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House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the establishment of a bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Task Force in February.
The task force’s members, including Florida Republican Kat Cammack, have already had a few organizational meetings and met with AI leaders to discuss, among other topics, November’s election.
“This is a critical issue that is going to really have an impact in every aspect of our lives, from here moving forward into the future,” Cammack told Fox News Digital.
“I think [members are] pretty much on the same page as far as we recognize both the challenges but also the opportunities that come with AI. … Folks on the task force have a very pragmatic, forward-thinking, optimistic view of AI. But we are not blind to the fact that there are challenges”
Former President Trump and President Biden(Elijah Nouvelage/AFP via Getty Images | Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
Cammack says one of the immediate concerns of the task force is the impact AI will have in the 2024 election.
AI image tools generate election disinformation 41% of the time, and AI tools generate images promoting voting disinformation 59% of the time, according to a recent report published by the Center for Countering Digital Hate.
Cammack says the task force is “looking [to identify] some of the challenges that people are opening with AI-generated content, disclaimers [about] what that will mean in terms of deepfakes, how do we authenticate and watermark AI-generated content, images, videos, etc.”
The challenges of AI and the 2024 elections are ethical.(Getty Images)
The Center for Countering Digital Hate report found examples of image disinformation, such as a photo of President Biden sick in a hospital bed and a photo of former President Trump sitting in a jail cell.
Tech giant Meta requires paid users to disclose when potentially misleading AI-generated or altered content is featured in political, electoral or social issue ads.
“You’ll have all these discussions about [how content] should be watermarked. … We’ve already seen where AI can take off a watermark on an AI-generated product. That’s just a Band-Aid,” Cammack said. “We need to get to the root solution and establish a protocol in place that will prevent mass confusion.”
Cammack says she and her team are working on a framework that would allow for a blockchain authentication model to exist.
Facebook’s Meta logo on a smartpone(Reuters/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
“I see blockchain as a future mechanism to help authenticate material, and that will be really important for candidates and for legislators in such a rapid environment. Having your photos, your videos, all of your content authenticated with a very secure technology like blockchain, that will be very, very important,” she said.
The Florida Republican said the task force should be wary of the overregulation of artificial intelligence, saying her focus will be to protect access in the marketplace for some of the smaller players and ensure there is no bias.
“The worst thing government can do is stamp out innovation through overregulation. My hope is to really address some of the language model challenges on the front end to make sure that we’re weeding out bias. We’re not inherently pushing answers to fit a political agenda,” she said.
Italy’s one-euro-home sales have been attracting a lot of interest over the past few years, with dozens opting to snap up abandoned properties in some of the country’s depopulated towns.
But while towns like Mussomeli in Sicily and Zungoli in Campania have managed to offload various abandoned dwellings to foreigners longing to live the Italian dream, some have struggled to sell their empty homes.
Among them is Patrica, a remote medieval village of barely 3,000 residents located south of Rome, where more than 40 properties deserted in the early 1900s have been left to rot.
Perched on a rocky plateau overlooking the Sacco valley in central Italy, Patrica is an idyllic spot, but life here wasn’t easy for locals in the past.
Abandoned homes
Italian village Patrica, located south of Rome, is struggling to offload its abandoned homes. – Comune di Patrica
Many left in search of a brighter future elsewhere, leaving their homes empty for decades.
In an attempt to breathe new life into the dying village, the town’s mayor Lucio Fiordaliso has been trying to emulate the success of other Italian villages who’ve put their empty homes up for sale for one euro, or just over a dollar. He’s so far had little success.
“We first mapped all abandoned houses and made an official call out to the original owners to invite them to hand over their dilapidated family properties, but we managed to sell just two homes for one euro,” Fiordaliso tells CNN.
While local authorities in towns left underpopulated due to earthquakes and other natural calamities have the jurisdiction to put abandoned homes up for sale without permission from the owners, this isn’t the case for Patrica and other towns like it.
“We first need the availability of owners, or their heirs, in disposing of their old houses,” says Fiordaliso.
“Only then can we place these properties up for sale with their consent, which makes the process very complicated. Almost impossible.”
