotics programs at their schools through the SeaPerch Challenge. The initiative aims to expand access to hands-on STEM education while preparing students for real-world careers in fields like naval operations and engineering. What you should know: The SeaPerch program teaches students to build and operate remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), developing skills directly applicable to military and civilian careers. Teachers learn comprehensive technical skills including cutting pipe, soldering, and drilling to construct the underwater robots. The program is partnered with the Naval League, which helps...
read Sep 11, 2025New Jersey teachers adopt AI with $1.5M in state funding
New Jersey teachers are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence as a classroom tool, with some educators creating AI-powered teaching assistants and interactive learning experiences for their students. This shift comes as the state has invested $1.5 million in grants to fund AI education programs, signaling a broader acceptance of the technology despite ongoing concerns about academic integrity and student safety. What you should know: Teachers across New Jersey are using AI platforms to create customized learning experiences and streamline classroom management. Erin Cutillo, a technology teacher at Memorial Elementary School in Howell, uses SchoolAI to create chatbots that act as teaching...
read Sep 11, 2025To LEGO, and beyond! Over 1,200 students compete in California FIRST robotics challenge DECODE
Over 115 California high school engineering teams gathered at La Cañada High School for the FIRST Tech Challenge DECODE season kickoff on September 6, drawing more than 1,200 participants and family members. The event launched this year's robotics competition, where students design and build robots to compete in challenges that prepare them for STEM careers through hands-on engineering experience. What you should know: FIRST Tech Challenge is a global nonprofit program that engages students ages 4-18 in team-based robotics competitions designed to build future-ready skills. Teams work with mentors throughout the year to design, build, and program robots for competition....
read Sep 11, 2025Seattle unveils responsible AI plan with 40 priority projects
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has unveiled a comprehensive "responsible AI plan" designed to guide the city's artificial intelligence use while positioning Seattle as a leader in the AI economy. The initiative includes frameworks for AI deployment in city operations, employee training programs, and strategic partnerships with local tech companies to tackle urban challenges like permitting delays and traffic safety. What you should know: Seattle is leveraging its position as the second-ranked city for AI talent to create a balanced approach to AI adoption in municipal operations.• The city has identified 40 priority projects where AI could improve government performance and...
read Sep 11, 2025Beyond the ankle bracelet: Oklahoma considers AI to monitor parolees with facial recognition
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a proposal from Montana-based Global Accountability to implement an AI-powered parole and probation monitoring system that would use facial recognition and fingerprint scanning for check-ins. The state could become the first in the nation to adopt the company's Absolute ID platform, which would cost approximately $2 million for a one-year pilot program covering 300 parolees and up to 40 officers. What you should know: The Absolute ID platform combines biometric identification (facial recognition and fingerprints), location tracking, and virtual boundary alerts to monitor people on parole and probation through smartphones and smartwatches. Users would scan their...
read Sep 11, 2025Study finds central banks only partially shielded from political influence
A new study using AI agents to simulate Federal Reserve meetings found that political pressure significantly polarizes central bank decision-making, even within institutions designed to be independent. The research by George Washington University academics suggests the Fed is "only partially insulated from politics," revealing how external scrutiny can fragment board consensus and increase dissent in monetary policy discussions. The simulation setup: Researchers created AI agents modeled on real Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members using their historical policy stances, biographies, and speeches to replicate the July 2025 meeting. The AI agents processed real-time economic data and financial news to reach...
read Sep 11, 2025Albania appoints AI bot “Diella” as government minister to fight corruption
Albania has appointed an AI bot named Diella as a government minister to handle all public procurement contracts, marking what Prime Minister Edi Rama calls the country's first "virtually created" cabinet member. The move aims to eliminate corruption in government contracting, a persistent problem that has complicated Albania's bid for European Union membership by 2030. What you should know: Diella, which means "sun" in Albanian, will manage and award all public tenders where the government contracts private companies for various projects.• Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the appointment during his fourth term cabinet unveiling on Thursday, describing Diella as "impervious...
