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Bioprocess Validation Market Set to Witness Significant Growth by 2024-2031 |New York state government agencies will have to conduct reviews and publish reports that detail how they're using artificial intelligence software, under a new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul, a Democrat, signed the bill last week after it was passed by state lawmakers earlier this year. The law requires state agencies to perform assessments of any software that uses algorithms, computational models or AI techniques, and then submit those reviews to the governor and top legislative leaders along with posting them online. Canadian legal information database sues company behind AI chatbot National security agencies should explain how they're using AI: federal advisory body Will the AI chatbot wave come for the federal government? It also bars the use of AI in certain situations, such as an automated decision on whether someone receives unemployment benefits or child-care assistance, unless the system is being consistently monitored by a human. WATCH | Canada invests in Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute: Canada launches AI watchdog to oversee the technology’s safe development and use 1 month ago Duration 1:50 Amid rapid global advances and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies, the federal government has invested millions to combine the minds of three existing institutes into one that can keep an eye on potential dangers ahead. Law shields workers from limiting of hours due to AI State workers would also be shielded from having their hours or job duties limited because of AI under the law, addressing a major concern that critics have raised against generative AI. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, called the law an important step in setting up some guardrails in how the emerging technology is used in state government. Federal government use of AI in hundreds of initiatives revealed by new research database Facial recognition technology gains popularity with police, intensifying calls for regulation Experts have long been calling for more regulation of generative AI as the technology becomes more widespread. Some of the biggest concerns raised by critics, apart from job security, include security concerns around personal information, and that AI could amplify misinformation due to its propensity to invent facts, repeat false statements and its ability to create close to photo-realistic images based on prompts.
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From a General Election which saw the political landscape change in the UK to shocking murder trials, a slump in tourism and a string of well-known high-street companies going bust, it has certainly been an eventful year. April might usually be the time for japes and when we start looking forward to summer, but this year there was a lot of serious news to contend with. Jake Hill, who murdered rugby player Michael Riddiough-Allen by stabbing him outside the Eclipse nightclub in last year, was . His co-accused, Tia Taylor, was sentenced to three years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter and perverting the course of justice. Chelsea Powell was convicted of perverting the course of justice and sentenced to 15 months in prison. was warned that the cash-strapped scheme to develop the Pydar area of could become its “own ” following discussions that an extra £10 million should be spent to ensure the Pydar development goes ahead. A Bodmin pub that won a coveted Pub of the Year award was stripped of the accolade after it emerged it had Nazi memorabilia on display. The by Camra Kernow – in part due to its unique decor but landlord Steve Hall came under fire after a complaint about “a swastika armband” even though it had been displayed for decades without any issue. Camra later reinstated the award following a . The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group came under fire because its new passenger ferry was being built in a shipyard in Vietnam and not the UK. The GMB trade union said it was an “absolute scandal” that the £42 million contract wasn’t given to a British firm, sharing the benefits with the local community which “needs the work”. The director of a national charity which campaigns to said Cornwall is "slow walking into a crisis as it is being left behind by a lack of action”. The Action on Empty Homes organisation said the number of empty homes is just the tip of the iceberg if the number of second homes, Airbnbs, holiday homes and other categories are taken into consideration. The charity, which has spent 30 years fighting for homes to be brought back into use, said that the number of empty homes in Cornwall is currently around 20,363, which equates to more than one in 14 properties. Protesters took to the as part of a continuing campaign against the planned release of tonnes of a mineral into the sea by Canadian company Planetary Technologies and South West Water as a way to fight climate change. Opponents of plans by Premier Inn to build a 90-room hotel in believed Cornwall Council's recommendation to approve the scheme was a total whitewash. The massive financial scale of the was revealed by administrators. At the end of January, work stopped on the controversial regeneration housing scheme after all companies involved went bust. Documents available on Companies House show that Sennybridge Ltd, the company through which the funds for the Hayle Harbour North Quay regeneration project flowed, racked up massive debts of more than £135.4m as of January 31, 2024. Truro when disposing of toxic asbestos and putting the health of its staff, contractors and the general public at risk when it and its director Paul Stephens pleaded guilty to offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in connection to the removal of asbestos from the former Cliffdene Hotel, on Narrowcliff in , ahead of its demolition in the summer of 2020. Former , 33, from was killed in an Israeli drone strike while providing security to a charity feeding starving children in Gaza. Meanwhile, figures showed that thousands of elderly patients in Cornwall waited more than 24 hours in A&E before being admitted to hospital in 2023. FOI requests submitted to hospital trusts by the showed 2,523 over-65s had to wait more than 24 hours in the ’s emergency department prior to admission.