Fiordaliso explains that the town received a “positive response” from 10 owners after sending out a “public call to involve them in our one-euro-homes project,” but they withdrew at the last minute. The rest never replied.
Public call
Many of the town’s local families left in search of a brighter future elsewhere, leaving their homes empty for decades. – Comune di Patrica
Fiordaliso feels that those who changed their minds may have done so because of issues with other relatives who owned shares of the same property.
Abandoned buildings in old Italian towns are sometimes split between multiple heirs who own just a section – like a bathroom, balcony, kitchen – and nothing can be sold without written consent from all heirs, as per Italian law.
In the past, it was customary for children to inherit parts of their family home, including patches of land, wells and orchards.
But it’s not always a guarantee that relatives will still be on good terms and/or in contact years down the line.
“The disposal of potential one euro homes faced a deadlock as most relatives sharing the same property were at odds with one another for personal reasons or couldn’t agree on the sale, some hardly spoke or knew each other, others lived in distant cities and even abroad,” says the mayor.
In some instances, homes were never officially split between heirs in the past, so the ownership line had broken along the way without a clear indication as to who should be the current owner.
According to Fiordaliso, tracking down the descendants of owners who’d long migrated overseas, mainly to the US, Canada and Argentina and perhaps had different last names, or may have passed on their Italian property to foreigners without notifying Patrica’s town hall, has been a very hard task.
“It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” he adds.
The only two abandoned homes that Patrica managed to sell as part of its one-euro scheme were fully owned by two locals, so no liaising with fourth-degree cousins or great-great-grandsons was required, and they could sell the properties without any complications.
Family ties
The remote medieval village has a population of around 3,000. – Comune di Patrica
In situations where family feuds are at play, relatives could choose not to sell their share due to legal issues tied to inheritance disputes, or even as a form of revenge.
And original owners who’ve been living elsewhere for many years may be wary of making themselves known to local authorities and potentially being hit with back taxes for their property and waste disposal charges of up to 2,500 euros (around $2,730 per year, plus unpaid utility bills
Another reason that the one euro scheme never really kicked off in Patrica could be due to the condition of its forsaken homes.
Some of the houses are simply too neglected to sell, even if the owners were willing to agree to it.
Patrica local Gianni Valleco and his two brothers decided to place their parents’ abandoned home on the market to see what would happen, but soon found that the house was far from desirable.
“We thought, ‘Why not give it a go’? Even if it’s just for one euro, we’d be rid of a heap of useless stones. We were curious to see if someone might be interested anyway in buying it,” says Valleco.
“We were aware that after half a century our parents’ home had turned into rubble, it was totally destroyed, like razed to the ground.
“The roof and most walls had collapsed, leaving an open-air room covered in grass and bushes. All there remained was a patch of land, an ugly garden right in the heart of the historical center.”
According to Valleco, a neighbor had been using what remained of the home to dump their old stuff.
“We then realized nobody would ever buy it,” he says. “It’s a bad investment requiring lots of money to rebuild the house. It’s more worth buying a tiny rural cottage in the surroundings.”
Thankfully, not all of the deserted homes in Patrica that could be potentially sold for one euro are in quite such a terrible state, and some have garnered interest from potential buyers.
“A few foreigners came to see the abandoned one-euro dwellings. There was lots of interest but unfortunately we had nothing to offer them,” says the mayor, adding that those interested were from the US and Europe.
In the meantime, Fiordaliso has been coming up with new ways to boost the town’s appeal in the hope of luring newcomers.
New scheme
The town hall recently funded the makeover of the external façades of some ancient palazzos, prompting several locals to entirely restyle their old family homes and put them to use after decades of neglect.
Local resident Alessandra Pagliarosi took things a step further by turning the 1950s mansion inherited by her husband into an elegant B&B called Patricia.
“We redid the roof, which was practically no longer there, and the interior. The mayor’s move finally gave us a good excuse to fully renovate the property which had been sitting there uselessly,” says Pagliarosi, who benefited from the new tax breaks introduced by the town hall to revive the local economy.
Those who decide to kickstart a commercial activity like an B&B or artisan boutique in the ancient district are exempt from paying taxes on waste disposal, advertisement and public space use for 10 years and granted tax credits for restructuring costs.
