House rejects Democratic efforts to force release of Matt Gaetz's ethics report
Brazilian police formally accused Bolsonaro of an attempted coup. What comes next?Empowering Older Adults With Home-Care Robots Robotics & Automation NewsThe ChatGPT-maker and Anduril will focus on improving defenses against drone attacks, the companies said in a joint release. The partnership comes nearly a year after OpenAI did away with wording in its policies that banned use of its technology for military or warfare purposes. Founded in 2017, Anduril is a technology company that builds command and control systems and a variety of drones, counting the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom among its customers, according to its website. OpenAI said in October that it was collaborating with the US military's research arm DARPA on cyber defenses for critical networks. "AI is a transformational technology that can be used to strengthen democratic values or to undermine them," OpenAI said in a post at the time. "With the proper safeguards, AI can help protect people, deter adversaries, and even prevent future conflict." The companies said the deal would help the United States maintain an edge over China, a goal that OpenAI chief Sam Altman has spoken of in the past. "Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects US military personnel, and will help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free," Altman said in Wednesday's release. Anduril was co-founded by Palmer Luckey, after Facebook bought his previous company Oculus VR in a $2 billion deal. The new partnership will bring together OpenAI's advanced AI models with Anduril systems and software, according to the companies. "Our partnership with OpenAI will allow us to utilize their world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to address urgent Air Defense capability gaps across the world," Anduril co-founder and chief executive Brian Schimpf said in the release. Schimpf said the collaboration would allow "military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations." gc/aha
Scottish international Adams scores long-range stunner in Serie A win for TorinoBy MATTHEW BROWN and JACK DURA BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Donald Trump assigned Doug Burgum a singular mission in nominating the governor of oil-rich North Dakota to lead an agency that oversees a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore: “Drill baby drill.” That dictate from the president-elect’s announcement of Burgum for Secretary of Interior sets the stage for a reignition of the court battles over public lands and waters that helped define Trump’s first term, with environmentalists worried about climate change already pledging their opposition. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his family’s farm. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Public lands experts said his experience as a popular two-term governor who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt suggests a willingness to collaborate, as opposed to dismantling from within the agency he is tasked with leading. That could help smooth his confirmation and clear the way for the incoming administration to move quickly to open more public lands to development and commercial use. “Burgum strikes me as a credible nominee who could do a credible job as Interior secretary,” said John Leshy, who served as Interior’s solicitor under former President Bill Clinton. “He’s not a right-wing radical on public lands,” added Leshy, professor emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of the country’s land with a mandate that spans from wildlife conservation and recreation to natural resource extraction and fulfilling treaty obligations with Native American tribes. Most of those lands are in the West, where frictions with private landowners and state officials are commonplace and have sometimes mushroomed into violent confrontations with right-wing groups that reject federal jurisdiction. Burgum if confirmed would be faced with a pending U.S. Supreme Court action from Utah that seeks to assert state power over Interior Department lands. North Dakota’s attorney general has supported the lawsuit, but Burgum’s office declined to say if he backs Utah’s claims. U.S. Justice Department attorneys on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject Utah’s lawsuit. They said Utah in 1894 agreed to give up its right to the lands at issue when it became a state. Trump’s narrow focus on fossil fuels is a replay from his 2016 campaign — although minus coal mining, a collapsing industry that he failed to revive in his first term. Trump repeatedly hailed oil as “liquid gold” on the campaign trail this year and largely omitted any mention of coal. About 26% of U.S. oil comes from federal lands and offshore waters overseen by Interior. Production continues to hit record levels under President Joe Biden despite claims by Trump that the Democrat hindered drilling. But industry representatives and their Republican allies say volumes could be further boosted. They want Burgum and the Interior Department to ramp up oil and gas sales from federal lands, in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The oil industry also hopes Trump’s government efficiency initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk can dramatically reduce environmental reviews. Biden’s