Hodgkinson, aged 69, dedicated 40 years of his life to working with natural gas, serving with both SaskPower and SaskEnergy until his retirement in 2014. His leukemia diagnosis came to light one year after retiring.

In 2022, Hodgkinson’s wife, Josie, discovered the potential link between leukemia and exposure to benzene, a compound commonly found in natural gas. She embarked on extensive research, even securing raw data from a university research group to present to an occupational medicine specialist in Saskatoon.

The specialist, Dr. Niels Koehncke of the Occupational Medicine Clinic at the University of Saskatchewan, corroborated the link between Hodgkinson’s leukemia and his occupational exposure to benzene. In a letter dated November 2022, Dr. Koehncke affirmed the work-relatedness of Hodgkinson’s leukemia, citing benzene as a known carcinogen.

Reflecting on his decades of fieldwork, Hodgkinson recounted instances of constant gas exposure and inadequate protective measures for workers. He highlighted practices such as “sniff tests” to gauge gas odorant levels, conducted without proper protective gear, even in hazardous situations like ruptured gas lines.

In November 2022, Hodgkinson and his wife initiated legal action against SaskPower and SaskEnergy, alleging negligence in providing a safe work environment. Both provincial Crown corporations denied any wrongdoing, asserting Hodgkinson’s failure to adhere to safety protocols.

Despite their legal battle, Josie Hodgkinson noted a concerning trend among SaskEnergy workers, with several cases of blood cancer reported since 2020. She lamented the management’s alleged efforts to silence discussions on safety issues, despite the devastating toll on workers’ health.

Brian Hodgkinson passed away on March 5 while under palliative care, with his funeral held on March 15 at the Holy Family Cathedral in Saskatoon. His advocacy for worker safety and his pursuit of justice leave a lasting legacy amid ongoing concerns within the industry.

“When I went in the office, they already knew about this problem and said it was a scam,” shared Salam, who was ultimately scammed out of $2,280. Flight Centre Canada is now cautioning customers about fake websites mimicking their company, advising vigilance during the booking process to avoid such scams.

Chris Lynes, the managing director of Flight Centre Canada, highlighted the emergence of fraudulent websites imitating Flight Centre Canada, often using the American spelling “center” in the link. The company is actively working with Google and its legal team to address the issue, but new imposter sites keep appearing.

Despite the setback, Salam maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for his safety and a good trip with his girlfriend. He emphasized the importance of using credit cards for travel bookings, as he could not secure a refund due to his debit card payment.

“We are in contact with Google, and our legal team has been working on this to remove these sites, but as soon as we get one down, another one seems to pop up,” said Lynes.

Salam, unable to secure a refund due to his debit card payment, advised others to use credit cards for travel bookings, as they offer better chances of obtaining a refund in case of issues.

Neutralizing a Global Threat

“The FBI neutralized this far-reaching criminal supply chain, cutting it off at the knees,” stated FBI Director Christopher Wray. The impact of this operation was extensive, with victims ranging from financial institutions on the East Coast to critical infrastructure government contractors in the Midwest and medical device manufacturers on the West Coast.

Understanding Qakbot Malware

Qakbot malware primarily infiltrated victim computers through malicious attachments or links in spam emails. Upon downloading or clicking these elements, Qakbot delivered additional malware, including ransomware, to the infected computer. Meanwhile, the compromised computer became a part of a botnet, allowing cybercriminals to control it remotely. Victims were often unaware of their computer’s infection.

Since its inception in 2008, Qakbot has been responsible for a slew of ransomware attacks and other cybercrimes, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to individuals and businesses in the United States and around the world.

The Command-and-Control Infrastructure

“This botnet provided cybercriminals like these with a command-and-control infrastructure consisting of hundreds of thousands of computers used to carry out attacks against individuals and businesses all around the globe,” Director Wray emphasized.

Disrupting the Botnet

As part of the operation, the FBI secured lawful access to Qakbot’s infrastructure, identifying over 700,000 infected computers globally, including more than 200,000 in the United States.

To thwart the botnet’s operation, the FBI rerouted Qakbot’s traffic to servers under their control. These servers instructed infected computers to download an uninstaller file specifically designed to remove the Qakbot malware. This action effectively disconnected infected computers from the botnet and prevented the installation of additional malware.

Acknowledging Collaborative Efforts

Director Wray acknowledged the dedicated work of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, the Cyber Division at FBI Headquarters, and international partners involved in this operation. He emphasized that the cyber threat facing the nation is constantly evolving in complexity, but the success of this operation underscores the power of the FBI’s network and capabilities.

