OpenAI thrown into turmoil of CEO ousting; Pentagon fails 6th annual audit; IDF forces claim Hamas headquartered under Al Shifa hospital

Israeli troops entered Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza after encountering Hamas fighters at the gate. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had surrounded the hospital, claiming that Hamas had established its headquarters in tunnels beneath it, a claim denied by Hamas. There were gun battles between Hamas fighters and Israeli troops around the hospital. Israel stated that it had informed the hospital staff of their plans to enter and brought medical supplies for patients inside who had been facing shortages. The fate of patients in the hospital had been a matter of international concern, with reports of premature babies dying due to a lack of medical care. White House officials confirmed Israel’s claim that Hamas had been using the hospital as a base. The results of the search inside the hospital had not been revealed as of early Wednesday morning.

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The Pentagon failed its annual independent audit of accounting systems for the sixth consecutive year, according to the Defense Department’s chief financial officer, Mike McCord. While there has been progress, it falls short of the goal of a “clean” audit, and achieving that goal is expected to take more time. The audit comprises 29 sub-audits of the department’s services, all of which must pass for overall approval. This year, seven sub-audits passed, the same number as the previous year, and no fraud was detected. The audit, mandated by law, assesses record-keeping processes for the Pentagon’s weapons systems, military personnel, and global property. The annual exercise has aided in locating and accounting for weapons and has facilitated cost savings and technology transfers, including support to Ukraine.

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OpenAI, the company responsible for creating ChatGPT, has faced significant turmoil following the ousting of its CEO, Sam Altman. Microsoft has hired Altman, leading to concerns about OpenAI’s future and a potential exodus of employees. The conflict revolves around OpenAI’s mission to develop artificial intelligence smarter than humans and the company’s growing commercial success.

Microsoft, a close partner of OpenAI, has invested billions of dollars in the company and appointed Altman and OpenAI’s former president, Greg Brockman, to lead its new advanced AI research team. Hundreds of OpenAI employees, including top executives, expressed their intention to join Microsoft in an open letter, calling for the resignation of OpenAI’s board and Altman’s return.

OpenAI’s new interim CEO, Emmett Shear, pledged to investigate Altman’s removal and initiate reforms within the organization. The board’s decision to remove Altman was based on concerns that he had not been candid in his communications, hindering the board’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities.

While OpenAI had faced debates over its mission and commercialization, the reasons for Altman’s removal were not specifically related to disagreements on safety or the commercialization of AI models.

The open letter, signed by a majority of OpenAI’s employees, called for a qualified board to stabilize the company. The board’s nonprofit structure differs from typical startup boards led by investors.

Sam Altman played a significant role in ChatGPT’s global recognition and had become a prominent voice on the promises and challenges of artificial intelligence. His departure may impact OpenAI’s pace of development and commercialization.

Microsoft’s shares rose following these developments.

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Chinese President Xi en route to US; Minnesota Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit against Trump; House votes to prevent government shutdown

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the United States for his first visit since 2017. He is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in the San Francisco Bay Area. The meeting aims to reduce tensions in the U.S.-China relationship, which is seen as one of the world’s most significant rivalries. Prior to his arrival, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of freedoms and the rule of law in the region, without explicitly mentioning China. Economic issues, military contacts, and topics such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and support for Ukraine are expected to be discussed during the meeting. Both countries are interested in improving their economic relationship while avoiding complete economic separation. The U.S. seeks to restore military-to-military contacts with China to prevent misunderstandings. Demonstrations both for and against Xi’s visit are expected, with various groups expressing their concerns, including issues related to Tibet, Hong Kong, and Uighurs. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to manage and stabilize the U.S.-China relationship.

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The Minnesota Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit aiming to prevent former President Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 primary ballot based on a constitutional provision, Section Three of the 14th Amendment, that prohibits individuals who have “engaged in insurrection” from holding office. The court’s ruling is the first in a series of lawsuits filed by liberal groups attempting to use Section Three to disqualify Trump from the Republican presidential primary due to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. The court’s decision applies only to the state’s primary, leaving open the possibility of further challenges to Trump’s candidacy for the general election in November. The provision in question historically aimed to prevent former Confederates from holding government positions after the Civil War. Plaintiffs argue that Section Three is a qualification for the presidency, similar to the constitutional requirement that a president be at least 35 years old. Trump’s lawyers argued that Section Three lacks power without Congress specifying criteria and procedures, that the January 6 attack doesn’t constitute an insurrection, and that the clause doesn’t apply to the presidency, as it is not mentioned in the text. Similar cases are ongoing in other states, including Colorado.

