The date of the deposit auction is 22.10.2024. The placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 200,000,000.00. The placement period, days is 15. The date of depositing funds is 23.10.2024. The date of return of funds is 07.11.2024. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 21.50. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 200,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 12:00 to 12:10. Applications in competition mode from 12:10 to 12:15. Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid before 12:25.
Additional terms
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10/22/2024, 10-18 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 86.01) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 163.57 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 13.5%) of the security RU000A100Z91 (GTLK 1P-15) were changed.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)
RAYMORE, Mo. – Today, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) released the following statement on the passing of Sergeant Sarah Roque.
“We send our deep condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Sergeant Sarah Roque and to the entire Fort Leonard Wood community. Sergeant Roque was a dedicated solider whose patriotic service earned her multiple awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. We mourn with all those affected by this tragedy, and we stand alongside them during this horrible time,” said Congressman Alford.
On Tuesday, Fort Leonard Wood announced that Sergeant Sarah Roque, 23, had been found deceased. Sergeant Roque, of Ligonier, Indiana, was a bridge crewmember, serving as a Mine Dog Handler with the K9 Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Engineer Battalion.
She enlisted in 2020 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood. Sergeant Roque’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)
Today,Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) announced a $1,000,000 grant to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to replace and install a passenger boarding bridge that has reached the end of its useful life. This crucial funding will enhance the airport’s infrastructure, improving both efficiency and safety for travelers.
“The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is a strong partner in the economic vitality of South Mississippi,”Ezell said.“This grant will allow the airport to continue serving South Mississippians and those traveling to our community, ensuring a more efficient and safer travel experience as we enhance the infrastructure that supports our growing community.”
“When people travel through our airports, whether for travel, leisure, or business, they should have a pleasant experience. This new passenger jet bridge will help ensure this outcome happens in Gulfport,”Senator Wicker said. “Supporting Mississippi’s airport infrastructure will continue to be one of my top priorities as a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.”
“On behalf of Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, we greatly appreciate the support of the Congressional delegation in providing funding for infrastructure improvements to enhance the overall flying experience for those traveling to and from South Mississippi,”said Clay Williams, Executive Director, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.
The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is centrally located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Mississippi, and is the second largest airport in the state. The airport is approximately two miles from Interstate 10 and the Port of Gulfport, and it welcomes nearly 800,000 travelers each year. This grant will help ensure the airport continues to meet the demands of increasing travel while providing a seamless experience for passengers.
Background on Ezell’s work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee:
Ezell has prioritized initiatives that support regional airports, recognizing their role in local economies. His work on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee has focused on advocating for increased funding for maintenance and improvements at airports like Gulfport-Biloxi.
Ezell has been a strong proponent of safety measures in transportation. He believes that investments in airport infrastructure, such as the replacement of outdated boarding bridges, are essential to ensuring safe travel for all passengers.
Understanding the importance of timely infrastructure upgrades, Ezell has worked to streamline the processes for federal funding, making it easier for local airports to access the resources they need for essential improvements.
Ezell’s efforts on the committee include advocating for infrastructure that stimulates economic growth. By investing in airport upgrades, he is helping to enhance connectivity, attract tourism, and support local businesses.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)
Benton County, Iowa – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) was joined by Benton County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, Hayley Rippel, for a live discussion on election security in Iowa. They covered early and absentee voting as well as Iowa’s election integrity measures that make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack announced plans to introduce legislation to create tax-free savings accounts for individuals and families purchasing their first homes.
The NEST (Next-Generation Equity Savings Tool) Act would assist first-time homebuyers in overcoming financial barriers, especially the challenges related to down payments and closing costs. Individuals and families could save money on a pre-tax basis, with no tax upon withdrawal, if the funds are used to purchase a first home.
High home prices in many markets have created barriers for first-time buyers, which is why dedicated savings vehicles for home purchases can assist and encourage those seeking to enter the market and stimulate the economy.
More information, including bill text, is expected in the coming days. Please visit cammack.house.gov for more details.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken hosts a Department retirement ceremony” on October 4, 2024
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper announced Patrick Ortiz, formerly the Operations Director for San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, as his Regional Representative for the San Luis Valley.
“Patrick knows how to bring people together and make sure everyone’s voice is truly heard. His deep understanding of Southern Colorado’s history, culture, and people will make him a strong advocate for San Luis Valley families,” said Hickenlooper. “We couldn’t be more excited to have him on board!”
“I’ve always admired how Senator Hickenlooper sets politics aside and tackles our state’s problems. He listens to the people, especially in the most rural areas of the state, to make sure our priorities are his priorities. I’m excited to join this great team and represent the residents and communities of the San Luis Valley,” said Ortiz.
Prior to joining Hickenlooper’s team, Ortiz served as the Operations Director for San Luis Valley Great Outdoors (SLV GO!), a non-profit organization that works to create inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities in the San Luis Valley to connect communities and strengthen the local economy. He is an Adams State University alum.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate Navy Caucus, and Susan Collins (R-ME) sent a bipartisan letter to the U.S. Department of the Navy urging it to reconsider the Office of Civilian Human Resources’ (OCHR) decision to review and modify civilian workforce position classifications across four public shipyards, including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In their letter to Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operation Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Senators note that the review could result in civilian employees losing pay and benefits as well as negatively impact efforts to eliminate submarine maintenance backlogs.
The Senators wrote, in part: “Should OCHR’s review result in position description demotions and salary decreases for a significant population of technical professionals, it would cripple efforts to staff and support the needs of the Navy. We, therefore, ask for your support in protecting our shipyard employees by reconsidering OCHR’s directive and by engaging with OPM to find a position that both maintains the integrity of the Federal and Department of Navy Classification Programs while protecting the wages and benefits of our valued workforce.”
