Microsoft Copilot NFL Predictions, ChatGPT Security Risks $2.7M

Artificial intelligence continues to reshape various sectors, from education to enterprise security, prompting both innovation and new challenges. In the realm of learning, experts like Ian Bogost and Lila Shroff describe AI as a "breaking point" for education, particularly since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, which quickly normalized AI use among students. This has led to a critical re-evaluation of traditional schooling, with figures like Linda Darling-Hammond of the Learning Policy Institute noting that the long-standing "factory model" curriculum, established in 1892, is now outdated.Amidst these discussions, new educational models are emerging. Alpha School, a private K-8 chain founded by MacKenzie Price in 2014, exemplifies this shift. Located in Plano and Fort Worth, Alpha School integrates AI for core academics, allowing students to dedicate most of their day to developing 24 essential life skills, from financial literacy to entrepreneurship. While some educators, like Kayla Jefferson, ban AI, others, such as Ludrick Cooper, permit its use for learning at home, reflecting the diverse approaches to integrating this technology. Research by Richard A. Chance suggests that while AI, like ChatGPT, offers new tools for academic dishonesty, it primarily changes the method of cheating rather than the overall amount, a problem that has persisted for decades. Meanwhile, librarians like Shenise McGhee at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are actively sharing AI-powered tools to foster STEM student success, highlighting intelligent learning platforms and the importance of ethical AI use. The growing popularity of AI classes across the country, including in Lansing, Michigan, further underscores the public's drive to acquire new skills for an evolving job market.Beyond education, AI is accelerating scientific discovery, as seen at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. There, AI algorithms and robots at A-Lab are rapidly testing new materials for batteries and electronics, and machine learning optimizes instruments for enhanced performance. AI also plays a crucial role in real-time data analysis, even acting as a co-creator in validating predictions for novel proteins. Governments are also leveraging AI; India, for instance, has implemented a strict, AI-driven tax audit system for crypto traders, using tools like Project Insight to detect discrepancies and enforce a flat 30% tax on crypto gains.The reach of AI extends even to entertainment, with Microsoft Copilot AI making predictions for all 16 NFL Week 1 games for USA TODAY Sports, offering a unique perspective on upcoming matchups, albeit sometimes requiring corrections for outdated information. Companies like Grammarly, an AI proofreading assistant, are also expanding, relocating their East Coast office to Midtown Manhattan in a "flight to quality" to attract top talent.However, the proliferation of AI also introduces significant risks, particularly in file security. A new Ponemon Institute report, sponsored by OPSWAT, reveals that insider activity and AI complexities are driving file security risks to record highs. Over the past two years, 61% of organizations have experienced file-related incidents from negligent or malicious insiders, with each breach costing an average of $2.7 million. Generative AI tools, while beneficial in some areas, also contribute to these risks by providing new avenues for attackers. Experts emphasize the need for unified, multi-layered security platforms, strict AI workflow oversight, and clear policies to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance. As AI continues its rapid evolution, educators and professionals alike are calling for an approach rooted in ethical consideration and "holy hesitation," urging the development of personal guiding principles to ensure responsible AI engagement that prioritizes human impact over mere speed.

Key Takeaways

• AI is a "breaking point" for education, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional schooling and the emergence of new models.
• MacKenzie Price founded Alpha School, which uses AI for core academics and dedicates significant time to teaching 24 life skills.
• The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 normalized AI use among students, though research suggests AI primarily changes the method of cheating, not the overall amount.
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is leveraging AI, automation, and data systems to accelerate scientific discovery, from material testing to real-time data analysis.
• India has implemented an AI-driven tax audit system for crypto traders, using tools like Project Insight to enforce a flat 30% tax on crypto gains.
• Microsoft Copilot AI is being used to predict outcomes for NFL Week 1 games, showcasing AI's application in diverse fields.
• File security risks are escalating due to insider activity and AI complexities, with 61% of organizations experiencing breaches costing an average of $2.7 million each in the last two years.
• Millions are enrolling in AI classes nationwide, including in Lansing, Michigan, driven by the changing job market and the need for new skills.
• Educators and experts advocate for an ethical approach to AI, emphasizing the development of personal guiding principles and a virtues-informed model for responsible use.
• AI-powered tools, such as tutoring systems and intelligent learning platforms, are being highlighted for their potential to enhance STEM student success and create inclusive learning environments.

