I stand by a constitutional order
With destruction at Lebanon border, Israel could seek buffer zone: experts
MacKenzie Scott continues to make medical debt relief a priority in her mysterious giving. This week, Undue Medical Debt, formerly RIP Medical Debt, announced it had received a rare third gift — $50 million — from the billionaire philanthropist, signaling her satisfaction with the group’s efforts to purchase medical debt in bulk from hospitals and debt collectors. Scott has donated a total of $130 million to the organization since 2020. Medical debt is increasing despite most of the U.S. population having some form of medical insurance. Nearly 100 million people are unable to pay their medical bills, according to Third Way, a left-leaning national think tank. Overall, Americans owe about $220 billion in medical debt, with historically disadvantaged groups shouldering the bulk of the burden. Lower-income people, people with disabilities, middle-aged adults, Black people, the uninsured, and people living in rural areas are among the groups most likely to be affected by medical debt, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation . Undue Medical Debt buys debt at a discounted price, estimating that it erases about $100 in debt for each $1 donated. The group also collaborates with policymakers to encourage the adoption of measures to curb what people owe for medical care. Scott first gave Undue Medical Debt a $50 million donation in 2020, followed by a $30 million donation in 2022. With that money, the group has relieved nearly $15 billion in debt for more than 9 million people, CEO Allison Sesso said. That’s a significant leap from the $1 billion in debt relieved from 2014 to 2019, she noted. “I’m frankly astounded by this most recent gift from MacKenzie Scott and feel proud to be a steward of these funds as we continue the essential work of dismantling the yoke of medical debt that’s burdening far too many families in this country,” said Sesso. The continued funding has allowed Sesso “to not have to worry about my next dollar,” she said, and “think more strategically about the narrative around medical debt — she has helped us push that conversation.” Undue Medical Debt was started in 2014 by two former debt collection executives, Jerry Ashton and Craig Antico, who were inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement’s advocacy for debt relief. Growth initially was slow. But with Scott’s gifts, the nonprofit has been able to staff up, produce more research, and develop relationships with policymakers who have pushed for changes to hospital billing practices to relieve debt and prevent people from accumulating it in the first place, Sesso said. Undue Medical Debt’s public policy arm has worked with lawmakers in North Carolina, which in July became the first state to offer additional Medicaid payments to hospitals that agree to adopt debt relief measures, she said. The policy change followed the publication of a 2023 report from Duke University, which found that one in five families in the state had been forced into collections proceedings because of medical debt. Since 2020, the organization’s staff has grown from three to about 40, Sesso said. Those hires included an anthropologist who collects stories from people set back by medical debt to inform the group’s research and advocacy work. Scott’s gifts also have helped improve Undue Medical Debt’s technology to identify people eligible for debt relief and to find hospitals from which it can purchase medical debt, among other things, Sesso said. “This coming year, because of this MacKenzie Scott grant, we’ll be able to add more people, making sure that we can support that growth on an ongoing basis,” Sesso said. Few organizations have received more than one gift from Scott. Other multi-grant recipients include Blue Meridian, an intermediary group that has directed billions of dollars to nonprofits around the world, and GiveDirectly, which provides no-strings-attached cash payments to low-income people globally. GiveDirectly has received $125 million from Scott since 2020. Blue Meridian has not disclosed amounts for the four gifts it’s received since 2019. Scott’s contributions to those two organizations were for specific causes like GiveDirectly’s U.S. poverty relief fund, said Christina Im, a senior research analyst at the Center for Effective Philanthropy. In the case of Undue Medical Debt, the timing of Scott’s first gifts in 2020 and 2022 seemed to correspond with COVID-relief efforts, she said. Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is worth an estimated $32 billion but provides few details about her grantmaking decisions. Without further information, it’s hard to know what prompted this third donation to Undue Medical Debt, but Scott has said in public statements that she wants to help those who are most in need and bear the brunt of societal ills, said Elisha Smith Arrillaga, the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s vice president for research. “I have not seen a lot of other folks funding in this area,” Smith Arrillaga added. Scott’s latest gift to Undue Medical Debt comes amid national debates about medical insurance and the cost of medical treatments. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan has heightened these conversations, with some lionizing the man who allegedly committed the crime. “That’s no way to get change, full stop,” Sesso said in reference to Thompson’s murder. “But I think the anger around insurance companies and having access to care is very clear.” The U.S. has one of the most expensive health care systems in the world. And the amount of medical debt carried by individuals seems to be increasing, noted Adam Searing, a public interest attorney and associate professor at Georgetown University, where he focuses on Medicaid and other health coverage programs. Searing previously served for 17 years as director of the Health Access Coalition at the nonprofit North Carolina Justice Center, advocating for the uninsured and underinsured. During that time, he heard from people losing their homes due to liens from hospitals. Sometimes those liens could be delayed, but it still meant that the debtors couldn’t pass those homes along to their children or grandchildren, he said. “Those stories stuck with me,” he said. “It really has an impact on families.” Relieving debt allows people to get their lives back on track and become financially secure after a major illness or series of expensive bills, Searing said. For philanthropists, it’s also a cause that is largely nonpartisan. Scott shining a spotlight on the issue is undoubtedly “a good thing,” he said. “I think it will have a big effect.” Stephanie Beasley is a senior writer at the Chronicle of Philanthropy. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .San Joaquin General Hospital (SJGH) has acquired two groundbreaking medical technologies, including the Intuitive da Vinci 5 surgical robot and Abbott’s Total Lab Automation. SJGH is the first teaching facility in Northern California to offer the da Vinci 5 technology. The da Vinci 5 succeeds the da Vinci Xi, which has performed over 1,000 non-invasive surgeries at SJGH since its acquisition in 2017. Robotic surgery is minimally invasive and has a track record indicating improved outcomes and better patient experience in specific procedures compared to traditional open surgeries or minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. “We believe that minimally invasive surgery offers the best patient outcomes, and acquiring the da Vinci 5 enables us to continue expanding our state-of-the-art surgical capabilities,” said general and colorectal surgeon Dr. Bassem Ghobrial. “With features such as force feedback technology, enhanced visualization, and increased precision, the da Vinci 5 allows our surgical teams to provide patients with the highest quality care and an improved overall experience.” Adding Abbott’s Total Lab Automation will ensure that the downtime is kept to a minimum so clinicians will receive the laboratory results they need to make informed decisions. The automation system is the first in the U.S. for clinical labs featuring this smart CAR technology, which allows samples in self-propelled cars to travel throughout the track without a belt. The smart CAR technology streamlines operations so labs can provide quick, accurate results and deliver the best care to patients. Lab worker safety is improved by minimizing contact with patients’ blood samples and preventing exposure to biomedical waste. “The acquisition of both da Vinci 5 and Abbott’s Total Lab Automation guarantees that the patients of SJGH will have access to the most advanced medicine available,” said SJGH Chief Executive Officer Rick Castro. “Our commitment to health equity means that every patient in the San Joaquin community, regardless of socioeconomic status, has equal access to these cutting-edge technologies.”
Jacob Holt scores 23 to help Sacramento State beat Stanislaus State 98-47Social Security tackles overpayment ‘injustices,’ but problems remainDutertes emerge as Filipino folk heroes
For the first time in 10 years, the MHSAA’s Representative Council will have a new president. Midland High athletic director, baseball coach and assistant principal Eric Albright will take over as the president of the Representative Council, which is the legislative body of the Michigan High School Athletics Association. Albright was elected at the MHSAA fall meeting on Dec. 6. Albright joined the Midland High faculty in 1997 and took over the Chemics baseball program in 2003. He became the Midland High athletic director in 2010. All but five members are elected by member schools, with four appointed by the Council to represent females and minorities. Grand Haven superintendent Scott Grimes completed his 10th and final term as president. Brighton athletic director John Thompson was elected as the Council vice president. Vic Michaels, the director of physical education and athletics for the Archdiocese of Detroit, was elected as secretary-treasurer. Westland John Glenn athletic director Jason Mallow was appointed for a second two-year term, while Plymouth-Canton superintendent Monica Merritt was appointed for a first two-year term. In the other action at the fall meeting, the Council approved a one-year delay in a baseball rule that required teams to submit pitch counts online beginning with the spring season. The Council delayed the requirement to allow teams and coaches more time to develop technology to comply. If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newsletters. Love reading about local sports? Don’t miss any of the excitement from the season ahead. Purchase your subscription now and get full access to every story on MLive!