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The House of Representatives passed a short-term bill to prevent a partial government shutdown, moving closer to keeping federal operations running beyond the impending deadline. The vote, with a 336-95 result, was seen as a win for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who introduced the “laddered” continuing resolution (CR) plan. Some conservative Republicans opposed the bill due to the absence of spending cuts, while 209 Democrats supported it. Only two Democrats and 93 Republicans voted against the measure.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to gain approval later in the week. Senate leaders from both parties have endorsed Johnson’s plan, highlighting the avoidance of hard-right cuts and the importance of averting a government shutdown.

Under Johnson’s proposal, part of the government will be funded until January 19, 2024, and the rest until February 2, 2024, providing Congress with two deadlines to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2024. By January, Congress must approve four appropriations bills, including transportation, housing, military construction, energy, water development, agriculture, rural development, and the Food and Drug Administration. By February, the other eight appropriations bills, including defense, must be approved.

The House and Senate are currently divided over top-line budget numbers, prompting Johnson to seek additional time for both chambers to pass their bills and reconcile differences in a conference. The previous strife over government funding led to the ouster of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on October 3, 2023, after he brought forward a last-minute CR to prevent a shutdown on September 30, 2023, leading to dissatisfaction among some Republicans and collaboration with Democrats to replace him.

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Executive Order Addresses AI Risk, Bankman-Fried Guilty Verdict, U.N. Votes on Cuba Embargo

President Biden is set to sign an executive order aimed at safeguarding Americans from potential AI system risks. The order mandates that AI developers share their safety-test results, known as red-team testing, with the federal government. Developers working on models posing significant national security, economic security, or public health and safety risks must notify and share their test results with the government before making them public. Rigorous standards for red-team testing will be set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, with the Department of Homeland Security applying these standards to critical infrastructure and establishing an AI Safety and Security Board. The order also seeks to address labor-market impacts of AI and develop options to support workers facing disruptions. Additionally, it aims to protect against AI-enabled fraud by creating content authentication and watermarking guidelines. The Department of Commerce will lead the effort to label AI-generated content for clarity. Further bipartisan legislation is expected to complement these actions.

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Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX and former CEO, has been found guilty on all charges related to the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange. A New York jury in Manhattan federal court ruled that Bankman-Fried had defrauded investors, customers, and lenders in connection with the demise of his crypto businesses, including FTX and Alameda Research.

The charges against Bankman-Fried included two counts of wire fraud and five conspiracy counts, with a maximum potential sentence of 110 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28.

Bankman-Fried’s defense counsel expressed disappointment with the verdict and indicated the intention to appeal, emphasizing that Bankman-Fried maintains his innocence.

During the trial, several key witnesses from Bankman-Fried’s inner circle, including his ex-girlfriend Caroline Ellison, FTX co-founder Gary Wang, and former FTX engineering chief Nishad Singh, testified against him after previously pleading guilty and cooperating with the government.

Bankman-Fried also took the stand in his own defense, acknowledging mistakes but denying allegations of fraud or theft.

The collapse of FTX in November 2022 occurred amid reports of merged assets with Alameda, prompting a mass withdrawal of customer funds and subsequent bankruptcy.

In addition to the fraud and conspiracy charges, Bankman-Fried faces accusations of violating campaign finance laws and allegedly bribing Chinese officials.

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The U.N. General Assembly has voted for the 31st consecutive year to condemn the American economic embargo of Cuba, with 187 member states in favor, the United States and Israel opposed, and Ukraine abstaining. The resolution, although non-binding and unenforceable, reflects global opinion and provides Cuba with an annual platform to highlight its isolation in the U.S.’s efforts to isolate the country.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez characterized the U.S. embargo as “the most cruel and long-lasting unilateral coercive measures” and an “act of economic warfare during times of peace.” He claimed that the embargo aimed to weaken Cuba’s economy, cause suffering among its people, and overthrow the government.

The embargo was initially imposed in 1960 after the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro and the nationalization of properties belonging to U.S. citizens and corporations. While there were some changes in U.S.-Cuba relations during the Obama administration, the Trump administration introduced new sanctions, and the Biden administration is accused of further strengthening measures against Cuba.