administration reduced the frequency and size of lease sales, and it restored environmental rules that were weakened under Trump . The Democrat as a candidate in 2020 promised further restrictions on drilling to help combat global warming, but he struck a deal for the 2022 climate bill that requires offshore oil and gas sales to be held before renewable energy leases can be sold. “Oil and gas brings billions of dollars of revenue in, but you don’t get that if you don’t have leasing,” said Erik Milito with the National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore industries including oil and wind. Trump has vowed to kill offshore wind energy projects. But Milito said he was hopeful that with Burgum in place it would be “green lights ahead for everything, not just oil and gas.” It is unclear if Burgum would revive some of the most controversial steps taken at the agency during Trump’s first term, including relocating senior officials out of Washington, D.C., dismantling parts of the Endangered Species Act and shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah designated by former President Barack Obama. Officials under Biden spent much of the past four years reversing Trump’s moves. They restored the Utah monuments and rescinded numerous Trump regulations. Onshore oil and gas lease sales plummeted — from more than a million acres sold annually under Trump and other previous administrations, to just 91,712 acres (37,115 hectares) sold last year — while many wind and solar projects advanced. Developing energy leases takes years, and oil companies control millions of acres that remain untapped. Biden’s administration also elevated the importance of conservation in public lands decisions, adopting a rule putting it more on par with oil and gas development. They proposed withdrawing parcels of land in six states from potential future mining to protect a struggling bird species, the greater sage grouse. North Dakota is among Republican states that challenged the Biden administration’s public lands rule. The states said in a June lawsuit that officials acting to prevent climate change have turned laws meant to facilitate development into policies that obstruct drilling, livestock grazing and other uses. Oil production boomed over the past two decades in North Dakota thanks in large part to better drilling techniques. Burgum has been an industry champion and last year signed a repeal of the state’s oil tax trigger — a price-based tax hike industry leaders supported removing. Burgum’s office declined an interview request. In a statement after his nomination, Burgum echoed Trump’s call for U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The 68-year-old governor also said the Interior post offered an opportunity to improve government relations with developers, tribes, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts “with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.” Related Articles National Politics | Judge delays Trump hush money sentencing in order to decide where case should go now National Politics | Republicans scramble to fill JD Vance’s Ohio Senate seat National Politics | Gaetz’s withdrawal highlights how incoming presidents often lose Cabinet nominees National Politics | What to know about Pam Bondi, Trump’s new pick for attorney general National Politics | Democrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contest Under current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the agency put greater emphasis on working collaboratively with tribes, including their own energy projects . Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico, also advanced an initiative to solve criminal cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and helped lead a nationwide reckoning over abuses at federal Indian boarding schools that culminated in a formal public apology from Biden. Burgum has worked with tribes in his state, including on oil development. Badlands Conservation Alliance director Shannon Straight in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Burgum has also been a big supporter of tourism in North Dakota and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Yet Straight said that hasn’t translated into additional protections for land in the state. “Theodore Roosevelt had a conservation ethic, and we talk and hold that up as a beautiful standard to live by,” he said. “We haven’t seen it as much on the ground. ... We need to recognize the landscape is only going to be as good as some additional protections.” Burgum has been a cheerleader of the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. Brown reported from Billings, Montana.Forget $4 trillion, darling of Wall Street Nvidia's market cap could hit $5 trillion; Dan Ives gives this explanation
