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☆ A high school employee was arrested after a deepfake AI recording imitating the school's principal making racist and antisemitic comments circulated online
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Alexandra Bacon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A high school athletics director was arrested after a deepfake of the school's principal was shared online. The deepfake recording imitated Eric Eiswert making racist and antisemitic remarks. AdvertisementA Maryland high school athletics director, Dazhon Darien, has been arrested and charged with stalking and theft after an AI deepfake audio recording of the school's principal, which included racist remarks, was shared online. AI deepfakes are a growing concernPolice used forensic analysis to determine that the recording was made using AI. There are also fears that AI deepfakes could threaten free and fair elections as it becomes easier for people to spread misinformation.

Persons: Eric Eiswert, —, Dazhon, Eiswert, It's, Johnny Olszewski, Joe Biden, White Organizations: Service, Pikesville, School, New York Times, Pikesville High, Police, Authorities, FBI Locations: Maryland, Dazhon Darien, Baltimore, Darien, Hong Kong, New Hampshire

☆ School Employee Arrested After Racist Deepfake Recording of Principal Spreads
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Natasha Singer | More About Natasha Singer | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

While the district investigated, Mr. Eiswert, who denied making the comments, was inundated with threats to his safety, the police said. He was also placed on administrative leave, the school district said. Now Mr. Darien is facing charges including disrupting school operations and stalking the principal. Mr. Eiswert referred a request for comment to a trade group for principals, the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees, which did not return a call from a reporter. Mr. Darien, who posted bond on Thursday, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Persons: Eric Eiswert, Eiswert Organizations: Pikesville High, Baltimore County Police Department, Public Schools, Administrative, Supervisory Employees Locations: Baltimore, Dazhon Darien, Darien

☆ A Situation Room scramble, daily calls and political intrigue: Inside the White House response to the Key Bridge collapse
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Kayla Tausche | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

ET, overnight staffers in the White House Situation Room began frantically reaching out to senior officials to notify them of the collision – and collapse – of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. Jen Daskal, the deputy homeland security adviser, began preparing a briefing for President Joe Biden. Two Oval Office meetings were convened as staff at various levels began trickling into the White House. Seven barges and nine tugboats have deployed to the area, according to Tom Perez, the White House director of intergovernmental affairs. In another case – that of Moore and Perez – the two have already opposed each other on the ballot.

Persons: Pete Buttigieg, Dali, Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key, Buttigieg, ” Buttigieg, Wes Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Jeff Zients –, Jen Daskal, Joe Biden, “, ”, Johnny Olszewski – Biden, ” Olszewski, Biden, “ I’ve, ” Biden, –, Tom Perez, ” Perez, Perez, “ It’s, we’ve, Natalie Quillian, Moore, Perez –, that’s, ” CNN’s Donald Judd Organizations: Baltimore CNN —, US Coast Guard, CNN, Maryland Gov, Baltimore Mayor, White House, Baltimore, Coast Guard, Department of Transportation, Maryland, White, Administration, Democratic Locations: Wyoming, Montana, Maryland, Baltimore County, Washington, Delaware, Baltimore, Patapsco, synchrony, Federal, White, United States

☆ Baltimore’s economy has been humming. Then a bridge collapsed
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Baltimore’s regional economy has a lot going for it such as low unemployment and low inflation. That’s well below the national rate of 3.9% in February and ranks 43rd out of 389 regions across the country with more than one million residents. Low inflationThe US economy is still dealing with high inflation, but that’s not much of a problem for the Baltimore metro. Inflation in Baltimore slowed dramatically last year from April to June, falling to a 2.8% annual rise from April’s 5.3%. Like across the country, rising energy prices have recently pushed up overall inflation in the Baltimore metro.

Persons: Francis Scott Key, Prince, it’ll, Matt Rourke, Matt Jaffe, “, ” Jaffe, that’s, That’s, ” Christina DePasquale, Johns, Freddie Mac Organizations: Washington CNN, CNN, Towson, Labor Department, Washington D.C, U.S, Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Fed Locations: Baltimore, Port, Baltimore County, Columbia, Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, Washington, Dundalk, Md

Jesus Campos said he worked at Brawner Builders alongside the men missing after a bridge collapse in Baltimore. “We’re low-income families,” said Jesus Campos, who has worked at the construction company, Brawner Builders, for about eight months. The executive, Jeffrey Pritzker, and the Coast Guard said that all of the missing workers were presumed dead, given how long it had been since the collapse. Embassies for the other two countries mentioned by Mr. Campos did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Officials said that in addition to the six missing workers, two people had been rescued from the water.

