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Thousands chatted with this AI ‘virtual girlfriend.’ Then things got even weirder

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Brian Contreras | Los Angeles Times (TNS)Last month, Caryn Marjorie went from a successful but niche social media star to a person of national interest: the subject of attention-grabbing headlines and, for many commentators, a template upon which to project their anxieties about rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.The cause of the furor was a partnership Marjorie, 23, had launched with a technology startup promising to make a personalized AI “clone” of the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based lifestyle influencer. For a dollar a minute, fans she might never have otherwise had the time to meet could instead chat with Marjorie’s digital double.CarynAI, as the audio chatbot has been dubbed, is explicitly framed as a romantic companion — one that aims to “cure loneliness” with software that supposedly incorporates aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy into its conversations. Marjorie said her fans have used the program to ask for life advice and roleplay a sunset date to the beach.Marjorie w...

As more states legalize pot, their uneven safety rules can pose a risk

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Amanda Hernández | Stateline.org (TNS)Amid the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis use across the country, a concerning reality has emerged: The state-by-state patchwork of safety regulations can leave marijuana consumers wandering through a haze of uncertainty, exposing them to potential risks.Under federal law, marijuana is illegal — period. So, it’s up to individual states to determine their own regulations and safety standards.Those inconsistent regulations are part of a broad debate about the U.S. cannabis industry. The 47 states that allow at least some cannabis use (cannabis is still illegal in Idaho, Kansas and Nebraska) have taken various approaches to issues such as the allowable amount of euphoria-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in a product.“We don’t really know what’s going on behind the doors of each and every lab in each and every state,” said Anna Schwabe, a cannabis geneticist and the director of cannabis education, research and development for 42...

Scammers are out there and they want your money. Stay safe with these tips

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Daniel Neman | (TNS) St. Louis Post-DispatchMy phone rings. I check the number and the caller, and I hang up. It’s a scam.I get a text message. I see who it’s from and I delete it without even reading it. It’s a scam.The scammers are out in force, and they are relentless in their efforts to separate you from your hard-earned money. They may claim to be from the IRS, they may claim to have a business refund for you, they may claim to be from a cable company you don’t subscribe to and that today is the last day to take advantage of their 50%-off deals.Brandon King of Home Security Heroes recently released an advisory, especially aimed at seniors, telling how to recognize and avoid scams.He says that everyone, and especially seniors, should watch out for:Grandparent scamsSomeone claiming to be a grandchild calls (watch out if he says “Guess who!” — it’s a way to discover the name of someone to pretend to be) and says he needs a substantial amount of money right now.He’s in trouble, per...

Hancock: Thank you, Denver

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your mayor. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for putting your trust in me and my administration to lead our city these past 12 years – you made a grown man’s childhood dream come true. Together, we cemented Denver’s reputation as one of the most desirable places in the country to live, learn, work, and play.Progress didn’t come easy. From the recession and growing unemployment in 2011, we emerged with a AAA bond rating, budget reserves, and as one of the country’s fastest-growing economies. As growth came to our city, we refocused to manage it.Now, we’re boldly leading Denver’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing economic shutdown, and the triple crises of untreated mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness. We also are forging new pathways forward following the murder of Georg Floyd and the more recent influx of Central and South American migrants.Without fail, this city rose to meet every one of those challenges....

New 'Fast and Furious'-themed roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Hollywood

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Universal Studios Hollywood will soon break ground on its newest "Fast and Furious"-themed roller coaster, park officials announced on Wednesday.The new coaster is expected to fully engulf guests in the "Fast and Furious" universe through “innovative and technological achievements never previously employed,” a news release said. What we know about Universal Studios’ new coaster News about the new roller coaster initially made headlines in October when a screenshot of a geotechnical study submitted by the theme park was shared on Twitter.The study showed that officials planned for the ride’s track to begin in the upper lot, go over the Starway Escalator, descend toward the lower lot, and then back up again.“When I saw the permit, I got excited because this was something that was only rumored, but then to see the permit, it shows that they are testing to see whether this is possible,” Alicia Stella, a theme park blogger who spoke to KTLA about the new coaster, said in October.After ...