Medicare Cuts Mean Doctors Can’t Afford to Treat Patients. Let's Fix That.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis take accountability for Lakers’ skidLet integrity, resilience and continuous learning be your guide. Always pursue excellence with humility and discipline, contributing meaningfully to your field and community’ —-Dr. Francis Toromade (On his piece of advice to Nigerian youth) His life trajectory is one of the most inspiring types, moving from an unknown village primary school teacher decades ago to the pinnacle of professional excellence as a distinguished agribusiness consultant, an erudite academia as the Director General of the popular Premier Agribusiness Academy as well as a facilitator at the Rome Business School. But that is only a tip of the iceberg. And that is all because the multi-talented and versatile Francis Olubanjo Adetoro Toromade (Ph. D) also happens to be a Deputy Commissioner of Police (Supernumerary Unit) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Can you beat that? Not likely. Yet, beyond meeting him at the Nigeria Soyabean Stakeholders Coalition Conference at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos a few months back, where his lecture drew am instantaneous standing ovation, something outstanding he achieved recently caught yours truly’s attention. But what could that be? That is the million naira question. The answer is that of the highly resourceful Nigerian patriot garnering 10 prestigious awards from world-renowned institutions all within this year alone! That should be a matter of interest to the Guinness Book of Records. These include that of clinching the Fellow, Chartered Institute of Marketing ( FCIM), Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA ), Fellow, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (FNIMN), Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), CMC and of course, Doctoral Fellow, Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management (Dr. FCICRM). Others are Doctoral Fellow, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Dr. FCILSM), Doctoral Fellow, Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (Dr. FCIPMN) and Doctoral Fellow, Chartered Institute of Human Resources Management (Dr. FCIHRM). The last but certainly not the least awards include Doctoral Fellow, Artificial intelligence and Finance Management Institute (Dr. FAIMFIN) and Distinguished Fellow, the African Business Club (DFTABC). Expectedly, he was effusive in appreciating all the awards for one poignant reason or the other. While he stated that he felt honoured to be recognised for advancing ethical and innovative marketing practices in response to that of the FCIM, he similarly felt grateful for the FCIA Award which serves as an inspiration for his continued dedication to effective governance. For that of the Dr. FAIMFIN he is indeed motivated to explore AI’s role in advancing management and financial decision-making, while the DFTABC he feels highly honoured to support business growth and collaboration across Africa “with this recognition”. But what matters most in all of Franing lessons for the present and future generations to glean from. Ordinarily, he could have decided to retire back in the village after his working experience as a school headmaster. But with deeper insight into what God has abundantly blessed him with he was able to discover, hone and eventually show the world the gold and diamonds pearls from within. That is the mark of a visionary, principled and futuristic thinking achiever who walks the talk. Said he: “I felt that I have to engage in multi-disciplinary ventures to be relevant in agribusiness. Also, I discovered that there are gaps to be filled. Bishop Oyedepo inspires me on daily basis”. He confessed. For him therefore, with God and his unshakable belief in his abilities the word, “impossible” makes no meaning. Once his heart is focused on walking the talk on his dreams he knows that his steps forward are unstoppable. That perhaps, explains why he exhib ited his extensive expertise in agribusiness spanning livestock management, sales, marketing, research and business development. In fact, he has a proven track record driving growth, innovation and sustainable development in the agric sector bouyed with his iconic transformative leadership. It would interest the reader to know that under Francis’ leadership Byng Nigeria Limited recorded a remarkable and history-making 350% revenue increase! His immense contribution in this regard was honoured by Amo Byng Nigeria Ltd. with a feedmill named after him.Yet, the indefatigable is not one to rest on his oars. So, what steps did he take forward? Characteristic of his unfailing principle of resilience added to his versatile nature he veered into the world of academia and served as the Director General of the Premier Agribusiness Academy championing education and development through strategic learning solutions. This he did in partnership with both the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS). With such proud pedigree in agricultural science and technology the question presented for answer is what role that critical sector can and should be playing to get Nigerians out of the current economic hardship and the attendant hunger in the land. Stated here is his insightful response. “Agribusiness should serve as a catalyst for economic growth by creating jobs, boosting food security and driving industrialisation. By empowering farmers with modern technologies, training and access to finance it can enhance productivity and reduce poverty. “Processing agricultural produce locally can reduce import dependency, stimulate exports and generate revenue. Agribusiness can also attract investments and support rural development through infrastructures like roads, storage facilities and electric power supply. “Furthermore, fostering value chain – from production to distribution – ensures fair pricing and sustainability. A robust agribusiness sector can alleviate economic