Persons: Jesus Campos, “, ”, Jeffrey Pritzker, Mr, Pritzker, “ It’s, Campos, Francis Scott Key, Miguel Luna, Luna, Gustavo Torres, Jacey Fortin, Miriam Jordan, Patricia Mazzei, Emiliano Rodríguez Mega, Kirsten Noyes Organizations: Brawner Builders, Brawner, Coast Guard, Baltimore Banner Locations: Baltimore, Baltimore County, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Maryland, Petén, Mexican, Washington, Brawner

On Wednesday, divers worked through dangerous conditions searching for the bodies of the six missing men. Two were recovered from a submerged vehicle, and the other four are presumed dead, officials said. Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval, in his 30s, of Honduras, immigrated to the United States more than 17 years ago, according to Mr. Torres, and is married with two children. All but one of the eight men worked for Brawner Builders, a contractor based in Baltimore County, the company said. The men who went missing after the collapse were all immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, according to consular authorities and the nonprofit.

Persons: Francis Scott Key, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Miguel Luna, Gustavo Torres, Luna, Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval, Torres, Suazo’s, Carlos, ” Carlos Suazo, Kirsten Noyes Organizations: CASA, The Times, Mr, Brawner Builders Locations: Baltimore, Dundalk, Md, El Salvador, Maryland, Honduras, United States, Baltimore County, Guatemala, Mexico

☆ The bridge collapse in Baltimore is a 'developing mass casualty event,' first responders say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after it was struck by a ship on Tuesday morning. A representative for the Baltimore Fire Department called the situation a "developing mass casualty event." AdvertisementThe collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is a "developing mass casualty event," a representative for the Baltimore Fire Department said on Tuesday morning. I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike," the Maryland Transportation Authority wrote on X shortly after. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. said in an X post that the authorities "are closely monitoring the ongoing situation at the Key Bridge."

Persons: Baltimore's Francis Scott Key, —, Francis Scott Key, Kevin Cartwright, Cartwright, 9IgvJyi46Y — Hayward, Dali, Matthew, Johnny Olszewski, Jr, Olszewski Organizations: Baltimore Fire Department, Service, Associated Press, Maryland Keybridge, US Coast Guard, USCG, Baltimore Sun, Coast Guard, Matthew West, NBC News, Maryland Transportation Authority, Baltimore, Business Locations: Baltimore, Singapore, Colombo, Sri Lanka, BALTIMORE, Maryland

☆ The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after being struck by a large ship, videos show
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early on Tuesday morning. Vessel tracking maps as of 2:50 a.m. showed Coast Guard vessels moving toward the Dali, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship. AdvertisementBaltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on Tuesday morning after it was struck by what appeared to be a large cargo ship. A representative for the Baltimore Police Department told ABC News that "at 1:35 a.m., Baltimore City police were notified of a partial bridge collapse, with workers possibly in the water, at the Francis Scott Key Bridge." AdvertisementThe Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in March 1977 as the final link in the Baltimore Beltway, according to the MDTA.

Persons: Baltimore's Francis Scott Key, Dali, —, 9IgvJyi46Y — Hayward, Francis Scott Key, Johnny Olszewski, Jr, Olszewski Organizations: Guard, Service, Maryland Keybridge, Maryland Transportation Authority, Baltimore Police Department, ABC News, Baltimore City, Coast Guard, Baltimore County's, Business Locations: Singapore, BALTIMORE, Maryland, Baltimore

PinnedA cargo ship struck a bridge that crosses outer Baltimore Harbor early Tuesday, triggering a collapse, the authorities said. The Coast Guard received a report of an impact at 1:27 a.m. Eastern time at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, said Matthew West, a petty officer first class for the Coast Guard in Baltimore. “I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike,” the agency said on the social media site X. Officer West of the Coast Guard said that a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, the Dali, had hit the bridge. The bridge — named after Francis Scott Key, the author of the American national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” — opened in 1977.