“For a small B&B, that would amount to a total of roughly 1,200 euros (around $1,310) per year in tax savings, which is a significant amount of money,” says Pagliarosi.
Foreigners planning to relocate to Patrica and launch a small business are also entitled to the tax benefits.
So far, two new B&Bs and one restaurant have opened up as a result.
Local realtor Ilario Grossi, who runs Immobil Lepini estate agency, located in the nearby town of Ceccano, says several American descendants of emigrant families recently visited Patrica to look at properties.
But the town’s ready-to-occupy homes, with two-bedroom properties starting at 20,000 euros ($21,832,) proved to be more appealing.
“There is interest, but then when many (foreigners) actually see the bad shape of the old homes they’d prefer to opt for turn-key apartments that are already restyled or in need of just minor fixes,” says Grossi.
“So it’s much more convenient to buy one of these newer ones than grab an old building in need of a major renovation, where the final cost would end up being much higher.”
Despite these challenges, Fiordaliso hasn’t given up on selling some of the town’s long neglected homes, even if it means having to negotiate between warring relatives.
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Two weeks before Friday’s attack on a large concert hall in Russia on the outskirts of Moscow that has left more than 130 dead, the U.S. embassy sent out a warning to Americans to “avoid large gatherings,” including concerts, because of “imminent plans” for an attack by “extremists.”
“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” stated the March 7 alert.
A Russian Rosguardia National Guard servicemen secures an area as a massive blaze seen over the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, Friday, after ISIS terrorists burst into the hall and fired automatic weapons at the crowd.(AP Photo)
Just three days before the attack, Putin said, “All this resembles outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society,” calling the warnings “provocative,” according to Russian news agency TASS.
The State Department confirmed to Fox News that U.S. intelligence had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow, which prompted the agency to issue a public advisory to U.S. citizens in Russia.
The U.S. government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding “duty to warn” policy.
On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken put out a statement saying, “The United States strongly condemns (Friday’s) deadly terrorist attack in Moscow. We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and all affected by this heinous crime. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with the people of Russia in grieving the loss of life from this horrific event.”
Also on Saturday, Putin addressed the nation in a televised broadcast, slamming the massacre as “a bloody, barbaric terrorist act.” He declared Sun., March 24, a day of mourning.
Putin said that additional security measures have been put in place throughout the country following the attack – the deadliest in over 20 years.
“All four direct perpetrators of the terrorist attack, all those who shot and killed people, were found and detained,” Putin said. “They tried to hide and moved towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them from the Ukrainian side to cross the state border,” suggesting there may have been a Ukrainian link to the bloodbath.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denied any involvement by his nation.
The surprise attack began when gunmen donning combat gear burst into Crocus City Hall, where concertgoers were gathering to hear the Russian band Picnic. Video online showed gunmen opening fire, shooting attendees at close range and setting off smoke bombs.
A view of the Crocus City Hall burned after an attack is seen on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, Saturday.(AP Photo/Vitaly Smolnikov)
The gunmen also threw explosives inside the concert hall during the attack, rocking the building and setting it on fire, Russian media reported. People were being evacuated, but some remained trapped inside the burning building, Russian media noted.
The roof of the theater collapsed in the early hours of Saturday morning as firefighters spent hours fighting the flames. Russians laid flowers at memorials and lined up to give blood.
Putin said that the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia and other law enforcement agencies are working to identify the entire terrorist support base.
“Those who provided them with transport, planned escape routes from the crime scene, prepared caches, caches of weapons and ammunition,” Putin said. “It is already obvious that we are faced not just with a carefully and cynically planned terrorist attack, but with the organized mass murder of peaceful, defenseless people. The criminals were cold-blooded and purposefully going to kill, shoot our citizens at point-blank range — our children.”
The intelligence community said it believes the ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan called Islamic State Khorasan, or “ISIS-K” as it is known, carried out the attack, a U.S. official told Fox News.
It is the same terrorist group that killed 13 American service members at Abbey Gate during the hasty U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Fox News’ Michael Dorgan and Lucas Y. Tomlinsoncontributed to this report.