hardship, enhance livelihoods and build resilience against global economic shocks.” This should serve as food-for-thought to our policy makers and those who implement them. It is of great significance for us all to learn from the vast and varied career experiences from Francis whose heroes include Norman Borlaug, known as the “Father of Green Revolution” whose innovations transformed global food security and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) who championed agricultural revolution in Africa. The next person is George Washington Carver the pioneer in agricultural science and sustainability, who developed practical farming methods, value addition that aligns with Francis’ expertise in agribusiness strategy. As we celebrate this rare gem, who is an epitome of Nigeria’s “can-do-it” positive mental attitude he wants” to continually innovate so as not to evaporate, be inspired so as not to expire, keep studying so as not to look stupid, keep reading so as to be read, make reference so that I can be referred, move so as not to be moved and to continually think so as not to stink”. Words of wisdom, these would remain for eons. That is Francis Toromade for us, who knows that true success is measured by the positive impact each of us leaves behind as our footprints in the sands of time. Let us learn from him.Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, a smile spreads across the little girl’s face. Blinking behind her glasses, she inches her wheelchair forward and gently reaches out to stroke the tiny gray horse. Soon, 9-year-old Josifina Topa Mazuch is beaming as she leads Ivi, a specially trained miniature horse that stands no taller than her pink wheelchair, through the school hallway. “I really want them to come again,” Josifina said of Ivi and a second miniature horse, Calypso, after a November morning visit to her primary school for children with special needs in Athens, Greece. “They made me feel really happy.” Ivi and Calypso are two of nine tiny equines from Gentle Carousel Greece, a Greek offshoot of Florida-based charity Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses that offers visits to hospitals, rehabilitation centers and care homes. Trained for more than two years to work comfortably in confined environments and with vulnerable children and adults, the horses, which are about 30 inches tall at the shoulders, provide a form of pet therapy that caregivers say offers valuable interactions and learning experiences, particularly for people confined to hospitals or care homes. However, the charity they are part of is struggling to make ends meet — run by one woman who funds the entire operation herself, with one assistant and no support team. Started in 2014 by Mina Karagianni, an interior architect and designer, the Athens operation is the only one affiliated with the Florida-based charity outside the United States. Karagianni came across Gentle Carousel while scouring the internet for information on caring for an abandoned Shetland pony she had rescued. When she saw photos of the charity’s work in pediatric oncology wards, “I was touched and I was moved, and I said: ‘OK, we have to bring this to Greece,’” she said. It took months to track down and persuade the U.S. charity to work with her, and even longer to obtain the requisite permits and arrange transport to bring the horses over. But after incessant efforts, six trained miniature horses stepped off a flight from Florida via Frankfurt in November 2013. Entirely self-funded through her day job, Karagianni now has a total of nine equines — the six American miniature horses, one that was later born in Greece, and two rescued ponies: Billy the Shetland pony and Giselle, who was rescued from the island of Santorini. Karagianni transformed her family land in Rafina, a seaside area east of Athens, into Magic Garden, complete with stables, a paddock for the horses to run free every day, a small café and an area to host children’s parties and baptisms. At the time, she was open for visits every weekend, charging a small entrance fee to help cover operational costs — specialized food for the horses, wood shavings for their bedding, grooming material, veterinarian visits and transportation to and from hospitals and care homes. She also began visiting schools and setting up an education program. From 2014 when Gentle Carousel Greece first opened until the first COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, Karagianni said her little equine team saw about 12,000 children. s The lockdowns took their toll. Karagianni had to shut down the café and hasn’t been able to reopen it. With the small income from the café drying up, and Karagianni herself facing a health issue that took her out for 11⁄2 years, “we fell apart,” she said. Unable to pay utility bills, electricity and water companies cut off her supply, leaving her relying on neighbors for water for the horses. “I’m just starting to get myself back together again now,” she said. “With a lot of financial difficulties. But what can I do? I’m trying.” She’s got the utilities running again, but still owes thousands of euros. Approaches to companies and institutions for funding have been unsuccessful so far. “Maybe I just don’t know how to ask properly,” Karagianni said. Running Gentle Carousel single- handedly is taking its toll. “I’m making super-human efforts,” said Karagianni, who at 68 