Persons: Francis Scott Key, Matthew West, Niki Fennoy, Brandon M, Scott, “, Dali, Grace Ocean, Scott’s, —, Derrick Bryson Taylor Organizations: Coast Guard, Baltimore Police, Fire Department, Maryland Transportation, Grace, Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland Port Administration, American Locations: Baltimore, ”, Singapore, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Maryland

☆ Baltimore Bridge Collapse Victims Were Working to Support Families, Co-Worker Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A construction company employee who said he labored alongside the six men missing after a Baltimore bridge collapse on Tuesday said many of his co-workers were migrants working to support their relatives. “We’re low-income families,” said Jesus Campos, who has worked at the construction company, Brawner Builders, for about eight months. The executive, Jeffrey Pritzker, and the Coast Guard said that all of the missing workers were presumed dead, given how long it had been since the collapse. Mr. Pritzker said that Brawner’s owner was distressed and spent the early Tuesday hours near the bridge hoping for a rescue, and has also since met with families of all of the missing workers. He wore a black sweatshirt bearing the construction company’s name and milled about, waiting for news and speaking on the phone.

Persons: “, ”, Jesus Campos, Jeffrey Pritzker, Mr, Pritzker, “ It’s, Campos, Francis Scott Key Organizations: Brawner, Coast Guard Locations: Baltimore, Baltimore County

☆ A middle school PTA treasurer stole almost $30,000 from a student-led fundraiser to bet on DraftKings and FanDuel
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | Kenneth Niemeyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A Maryland man stole $29,000 in proceeds from a middle school fundraiser. AdvertisementA Maryland man stole $29,000 in proceeds from a middle school fundraiser. James Michael Harris, who was the treasurer for the parent-teacher-student association at Stemmers Run Middle School, pleaded guilty to theft in March 2024. BCPS and Stemmers Run Middle School are not responsible for its debts," the school said in a statement. Representatives for Baltimore County Public Schools, World's Finest Chocolates, DraftKings, FanDuel, The Baltimore County State Attorney's Office, and the Baltimore County Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Persons: —, James Michael Harris, Harris, FanDuel, Rosemary Roos, Roos, Whitney Organizations: Maryland, Baltimore Banner, Service, Middle, Police, Business, The National Council, University of Buffalo, Middle School, Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore County, Attorney's Office, Baltimore County Police Department, Whitney, Baltimore Locations: Baltimore

BALTIMORE (AP) — A Baltimore County police officer is accused of using excessive force when he pepper sprayed a handcuffed man in the face and closed him inside a hot patrol car, even as the man repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe. A 19-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, Small previously served in the Military Police, according to his attorney. “Like all citizens, Officer Small is entitled to the presumption of innocence,” attorney Brian Thompson said in an email. Small tried to slam the car door, but the man’s knee was in the way. It says the man started gasping, choking and calling for help while kicking the car door to get officers’ attention.

Persons: Zachary Small, Small, Brian Thompson, “, ” Small, yanking, Justin Graham, Moore, Jacob Roos, weren’t, didn’t, ” Organizations: BALTIMORE, Baltimore County Police Department, Military Police, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Officers, Baltimore, Baltimore City Locations: Baltimore

☆ It’s not just the Super Bowl. Catching a game is becoming unaffordable
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

In 2023, the average NFL ticket climbed 8.6% to $120, according to Team Marketing Report, a sports market research company. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the Super Bowl, is the third smallest NFL stadium. The closing of the upper deck in Oakland helped the Athletics raise ticket prices during the early 2000s, for example. Five of the most recent seven NFL stadiums have seating for 71,000 or less. Relatively small, that ranks it 27th out of 30 NFL stadiums in capacity.