The dismantling of the Qakbot malware and botnet represents a significant milestone in combating cybercrime on an international scale, sending a clear message that coordinated efforts can disrupt even the most sophisticated cybercriminal operations.

Source: FBI Website

These accounts typically lauded China and its policies in Xinjiang while concurrently criticizing the United States, Western foreign policy, and individuals who voiced criticism of Beijing, including journalists.

Meta’s global threat intelligence lead, Ben Nimmo, characterized this operation as possibly “the largest, though unsuccessful, and most prolific covert influence operation that we know of in the world today.”

How Did the ‘Spamouflage’ Campaign Operate?

The “Spamouflage” campaign, according to Meta, had a broad geographical focus, targeting Taiwan, the United States, Australia, Britain, Japan, and global Chinese-speaking audiences. Intriguingly, it also extended beyond Meta’s platforms to include non-Meta platforms like YouTube, Reddit, Quora, Medium, and Twitter (now known as X).

Nimmo’s team managed to trace the campaign’s origins to individuals connected with Chinese law enforcement agencies. It is believed that the accounts involved were primarily procured from commercial spam operators in other countries, such as Vietnam or Bangladesh, and were subsequently repurposed to disseminate political messages.

Nimmo highlighted one account that had previously featured Chinese-language advertisements for lingerie but abruptly transitioned to English-language posts concerning riots in Kazakhstan. This abrupt shift in content was indicative of the campaign’s deceptive nature.

Interestingly, some of the techniques employed by this Chinese operation bore similarities to Russia’s infamous “troll factories.” This suggests the possibility of mutual learning between the two operations, although Nimmo emphasized that the Chinese campaign’s impact remained limited.

Despite its size and volume, the “Spamouflage” operation struggled to extend its reach beyond its fabricated echo chamber, as Nimmo pointed out. This implies that while large and disruptive, the campaign ultimately failed to achieve its intended objectives, which were geared towards reshaping China’s global image through covert online manipulation.

Starting on August 23 and continuing through August 24, the group is encouraging individuals to refrain from posting content on Meta’s platforms during this period as a demonstration of solidarity against what they see as Meta’s unwillingness to cooperate with the Online News Act.

The Online News Act stipulates that tech giants like Meta and Google must negotiate compensation deals with news publishers whose content they link to or repurpose on their platforms. Instead of engaging in potential negotiations, Meta chose to remove news content from its platforms in Canada.

Marla Boltman, the executive director of the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting group, believes that the boycott will send a powerful message to Meta. She stated that Meta’s most valuable asset is the user engagement on its platforms, and losing Canadian users, even temporarily, will grab the company’s attention.

She emphasized that this boycott is an opportunity for Canadians to express their frustration and disappointment with Meta.

This call for a boycott comes as wildfires continue to ravage parts of the Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Due to the rapid developments, including evacuation plans, some have called on Meta to reverse its news block.

Under Meta’s ban, those seeking information about the fires and evacuation efforts have had to rely on government and emergency services accounts or visit news websites directly.

Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge had already urged Meta to restore the ability to share Canadian news, deeming the decision to block Canadian news “reckless and irresponsible.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed these sentiments while addressing the issue. Speaking in Charlottetown, where he and his new cabinet were holding a retreat, Trudeau criticized Meta’s decision as detrimental to democracy. He argued that democracy relies on people being able to access and trust credible journalism, especially in emergency situations where up-to-date local information is vital.

Trudeau also called on corporations like Facebook to prioritize the well-being of Canadians and support quality local journalism rather than prioritize corporate profits.

“It is so inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of ensuring that local news organizations can get up-to-date information to Canadians,” he stated.

Eaton, an administrator at College Unbound in Rhode Island, explained that earlier, there was a knee-jerk reaction to AI, leading to bans during the spring semester. However, the conversation has shifted toward recognizing the benefits of AI for students. This evolving list is actively shared and discussed in AI-centric online communities, including Facebook groups like “Higher Ed Discussions of Writing and AI” and the Google group “AI in Education.”

Eaton noted that this resource has been instrumental in helping educators adapt to and incorporate AI into their classrooms. While AI may still pose challenges and discomfort, educators now have the opportunity to explore how universities and various courses, spanning from coding to sociology, are embracing AI.

With experts foreseeing the continued application of artificial intelligence, professors are increasingly concerned that ignoring or discouraging its use would disadvantage students and hinder their preparedness for the workforce.

Since its launch in late November, ChatGPT has been used for a range of tasks, from generating essays and stories to composing song lyrics and research paper abstracts. However, the technology and similar tools, such as Google’s Bard, have sparked concerns about inaccuracies, cheating, the spread of misinformation, and the potential reinforcement of biases, even as they gained popularity.