wonders how long she can continue and is searching for someone to ensure the program’s future. “I’m doing what I can. But I can’t do it alone,” she said. “I can’t do it without a team.” Despite her struggles, Karagianni said seeing the horses’ effect, particularly on children, makes her determined to continue for as long as she can. During a visit to the Athens special needs primary school, staff lined up children in wheelchairs so each could spend a few moments with the horses. Some reached out to stroke them; others bent their heads forward over the miniature horses for a kiss. “It’s incredible, the reactions. It’s like something awakens their senses,” special needs teacher Eleni Volikaki said. The state-run school, which shares facilities with a private charity for disabled children, ELEPAP, caters to those ages 6-14 with cognitive or mobility problems, or both. Anything that encourages the children to make even small hand gestures, such as reaching out to stroke a horse, “is very important for us. Especially when it’s spontaneous and comes directly from the child and isn’t instigated by us,” Volikaki said. “We saw things we didn’t expect. We saw children with autism, or children who are generally afraid of animals, coming very close, letting the (horses) get close to them,” Volikaki said. “And we saw ... spontaneous contact that under other circumstances we wouldn’t see.” The tiny horses don’t just enchant children. In the seaside area of Nea Makri northeast of Athens, residents of an adult psychiatric care home gather to greet Omiros – Homer in Greek – a 12-year-old miniature gray and white stallion with a flowing mane and blue eyes. Some show their excitement at the long-anticipated visit. Others are more shy at first, but nearly all eventually approach Omiros, leading him around the home’s recreation room or simply whispering to him. The interaction is invaluable, said social worker Alex Krokidas, who heads the staff at the Iasis home. “It offers, even if only briefly, the chance to create a bond that isn’t threatening, that has tenderness, quietness,” Krokidas said. “Let’s not forget, these people have faced many difficulties in their lives.” Meeting Omiros and having a few moments each with him “gives them the opportunity to be a bit calmer, to not feel threatened, to stroke the animal,” Krokidas said. “All of that is very therapeutic, it is deeply therapeutic.” Giorgos, one of the residents, initially kept his distance before letting Omiros come close. He leaned his head near the flowing mane. “He gave me a beautiful feeling when he was here,” he said after Omiros headed back into the recreation room. “Now that it’s gone, I feel an absence.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!L.A. Times Planning to Add AI-Powered ‘Bias Meter’ to Every Story
Harte Hanks director Bradley Radoff acquires $241,551 in stockRuben Amorim impressed with Arsenal’s corners after first defeat as Man Utd bossWhich kids’ ski boots are best? Your child’s ski boots can impact their overall skiing experience and may even undermine their love for the sport if they find the boots awkward fitting and uncomfortable. In addition to comfort, the ability to retain warmth and be breathable are important qualities your kid’s ski boot should have. If your child is ready to hit the slopes and you’re looking for the ideal pair of boots, ensure you choose one that provides comfort and inspires confidence, such as our top pick, Fischer Junior/Kids RC4 60 Thermoshape Alpine On/Off-Piste Ski Boots . What to know before you buy kids’ ski boots Type There are several types of ski boots for kids, such as rear-entry and front-entry designs as well as performance and adjustable boot options. Rear-entry boots allow your child to slip in their feet from the back, while front entry includes a tongue that opens forward and allows the child to slide in their foot from the top. Another type is performance boots, which are made for older kids who want a better performance from their footwear. The adjustable ski boot is another option, and it is a great choice for kids who grow out of their footwear quickly. Size It’s easy to think your child’s boots are too small because they feel stiff and tight, but some boots are designed to be stiff. To avoid making a mistake with the sizing, take your child with you to the ski shop to get them sized. You can speak to a ski technician to learn more about the fit process. Let your child try on the boot with the liner while wearing socks. If the liner is tight, then the boots may be too small. Level of experience If your child is just starting with skiing and is only confident skiing on green runs, they are considered a beginner. Their category is intermediate if they can ski confidently on the blue square terrains. However, they are advanced if they can ski anything on the mountain. Kids’ ski boots usually come with ratings depending on their experience level. The boots with a lower flex rating are designed for beginners and are comfortable to wear but deliver less on performance. Those with a higher rating are usually less comfortable but provide better performance. What to look for in a quality kids’ ski boot Ease of use Some children may end up abandoning skiing because they’d rather be doing something else other than constantly taking their boots on and off. Front-entry and rear-entry ski boots are easy to wear, so choose