They concluded: “Today’s security environment requires the United States to have a combat-credible undersea fleet to maintain a competitive edge over our adversaries. The overwhelming production capacity of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Russia’s steady production progress toward fifth generation submarines, and growing cooperation between these authoritarian regimes will create additional demands on the U.S. submarine force. Meanwhile, the U.S. submarine industrial base continues to face maintenance shortfalls at our four public shipyards that affect the Navy’s ability to get boats back into the fleet on time. Reducing these maintenance backlogs is contingent on a robust, well-trained shipyard workforce.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
As a co-chair of the U.S. Senate Navy Caucus and a senior member of both the U.S. Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee and U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Shaheen is New Hampshire’s strongest advocate for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Navy shipbuilding programs. In the Senate-passed Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, Shaheen secured funding for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), including the funding needed to complete dry dock projects at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The bill also includes $795 million for the SIOP above the President’s Budget, which will help to increase submarine maintenance availability at Portsmouth and across the country. Shaheen has a long legacy of supporting investments to increase maintenance capacity at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Additionally, In the FY 2025 government funding bills, Shaheen and Collins worked to include a $9.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending add for a new parking structure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard—which will contribute to quality of life for Shipyard’s workforce.
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
Democratic Senators Warn Americans to Be on Alert Against Efforts to Undermine Public Confidence in Election Results
READ THE REPORT HERE
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Senate Rules Committee Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released a report summarizing for the American people what to expect on Election Day and encouraging voters to cast their ballot.
With the general election well underway in every state across the country, Senate Democrats have a clear message for the American people, which is to vote and cast their ballot as early as possible. As significant numbers of Americans choose to vote by mail, the report explains why it’s still possible that, in some states, the outcome might not be known on November 5th, in part because states differ in whether they allow mail-in ballots to be processed ahead of Election Day and whether ballots must be received by Election Day or postmarked by Election Day. The report also makes clear that voter intimidation is illegal and federal law prohibits coercing or threatening anyone in order to interfere with their right to vote.
A copy of the report can be found HERE. “Former President Trump’s dangerous rhetoric threatens to further divide our country and sow real potential for violence like we saw up close on January 6, 2021. Our elections are the foundation of American democracy. Protecting them should be the top priority for everyone who cares about the future of our country. Election officials, courts, and elected leaders must be accountable for upholding that principle,” said Heinrich.
“The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect it and uphold the integrity of the election process. That means pushing back on efforts to sow chaos during election season. As this report explains, it also means making sure that Americans know that it is possible that the outcome in some states will not be known on November 5th. While some states have expedited their counting requirements since 2020, we should be prepared to be patient about results in places where counting ballots may take longer. Americans should keep making their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Klobuchar. “Just like 2020, Donald Trump and his allies continue to refuse to commit to accepting the results of the election if he loses while pushing dangerous and divisive rhetoric to sow discord and undermine confidence in our election process. Americans losing faith in the results of our elections doesn’t just risk another January 6th but puts our very democracy at risk,” said Leader Schumer. “Senate Democrats remain committed to ensuring all Americans can vote without fear or intimidation.” “As Donald Trump bets on chaos, division, and lies to fuel his campaign and get back into the White House, it’s on us to see through his fearmongering and stand up for our democracy. So vote early, vote by mail, vote in person—but vote. The future of our country depends on us rejecting fear and misinformation and making our voices heard,” said Murphy. “There is no greater responsibility, or honor, as an American than exercising your right to vote. Our free, fair voting systems and our peaceful transitions of powers are two of the hallmarks that have separated America from authoritarianism for centuries now—and that will carry on far beyond this November, despite Donald Trump’s desperate, sad attempts to sow seeds of chaos and distrust in our electoral processes. The most powerful defense against creeping autocracy in America is to make our voices heard at the ballot box—because carrying out our most sacred duty as citizens is the best way we can ensure remain a government of, by and for the people,” said Duckworth.
Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey
Mainspring Energy manufactures linear generators that power hospitals, supermarkets, data centers, and more across the Nation
New plant will expand generator production, enhance American global competitiveness, create 891 jobs in Coraopolis
Casey, Fetterman, and Deluzio pushed for the Accelerating Linear Generator Production for Mainspring Energy project
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17) delivered $87,070,493 in federal funding for Mainspring Energy (MSE), a manufacturer of linear generators, to build a new, state-of-the art manufacturing facility that will support new 891 jobs in Coraopolis. Funding comes from the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants Program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“This is a game-changing investment for Coraopolis and Southwestern Pennsylvania. With this funding, Mainstream Energy will create good-paying and high-skilled manufacturing jobs and continue Southwestern Pennsylvania’s legacy as an energy leader on the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Pennsylvania workers are the best in the world and I will keep fighting for good paying manufacturing and construction jobs across our Commonwealth,” said Senator Casey.
“Western Pennsylvania has always been America’s industrial backbone and the Department of Energy’s investment in Mainspring Energy carries that legacy forward. This move propels us toward a carbon-pollution-free future while keeping our economy strong, competitive, and union-built,” said Senator Fetterman. “As lifelong Pennsylvanians, Senator Casey, Congressman Deluzio, and I understand and honor our state’s proud history of hard work and innovation. We pushed for this investment because it puts Western Pennsylvania back on the map as a leader in cutting-edge manufacturing.”
“I am thrilled to announce that Coraopolis’ own Mainspring Energy Inc. is receiving more than $87 million in federal dollars to boost its manufacturing of low-carbon generators and create hundreds of full-time and construction jobs in the process,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This is a powerful example of how when we make more stuff here, we can create manufacturing and construction jobs and onshore our supply chains, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help us meet our climate goals. I am proud to support this project and look forward to monitoring its progress and impact on the people and economy in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District.”
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants program, which enables manufacturers build new or retrofit existing manufacturing and industrial facilities in communities where coal mines or coal power plants have closed. Senators Casey and Fetterman and Congressman Deluzio urged DOE secretary Jennifer Granholm to support MSE’s project in June 2024. In their letter, the Members highlighted how the new facility would increase domestic manufacturing, boost American competitiveness in the clean energy sector, generate hundreds of good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians, and carry on the Commonwealth’s proud legacy as an energy state.
Mainspring Energy (MSE), in partnership with construction firm Al. Neyer, will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Coraopolis to produce 1,000 linear generators annually that will provide clean and reliable power to critical institutions across the Nation including hospitals, businesses, and data centers. The plant will localize the manufacturing supply chain and enhance American global competitiveness in the clean energy sector. Additionally, the project will create 291 construction-related jobs and 600 operations jobs.
