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Ex-OpenAI engineer who raised legal concerns about the technology he helped build has died
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Ex-OpenAI engineer who raised legal concerns about the technology he helped build has died
The Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”McKewon: After seniors build bowl bridge, Matt Rhule and Nebraska football’s ‘Leap Year’ is here
Every car discontinued in Australia in 2024BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'screaming' over unusual move after JB Gill and Lauren Oakley's performanceBEIJING (Reuters) - Huawei cut the prices of a variety of high-end devices, including mobile phones, by up to 3,000 yuan ($411) over the weekend on one of China's leading e-commerce platforms, it said in a post on its official Weibo social media account on Sunday. In a JD.com "Super Brand Day" promotion running from Saturday evening through to midnight on Sunday, Huawei offered discounts on its smartphones, headphones, watches and tablets, the post showed. ($1 = 7.2980 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Kim Coghill)
BEIJING (Reuters) - Huawei cut the prices of a variety of high-end devices, including mobile phones, by up to 3,000 yuan ($411) over the weekend on one of China's leading e-commerce platforms, it said in a post on its official Weibo social media account on Sunday. In a JD.com "Super Brand Day" promotion running from Saturday evening through to midnight on Sunday, Huawei offered discounts on its smartphones, headphones, watches and tablets, the post showed. ($1 = 7.2980 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Joe Cash; Editing by Kim Coghill)The person waiting for United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson calmly approached him outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel, video shows. The shooter raised a gun and fatally shot Thompson at close range. Even as the weapon appeared to jam, the shooter remained composed, standing over Thompson and firing again before walking away, leaving behind bullet casings inscribed with messages , multiple news outlets reported. The killer hasn't yet been identified by authorities and is still at large. Experts told USA TODAY these details provide investigators key clues about who the man is ‒ and how tough it will be to catch him. Could the killer be a paid assassin? There's some evidence to support that, said Michael Alcazar , a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. The more Alcazar sees video footage of the shooting, the more he believes the shooter may have been a professional. "It looks like this guy may have had some experience, and I'm sure investigators are entertaining the possibility," added Alcazar, a former detective with the New York City Police Department. "It definitely crossed my mind." He said the shooter's choice of what appears to be a bolt-action pistol indicates he had an objective: "If this guy wanted to assassinate someone, that's a very specific weapon that just needs one shot," Alcazar said. "If that's indeed the weapon (the weapon used in the shooting has not yet been recovered) and he specifically selected that, it shows confidence." Others aren't so sure. "I would lean toward not," said David Carter , a professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University and director of the university's Intelligence program. "On the one hand, from the behavior I saw in videos of the shooting, it might indicate he was a paid professional. He seems collected, calm, he's not overtly rushing." But, added Carter, whose expertise is in violent crime control, counterterrorism and law enforcement intelligence, a professional would have made sure in advance that the weapon he planned to use was in proper working order and wouldn't jam, something which appeared to have happened. "A paid assassin would use a revolver, which is more reliable and has no cartridges, or he would pick up the cartridges," Carter said. Could revenge be a motive? The cartridges that were left behind, Carter observed, might also indicate a motive that leans more toward a personal grudge than a professional hit: Multiple outlets reported, citing police sources, that the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" were etched into bullet casings recovered from the scene. "There is no reason someone who's a paid killer would do that," said Carter, "because that's evidence, and it's unique evidence." The shooter appears calm because, Carter speculated, "This is about revenge: 'I am thinking revenge, and I am basking in that revenge.'" How hard will it be to catch the shooter? Carter said investigators have their work cut out for them, since surveillance video, cell phone activity, facial recognition technology and other digital and electronic evidence, while helpful, will also be voluminous in a place like Midtown Manhattan and going through it all will be "tremendously labor-intensive." He said that while the shooter does seem to have experience with weapons, "that could be literally hundreds of thousands of people," including military and law enforcement personnel or veterans, hunters or gun hobbyists. The shooter seems to have taken steps to plan the attack and conceal his identity, Alcazar noted, using a fake ID, wearing a face mask and staying at a hostel, not renting a car but instead fleeing the scene first on foot and then on a bike. Carter and Alcazar both believe the shooter, whether a professional assassin or a person out for revenge or with some other motive, will be caught. "He seems to have been very meticulous," both in planning and in his escape, Alcazar said. "So when they're processing the scene and gathering surveillance and evidence, (law enforcement) will have to be just as meticulous."As the holiday season kicks off, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the festive spirit and overlook potential medical emergencies. Dr Neville Vlok, a specialist emergency medicine physician practising in the emergency department at Netcare Unitas Hospital, highlights four health issues that could disrupt even the most carefully planned holiday celebrations. Allergic reactions and insect stings Outdoor activities such as picnics and hikes can increase exposure to allergens and insect stings. While most bites and stings cause only minor irritation, Dr