either of these options for a fussy child. Slip resistance Your child’s boots should grip the floor properly to minimize their chance of falling when skiing. This feature is known as slip resistance and is often determined by the type of material used to fabricate the outsole of the boots. Generally, slip-resistant soles are textured and made of rubber. Waterproofing Waterproof ski boots are made of nonporous materials and can keep your child’s feet dry even when submerged in water. There are water-resistant boots designed to repel water, but these won’t prevent your child’s feet from getting wet in heavy rain or snow. How much you can expect to spend on kids’ ski boots Most kids’ ski boots cost $25-$40. Some expensive options are made with high-quality waterproof material, costing up to $60. Kids’ ski boot FAQ How do you know if your child’s ski boots are the right size? A. Ski boots have a different sizing for shoes, called Mondo sizing, which measures the inside of the foot. To get the right size for your child, use a tape measure to measure the length of their feet, then check the size chart to get the correct size. What ski boots should you choose for a child just learning to ski? A. If your child is just starting with skiing, choose a pair of boots that can easily flex, like front-entry ski boots. What’s the best kids’ ski boot to buy? Top kids’ ski boot Fischer Junior/Kids RC4 60 Thermoshape Alpine On/Off-Piste Ski Boots What you need to know: These ski boots are an excellent choice for beginner skiers thanks to their soft flex design and thermoformable technology. What you’ll love: These Soma-Tec boots are designed to enable maximum control and prevent the ankle and knee joints from twisting when skiing. They also include a micro-adjustable buckle system for quick and easy adjustment. They feature a thermoformable boot liner designed to give an adapted fit. What you should consider: Some users mentioned that the sizing isn’t accurate. Top kids’ ski boot for the money Salomon T3 RT Ski Boots What you need to know: These ski boots come in three unique colors and are suitable for both boys and girls. What you’ll love: These boots are made with polyurethane, which gives them unique durability. They are also easy to put on or off and include micro-adjustments in the buckle to ensure a custom fit. What you should consider: They might run small for children with big feet. Worth checking out Rossignol Comp J4 Ski Boots Kid’s What you need to know: These ski boots are designed with comfort in mind thanks to their comfort liners and unique diagonal buckles. What you’ll love: They include liners that are made with soft materials and designed to give optimal comfort and all-day cushioning. They also feature diagonal buckles that offer a more natural foot wrapping and excellent heel support. What you should consider: The buckles are made of thin metal wire, which might not be very durable. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
A former UK security minister on Friday said that it was “extremely embarrassing” that a suspected Chinese spy had become a confidant of disgraced royal Prince Andrew. The story dominated the UK’s front pages on Friday, the latest humiliation for a prince whose reputation is already in tatters over his ties to accused sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. Judges on Thursday upheld a ban on the businessman, identified only as H6, from entering the country, and said the prince’s troubles had left him “vulnerable” to exploitation. In the ruling, judges assessed H6 was in a position to “generate relationships between senior Chinese officials and prominent UK figures which could be leveraged for political interference purposes by the Chinese State”. Asked whether the prince’s advisers should have been more alert to the danger, former minister of state for security Tom Tugendhat told the BBC that “it’s not quite as black and white as it may first appear –- but it’s certainly extremely embarrassing”. The tribunal heard that the prince’s aide Dominic Hampshire told the suspected spy that he could help in potential dealings with Chinese investors. “Outside of his (Andrew’s) closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on,” Hampshire told H6 in a 2020 letter. H6 also received an invitation to the prince’s birthday party. Former interior minister Suella Braverman banned H6 from entering the country in 2023 after her ministry found he had engaged in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The tribunal upheld the ban on Thursday, ruling that Braverman “was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate”. A statement from Andrew’s office said that the Duke of York had “followed advice” from the government and “ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised”. “The duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed.” Andrew withdrew from frontline royal duties in late 2019 after public outrage over a BBC television interview in which he defended his friendship with Epstein. The former Royal Navy helicopter pilot, 64, in February 2022 settled a US civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre, who claimed he sexually assaulted her when she was 17. Andrew’s mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, stripped him of his honorary military titles and patronages soon afterwards, effectively shutting him out of royal life.
