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OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, announced plans to transition to a for-profit public benefit corporation (PBC) as it seeks to attract more investment. Founded as a non-profit in 2015, OpenAI has operated as a "capped" for-profit entity, but now aims to restructure to better balance shareholder and stakeholder interests while pursuing public benefits. The company cited the need for substantial capital to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where major firms are investing billions. This shift comes amid scrutiny following a tumultuous boardroom incident in late 2023, where CEO Sam Altman was briefly ousted, leading to staff unrest and his eventual reinstatement. New investors are pushing for a more traditional corporate model within two years, though OpenAI may face legal challenges, including a request from Elon Musk to halt the conversion. The non-profit arm will continue to focus on charitable initiatives in healthcare. 
Published: Dec 27 2024, 8 pmeznews.inGeoffrey Hinton, the British-Canadian computer scientist dubbed the “godfather” of artificial intelligence (AI), has expressed alarming concerns about the potential for AI to cause human extinction within the next 30 years, estimating a 10% to 20% chance of this occurring. In a recent interview on BBC Radio 4, Hinton, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics earlier this year, noted that his views have not changed and that the risks may have increased, given that humanity has never faced entities more intelligent than itself. He likened humans to toddlers in comparison to advanced AI systems and emphasized the urgent need for government regulation to ensure safe AI development, as reliance on profit-driven companies alone is inadequate. Hinton, who resigned from Google to speak openly about these dangers, cautioned that “bad actors” could exploit AI, highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancement as a significant concern.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 1 pmeznews.inThe number of homeless individuals in the United States has soared to a record high, with approximately 771,480 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year, according to a report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This surge is attributed to persistent inflation, soaring housing costs—where median rents are 20 percent higher than in January 2021—and stagnating wages among lower-income households. The report also highlights the impact of systemic racism, natural disasters, rising immigration, and the cessation of Covid-19 homelessness prevention programs. Alarmingly, nearly 150,000 children were reported homeless, reflecting a 33 percent rise. While Black individuals, who represent 12 percent of the population, accounted for 32 percent of the homeless, veteran homelessness saw a decline to its lowest recorded level. HUD officials emphasize the need for evidence-based strategies to tackle this growing crisis.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 2 pmeznews.inQueen Nefertiti, whose iconic bust was unearthed by German archaeologists in 1912 in Amarna, continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide. Displayed at Berlin's Neues Museum since 1924, her striking features—characterized by a chiselled jawline and kohl-rimmed eyes—have made her a symbol of ancient Egyptian royalty and a cultural icon. Art historian Dr. Cheryl Finley highlights the queen's confidence and gaze as key elements of her enduring appeal. Nefertiti's influence has permeated fashion and beauty, inspiring designers from Paul Poiret to Christian Louboutin, and even leading to the popular ‘Nefertiti Lift’ cosmetic procedure. Celebrities like Rihanna and Beyoncé have also embraced her legacy in modern culture. Despite the mystery surrounding her life and sudden disappearance from records, Nefertiti's allure remains powerful, with her image resonating in everything from TikTok tutorials to luxury perfumes, underscoring her timeless relevance.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 2 pmeznews.inWarren Upton, the oldest known survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, has died at the age of 105 on December 25, 2024, in a Los Gatos, California hospital due to pneumonia, as confirmed by Kathleen Farley of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. Upton was aboard the USS Utah during the surprise attack on December 7, 1941, which resulted in the deaths of 2,333 Americans and marked the US entry into World War II. At just 22 years old, Upton vividly recalled preparing to shave when the first torpedo struck, prompting him to swim to safety on Ford Island. He often shared his experiences, though he mourned the loss of his shipmates over the years. With Upton's passing, only 15 known survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack remain, underscoring the significant legacy of that fateful day, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously described as a day "that will live in infamy."