Alpha School offers AI-led learning and life skills in Plano

Alpha School is a private K-8 school chain in Plano and Fort Worth that uses AI for core academics. Students have only two hours of class time daily, then focus on 24 life skills like financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Founder MacKenzie Price started the school in 2014, aiming to prepare students for the real world. Guides, not traditional teachers, lead workshops and earn high salaries, with a lead guide in Plano making $150,000. Alpha School was accredited by Cognia in May 2025 and claims students learn 2.6 times faster.

Experts say AI marks a turning point for education

Experts Ian Bogost and Lila Shroff believe AI is a "breaking point" for K-12 and higher education. Since ChatGPT's release in November 2022, students widely use AI for schoolwork, leading to a normalization of the technology. Professors initially panicked but now show a "blind spot" to its widespread adoption. Bogost suggests AI highlights "pedagogical debt" in the current education system, requiring a redesign. Some propose more practical, skills-based learning, like the new AP Business and Cybersecurity courses from the College Board, while others worry about critical thinking skills.

Rethinking school for the AI era

Teachers and experts are discussing how to redesign schools for the AI age, as AI can now do homework and essays. Linda Darling-Hammond of the Learning Policy Institute calls AI a disruptive force that makes people question the purpose of school. She explains that the current "factory model" education system, with its curriculum set in 1892 by the Committee of 10, is outdated. Teachers like Kayla Jefferson ban AI, while Ludrick Cooper allows it for learning at home. The discussion centers on what students should learn to succeed in the 21st century.

AI changes how students cheat not how much

Education researcher Richard A. Chance argues that AI has changed the method of cheating, not necessarily the amount. Studies by Don McCabe in the 1990s and 2000s showed high rates of cheating, with up to 96% of business majors reporting cheating behaviors. Chance's own research, surveying over 1,900 students at three high schools, found that cheating rates remained similar before and after ChatGPT's release. Students cheat for various reasons, including feeling overwhelmed or viewing assignments as low priority. This suggests that cheating is a long-standing issue, with AI simply offering a new tool.

AI era brings new risks to file security

A new Ponemon Institute report highlights that file security risks are increasing due to insider activity and AI complexities. In the past two years, 61% of organizations experienced file-related incidents from negligent or malicious insiders, costing an average of $2.7 million per breach. Confidence in securing files is lowest during uploads, transfers, and sharing with third parties. George Prichici of OPSWAT notes that generative AI tools and complex IT environments contribute to these risks. Organizations need unified, multi-layered security platforms, strict AI workflow oversight, and clear policies to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.

Insider threats and AI raise file security risks

A new study by the Ponemon Institute, sponsored by OPSWAT, reveals that insider threats and AI complexities are driving file security risks to record highs. Sixty-one percent of organizations have suffered file-related breaches from negligent or malicious insiders in the last two years, costing an average of $2.7 million each. While AI helps detect threats, attackers also use generative AI to exploit systems. Dr. Larry Ponemon emphasizes that cyber resilience is now a strategic priority. George Prichici of OPSWAT states that a multi-layered defense with zero-trust file handling and advanced prevention tools is essential.

Berkeley Lab uses AI to accelerate scientific discovery

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is using AI, automation, and data systems to speed up scientific discovery. At A-Lab, AI algorithms and robots rapidly test new materials for batteries and electronics. Machine learning optimizes instruments like the Berkeley Lab Laser Accelerator and the Advanced Light Source Upgrade for better performance. AI also helps analyze vast amounts of data in real time, such as streaming microscope data to the Perlmutter supercomputer for instant insights. Furthermore, AI acts as a co-creator, with scientists validating AI-driven predictions for novel proteins.

