CNW Sept 20, 2023 Edition

Can the Government Manage AI Risks?

Chicago News Weekly

Terri Winston Vice

Darnell Pulphus

Editors

Donna Hodge

Food Editor

Dr. Mila K. Marshall

Cannabis Corner Editor

Staff Writers

Dr. Sharice Braford

Liz Lampkin

Marti Worell

Wanda Wright

Contributors

NNPA Newswire

Mare Evans

Melanie Mainor

Eric Grant

Marketing Consultant

Danny Love

Cover Artwork by Freepik

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Vol. 1 No 42

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

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E notes

SHIFTING THE BALANCE OF POWER

Let’s take a moment and examine the real reason Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft are laying off employees. The consideration begs the question, is this wave of big tech layoff a smoke screen intended to weaken the tech employees’ negotiating power?

When the announcement that Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft were laying off a total of 51,000 employees, Each company, almost verbatim provided some version of this: In the wake of the pandemic, we experienced growth in demand and increased our workforce to fulfill that demand. With a slowing economy and shifting market, we now see that we mistakenly hired too many, and we must correct that by letting some people go.

Tech layoffs in 2023 have hit hard, with over 153,000 employees in the US let go so far, according to Crunchbase. This is up from 93,000 tech layoffs in all of 2022. It was communicated to the public that The reasons for the layoffs include the current economic climate, over-hiring during COVID, and the rise of AI.

What if all that is a ruse to hide the real reason for the layoffs? Could it be that big tech company leadership, has had enough already of catering to the whims of the spoiled privileged elite class of highly sought-after employees -known as engineers and data scientists? Suppose they decided that it’s time to knock them off their high horses and teach them the lesson they could never have imagined prior to the layoffs and that is that they are expendable, and they need fear for their jobs like everyone else. If you think about it. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

The world is quickly transforming into a technical hub. Everything including currency is headed that way, and that is scary. But so, be it, wouldn’t that create greater demand for tech engineers and scientists? Everything now needs an engineer from your TV internet biz to your dishwasher, cars, windows, doors, mail, boxes, etc. This world is transforming before us and we’re not grasping what’s happening. All I know is that, if I must make one more password, you will hear me screaming at the top of my lungs. And when you hear that scream know it’s me, and that I told you so. Think about it. It shouldn’t really be surprising. We’re talking ‘the masters of the universe’ here. It has become the norm that big tech companies, have competed to recruit hard-to-hire tech talent, offering a wide range of enticements, from signing bonuses in the six figures, and other pricy perks unheard of anywhere else except for CEOs, not to mention lavish stock options, and on and on. It was about whatever they wanted, to hire them. More outrageous tech employees full of themselves are known to criticize their employers and or publicly oppose their companies’ policies that they differ with. I have to say as a business leader who grew up in a traditional hierarchy where bosses gave orders and expected subordinates to follow through because they did if they wanted their job.

2022 The Year of Change

The end of the pandemic landed and 2022 emerged. And there it was, the aftermath. Things were no longer the same. The stock market dropped a little under 20 percent, pulling down the tech industry with it causing many millions of dollars in stock option wealth to evaporate. Inflation, hit its highest point in more than 30 years, briefly rising over 13 percent. Federal Reserve increased interest rates, to slow the economy and to increase the possibility of a recession. And the uncertainty of the world economy due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. So, what do the super teach companies do?

Four of the biggest tech companies – Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft – have cut 50,000 jobs. And the smaller ones followed. Meanwhile, Twitter’s new boss, Elon Musk, fired half of the company’s employees when he took over at the end of last year after shaking the crap off the trees But first, he had demanded increased workloads with a take-it-or-leave choice. To most, he appeared to be a crazy man but to the old-fashioned business owner, we got it. Our philosophy is to expect everyone else to work as hard as we do, and Elon Musk is no fluff. He had taken on gigantic debt buy the company requiring $1 billion a year in repayment. That’s incentive enough for him to cut costs.

The point is that Elon’s audacity to take on the tech elite staffers had a reverberating effect that shook the high-tech labor market cracking the tech culture infrastructure. Less than three months later, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google announced layoffs and I hardly think that it was coincidental. MyInc.com Bill Murphy, Jr. writes, “In the latest rounds of layoffs at big tech companies across, a single, odd, specific thing keeps coming up over and over and over. It’s that one company after another seems to lay off almost the exact same percentage of its workforce: 13 percent, give or take a point.”

FARFETCHED?