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The Fine Gael leader was asked about the controversy in the first question posed during the second and final TV leaders’ debate of Ireland’s General Election campaign. Mr Harris apologised over the weekend for his handling of the discussion with Charlotte Fallon while canvassing in Kanturk in Co Cork on Friday evening. The Taoiseach was accused of dismissing concerns that Ms Fallon raised about Government support for the disability sector during the exchange filmed by RTE in a supermarket. Mr Harris rang Ms Fallon on Saturday and said he unreservedly apologised for the way he treated her, however focus has since shifted to Fine Gael’s interactions with the national broadcaster about the social media video. At the outset of Tuesday’s TV debate, co-host Miriam O’Callaghan directly asked the Fine Gael leader whether a member of his party contacted RTE to ask for the clip to be taken down. “I have no knowledge of that whatsoever, because this clip was entirely appropriate,” said Mr Harris. “It was a very important moment on the campaign. “And RTE and indeed many media outlets have been with me throughout the campaign, covering many interactions that I’ve had with many, many people right across this country.” The Taoiseach said the approach by his team member was part of the “normal contact that happens between party politics and broadcasters on a daily basis”. Mr Harris’s partner-in-government in the last coalition, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, said he was not aware of the approach to RTE by Fine Gael. “I didn’t realise this had happened,” he said. “I think Simon has given his explanation to it. I’m not sure it’s as normal or as usual. I just get on with it every day. But, again, I think, you know, I’m not au fait with the details behind all of this, or the background to it. “The video didn’t come down, and it was seen by many, many people. “And I think it illustrates that out there, there are a lot of people suffering in our society. “Notwithstanding the progress we’ve made as a country, a lot of people are facing a lot of individual challenges, and our job as public representatives and as leaders in travelling the country is to listen to people, hear their cases, to understand the challenges that they are going through in their lives. “And when we go about in election campaigns, we have to open up ourselves to criticism and to people calling us to account.” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had earlier in the day described reports of the Fine Gael approach to RTE as “chilling”. However, at the start of the debate, she was asked about a media-focused issue related to her own party, namely the controversial manifesto proposal for an independent expert review of RTE’s objectivity in its coverage of the war in Gaza and other international conflicts. Mr Harris previously branded the proposal a “dog whistle to conspiracy theorists” while Mr Martin said it was a “dangerous departure”. Ms McDonald defended the idea during the RTE Prime Time debate on Tuesday. “Politics and politicians should not try to influence editorial decisions or try and have clips taken down because they are inconvenient to them,” she said. “There has to be distance, there has to be objectivity. But I would say I am struck by the very defensive reaction from some to this (the review proposal). “The BBC, for example, a peer review looked at their coverage on migration. Politicians didn’t put their hands on it, and rightly so. “I think in a world where we have to rely on quality information, especially from the national broadcaster, which is in receipt of very substantial public funding, that has to be the gold standard of reliability. I think peer reviews like that are healthy.”