India uses AI for strict crypto tax audits

India has implemented a strict, AI-driven tax audit system for crypto traders, imposing a flat 30% tax on crypto gains with no deductions. A 1% Tax Deducted at Source applies to transactions over INR 50,000 for business or INR 10,000 for others. The Income Tax Department uses AI and blockchain analytics tools like Project Insight to detect discrepancies in filings. Non-compliance can lead to a 78% effective tax rate, large penalties, and asset seizures under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Investors must maintain detailed records and use correct ITR forms to avoid audit risks, especially with global data-sharing expanding.

Grammarly moves East Coast office to Midtown Manhattan

Grammarly, an AI proofreading assistant, is relocating its East Coast office to Midtown Manhattan. The company signed a full-floor lease in the BXP-owned building at 360 Park Avenue South. This move is part of a trend for companies seeking "flight to quality" office spaces. Grammarly aims to attract top talent with its new, upgraded office hub.

AI classes grow popular as job market changes

AI classes are becoming very popular in Lansing, Michigan, and across the country. Millions of people are signing up for these courses. This trend is happening because artificial intelligence is changing the job market. People want to keep up with new skills needed for future jobs.

UAPB librarian shares AI tools for STEM student success

Shenise McGhee, a librarian at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, led a session on AI-powered tools for STEM student success. She presented at the 2025 STEM Librarians South Conference, hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington. McGhee discussed how AI and machine learning are changing education, especially in STEM fields. She highlighted tools like AI tutoring systems and intelligent learning platforms that create inclusive learning environments and improve academic performance. McGhee also stressed the important role of STEM librarians in teaching the ethical use of AI.

Microsoft Copilot AI predicts NFL Week 1 game outcomes

Microsoft Copilot AI has made predictions for all 16 NFL Week 1 games for USA TODAY Sports. The AI chatbot analyzed matchups, though it sometimes provided outdated information that needed correction. For example, Copilot predicted the Philadelphia Eagles would beat the Dallas Cowboys 30-17 and the Kansas City Chiefs would defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 27-20. It also picked the Atlanta Falcons over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-21 after learning about player injuries. The AI's predictions offer a unique perspective on the upcoming season openers.

Considering AI with ethics and caution

Educators are discussing how to approach artificial intelligence with both ethical evolution and "holy hesitation." The author, while acknowledging AI's efficiency benefits in areas like medicine, expresses suspicion about prioritizing speed over creativity and humanity. The article suggests developing personal guiding principles for AI use, similar to those for substances or weapons. It proposes a virtues-informed model, examining AI through the lenses of wisdom, temperance, humanity, courage, and justice. This approach encourages users to consider the human impact and establish guardrails for responsible AI engagement.

Sources

• $50,000 AI-Led Private School in Plano Has Just 2 Hours of Class Time
• Opinion: AI is a 'Breaking Point' in K-12 and Higher Ed
• How to redesign schools for the AI age
• What the panic about kids using AI to cheat gets wrong
• The Hidden Costs Of File Security In The AI Era
• New Study Reveals Insider Threats and AI Complexities Are Driving File Security Risks to Record Highs, Costing Companies Millions
• How AI and Automation are Speeding Up Science and Discovery
• India’s Crypto Traders Face AI-Driven Tax Audit Maze
• News | Grammarly joins Manhattan's flight to quality with deal to trade up East Coast office hub
• Tech Tuesday: A.I. classes gaining popularity
• UAPB librarian leads session on artificial intelligence in STEM fields | Pine Bluff Commercial News
• NFL Week 1 predictions by Microsoft Copilot AI for every game
• Approaching AI with Ethical Evolution and Holy Hesitation