Surveys indicate that approximately 30% of college students used ChatGPT for their schoolwork during the past academic year, with English classes being the primary domain of its usage.

Jules White, an associate professor of computer science at Vanderbilt University, advocates for a proactive approach to incorporating AI into the curriculum. He believes it’s essential for professors to clearly communicate their stance on AI usage in the early days of the course, incorporating it into the syllabus. White asserts that AI cannot be ignored, as it will significantly impact various industries, necessitating proper training for students, faculty, and alumni.

Vanderbilt University is among the pioneers in supporting generative AI, offering comprehensive training and workshops to its faculty and students. They have experienced substantial engagement, with over 90,000 students enrolling in a three-week, 18-hour online course on the subject.

One significant challenge in utilizing AI effectively is crafting appropriate prompts, which can significantly impact the quality of the AI-generated responses. Vanderbilt aims to educate its community on this crucial aspect.

While concerns about cheating persist, White believes that students inclined to plagiarize can resort to alternative methods like Wikipedia or Google searches. He argues that students should be taught to use AI tools ethically to enhance their success.

Some educational institutions are hiring external experts to teach both faculty and students how to harness AI tools. Tyler Tarver, a former high school principal who now educates educators on tech tool strategies, has been actively engaged in training sessions across multiple states. He emphasizes the importance of teachers learning to use AI tools because their students will inevitably encounter them. Tarver demonstrates how these tools can be employed to identify grammar mistakes and assist with grading, potentially reducing teacher bias.

In summary, the educational landscape is evolving to embrace generative AI tools like ChatGPT, recognizing their potential benefits while addressing ethical concerns. Transparency and education are key elements in ensuring that students and educators effectively utilize AI in their academic pursuits.

Mayor Eric Adams’ spokesperson, Jonah Allon, stated that while social media can facilitate connections among New Yorkers and the city, security remains a priority. The city’s leading information security experts have determined that TikTok poses a security risk to the city’s technical networks. Consequently, the app must be removed from city-owned devices within the next 30 days.

The federal government initiated a similar action earlier this year by requiring employees to uninstall TikTok from government-issued mobile phones due to concerns that its parent company, ByteDance, might share user data with the Chinese government. More than half of the U.S. states have implemented comparable bans.

Since 2020, New York state has prohibited the use of TikTok on state-owned devices, with exceptions for promotional purposes. Despite apprehensions about potential cybersecurity risks, TikTok officials have contended that such fears are baseless. There has been no immediate response from TikTok following inquiries regarding the New York City ban.

Here’s a brief overview of the basics to help you gain insight into the workings of Canadian currency, the process of opening a bank account, establishing credit, and managing your tax obligations.

In no time, you’ll be navigating these aspects like a seasoned pro!

Understanding Canadian Currency: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re new to Canada, you can head to a foreign exchange center to exchange your native currency for Canadian currency, which you can then use for local purchases of goods and services.

For travelers from the United States, you’ll notice that Canada’s monetary system closely resembles your own. The two countries share many common currency denominations, and the prices of everyday items like milk and bread are also comparable.

However, if you’re visiting from another part of the world, the Canadian currency might appear quite distinct from what you’re accustomed to.

In Canada, the official currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). The country’s bills are notable for their vibrant colors and represent various significant denominations, including:

• $5
•  $10
•  $20
•  $50
•  $100

We also have coins representing values under $1, which include:

•  1¢, also recognized as pennies (although the Royal Canadian Mint has ceased their production, they can still be utilized as valid currency)
•  5¢, also known as nickels
•  10¢, also known as dimes
•  25¢, also known as quarters
• 50¢, referred to as half-dollars, is an infrequently used and relatively rare coin that does indeed exist

A remarkable aspect of life in Canada is our regular utilization of $1 and $2 coins. The $1 coins are commonly known as “loonies” due to the depiction of a loon on the coin’s reverse side. Likewise, the $2 coins are termed “toonies,” which is a fusion of the words “two” and “loonie.”

Using credit and debit cards within Canada

The majority of contemporary businesses in Canada readily accept card payments through the Visa, Mastercard, and American Express networks. Assuming your bank or credit card issuer permits the use of your card in a foreign nation, you shouldn’t encounter any difficulties when using your card for purchases.

However, it’s worth noting that certain banks and credit cards might impose foreign transaction fees. It’s advisable to verify this information with your bank or credit card provider in order to accurately plan your budget.