Headline: How higher education is reimagining student experiences with Azure OpenAI Service
Learn how using Azure OpenAI Service in higher education can help leaders reimagine learning models and reduce administrative burdens.
Imagine a future where every student has a personalized learning path, where faculty can focus on teaching instead of administrative tasks, and where academic research accelerates breakthrough discoveries. This is not a distant vision—generative AI is making it possible today. AI-driven innovations empower higher education leaders to reimagine learning models, reduce administrative burdens, and advance academic research, positioning institutions to not only enhance student success but also lead in educational innovation, securing a competitive edge in an evolving landscape.
A July 2024 Forrester report commissioned by Microsoft found that education institutions using Azure OpenAI Service saw improved student outcomes, streamlined operations, and increased access to technology. By Year 3, they are expected to boost content generation efficiency by 30% to 60% and improve chatbot resolution rates by 20% to 50%, driving positive impacts on graduation and employment rates.
As AI adoption accelerates, institutions must also prioritize trust by focusing on scalable security, data privacy, and governance measures. Microsoft supports this transition with AI solutions that integrate built-in protections, addressing risks such as prompt injections and bias, while maintaining data privacy and compliance to safeguard institutions.
Join us as we explore five key use cases of generative AI in higher education, along with examples of institutions that have successfully implemented AI to deliver more equitable and personalized student experiences.
1. Around-the-clock real-time campus support
As student expectations evolve, meeting their demand for around-the-clock support has become a critical factor in student satisfaction and institutional efficiency. For example, Tecnológico de Monterrey’s TECgpt is an AI platform that offers quick access to information like tuition, scholarships, and campus services, allowing users to retrieve personal details, such as scholarship status, within minutes.
Similarly, the University of South Florida improved response times and reduced staff workloads by automating IT ticketing with Azure OpenAI, launching an AI-powered Help Desk in just one week. The University of Hong Kong has also deployed several Azure OpenAI-powered chatbots to handle IT queries, administrative tasks, and course selection, freeing staff to focus on more complex issues. Education leaders are automating routine tasks and delivering personalized academic assistance at scale, boosting retention and accelerating graduation rates while streamlining operations.
I can invest more time in people now that I don’t have to worry about those recurring repetitive tasks because people are what it’s all about. It is revolutionizing all our workflows, our teaching, and our learning spaces quite rapidly. With Copilot, we’re able to do things bigger, better, but also equitably across the university space. It’s changing the way we do everything, and that is a big deal.
Tim Henkel, Assistant Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, University of South Florida (USF)
AI innovations are reshaping how institutions engage with students by offering around-the-clock support for inquiries about housing, student life, and campus services, significantly enhancing the overall student experience. These AI tools also provide personalized academic and career guidance, helping students select courses, optimize degree plans, and receive tailored advising.
Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants streamline the financial aid process, guiding students through eligibility requirements, deadlines, and submissions, ensuring timely completion. Through AI integration, institutions can deliver responsive, student-centered services while improving operational efficiency, ultimately enriching the campus experience.
With Azure OpenAI, USF can rapidly classify and summarize IT tickets, eliminating that first level of eyes on an issue.
2. Personalize learning experiences at scale
In an environment where institutional success depends on student engagement and outcomes, personalized learning is becoming a strategic priority. With Data Science in Microsoft Fabric and Azure AI Services, institutions can integrate real-time data analysis from their LMS, leveraging AI to customize lessons, content, and pacing based on student performance. AI tutors provide personalized, instant feedback, helping students make continuous progress and tackle challenging tasks with confidence. These tools empower institutions to deliver adaptive learning tailored to each student’s needs.
The Azure OpenAI Service provided remarkably high-quality hints generated by GPT-4 from a robust and scalable API that reliably handled heavy loads from hundreds of students working simultaneously near homework deadlines.
John DeNero, Faculty Director and Associate Teaching Professor, UC Berkeley
Universities around the world are leveraging AI to improve student outcomes and streamline administrative tasks. At the University of Sydney, the Cogniti platform utilizes AI teaching assistants to tailor feedback and adjust learning paths, boosting student engagement and academic success. IU International University of Applied Sciences in Germany offers an AI study buddy, Syntea, with always-available multilingual support and enhanced student engagement through personalized feedback. It also reduces course completion times by 27%, all while seamlessly integrating across platforms like myCampus and Microsoft Teams.
Similarly, UC Berkeley’s 61A-Bot, a specialized AI assistant powered by Azure OpenAI Service, has significantly enhanced student learning by providing real-time support and reducing homework completion times in their computer science courses. As institutions worldwide adopt AI-driven solutions, education leaders are transforming both learning personalization and operational efficiency, driving significant improvements in student success.
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3. Accelerate learning for all with multi-language support
AI improves educational access by offering multi-language support through real-time translation, note-taking, and content delivery, enabling all students to engage fully in their preferred language. Flexible learning options allow students to review materials at their own pace, while chatbots offer seamless language transitions and targeted support to enhance comprehension and engagement.
By utilizing the advanced language models in Azure OpenAI Service, Cool English is taking an innovative step for English education in Taiwan, helping students reach their learning goals and overcome the challenges of limited opportunities for real-life conversational and writing practice.
Dr. Hao-Jan Howard Chen, Professor, Department of English at National Taiwan Normal University
This potential is already being realized through initiatives like National Taiwan Normal University’s “Cool English” platform, powered by Azure OpenAI, which has helped over 1.4 million students enhance their English skills through adaptive, conversational practice. Similarly, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) developed a multilingual chatbot to help EFL students write essays in English, offering seamless language switching and personalized guidance outside class hours. Powered by Azure OpenAI’s advanced models, the chatbot provides feedback and answers questions to help students improve their writing without generating essays for them. AI-powered language tools help create inclusive learning environments, enhance student outcomes, and attract a diverse international student body.
AI can help higher education institutions provide multi-language support to students.