So, what is the true reason for these mass cuts that have left tens of thousands (80% of them in the US) out of work? This was what data experts at 365 Data Science attempted to get to the bottom of when they decided to run their own analysis of the figures.

Some findings were expected, like tech companies continued to make record revenues and took on a hiring spree during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, it’s reasonable to think that, in some ways, these cuts represent a dialing-back of hiring policies established since the pandemic.

Continue on page 5

Dollars & Sense

The Power of Proximity Part 2 Unlocking the Power of Proximity for Entrepreneurial Success

In Part 1 of our journey, we delved deep into the “Power of Proximity” and its profound significance within faith-based nonprofit leadership. We explored that leaders who are both physically and emotionally immersed within their communities can create a far-reaching impact, nurturing genuine and enduring connections. In this exploration, we touched upon several pivotal aspects, including:

1) Building & Sustaining a supportive network:

2) Leveraging Community Resources.

3) Embracing Lifelong Learning.

Now, in Part 2, we shift our gaze to profit-oriented businesses, viewing the concepts of proximity through

an entrepreneurial lens. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs who instilled the values of entrepreneurial freedom and the unwavering commitment needed to establish and sustain a business.

Throughout my formative years and adulthood, I witnessed firsthand the practical application of the “Power of Proximity,” as my parent put it into action.

This journey has been marked by the initiation of numerous enterprises over the past four decades, with some attaining remarkable success while others faced failure. I have always carried the timeless adage in these moments: “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.The notion of proximity holds profound importance, extending well beyond the realms of charity and nonprofit work. Like its pivotal role in the faith-based nonprofit sector, proximity is equally critical in profit-oriented businesses. It serves as the conduit for entrepreneurs to establish and cultivate more substantial connections with their customers and communities, fostering a sense of closeness that is indispensable for achieving success.

In the same way, physical closeness to congregants is vital in faith-based nonprofit work; being close to one’s clients is paramount for entrepreneurs. As entrepreneurs, we must recognize that physical proximity to our target audience can be transformative. It empowers us to forge deeper connections with our clients, gain invaluable insights into their needs and preferences, and respond nimbly to evolving market dynamics.

Proximity extends to the realm of networking and collaboration. It allows us to access industry peers, mentors, and potential partners, opening doors to knowledge sharing, partnership opportunities, and collaborative

ventures.

Often, success depends on how close we are to the epicenter of innovation and industry trends.

When it comes to decision-making and agility, entrepreneurs are frequently confronted with critical choices that can shape the trajectory of their businesses. Proximity accelerates decision-making by affording direct access to real-time information. My personal experiences as an entrepreneur, deeply embedded in the operational aspects of my ventures, have allowed me to make informed decisions and executive them with agility swiftly.

The “Power of Proximity” is also profoundly intertwined with market research and client feedback. Proximity enables us to engage with clients and clients in real-time, facilitating the collection of invaluable data to refine our products or services, ultimately enhancing the overall client experience.

Moreover, cultivating an authentic brand identity is another proximity dimension entrepreneurs must recognize. Authenticity is a prized asset in the entrepreneur’s world. Entrepreneurs who immerse themselves in their businesses and communities project a genuine image. Customers and clients appreciate businesses deeply rooted in their local context, demonstrating a commitment to addressing local issues and challenges. This authenticity fosters trust and engenders loyalty. Now, let’s turn the spotlight on you, fellow entrepreneur. Here are questions to contemplate, serving as a litmus test for mastery of the “Power of Proximity” and its potential to amplify your influence and coins.

1. Am I physically present in my business?

2. How well do I know my clientele?

3. Am I effectively leveraging local resources?

4. Do I actively seek client feedback?

5. What does my brand’s identity convey?

6. What are the long-term benefits of proximity for my business?

7. Am I aware of local networking opportunities?

8. How do I foster a sense of community among my team?

9. Am I embracing innovation and industry trends?

10. Do I harness location-based marketing?

By candidly reflecting on these questions, you, as an entrepreneur, can gain deeper insight into how the “Power of Proximity” can influence and benefit your business. Embracing proximity enriches your connections, empowers you to make more informed decisions, and builds an enduring legacy of success. Thanks for being a part of our weekly blog journey.

City of Chicago Files Lawsuit Against Monsanto

CNW Staff Report

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Corporation

Counsel Mary B. Richardson-Lowry announced that the City of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto Co., three of its corporate successors, and a local distributor, for releasing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the City’s air, water, and soil. The City alleges that Monsanto and its co-defendants released these chemicals and misled the public despite knowing that PCBs are dangerous contaminants that have been found to cause significant harm to humans and the environment. The complaint, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, seeks damages for the City’s expenses associated with the cleanup and remediation of PCB contamination in the City and its waterways.