Sugar refining project to boost food security... An elated Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Peter Barwa, who was among the 650 students who bagged a PhD at the 19th convocation of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT) has dedicated his academic attainment to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu Rtd. ASP Barwa said the Nigeria Police Force has helped him actualise his ambition of studying to PhD level. According to him, “My lifetime ambition has been to contribute to scholarship and lecture in a higher institution, but my parents couldn’t afford higher education for me, so I joined the Nigeria Police Force in the year 2000 as a Constable.” He further averred “Within the Force, I was given opportunity to train myself to PhD level. I am very grateful to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and I dedicate this degree to the Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu Rtd.” “I prefer to remain in the Police Force”, he added. ASP Barwa who works in administration unit, Operations Department of the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command hails from Ishau town, Paikoro local government area, Niger State. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tansian University Umunya Anambra State, Master’s Degree in Criminology from Atlantic International University, United State, Master’s and PhD in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies from ESUT. Barwa is a member, Institute of Criminal Justice and Criminology Administration ICJC, Associate member, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators ICMC, and a United Nation Peace Ambassador.JODI STA. MARIA – Actress Jodi Sta. Maria delighted netizens with her playful “Expectation vs Reality” photos on Instagram, showcasing her heartwarming bond with her son, Thirdy. Celebrated Filipina actress Jodi Sta. Maria, widely recognized for her stellar performances in movies and tv series, recently captivated netizens with a playful social media post featuring her son, Thirdy. Co-parenting Thirdy with her former partner Pampi Lacson, Jodi also juggles a successful career as a brand endorser. On Instagram, the award-winning actress shared two contrasting snapshots with Thirdy, cleverly captioned “Expectation vs Reality.” In the first photo, the mother-son duo radiates joy, perfectly posing for the camera. In the second, Jodi strikes a goofy pose, infusing the post with humor and charm. “Expectation vs Reality (swipe left). I love you, babe! @iamthrds,” wrote the “Lavender Fields” star, highlighting her close and loving bond with her son. The post quickly earned a flood of positive comments, with fans expressing their admiration for Jodi’s relatable and candid parenting moments. Many praised her for sharing an authentic glimpse into her life with Thirdy. This post is just one of the many highlights in Jodi’s personal life. In a previous interview, fellow actress Heart Evangelista revealed a surprising connection, sharing that she and Jodi are cousins. Heart disclosed that she only learned about their family ties years into her entertainment career, saying, “Jodi Sta. Maria is my cousin from my mother’s side.” Jodi Sta. Maria continues to win hearts with her genuine personality and strong family values. Whether portraying compelling characters on-screen or sharing endearing off-screen moments, she remains a cherished figure in Philippine entertainment. Her latest “Expectation vs Reality” post underscores her playful nature and the warm relationship she shares with Thirdy, endearing her further to fans who admire her as both a talented actress and a devoted mother. READ ALSO: Jodi Sta. Maria Video Cooking “Tusok-Tusok” on the Street Goes Viral
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The case for killing the tax credit for electric vehiclesNEW YORK — The last of the crystal triangles that make up this year's Times Square New Year's Eve ball were installed Friday morning. It's the first time in 10 years that all 2,688 were replaced at once. Singer Pitbull attends the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Crystal Installation on Friday at One Times Square in New York. Rapper Pitbull and inventor Joy Mangano were among those on hand to help the organizers of the celebration put the final pieces in place atop One Times Square, the skyscraper from which the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere drops to mark the new year. Singer Pitbull, left, and Joy Mangano, right, founder of CleanBoss, install a crystal Friday during the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Crystal Installation at One Times Square in New York. A New Year's Eve ball was first dropped in Times Square in 1907. Built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, the 700-pound, 5-foot diameter ball was made of iron and wood and featured 100 25-watt lightbulbs. Six newer versions of the ball were featured in the century-plus since that first celebration. Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is displayed Friday at One Times Square in New York. The only years no ball drop occurred were 1942 and 1943, when the city instituted a nightly "dimout" during World War II to protect itself from attacks. Crowds instead celebrated the new year with a moment of silence followed by chimes rung from the base of One Times Square. As the new year approaches, many people begin thinking about their resolutions—typically focusing on physical health, saving money, or spending more time with family. One area that often gets overlooked is mental health. The pressure to "get fit" or "eat better" is well-known, but taking care of mental well-being is just as important as improving physical health, especially since mental health impacts every aspect of life. At first glance, mental health goals can seem intangible and subjective, but there are scientifically-proven ways to set achievable, measurable, and personalized mental wellness goals that will help anyone thrive in 2025. Vivian Chung Easton, a mental health therapist at Blueprint , a company focused on building AI-powered tools to help therapists, shares recommendations for setting mental health resolutions. One of the most important mental wellness goals for 2025 is to prioritize self-compassion and resilience. In a culture that often celebrates hustle and perfection, it's easy to push yourself too hard, setting unrealistic expectations that only add to stress and anxiety. But research shows that self-compassion and resilience are