On the Top of Maine podcast, Newsletter Journal hosts encouraged local governments, schools and businesses in Newcastle and Weston County to experiment with artificial intelligence in ways that preserve privacy and human oversight.

"I can't help but think I don't think I know that this could be part of a solution for them," Bonner said when asked whether local governments could use AI to reduce costs and streamline services. He also criticized the Weston County clerk’s recent technology choices, saying the clerk "has gone backwards on technology in the last 6 years," including removing recordings and budget documents from the county website.

Alexis Barker and intern Summer Bonner described practical, low-risk AI use cases for smaller offices: formatting documents, automating tedious administrative tasks, and using locally hosted or private AI systems instead of open web tools for sensitive data. Barker said those approaches allow offices to keep control of data while gaining time savings.

Both hosts urged school systems to teach students how to use AI responsibly so that children learn foundational skills before relying on AI. Bonner cited a superintendent at the conference who embraced AI districtwide and argued the tool can help students or teachers who struggle, while Summer said students should retain core skills before applying AI.

As a direct step toward community education, Bonner announced the Newsletter Journal will host a virtual marketing mixer and a lunch-and-learn demonstration around the end of December or the first week of January to demonstrate how the paper uses AI and to brainstorm practical applications with businesses and officials.

The hosts emphasized transparency: the newsroom will show how staff use AI and demonstrate different use patterns so attendees can make informed choices. The workshop announcement is informational; no government action or formal adoption was recorded during the episode.