4. Accelerate academic research
AI is transforming academic research by accelerating discovery and innovation, and automating tasks like literature reviews, data analysis, and report generation. In April 2023, Microsoft Research launched the Accelerating Foundation Models Research (AFMR) initiative to accelerate the use of large-scale AI models in academia. Through Azure AI Services, AFMR provides universities with access to powerful foundation models, supporting research in fields such as healthcare, scientific discovery, and multicultural empowerment. With over 200 projects in 15 countries, AFMR is building a global AI research community.
If you have a really good idea, it’s very hard to just search the literature and try to find everything. This is sort of like having a super adviser, a brilliant astronomer with an encyclopedic memory who can say, ‘Well, that could be a very good idea and here’s why,’ or ‘That’s likely a bad idea and here’s why.’
Alyssa Goodman, Robert Wheeler Wilson Professor of Applied Astronomy, Harvard University
Universities are harnessing foundation models to accelerate scientific discovery and hypothesis generation. A collaboration between astronomers at Harvard University and The Australian National University has led to the development of an astronomy-focused chat application that utilizes GPT-4. This tool draws from over 300,000 astronomy papers, helping researchers extract key information and analyze data to develop new theories.
At Georgia Tech, researchers are utilizing Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service to analyze global EV charging data, uncovering insights for policy development and improving infrastructure reliability to support sustainable and equitable EV adoption. With AI solutions like Azure OpenAI Service, higher education institutions can automate repetitive tasks, improve collaboration, and scale research efforts, all while ensuring data security and focusing on high-impact academic work.
5. Trustworthy AI for education
There is a critical need for organizations to deploy AI responsibly. As AI transforms education, decision makers must ensure these systems are secure, private, and fair. A key strategy is to choose AI platforms with built-in safeguards, like content filtering and bias detection. For example, South Australia’s Department for Education successfully piloted EdChat, an AI chatbot powered by Azure AI, which protects 1,500 students across eight schools from harmful content while empower educators to focus on the benefits.
Equally important is the protection of sensitive student information. With built-in features to safeguard text content, including moderation and groundedness detection, institutions can ensure responsible AI deployment while protecting student data with enterprise-grade security and robust privacy measures to prevent breaches.
South Australia’s Department for Education successfully piloted EdChat, an AI chatbot using Azure AI.
Key principles of trustworthy AI:
Security: AI systems must be resilient against threats.
Safety: AI must operate reliably in sensitive environments like classrooms.
Privacy: Protecting personal data is essential to maintain trust.
AI is not just a tool—it’s the catalyst for a new era in education. By enhancing student support, personalizing learning, and accelerating academic research, AI empowers institutions to break down barriers, expand access, and create more inclusive and innovative learning environments. Those who embrace AI today will lead the future of education, building adaptable, forward-thinking institutions focused on student success.
The question is no longer if AI should be integrated, but how quickly it can be implemented to unlock its full potential. The future of education is here—is your institution ready to lead it?
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Ready to transform your institution with AI? Partner with Microsoft to unlock new possibilities and drive educational success:
Headline: Updated Xbox Wireless Headset brings games to life in vivid detail
The new Xbox Wireless Headset delivers an exceptional sound experience, powered by advanced spatial audio technology. With built-in support for Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, and DTS Headphone:X*, you can experience sound with stunning precision, allowing you to pinpoint every footstep, explosion, or whisper. Dolby Atmos, now included at no extra cost, transforms your audio experience by revealing depth, clarity, and details like never before, creating a sound experience you can feel all around you.
Clear communication is essential, whether you’re strategizing with your squad or catching up with friends. The upgraded Xbox Wireless Headset includes advanced auto-mute and voice isolation, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear while minimizing background noise. Direct pairing with Xbox consoles, along with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for PC and mobile devices, allows you to seamlessly switch between platforms without the need for dongles or extra setups (see xbox.com/headset-compatibility for more details). Plus, with Qualcomm S5 Gen 2 technology, you’ll enjoy ultra-low latency wireless connectivity for smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.
Long gaming sessions require maximum comfort, and the new Xbox Wireless Headset is designed with that in mind. Its adjustable headband and plush earcups provide a snug, comfortable fit, while the sleek, all-black design effortlessly complements any gaming setup. With up to 20 hours of battery life* on a single charge, you can focus on gaming without the hassle of frequent recharges. The extended mic boom ensures your voice is heard clearly, even during the most intense moments. Need to adjust your audio mid-game? The intuitive on-ear controls make it easy to fine-tune your game/chat balance without interrupting the action. And for players who want even more control, the Xbox Accessories app offers deeper customization, allowing you to tailor the headset to your personal preferences.
The new Xbox Wireless Headset is available now in select Xbox markets worldwide for $109.99 USD ERP, visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including the Microsoft Store, for more information.
*Audio customization available via the Xbox Accessories app for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 devices. DTS Headphone:X may require additional purchases, app downloads, and supported hardware. Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X require supported content. Battery life varies significantly with distance from console, additional accessories, usage and other factors. Testing conducted by Microsoft using pre-production units.
Combining the strong cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs with the specificity of monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have become an innovative class of medicines. In 2001, Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) became the first ADC to be approved, primarily for the treatment of lymphoma. This signaled the start of a new era in oncology, one in which drugs could be delivered directly to cancer cells through targeted therapy, minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. Since then, the field has developed rapidly, resulting in the regulatory approval of 16 ADCs, the most recent being Elahere for multiple gynecological tumors in 2022.
With an estimated value around USD 10 Billion in 2023, witnessing 35% rise from the previous year, the global cancer ADC market has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The market had already surpassed US$ 7 Billion in the first half of 2024 alone, demonstrating the rapid rate of development and uptake of these drugs. Due to its ability to target specific antigens that are overexpressed on cancer cells, ADCs have predominantly been used in the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. This has improved efficacy while lowering systemic toxicity. In addition to improving patient outcomes, this specificity makes ADCs an attractive option in the crowded oncology market.
Even though the majority of ADCs have been developed and approved for therapeutic use, there is increasing interest in the potential applications of ADCs in diagnostics and theranostics, an integrated approach that combines therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities. Even if they are still primarily in the research and preclinical stages, these applications open opportunities for a potential future that could improve personalized treatment. Researchers hope to develop dual-function drugs that diagnose and treat cancer, potentially altering the way doctors approach cancer management, as well as imaging agents that can identify tumors more accurately by using the targeting capabilities of ADCs.