read Sep 10, 2025RFK Jr. mandates ChatGPT for all HHS employees amid staff revolt
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has mandated that all Department of Health and Human Services employees begin using ChatGPT, according to an internal email sent Tuesday titled "AI Deployment." The directive comes amid significant backlash against Kennedy's leadership, with over 1,000 current and former HHS employees calling for his resignation in an open letter citing actions that "endanger the nation's health." What you should know: The ChatGPT deployment will be overseen by HHS's new Chief Information Officer Clark Minor, a former employee of Palantir, a data analytics company. Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill sent the email stating that "artificial intelligence is beginning...
read Sep 10, 2025UAE debuts K2 Think, a low-cost AI reasoning model to rival global competitors
The United Arab Emirates has unveiled K2 Think, a new low-cost AI reasoning model developed through a partnership between Emirati investor G42 and an AI research university in Abu Dhabi. The model represents the UAE's latest effort to establish itself as a global AI leader while diversifying its economy beyond oil dependence. What you should know: K2 Think delivers competitive performance while being significantly smaller and more cost-effective than existing AI reasoning models. Developers claim the model performs "just as well" as larger alternatives while requiring a fraction of the computational resources. The project emerged from collaboration between G42, a...
read Sep 10, 2025Job alert: UNC system seeks first Chief AI Officer to lead 250K student network
The University of North Carolina System Office has announced it is hiring a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) to oversee AI strategy across its 17-campus network serving nearly 250,000 students. This appointment reflects a growing trend among U.S. universities to formalize AI leadership at the senior executive level as higher education institutions seek to harness artificial intelligence for operational efficiency and educational enhancement. What you should know: The CAIO will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and coordinate AI initiatives across the entire UNC system. The role focuses on identifying, planning, and implementing system-wide AI initiatives to enhance administrative...
read Sep 10, 2025EVs show flexible nature as Nissan helps drive Silicon Valley grid during peak demand
Nissan and ChargeScape have launched a new vehicle-to-grid pilot program in Silicon Valley, where Nissan EVs will export stored battery energy back to the power grid during peak demand periods. The initiative aims to support the region's rapidly growing energy needs driven by AI-powered data centers, while demonstrating how electric vehicles can function as distributed energy resources rather than just transportation tools. How it works: The pilot operates through Nissan's Advanced Technology Center using bidirectional charging technology to manage two-way power flow. Fermata Energy's bidirectional chargers handle the technical aspects of moving energy between EV batteries and the grid. ChargeScape...
read Sep 10, 2025Could a new political party fill America’s dangerous AI safety gap?
The artificial intelligence industry is advancing at breakneck speed, with companies racing to develop increasingly powerful systems that could reshape society within the next decade. Yet despite widespread public concern about AI's potential risks—from mass unemployment to existential threats—the United States lacks a sustained political movement dedicated to ensuring these technologies develop safely. This gap represents both a critical vulnerability and a significant opportunity. While AI companies invest billions in capabilities research, government spending on AI safety remains minimal. Meanwhile, the competitive dynamics driving AI development create powerful incentives for companies to prioritize speed over caution, potentially leading to catastrophic...
read Sep 10, 2025The Wire(s): Baltimore’s new AI lab tackles 27% internet gap in East Baltimore
Baltimore has launched an AI Computer Resource Lab at the Greenmount Recreation Center through a partnership with Intel and NWN, an AI-powered technology modernization company. The initiative targets underserved youth and seniors in East Baltimore, where over 27% of households lack internet access and 22% of adults don't have a high school diploma, positioning the lab as a critical resource for bridging digital equity gaps in an increasingly AI-driven economy. What you should know: The lab provides Intel-based AI PCs and hands-on learning experiences designed to build AI literacy among community members who traditionally lack access to advanced technology. Mayor...
read Sep 10, 2025Court blocks Trump from firing top copyright official over AI report
A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration from firing the US' top copyright official, ruling that President Trump lacks the authority to remove Shira Perlmutter from her position as register of copyrights. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals determined that Perlmutter, who was allegedly fired for preparing an AI report Trump disagreed with, works for the legislative branch and can only be dismissed by the Senate-confirmed Librarian of Congress. What you should know: The 2-1 court decision represents a significant check on presidential power over legislative branch officials. Shira Perlmutter was appointed register of copyrights in 2020 by...