“Monsanto knew for decades that its commercial PCB formulations were highly toxic and would inevitably produce precisely the contamination and human health risks that have occurred, perpetuating the environmental abuse and stark inequities so many of Chicago’s neighborhoods have long suffered from,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This action reflects the City’s commitment to protecting our current and future residents, as well as our natural resources, from the harm caused by Monsanto, and creating a more sustainable environment for us all.”

“Records show that Monsanto intentionally misled the public despite knowing the dangers PCBs posed to the environment,” said Corporation Counsel Richardson-Lowry.

“We bring this lawsuit to ensure that the polluters are held accountable for their actions and bear the financial burden of the response efforts required to address the PCB contamination.”

“Environmental justice is a fundamental right for all residents in our City. We must use all available tools, including litigation, to stand up against those who put profit before people,” said Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer.

PCBs are synthetic chemical compounds that were widely used for a variety of industrial and household applications

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However, . . .

such as paint and varnishes, electrical equipment, caulk, insecticides, coolants, and sealants. As a result of the sales of PCB products in and around Chicago, there is significant contamination within the City. This contamination is in Lake Michigan, in the banks and sediment of the Chicago River, and at sites throughout the City.

While PCBs were banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the late 1970s, the chemicals are still present in the environment today. PCBs have entered the air, water, sediments, and soil through manufacturing, PCB spills and leaks, and the disposal and discharge of PCB wastes into sewers and landfills. PCBs can also enter water bodies through stormwater runoff containing contaminated soil. Fish become contaminated with PCBs by living near contaminated sediment or by consuming contaminated prey.

Humans, in turn, are exposed to PCBs primarily from eating contaminated food, breathing contaminated air, and drinking or swimming in contaminated water. PCB exposure has been shown to cause adverse health effects, including alterations to the liver, thyroid, immune and reproductive systems, and reduced birth weight. PCBs have also been linked to cancer.

Continued from page 3

1. Why are tech companies laying people off when they have plenty of money?

Only days after announcing 10,000 layoffs Facebook and Microsoft announced independently of each other that they were investing billions of dollars in AI (this amounts to firing humans and hiring bots

2. Who else is Laying off?

Why are tech companies virtually the only ones laying people off? The exception is Goldman Sachs, which is slated to lay off 8,000 employees by the end of 2023.

3. Is it really pandemic fallout?

Then, why are they laying off those who were employed for 11.5 years? The reality that it’s not all junior workers with little experience being laid off who can be quickly replaced or possibly even have their roles automated speaks volumes. You get the picture.

4. So What’s the game plan? Why force employees to compete to keep their jobs?

I believe that employees who want to stay employed are less likely to be rebellious loudmouths, less likely to make demands of their employers to serve only customers they approve, and less likely to fight for higher pay and perks for themselves.

Think what you will but this is not the world of our parents and the money at stake is much greater. These mega uber companies want to remain at the top and knocking their bratty employees off their high horse makes sense to them. But instead of correcting the issues through transparent dialog that includes genuine consideration for their employees, for their communities, and for the world as their lead to act as their biggest recruitment and retention tool they chose to backhand slap them with layoffs.

To address PCB contamination, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency places limits on daily discharges of PCBs from Chicago waterways into the portion of Lake Michigan that abuts Chicago. New rules require Chicago to reduce its PCB discharges by an estimated 99.6%. The City seeks to recover the significant costs the City will incur to comply with these daily limits, to monitor and address contamination already in its waterways, and to obtain cleanup and remediation costs for contaminated sites throughout the City as they become known.

The sale and promotion of PCB products led to soil and sediment contamination, creating a health threat for the City’s residents and its fish and wildlife

Can the Government Manage AI Risks? T

he Biden-Harris Administration said its holistic approach to AI’s promises and risks includes several commitments that bridge governwment action. The Administration said it would develop an Executive Order and pursue bipartisan legislation to promote responsible AI development in America.

President Biden and Vice President Harris announced they have taken decisive action to limit Artificial Intelligence (AI) risks and maximize advantages. The White House said it is working on regulations for AI and partnering with top AI companies to improve responsible AI development.