The global cancer ADC market is distinguished by a number of strategic alliances and partnerships meant to improve development capacities and market penetration. The exclusive licensing deal that Day One and MabCare Therapeutics have for the development and commercialization of MTX-13 in June 2024 is one such example. These partnerships enable companies to leverage one another’s expertise in technology, clinical knowledge, or market access, which speeds up the time it takes to create new ADCs. The competitive environment is further characterized by significant investments for ADC development. In July 2024, for example, Myricx Bio announced the completion of a successful funding round of US$ 120.42 Million, demonstrating investor confidence in ADCs’ ability to offer revolutionary cancer therapeutics.
It is anticipated that the ADC market would supass US$ 13 Billion in 2024 and continue to expand after that. Antibody engineering, linker technology, and the identification of novel tumor-specific antigens are driving this expected expansion, which are anticipated to expand the applications of ADC applications to hard-to-treat cancers. ADCs are anticipated to grow in versatility and efficacy with further scientific research, not only in oncology but also in treating other diseases where therapeutic benefits of targeted administration of cytotoxic drugs may be realized.
In conclusion, antibody-drug conjugates, with a strong base of clinical approvals and a rapidly growing market, offer a substantial leap in cancer therapy. Their distinct mode of action minimizes side effects while providing hope for better outcomes in the treatment of cancer. ADC technology is always evolving, and this market is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation in the years to come thanks to smart partnerships, significant investment, and teamwork. The standards of care in oncology and other fields may be redefined by ADCs as research develops and new uses are investigated.
iliad SA successfully issues inaugural €500 million green bond
Financial release
Today, iliad SA successfully placed a €500 million green bond issue. The bonds mature in just over five years, paying interest at 4.25% per year.
This transaction, announced for a maximum amount of €500 million, met with very strong investor demand (with a final demand of over €1.5 billion), enabling the Group to take advantage of the improved market conditions and to refinance part of its existing bond debt via the tender offer launched in parallel for its bonds maturing in April 2025 and June 2026 (see previously published press release:https://www.iliad.fr/media/CP_211024_Eng_ef96e5d11f.pdf).
This result confirms investors’ confidence in iliad’s creditworthiness and its ESG strategy.
The proceeds from this green bond issue will be used to finance, and in part refinance, eligible expenditure described in the Group’s Green Financing Framework published on October 21, which received a positive second-party opinion from Sustainalytics (both documents are available on our website at https://www.iliad.fr/en/investisseurs/groupe/dette).
Thomas Kienzi – Chief Financial Officer of the iliad Group: “Through this operation, the iliad Group pledges to invest in technologies that promote more sustainable development, and once again demonstrates its commitment to controlling its carbon emissions.”
This is the Group’s inaugural green bond issue, and it follows a conventional bond issue of €500 million in April 2024. The green bond issue has also been rated Ba2/BB/BB by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, respectively, in the category of senior unsecured bonds.
BNP Paribas and Société Générale are the Global Coordinators, Joint Lead Managers and Green Structuring Advisors; Crédit Agricole CIB, MUFG, Natixis, SMBC, CIC, Erste Group, Helaba, RBC and Unicredit are Joint Lead Managers; and the Bank of China, Bayern LB and Mizuho are Co-Managers.
About the iliad Group
Created in the early 1990s, the iliad Group is the inventor of the world’s first triple-play box and is now a major European telecoms player, standing out for its innovative, straightforward and attractive offerings. The Group is the parent of Free in France, iliad in Italy and Play in Poland, has over 18,200 employees serving more than 49.8 million subscribers, and generated €9.7 billion in revenues in the twelve months ended June 30, 2024. In France, the Group is an integrated Fixed and Mobile Ultra-Fast Broadband operator and had 22.9 million subscribers at end-June 2024 (15.3 million Mobile subscribers and 7.5 million Fixed-line subscribers). In Italy, where it launched its business in 2018 under the iliad brand, it is the country’s fourth-largest mobile operator and at end-June 2024, had nearly 11.3 million Mobile subscribers and 280,000 Fiber subscribers. In Poland, the Group is an integrated convergent operator, and at end-June 2024, had 13.3 million Mobile subscribers and nearly 2.1 million Fixed-line subscribers. In the second quarter of 2024, the iliad Group became Europe’s fifth-largest operator by number of retail Mobile subscribers (excluding M2M) and it remains the fifth-largest Fixed Broadband operator.
Welcome to Ahead of the Threat, the FBI’s new podcast miniseries that brings together an FBI cyber executive and a private sector chief information security officer. Join Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as an executive vice president and CISO of Equifax, as they discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals. Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence? Listen to new episodes biweekly and stay Ahead of the Threat.
Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Export Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Murder in Connection with a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Drug Crime; Attempt to Commit…
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
CHICAGO — A California man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme that swindled investors out of $23.1 million.
SEAN GRUSD formed three funds that he claimed would invest in private financial technology companies. Beginning in 2021, Grusd provided potential investors with marketing materials containing numerous falsehoods about the funds’ purported investment history and successes. Among other things, the promotional materials falsely claimed that one of Grusd’s funds had been an early investor in successful startup companies, such as Instacart, Coinbase, and Shippo. Grusd also falsely claimed that he had graduated from a prestigious law school and that he managed the personal portfolio of the CEO of a large investment management firm. Based on these and other false representations, more than a dozen victims invested $23.1 million in Grusd’s funds.
Instead of investing the victims’ money, Grusd transferred the funds to his personal bank accounts and spent the money on a lavish lifestyle, including high-end automobiles, luxurious condos in Chicago and Montreal, and lavish travel and entertainment expenses. Many of the victims had invested a significant portion of their life savings with Grusd.
Grusd, 32, of Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty last year in federal court in Chicago to a wire fraud charge. In addition to the seven-year prison term, U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis on Wednesday ordered Grusd to pay more than $21 million in restitution to his victims.
The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.
“Defendant’s fraud was brazen and unmitigated,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey B. Rubenstein argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “It was an appalling stream of deliberate choices over almost two years targeting numerous victims and resulting in huge losses.”
