Latest news with #WBFF
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland reparations bill advances, Gov. Wes Moore dodges questions on whether he supports the measure
A Maryland bill to establish a commission to study reparations – including financial restitution – is moving forward, as it is expected to clear its final hurdle in the House of Delegates, while the governor attempts to dodge questions about whether he supports the proposal. The bill, a priority for the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, passed the Senate in the middle of last month before Crossover Day, which marks the unofficial deadline for legislative leaders in the General Assembly to move bills to the other legislative chamber that they plan to send to the governor for final approval. The bill received a favorable vote in its assigned House committee on Friday, WBFF reported. It is expected to be voted on in the full House before the legislative session adjourns next week. Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready, a Republican, told WBFF he does not understand why the reparations bill is being advanced as the state faces a $3.3 billion deficit, which is expected to increase even more to $6.7 billion by fiscal year 2028. Ntsb Says Lack Of 'Vulnerability Assessment' By Maryland Officials Preceded Deadly Key Bridge Collapse "We don't have the money right now to be exploring these options, period," Ready told the outlet. "[T]he issue of reparations, I'm sure elicits strong opinions, but the fact is, it's just something that's not financially feasible, whether you think it's a good idea or not." Read On The Fox News App "I question whether using taxpayer money would ever be appropriate in this context," he added. "Even going back to when reparations were paid to survivors of the Holocaust, they went after companies that were involved. Not after taxpayers." The proposed commission is expected to initially cost Maryland taxpayers $54,500 annually, according to the nonpartisan Maryland Department of Legislative Services. Similar reparations commissions have been created by state governments in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and Illinois. Dem Gov Says Md, With $3B Deficit, Has Been Doing Doge 'Before Anyone Knew What [It] Was' Last year, the California Reparations Task Force released a report following a two-year study in which the state was called on to issue a formal apology for slavery and other racial injustices and to offer financial payouts. The report recommended a financial restitution formula that would provide eligible recipients with up to $1.2 million each, although state lawmakers have not yet held a vote to authorize the first payments. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, has dodged questions about his state's bill since it was introduced in January. He was asked at the time if he supported the measure, but turned his focus to economic priorities. "Nah, we are going to work with the Maryland General Assembly on a whole collection of different issues," Moore told WBFF at the time. "Our focus is economic advancement; our focus is economic growth. It's making sure we can really meet people where they are, make life more affordable. That we are modernizing of state government." The governor was asked again about the issue during his visit to celebrate the Baltimore Orioles' home opener on Monday afternoon at Pickles Pub. WBFF attempted to speak with him, but the requests were denied. The outlet reached out to the governor's office after his appearance at the pub, but his spokesperson's response did not address the questions about the reparations bill. Ready told WBFF that the bill could harm the national attention Moore has received over the past year. "I don't think Gov. Moore would want this on his desk because I think it is a distraction to trying to get real problems solved," Ready said. "[T]here may be some people it motivates, in some way, but a lot of those are kind of on the fringes." If the law is enacted in its current form, the commission must provide its preliminary report by January 1, 2027, and a final report by November 1, article source: Maryland reparations bill advances, Gov. Wes Moore dodges questions on whether he supports the measure
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sinclair Broadens Use of Artificial Intelligence to Make Local News More Accessible
Sinclair said it is 'pioneering' the use of artificial intelligence to provide real-time live language translation of local newscasts. In a press release, Sinclair said the first-of-its-kind test is underway in Baltimore at WBFF, San Antonio at KABB, West Palm Beach at WPEC, and Las Vegas at KSNV, allowing viewers to access Spanish language broadcasts live, in real-time, available on each station's YouTube channel. Sinclair said it aims to enhance accessibility and engagement, enabling non-English-speaking viewers to stay informed with accurate, real-time translations of critical news, weather, and community updates. "At Sinclair, we are committed to leveraging innovative technology to expand access to local journalism," said Rob Weisbord, COO and president of local media. "By implementing live AI translation of our newscasts, we're breaking down language barriers and ensuring that more viewers can engage with Sinclair's trusted news coverage." Sinclair has collaborated with Deeptune, a leading generative AI language editing company, to make this happen. 'We're thrilled to partner with Sinclair on this groundbreaking implementation of our real-time AI translation technology. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in making critical news accessible to diverse communities and demonstrates how AI can be deployed responsibly to serve the public interest," said Tim Lupo, founder and CEO of Deeptune. Viewers in the participating markets can check it out on their local Sinclair station's YouTube channel: WBFF/Baltimore: San Antonio/ West Palm Beach/WPEC: Las Vegas/KSNV: Sinclair's use of generative AI began in 2024, when the company began using AI for language translation with Petko Unfiltered, a Tennis Channel series (as part of Tennis Channel International's expansion into other territories) and in newscasts for use with severe weather at WPEC during the Hurricane Milton weather event.