La película ‘Emilia Pérez’, no representa a México y su identidad
A 7-year-old dispute between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk also wanted the job, according to emails revealed as part of the court case, but grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.
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Trump asks US Supreme Court to pause law threatening TikTok banIs he a hero? A killer? Both? About the same time the #FreeLuigi memes featuring the mustachioed plumber from “Super Mario Brothers” mushroomed online, commenters shared memes showing Tony Soprano pronouncing Luigi Mangione , the man charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO in Manhattan , a hero. There were posts lionizing Mangione’s physique and appearance, the ones speculating about who could play him on “Saturday Night Live,” and the ones denouncing and even threatening people at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s for spotting him and calling police. It was all too much for Pennsylvania's governor, a rising Democrat who was nearly the vice presidential nominee this year. Josh Shapiro — dealing with a case somewhere else that happened to land in his lap — decried what he saw as growing support for “vigilante justice.” People are also reading... The curious case of Brian Thompson and Luigi Mangione captivated and polarized a media-saturated nation. It also offers a glimpse into how, in a connected world, so many different aspects of modern American life can be surreally linked — from public violence to politics, from health care to humor (or attempts at it) . It summons a question, too: How can so many people consider someone a hero when the rules that govern American society — the laws — are treating him as the complete opposite? Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, on Monday at the police station in Altoona, Pa. Writings found in Mangione's possession hinted at a vague hatred of corporate greed and an expression of anger toward “parasitic” health insurance companies. Bullets recovered from the crime scene had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” reflecting words used by insurance industry critics, written on them. A number of online posts combine an apparent disdain for health insurers — with no mention of the loss of life. “He took action against private health insurance corporations is what he did. he was a brave italian martyr. in this house, luigi mangione is a hero, end of story!” one anonymous person said in a post on X that has nearly 2 million views. On Monday, Shapiro took issue with comments like those. It was an extraordinary moment that he tumbled into simply because Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania. Shapiro's comments — pointed, impassioned and, inevitably, political — yanked the conversation unfolding on so many people's phone screens into real life. “We do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” the governor said. “In a civil society, we are all less safe when ideologues engage in vigilante justice.” But to hear some of his fellow citizens tell it, that's not the case at all. Like Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, D.B. Cooper and other notorious names from the American past, Mangione is being cast as someone to admire. Luigi Nicholas Mangione is escorted into Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday in Hollidaysburg, Pa. Regina Bateson, an assistant political science professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has studied vigilantism, the term to which Shapiro alluded. She doesn’t see this case as a good fit for the word, she says, because the victim wasn’t linked to any specific crime or offense. As she sees it, it's more akin to domestic terrorism. But Bateson views the threats against election workers , prosecutors and judges ticking up — plus the assassination attempts against President-elect Donald Trump this past summer — as possible signs that personal grievances or political agendas could erupt. “Americans are voicing more support for — or at least understanding of — political violence,” she said. Shapiro praised the police and the people of Blair County, who abided by a 9/11-era dictum of seeing something and saying something. The commenters have Mangione wrong, the governor said: “Hear me on this: He is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning." A person demonstrates Monday near the McDonald's restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where police earlier in the day arrested Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, in the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO in Manhattan. Even shy of supporting violence, there are many instances of people who vent over how health insurers deny claims. Tim Anderson's wife, Mary, dealt with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials before she died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2022. “The business model for insurance is don’t pay,” Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio, told The Associated Press . The discourse around the killing and Mangione is more than just memes. Conversations about the interconnectedness of various parts of American life are unfolding online as well. One Reddit user said he was banned for three days for supporting Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted after testifying he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot two people in 2020 during protests. “Do you think people are getting banned for supporting Luigi?” the poster wondered. The comments cover a lot of ground. They include people saying the UnitedHealthcare slaying isn't a “right or left issue" and wondering what it would take to get knocked off the platform. “You probably just have to cross the line over into promoting violence,” one commenter wrote. “Not just laughing about how you don’t care about this guy.” Luigi Mangione is taken into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday in Hollidaysburg, Pa. Memes and online posts in support of the 26-year-old man, who's charged with killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO, have mushroomed online. 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