DC daily roundup: Feds want more AI fluency; tracking the heat wave; Clango becomes latest area acquisition

FBI leaders call for more AI training

There are many ways AI can be used for bad, from deepfakes to phishing scams to spreading false information.

Because of this harsh reality, and since AI is so easily accessible, government agencies like the FBI are aiming to make AI-related training a priority. One way, as explained by agency leaders at a recent event hosted by the consulting company General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), is by adding a “Shark Tank”-style contest to spur new ideas.

“We have to invest in our workforce,” said Kathleen Noyes, the FBI’s section chief of next-generation technology and lawful access. “We have to get everyone a baseline of knowledge.”

➡️ Read more about how the agency works with AI here.

How to track the heat wave

HeatRisk, a platform developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, can help people stay safe in high heat.

The dashboard takes into account temperature data from the National Weather Service and several other parameters, including historic temperatures, previous climate trends and duration of high temperatures. It was first launched in California in 2013 and expanded to cover the entire US in April.

“Heat can impact our health, but heat-related illness and death are preventable,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen in April. “We are releasing new heat and health tools and guidance to help people take simple steps to stay safe in the heat.”

➡️ Read more about this tool here.

News Incubator: What else to know today

• The Arlington-based cybersecurity firm Clango was acquired by one of its competitors. This marks at least six buyouts of tech companies in the DMV this month. [Washington Biz Journal]

• Inc. released its Best Workplaces list for 2024, including several local companies like the IT startup Adlumin and the tech consulting firm Cloudforce. [Inc.]

• Maryland Gov. Wes Moore pardoned nearly 175,000 marijuana-related offenses. For CEO Colin Fraser of Upling, a 2024 DC RealLIST Startups honoree working to increase accessibility to legally available cannabis, the decision is a major workforce win. [Technical.ly]

• DC council members are trying to create a permanent commission to review the city’s tax and revenue proposals. The existing body reportedly met too sparsely and dealt with infighting. [Washington City Paper]

• Maryland’s Senate President Bill Ferguson is taking a job as general counsel and senior vice president with CI Renewables, a solar energy company in Baltimore. [Maryland Matters]

🗓️ On the Calendar