Two Men Injured in Plane Accident on Lake Murray Boulevard [La Mesa, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Plane Crash in La Mesa Church Parking Lot Left Two HospitalizedLA MESA, CA (July 12, 2023) – Saturday afternoon, a small plane accident on Lake Murray Boulevard left two men onboard with injuries.The crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. in a canyon beside the Lake Murray Evangelical Community Church on Lake Murray Boulevard.A passing American Medical Response ambulance discovered the pilot and the passenger 50 feet below the parking lot of the church.According to reports, the pilot managed to walk out of the plane and help himself out of the hill with the help of the paramedics. Meanwhile, rescue units extricated the passenger using a rope system and a stretcher.Eventually, both patients were transported to a hospital for treatment of mild to moderate injuries.Heartland spokesperson Andy McKellar claimed that the single-engine Cessna 185 did not explode or catch fire at the time of the crash. However, the plane took down the nearby power lines and caused a blackout in the area.At t...

One Hospitalized after Two-Truck Collision on Interstate 80 [Richmond, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Traffic Accident near Portero Avenue Left Traffic DisruptedRICHMOND, CA (July 12, 2023) – Early Tuesday morning, police responded to a two-truck collision on Interstate 80.According to CHP Officer Adib Zeid, it happened in the westbound lanes near Portrero Avenue at around 1:45 a.m., June 20th.Furthermore, the authorities determined that one of the trucks was hauling sugar that spilled on the highway after the collision.Investigation showed that the truck carrying sugar rear-ended the other truck loaded with carnival equipment.Consequently, one of the big rig drivers suffered serious injuries and authorities transported the victim to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek.Meanwhile, the crash blocked the lanes on the westbound Interstate due to the debris left by the big rigs.Motorists were advised to use other routes. The lanes have now been reopened following the incident.No additional information was added by the officials and an active investigation is still ongoing.Like other...

Five Sailors Injured in Boat Accident near Zuniga Point Jetty [San Diego, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Navy Routine Training Operation near Coronado Base Resulted in InjuriesSAN DIEGO, CA (July 12, 2023) – Early Friday, five sailors were injured in a boat accident near Zuniga Point Jetty.The incident happened on June 16th, at around 1:50 a.m. when a Navy training operation ended in a crash off the Naval Air Station North Island.According to the U.S. Navy, the vessel struck the Zuniga Point Jetty, near Coronado Base, while entering San Diego Bay. At this time, the circumstances that led up to the crash remain undisclosed.Responding medical personnel transported at least five sailors to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest for non-life-threatening injuries. Reports indicated that one of the victims is a Navy Seal and the other four patients are support personnel.The U.S. Navy continues to investigate the Zuniga Point Jetty boat accident.One small navigational error can lead to a catastrophic boating accident. This is why it is crucial to drive boats defensively and strictly a...

Elderly Woman Fatally Injured in Bicycle Accident on Lower Sacramento Road [Stockton, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Bicycle-Auto Collision Near Hammer Lane Klls 71-Year-Old WomanSTOCKTON, CA (July 12, 2023) – A bicycle accident on Lower Sacramento Road took the life of an elderly woman Friday evening.The fatal collision happened around 6:30 p.m. on Lower Sacramento Road and Hammer Lane.According to Stockton police, a car and the woman riding a bicycle collided for reasons under investigation.Tragically, the 73-year-old woman died at the scene despite the life-saving efforts of the paramedics. Her identity remains undisclosed, pending notification from her next of kin.Meanwhile, the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigators.The Stockton Police Department is investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.No further details regarding the Lower Sacramento Road bicycle accident have been released to the public. Officials will provide more information once available.Sweet James sends out their heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of the victi...

4 Dead after Fiery Crash on 110 Freeway [Los Angeles, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:14:32 GMT

Fiery Single-Vehicle Crash near Slauson Avenue Left FatalitiesLOS ANGELES, CA (July 12, 2023) – Late Thursday night, at least four people died following a fiery crash on 110 Freeway.The incident happened on June 15th, just before 11:45 p.m., in the southbound lanes of the freeway at Slauson Avenue on-ramp.According to reports, the driver of a vehicle was traveling along the 110 Freeway, with multiple passengers, when he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a barrier. As a result, the car overturned and burst into flames, causing everyone inside to sustain serious injuries.First responders arrived at the site of the collision shortly after. There, they pronounced four people dead at the scene.At this time, officials only describe the victims as people in their 20s. Their identities have not yet been released.At this time, authorities suspected speed as the main factor of the incident. An active investigation is still ongoing.The Sweet James law firm sends out t...