critical factors in coping with stress and maintaining long-term mental well-being. A 2021 study by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer highlights that self-compassion—treating yourself with kindness when things don't go as planned—can reduce emotional distress and improve resilience. Instead of criticism for not meeting a goal or making a mistake, practice affirmations or positive self-talk. A simple goal, like being kinder to yourself during setbacks, can help reduce stress and boost mental wellness. A goal can look something like this: Making room for self-compassion this year can be a transformative step toward building resilience and enhancing overall mental health. Social connection is one of the most important factors in mental wellness, yet it's often overlooked in favor of individual self-improvement goals. Physical isolation can lead to loneliness, but social isolation is also strongly linked to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, according to a study by Juliannee Holt-Lundstad. Meaningful relationships and community support can improve how satisfied you feel in your life on a day-to-day basis. This year, make it a goal to strengthen and nurture social connections, whether that means reconnecting with old friends, regularly scheduling family time, or joining social groups and clubs—like a book club, gym, or church group. For example, a social wellness goal can look like: Building mental wellness isn't just about managing thoughts and feelings; it's also about fostering a strong support network. Social connections are integral to building emotional resilience. Just as physical fitness is associated with physical health, mindfulness is often associated with mental fitness. However, practicing mindfulness is just as important as going for a run or lifting weights when it comes to mental wellness. Mindfulness-based practices—such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises—have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being according to research by Stefan Hofman in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Incorporating mindfulness into a routine doesn't have to be time-consuming or difficult. Start small by committing to 5–10 minutes of mindfulness practice a few times a week . Focus on breath, practice guided meditation, or even engage in mindful walking or eating. A simple goal might be: These exercises are called a practice for a reason: doing them consistently and often can strengthen your ability over time. These practices not only reduce stress in the moment but also help to build resilience over time, making it easier to handle future challenges. Whatever New Year's resolution you might have, a large obstacle is setting goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic. Whether it's aiming to exercise every day or cutting out all sugar, overambitious goals can lead to burnout and disappointment when progress isn't immediate. This is especially true for mental health goals, which often require patience and consistency. Using these suggestions for mental health goals, focus on how to personalize them to make them realistic and achievable for your life. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people are more likely to succeed in their resolutions when they set realistic and incremental goals. Instead of vague, broad goals like "be happier" or "stress less," focus on small, concrete actions that can lead to big changes over time. One effective approach is to use SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example: These specific, measurable actions make it easier to track progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Plus, they're more realistic and achievable, which increases your chances of success. It happens every year—gyms always seem to empty out before spring starts. One of the challenges of New Year's resolutions is that many people abandon their goals as early as January. However, mental health goals require ongoing attention and flexibility. Unlike weight loss or fitness goals, mental wellness is a journey, not an endpoint. Regularly tracking progress is essential. By setting aside time to evaluate personal progress, it's easier to adjust your goals and make necessary changes to keep things on track. Research shows that regular goal check-ins increase the likelihood of long-term success. Consider setting quarterly check-ins with yourself to assess your mental health goals: If you're not meeting your targets, adjust them to make them more realistic. Mental health progress doesn't always follow a straight line, so it's important to be flexible and forgiving with yourself. The new year is inherently a time of change, and that can be a helpful mindset in seeing new potential for growth and taking action. As you set your resolutions for 2025, don't forget to prioritize mental wellness. By focusing on achievable, realistic goals—you're setting yourself up for a healthier, more fulfilling year. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and nurturing it can help to reach other goals more effectively. Even if, in a month or two, you feel like you're falling behind—mental health goals can and should be flexible and adaptable. You can always adjust your approach if things aren't serving you, and check in with yourself regularly to stay on track. Goals are personal, and you're always in control. Here's to a year of growth, balance, and emotional well-being in 2025. This stor y was produced by Blueprint and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock As anyone who’s ever started a business knows, getting one off the ground is not for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges in the early years, from solidifying business plans to navigating the complexities of hiring employees and acquiring licenses and insurance. These hurdles often determine the fate of a startup, making the journey from an idea to a successful enterprise both difficult and uncertain. Each year, millions of Americans file new business applications , but only a fraction of these ventures transition to hiring employees. Among those that do, surviving the critical first few years can still be an uphill battle. However, survival rates differ significantly by location, influenced by a variety of factors such as economic conditions, state policies, and industry-specific demand. The good news is that businesses that weather the initial hurdles see a much greater likelihood of long-term success. This analysis explores the states where