— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

This week’s newsletter is brought to you by Arcweb Technologies, a software consulting company on a mission to democratize digital healthcare through open source solutions that expand the delivery and lower the costs of care. Find out more about working with and for Arcweb.

Jay Polaki, CEO of HR Geckos, dove into how artificial intelligence is shaking up workplaces at small to medium-sized businesses in this new guest post. She compares the rapid pace of AI adoption to the game-changing impact of Johannes Gutenberg's printing press back in the day. Polaki also stresses the importance for HR folks to stay on top of these technological advancements to ensure employees and organizations can flourish in this evolving landscape.

➡️ Learn more about the impact of AI in HR

Sarah Florini, an associate professor of film and media studies at Arizona State University, wrote a piece for The Conversation that we republished that delves into the complexities surrounding the debate over banning TikTok. Despite concerns about foreign influence, teen harm and data privacy issues, Florini argues that simply banning the app won't address these broader challenges faced by social media platforms. She points out that TikTok has become an increasingly significant source of news for American youth, with nearly one-third of Americans under 30 relying on the platform for news consumption. 

➡️ See why this expert believes banning TikTok won't solve big problems

• Philadelphia and Baltimore, along with 31 other regions, are awaiting federal investment in advanced technology. However, our CEO Chris Wink says lessons from the past highlight the importance of careful consideration in these types of initiatives. [Technical.ly] 

• April is Financial Literacy Month and SoLo Funds, a personal finance app, co-founded by a Baltimorean, has teamed up with Beloved Community Services to provide free financial literacy courses to locals. [Fox Baltimore]

• Last week, Gov. Wes Moore announced $2.25 million in grant funding for local government and nonprofit organizations through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's(DHCD) Operating Assistance Grant programs, including the Technical Assistance Grant and Main Street Improvement Program. [DHCD]

•  Open Works has installed a third solar charging station at 6th Branch Community Garden on Homewood Street. Interested in bringing a solar charging station to your community? Reach out to frontdesk@opeworksbmore.com for more information. [Open Works/Technical.ly]

• Innovation Works Baltimore celebrates its latest Boost Cohort. [IW Bmore]

• Concentric Educational Solutions raised $3 million and plans to expand into healthcare. [Baltimore Biz Journal]