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One of the most vulnerable moments in life is feeling like your bank account has been hacked. Then, realizing that it is actually compromised is definitely a heart-sinking moment. Unfortunately, hacking is a harsh reality of our digital age, so know you are not alone.
While it can cause you to feel a wave of negative emotions, there are steps you can take immediately following the discovery to regain control of your account or prevent it from spiraling further out of control.
Below are seven tell-tale signs that your bank account has been hacked, six next steps you can take if it happens to you, and 10 ways to prevent it from happening again or in the first place.
A woman is stressed by a hack attack.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Signs your bank account has likely been hacked
While it is important to verify that your financial institution or someone you share your account with made no error, below are some of the common signs that your bank account has been hacked.
1. Deactivated card
You swipe or tap your debit card to make a purchase when the cashier at the store notifies you that your card has been declined. After several more attempts with the same card, you realize that something is genuinely amiss. If your bank account has been hacked, hackers could have closed your card and requested a new one.
2. Account lockout
You try to log into your bank’s app on your phone or go home and try to log into your account, only to find out your password has changed without your knowledge. Hackers who gain access to your bank accounts tend to change passwords first, so they can run havoc on your account without your intervention.
3. Funds dry out
Anticipating a larger-than-normal bill from the gas company, you log into your bank account to be greeted with a $0 balance. You refresh the page of your bank statement several times, thinking this is a technical error. Yet the balance remains $0 or, at worst, negative (overdrawn) — this means your bank account was likely hacked.
4. Hijacked communications
Your monthly statement usually arrives like clockwork, but it stops coming altogether. At first, you think this is a post office error, but all your other bills and documents arrive in a timely fashion. If your bank statements and other documentation stop arriving, it is likely that hackers could have changed the contact information on your account.
Your balance has been pretty level, so you haven’t been checking your transactions, but you go to check if a particular payment has cleared, only to notice some strange withdrawals and transfers. They were in more benign increments of $20s here and there to bigger amounts toward the end of the month. If you notice unusual transactions, you were likely hacked.
6. Strange activity notification from the bank
You wake up to several notifications from your bank about strange activities on your account. Whether it is multiple failed attempts to log into your bank account or suspicious transactions, you realize that you did not make those attempts or purchases. If so, your bank account might have been hacked.
7. Sudden account closure or freeze
When you notice that you’re not able to log into your bank account, you usually give your bank a call only to be told your account has been closed without your knowledge or consent. This, too, can be a sign that your bank account has been hacked.
Woman stressed out by banking fraud.( Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Action steps to take if your bank account has been hacked
While panic seems to be the most obvious reaction to your bank account being hacked, the exact opposite response, coupled with some of the action steps below, will put you on a better track. While the situation may feel overwhelming, it is important to take action steps in a timely manner, as some financial institutions have time parameters for recovering funds.
1. Call your bank directly. Use the number on the back of your bank card or on your bank statements to speak with a representative directly regarding your concerns. Depending on the level of concern, you may be redirected to the Fraud department.
2. If the hacker has only gotten ahold of your bank card, most banks and credit card companies allow you to deactivate or even freeze a card until you can secure your account. This way, no further transactions will be made with your missing card or stolen card number. Some banks allow you to freeze or deactivate your online account.
3. If you suspect hackers are trying to breach your account through numerous online login attempts, log in from a secure, virus- and malware-free device and change your password immediately. Also, make sure the email account associated with the potentially compromised bank account hasn’t been hacked. In addition, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
4. Contact the three main credit bureaus to freeze your credit. This will prevent anyone, including hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. Make sure to report any errors on your credit reports with the credit agencies as well.
5. File a report with the local authorities as well as the Federal Trade Commission.
6. To have the best chance at recovering stolen or lost funds, you should dispute them within 60 days, usually starting from the time the unauthorized charge or withdrawal shows up on your statement. Some banks require a physical letter, while others have an online dispute process.
Illustration of security on a smartphone.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to prevent your bank account from being hacked
Below are 10 ways to prevent your bank account from being hacked again or in the first place:
1. Switch to paperless statements to prevent mail theft — it limits the number of ways people can access sensitive information.
