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☆ AI 'digital workers' are cutting tasks that used to take a month down to 10 minutes in New Mexico. Employees love it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Sindhu Sundar | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

A number of birthing centers, Indian Health Service clinics, and Indian Health Service hospitals also use the "baby bot" process. Together, the bots and automation are expected to save more than 100,000 human worker hours each year, the New Mexico Human Services Department told Insider. The New Mexico Human Services Department has also been expanding its use of automation into other areas. In New Mexico, "digital workers" are programmed to execute a range of tasks and are assigned times in which to complete them. The "brainy bot" process also uses IBM AI technology, and it's run on a Salesforce platform, she said.

☆ Factbox: Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway at a glance
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

[1/2] Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett walks through the exhibit hall as shareholders gather to hear from the billionaire investor at Berkshire Hathaway Inc's annual shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S., May 4, 2019. REUTERS/Scott Morgan/File PhotoMay 4 (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people are descending on Omaha, Nebraska to attend the annual shareholder weekend for billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N). Susan Buffett and Howard Buffett are Berkshire directors. His Berkshire stock will go to philanthropy after he dies. (Interview with CNBC, April 12, 2023)Abel on Berkshire managers' relationship with him: "It's not the same as working for Warren.

☆ NYC to give out 500 Apple AirTags for residents to put in their cars to combat car theft
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Laura Ly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Some Kia, Hyundai, and Honda models are getting stolen in New York City so often that the Mayor is giving out Apple AirTags to help residents track their vehicles. The city plans to distribute 500 AirTags to residents to place in their cars to combat car thefts in target neighborhoods, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced at a press conference on Sunday. Adams made the announcement in a Bronx neighborhood that has seen over 200 car thefts this year alone – the highest of any precinct in the city. The Hyundai and Kia vehicles in question include the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, and the Kia Forte and Sportage, with 2015-2019 model years. So far this year, the NYPD has recorded thefts of 966 Kia and Hyundai cars – marking an increase of 819 cars since last year, Chell said.

☆ Argentina secures initial irrigation funding after withering drought
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The approved loan is part of irrigation development plan that aims to ultimately invest some $2.07 billion in public spending and nearly double the amount of farmland with irrigation systems in place. The government's irrigation plan "will allow the development of the country's productive potential" by adding 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) to its total irrigated areas, said Jorge Neme, the country's development planning secretary. Argentina currently boasts around 2.1 million hectares of irrigated farmland, said Neme in the economy ministry statement. Over 30 irrigation projects are already underway in the country's trio of top agricultural provinces Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Cordoba, which have seen the worst drought impacts. The irrigation projects will be financed by local funds, as well as multilateral organizations including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Development Bank of Latin America, according to the statement.

☆ How the U.S. Clean Air Act lets closed coal plants keep polluting for years
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Tim Mclaughlin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

Under the federal program, states distribute a certain number of allowances to power plants annually. Reuters found dozens of other examples of coal plants using credits from closed facilities to help comply with pollution rules over the past five years. During the 2021 ozone season, New Madrid’s pollution was five times higher than average among coal plants participating in the NOx-reduction program, EPA data show. RED-STATE PROTESTSUtilities and lawmakers in Republican-controlled states have pushed hard against curbs on coal pollution, including the EPA’s latest NOx-reduction regulations. But even at that price, NOx allowances will find buyers among coal plants, including those that operate at high pollution rates.

☆ Alec Baldwin Returns to ‘Rust’ Set as Charges He Faced Are Dropped
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Julia Jacobs | Graham Bowley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

PRAY, Mont. — Alec Baldwin was mounted on a chestnut horse in a steep gully in a snow-dusted valley in Montana on Friday, his first day back filming “Rust,” the western whose cinematographer was shot and killed in 2021 when a gun he was practicing with on its set went off. “Set, ready, and … action,” cried Gerard DiNardi, the movie’s new first assistant director, and Mr. Baldwin urged the horse forward, toward a camera rigged on a pickup truck. As Mr. Baldwin returned to the set of “Rust,” prosecutors in New Mexico filed court papers formally dismissing, at least for now, the involuntary manslaughter charges he had been facing in the shooting of the film’s original cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, who was killed outside Santa Fe, where the movie was initially filmed. The prosecutors, Jason Lewis and Kari Morrissey, wrote in their filing in the case of the State of New Mexico vs. Alexander Rae Baldwin III that they were withdrawing the charges against him “since new facts were revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis” that could not be completed before a hearing, set to begin on May 3, at which a judge was to rule on whether the charges against Mr. Baldwin could proceed.

☆ How Do Actors Find Housing When They Get Gigs Out of Town? Well, It Depends.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Joanne Kaufman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

During the pandemic, Mr. Conway said, a lot of actors moved out of New York with their families and put down roots elsewhere. “If they get cast in a show that will bring them back to New York, a housing stipend becomes pretty important,” he said. Rentals of less than a year are hard to come by, and rentals of less than 30 days are legally problematic. (For perspective, most actors are not rich. The median wage for actors was $23.48 an hour in May 2021, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

[1/2] Alec Baldwin attends the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala in New York City, U.S., December 6, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew KellyTAOS, New Mexico, April 21 (Reuters) - New Mexico special prosecutors dropped charges against actor Alec Baldwin in the shooting death of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Friday, marking what legal experts said was a logical conclusion to a flawed prosecution. The move followed new evidence about the gun Baldwin was holding when it fired the bullet that killed Hutchins during the movie's filming, a person close to state prosecutors said. "The case is dismissed without prejudice and the investigation is active and ongoing," prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis said in a filing. Special prosecutors said on Thursday they might refile charges against Baldwin once new evidence was examined.

