A groundbreaking book by philosopher Dr. Travis LaCroix explores value alignment challenges in modern AI systems like predictive policing and ChatGPT. Titled *Artificial Intelligence and the Value Alignment Problem*, it argues that corporate control and optimization for profit often clash with public interests. LaCroix uses case studies to show how bias in hiring algorithms and opaque content moderation reflect deeper structural issues, urging reforms to prioritize community input over purely technical fixes.

In healthcare, researchers raised alarms about AI therapy apps for children. A University of Rochester study found that chatbots could hinder social development by replacing human interactions, while non-representative training data might unfairly limit care access for low-income families. Co-author Dr. Bryanna Moore stressed: "AI tools shouldn’t replace therapists but support them," recommending strict age-specific regulations and parental consent requirements.

Education ethics took center stage at a University of the Ozarks lecture, where Dr. Kathryn Conrad discussed generative AI’s impact on learning. Her proposed AI Bill of Rights for Education demands clear labeling of AI-generated content, student data protections, and curriculum transparency to prevent misuse in grading or tutoring. Conrad warned that unchecked AI adoption risks devaluing critical thinking, urging schools to teach AI literacy alongside traditional subjects.

Policy debates intensified as the U.S. Senate’s AI roadmap pushed for sector-specific oversight, including fraud detection in finance and safety testing for medical AI. Meanwhile, LaCroix advocated rethinking AI development incentives, proposing public funding models to reduce reliance on profit-driven tech firms.

Globally, Australia and South Korea hosted Agentic AI summits focused on real-time decision-making in emergencies. Fujitsu showcased an AI system that coordinates disaster response teams, though ethicists cautioned against overtrusting autonomous tools in life-or-death scenarios. These discussions underscore the need for international safety standards as agentic AI spreads across borders.