A recent headline reported that New Orleans is replacing its human 911 dispatchers with AI.

Why it matters: It's not true, Orleans Parish Communication District executive director Karl Fasold says, and it pushed staff to go on the offensive this week to counter fears that someone won't answer an emergency call.

The latest: The newspaper, the Shreveport Times, has since updated and corrected the story, but not before national media picked up the thread.

• The New York Post, Fox and Newsweek were among outlets that ran versions similar to the original.
• That version, according to a screenshot OPCD shared with Axios, was headlined "New Orleans will use AI to answer 911 calls instead of a human."

Reality check: OPCD is using AI to assist with some 911 calls, Fasold says, but the story oversimplified how the tool assists human dispatchers.

• The tool is only used when people call within 200 meters of an already-reported vehicle crash, according to an OPCD explainer, and only if all human dispatchers are already on calls.
• An AI agent only responds to those callers to ask whether they're calling about that vehicle crash. If the caller says anything other than "yes" in any language, they are routed immediately back to a human dispatcher.

Zoom in: OPCD was the nation's first emergency call center to start using AI for 911 calls, and "we're very proud of that," Fasold says, but its use remains in that limited capacity.

• "We're not looking to replace people with computers," he adds.

The big picture: The reaction to the inaccurate original story speaks to fears about the rapidly evolving technology, and how those who use it — even in promotional ads — can face swift backlash.

• The original reports, Fasold says, prompted concerned New Orleanians to call City Council members and Mayor Helena Moreno's office. They, in turn, reached out to Fasold's team.

What we're watching: OPCD also manages New Orleans' 311 call center, and the department is working on an AI tool to answer those calls, about half of which are information requests, Fasold says.

• "We will not hesitate on the non-emergency side to use an AI because if it messes up, it's not a tragedy, it's an inconvenience," Fasold says. "But on the 911 side, if an AI was handling something and it messed up, someone could die ... and we're never going to take that chance."

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Kenner officials broke ground this week on what they say is the South's largest inclusive playground.

Why it matters: The $1.5 million attraction is designed for children of all physical and mental abilities.

The big picture: It's going up in Laketown and should open before Thanksgiving, according to Councilmember Arita Bohannan's office.

• The custom-designed Little Tikes playground features a shrimp boat, fishing camp and Louisiana wildlife.
• It's wheelchair-accessible and incorporates elements for children with social/anxiety disorders along with special slides that won't interfere with cochlear implants.

Zoom in: Bohannan was also involved in creating Tripp's Treehouse, the $1.3 million playground in Lafreniere Park, which is currently the state's largest inclusive playground.

• She says her inspiration is her nephew, Anthony, who is on the autism spectrum.

Zoom out: New Orleans has a new marsh-themed playground along the riverfront. See photos.

More renderings

📈 More than 50 Louisiana companies made the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private firms.

• Of those, about half are in metro New Orleans, with Crescent Canna ranked No. 407 in the country (the highest in the state).
• See the full list.

🏈 Tulane unveiled a purple, green and gold Mardi Gras-themed football uniform with a "Jester Angry Wave" logo. (Underdogdynasty.com)

🚔 Livingston Parish had one of the state's largest meth busts this week after stopping an 18-wheeler carrying nearly 800 pounds of drugs on I-12. (Facebook)

🚗 Westwego will end its brake tag program, reversing course from its previous decision. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

• ICYMI: New Orleans, Kenner and the state have done away with brake tags too. A new program starts in January.
• Officers are not issuing tickets for missing or expired stickers for the rest of the year.

Waymo continues to test its self-driving vehicles in metro New Orleans.

Why it matters: The company hopes to eventually offer robotaxi services in southeast Louisiana.

The big picture: Carlie spotted one of Waymo's SUVs on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie recently.

• There are about a dozen in the region, according to the New Orleans City Council. Each vehicle has a human driver during this phase.
• New Orleans officials expect Waymo to begin testing driverless rides later this year.

What's next: New Orleans City Council members expect to begin drafting a new ordinance to regulate robotaxis this fall, with service potentially starting next year.

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🏈 The Saints kick off their preseason at home Saturday against the Jaguars. The next Dome game is Sept. 27. (Full schedule)

🍧 Krewe of Krampus hosts its fifth annual Barbegazi Snoball Fight on Saturday to raise money for parade accessibility efforts.

🛼 Big Easy Roller Derby has a doubleheader Saturday as part of its 20th season. The afterparty is at Lost Coyote.

🎤 See Billy Iuso and Pocket Chocolate for free tomorrow at Tipitina's. (Schedule)

🩺 Get free health screenings Saturday at the Urban League of Louisiana's Big Health Event at the convention center. (Details)

All month: Coolinary restaurant deals and free reciprocal admission for Museum Month.

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