Local governments are actively engaging with artificial intelligence, showcasing both its potential and its pitfalls. Rancho Cordova, for instance, is making significant strides in fostering young AI innovators. The city council approved $5 million in September to build an AI and robotic economy, directly funding programs where high school students develop practical AI bots. These students have created an online AI portal for city customer service and a chat agent for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to help residents save energy.
However, not all AI implementations have been successful. New York City's AI chatbot, launched in fall 2023 to assist business owners, is slated for shutdown by the new Mamdani administration. The bot, which cost approximately $500,000, was found to provide incorrect and even illegal advice, prompting the city to add disclaimers. Similarly, Darren Aronofsky's AI-powered YouTube series, "On This Day... 1776," has faced criticism for its unnatural visuals and uninspired storytelling, suggesting that even well-funded AI projects can struggle with artistic quality.
On a broader scale, global bodies and national governments are strategizing for the AI age. UN experts advocate for a "people-first" approach to AI governance, emphasizing education to create an "AI-literate" workforce and ensuring universal access to prevent inequality. Meanwhile, Washington is planning a "New Deal" for AI growth, aiming to address limitations in power, semiconductors, and infrastructure through its "Genesis Mission," which will direct funds and policies to support the AI ecosystem.
In corporate news, Nokia Oyj is undergoing leadership changes with Timo Ihamuotila proposed as the new Board Chair. The company is also significantly boosting its AI capabilities through partnerships, including a multi-billion dollar deal with Nvidia to accelerate its 5G, 6G, and AI goals, and a collaboration with Blaize Holdings for AI and edge computing solutions. Separately, Peloton announced layoffs affecting about 11 percent of its workforce, primarily engineers, as it adjusts its strategy following a slowdown in pandemic-era growth. Intriguingly, a 2017 FBI informant claimed Jeffrey Epstein employed a personal hacker skilled in exploiting systems like Apple iOS, BlackBerry, and Firefox, who allegedly sold tools to various governments and even Hezbollah.
Key Takeaways
- Rancho Cordova is investing $5 million to become an AI technology hub, funding programs where students develop AI bots for city services and SMUD.
- New York City is shutting down its $500,000 AI chatbot due to it providing incorrect and illegal advice to business owners.
- Darren Aronofsky's AI-generated YouTube series "On This Day... 1776" received criticism for fake visuals and uninspired content, highlighting current AI artistic limitations.
- UN experts propose a "people-first" approach to AI governance, focusing on education, universal access, human rights, and global cooperation.
- The U.S. government plans a "New Deal" for AI, dubbed the "Genesis Mission," to address infrastructure, power, and semiconductor shortages limiting AI growth.
- Peloton is laying off approximately 11 percent of its employees, mainly engineers, as part of a strategic shift to recover from slowed growth.
- Nokia Oyj is partnering with Nvidia in a multi-billion dollar deal to accelerate its 5G, 6G, and AI initiatives, and also collaborating with Blaize Holdings for AI and edge computing.
- An FBI informant claimed Jeffrey Epstein had a personal hacker skilled in exploiting systems like Apple iOS, who allegedly sold hacking tools to governments and Hezbollah.
- The concept of AI is contrasted with divine intelligence, with AI focusing on patterns and optimization, while divine intelligence guides moral choices and inner purpose.
Rancho Cordova supports young AI innovators
Rancho Cordova is investing in artificial intelligence education for young people. Students are showcasing their AI bots, demonstrating youth innovation. The city helps sponsor this cutting-edge program to foster future technology leaders.
Rancho Cordova students create AI bots for city and SMUD
Rancho Cordova High School students are gaining hands-on experience with artificial intelligence by designing AI bots for real-world use. Mayor Garrett Gatewood says this is part of the city's plan to become an AI technology hub. Students created an online AI portal for the city to handle customer service and track concerns. They also developed a chat agent for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to help customers save money on energy. The City Council approved 5 million dollars in September to build an AI and robotic economy, which helps fund this program.