2. Use strong and unique passwords. Don’t reuse passwords across different accounts. Aim for complex combinations of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Consider using a password manager to help you create and store strong passwords securely. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
3. Enable two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code, typically sent to your phone or generated by an app, in addition to your password.
4. Review your bank statements regularly, so you can notice any unusual activities quickly.
5. Turn on alerts and notifications that your bank provides — you can set them for transactions over a specific amount, or if your balance drops under a certain amount.
6. Request your annual credit report and keep abreast of your report, so you can dispute any errors quickly.
7. Keep track of your credit score, so that any changes to your score can alert you of suspicious activities — some credit card companies provide it for free.
8. Beware of phishing scams. Don’t click on links or attachments in suspicious emails, even if they appear to be from your bank. Never enter your login credentials on websites you reach through email links. Always access your bank’s website directly by typing the address in your browser or using a trusted bookmark.
9. Install and run antivirus software, so that hackers are less likely to access your bank account. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
10. Use identity theft protection services to monitor your accounts regularly and assist you if they are compromised. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Experiencing any of the “tell-tale” signs of having your bank account hacked is gut-wrenching, but there are action steps you can take to regain control as well as prevent future victimization. Staying aware of your accounts and transactions is as important as using the prevention tools and services that are available to you.
How comfortable do you feel with online banking security? What additional security measures do you think banks could implement? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan is demanding answers from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about reports her department is using AI to surveil taxpayers
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
–Jim Jordan opens investigation into accusations IRS is using AI to spy on taxpayers ‘en masse’ – Luke Bryan praises new Tennessee AI legislation protecting musicians: ‘What an amazing precedent to set’ – Nvidia announces AI-powered health care ‘agents’ that outperform nurses — and cost $9 an hour
Luke Bryan speaks during the signing of the ELVIS Act to Protect Voice & Likeness in Age of AI event at Robert’s Western World on March 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Human Artistry Campaign)
‘EN MASSE’: House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is launching an investigation alongside Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., into whether the IRS is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improperly surveil American taxpayers across the country.
‘AMAZING PRECEDENT’: Luke Bryan is celebrating new protections from artificial intelligence for musicians in Nashville.
ON CALL 24/7: High-powered chipmaker Nvidia has teamed up with artificial intelligence health care company Hippocratic AI to develop generative AI “agents” that not only outperform human nurses on video calls but cost a lot less per hour.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a keynote address during the Nvidia GTC Artificial Intelligence Conference at SAP Center March 18, 2024, in San Jose, California.(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)
PLAYING POLITICS: Google has struggled to represent a full spectrum of viewpoints on political issues like Black Lives Matter (BLM) and the recent U.S. elections and is taking steps to define “fairness” for its users internally, according to a former high-level employee.
NOT HAPPENING: Michael Cohen will not face sanctions after he cited fake legal cases in a court filing generated by artificial intelligence, a federal judge said Wednesday.
CREEPY ASSISTANT: Deutsche Telekom has unveiled its latest innovation, “Concept T,” at the Mobile World Congress 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of communication.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
A new drug regimen for certain types of pancreatic cancer recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — the first new medication in nearly a decade.
Onivyde (irinotecan liposome), an injectable medication made by Ipsen, has been approved for use along with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil and leucovorin as a regimen for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).
This type of cancer is an aggressive malignancy with an average life expectancy of between eight and 11 months, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The approval was based on a randomized, controlled trial that included 770 patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had not previously received chemotherapy, according to an FDA press release.
The group of patients who received the new regimen via IV infusion showed “significant improvements” in survival rates and response rates compared to the control group.
A new drug regimen for certain types of pancreatic cancer recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.(iStock)
The drug regimen is administered via IV for 90-minute sessions every two weeks.
“I am hopeful that this regimen represents a new reference — meaning we will add to this in the future,” Dr. Zev Wainberg, professor of medicine and co-director of the UCLA GI Oncology Program in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital.
“We needed clarity on the data before proceeding, which the Phase 3 trial provides.”
Metastatic pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, Wainberg noted, as it doesn’t respond as well to new drugs that work in other types of the disease.