Apple’s US$1 billion investment may be fleeting win for Indonesiacan be great options for income-seeking investors. Term deposits still offer a good level of income, but some stocks can provide a really high . There seems to be a that high-yield dividend plays more appealing. Investors have already sent higher share prices of some interest rate-sensitive ASX dividend shares, such as ( ) and ( ), in anticipation of rate cuts. There aren't many stocks on the ASX still offering a big yield – the ones that do are typically higher-risk. But, having said that, if I were trying to find stocks with big dividend yields, the below two would be at the top of my buy list, partly due to their low prices. APA Group ( ) APA is one of the largest energy businesses in Australia, with a of $9 billion, according to the ASX. The business owns a portfolio of energy assets, including a large national gas pipeline, gas processing facilities, gas energy generation, solar farms, wind farms, and electricity transmission assets. Impressively, it transports half of the nation's gas usage. The APA share price is down 18% in the last 12 months and 40% from August 2022, which means it's currently a lot cheaper. APA's energy assets are still doing the same job they were two years ago and making . Energy is just as important as it was two years ago. t of its revenue is linked to inflation also helps. The ASX dividend share recently noted the that the South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP) will not be subject to full price regulation and that the existing light regulation regime will remain in place. This helps remove some uncertainty that was hanging over the business and gives APA confidence to invest in more infrastructure. APA has grown its distribution every year for the last two decades. The guided payout for FY25 is 57 cents, which translates into a distribution yield of 8%. Centuria Office REIT ( ) As the name suggests, this is a that owns office buildings. The Centuria Office REIT share price has dropped 18% in the last year and 57% since September 2021. It now seems very cheap to me. Office buildings are not exactly a high-growth sector, but I think there are signs to be positive. For starters, more businesses are mandating partial or total returns to the office, such as ( ) recently 5,000 office workers they will need to go to the workplace at least three days a week. The ASX dividend share continues to sign new lease terms, which is maintaining its occupancy rate above 90%. There is a limited supply of new office buildings being built, partly due to high development costs, which helps support demand for existing office buildings. I also like the initiative of the business to work with ResetData, a liquid immersion cooling (LIC) data centre operator which is building a 1.5MW edge data centre. This helps utilise office building space, improve rental returns and increase the underlying value of that building. If it can agree on more data centre deals, this could be a catalyst for the share price to rise. The business has guided that it's going to pay a distribution per security of 10.1 cents in FY25, which translates into a distribution yield of 9%.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Dec. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alaska Permanent Capital Management, Co. (APCM) announced it is engaged in a transaction to be acquired by Blue Umbrella, LLC. The transaction is expected to close by March 2025, and will make Blue Umbrella the majority owner of APCM and its subsidiary company, Alaska Wealth Advisors. Outgoing Alaska Permanent Capital Management's Evan Rose, CEO said of the acquisition, " William (Bill) Lierman will transition to the CEO role, has been with APCM for 22 years and he, along with 19-year veteran Brandy Niclai, Chief Investment Officer Multi-Asset, are proven firm leaders with extensive client, product, service and partner experience. Now, backed by the resources and support of Blue Umbrella, we're enthusiastic about new opportunities to expand APCM's product mix and client relationships." Blue Umbrella's Jimmy Miner said, “We are thrilled and honored to welcome Alaska Permanent Capital Management into our growing portfolio of local Alaskan companies with a bright future. Their longstanding leadership team’s proven commitment to customer care and delivering value aligns with our core philosophy, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to provide the excellent services, advice and growth their clients have come to expect.” Upon closing the transaction, the APCM team will have the benefit of additional resources and capital to foster growth, community networks and new client relationships under the ongoing guidance and expertise of long-term staff. Rose will remain onboard at APCM as Chief Compliance Officer. And CEO Laura Bruce and her team at Alaska Wealth Advisors (AWA), will continue to provide financial planning and investment