Persons: ”, Victor Matheson, Lionel Messi’s, Todd Kirkland, ” Matheson, Kirby Lee, Dennis Coates Organizations: New, New York CNN, Super, NFL, College of, Nebraska, Lionel Messi’s MLS, Atlanta Braves, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, Ticketmaster, New York Yankees, USA, Reuters, Athletics, Oakland, Las, University of Maryland, Minnesota Twins, Florida Marlins, NFL’s Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers Locations: New York, Las Vegas, Oakland, Baltimore County

Dutch Ruppersberger announced Friday that he won’t seek a 12th term in Congress. The 77-year-old Democrat, who has represented the 2nd District since 2003, said in a video message that he will retire. The district includes parts of Baltimore County, Carroll County and the city of Baltimore. The decision was difficult because Congress needs members like him "who care more about constituents and our country and less about cable news hits,” Ruppersberger said in a statement. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesBefore his run for Congress, the Baltimore native served two terms as Baltimore County executive and on the county council.

Persons: TIMONIUM, Dutch Ruppersberger, ” Ruppersberger, “ I’ve Organizations: —, — Maryland U.S . Rep, C.A, District, Congress, Baltimore Locations: Md, — Maryland, Dutch, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Baltimore

If those population-growth patterns continue for the rest of the decade, it could seriously imperil the Democrats’ long-term chances of winning the White House. The Week in Cartoons Jan. 15-19 View All 5 ImagesFor Democrats, the picture is grim. An analysis by the Brookings Institution found that the main factor driving population growth in 2022-23 was immigration. The two states Democrats are eyeing most urgently to become the new Arizona and Georgia are North Carolina and Texas. In particular, predictions of “Blexas” – a blue Texas – have taken longer to materialize than most Democrats had hoped.

Persons: Donald Trump, University’s, Joe Biden, ”, Alan Abramowitz, Christopher Cooper, Brennan, Biden, Mark P, Jones, it’s, Michael McDonald, Trump, Michael Bitzer, ” Bitzer, “ Biden's, Thomas Schaller, ” Schaller, –, Barack Obama, Cooper Organizations: White, Center for Justice, Biden, Emory University, Democrats, Western Carolina University, “, ”, Republicans, Rice University, University of Florida, Brookings Institution, Brookings, North Carolina’s Catawba, Northern Blacks, Brennan, University of Maryland, American Democracy, Senate, Democratic, Texas, Democratic Party, Electoral College Locations: South Carolina , Florida , Texas , Idaho, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, New, Texas, Florida, Idaho, South Carolina , Tennessee, California, New York, Illinois, Minnesota , Oregon, Rhode, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, U.S, That’s, North, Northern, Baltimore, Arizona , Colorado , New Mexico, Nevada, “ Texas, United States

☆ College students plotting to get Starbucks kicked off campuses plan to join baristas as they walk off the job on Red Cup Day
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Starbucks workers plan to walk off the job on November 16, which is expected to be Red Cup Day. Students from campuses around the US plan to join Starbucks employees when they walk off the job later this week on what is expected to be Red Cup Day. Starbucks has not officially announced when Red Cup Day will be held this year, but last year, it was held on Thursday, November 17. College students actively campaigning to boot Starbucks from campuses plan to join workers November 16, a day the union is labeling "Red Cup Rebellion." Starbucks Workers United represents more than 300 unionized Starbucks stores and 9,000 workers.

Persons: —, Ella Clark, Caitlin Power, Alex Yeager, Yeager Organizations: Red, College, Service, Starbucks, Georgetown, Cornell University, Cornell, University of Washington , University of Minnesota, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Louisville, University of Chicago, UCLA, Stanford University, Boston University, American University, University of Arizona, Workers, Starbucks Workers United, Portland Press Herald, National Labor Relations, Starbucks Workers Locations: San Francisco, Ithaca, Baltimore, Gardner , Massachusetts

☆ A new image from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope blows past Hubble again, revealing an iconic supernova in unprecedented detail
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has revealed stunning new details of a famous supernova remnant. Supernova 1987A was first discovered in 1987, as its name suggests. Webb's portrait of the Supernova 1987A remnant. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Supernova 1987A remnant within the Large Magellanic Cloud, as captured by Hubble. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe parts of the supernova remnant as captured by the James Webb Space Telescope in 2023.