On October 9th, Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Lt. Gen. David Iverson, commanding general of the 7th Air Force, visited the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade for an important mission and intelligence briefing. The session was led by Maj. Ryan Workman, Military Intelligence Officer, and Capt. April Dybal, commander of the Space Force detachment.
During the meeting, the leaders discussed current events on the Korean Peninsula and took the opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of 1st Lt. Quinn O’Rourke. Serving in the brigade operations shop, Lt. O’Rourke was commended for his exceptional performance in the S3 section, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that impacts the entire brigade
“Serving in this brigade has been such an incredible experience. I’ve really been able to develop my skills as an air defense officer here. The guidance from my fellow officers senior NCOs, and warrant officers has been invaluable, and they continue to inspire me to grow. Being recognized by ADM Paparo has truly motivated me to keep reaching for greatness within our brigade” said 1LT Quinn O’Rourke, brigade assistance operations officer.
In conclusion, the meeting served as a critical platform for discussing the evolving security landscape on the Korean Peninsula. Led by Maj. Ryan Workman and Capt. April Dybal, the briefing allowed leaders to align on key intelligence and operational strategies vital to maintaining readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. This engagement not only reinforced the importance of collaboration among military leaders but also highlighted the brigade’s ongoing commitment to addressing contemporary challenges with agility and expertise. As the region continues to evolve, the insights shared during this meeting will play a pivotal role in shaping future missions and ensuring the safety and security of the area.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The leader of an Anchorage drug trafficking conspiracy was sentenced today to 20 years in prison and five years’ supervised release for dealing fentanyl and methamphetamine in Anchorage.
According to court documents, in 2022, Nigel Ivory, 29, of Anchorage, was released from prison after serving a federal sentence and began selling drugs in and around the Anchorage area.
During the investigation, officials conducted three controlled purchases of drugs from Ivory between October 2022 and March 2023. During the first controlled purchase in October 2022, Ivory sold over 111 grams of methamphetamine and 98 fentanyl pills for $3,800. In January 2023, Ivory sold 282 fentanyl pills for $1,950. In March 2023, Ivory sold over 276 grams of methamphetamine and 487 fentanyl pills for $5,000.
In February 2023, officials seized over $55,000 in cash that Ivory attempted to transport from Anchorage to Fort Wayne, Indiana, on a commercial flight. Ivory attempted to smuggle the cash by hiding it inside three tennis shoes in a checked bag. The cash had trace amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl on it. Later that month, officials also seized over 180 fentanyl pills from a co-conspirator during a traffic stop. Investigators uncovered text messages from Ivory directing the co-conspirator to hide the fentanyl pills from police.
On June 22, 2023, officials simultaneously executed search warrants for two residences associated with Ivory, one of which was Ivory’s primary address. At 6:30 a.m., agents announced their presence outside Ivory’s residence. Ivory and a co-defendant did not come outside and surrender until 7:00 a.m. Upon searching the residence, agents recovered over $18,000 in U.S. currency, a money counter, drug packaging material, over 160 fentanyl pills, some of which were partially dissolved and scattered in a toilet bowl, two firearms and ammunition.
In April and May 2023, law enforcement seized three additional packages, each containing more than a kilogram of fentanyl pills, from co-conspirators in the case, in which Ivory was involved in trafficking. The following co-conspirators were also charged in this case:
Brandon Beltz, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl on Aug. 13, 2024, and is awaiting sentencing.
Jack Breitenstein died of an apparent fentanyl overdose after spending nine months on pretrial release and the charges against him were dismissed on April 11, 2024.
Wilanda Jackson, 23, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and is awaiting trial.
Don’Tia Nikolai, 21, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and is awaiting trial.
As a result of the investigation, the defendant is accountable for 5.3 kilograms of fentanyl and over 380 grams of methamphetamine. Ivory pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl in April 2024.
“Fatal drug overdoses rose over 44% this past year, with the majority involving fentanyl, posing a grave threat to Alaskans,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Keeping fentanyl out of our communities is a top priority, and we urge the public to report any drug trafficking activities to law enforcement. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who conspire to traffic dangerous drugs in our state.”
“Mr. Ivory callously trafficked massive quantities of deadly fentanyl pills into and throughout Alaska, poisoning our communities and destroying lives in the process,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Zachary Pomerantz of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “This investigation, worked alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, represents one of highest fentanyl seizures known in Alaska, underscoring the FBI’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities.”
“Your Alaska State Troopers will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold anyone that traffics dangerous drugs such as fentanyl accountable for their actions,” stated Alaska State Troopers Colonel Maurice Hughes. “I hope that this significant prison sentence serves as a deterrent to those that are peddling drugs in our state. To those trafficking dangerous drugs in Alaska, know that law enforcement will catch up to you, arrest you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation and U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schroeder prosecuted the case.
UPDATE: This release has been updated to include the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A California drug supplier was sentenced today to life in prison for his connection to the fatal fentanyl overdose of a Fairbanks man in October 2020.
Junior Gafatasi Tulali, 48, was convicted by a federal jury of distributing fentanyl resulting in death with an enhanced statutory penalty on April 19, 2024. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, around Oct. 13, 2020, Tulali agreed to sell 500 Oxycodone M30 pills to a Florida resident who agreed to distribute the pills in Fairbanks, where they could be sold for a higher price than Outside. The pills were shipped in a parcel from California and arrived in Fairbanks on Oct. 17. Inside the parcel were at least 480 counterfeit Oxycodone M30 pills containing a mixture of acetaminophen and an unknown amount of fentanyl.
The individual who retrieved the shipment distributed the counterfeit pills to several other dealers in the area. On Oct. 26, the victim purchased two pills from the shipment. Sometime between the evening of Oct. 26 and Oct. 28, the victim used the pills he obtained and was found dead in his home on Oct. 28. Medical examiners determined cause of death was acute toxic effects of fentanyl, which was contained in the pills that originated from Tulali.
Evidence presented at trial connected two additional non-fatal fentanyl overdoses to Tulali’s shipment of counterfeit pills. Both of the dealers in Fairbanks who were involved in selling the fentanyl pills to the victim were convicted for their role in the offence in 2022.