management to AWA’s broad mix of individual and institutional investors. About Blue Umbrella, LLC Blue Umbrella is an Alaskan holding company founded in 2021 and based In Anchorage. The firm specializes in solving succession-planning issues for companies in the middle market by bringing long-term, patient capital with a focus on stability, capital allocation and growth. About Alaska Permanent Capital Management, Co. APCM, an investment adviser since 1992, provides institutional investment management for active fixed income portfolios and balanced accounts that include a mix of stock index funds, bonds, and alternative investments. Dave Rose, the first executive director of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, founded the firm. Alaska Wealth Advisors, a subsidiary of APCM, is a registered investment adviser. Since 2014. Alaska Wealth Advisors has provided financial planning and investment management for individuals, trusts, retirement funds, and institutions.Zomato has secured a place in the Sensex during the rebalancing semi-annual, which closed on 20th December Friday. The inclusion of the giant food tech is likely to bring passive inflows of $513 million. Meanwhile, with the exit of JSW Steel, it might carry outflows of $252 million, says Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research. This is a landmark moment for Zomato, which has witnessed an extraordinary uptrend in its market performance. In 2024, its stock returned an incredible 126%, well above the Sensex’s 10% gain. Within two years, Zomato’s stock price rose 350% to close at ₹281.85 on Friday. With a market capitalization of ₹2.71 lakh crore, Zomato now stands ahead of industry majors like Tata Motors, Adani Enterprises, and Asian Paints. The company’s financial resurgence has fueled its remarkable rise. In Q2 FY25, Zomato reported a 389% jump in net profit to ₹176 crore. Revenue was up 68% year-over-year at ₹4,799 crore, and gross order value from B2C businesses rose 55% to ₹17,670 crore. The near-break-even performance of its quick commerce segment further strengthens its margins. Zomato replaces JSW steel in Sensex JSW Steel has, however, been rather anemic in its performance and has delivered a mere 5% this year. This is much slower growth than the tech disruptors like Zomato. Zomato’s inclusion in the Sensex marks a larger economic shift in India. From an index dominated by steel and energy, the new index reflects innovation-led businesses. The 30 companies of the Sensex now contribute 13% to India’s GDP, which was only 10% in 2005, underlining their growing impact on the nation’s economy. By including Zomato, the Sensex signals a bold move toward a tech-driven future, aligning with India’s evolving economic landscape. Also, see: What we know about the driver who caused Christmas market attack in Germany?
SEC Championship Game News Leaves Georgia Fans Disappointed
JD Martin is awarded new territory beginning December 1st, 2024. CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JD Martin is proud to announce the expansion of its partnership with Dialight , the global leader in industrial LED lighting technology, into North and South Carolina . This growth strengthens JD Martin's commitment to delivering industry-leading lighting solutions across the Southeast. JD Martin has been a trusted partner for Dialight in multiple territories, and this latest expansion enables the company to extend its reach, bringing Dialight's innovative and energy-efficient LED lighting products to distributors, contractors, and end users in these rapidly growing markets. "We are excited to expand our partnership with Dialigh t into the Carolinas," said Lance Holmes , JD Martin RVP of the Carolinas and Virginia . " Dialight's unmatched LED lighting solutions align perfectly with the needs of our customers in these regions who are prioritizing safety, energy efficiency, and operational reliability. We look forward to continuing to drive value and growth for our partners." Dialight's industrial and hazardous location lighting solutions are renowned for their durability, sustainability, and performance in even the most challenging environments. By combining JD Martin's proven market expertise with Dialight's cutting-edge technology, businesses across the Carolinas will benefit from exceptional service and product availability. To learn more about Dialight's industrial LED lighting products, visit www.dialight.com . About JD Martin JD Martin is a premier electrical manufacturer representative agency, serving 17 states with an extensive portfolio of solutions, including lighting, wire, cable, and EV infrastructure products. With a strong focus on customer service and expertise, JD Martin partners with industry leaders to deliver innovative electrical solutions to distributors, contractors, and end users. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jd-martin-expands-representation-of-dialight-into-north-and-south-carolina-302337510.html SOURCE JD Martin Co.ERC firms up ‘pricing parameters’ for GEA-3’s hydro, geothermal capacitiesAptorum Group Limited Reports Financial Results and Business Update for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Elon Musk backs AfD party in German newspaper opinion pieceExploring the Concept of Soulmates in the Age of AI in Washington