new businesses are most likely to survive their earliest years based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The findings reveal important insights into how location and time impact the chances of business success. The chances of staying in business increase dramatically after the first few years Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business One of the most significant challenges for new business owners is simply staying in operation. The risk of failure is highest during the first year, but it diminishes considerably over time. For those businesses that survive the initial hurdles, the likelihood of long-term success grows each year. According to recent BLS data, only about 79% of businesses survive their first year, making it the most difficult period for startups. However, for businesses that survive their first year, roughly 85% make it to the next. By the fifth year, 91% of businesses manage to continue operations, and for those that reach the 10-year mark, an impressive 93% make it through to another year. These figures underscore the importance of persistence and adaptability, especially during the critical early years when the risk of failure is highest. They also highlight that while starting a business is undeniably challenging, those who endure the startup years enjoy far better odds moving forward. Washington & California lead the country in new business survival rates Source: Simply Business analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data | Image Credit: Simply Business New business success varies widely across the United States, with some states providing a more favorable environment for startups to thrive. Based on survival rates for the first three years of operation, Washington and California stand out as the nation’s leading states. Washington claims the top spot, with businesses in the state enjoying an 86.4% chance of surviving their first year, 89.3% in their second year, and an impressive 91.8% in their third year. These figures highlight Washington's robust support for young businesses, likely fueled by its thriving tech ecosystem and a generally favorable economic climate. California ranks second, with survival rates of 86.0% in the first year, 89.8% in the second, and 91.4% in the third. Despite challenges such as high costs of living and regulatory complexities, California’s strong economy, innovation hubs, and access to venture capital contribute to its high ranking. Outside of the West Coast, West Virginia —whose economy is deeply rooted in energy production, natural resources, and manufacturing—ranks third, boasting the highest third-year survival rates at 91.9%. North Carolina —a major banking center and home of the Research Triangle—follows closely with similar numbers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Minnesota businesses face the toughest challenges in their early years, with only 72.3% surviving their first year and 80.2% their second. These regional differences highlight the importance of local economic conditions in shaping a startup's odds of success. For entrepreneurs planning their next move, this analysis offers insight into where businesses are thriving and where challenges are more pronounced. Factors like industry presence, regulatory environments, and access to resources can create opportunities—or hurdles—that significantly affect survival rates in the critical early years. Choosing the right location isn’t just about personal preference; it can mean the difference between failure and success. This analysis was conducted by Simply Business —an online insurance marketplace for small businesses—using 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For complete results, see the original post: States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed . Photo Credit: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Shutterstock The data in this report comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics . To determine the states where new businesses are most likely to succeed, researchers at Simply Business developed a business survival index. This index is based on a weighted average of the most recent survival rates for private-sector establishments during their first, second, and third years of operation, as of March 2024. The survival rates were calculated using sequential benchmarks. The first-year survival rate is the percentage of businesses still active one year after opening. The second-year rate is the percentage of those first-year survivors that remained operational for another year. Similarly, the third-year rate is the percentage of second-year survivors that continued into the following year. The data focuses exclusively on private-sector businesses with at least one employee. For complete results, see States Where New Businesses Are Most Likely to Succeed on Simply Business. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Emerance Maschmeyer turned in 34 saves on 35 shots on goal and the Ottawa Charge held off the New York Sirens 3-1 on Sunday for their second win in six games. Playing their first game in 10 days, the Charge got a first-period goal from Emily Clark and Shiann Darkangelo and Kateřina Mrázová added second-period goals to build a 3-0 lead through two periods. Ottawa has scored at least three goals in all five of its meetings with New York over two seasons. Alex Carpenter earned a third-period assist to extend her scoring streak to nine straight games dating to last season. Sarah Fillier's goal moved her into a tie for the league lead with eight points in her first eight games after being drafted No. 1 by the Sirens. Ottawa's defense neutralized much of New York's speed advantage and used a strong penalty kill to take a 1-0 lead after one period after Clark tipped home a wrist shot from the point by Brianne Jenner six minutes into the game. The Charge added two goals in the first seven minutes of the second period but could not capitalize on a pair of power plays late in the period. Fillier wasted little time getting New York on the board in the third period, firing a shot past Maschmeyer 23 seconds into the period, but the keeper saved the next dozen shots, including an almost three-minute finish when the Sirens pulled goalkeeper Corinne Schroeder to gain a player advantage. New York's Jill Saulnier was activated off long-term injured reserve following an upper body injury sustained in the opening game December 1. ___ AP hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/hockey The Associated Press