Artificial intelligence has ushered in a transformative era where the boundary between reality and fabrication is increasingly blurred. Today, generative AI tools can create hyper-realistic images of people, places, and events that never actually occurred, all from simple text prompts. While these tools offer immense potential for creativity and artistic expression, they have simultaneously birthed a significant challenge: the proliferation of sophisticated fake visuals. As these images become indistinguishable from authentic photographs, they are being weaponized to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, and orchestrate complex scams, making digital literacy an essential survival skill for the modern era. The mechanics behind…

At a recent Mt. Sterling City Council meeting, Police Chief Aaron Noel stepped forward to address a wave of apprehension circulating on social media regarding the department’s use of Flock license plate reading technology. In an era where digital privacy is a top-of-mind concern for many, the Chief recognized that the rumors swirling online—ranging from fears of facial recognition to worries about government surveillance—needed to be confronted with transparency and facts. By walking the council through the mechanics of the system, he aimed to shift the narrative from one of suspicion to one of public safety, clarifying exactly what these…