Vlok warns that severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening. “Over-the-counter antihistamines can help with mild reactions, but immediate medical attention is needed for symptoms like swelling of the lips and tongue, a skin rash or difficulty breathing,” he advises. Bee sting first aid : Use a card or fingernail to gently scrape out the sting, avoiding squeezing it. If you're allergic, carry an adrenaline injection and always wear a medical bracelet. Allergies can develop at any time, so remain vigilant for symptoms like difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, or severe headaches. Prioritise water safety With families flocking to beaches and spending time around swimming pools, drowning is a significant concern at this time of year. Dr Vlok emphasises vigilance around water and recommends learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to be prepared in case of emergencies. “Saving local emergency numbers on your phone can be a lifesaver,” he suggests. Water safety tips : Never swim alone or at night. Avoid swimming under the influence of alcohol, and always supervise children around water. Ensure pools are secured with a net or fence, and only swim in designated beach areas with lifeguards. Always check water depth before diving. Even if you have never done CPR before, Netcare 911’s national emergency operations centre [EOC] is putting life-saving skills into the hands of the public with an innovative telehealth video call technology application. When a caller reports an emergency requiring CPR to Netcare 911’s EOC on 082 911 , the coordinator immediately initiates the video calling process by sending the caller a link via SMS to a live, secure video platform. The caller clicks on the link to connect with the Netcare 911 emergency care providers, enabling them to see and hear each other to better guide the caller in performing CPR until help arrives. Guard against heat exhaustion and dehydration High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration, especially when spending long hours outdoors. Symptoms like dizziness and fatigue should not be ignored. “Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Avoid excessive alcohol, as it can worsen dehydration,” advises Dr Vlok. Avoid strenuous activities in hot conditions and seek shade during peak sun hours. Drink fluids regularly but avoid over-hydration. Wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat, and protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15; a higher SPF, like 30 or 50, is recommended for extended outdoor activity. Prevent food poisoning Holiday feasts are a highlight of the season, but improper food handling can lead to food poisoning. Dr Vlok stresses the importance of food hygiene. “Keep perishables refrigerated and cook meat thoroughly. Keep hydrated if you experience symptoms like nausea or diarrhoea.” Food safety guidelines : Be cautious with high-risk foods like shellfish and undercooked meats. Only eat fruits you can peel yourself, and ensure dishes are served hot. Pay extra attention to food handling while travelling. Be prepared for emergencies Dr Vlok emphasises the importance of being ready to handle minor injuries or medical issues before professional help arrives. A well-stocked first-aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and a thermometer. Familiarise yourself with nearby medical facilities and have a family emergency alert system in place. Dr Vlok recommends including these essential items in your first-aid kit for home and travel. “Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparation can save lives. Stay calm, assess the situation, and act swiftly. The emergency department at Netcare Unitas Hospital wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and we will be open throughout for our community’s peace of mind,” Dr Vlok concludes. DispatchLIVE
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. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
George Pickens injury update: Latest on Steelers WR's status for Week 14 game vs BrownsThe Winnipeg Police Service has deployed its controversial robot dog — purchased in 2021 to respond to dangerous incidents involving barricaded and armed suspects — for its intended purpose just once, the has learned. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The Winnipeg Police Service has deployed its controversial robot dog — purchased in 2021 to respond to dangerous incidents involving barricaded and armed suspects — for its intended purpose just once, the has learned. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The Winnipeg Police Service has deployed its controversial robot dog — purchased in 2021 to respond to dangerous incidents involving barricaded and armed suspects — for its intended purpose just once, the has learned. The service spent $257,000 to buy the four-legged robot, outfit it with an arm and cameras and cover taxes, shipping and training, police said at the time. The money came from the province’s civil forfeiture fund, which seizes cash and other assets obtained through alleged criminal activity via the civil courts. It was shipped in February 2022 and ready for service a short time later. The one time the police drone and tactical units deployed the robot was in September 2023, according to records obtained by the Free Press under freedom-of-information legislation. Prof. Frank Cormier, who teaches criminology and sociology at the University of Manitoba, said the lack of deployment suggests the device was not worth the cost. “More than a quarter of a million dollars is a significant amount of money for anything,” he said. “The fact that it came out of the forfeiture fund, it might be seen as being extra money... however, like anything else, that’s a quarter-million dollars that was not spent on something else, that was not available for something that is perhaps tried and true and that we know will have good results.” BOSTON DYNAMICS The Winnipeg Police Service bought 'Spot' the robotic dog from Boston Dynamics in 2021. The robotic dog is meant to navigate obstacles and uneven terrain — stepping over clothing on the floor of a home, for example — unlike robots with wheels or tracks that Winnipeg police and other law enforcement have long used. It has the ability to walk up and down stairs, open doorknobs, facilitate a conversation