“Patients are unfortunately often quite sick, and many cancers move too fast for a drug to work as they might in other cancers,” he noted.
Metastatic pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, a doctor noted, as it doesn’t respond as well to new drugs that work in other types of the disease. (iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said the drug is “a useful new tool, but not a game-changer.”
“It works well in conjunction with other chemotherapies that have been used for widespread pancreatic cancer,” Siegel told Fox News Digital.
“It works by interfering with DNA replication in the cancer and by damaging the tumor’s DNA repair.”
Dr. Peter Hosein, M.D., associate director of clinical research at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute, also commented on the new approval.
“Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease where meaningful progress is sorely needed in prevention, early detection and treatment to improve outcomes,” he told Fox News Digital.
The group of patients who received the new regimen via IV infusion showed “significant improvements” in survival rates and response rates compared to the control group.(iStock)
Onivyde is a new formulation of an old drug that is “almost identical,” Hosein said.
“So, although this is a new approval, it does not really represent meaningful progress,” he told Fox News Digital.
Onivyde is also “substantially more expensive” than Irinotecan, the existing standard medication, Hosein pointed out.
“There are many doctors and scientists working around the clock on this disease and the survival rates are slowly improving,” he said.
“We need to continue focusing on breakthrough therapies that will truly move the needle to help our patients.”
“There are many doctors and scientists working around the clock on this disease and the survival rates are slowly improving,” a doctor said of pancreatic cancer.(iStock)
The most commonly reported side effects of Onivyde are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, mucosal inflammation, constipation and weight loss, the FDA stated.
“All drugs have a safety profile that needs to be taken seriously,” Wainberg said.
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In the heart of Germany, a groundbreaking project has emerged, marrying the worlds of technology and architecture in a way never seen before.
The Wave House, a new data center located in an urban area of Heidelberg, stands as a testament to innovation, being Europe’s largest 3D-printed building to date.
The Wave House.(COBOD International)
A stylish solution to a utilitarian problem
Data centers, the backbone of our digital lives, are often relegated to nondescript, windowless buildings due to security and operational requirements. However, the push to bring these essential facilities closer to urban centers demanded a rethink in their design approach.
The Wave House is located in Germany.(COBOD International)
Enter the Wave House, which challenges the status quo with its visually arresting wave-designed walls — a feature that not only lends the building its name but also marks a significant departure from conventional data center aesthetics. It measures 6,600 sq. ft. and was designed by SSV and Mense Korte and created by Peri 3D Construction for developer KrausGruppe.
The Wave House was built in record time.(COBOD International)
The power of 3D printing in construction
The distinctive curvature of the Wave House’s walls could not have been achieved through traditional building methods. Instead, the project leveraged 3D construction printing technology, specifically the COBOD BOD2 printer.
The Wave House used 3D construction printing technology.(Kraus Gruppe)
This machine pushed out a recyclable cement-like mixture to form the building’s exterior. Achieving an impressive rate of 43 square feet per hour, the printer completed the walls in just 140 hours, demonstrating the efficiency and versatility of 3D printing in modern construction.
The Wave House’s walls were completed in 140 hours.(Kraus Gruppe)
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Wave House represents a stride forward in sustainable building practices. The 3D-printed construction process emits significantly less CO2 compared to traditional methods, aligning with global efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of new developments.
Furthermore, the project showcases the potential for reducing costs and construction times, making it a compelling case study for future urban planning initiatives.
The inauguration of the Wave House not only marks a significant advancement for the construction industry but also signals the growing acceptance of 3D-printed architecture in mainstream applications. From earthquake-resistant homes to ambitious developments of 100 3D-printed houses, the technology is proving its worth across a diverse range of projects.
COBOD, the company behind the technology, aims to automate at least 50% of building site processes, promising efficiency gains and potentially reshaping the labor landscape in construction.
The Wave House.(Kraus Gruppe)
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Wave House in Heidelberg is more than just a data center; it’s a symbol of architectural innovation and a showcase for the potential of 3D printing in construction. By blending functionality with style, the project addresses the evolving needs of urban infrastructure and sets a new standard for data centers worldwide. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more projects that challenge traditional architectural norms, offering sustainable, efficient and visually compelling solutions for the cities of tomorrow.