“In 2023, Alaska had the highest overdose death rate in the nation. Fentanyl poisoning is devastating our state, largely due to drug suppliers like Mr. Tulali, who gamble with human lives every time they sell a counterfeit pill,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Thanks to the outstanding investigative and prosecutorial work done in this case, we traced the pills that tragically killed the victim back to the source and held three people accountable for the irreparable damage they caused. My office is committed to collaborating with law enforcement at all levels to keep fentanyl out of our communities and prosecute those who jeopardize that mission.”
“Fentanyl traffickers like Mr. Tulali are willing to risk the lives of their customers in order to make money peddling drugs,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The sentence today shows that these actions have grave consequences, a lesson Mr. Tulali will spend many years learning.”
“This case is a great example of how far our officers are ready to go to make sure we provide justice for victims in our community. We take our job of protecting Fairbanks seriously and will continue to hold criminals responsible when they threaten the safety of our residents,” said Fairbanks Police Chief Ron Dupee.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Fairbanks Police Department, North Pole Police Department and Alaska State Troopers, with assistance from the FBI Anchorage Field Office, investigated the case as part of the Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Carly Vosacek and Alana Weber prosecuted the case.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Birmingham, Ala. – United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona announced today that an Assistant U.S. Attorney will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) and lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Department of Justice’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with the Department of Justice’s Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney Escalona added, “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”
To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, the District’s AUSA/DEO will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The DEO can be reached by the public at 205.244.2001.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 205-326-6166.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
But please note that in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, you should call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Welcome to Ahead of the Threat, the FBI’s new podcast miniseries that brings together an FBI cyber executive and a private sector chief information security officer. Join Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as an executive vice president and CISO of Equifax, as they discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals. Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence? Listen to new episodes biweekly and stay Ahead of the Threat.
Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Export Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Murder in Connection with a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Drug Crime; Attempt to Commit…
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Welcome to Ahead of the Threat, the FBI’s new podcast miniseries that brings together an FBI cyber executive and a private sector chief information security officer. Join Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farshchi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as an executive vice president and CISO of Equifax, as they discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals. Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence? Listen to new episodes biweekly and stay Ahead of the Threat.
Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. They are especially common after high-profile disasters. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Export Cocaine; Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Murder in Connection with a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Drug Crime; Attempt to Commit…
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals involved in the violent activities that occurred at the U.S. Capitol and surrounding areas on January 6, 2021. View photos and related information here. If you have any information to provide, visit tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa volcano, Island of Hawaiʻi, was the first eruption on the volcano since 1984, producing a 17 km lava flow that threatened a major highway. The eruption began with lava fountaining in the summit caldera (Mokuʻāweoweo) at 23:21 HST on November 27, transitioning to vents on the Northeast Rift Zone (NERZ) by the next morning. The dominant vent on the NERZ—fissure 3—was active for about 13 days, sending a lava flow to the north that stalled within 3 km of Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The eruption ended on December 10, having covered a section of the Mauna Loa Observatory Road but otherwise causing no major damage.
During the eruption, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) used nearly two dozen field-situated cameras to monitor and document the activity. Several of these cameras were permanent and had been installed prior to the eruption, while others were deployed in the opening days of the eruption. We used two main types of cameras. First, we deployed “timelapse” cameras around the eruption site. These cameras did not telemeter their images and simply saved the data onto internal SD cards, requiring later retrieval. Although not effective for real-time monitoring, these cameras are very compact and portable, providing excellent data for later research. Second, we used several “webcams”, which telemetered their images back to HVO in real time. One of these webcams was a permanent thermal camera at the summit of Mauna Loa. Several other webcams were portable cellular trail cameras deployed during the eruption. The camera deployment built upon responses to recent eruptions at neighboring Kīlauea volcano.
In this data release, we provide images from the timelapse cameras and webcams used to monitor the 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa. These data should be valuable for understanding the eruption dynamics and integrating with other monitoring data, such as seismic tremor.
New Data Release reference:
Patrick, M.R., Zoeller, M.H., Trusdell, F.A., Kamibayashi, K., Swaney, S., Warren, S.M., Tollett, W., Hoomanawanui, T., Dietterich, H., and Desmither, L., 2024, Timelapse and webcam images of the 2022 eruption of Mauna Loa, Island of Hawaiʻi: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P149BRTT.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) held with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) a Hong Kong Film Night on 21 October in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Amsterdam time). Participants enjoyed a networking reception and the screening of the Hong Kong movie “Band Four”, directed by young Hong Kong director Lai Yan-chi, in this film event.
Opening the event, Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li, outlined the vision to provide more exposure and opportunities for emerging filmmakers and other artists from Hong Kong in Europe. She said that this film event with the HKTDC was a targeted attempt “to create our platform to showcase Hong Kong productions, and to arouse more interests in our young filmmakers and accomplished talent among the local arts, cultural and creative sectors in Europe, hence offering both sides more opportunities for possible collaboration”.
Miss Li elaborated that through arts and culture, Hong Kong’s advantages and soft power are better seen in Europe. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region strives to elevate Hong Kong’s arts and creative industries to the international stage and to present Hong Kong talent globally, fostering the development of Hong Kong into an international cultural exchange centre.
For the film industry, the Government provides financial support to help promising Hong Kong filmmakers gain international visibility and to encourage international co-operation. One of the recent measures is the launch of the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme under the Film Development Fund, which supports eligible film projects co-produced by filmmakers from European or Asian countries that feature Hong Kong, European and Asian cultures.
Moscow scientists have assessed the diagnostic accuracy of various artificial intelligence (AI) services for radiology. In a recent study, five AI algorithms were evaluated, including three developed in Russia and two from India and South Korea. The study revealed that the Russian AI service demonstrated the highest accuracy in detecting pulmonary nodules, outperforming its foreign counterparts. The results were published in the Chinese journal “Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery.”