remotely and carry items on a harness. WPS Supt. Brian Miln, who oversees operational support, defended the purchase, saying it was “absolutely” money well spent. “At the end of the day, and this is no secret, this tool, this tactic, like many of our tactics, it substitutes having to place one of our officers into a volatile, very dangerous situation where we have armed individuals looking to cause harm,” Miln said. “If we have a reasonable tactic, tool, ability to replace a human life with something like this — absolutely, that’s a no-brainer for me.” Boston Dynamics, which manufactures the robots, calls the 32-kilogram device “Spot.” It has also been called creepy and dystopian and has raised controversy among law enforcement critics who argued it was an example of increasing surveillance of civilians — and militarism in police departments. “It just doesn’t look good; they’re trying to be more police services than police forces and when you send a mechanized dog, which I think most people find pretty creepy-looking, it’s not really sending that nice message that we’re here to protect and serve,” Cormier said. “But I’ve also heard stories that they fall down stairs, they don’t work as well as advertised.” Miln said the fact it has been deployed just the one time should be viewed as a positive. “I’m not going to get into the tactics and places where Spot would be used and deployed by our tac team, but it’s going to be in situations that present high risk and high danger to our officers, and it’s going to be deployed where there is a very specific set of circumstances that are present,” he said. “I would call it good news, because those specific circumstances simply don’t present themselves that often. It is a mistake to say, though, that the conclusion that can be drawn from that is it isn’t required.” JESSICA LEE / FREE PRESS FILES WPS Supt. Brian Miln said the fact it has been deployed just the one time should be viewed as a positive. The robot has been out and about five other times, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act records show: a 2022 incident command training day at the Royal Canadian Air Force base 17 Wing, and four community-relations events, three of which were conducted internally for families of police employees. Miln said operators of the robot train with it multiple times each month, which isn’t reflected in the records. The community relations events were a family day for West District station employees in October 2022, a take-your-kid-to-work event in November 2022 at WPS headquarters, a demonstration for parents and kids who are home-schooled in December 2023 and a family day at the East District station in May this year, records show. The robot was also on display at the Winnipeg Police Service half marathon earlier this year, according to YouTube video footage. Cormier was surprised by the findings. “Either there aren’t any more of these (armed-and-barricaded) situations, which I don’t believe to be the case — we know that there have been those kinds of situations — or they discovered that the dog just isn’t useful, it’s not the right tool for the situation. Maybe it takes too long to deploy it from wherever they keep it.” Miln said there are typically about 100 such incidents in Winnipeg a year, but the service has determined it will use the robot only in very narrow sets of circumstances. He said he could not elaborate further. “I would love to be able to answer the question in detail because if I did, it would be incredibly apparent as to why it has only been deployed in one situation, but I would be disclosing our tactics if I did that, and I can’t do that,” he said. He compared the robot’s purchase to the fire department’s ladder trucks which, while critical, are used infrequently. “It’s tools that we have to provide to our officers,” he said. “We don’t have an option with this; when we know that there is a reasonable solution, a response to something which greatly enhances officer safety and there is a reasonable tool that can bridge that gap, we have to provide these tools to our members.” Cormier, however, is unconvinced. “It’s one of those that sounds questionable, but you go, ‘Maybe, if they can get it to go in somewhere and it gets shot at instead of a cop,’ but what does it do? The ‘dog’ can’t go in and apprehend a suspect,” he said. “And if you’re looking to negotiate with a suspect, or a barricaded person or an upset person, a robotic dog is probably not the way to go. It’s not going to calm somebody down, I don’t think.” There has been backlash over police use of the four-legged robot in the United States, where it has been put to use by a many American law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, the Los Angeles Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the Houston Police Department. BOSTON DYNAMICS / YOUTUBE The robot has been out at a 2022 incident command training day at the Royal Canadian Air Force base 17 Wing, and at four community-relations events, three of which were conducted internally for families of police employees. The New York Police Department, after an outcry from law enforcement critics and some politicians amid the height of the police reform and defunding movement that followed the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, cancelled its contract for the device in April 2021. “It’s creepy, alienating and sends the wrong message to New Yorkers,” a spokesperson for then-mayor Bill de Blasio told ABC News at the time. Current Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD captain, brought the robots back in 2023, saying the technology was here “and we cannot be afraid of it.” But Cormier said it’s hard to ignore the robot dog’s chillingly futuristic vibe. “They have that feel about them that feels like robots being turned loose on the population,” he said. “There’s that whole dystopian — whether deserved or not — dystopian perception of mechanized devices being used by authorities to control populations.” Miln stressed the service would never let the robot dog “loose” on the public; it will be used only in situations where officers are being put in harm’s way. The WPS has been criticized — including as recently as last month — for making big-ticket purchases of expensive technology and surveillance equipment with money provided from the forfeiture fund, which is meant to