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Humanoid robots say they could be better leaders but will not rebel against human creators

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Robots told reporters Friday they could be more efficient leaders than humans, but wouldn’t take anyone’s job away and had no intention of rebelling against their creators.Nine AI-enabled humanoid robots sat or stood with their creators at a podium in a Geneva conference center for what the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union billed as the world’s first news conference featuring humanoid social robots. Among them: Sophia, the first robot innovation ambassador for the U.N. Development Program; Grace, described as the world’s most advanced humanoid health care robot; and Desdemona, a rock star robot. Two, Geminoid and Nadine, closely resembled their makers.The event was part of the AI for Good Global Summit, meant to illustrate how new technology can support the U.N.’s goals for sustainable development.Reporters were asked to speak slowly and clearly when addressing the robots, and were informed that time lags in resp...

Alsobrooks’ US Senate campaign says she raised $1.7 million for in first seven weeks

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

This content was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for Maryland Matters’ free email subscription today.Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) raised $1.73 million in her first seven weeks as a candidate for the U.S. Senate.That’s according to a memo on the “State of the Maryland Senate Race” that her campaign manager, Dave Chase, began circulating to “interested parties” on Wednesday. Maryland Matters obtained a copy of the memo on Wednesday evening.“Her qualifications, experience and profile combined with her popularity and strength in a key county, give her structural advantages in a statewide race that no other candidate enjoys,” the campaign argues in the memo.Alsobrooks is one of several Democrats vying to replace U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D), who announced in early May that he would not seek a fourth term next year. Her primary opponents include U.S. Rep. David Tr...

Police catch 18-year-old driving 108 mph near Boulder

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — Police in Boulder are reminding drivers to slow down after an 18-year-old was caught going nearly 50 mph over the speed limit.On Thursday, the Boulder Police Department tweeted out a speeding citation they had issued to a young driver."Driving 108 mph anywhere in #Boulder let alone in a 60 mph zone coming into the city is beyond unacceptable and dangerous for everyone," said BPD in the tweet.The 18-year-old driver was pulled over a ticketed for reckless driving for going 48 mph over the limit. BPD said the driver received a 20-point ticket, eight points for reckless driving and a 12-point surcharge. The driver will also have to attend a mandatory court date. Denver intersection keeps flooding; what’s being done BPD said the young driver has a good chance of losing their license, which is why the department is reminding drivers that speeding isn't worth it.Police tweeted out this speeding citation to remind drivers of the consequences of reckless speeding. (Boulder ...

Could you be saying goodbye to your gas-powered lawn mower?

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) — The Regional Air Quality Council will vote on Friday on a measure that would ban the sale of gas-powered lawn mowers.The measure would also ban all gas-powered lawn care equipment, like weed whackers, lawn trimmers and leaf blowers. It would also place restrictions on the commercial use of such equipment.The goal is to cut down on the amount of ozone pollution in the air. The Denver area remains in severe violation of federal air quality standards.   Colorado gets $826M to expand broadband access Supporters of the move said it could achieve 20% of the cuts needed to bring ozone levels down to acceptable levels.But opponents and some landscaping companies said it would be too expensive and not technically feasible at this time.The vote is set for Friday morning. If approved, the ban would go into effect in 2025 and would still need state approval. 

VRURC portable chargers recalled due to overheating and fire hazards on planes

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

A warning has been issued to all travelers regarding a potential safety hazard associated with VRURC portable phone chargers. A recall has been initiated after numerous reports emerged of these chargers overheating and catching fire while in use on planes, posing a serious risk to passengers and crew.The VRURC portable chargers are known for their compact design and convenience, however, several incidents have raised concerns about the safety of these devices. Passengers have reported instances of chargers becoming excessively hot during charging, leading to the chargers catching fire on planes.In response to the recall, VRURC has announced that replacements will be made available for affected customers. For more information about the VRUR-C portable charger recall and the replacement process, please visit the manufacturer’s official website or contact their customer support directly.

Miami Seaquarium announces preparations to expand visitor experiences

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

Miami Seaquarium has unveiled plans to enhance its visitor experiences by introducing exciting new attractions and educational programs to reimagine the park. Beginning in August, the company will revolutionize guest interactions and educational opportunities within the park. According to a news release from Miami Seaquarium, the expansion will include new exhibits, improved facilities, interactive programming, and a groundbreaking partnership with Miami Productions Group, renowned for their expertise in family-oriented events. The collaboration with Miami Productions Group is set to display unique experiences, blending entertainment and education through innovative attractions and events. The centerpiece of this initiative is the much-anticipated 4-D immersive attraction, set to launch next month. Detailed information regarding this exclusive experience will be revealed in the upcoming weeks. In the news release, General Manager Danay Voiles expressed her excitement about the partn...

French court won’t block Pornhub in France — for now

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

PARIS — Pornhub has lived to see another day in France.A French court on Friday postponed its final decision on whether to block the porn site until the country’s highest administrative court issues its own ruling on a decree laying out the procedure for blocking such sites, according to a decision seen by l’Informé. The postponement kicks Pornhub’s ultimate fate down the road, and it may yet still end up blocked in France. The case pits the porn industry giant and other websites including Tukif and Xvideos against audiovisual and platforms regulator Arcom over age verification; it started in 2021. For almost three years, Paris and the porn industry have squabbled over how to verify porn viewers’ ages. In 2020, France was one of the first countries to force adult websites to block online access to minors — with limited success. Porn companies including Pornhub have defended themselves before French courts, arguing the text cannot be implemented...

Rogue floating fishing farm reeled in on the North Shore

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

Crews were able to reel in a rogue “fishing farm” enclosure in Ipswich on Thursday, removing the floating object that officials said may have been drifting around New Hampshire and the North Shore for one week.Ipswich police in a statement said Ipswich Marine Patrol first responded to Plum Island sound around 12 p.m. after receiving a report that the enclosure was traveling on an incoming tide. Describing the item as a “navigational hazard,” police said crews towed the enclosure to the Eagle Hill Public Landing boat ramp in Ipswich. Officials said the enclosure was constructed using “PVC type material.” The Ipswich Department of Public Works will now handle disposal of the object.

3 families displaced after fire in New Bedford triple-decker

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

Three families were displaced Thursday after a fire broke out in a residential building in New Bedford, fire officials said. The New Bedford Fire department said crews first received 911 calls around 8 p.m. reporting flames in a multi-family home on Weld Street. The fire, officials said, was reportedly extending through the building’s roof when emergency calls came in. The fire department said the building had working smoke detectors and the people inside were able to get out before firefighters arrived on scene. While no one was injured, the fire department said a total of eight adults and five children were displaced. Officials said a cat was missing as of around 10:15 p.m., though they believed the cat escaped the building. The Red Cross is assisting displaced families and the fire remained under investigation Thursday night.

US will provide cluster munitions to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package: AP sources

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:35:34 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration has decided to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine and is expected to announce on Friday that the Pentagon will send thousands of them as part of a new military aid package worth up to $800 million for the war effort against Russia, according to people familiar with the decision.The decision comes despite widespread concerns that the bombs can cause civilian casualties and sparked a call from the United Nations to both Russia and Ukraine to avoid using them. The Pentagon will provide munitions that have a reduced “dud rate,” meaning there will be far fewer unexploded rounds that can result in unintended civilian deaths.U.S. officials said Thursday they expect the military aid to Ukraine will be announced on Friday. The weapons will come from Pentagon stocks and will also include Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles and an array of ammunition, such as rounds for howitzers and the High Mobility Arti...