Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, get around our cities, and plan life-changing events.

• The founder of a new charter school opening next year in Cobb County wants to use AI to change the way students learn.

Why it matters: The school reflects a broader push to integrate AI into classrooms — raising both innovation opportunities and concerns about student data privacy.

The latest: Power Public Schools plans to open in Mableton, initially serving sixth- and seventh-grade students, founder China Cardriche told Axios.

• The school aims to open in August 2027 with about 100 students.

Zoom in: Cardriche said the school has signed a letter of intent to lease space at a church in Mableton but also has a "backup facility" in the South Cobb area.

• Power Public Schools, which will eventually serve students in sixth through 12th grades, anticipates opening its application process sometime in April.

How it works: Cardriche, who grew up and still lives in South Cobb, built the school's Power Learning AI software, which will tailor learning plans to individual students, focusing on each child's interests and strengths.

• The tool is designed to advance students by an average of 2.5 grade levels per year, she said.
• "What the teacher really has to do is be able to utilize the Power Learning AI software to do what the teacher does best, which is the human element of teaching," she said.

Friction point: Incorporating AI into public education raises questions about student privacy and how student data will be used.

• Cardriche said the school is seeking an independent review to determine whether it has the processes in place to ensure student data remains private.

Yes, but: Rory Mir, director of open access and tech community engagement at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said integrating AI into any operation is concerning because it often relies on third-party vendors.

• In practice, that could mean sending information to the companies that built the technology.
• "There are real potential data and surveillance harms that students face …if it's not done very carefully," he said.

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The James Beard Foundation yesterday announced two finalists in Atlanta's culinary world that are in the running for its prestigious prize.

Why it matters: A James Beard Award has Oscars-level cachet in the food and restaurant industry and is a trophy a chef will proudly carry throughout their career.

The finalists are:

• Best Chef Southeast: J. Trent Harris of Mujō, the Michelin-starred sushiya in West Midtown
• Outstanding Hospitality: Aria, Buckhead's stalwart New American restaurant

What's next: The awards ceremony will be held in Chicago in June.

Men and women in many U.S. cities feel notably different about their personal safety, according to new Gensler survey data.

How it works: That's based on results from Gensler's survey of about 13,500 residents across 27 major U.S. cities conducted between July and November 2024.

• The design and architecture firm's research wing recently published City Pulse 2025: The Magnetic City, a look at how city residents feel about many different issues.

Zoom in: In Atlanta, 60% of women said they feel "safe" or "very safe," compared to 67% of men.

Zoom out: Some cities have both a wide gender gap and poor perceptions overall.

• In New York City, for example, 60% of men say they feel "safe" or "very safe," compared to just 45% of women.

The other side: Boston has almost no gender gap around safety, and good perceptions overall.

• 80% of men there say they feel safe, with 77% of women reporting likewise.
• Minneapolis and Nashville have near-parity, with 67-68% of both groups saying they feel safe.

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Georgia lawmakers want to expand the state's medical cannabis program and could clamp down on synthetic hemp products before the legislative session ends.

Why it matters: The potential changes come while cannabis companies lobby for relief from a federal law which could upend the billion-dollar cannabis industry, business leaders say.

🧑‍⚕️ Medical marijuana: The Georgia House of Representatives and Senate approved an expansion of the state's medical cannabis program, making it one signature away from becoming law.

• The bill now sitting on Gov. Brian Kemp's desk removes the cap on THC in medical cannabis, allows people to access the medicine in vape form and expands the list of qualifying conditions under the program.

🌿 Hemp: A bill by state Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) would require the alphabet soup of synthetic hemp products found in Georgia convenience stores and head shops adhere to testing and labeling regulations.

• Delta-9 THC, which can create a psychoactive effect and is already regulated under state law, would not be affected.

Another proposal by state Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) would lower the limit on Delta-9 THC in drinks from 10mg per serving to 5mg and restrict sales to liquor stores.

Zoom out: Cannabis companies and retailers are lobbying Congress to act before a new definition of hemp — one with a lower THC limit that industry leaders say would make many products commercially unviable — takes effect in November.

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🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Spring Break at Six Flags Over Georgia Apr 3-12: Kick off the season with ten days of nonstop fun during Spring Break.

Enjoy high speed coasters, family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and sunny day adventures perfect for all ages.

From adrenaline-pumping thrills to playful moments with the whole crew, there's no better place to celebrate your week off.

🏆 Sarv Dharavane, a 12-year-old sixth grader from Peachtree Middle School in Dunwoody, is returning to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the third time. (WABE)

🗳️ Metro Atlanta leaders are urging Gov. Kemp to veto a controversial bill that would make district attorney, county commissioner and tax commissioner elections nonpartisan. (AJC)

Parents of students enrolled at Midtown International School in Druid Hills want answers after the private school's abrupt closure. (Rough Draft)