CNN —A coalition of attorneys general for 17 states and the District of Columbia on Thursday called for a federal recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that they say are unsafe and too easy to steal. “Hyundai and Kia announced that they will initiate voluntary service campaigns to offer software updates for certain vehicles with this starting-system vulnerability. Hyundai and Kia operate as separate companies in the United States, but Hyundai Motor Group owns a large stake in Kia, and various Hyundai and Kia models share much of their engineering. “The bottom line is, Kia’s and Hyundai’s failure to install standard safety features on many of their vehicles have put vehicle owners and the public at risk,” Attorney General Bonta said. The attorneys general’s letter asserts that the ease of theft of these Hyundai and Kia vehicles constitutes a safety hazard and the vehicles fail to meet federal standards for theft prevention.

☆ Alec Baldwin’s Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Dropped in ‘Rust’ Shooting
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Katherine Sayre | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Video released by Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office shows Alec Baldwin drawing the gun while rehearsing a scene on the set of “Rust.” A live round later discharged, striking and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Photo: Santa Fe County Sheriff’s OfficeProsecutors in New Mexico said Thursday they have dropped involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the movie “Rust.”“This decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled,” special prosecutors Jason Lewis and Kari Morrissey said in a statement.

☆ Alec Baldwin’s Involuntary Manslaughter Charge Dropped in ‘Rust’ Shooting
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Katherine Sayre | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Video released by Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office shows Alec Baldwin drawing the gun while rehearsing a scene on the set of “Rust.” A live round later discharged, striking and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Photo: Santa Fe County Sheriff’s OfficeProsecutors in New Mexico have dropped an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the movie “Rust” in New Mexico, according to a person with knowledge of the case. New evidence shows the revolver could have been fired without Mr. Baldwin pulling the trigger, the person said.

☆ Alec Baldwin: Prosecutors plan to dismiss charges against actor in 'Rust' shooting, Baldwin's attorney tells CNN
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Chloe Melas | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Prosecutors in the “Rust” fatal shooting case plan to file a notice to dismiss involuntary manslaughter charges against Alec Baldwin, his attorney, Luke Nikas, tells CNN. CNN has contacted the special prosecutor in the Santa Fe, New Mexico case for comment. Baldwin and “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed were both charged with involuntary manslaughter in January. An attorney for Gutierrez Reed has previously said she will plead not guilty. Prosecutors already removed a firearm enhancement charge against Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed, reducing a potential prison sentence from 5 years to a maximum of 18 months.

Baldwin, who is also a producer on the film, was charged with two counts of manslaughter in the death of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Though Baldwin's manslaughter case has been dropped, the actor still faces other legal woes as a result of the accidental shooting. In early February, Hutchins' parents and sister filed a lawsuit against Baldwin, "Rust" producers and other crew members, accusing them of negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other charges. Halls' hearing was the first to be conducted under the supervision of special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis. In her place, she appointed Morrissey and Lewis as special prosecutors.

☆ These are the best cars for families of every size
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

US News & World Report released its ranking of the best cars for families in 2023. US News & World Report on Tuesday issued its annual ranking of the best new cars for families. Best 2-Row SUV: Hyundai Santa FeThe Hyundai Santa Fe. HyundaiBest Hybrid Car: Toyota Camry HybridThe Toyota Camry Hybrid. Tim Levin/InsiderBest Hybrid SUV: Toyota Highlander HybridThe 2023 Toyota Highlander.

☆ A long-dormant lake has reappeared in California, bringing havoc along with it
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Evan Bush | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

David Swanson | ReutersPeople have worked for a century to make California's Tulare Basin into a food grower's paradise. The Tulare Basin is at the southern end of California's San Joaquin Valley — and in essence, it's a massive bowl. Before irrigators dug canals and rerouted water for farming in the late 1800s, Tulare Lake filled the bowl's lower reaches. Today, the irrigation system is designed to "use every single drop of water" that flows into the basin, Mount said. Tulare Lake refilled in 1997 and 1983 during very wet seasons.

[1/3] View of the "Rust" movie set at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S., January 20, 2023. REUTERS/Drone BaseMarch 31 (Reuters) - A Santa Fe judge on Friday was to consider a plea deal that could bring the first conviction for the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie "Rust" in New Mexico. Santa Fe District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer was to preside over a virtual hearing in Halls' case scheduled for noon ET on Friday. As first assistant director, Halls was responsible for set safety on "Rust." Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for firearms safety and training, will enter the same plea, according to her lawyer.