support both law enforcement agencies and services for victims of crime. In November, police announced plans to buy a second armoured vehicle with forfeiture cash. It’s not clear whether any other Canadian law enforcement agencies have purchased a robot dog of their own, though others in the public sector — including the Ontario Crown corporation that produces wind power and Montreal’s public transit agency — have made use of, or tested, the robots for certain tasks. In 2021, Miln noted WPS was the first Canadian police department to acquire the four-legged robot. NDP Justice Minister Matt Wiebe wouldn’t say Friday whether buying the robot was the best use of the forfeiture money, given the funding decision was made under the prior Progressive Conservative government. But he said he supports the work of the criminal property forfeiture office, calling it a useful tool to go after organized crime. The government recently brought forward an amendment to beef up forfeiture legislation. “Overall, the program is good,” he said. “In terms of what comes across my desk... I’m willing to listen to law enforcement, work with them and give them the tools they need to keep themselves safe and ultimately keep our communities safe.” erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca Erik Pindera is a reporter for the , mostly focusing on crime and justice. The born-and-bred Winnipegger attended Red River College Polytechnic, wrote for the community newspaper in Kenora, Ont. and reported on television and radio in Winnipeg before joining the in 2020. . Every piece of reporting Erik produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . 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In a significant move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is all set to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 player auction, marking its first significant venture into cricket . The auction will be held on Sunday, November 24, and Monday, November 25, at Abady Al Johar Arena, also known as Benchmark Arena, in Jeddah . A total of 574 players have been selected from an initial pool of 1,574 names. Of the 574 players, 366 are Indian, while 208 are overseas, including three from associate nations. The auction will see 318 Indian uncapped players and 12 uncapped overseas players in contention. Featuring notable players such as Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, veteran England fast bowler James Anderson, and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. Saudi Arabia’s holding of the IPL auction signals its intention to elevate cricket alongside football, golf, and boxing in its sports investment portfolio under the Vision 2030 project. This is not the first time the player auction is venturing out of India. In 2023, the player auction was held at the Coca-Cola in Dubai.ASPI Investors Have Opportunity to Lead ASP Isotopes Inc. Securities Fraud LawsuitCHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 13, 2024-- Krispy Kreme, Inc. (NASDAQ:DNUT) (“Krispy Kreme” or the “Company”), today announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.035 per share of common stock, in accordance with the Company’s dividend policy. The dividend was declared today, December 13, 2024, and will be paid on February 5, 2025 to shareholders of record on January 22, 2025. About Krispy Kreme, Inc. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. Our iconic Original Glazed ® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Krispy Kreme operates in 40 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing digital business with more than 15,500 fresh points of access. Our purpose of touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme guides how we operate every day and is reflected in the love we have for our people, our communities, and the planet. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com and follow us on social: X , Instagram and Facebook . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211058746/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations IR@krispykreme.comFinancial Media Edelman Smithfield for Krispy Kreme, Inc. KrispyKremeIR@edelman.com KEYWORD: NORTH CAROLINA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL FOOD/BEVERAGE ORGANIC FOOD SOURCE: Krispy Kreme, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/13/2024 04:30 PM/DISC: 12/13/2024 04:30 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211058746/en
NC walks a tightrope as chorus against J&K reservation policy growsPayMedia, which deals in fintech innovation, won the first runner-up award in the Community and Indigenous Services category at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024, in Brunei Darussalam. The recognition was for its product, LankaRemit, a platform for digital remittance services in Sri Lanka. The platform simplifies and streamlines the process of sending money to Sri Lanka, ensuring that remittances are fast, secure, and cost-efficient. Traditionally, the process of sending money from abroad has been fraught with high fees, long processing times, and a lack of transparency. LankaRemit tackles these issues head-on, providing an innovative digital platform. LankaRemit’s success lies in its ability to empower underserved communities and promote financial inclusion. With remittances emerging as a significant and growing source of income for the country, LankaRemit plays a crucial role in supporting economic stability and development. PayMedia’s platform ensures that families can access funds promptly and with minimal hassle, helping them meet essential needs like education, healthcare, and housing. LankaRemit plays a vital role in encouraging digital literacy and financial awareness among communities, aligning with national efforts to promote a cashless economy. PayMedia remains on expanding the reach and capabilities of LankaRemit. By enhancing partnerships, incorporating emerging technologies, and addressing evolving community needs, PayMedia aims to further solidify its role as a leader in fintech solutions that drive inclusivity and empowerment. The recognition at the APICTA Awards marks a significant milestone, underscoring the potential of technology to transform lives and communities. PayMedia’s success with LankaRemit serves as an inspiration for other innovators in the region to harness technology for social good.