10 important questions about the promise and pitfalls of AI

Promise and pitfalls of AI: 10 leaders from the Seattle region, ranging from a variety of industries and disciplines, spoke this week at the Museum of History and Industry to discuss hopes and fears for artificial intelligence. Some were optimistic about the ways AI can help speed up creative work, improve healthcare, or educate students. But others shared concern about the technology — and the people controlling its destiny. Read more. 

This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we offer a sneak preview of the GeekWire Awards, at the Showbox SoDo in Seattle on Thursday, May 9.

• We look back at the past winners of the Next Tech Titan title in the awards, and consider the event's track record in predicting major companies to emerge from Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

• We also contemplate the evolution of the "Workplace of the Year" category through the rise of remote and hybrid work.

• And finally, we consider the impact of migration on another part of the state: Spokane, Wash., and the Inland Northwest.

Read more and listen here, and subscribe to GeekWire in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Amazon surprised 13 Seattle-area high school students with “Future Engineer” scholarships that will help them pursue a computer science education in college. Read more. 

Hot Links:

• The demand for data center power is keeping coal plants running and frustrating residents who live near newly installed transmission lines. (Washington Post) 

• Think you can predict the NFL schedule? Amazon Web Services launched a new tool that will test your skills. (Schedule Showdown)