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Sriram Krishnan, a prominent Indian American entrepreneur and venture capitalist, as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence. This announcement is part of a broader initiative to bolster the US's leadership in AI, as Trump named several new officials in this area. Krishnan, who has an impressive background leading product teams at major tech companies like Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap, will collaborate with David O. Sacks, the new White House AI & Crypto Czar. Together, they will coordinate AI policy across various government sectors and ensure the nation remains at the forefront of AI innovations. The appointment has garnered positive reactions from the Indian American community. Indiaspora executive director Sanjeev Joshipura praised Krishnan, emphasizing his blend of expertise in public policy, international affairs, investing, and technology. Indiaspora hopes to engage closely with Krishnan to further its leadership work on AI domestically and internationally. (With inputs from agencies.)( MENAFN - ACN NewsWire) Summit Group Responds to White Paper Citing Governance Issues in Bangladesh's Power and energy Sector Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dec 23, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Summit Group, Bangladesh's largest private sector power generation company, has issued clarifications in response to a recent draft of a government White Paper, and said it welcomes transparency and remains committed to the highest levels of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) in the country. Bangladesh media have reported widely on a draft of the 'White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh Economy' released in recent weeks by the interim government led by the Honourable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The document said Bangladesh's power and energy sector faced challenges such as excess capacity, dependence on imports of gas and under-development of domestic natural gas resources. Summit Power International Limited (“SPIL”), the Singapore-registered parent of Summit Corporation Limited (“SCL”) – the leading foreign direct investor in Bangladesh's power sector – has responded to statements in White Paper which referred to SCL's assets or subsidiaries. 1) The draft White Paper referred to Summit Group as being one of the“selected large conglomerates” which enjoyed“exemptions on project income” and“exemption on income arising from power generation”. SPIL said these exemptions cited were part of a broader policy initiative that applied to the entire power and energy sector in the country.“The policy, i.e. Private Sector Power Generation Policy framed in 1996, designed to attract investment and meet Bangladesh's critical energy needs, encompassed approximately 104 projects. These exemptions were not exclusive to Summit Group but were reflective of a sector-wide strategy to enhance Bangladesh's energy capacity to ensure sustainable development,” SPIL said. 2) The“Other Common Malpractice” section in the White Paper alleged that contract conditions were changed after it was awarded, and singled out the Summit Meghnaghat 335 dual fuel power plant for switching from heavy fuel oil (“HFO”) to high-speed diesel (“HSD”) without changing capacity payment or heat rate as an example. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, the supplier of energy oil, was unable to provide the specified oil under the original agreement and instead reached an understanding with the Bangladesh Power Development Board to supply alternative oil, SPIL said. “In order to maintain operations and fulfil its commitments, Summit Meghnaghat was obliged to accept this change but remains prepared to accept oil in accordance with the original tender conditions,” SPIL said. Through SCL, the Summit Group operates 18 power plants with a combined generation capacity of 2,255MW or approximately 17% of the total installed private power generation capacity in the country of 173 million people. 