Persons: NASA's James Webb, Webb, James Webb, Mikako Matsuura, Richard Arendt, Claes Fransson, Josefin Larsson, Hubble, Chandra, Robert P, Kirshner, Max Mutchler, Roberto Avila, couldn't, Matsuura, Arendt, NASA’s, J, Larsson Organizations: Service, Hubble, NASA, ESA, CSA, Cardiff University, Stockholm University, Astronomers, AUI, NSF, Moore Foundation, James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center & University of Maryland, Royal Institute of Technology Locations: Wall, Silicon, Stockholm, Baltimore County

☆ The sun’s activity is peaking sooner than expected
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Every 11 years or so, the sun experiences periods of low and high solar activity, which is associated with the amount of sunspots on its surface. Over the course of a solar cycle, the sun will transition from a calm to an intense and active period. During the peak of activity, called solar maximum, the sun’s magnetic poles flip. A solar activity spikeThe current solar cycle, known as Solar Cycle 25, has been full of activity, more so than expected. The solar storms generated by the sun can affect electric power grids, GPS and aviation, and satellites in low-Earth orbit.

Persons: ”, Mark Miesch, “, Alex Young, ” Miesch, Scott McIntosh, Robert Leamon, Leamon, Miesch, Young, auroras, Bill Murtagh, ” Murtagh, NASA’s Parker, “ We’ve Organizations: CNN, National Oceanic, Prediction, NASA's Solar Dynamics, NASA, SpaceX, Heliophysics, Goddard Space Flight, GPS, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Goddard Planetary Heliophysics, University of Maryland, College Park, American University, Dynamics, Geological Survey, Probe Locations: Boulder , Colorado, Greenbelt , Maryland, Baltimore County, New Mexico , Missouri, North Carolina, California, United States, England, United Kingdom, Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Scandinavia, Michigan, Upper Midwest, Pacific, Quebec

☆ New York City's public schools reverse their ban on ChatGPT — admitting it had been 'knee-jerk fear'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Lakshmi Varanasi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

New York City public schools are lifting the ban they placed on ChatGPT in January. David Banks, chancellor of the NYC public school system, said the tool caught NYC schools off-guard. The New York City public school system is reversing its ban on ChatGPT. Several other school districts across the country placed restrictions on ChatGPT earlier this year, too, including Baltimore County Public Schools, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Seattle Public Schools. Now, the NYC school system is saying it's ready to embrace AI in the classroom.

On top of the GOP gubernatorial primary in Kentucky, there are other contests taking place on Tuesday that could provide some clues about 2024 — even though it’s hard to draw too many lessons from individual races. Voters are also heading to the polls in Pennsylvania, which is hosting a crowded Democratic primary for Philadelphia mayor. Two races will also provide some insight into voter attitudes in two key counties in two crucial battlegrounds. In other Pence news, he will attend Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst’s “Roast and Ride” event next month, per Fox News (former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is also attending). Jumping in: Former state Rep. Leslie Love jumped into the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan on Monday.

☆ What is a microaggression? 15 things people think are fine to say at work — but are actually racist, sexist, or offensive.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Marguerite Ward | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Microaggressions are indirect or subtle expressions of racism, sexism, ageism, or ableism. A number of Black workers report facing less discrimination and fewer microaggressions working from home than when they're at the office. Some women of color say remote work has helped them in the same way, too. From telling a new female worker that she "looks like a student" to asking a Black colleague about her natural hair, microaggressions can make a workplace feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and toxic. Since microaggressions are subtle, it's often hard to know if you're committing one or if you're on the receiving end.

☆ The biggest risks in procrastinating on iPhone, Android software updates
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-05 | by ( Kaitlin Balasaygun | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

watch nowNot all software updates offer an array of new features, but when they do it can feel like you are getting a new phone without added cost. Yet, many users still do whatever they can to put off the 30 minutes that a software update can take. Discomfort often stems from the perception that software updates will require users to relearn how to use certain features on their device and threatens their current habits. When 30 days have passed, the system then prompts the user to install the system update. When a major security update comes out, everyone should act relatively fast.

☆ Here are the schools and colleges that have banned the use of ChatGPT over plagiarism and misinformation fears
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Education officials are trying to stop students from using OpenAI's ChatGPT. Seattle Public Schools and Los Angeles Unified School District put similar limits on the use of the bot in December. Seattle Public Schools also cited cheating concerns for the ban, per GeekWire. A spokesperson told the publication that "Seattle Public Schools does not allow cheating and requires original thought and work from students." In India, Bangalore's RV University banned students from using ChatGPT.

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