☆ Hyundai and Kia thefts trend reached New York City
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Spikes in car thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia models, a trend that began in the American midwest and was spread by how-to videos on social media, has reached America’s biggest city. About 100 of these particularly vulnerable Hyundai and Kia vehicles were stolen in the month of December alone in New York City, according to New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell. Joy rides on Tik TokThese models became the subject of a viral social media trend in which thieves filmed themselves and others stealing Hyundai and Kia vehicles and taking them for a drive. The New York thefts first began to be noticed in The Bronx, the commissioner said, but soon were also happening in other parts of the city. Hyundai and Kia operate as separate companies in the United States, but Hyundai Motor Group owns a large stake in Kia, and various Hyundai and Kia models share much of their engineering.

☆ 'Rust' case district attorney appoints new special prosecutors, recuses herself
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Natasha Piñon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The New Mexico district attorney who had overseen the "Rust" movie set manslaughter case recused herself Wednesday and appointed new special prosecutors after weeks of upheaval and controversy in the case. New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies appointed New Mexico attorneys Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis to serve as special prosecutors. "My responsibility to the people of the First Judicial District is greater than any one case, which is why I have chosen to appoint a special prosecutor in the 'Rust' case," Carmack-Altwies said in a statement. Reeb, a former district attorney, was named special prosecutor before being elected to New Mexico's legislature last fall. Gutierrez-Reed's legal team, however, called for the request to appoint a new special prosecutor to be denied.

☆ Vietnam's VPBank completes $1.5 bln stake sale to Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

HANOI, March 27 (Reuters) - Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPB.HM) said on Monday it has sold a 15% stake for $1.5 billion to Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc (8316.T), expanding the Japanese bank's presence in one of Asia's fastest-growing economies. Following the investment, VPBank, whose business ranges across retail, corporate, consumer finance and wealth management operations, will become Vietnam's second-largest private lender by charter capital, with $5.96 billion. The deal comes as Vietnam's central bank seeks to tighten limits on holding stakes in banks, a move that may make the banking sector less attractive to foreigners. Sumitomo Mitsui, Japan's second-largest banking group is seeking to capture growth in Asian emerging markets through acquisitions, spurred by limited business opportunities at home with ultra-low interest rates and an ageing population. In late 2021, it acquired a 49% stake in Vietnamese consumer lender FE Credit from VPBank.

Berkshire Hathaway vice president Gregory Abel bought nearly $25 million worth of Berkshire's class A stock last week, filings show. He previously bought $68 million worth of Berkshire stock in September. Berkshire's class A shares, and the "Baby Berkshire" class B shares, both have dropped about 3.4% this year, underperforming the S & P 500. Berkshire Hathaway vice chair Greg Abel bought $24.6 million worth of Berkshire's class A stock on March 17. Capri Holdings CEO John Idol bought nearly $10 million worth of stock on March 16.

☆ Hyundai, Kia warn 570,000 U.S. owners to park outside until recalls completed
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, March 23 (Reuters) - Hyundai (005380.KS) and Kia (000270.KS) are recalling just over 570,000 U.S. vehicles over fire risks and urged owners to park outside and away until getting repairs. The automakers said some vehicles with a tow hitch harness could catch fire due to a short circuit. The models covered are 2022-2023 model year Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe Hybrid, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Kia Carnival. Hyundai and Kia dealers will install new fuse and wire extension kits to address the issue. Hyundai said as an interim repair, dealers will inspect the tow hitch module and remove the fuse as necessary.

☆ Defense for 'Rust' armorer prepares to file motion to dismiss manslaughter case
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Defense attorneys for the original "Rust" movie armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, are planning in the next two weeks to file a motion to dismiss the criminal charges against her, according to a person familiar with the matter. "Rust" star and producer Alec Baldwin is also charged in the case. If approved, the dismissal motion on behalf of Gutierrez-Reed would not automatically drop the charges against Baldwin, according to another person familiar with the matter. Reeb was announced as special prosecutor in August, and she was elected to New Mexico's legislature last fall. She stepped down as special prosecutor last week after Baldwin's defense team sought to disqualify her.

☆ Google wasted its pandemic opportunity. Now, it's scrambling to catch up.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

This Amazon worker similarly enjoys office life. The company is currently also lagging in the AI space (thanks to the buzzy AI chatbot ChatGPT). Now, the company is going all in on AI instead. Check out his experiences with the AI tools here. It remains the only Big Tech company to avoid widespread layoffs.

☆ The 9 best cars for families
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

☆ Former Ohio House speaker Householder convicted over $60 mln bribery plot
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Kanishka Singh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 9 (Reuters) - A federal jury convicted former Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party chair Mathew Borges of participating in a $60 million bribery scheme, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday. Householder, 63, and Borges, 50, were charged in 2020 in the federal bribery case stemming from a bill passed in 2019 to bail out Ohio's nuclear power plants. Following his arrest in 2020, the Ohio House of Representatives voted to remove Householder from the speakership position. Prosecutors had alleged that energy distributor FirstEnergy Corp (FE.N) gave $60 million to Generation Now, a political nonprofit operated by Householder. Householder and Borges were convicted of participating in the racketeering conspiracy, the Justice Department said in a statement on Thursday.

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