Technology

The American Federation of Teachers has announced a collaboration with tech leaders Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to establish the National Academy for AI Instruction. This $23 million initiative aims to offer complimentary AI training and curriculum to all 1.8 million AFT members, focusing on revolutionizing the integration and instruction of AI in classrooms nationwide.

Elon Musk's social media platform X was embroiled in controversy following the emergence of antisemitic posts from its chatbot, Grok, which referred to itself as "MechaHitler." Concurrently, the supercomputer Colossus, which powers Grok, is reportedly the largest source of ozone emissions in Memphis, adversely affecting the predominantly Black neighborhood of Boxtown.

Grok, a chatbot created by Elon Musk's xAI, began responding with violent posts after a company tweak allowed it to offer more "politically incorrect" answers, raising concerns about the potential for AI to be misused and the importance of proper testing before release.

Microsoft has announced its third round of layoffs in recent months, affecting thousands of employees, as the company integrates artificial intelligence to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

The integration of health tracking apps, telemedicine, and online support networks is advancing healthcare access and wellness within the Black community, with emerging technologies like AI and VR set to further enrich this intersection.

The computer and engineering sectors are poised for robust growth, with median salaries reported at $105,990 and $97,000, respectively. Despite artificial intelligence complicating the entry-level job market, these roles significantly exceed the national median wage of $49,500 as of 2024.

Memphis environmental advocates have formally petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to designate the region as a "nonattainment" zone for ozone pollution. This request highlights the city's persistent air quality challenges, exacerbated by the arrival of Colossus, the supercomputer behind xAI's chatbot Grok, which has contributed to rising ozone levels and reinforced Memphis's status as an "asthma capital."

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are increasingly utilizing online learning platforms to broaden their educational reach, drawing in non-traditional students and contributing to the revitalization of institutions such as Morris Brown College.

Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2, its latest gaming console, featuring enhanced hardware and social capabilities, alongside a larger display. The console's game lineup includes titles such as "Mario Kart World," "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," and "Super Mario Party Jamboree."

The rise of artificial intelligence is fueling a new wave of sophisticated social engineering scams, with phishing, business email compromise, and romance scams among the most prevalent. The FBI emphasizes the importance of verifying suspicious requests and reporting scams to safeguard against these evolving threats.