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Sweeping new Biden order aims to alter the AI landscape

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

U.S. President Joe Biden will deploy numerous federal agencies to monitor the risks of artificial intelligence and develop new uses for the technology while attempting to protect workers, according to a draft executive order obtained by POLITICO.The order, expected to be issued as soon as Monday, would streamline high-skilled immigration, create a raft of new government offices and task forces and pave the way for the use of more AI in nearly every facet of life touched by the federal government, from health care to education, trade to housing, and more.At the same time, the Oct. 23 draft order calls for extensive new checks on the technology, directing agencies to set standards to ensure data privacy and cybersecurity, prevent discrimination, enforce fairness and also closely monitor the competitive landscape of a fast-growing industry. The draft order was verified by multiple people who have seen or been consulted on draft copies of the document.The White House did not reply to a ...

Location, location, location: three former Hells Angels clubhouses heading for sale

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

VANCOUVER — The three-bedroom East Vancouver home that’s about to hit the market includes a brick fireplace and finished basement, along with a private back deck. Not to worry — the Hells Angels deaths-head logos have been removed from the gables.The seller is motivated. The home at 3598 East Georgia St. is one of three former clubhouses of the Hells Angels that now belong to the British Columbia government after the Supreme Court of Canada chose not to hear an appeal related to the province’s controversial civil forfeiture process.The East Vancouver house is valued at $1.52 million by BC Assessment. The other two properties are in Kelowna and Nanaimo.They are being added to a $155-million bounty of cash, cars, homes, and even luxury purses and drones seized over the past 17 years by the province after being linked to crime — even if the previous owner was never convicted. The government touts civil forfeiture as a way to put a dent in organized crime, while civil libert...

Hundreds attend vigil for victims of shooting rampage in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — Hundreds of flickering candles lit up the evening as residents of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. gathered for a vigil in memory of the victims of Monday’s shooting rampage, with the father of one of the victims calling for respect for the family of the gunman as well.Four people were killed, including three children, and a woman was injured at two different locations in the northern Ontario city before the shooter took his own life in what police have called a case of intimate partner violence.Friday night saw community members come together, braving the wind and rain to grieve and comfort one another.Police have not released the identities of those involved, but family members have identified one of the victims as 41-year-old Angie Sweeney, the mother of the three children, and the gunman as Bobbie Hallaert, said to be Sweeny’s partner and the children’s father.Angie Sweeny’s father, Brian Sweeny, thanked those attending for their support, c...

Live updates | Israel announces expanded military operations as reports trickle out of Gaza

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

Israel announced an expanded ground operation on Saturday after knocking out communications and creating a near-blackout of information in the Gaza Strip with increased bombardment and artillery fire overnight.Explosions from continuous airstrikes lit up the sky over Gaza City for hours after nightfall Friday as the Israeli military said it was expanding ground operations in the territory, signaling a move closer to an all-out invasion of Gaza meant to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its bloody rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7.The Palestinian telecom provider, Paltel, said the bombardment caused “complete disruption” of internet, cellular and landline services as the besieged enclave’s 2.3 million people were largely cut off from contact with the outside world. Some satellite phones continued to function. The Palestinian death toll passed 7,300. The Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, which tracks the toll, released a detailed list including names and ID numbers on ...

Israeli says it is expanding its ground operation in Gaza after knocking out communications

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel is expanding its ground operation in Gaza with infantry and armored vehicles backed by “massive” strikes from the air and sea, the Israeli military spokesman said Saturday.Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that “the forces are still on the ground and are continuing the war.”Previously, troops had conducted brief nightly ground incursions before returning to Israel.Earlier Saturday, the military had released videos showing columns of armored vehicles moving slowly in open sandy areas of Gaza, the first visual confirmation of ground troops, and said warplanes bombed dozens of Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers. The move is a further escalation in Israel’s campaign to crush the territory’s ruling militant group after its bloody incursion in southern Israel three weeks ago and a new sign that Israel is moving closer to an all-out invasion of Gaza. Late Friday, Hagari had said ground forces were “expanding their activity” in Gaza and “acting with great f...