Steps to Open a Bank Account

Upon becoming a full-time resident of Canada, you have the opportunity to establish a Canadian bank account. This step can help minimize international transaction fees and streamline your financial matters. To open a basic chequing account for everyday expenditures, most banks typically necessitate the following documentation:

•  Two identifying documents (such as a driver’s licence, passport, or social insurance number)
•  Residency documents (rental agreement, utility bills, etc.)

Certain banks exclusively cater to permanent residents and citizens, whereas others extend their services to temporary residents, international students, and even applicants from overseas.

Prominent Banks in Canada

The “big five” banks in Canada are:

•  RBC, or the Royal Bank of Canada
•  TD Bank, or the Toronto-Dominion Bank
•  CIBC, or the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
•  BMO, or the Bank of Montreal
•  Scotiabank, or the Bank of Nova Scotia

These major banks are undoubtedly among the largest in Canada, and their ATMs are widely available throughout the country. Additionally, there exist several smaller local banks, credit unions, and online banks that you can consider applying to.

When it comes to obtaining a mortgage or other loans in Canada, the major banks mentioned above are often the initial choice. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to explore various options to secure the most favorable rates. You can reach out to mortgage brokers, as well as other banks and credit unions, to obtain quotes.

How Tax-Advantaged Savings Accounts Operate

As a resident of Canada, you have the option to establish specialized registered accounts with numerous financial institutions. These accounts offer tax advantages, either through exemption from taxation or by featuring other forms of tax benefits. They provide the opportunity to accumulate savings for future expenditures, such as purchasing your first home, funding your child’s college education, or securing your retirement.

Some of the widely favored accounts comprise:

•  Tax-free savings account (TFSA)
•  Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP)
•  Registered education savings plan (RESP)
•  First home savings account (FHSA)

Steps to Transfer Money Internationally

Numerous methods are available for transferring funds to and from Canada. Here are several popular options:

1. Bank wire transfers: A majority of major banks and credit unions in Canada provide international wire transfer services. To initiate such a transfer, you will require the recipient’s bank account specifics, including their International Bank Account Number (IBAN) or its equivalent, along with the bank’s SWIFT code, also referred to as the Bank Identifier Code.

2. Online money transfer services: Online platforms like Wise, PayPal/Xoom, and Remitly can provide more competitive exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks. You have the option to review the exchange rates offered by these platforms and compare them with those of major banks in Canada. Many individuals prefer this method for transferring money due to its cost-effectiveness and quicker processing times.

3. Money transfer operators (MTOs): These companies offer money transfer services that don’t necessitate the sender or recipient to hold a bank account. Western Union and MoneyGram are notable examples. However, it’s important to note that companies providing this service often impose higher fees compared to other alternatives mentioned earlier.

4. Cheques and money orders: These approaches are more conventional means of sending money internationally; however, they generally involve longer processing times compared to some of the other alternatives discussed earlier. These documents can be acquired from banks or post offices and can be dispatched to any destination worldwide.

5. Prepaid debit cards: Prepaid cards can be loaded with funds and employed for international transactions. Certain providers might present more favorable exchange rates and reduced fees in comparison to conventional money transfer methods.

Establishing Credit History in Canada

In Canada, there are two primary credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion.

Whenever you initiate an application for a credit card or a loan, the lender will assess your information using these databases to evaluate your overall creditworthiness.

If you’re new to credit and lack a credit history, obtaining a prepaid “secured” credit card can be a constructive approach. This enables you to establish a positive payment history, which can subsequently pave the way for your application for a conventional line of credit.

What is a “good” credit score?

In Canada, credit scores generally span from 300 (the lowest) to 900 (the highest). Your credit rating is determined by your score in the following manner:

•  300 – 559: Poor
•  560 – 659: Fair
•  660 – 724: Good
•  725 – 759: Very good
•  760 – 900: Excellent

A higher score enhances your likelihood of approval for financial products like cashback rewards cards and personal loans. Moreover, elevated credit scores might lead to more favorable interest rates.

If you’re uncertain about your credit status, you can obtain your credit report without charge from either credit bureau.

Filing your taxes in Canada

Lastly, Canadian residents are obligated to annually file a tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This return entails declaring your total yearly income, which determines both your tax bracket and the aggregate amount of taxes owed to the provincial government and the federal government of Canada.

Income earned prior to one’s arrival in Canada is not subject to Canadian taxation. However, upon becoming a Canadian resident for tax purposes, individuals are required to report income from any source worldwide on their tax return.

You have the option to electronically submit your taxes using CRA-approved software or seek assistance from a professional tax preparer.

Additionally, you can apply for eligible deductions, such as child-care expenses, which can potentially lessen your overall tax liability.