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An inmate who escaped from a Hawaii jail on Friday became the victim of a serious hit-and-run just moments later, authorities said.
Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. escaped from Kauai Community Correctional Center just after 1 a.m., the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said. Moments later, he was running along Kuhio Highway and was struck by a vehicle.
Correctional officers ultimately found Ornellas about 100 yards from the jail. He was seriously injured in the incident and was subsequently hospitalized.
He remained in serious condition and in police custody Friday.
Matthew J. Ornellas Jr. escaped from Kauai Community Correctional Center just after 1 a.m. Friday, the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said.
Authorities are still searching for the driver of the vehicle, who fled before first responders arrived, Kauai police said.
Rosemarie Bernardo, a spokesperson for the department, said Ornellas escaped after he scaled a fence with razor wire.
He is serving a sentence for promoting a dangerous drug, according to the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
A view of the skyline of the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu on December 31, 2014. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)
John Calma, a public defender, said he was representing Ornellas for a probation violation, although he declined to comment on the alleged escape.
The Kauai Community Correctional Center houses approximately 130 beds and, including providing jail functions, it “offers education, substance abuse treatment, religious counseling, cultural arts, and work furlough programs,” according to its website.
The Kauai Community Correctional Center houses approximately 130 beds.(Marie Eriel Hobro/For the Washington Post)
On its website, the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says its facilities “are aging,” which is hindering its ability to “reduce recidivism and promote safer communities.”
“Hawaii’s correctional facilities are aging. This hinders the Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation’s ability to carry out our vision. Ongoing investment is critical,” the website reads.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia has arrested 11 people including four suspected gunmen in connection with a shooting rampage that killed 93 people in a concert hall near Moscow, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
It said FSB security service chief Alexander Bortnikov had reported to President Vladimir Putin that those detained included “four terrorists” and that the service was working to identify their accomplices.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said the death toll had leapt to 93 from the attack in which camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers near the capital on Friday. It said some died from gunshot wounds and others in a huge fire that broke out in the complex.
Interfax quoted the FSB security service as saying the four suspected gunmen had been arrested while heading to the Ukrainian border, and that they had contacts in Ukraine. It said they were being transferred to Moscow.
Russia has not made public any evidence of a Ukrainian connection. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said on Friday that Kyiv had nothing to do with Friday’s attack, for which the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.
Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein said the attackers had fled in a Renault vehicle that was spotted by police in Bryansk region, about 340 km (210 miles) southwest of Moscow on Friday night and disobeyed instructions to stop.
He said two were arrested after a car chase and two others fled into a forest. From the Kremlin account, it appeared they too were later detained.
Khinshtein said a pistol, a magazine for an assault rifle, and passports from Tajikistan were found in the car. Tajikistan is a mainly Muslim Central Asian state that used to be part of the Soviet Union.
GUNFIRE AND SCREAMS
The shooting took place on Friday evening at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue just west of Moscow where a Soviet-era rock band was due to perform.
Verified video showed people taking their seats in the hall, then rushing for the exits as repeated gunfire echoed above screams. Other video showed men shooting at groups of people. Some victims lay motionless in pools of blood.
“Suddenly there were bangs behind us – shots. A burst of firing – I do not know what,” one witness, who asked not to be identified by name, told Reuters.
Long lines formed in Moscow on Saturday for people to donate blood. Health officials said more than 120 people were wounded.
“The death toll is expected to rise,” the Investigative Committee, which handles major crimes in Russia, said on Telegram.
The Moscow city and regional governments said they would provide financial support for families of the victims and those injured, as well as paying for funerals.
Islamic State, the militant group that once sought control over swathes of Iraq and Syria, claimed responsibility for the attack, the group’s Amaq agency said on Telegram.
Islamic State said its fighters attacked on the outskirts of Moscow, “killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely”. The statement gave no further detail.
The United States has intelligence confirming Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the shooting, a U.S. official said on Friday. The official said Washington had warned Moscow in recent weeks of the possibility of an attack.
“We did warn the Russians appropriately,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, without providing any additional details.