Daily horoscope for October 28, 2023

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

Moon Alert: Avoid shopping or important decisions from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. EDT today (1 a.m. to 5 a.m. PDT). The Full Moon in Taurus peaks at 4:24 p.m. EDT today (1:24 p.m. PDT).Happy Birthday for Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023:You work hard and have a tremendous eye for detail. You like the security of your job or career. You prepare for everything. This is the last year of a nine-year cycle for you, which means it’s time to let go of whatever might be holding you back. Commune with nature.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★Today’s Full Moon is a Lunar Eclipse, and it takes place in both your Money Houses. This means you might feel tense about a financial situation. Or perhaps there will be conflict in financial discussions about your belongings, earnings, shared property or credit. Tonight: You feel richer!TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★Today the Lunar Eclipse (which is an intense Full Moon) is taking place in your sign. This is the only time all year it will happen. You have to be careful,...

India: Stop land grabbing in Kashmir

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

Bright-lit and flashing, “From Kashmir to Palestine: Occupation is the crime” “India: Stop Land Grabbing in Kashmir” “India: Stop Killing of Political Prisoners in Kashmir” “Kashmiris Reject Indian Occupation: UN Resolution only Solution,” digital trucks drove down the central locations in Washington, DC, including The Capitol Hill, The White House, The Department of State, The Washington Monument, most of the embassies, including the Embassy of India, various museums, etc. This digital truck advertising proved most effective way to get our message out to our audience, that include diplomats of foreign embassies, all spectators, observers and common Americans.Rented by Washington-based, ‘World Kashmir Awareness Forum,’ (WKAF), the other messages beamed on the electronic screens were: “Stop: India’s Demographic Change in Kashmir,” “Indian Army Out of Kashmir,” “Hold India Accountable for War Crimes in Kashmir,” “End Indian Colonization of Kashmir,” “Kashmir for Kashmiris"; "Dr. ...

Azerbaijan offers a platform for peace to achieve Sustainable Development Goals

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit 2023 and SDG Action Weekend 2023 took place in New York, USA, during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on September 16–19, 2023, writes Mazahir Afandiyev, member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan.A delegation headed by the minister of foreign affairs was assembled to attend the Summit and provided outstanding representation for the Republic of Azerbaijan.Speaking at the Summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a special appeal to the heads of state and government. During his speech, he emphasized the importance of preparing a global Rescue Plan for People and Planet, paying special attention to the first five goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG1 - No Poverty, SDG2 - Zero Hunger, SDG3 - Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 - Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender equality), taking appropriate action.Following the Summit, member states committed to doing all within their power to reach the Sustainable...

Miss Manners: Our argument in the restaurant ended our friendship

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After waiting 30 minutes to be seated in a crowded restaurant, my friend asked the very busy waitress if she could sample wines before she ordered a glass.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: It’s absurd that I’m the go-between because my kids’ friends don’t have phones Advice | Miss Manners: I don’t find it adorable what she has trained her dog to do Advice | Miss Manners: We’re afraid they’ll try to raid the house after the funeral Advice | Miss Manners: I want to abandon this ‘Mom’ business after my mother-in-law’s bad behavior Advice | Miss Manners: The bride’s dress code for wedding guests strikes me as pretentious Was this OK under the circumstances? Is it ever OK? I was so uncomfortable that I mentioned it to her. She got irate, I left, and it ended our friendship.GENTLE READER: Was it worth it?Asking to sample ...

Netherlands bats against Bangladesh. Head’s hundred leads Australia to big total against NZ

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:56:32 GMT

The Netherlands won the toss and elected to bat against Bangladesh at the Cricket World Cup on Saturday.Both teams have just one win from five games. Bangladesh won its opener against Afghanistan before losing to England, New Zealand, India and South Africa.The Netherlands recorded an upset 38-run win over South Africa but had heavy losses to Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Australia.Shakib Al Hasan is back to lead Bangladesh after a mini-break from the World Cup and a short session with his mentor at home.The Netherlands made two changes from the team that sustained a crushing 309-run loss to Australia in the last game. Teja Nidamanuru and Roelf van der Merwe were replaced by Wesley Barresi and Shariz Ahmad.Bangladesh brought in Mahedi Hasan and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, replacing Nasum Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud from the playing XI that had a 149-run loss to South Africa in the last game.Earlier in Dharamsala, Travis Head made an explosive entry into the World Cup with a blazing ...