For example, in July, the Biden-Harris Administration received voluntary commitments from seven prominent AI businesses to enhance stable, trustworthy AI.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, and senior adminis-

tration officials scheduled a meeting with industry leaders at the White House on Tuesday, Sept. 12, to announce that eight companies—Adobe, Cohere, IBM, Nvidia, Palantir, Salesforce, Scale AI, and Stability— have pledged to help develop AI technology safely, securely, and with trustworthiness.

The Biden-Harris Administration said its holistic approach to AI’s promises and risks includes several commitments that bridge government action.

The Administration said it would develop an Executive Order and pursue bipartisan legislation to promote responsible AI development in America.

The firms’ immediate promises emphasize three fundamental AI principles—safety, security, and trust—and are a crucial step toward responsible AI. As innovation accelerates, the Biden-Harris Administration has pledged to act decisively to defend Americans’ rights and safety.

Among the pledges made by top AI startups include:

Ensuring product safety before it is publicly released.

Building security-first systems.

Earning the public’s trust.

Even as innovation accelerates, the Biden-Harris Administration will act decisively to defend Americans’ rights and safety. The White House noted that independent specialists would conduct tests against biosecurity, cybersecurity, and the societal impacts of AI.

AI corporations would invest in cybersecurity and insider threat protection for proprietary and unreleased model weights. “The most important aspect of an AI system is its model weights, which organizations agree must be released only when neces-

sary and security threats are assessed,” administration officials wrote in a release.

“The businesses [must] promise to help third parties find and report AI system problems. After an AI system is released, a robust reporting process can find and fix any remaining faults.” Further, the firms will create watermarking systems to alert viewers to AI-generated content. “This boosts AI creativity and production while reducing fraud and dishonesty,” administration officials declared.

They said corporations would disclose their AI systems’ capabilities, limitations, and suitable and inappropriate use. According to the White House, this would address security and societal threats like fairness and bias.

Additionally, the corporations would prioritize AI system social hazards research, including avoiding negative bias and discrimination and preserving privacy. The history of AI indicates the potential size and prevalence of these threats, and organizations commit to implementing AI that mitigates them, officials stated.

The firms also promise to create and implement robust AI systems to solve society’s biggest problems. Administration officials asserted that, if managed well, AI can improve prosperity, equality, and security through preventing cancer, mitigating climate change, and more.

“Today’s announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to securely and responsibly develop AI, defend Americans’ rights and safety, and prevent harm and prejudice,” officials declared.

The firms also promise to create and implement robust AI systems to solve society’s biggest problems.

The White House said it is working on regulations for AI and partnering with top AI companies to improve responsible AI development. Photo

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CNW Around Town

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

“ As a prostate cancer survivor, I know first-hand the importance of early detection and access to screening. Illinois HB 5318 is essential in removing significant financial roadblocks for men of all backgrounds prioritizing their health, and I am proud to have worked with ZERO, the leading national prostate cancer non-profit, in the effort to eliminate health disparities and end prostate cancer.”

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!

To better understand your risk for prostate cancer, take our “Am I at Risk?” Quiz. It only takes a few minutes and it’ll provide you with life-saving information about your health. zerocancer.org/pcam2022

A New Spin on Salsa Macha

Let’s try a spin on Mexican salsa macha with this temptingly tasty recipe. This salsa macha is made with dried chilies, garlic, nuts, and seeds that are fried in oil. The caveat is that instead of pureeing the fried ingredients they are added directly to the salad providing a wonderful contrasting texture of fabulous tastes bursting in your mouth with flavor. To top it off use flaky salt and or crumbled cotija cheese, and if you really love ‘extra,’ for visual points use heirloom tomatoes of different colors.

The Tomato salad with peanuts, cilantro, and chipotle-sesame dressing

Let’s set up the ingredients:

• 2 tbsp neutral oil; 2tbsp sesame seeds or 1 medium garlic clove, thinly sliced, or both

• 1 chipotle chile in adobe sauce, minced plus 1 tsp adobo sauce

• 3 tbsp cider vinegar, kosher salt, and grounded black pepper

• 2 tbs ripe tomatoes cored and cut into ½ inch wedges.

• 1 ½ cups lightly packed fresh cilantro or basil or flat leaf parsley or a combination, torn if large. (Be sure to try it first before choosing your final selection)

Next step, let’s make the sauce:

In a small saucepan over medium heat combine the oil and peanuts. Cook, stirring occasionally, until brown and fragrant for 4 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon transfer the peanuts separately to a paper towel-lined plate. Next, add sesame seeds to the same saucepan. Cook, stirring until lightly golden, about 2 minutes (less for garlic). Remove from heat then stir in the chipotle adobo sauce, vinegar, and ¼ each salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature. As it cools, toss tomatoes in a serving bowl with ½ tsp of sea salt and let stand for 10 minutes. Next, add cilantro and peanuts, then stir gently. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Serves 4 to 6. Make more if you expect people to ask for seconds, and they will.