The attack on Crocus City Hall, about 20 km (12 miles) from the Kremlin, happened two weeks after the U.S. embassy in Russia warned that “extremists” had imminent plans for an attack in Moscow.
Hours before the embassy warning, the FSB said it had foiled an attack on a Moscow synagogue by Islamic State’s affiliate in Afghanistan, known as ISIS-Khorasan or ISIS-K, which seeks a caliphate across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran.
Putin changed the course of the Syrian civil war by intervening in 2015, supporting President Bashar al-Assad against the opposition and Islamic State.
“ISIS-K has been fixated on Russia for the past two years, frequently criticizing Putin in its propaganda,” said Colin Clarke of the Soufan Center.
The broader Islamic State group has claimed deadly attacks across the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Europe, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said it was a “bloody terrorist attack” that the world should condemn.
The United States, European and Arab powers and many former Soviet republics expressed shock and sent their condolences. The United Nations Security Council condemned what it called a “heinous and cowardly terrorist attack”.
SECURITY TIGHTENED
Russia tightened security at airports, transport hubs and across the capital – a vast urban area of over 21 million people. All large-scale public events were cancelled across the country.
Putin, who was on Sunday re-elected for a new six-year term, sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in 2022 and has repeatedly warned that various powers – including countries in the West – are seeking to sow chaos inside Russia.
(Reporting by Guy Faulconbrdge and Alexander Marrow; writing by Mark Trevelyan; editing by Mark Potter)
The former violist has played in top county orchestras, most notably the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, and has played alongside members of the Philadelphia Orchestra in the now rededicated Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 23, 2024, – Former violist and now actress, star Michelina Kozhakova has decided to return to the world of classical music. And this time, with a brand-new orchestra. Michelina has decided to play with the “Orchestra Concordia”, located in Wayne, PA.
The former violist has played in top county orchestras, most notably the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, and has played alongside members of the Philadelphia Orchestra in the now rededicated Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA.
At 16 years old, Michelina traveled to Italy to perform viola by herself with the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County. She has performed for thousands of people all over the world, and was recognized as one of the best young violists in the Philadelphia community.
As to why she decided to leave the profession to begin with, Michelina stated that “The stakes were too high for a child performer. Although I loved the serious atmosphere and competition, it was straining on my mental health. I would have teachers that would highly scold me if one little thing was off. Think the movie, “Whiplash”. My training was like that.”
Unlike most violists, Michelina did not start off playing the violin. A natural-grown violist at seven years old, Michelina pursued the career all the way up until her time at conservatory at the Boyer College of Music in 2018.
During a recent press event, Michelina made these comments, “It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been prancing around the idea for a while now, but finally have come to the realization that music was the destination for me all along, no matter how hard I tried to fight it. I had a few bad experiences in conservatory that really put me down, so I decided to leave my passion behind.”
“But ever since that first day, all the way back to when I was seven years old, I’ve felt the same excitement and joy when I pick up my viola. It’s like the world stops, and all that matters is me and my instrument. It’s a form of meditative practice for me.”
She goes on to say, “I’m really excited to be starting the new venture with my old flame. It’s going to be a challenge getting up to the level of where I was at so many years ago, but I’m sure it’ll come with time and practice. Conservatory drained me, it was the final straw. I did not have a great experience at all. Maybe if I went somewhere else, or even took a gap year, things would be a lot different.”
After leaving conservatory and joining the acting and modeling world, Michelina began to pursue the respective crafts, gaining a higher level of confidence and falling in love with the professions. She joined an acting class in 2021, and absolutely fell in love with it. She blossomed in front of a group of people and started taking classes and lessons, and booked a few gigs.
Michelina intends to pursue her role as a model, as well as attend school for acting and the arts, alongside playing her viola. “I’ve just always been a creative. Before I could walk, I was drawing in my high chair as a baby. I always excelled in the arts growing up. That was where my focus was constantly at.”
“I’m so excited to share my variety of artistic ventures with you all!” She says. “I’m finally ready to begin living my life again after a terrible couple of years post-pandemic. I would love for anyone reading this to consider joining me and following my journey. Let’s see where this takes me!”
