News Category

News Category


AI could help scale humanitarian responses. But it could also have big downsides

NEW YORK (AP) — As the International Rescue Committee copes with dramatic increases in displaced people in recent years, the refugee aid organization has looked for efficiencies wherever it can — including using artificial intelligence. Since 2015, the IRC has invested in Signpost — a portfolio of mobile apps and social media channels that answer […]

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South Carolina to take a break from executions for the holidays

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Supreme Court has decided the state should take a break from executions for the holidays. Justices issued an order on Thursday saying they would wait to sign the next death warrant until at least Jan. 3. South Carolina restarted its death chamber this year after an unintended 13-year […]

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Judge hears case over Montana rule blocking trans residents from changing sex on birth certificate

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A state judge in Montana heard arguments Thursday over policies that block transgender people from changing the sex designation on their birth certificates and driver’s licenses. District Court Judge Mike Menahan did not immediately issue a ruling on the request for a preliminary injunction to block those prohibitions while the case […]

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Dutch lawmaker Wilders wants to deport those convicted of violence against Israeli soccer fans

— THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Hard-right Dutch political leader Geert Wilders on Wednesday blamed “Moroccans” for attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam last week, asserting that they “want to destroy Jews” and recommending the deportation of people convicted of involvement if they have dual nationality. While lawmakers condemned antisemitism and agreed that perpetrators […]

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Maine elections chief who drew Trump’s ire narrates House tabulations in livestream

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine’s elections chief, a former civil liberties advocate who sparred with President-elect Donald Trump over ballot access, is acting like a play-by-play sports announcer as she describes the state’s process of determining a congressional winner through ranked choice voting. Shenna Bellows is spending the week streaming the effort live on YouTube […]

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Mexican legislators reelect head of human rights agency who failed to address abuses

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Legislators from Mexico’s ruling party reelected the head of the National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday despite widespread opposition and her failure to call out the government for abuses. The reelection of Rosario Piedra in a party-line Senate vote appeared to be another example of the ruling Morena party’s attempts to […]

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Investigation underway after Alberta Crown corporation hit by cyberattack

An Alberta Crown corporation says it recently experienced “network issues” after it was the target of a cyberattack.  Dwayne Brunner, a spokesman for Alberta Innovates, wouldn’t confirm when the issues began, but said an investigation is underway and all network problems have been resolved. “Alberta Innovates recently experienced network issues, which we quickly resolved and […]

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Canada’s privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

The federal privacy watchdog has opened an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency’s handling of biological samples collected from athletes. The office of privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne says the investigation will examine whether the collection, use and disclosure practices of the organization respect Canada’s personal information law for the private sector. The commissioner’s office says […]

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23andMe cuts 40% of its workforce and discontinues therapeutics division

NEW YORK (AP) — 23andMe is laying off 40% of its workforce, or more than 200 employees, and discontinuing its therapeutics division as the struggling genetic testing company attempts to slash costs. The latest restructuring efforts were announced by 23andMe on Monday. The company said it plans to wind down ongoing clinical trials “as quickly […]

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As fraudsters hit Winkler, police urge residents to be ‘skeptical’

Winkler police are again warning residents to be vigilant, as some continue to lose money to fraudsters. In their most recent crime report, the Winkler police said they received multiple reports of scams and attempted scams in the area between Oct. 21 and Nov. 2. In one incident, police say a woman received several texts […]

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Canada’s Special Interlocutor calls for reparations and accountability in final report on unmarked graves

 (ANNews) – Canada’s special interlocutor for missing children and unmarked graves and burial sites associated with Indian Residential Schools has released the final report of her mandate, providing recommendations on how the government can honour the memory of the thousands of children who were killed at forced assimilation institutions. Kimberley Murray was appointed special interlocutor […]

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20241109 Access and Privacy Online

Show Notes for Saturday November 9th. Also available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM. Writing: Shaun Fisk  | Production: Patrick Farnsworth  | Music: Breakmaster Cylinder Send comments to: FIPAOnline @ fipa.bc.ca You can support these efforts by subscribing or donating.   Full Show Links US Election Segment AP Race Call: Montana voters approve constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights  https://fipa.bc.ca/ap-race-call-montana-voters-approve-constitutional-amendment-enshrining-abortion-rights/  Debate over abortion rights leads to expensive campaigns […]

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