3) The White Paper listed Summit Power Limited among 83 companies listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange that had been“unfairly excluded” from certain regulatory activities, and said market rigging was endemic in the domestic equity market. “Summit Power Limited has always conducted its affairs with the highest levels of corporate governance. Its Board of Directors comprises eminent and well-respected corporate figures. At no time has the company ever engaged in market rigging,” SPIL said. 4) Regarding Bangladesh's second Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (“FSRU”), which Summit Group operates, the White Paper alleged public funds were misused because Summit supplied LNG at a premium while natural gas reserves were available with the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (“Petrobangla”). SPIL said that Summit's FSRU was not responsible for the supply of gas and, accordingly, has not imported or supplied any gas to date. The long-term supply contract signed between Summit Oil and Shipping Company Limited and Petrobangla was at the lowest price of all contracts awarded at the time, including for OQ Trading and Excelerate Energy (“Excelerate”). In any event, Summit has not yet imported any gas under the long-term supply contract. Further, Summit's FSRU did not receive any special exemptions, and its daily tariff/charter rate is lower than that of the Moheshkhali Floating LNG owned by Excelerate, the only other FSRU in Bangladesh. The incentives referenced were part of an industry-wide framework that applies to both Excelerate and Summit's FSRU projects. “As a responsible corporation with a track record of providing energy and power to Bangladesh, Summit Group has always respected and adhered to the laws of both Bangladesh, where SCL operates, as well as Singapore, where SPIL is domiciled,” SPIL said.“We are dedicated to contributing meaningfully to Bangladesh's growth and prosperity. Our operations in Bangladesh have consistently adhered to all regulations, and we take pride in upholding the highest standards of integrity and governance,” SPIL said. “Being a dependable partner in nation building, we remain open to dialogue with all stakeholders,” it added.“We invite committee members preparing the White Paper to engage and seek clarification where needed. As a substantial foreign direct investor, the Summit Group has always conducted its affairs in a transparent manner while striving to support the long-term development of Bangladesh,” it added. About Summit Power International Limited (“SPIL”) SPIL is the largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Bangladesh, reflecting 17% of the country's total private installed capacity and 7% of the country's total installed capacity. Summit owns and operates a total of 18 power plants with a combined generation capacity of 2,255MW. It also operates Bangladesh's second Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) and LNG import terminal with daily regasification capacity of 500 million cubic feet. SPIL is a privately-held Singapore-registered company that is 78%-owned by the family of Mr Muhammed Aziz Khan. In 2016 SPIL acquired Bangladesh-registered Summit Corporation Ltd (SCL) in a transaction that was financed primarily by International Finance Corporation, the World Bank's private sector arm. SCL holds various infrastructure assets in Bangladesh. In 2019, JERA Co., Inc., Japan's largest power generation company, acquired a 22%-stake in SPIL and remains its second largest shareholder to date. Learn more at: Media Contact WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd WhatsApp (Text): (+65) 9748 0688 Email: ... MENAFN22122024002725003249ID1109022261 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsMetheny's 25 lead Liberty past UT Arlington 79-56
Generative AI is transforming cybersecurity—both the threat landscape and the way organizations ... [+] defend against emerging threats. Generative AI is revolutionizing the cybersecurity landscape, presenting organizations with opportunities to enhance their defense mechanisms and streamline operations. According to CrowdStrike’s “ State of AI in Cybersecurity Survey ,” the appetite for AI-driven innovation among security professionals is clear, but it comes with challenges that demand thoughtful implementation. From integrating AI into existing platforms to addressing data privacy concerns, the findings provide a roadmap for organizations navigating this rapidly evolving technology. Demand for Integrated AI Solutions CrowdStrike’s survey reveals that over 80% of respondents are either planning to adopt or have already integrated GenAI solutions into their cybersecurity frameworks. This enthusiasm reflects the urgency to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated threats. However, the way organizations approach this adoption is just as critical as the technology itself. A strong preference emerged for platform-based AI tools that can seamlessly integrate into existing systems. These tools not only simplify workflows but also ensure that data handling, compliance, and governance standards are met. I spoke recently with Elia Zaitsev , Chief Technology Officer at CrowdStrike, about the report and current trends in cybersecurity. He underscored the importance of this approach, noting that many organizations are even willing to overhaul their infrastructure to adopt platform-integrated GenAI solutions. “If