Cuba is currently facing a severe economic crisis, with shortages of various goods. However, it is also undergoing a transformation with the opening of small and medium-sized private companies since September 2021.

The U.S. deputy ambassador, Paul Folmsbee, defended the U.S. sanctions as part of a broader effort to promote democracy and respect for human rights in Cuba. He called for the release of political prisoners and urged Cuba to respond to requests from the U.N. Human Rights Council to investigate its adherence to human rights, including freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly.

There were sporadic negative reactions in the assembly chamber when Folmsbee concluded by urging the Cuban government to adhere to its human rights obligations and listen to the aspirations of the Cuban people regarding their future.

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Israeli forces have intensified their operations in Gaza, advancing further into the territory with a focus on Gaza City, aiming at Hamas’ militant infrastructure and tunnel networks. A soldier held captive by Hamas militants has been freed, as stated by the Israeli military. The Prime Minister of Israel has rejected international calls for a ceasefire and expressed determination to continue the operations. Hamas is reportedly holding around 240 captives, and it has released a video showing some of them.

The humanitarian condition in Gaza remains severe, with airstrikes occurring near hospitals, causing damage and threatening the lives of patients and medical staff. An increased number of Palestinians are seeking shelter in hospitals and UN-run facilities, facing challenges such as lack of food, medicine, and essential services. Despite these challenges, aid convoys have been entering Gaza from Egypt, although they are insufficient to meet the needs of the population.

The military conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, and there’s a reported increase in the death toll amongst Palestinians and Israelis since the escalation of violence. The ongoing conflict has led to regional concerns, with skirmishes reported between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and heightened tensions observed in the West Bank.

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The Kremlin accused Ukraine of playing a significant role in the recent anti-Israeli airport riots in Dagestan, Russia. Russian officials claimed that Ukrainians helped coordinate the unrest, but no evidence was provided. The riots disrupted flights and were characterized by antisemitic sentiments. Ukraine has been in conflict with Russia since 2022, and Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concern about Russia’s culture of hatred toward other nations. Israel confirmed no Israeli citizens or Jews were on the affected flight, but Jewish passengers at the airport were scheduled for evacuation. The United States condemned the antisemitic protests at the airport, standing with the Jewish community against rising antisemitism worldwide.

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Colorado becomes the first state to pass "right to repair" law for farmers

Colorado is set to become the first state to pass a “right to repair” law, allowing farmers to fix their own machinery by compelling manufacturers to provide them with manuals, tools, parts, and software. Farmers have expressed concerns that manufacturers prevent them from repairing their equipment, causing delays that can damage crops or miss planting windows. Lawmakers in at least 10 other states have introduced similar legislation. Manufacturers have raised concerns about operator safety, the environment, and trade secrets, while supporters argue that farmers are already able to tinker with their machines, and doing so would remain illegal. The “right to repair” campaign applies to a range of products, and President Joe Biden directed the Federal Trade Commission to strengthen its enforcement two years ago.

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UK Deputy Prime Minister resigns following bullying investigation

Dominic Raab, the United Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, has resigned from his position following allegations of bullying. An independent investigator reviewed Raab’s behavior, prompted by eight complaints, which concluded that he had acted in an intimidating manner during work meetings. Raab stated in his resignation statement that he called for the inquiry and undertook to resign if it made any finding of bullying. He added that the review dismissed all but two of the complaints against him, which he claims are “flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government.”

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Republican Congressman George Santos faces federal charges including fraud and theft of public funds

George Santos, a Republican Congressman from Long Island, has been indicted on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of public funds. Santos allegedly embezzled $50,000 from his campaign funds, laundered the money to purchase designer clothing and pay off personal expenses, lied to Congress about his income and falsely claimed unemployment benefits. Santos has been a pariah amongst his fellow Republicans since he admitted to fabricating many aspects of his personal and professional history. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted on the top charges. The Republican caucus has stated that they will withhold judgment on Santos and wait for the legal process to play out. House GOP leadership has also reminded that in America, there is a presumption of innocence, but there are serious charges, and he is going to have to go through the legal process.