Yuri Vasiliev, CEO of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine of the Moscow City Health Department, highlighted the importance of this achievement. “In a recent study involving both Russian and international artificial intelligence (AI) services, our in-house AI solution demonstrated the highest accuracy in identifying lung nodules, outperforming similar solutions from India and South Korea. This achievement marks a significant advancement in our efforts to enhance medical care quality. Radiologists currently utilize over 50 AI services to interpret medical image studies, and more than 13 million studies in Moscow have been analyzed using neural networks. The growing market for AI services is continuously introducing solutions that streamline the workload of healthcare professionals while maintaining high standards of performance.” said Vasiliev.
“We aim to provide physicians with tools that not only facilitate their work but also enhance the overall quality of medical care. To achieve this, we have developed a maturity matrix—a comprehensive tool designed to assess and benchmark the performance of various AI services. Since the end of 2022, our AI service has consistently ranked as a leader in the field of chest organ radiography,” as stated by Yuri Vasilev.
The AI service, designed for the automatic analysis of chest X-rays, currently identifies 14 signs of various pathologies. Additionally, it calculates the cardiothoracic ratio and generates a comprehensive radiology report.
“We prepared a unique dataset consisting of 100 X-ray studies, including 50 with confirmed pulmonary nodules and 50 without pulmonary nodules. Of those, 25 cases involved nodules that were initially doubted by radiologists, but confirmed by CT scans. However, the presence of pulmonary nodules in all 50 studies was confirmed by CT scans,” explained Kirill Arzamasov, Head of the Department of Health Informatics, Radiomics, and Radiogenomics at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine.
“The evaluation of AI services was conducted in three stages, with results at each stage compared against a reference standard confirmed by CT studies. The findings demonstrated that the Russian AI service outperformed its international counterparts across all diagnostic accuracy metrics. The dataset is publicly accessible on the website, allowing developers to independently assess the quality of AI services,” said Kirill Arzamasov, Head of the Department of Health Informatics, Radiomics, and Radiogenomics at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, Moscow Healthcare Department.”
This study is part of a broader experiment launched in 2020 to integrate computer vision technologies into Moscow’s healthcare system. Supported by the Moscow Social Development Complex and the Department of Information Technologies, the project is designed to foster innovation in AI, particularly by supporting developers.
The Diagnostics and Telemedicine Centre, established in 1996, plays a leading role in introducing AI technology to medicine in Russia. It focuses on advancing AI in medicine, developing diagnostic imaging, management of medical departments, conducting research, and the training of healthcare professionals.
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 10/22/2024, 10:08 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 88.13) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 167.82 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A100Z91 (GTLK 1P-15) were changed.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
October 22, 2024
Warren Celebrates 5 New Zero-Emission School Buses for Worcester Public Schools
Boston, MA – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) celebrated the announcement that the Worcester Public Schools will replace 5 school buses with zero-emission, clean school buses through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate program.
The Clean School Bus Program has awarded funding to replace nearly 9,000 natural gas and diesel buses across the country. Funding for the Clean School Bus Program comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided $5 billion to transform the country’s fleet of school buses.
“Our children shouldn’t have to breathe in dangerous exhaust while getting to and from school,” said Senator Warren. “I’ve fought hard for clean energy investments for our Commonwealth. Now, Central Massachusetts’ families will have cleaner air, even more buses that are cheaper to repair and don’t guzzle up gas, and savings for the Worcester Public Schools.”
Senator Warren has advocated for federal funding to jumpstart the transition to all-electric public vehicles and rail and to help tackle the climate crisis:
In July 2024, Senators Warren and Markey and Representatives Lynch, Pressley, and Keating announced nearly $60 million in funding for Massachusetts communities to transition to low- or zero-emission buses. This upgrade is improving bus fleets, reducing transit systems’ reliance on fossil fuels, and curbing diesel-related air pollution along major transit corridors for Black, Brown, and low-income communities who are disproportionately harmed by the impacts of the climate crisis.
In May 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) reintroduced the BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which would authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation to distribute $500 billion over ten years to electrify and modernize public vehicles and build new electric transportation infrastructure across the country.
In January 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) announced that the Environmental Protection Agency awarded Massachusetts funding for 85 electric school buses under the Clean Bus Grant Program to help school districts replace polluting diesel school buses with electric or low-emission school buses.
In July 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and 33 Commonwealth municipalities, highlighting the benefits of electrifying the Commonwealth’s school bus fleets and encouraging the Associations and their members to take full advantage of the newly-announced EPA Clean School Bus Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity.
In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which included $1 billion for states, municipalities, tribes, and nonprofit school transportation associations to use for clean heavy duty vehicles, like school and transit buses and garbage trucks, all in part funded by Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Corporate Profits Minimum Tax to ensure America’s largest corporations pay at least 15% of their massive profits in federal taxes.
In May 2021, Senator Warren and Congressman Levin (D-Mich.) introduced the Buy Green Act of 2021. First announced in March 2021, the bill would establish $1.5 trillion in federal procurement commitments over the next ten years to purchase American-made clean, renewable, and emission-free energy products for federal, state, and local use. The bill also establishes a grant program for U.S. companies to invest in clean energy manufacturing.
In May 2021, in a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Senator Warren made the case for large-scale federal investments in green infrastructure, as well as her Wealth Tax and other tax proposals as a way to pay for these investments.
In April 2021, in a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing, Senator Warren made the case for the need to tackle climate change by investing in our nation’s clean energy infrastructure, including the replacement of buses powered by diesel with electric buses.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xi calls on China, Russia to maintain global strategic stability, uphold int’l justice
KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 22 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged China and Russia to deepen comprehensive strategic coordination, jointly maintain global strategic stability and uphold international fairness and justice.
Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, he noted.
China and Russia, both permanent members of the UN Security Council and major countries in the world, should strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, promote a correct view of World War II history, and firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, he said.
In response, Putin said Russia is ready to continue to maintain close high-level exchanges and strategic communication and coordination with China in international affairs, and jointly safeguard international fairness, justice and global strategic stability.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China, Laos always at forefront of building community with shared future, says Xi
KAZAN, Russia, Oct. 22 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that relations with Laos are of special importance in China’s neighborhood diplomacy, and the two countries have always stayed at the forefront of building a community with a shared future.
Xi made the remarks when meeting Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president. The Chinese president arrived in Kazan earlier in the day for the 16th BRICS Summit.