NYC to shut down flawed AI chatbot
The new Mamdani administration plans to shut down New York City's AI chatbot. The Eric Adams administration launched the bot in fall 2023 to help business owners with city rules. However, The Markup and THE CITY reported that the chatbot gave incorrect and illegal advice, such as suggesting businesses take employee tips or refuse cash payments. Building the bot cost about 500,000 dollars. The city later added disclaimers warning users not to rely on its advice.
Aronofsky's AI series "On This Day" disappoints critics
Darren Aronofsky's new YouTube series, "On This Day... 1776," uses AI to recreate moments from the Revolutionary War. The series features SAG voice actors and aims to show how AI can help artists. However, critics say the visuals look fake and the movements are unnatural. The storyline and dialogue are also described as uninspired. The reviewer believes the series proves that even well-funded AI projects still lack true artistry.
UN outlines plan for workers in the AI age
UN experts are working to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence outweigh its risks, like job losses. They promote a "people-first" approach to AI governance. Key ideas include making education central so people are "AI-literate" and ready for new jobs. The UN also stresses that AI must be available to everyone to prevent inequality. Furthermore, AI development must respect human rights, and the world needs to cooperate to manage AI's future.
Peloton cuts 11 percent of staff
Peloton announced it is laying off about 11 percent of its employees. These job cuts mainly affect engineers working on technology and enterprise projects. This is the latest round of layoffs for the fitness company. Peloton is changing its strategy to recover from its pandemic-era growth slowing down.
Exploring divine and artificial intelligence
This article explores the differences and connections between artificial intelligence and divine intelligence, as seen through Jewish tradition. Author Gedaliah Gurfein explains that AI focuses on patterns and predictions from external data. In contrast, divine intelligence, found in Jewish mystical texts, reveals inner purpose and meaning. The article suggests that while AI optimizes tasks, it cannot guide moral choices. It encourages people to consider how their actions contribute to either AI systems or a deeper, divine awareness.
Informant claims Epstein had a personal hacker
An informant told the FBI in 2017 that Jeffrey Epstein had a personal hacker. The Department of Justice released this information in a document. The alleged hacker was born in Calabria, Italy, and was skilled at finding weaknesses in Apple iOS, BlackBerry, and Firefox. The informant claimed the hacker developed and sold hacking tools to several governments, including the UK and US. They also reportedly sold an exploit to Hezbollah for a large cash payment.
Government plans "New Deal" for AI growth
Washington is planning a "New Deal" for artificial intelligence, similar to the industrial strategy of the 1930s. AI growth is currently limited by a lack of power, semiconductors, and infrastructure, which private companies cannot build fast enough. The government's "Genesis Mission" will direct money and policies to these critical areas. This creates investment chances in large, state-backed companies that support the AI ecosystem. The original New Deal focused on essential inputs like power and transportation, laying the groundwork for decades of industrial success.
Nokia names new chair and boosts AI partnerships
Nokia Oyj is seeing big changes in its leadership and future plans. Sari Baldauf will step down as Board Chair, and Timo Ihamuotila is proposed to take her place. Ihamuotila has already bought Nokia shares, showing his commitment. Nokia also made a deal with Blaize Holdings for AI and edge computing solutions. Additionally, the company signed a multi-billion dollar partnership with Nvidia to speed up its 5G, 6G, and AI goals.
Sources
- Rancho Cordova invests in youth-led artificial intelligence innovation
- Rancho Cordova students showcase AI bots with real-world applications
- Mamdani to kill the NYC AI chatbot we caught telling businesses to break the law
- Critic’s Notebook: Darren Aronofsky’s ‘On This Day… 1776’ Demonstrates That High-End AI Slop Is Still AI Slop
- Can workers compete with machines and stay relevant in the AI era?
- Peloton lays off 11 percent of its staff just a few months after launching its AI hardware
- Divine intelligence meets artificial intelligence: When Technology and tradition meet
- Jeffrey Epstein Had a ‘Personal Hacker,’ Informant Claims
- Washington’s 'New Deal' for AI Stocks Is Your Lottery Ticket
- Nokia Chair Succession And AI Alliances Reshape Long Term Focus
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