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LOS ANGELES TIMESJury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse, awards accuser $5 million

Donald Trump has been found liable for sexually assaulting advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996 and has been ordered to pay $5 million in a judgment. The verdict was split, with jurors rejecting Carroll’s rape allegation but finding Trump responsible for a lesser degree of sexual assault. The trial also found Trump liable for defaming Carroll after she made her allegations public. Carroll was one of more than a dozen women who have accused Trump of sexual assault or harassment. The verdict adds to Trump’s legal woes but it remains unclear what implications it may have on his third bid for the presidency.

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President Biden announces his bid for re-election in 2024

President Joe Biden has announced that he and Vice President Kamala Harris will seek re-election in the 2024 presidential election. In a video titled “Freedom,” the president echoed his 2020 campaign message of battling for the “soul of our nation” and uniting the country. His announcement comes four years to the day since he announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election, which he eventually won. Despite calls for unity, Harris called Republicans “extremists” who want to take the country “backward” and accused them of wanting to take away women’s rights and block “common-sense reforms to save lives.” Biden and Harris remain unpopular, with Biden’s job performance rating at 44% approve vs. 56% disapprove in the latest Fox News national survey. Republicans such as Donald Trump, Gov. Nikki Haley, and Sen. Tim Scott have already joined the running, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination.

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Former Proud Boys leader convicted of seditious conspiracy for US Capitol attack

Former leader of the Proud Boys far-right extremist group, Enrique Tarrio, and four other members were convicted on Thursday of seditious conspiracy for plotting to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The failed attempt was aimed at stopping Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s election victory. The verdict was the longest trial of any arising from the Capitol riot, lasting over three months, and marks a significant victory for the US Justice Department. Alongside Tarrio, Proud Boys members Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl were also found guilty, while the fifth defendant, Dominic Pezzola, was acquitted. The charge of seditious conspiracy carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years.

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ASSOCIATED PRESSZelenskyy wants Putin trial; Russia accuses US on drones
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high after Ukraine denied involvement in an alleged drone attack on the Kremlin. Pro-Kremlin figures called for the assassinations of senior Ukraine leaders, with the Kremlin promising unspecified retaliation for what it termed a “terrorist” act. In turn, Zelenskyy expressed confidence that Putin would be convicted of war crimes, urging the global community to hold him accountable. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military reported that three Russian drones hit the southern city of Odesa, and Kyiv was hit with air attacks for the third time in four days. The US intelligence officials have yet to determine who was behind the drone incident.

BBCCanada considers expelling Chinese diplomats for targeting MP

Canada is considering expelling Chinese diplomats after reports that Beijing attempted to gather information about a member of parliament and his family. The Canadian spy agency believes China sought details about the politician’s relatives in an effort to deter “anti-China positions”. The politician had previously accused China of human rights abuses. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly summoned China’s ambassador to discuss the issue and said that all options including expulsion of diplomats remain on the table. China has denied the allegations and protested against the threat to expel its diplomats. These allegations come amid other intelligence reports that have accused China of attempting to interfere in Canadian elections.

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China Says It Respects Sovereignty of Former Soviet Republics After Envoy's Comment on Ukraine

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson has clarified that the Chinese government respects the sovereignty of former Soviet Union republics, following controversial comments made by Chinese ambassador to France, Lu Shaye. Speaking in an interview, Lu said that ex-Soviet republics Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are not sovereign nations, stating that “even these ex-Soviet Union countries…do not have the status that’s effective in international law, because there is no international agreement to solidify their status as a sovereign country.” The Chinese embassy in France issued a statement claiming Lu was expressing his personal views, and these should not be over-interpreted. The statement said that “China respects the status of sovereign nations born after the breakup of the Soviet Union.”

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REUTERSRussia claims progress in battle for Bakhmut

Russia has claimed that its forces have made advances in the city of Bakhmut, while Ukrainian forces say they are holding the frontline. The Russian military sees Bakhmut as a stepping stone to more advances in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has vowed to keep defending the city, stating that it is impossible for Ukraine to give up on Bakhmut as this will expand the battle front and give Russian forces and Wagner chances to seize more of their lands. The Russian-installed head of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region has denied a report by a US think tank that Ukrainian forces had taken up positions on the Dnipro river’s eastern bank, and the Institute for the Study of War has cited Russian military bloggers embedded with Moscow’s forces to suggest that Ukraine had established positions on the eastern bank. There have been reports of civilian casualties and buildings destroyed in the area.

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