you’ve already trusted a cybersecurity vendor with your most sensitive data, extending that trust to their AI capabilities becomes a logical next step,” he explained. Organizations are looking for solutions that minimize complexity while maximizing the potential of their existing cybersecurity ecosystems. FBI Warns Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail Users—Check 3 Things To Stop Attacks New Gmail Security Warning For 2.5 Billion—Second Attack Wave Incoming Stark Fed ‘Wake-Up Call’ Triggers $500 Billion Bitcoin And Crypto Price Rout The Case for Cybersecurity-Specific AI Tools The survey highlights a critical distinction in the type of AI tools security professionals prefer. Nearly 76% of respondents expressed a strong preference for purpose-built AI solutions designed specifically for cybersecurity. This focus reflects a growing awareness that generic AI tools, while versatile, lack the specialized training needed to address the unique challenges of cybersecurity. Zaitsev emphasized, “You’ll get better results from an AI trained on a decade of cybersecurity data than from a general-purpose model.” Purpose-built AI tools are not only more effective at threat detection and response but also mitigate risks associated with hallucinations—an inherent challenge in large language models. By leveraging AI systems trained on cybersecurity-specific data, organizations can improve accuracy and reduce the likelihood of errors that could have serious consequences. AI as a Force Multiplier While some fear that AI adoption will lead to job displacement, the survey reveals that most organizations view GenAI as a force multiplier for human analysts. Rather than replacing humans, AI is seen as a tool to enhance their capabilities by automating repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on more complex challenges. This approach is particularly important in the context of the ongoing skills shortage in cybersecurity. “Even if you made every analyst 10 times more efficient, it wouldn’t fully close the skills gap,” Zaitsev pointed out. AI’s role in augmenting human expertise is essential for addressing the growing volume and sophistication of cyber threats. Addressing Risks and Building Trust Despite its benefits, the adoption of GenAI is not without challenges. Only 39% of survey respondents believe the benefits of AI outweigh its risks, a finding that underscores the cautious approach many organizations are taking. One significant concern is the rise of “shadow AI,” where employees use unsanctioned AI tools that bypass enterprise controls. This phenomenon mirrors the early days of shadow IT, where employees adopted tools like Dropbox or Google Drive without organizational oversight. Zaitsev warned that simply blocking access to generative AI tools is not a viable solution. “AI is like water—it will find a way. Instead of banning its use, organizations need to implement clear policies and provide approved tools that meet their security and compliance needs,” he advised. Trust in AI systems is another critical factor. Building that trust requires transparency, robust safety measures, and ongoing evaluation of AI tools to ensure they align with organizational objectives. ROI and Economic Considerations Measuring return on investment remains a top priority for organizations adopting AI solutions. While the initial costs of implementing AI tools may be substantial, a platform-based approach can offer significant economies of scale. By consolidating multiple tools into a single ecosystem, organizations can reduce complexity and improve cost efficiency. Zaitsev explained that this approach not only simplifies operations but also provides a clearer framework for demonstrating the value of AI investments. “You get better economies of scale and a clearer understanding of AI’s value when everything operates within one platform,” he notes. Charting the Future of Cybersecurity with AI Generative AI’s potential to transform cybersecurity is undeniable, but its effectiveness depends on thoughtful integration and robust safeguards. Organizations must strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and addressing the risks it introduces. The report highlights that purpose-built solutions, clear policies, and a focus on augmenting rather than replacing human expertise are essential for navigating this complex landscape. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the adoption of GenAI represents a critical step forward. However, its success hinges on more than just technology—it requires a commitment to fostering trust, implementing sound policies, and continually adapting to the changing threat landscape. The insights from CrowdStrike’s survey provide a valuable guide for organizations looking to harness the power of AI while mitigating its inherent challenges. In the end, the question is not whether to adopt AI in cybersecurity but how to do so responsibly and effectively.
Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National ChampionshipSOUTH EASTON, Mass. (AP) — Louie Semona's 22 points helped Stonehill defeat New Hampshire 90-83 on Sunday. Semona also added six rebounds for the Skyhawks (7-7). Chas Stinson scored 16 points while going 6 of 10 and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line and added five assists and three steals. Josh Morgan shot 4 of 8 from the field, including 0 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 4 from the line to finish with 12 points. Sami Pissis finished with 20 points for the Wildcats (2-12). Khalil Badru added 15 points for New Hampshire. Giancarlo Bastianoni also put up 14 points and 12 rebounds. The loss was the Wildcats' sixth in a row. Stonehill's next game is Sunday against Lafayette on the road, and New Hampshire visits Iowa on Monday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI engineer and whistleblower who helped train the artificial intelligence systems behind ChatGPT and later said he believed those practices violated copyright law, has died, according to his parents and San Francisco officials. He was 26. Balaji worked at OpenAI for nearly four years before quitting in August. He was well-regarded by colleagues at the San Francisco company, where a co-founder this week called him one of OpenAI’s strongest contributors who was essential to developing some of its products. “We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news and our hearts go out to Suchir’s loved ones during this difficult time,” said a statement from OpenAI. This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on Nov. 26 in what police said “appeared to be a suicide. No evidence of foul play was found during the initial investigation.” The city’s chief medical examiner’s office confirmed the manner of death to be suicide. His parents Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy said they are still seeking answers, describing their son as a “happy, smart and brave young man” who loved to hike and recently returned from a trip with friends. Balaji grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and first arrived at the fledgling AI research lab for a 2018 summer internship while studying computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. He returned a few years later to work at OpenAI, where one of his first projects, called WebGPT, helped pave the way for ChatGPT. “Suchir’s contributions to this project were essential, and it wouldn’t have succeeded without him,” said OpenAI co-founder John Schulman in a social media post memorializing Balaji. Schulman, who recruited Balaji to his team, said what made him such an exceptional engineer and scientist was his attention to detail and ability to notice subtle bugs or logical errors. “He had a knack for finding simple solutions and writing elegant code that worked,” Schulman wrote. “He’d think through the details of things carefully and rigorously.” Balaji later shifted to organizing the huge datasets of online writings and other media used to train GPT-4, the fourth generation of OpenAI’s flagship large language model and a basis for the company’s famous chatbot. It was that work that eventually caused Balaji to question the technology he helped build, especially after newspapers, novelists and others began suing OpenAI and other AI companies for copyright infringement. He first raised his concerns with The New York Times, which reported them in an October profile of Balaji. He later told The Associated Press he would “try to testify” in the strongest copyright infringement cases and considered a lawsuit brought by The New York Times last year to be the “most serious.” Times lawyers named him in a Nov. 18 court filing as someone who might have “unique and relevant documents” supporting allegations of OpenAI’s willful copyright infringement. His records were also sought by lawyers in a separate case brought by book authors including the comedian Sarah Silverman, according to a court filing. “It doesn’t feel right to be training on people’s data and then competing with them in the marketplace,” Balaji told the AP in late October. “I don’t think you should be able to do that. I don’t think you are able to do that legally.” He told the AP that he gradually grew more disillusioned with OpenAI, especially after the internal turmoil that led its board of directors to fire and then rehire CEO Sam Altman last year. Balaji said he was broadly concerned about how its commercial products were rolling out, including their propensity for spouting false information known as hallucinations. But of the “bag of issues” he was concerned about, he said he was focusing on copyright as the one it was “actually possible to do something about.” He acknowledged that it was an unpopular opinion within the AI research community, which is accustomed to pulling data from the internet, but said “they will have to change and it’s a matter of time.” He had not been deposed and it’s unclear to what extent his revelations will be admitted as evidence in any legal cases after his death. He also published a personal blog post with his opinions about the topic. Schulman, who resigned from OpenAI in August, said he and Balaji coincidentally left on the same day and celebrated with fellow colleagues that night with dinner and drinks at a San Francisco bar. Another of Balaji’s mentors, co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, had left OpenAI several months earlier, which Balaji saw as another impetus to leave. Schulman said Balaji had told him earlier this year of his plans to leave OpenAI and that Balaji didn’t think that better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence “was right around the corner, like the rest of the company seemed to believe.” The younger engineer expressed interest in getting a doctorate and exploring “some more off-the-beaten path ideas about how to build intelligence,” Schulman said. Balaji’s family said a memorial is being planned for later this month at the India Community Center in Milpitas, California, not far from his hometown of Cupertino. —————-- The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.