For most jobs, income taxes are automatically withheld from your paycheck before disbursement. In such cases, you might be eligible for a tax refund if you have overpaid taxes throughout the year.

However, if you’re self-employed or your income taxes haven’t been deducted from your earnings, you might find yourself owing taxes at year-end. Consequently, it’s advisable to allocate a portion of your earnings into a savings account to budget for income taxes in advance, preventing any unanticipated financial strain.

Creating a Long-Term Financial Strategy

If you’re a newcomer to the country, familiarizing yourself with the intricacies of the financial system might require a few weeks or months of learning. However, with some time and experience, everything will become clearer.

Commence by grasping the fundamentals, including understanding and utilizing Canadian currency. Once you’ve solidified your residency status, take the step to open a bank account, initiate a savings regimen, and establish your credit history. Subsequently, consider seeking guidance from a financial advisor to craft a comprehensive, long-term strategy encompassing retirement planning and investment endeavors for the years ahead.

Around the world, companies are grappling with the best ways to leverage ChatGPT, which employs generative AI to engage in conversations and respond to a wide range of prompts. While many find it beneficial for tasks such as drafting emails, summarizing documents, and conducting preliminary research, security firms and companies have raised alarms about the potential risks.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted between July 11 and 17, revealed that 28 percent of respondents regularly use ChatGPT at work. However, only 22 percent stated that their employers explicitly allow the use of external AI tools. The poll, which surveyed 2,625 adults across the US, had a credibility interval of approximately 2 percentage points.

The results also showed that 10 percent of those polled indicated that their bosses had explicitly banned external AI tools, while about 25 percent were uncertain about whether their companies permitted the use of such technology.

ChatGPT’s rapid rise to popularity since its November launch has generated both enthusiasm and concerns. OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, has faced regulatory conflicts, particularly in Europe, where its data-collecting practices have drawn criticism from privacy watchdogs.

One of the key worries is that human reviewers from other companies may access the generated chats, potentially leading to the reproduction of absorbed data during training, which poses a risk to proprietary information. Ben King, VP of customer trust at corporate security firm Okta, emphasized the lack of understanding among users about how data is used in generative AI services, which poses a significant challenge for businesses.

OpenAI did not comment on the implications of individual employees using ChatGPT but highlighted a recent company blog post that reassured corporate partners that their data would not be used to further train the chatbot without explicit permission.

Google’s Bard, a similar AI tool, collects data like text and location information. While users can delete past activity from their accounts and request removal of content fed into the AI, Alphabet-owned Google did not provide additional details when asked about this aspect.

Microsoft did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the matter.

A US-based employee of Tinder revealed that workers at the dating app use ChatGPT for “harmless tasks” such as writing emails, despite the company’s lack of official approval. While some companies have taken proactive measures to restrict usage, other firms, like Coca-Cola, have embraced ChatGPT to explore how AI can enhance operational effectiveness. However, security remains a priority for those companies.

Tate & Lyle’s Chief Financial Officer, Dawn Allen, mentioned that the global ingredients maker is experimenting with ChatGPT in a safe manner, seeking ways to optimize tasks in various areas such as investor relations and knowledge management.

Meanwhile, some employees face barriers in accessing the platform on their company computers. For example, a Procter & Gamble employee expressed that ChatGPT is completely banned on the office network.

Security experts, like Paul Lewis, chief information security officer at Nominet, acknowledge the potential benefits of increased AI capability. However, they caution that the information is not entirely secure, citing the possibility of “malicious prompts” that could lead AI chatbots to disclose sensitive information.

While a blanket ban on ChatGPT may not yet be warranted, companies need to tread carefully, according to Lewis, balancing the potential advantages of AI with the critical need for data security.

The fortunate winner shared that he purchased his ticket for the August 5th evening drawing of the Pick 5 game at the Exxon gas station located on Suitland Road in Morningside. The ticket he obtained bore his customary set of numbers, namely 4-2-5-2-5, which were derived from the digits on his mother’s license plate.

The man’s sister, who also frequently uses the same number combination for lottery plays, reached out to him after witnessing the results of the drawing. “Mom’s number came up,” his sister excitedly informed him.

Although she hadn’t bought a ticket for that specific Pick 5 drawing, she encouraged her brother to check his tickets. The man used the Maryland Lottery app, and to his joy, confirmed that he had indeed won a substantial $50,000 prize.

Regarding how they plan to utilize the winnings, the man and his wife expressed their intention to share a portion of the prize with his mother. Additionally, they plan to allocate some funds toward home improvements, enjoy a celebratory dinner, and bolster their savings.

“We’re going to build the bank account back up,” the man stated, signifying the positive impact this windfall will have on their financial stability.