Artificial Intelligence

‘AI is not the future; it is current’: Lawmakers examine how to make Pennsylvania an AI powerhouse

GOP lawmakers traveled to Pittsburgh for a hearing focused on all things artificial intelligence.

How AI is transforming state and local investigations

COMMENTARY | The technology can help process data quicker and sift through what can be distressing evidence. But agencies must tread carefully and have the right policies and training in place to be successful.

New Jersey taps the private sector to facilitate AI innovation and talent

Under two new programs, the state aims to leverage the private sector to help advance its goal of leading in artificial technology innovation.

‘Water is complicated’: Utah looks to data-driven future for natural resources

The state is embarking on a management refresh for its Great Salt Lake amid competing oversight and the ever-present threat of drought. Tech and AI could help make that revamp easier.

Oregon House passes bill to criminalize sharing AI-generated fake nude photos

State law already prohibits maliciously sharing naked or sexually explicit photos of people, but prosecutors said their hands were tied by deepfakes.

States turn to tech in push for safer roads

California wants to use artificial intelligence to work out where its road deaths are and how to prevent them. And New York has turned to the tech to try and prevent over-height vehicles hitting bridges.

Bipartisan bill calls for NOAA to use AI to forecast wildfires and extreme weather

The bill’s introduction comes amid Trump administration efforts to scale back the agency’s workforce and operations.

How cities are making data-driven decisions in the age of AI

For almost a decade, What Works Cities has helped cities understand how to use the data they collect to improve outcomes. The advent of AI has accelerated much of that mission.

Lawmakers fear AI data centers will drive up residents’ power bills

Roughly a dozen proposals in state legislatures nationwide seek to ensure that data centers don’t result in increased rates for other electric customers.

‘Hard, unglamorous work’ now can mean AI success later, city leaders say

Use cases for the technology are multiplying and now include areas like storm and wildfire prediction. But first, cities must make sure their data is clean and employees are on board.

Call centers continue to field AI-generated 911 calls

Some personal and home devices can automatically call 911 when they detect potentially unsafe conditions. For dispatchers, leveraging tech could be key to handling a rise in those alerts.

Lawmaker seeks to establish guardrails, ‘some accountability’ around artificial intelligence

The proposed bill would also prohibit law enforcement from using AI to generate police reports or teachers from using software to create lesson plans.

New Jersey governor signs bill criminalizing deepfakes

Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jerseyans deserve stronger safeguards against rapidly evolving threats in the virtual realm.

AI-backed stop sign cameras help slow down drivers

States and localities are experimenting with the technology to catch scofflaws, but are still verifying suspected violations using human officers.

Georgia House passes bill to criminalize using AI-generated political ads intended to deceive

A bill aimed at reducing misleading AI-generated political ads passed the state House with a bipartisan 152-12 vote Thursday.

New research finds schools of education fail to prepare teachers to use AI

Not one superintendent we spoke with considered higher education a resource for artificial intelligence-related professional learning.

Deepfakes, policing, mental health and more: Lawmakers look to further regulate AI

Utah lawmakers passed a number of artificial intelligence laws in 2025 that regulate chatbots, deepfakes, mental health services and more.

Partnership for Public Service launches AI Center for Government

The good-government nonprofit said the center will focus on developing AI leaders, building talent and allowing agencies at all levels of government to share information and best practices.

Wisconsin speeds up licensing amid shift to cloud platform

The state saw a 35% increase in the number of licenses it issued in 2023-2024 compared to any other two-year period.

Pennsylvania governor says AI has ‘real promise’ as he unveils pilot program results

Gov. Josh Shapiro said the state will be providing more employees with AI training and tools.