Artificial Intelligence

As part of the university's Undergraduate Summer Opportunities for Applying Research program, students spent 10 weeks on AI-based projects that studied gaming, fashion and breast cancer diagnosis.

After a hurricane passes, scientists routinely evaluate the computer models that predicted its path and power. This year, a surprising new contender has emerged — a forecast model generated by AI.

With an executive order, Gov. Josh Stein has stood up an AI Leadership Council and Accelerator to shape policy, ethics and training, bringing together leaders from government, education and technology.

“Smart cities” were just the start. Now, as technology evolves and new threats — wildfires, hurricanes, cyber attacks — mount, system interoperability is the answer for cities that are resilient, equitable and adaptable.

Several municipalities are underway with regulations that seek to provide some protection as data center projects proliferate. Middlesex Township could be an early test model for how such a campus might work.

The seller of software for local governments and school districts has launched three AI tools to assist in various budget processes. The company’s CEO discusses the move and where AI is headed.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed legislation that amends a previously passed state AI law. The original aims to enact safeguards against high-risk AI systems, while the new bill delays enforcement.

A new survey from Boston University revealed that respondents support enacting protections against deepfakes — AI-generated images or videos depicting something that did not happen. Their backing is bipartisan.

In a brief conversation about AI and where it goes from here, an education writer and a college professor discuss reliance on AI, changing student thinking and whether a redesign of educational practice is in order.

By crafting statewide standards, California officials hope to help districts adopt AI in ways that support learning, respect privacy and keep educators at the center of decisions that affect classrooms.

The new Omnilert system at Oak Lawn High School District 229 can use artificial intelligence to identify a gun, then send the data to a human expert to verify before contacting first responders.

Amid warnings about the need for AI literacy and the possibility of job losses, professors at institutions like Randolph College, Liberty University and the University of Lynchburg are developing their own use policies.

St. Joseph Public Works and Transportation is integrating new AI-powered software called Road AI, a type of specialized road maintenance software capable of detecting defects from cracking to larger potholes.

In June 2024, the central Illinois community of Effingham entered a two-year contract with Flock Safety for a total of six traffic cameras for an annual cost of $18,000 and an initial setup fee of $7,500.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas and tech company Terbine will work together on an agentic AI system to help autonomous machines work together to improve supply chain logistics.

Staffers in Bellevue, Wash., are using a new tool with artificial intelligence to handle certain tasks, including responding to resident inquiries. The pilot is now focused on “real-world scenarios.”

The process of writing clear, accessible communications that get residents the information and services they need can be anything but simple. AI can help if agencies know how to use the tools effectively.

A new certification program at a public community college in Washington this fall will focus on AI in cybersecurity, health care and manufacturing. The college will also offer two-day classes on AI for the public.