You can serve this with pasta and lentils or any vegetable you love! I even use it on baked sweet potatoes!

Track Pants and Joggers In the Workplace

Ifyou’re slightly over 50 the idea of wearing Track pants or Joggers to the office is as the youth might say, ‘above your fashion quotient.’ In fact, to those past 50, it’s absolutely absurd. And yet in today’s world of new designers replacing the old guard to take a line from “The Devil Wears Prada, “Guard your loins” because it is fashionably chic to do exactly that. I mean some of us are still getting over the pajama and house-shoe look for public display. It’s unattractive, I don’t care who says it’s cool. Dang! Some things mean what they imply like house shoes. They are meant for the house. Anyway, let’s keep it moving. I am not a designer; I am a procurer of fashion and have my own style. So, I seek my look amongst the ‘fashion-teers’ who create and set the trends. There’s that!

So, wearing joggers to the office is 100% acceptable these days. According to the Wall Street Journal, which prefers the term ‘Track,’’ pants because it’s 2023 and Joggers is 2022. In other words, the trend just got usurped by the high-enders and men. The key on how to wear joggers, oops Track pants to the office is styling them so you look like you came to the office to work.

All of this comes with the fact that the office dress code has completely changed. Business casual has a new definition and formal dress codes have loosened up. And I’m here for it as long as it remains classy. With that said, say bye-bye to perfectly tailored pants and say hello to the office-appropriate jogger/ track pants. Yes, track pants and joggers are now acceptable in the office. I’m not talking about sweats, I’m talking about sleek joggers that are polished, yet comfortable. For clarity, Track Pants are like Joggers however they usually have straight legs and are made from materials like polyester that is smooth, soft, comfortable, sweat-absorbent, and wrinkle-free.

Joggers are generally baggy on the top and skinny at the bottom with an extended elastic cuff at the bottom of the legs. Joggers, as the name itself, says, are made for physical activities. They give you maximum comfort and mobility as the materials that are used are meant to be ideal for your athletic needs. Joggers are made from materials like cotton, fleece, and polyester.

• The Track pants and joggers you select for office wear must have some semblance of formal or professional appeal. You are after all working in an office managing real business. You are not at the track or the gym. So, let’s begin with the colors which should not be bright red or orange, but rather colors like Black, Charcoal, Olive, Navy, or Blush. Keeping it real, these colors are those of the businessman or woman. Compliment your bottoms with nice shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, or camisoles worn under a nice blazer, or jacket. You can also get away with a nice cardigan.

HOW TO WEAR JOGGERS TO THE OFFICE

Always, always, always tuck in your top since Joggers tend to be more relaxed creating a sloppy look when not complimented with a conservative anchor. In addition, tucking in your top creates a waist and balances out your look. Play around with the type of tuck you choose, a front tuck or a full tuck. Every shirt is different and when the tuck is perfect you will know it. When in doubt go with a front tuck, it never fails you! Belts can also help to tailor your look so play around with it until you get the look you want.

The third essential piece to your look is the blazer or jacket. The short-waisted jacket or little jacket goes well with the Track pants or Joggers. Adding this piece completes your look making your outfit professional whether you are showing up in person or on Zoom. Try not to match the color to the bottoms. It’s not a suit! Branch out and pair your Track pants or Joggers with a white blazer or another color of your choice like a royal blue, etc.

Finally, always wear heels with your joggers in the office. Do not wear flats. Heels instantly dress up your look. There’s just something about heels that elevate your look from casual to dressy. Don’t second-guess me on this. Flats make the joggers look too casual, even a pointy toe flat. Heels elongate your legs and will dress up the joggers. Wear heels!

Diversity Programs Q4 Outreach Event

Learn About Upcoming Contracting Opportunities with CTA!

Join us as we share information about projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority’s infrastructure. Learn how your firm can partner on these projects to keep Chicago moving as you meet with potential prime contractors.

Doors open at 9:45 am. Presentation starts at 10:15 am.

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Time: 10am - 12pm Location: Gately Park, 10201 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628

Free parking available in lot

Link: https://bit.ly/3Rt6NUv

For more information contact: diversity@transitchicago.com