Published: Dec 28 2024, 2 pmeznews.inSouth Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly authorized military force to breach parliament during his controversial attempt to impose martial law, according to a prosecutors' report revealed on Saturday. The indictment summary from former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun details Yoon's intentions to declare martial law on multiple occasions, particularly on December 3, when lawmakers moved to thwart his efforts. Amid political unrest and a budget dispute, Yoon reportedly urged military leaders to use force, including breaking down doors and potentially using firearms, to enter the National Assembly. Following a swift 190-0 vote to nullify his declaration, Yoon expressed intentions to reissue martial law if necessary. Opposition lawmakers have condemned Yoon's actions, calling him a "treasonous ringleader," while the Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the validity of his impeachment alongside the status of his successor, Han Duck-soo, who has also faced impeachment.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 2 pmeznews.inIn a harrowing account, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recounted his near-miss during an Israeli airstrike on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport, which occurred as he was negotiating the release of UN personnel. Following the strike, which he described as alarmingly close, Tedros expressed uncertainty about his survival, noting the chaos as people fled and the deafening explosions that left his ears ringing. He and his colleagues were stranded for an hour, exposed to potential further attacks, as debris littered the area. The strikes, which resulted in casualties including three deaths at the airport, were part of Israel's response to Houthi missile attacks aimed at Israel. Tedros emphasized the need for protection of civilian infrastructure and called for global cooperation to address escalating conflicts, expressing concern over the increasingly dangerous state of the world.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 1 pmeznews.inPrince William has recounted a humorous moment from his early relationship with Princess Kate, revealing that he once gifted her a pair of binoculars, a decision he now admits was misguided. Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, the Prince of Wales, 42, recalled that while the gift did not go as planned, it has become a source of light-hearted teasing between the couple. The royal family is known for exchanging quirky gifts, with Prince Harry sharing in his memoir that he received a fish-shaped pen from Princess Margaret, and previously gifting Queen Elizabeth II a cheeky shower cap. This Christmas, the royal family gathered at Sandringham Estate, with William expecting 45 guests, including his three children. The holiday is particularly significant as King Charles III is undergoing cancer treatment and Princess Kate has recently completed preventive chemotherapy, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not invited to the celebrations.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 11 ameznews.inThe American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched at Israel from Yemen by Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. This marked the first activation of THAAD since its deployment in Israel in October 2023, following a previous missile attack by Iran. Footage surfaced showing an American soldier celebrating the interception, while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the event without specifying the system used. THAAD, designed to neutralize short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles using kinetic energy, includes truck-mounted launchers and advanced radar capable of detecting threats from up to 3,000 kilometers away. This incident was part of a series of escalating attacks, with the Houthis claiming to have targeted Ben Gurion Airport. In retaliation, Israeli forces struck Houthi positions in Yemen, reflecting the ongoing tensions linked to the Gaza conflict that began in October 2023.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 11 ameznews.inOutgoing US President Joe Biden has paid tribute to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. Describing Singh as a "true statesman" and "dedicated public servant," Biden highlighted his pivotal role in fostering US-India relations, particularly through the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the establishment of the Quad alliance. Biden noted that the deep cooperation between the two nations today is a testament to Singh's "strategic vision and political courage." He reminisced about their meetings, emphasizing the significance of the US-India partnership in shaping a future of dignity and potential for both countries. Biden extended condolences to Singh's family, including former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, as the nation prepares to conduct Singh's last rites with full state honors in Delhi, attended by prominent political figures, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 9 ameznews.inA recent investigation by _Fox Business_ has revealed that several major US fast food chains do not serve "real whole eggs" in their breakfast offerings, despite customer expectations. The report highlights that chains like Starbucks, Dunkin', Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King use egg products that contain various additives, such as water and modified starch, instead of whole eggs. While some companies, like Subway and Chick-fil-A, are working towards using cage-free eggs, they still rely on processed egg mixtures. In contrast, five prominent chains—McDonald's, Taco Bell, Panera, Wendy's, and Whataburger—do serve 100% whole eggs in their breakfast items. The findings underscore the differences in egg sourcing practices among fast food restaurants, with many opting for convenience and safety in using pasteurized egg products over genuine whole eggs.
Published: Dec 28 2024, 10 am
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