read Sep 9, 2025NASA scientist proposes AI astronauts could replace humans on Mars missions
Planetary scientist Pascal Lee proposes that "artificial astronauts" — AI-powered humanoid robots with human-like physical capabilities — could serve as actual crew members on Mars missions within the coming decades. These space-rated artificial humans would eliminate the need for life support systems and consumables required by human astronauts, while potentially surpassing human capabilities in space exploration tasks. What you should know: The concept builds on rapid advances in robotics and artificial intelligence that could mature alongside planned Mars mission timelines. Lee, who chairs the Mars Institute and directs NASA's Haughton-Mars Project, presented this vision at a Space Robotics Workshop in...
read Sep 9, 2025California tax and fee bureaucracy launches $445K AI assistant to handle calls
California's Department of Tax and Fee Administration has launched an AI-powered virtual assistant to help its call center handle taxpayer inquiries, marking one of three state-funded AI initiatives under Governor Gavin Newsom's broader technology adoption effort. The $445,000 pilot program aims to eliminate the need to reassign workers during peak tax season when call volumes spike by over 50%, while potentially enabling the department to answer over 10,000 additional calls annually. The big picture: California is testing generative AI across government services while navigating labor concerns and public trust issues as the technology becomes more prevalent in public sector operations....
read Sep 9, 2025EPA eases air quality permits to accelerate AI infrastructure buildout
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced changes to the New Source Review program that will allow companies to begin construction on new facilities before obtaining air quality permits, as long as the initial work doesn't involve "emissions units" that release air pollution. The move is designed to accelerate the construction of data centers and power plants needed to support America's artificial intelligence infrastructure, with Zeldin calling the current permitting system "broken." What's changing: The EPA will now permit companies to start certain building activities before receiving full Clean Air Act construction permits. Companies can begin work on elements like installing...
read Sep 9, 2025Heads up! NASA’s AI gives satellite operators 24-hour warning for solar storms
NASA's Frontier Development Lab has successfully used artificial intelligence to predict disruptive solar events up to 24 hours in advance, working with commercial partner KX Systems to adapt financial market analytics software for space weather forecasting. This breakthrough could help satellite operators prepare for solar activity that causes both stunning auroras and potentially damaging disruptions to GPS and other space-based infrastructure. How it works: The collaboration leveraged KX Systems' kdb+, a data analytics software typically used to track rapid financial market shifts, to analyze space weather patterns. Researchers imported multiple datasets monitoring the ionosphere (the upper layer of Earth's atmosphere),...
read Sep 9, 2025AI use hastened in states after Trump administration federal health system cuts
States across the U.S. are turning to artificial intelligence platforms to track disease outbreaks after the Trump administration withdrew from the World Health Organization and cut thousands of jobs from the CDC. Massachusetts now relies on an AI system called BEACON that scans news reports in local languages for early signs of threats like bird flu and Ebola, while Illinois uses AI-powered BlueDot and reports from Brown University's Pandemic Center to monitor infectious diseases entering through Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The big picture: Public health officials are scrambling to create makeshift surveillance networks as traditional federal and international disease monitoring systems...
read Sep 8, 2025Tech companies race to prove hypersonic tracking for missile defense in “Golden Dome” project
Tech companies including Varda Space Industries, Anduril, and LeoLabs are conducting advanced demonstrations of hypersonic tracking technology as they compete for contracts in President Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense project. The ambitious defense system would require capabilities to intercept fast-moving rockets and missiles that no military currently possesses, creating a lucrative opportunity for aerospace and AI companies to showcase cutting-edge solutions. What you should know: Varda Space Industries successfully demonstrated real-time hypersonic tracking capabilities in a May test that could be crucial for missile defense systems. More than 100 employees watched as the company tracked a capsule traveling at over...
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