Mass. lawmakers spend nearly $30k in campaign funds on travel agent for health care-focused Cuba trip

Travel

Massachusetts House lawmakers spent nearly $30,000 in political donations last month on a trip to Cuba billed as an opportunity to learn about the island nation’s interest in biomedical research.Specifically, the lawmakers paid $28,566 to Marazul Tours, a New Jersey-based travel agent that specializes in trips to Cuba. State Representative Marjorie Decker, who led the trip, announced the plans one day before the 11 lawmakers traveled to the island nation.House Speaker Ron Mariano and state Representatives Mike Moran, Frank Moran, Mike Day, Mindy Domb, Ken Gordon, John Lawn, Aaron Michlewitz, Jeff Roy, and Jenny Armini were slated to attend the trip, which began Nov. 15. Lawmakers are scheduled to return on Friday.Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association president Steve Walsh and an aide to Decker, Ryan Telingator, are also on the trip.Massachusetts’ campaign finance rules are broad, allowing lawmakers to travel on their campaign’s dime as long as they can show it’s for the “enhancement of [their] political future” and is not “primarily for personal use.”In a statement, Decker said all expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals, would be paid for by the individual members or their campaign accounts and that no third party would pay expenses related to the trip.In September and October, lawmakers spent as little as $45 in “agent fees” up to payments of $4,737.20 to the travel agency, according to campaign finance records.The agency, Marazul Tours, calls itself “the oldest and largest continuously operating travel agency to Cuba.”Not every lawmaker’s account showed charges to Marazul, meaning they either paid their way without tapping their campaign accounts or were charged in November — charges wouldn’t necessarily show up in campaign finance records until the reporting period ends Dec. 5.According to Decker, lawmakers were to meet with Cuban public officials, hospital staff, and charities, such as Caritas Cuba, to discuss investing in health care, public health and disease, climate resiliency and flooding, and life sciences.Ahead of the visit, lawmakers were briefed by the US State Department and met with Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern, who has long advocated for better relations between the United States and Cuba.The trip comes as three major health care bills sit in limbo on Beacon Hill, with the Legislature yet to take action on the measures, which would tackle hospital oversight, prescription drug pricing, and substance use disorders.Before the Cuba trip was announced, Mariano suggested he would take a post-election vacation.“I have no intent to do anything right now, except maybe take a few days off,” he said in response to questions about changing a voter-approved law governing legislative audits.Material from State House News Service was used in this report.Samantha J. Gross can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @samanthajgross.

Penn Engineering launches Responsible Innovation Initiative at intersection of tech and ethics

Technology

Amy Gutmann Hall will expand Penn Engineering’s research infrastructure, helping facilitate the Responsible Innovation Initiative.
Credit: Kenny Chen

Penn Engineering launched the Responsible Innovation Initiative to operate at the intersection of tech and ethics and manage how future engineers approach technological innovations.

The Penn Engineering announcement of the initiative said that, by placing ethical considerations at the center of engineering education and research, it aims to ensure that technological advancement serves humanity’s best interests. The initiative also coincides with a significant expansion of Penn’s research infrastructure.

Business News | New Study Shows Almost Half of Tech Professionals in India Believe They Will Pivot Their Career Trajectory at Least Three Times to Stay Competitive

Technology

BusinessWire IndiaBengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 21: As India’s technological landscape undergoes constant transformation, tech professionals are redefining their career paths to stay ahead of the curve. A recent study commissioned by Amadeus, the global leader in travel technology, in collaboration with Opinium Research, reveals that nearly half (49%) of tech professionals in India believe they will need to pivot their careers at least three times to keep pace with the ever-changing technology landscape. In response, over 53% plan to switch jobs within the next five years.Also Read | International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024 Date: Know Theme and Significance of the UN Day That Highlights Gender-Based Violence.This trend underscores the growing demand for employers who prioritize upskilling and innovation, as professionals look for roles where they can thrive. 63% of respondents ranked innovation as their top priority when selecting a new employer. Furthermore, 1 in 4 tech professionals are willing to accept a pay cut to work for brands known for innovation and industry leadership. This highlights a shift towards valuing creative freedom and meaningful work over financial rewards.Innovation, Growth, and Equitable Workplace Drive Job ChangesAlso Read | Apple Clock 36% in Operating Revenue in India, Surpasses INR 66,700 Crore in FY24 Amid iPhone Demand Surge.Equitable workplaces are now critical factors in the job search. A remarkable 91% of tech professionals say they prioritize equitable workplace when choosing their next employer. Companies that actively embrace equitable workplace foster inclusive environments, which lead to better innovation and collaboration, contributing to improved business outcomes. This trend signifies that an equitable workplace is no longer just a moral imperative but a business strategy that companies must invest in to remain competitive.Despite high satisfaction levels in certain areas–70% of respondents express approval of the mental health and well-being support provided by their current employers, and 68% commend efforts to promote work-life balance–many professionals are still seeking change. This suggests that while well-being initiatives are valued, companies must go beyond these measures and invest more deeply in fostering innovation, professional growth, and flexibility to retain top talent.Mani Ganeshan, Senior Vice President – Head APAC Engineering and Amadeus Labs India, comments on the findings: “We are witnessing a profound shift in the world of work. The days when salary alone could attract and retain top talent are rapidly fading. Today’s tech professionals are demanding more–purpose, innovation, and continuous learning. Companies must now create ecosystems where employees are empowered to grow, experiment, and challenge the status quo. It’s no longer about offering just competitive compensation; the future belongs to organizations that invest in their people, foster inclusivity, and provide the flexibility to thrive. Those who embrace this change will not only retain talent but will also lead the industry into its next evolution.”Flexibility and Career Development: Top Priorities for Talent RetentionThe study also highlights flexibility as a key driver of job satisfaction. Nearly half (48%) of respondents say that flexible working options –whether remote work, adjustable hours, or hybrid models–are essential to their decision-making. For today’s workforce, flexibility has moved from being a perk to a core expectation. Employers who do not offer flexible work arrangements risk losing top talent to competitors who understand the importance of autonomy and work-life balance.Career progression remains equally critical, with 51% of tech professionals seeking clear and structured career development paths within their organizations. This reinforces the dual expectation of flexibility and visible growth opportunities. Tech professionals are not just looking for a job–they are searching for environments where they can advance their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.Shaping the Future of WorkThe future of work is now unfolding–and organizations that embrace these evolving priorities will set themselves apart in the tech landscape. By creating workplaces that prioritize innovation, inclusivity, flexibility, and continuous growth, companies will not only retain top talent but will also position themselves at the forefront of India’s thriving tech industry.MethodologyOpinium Research questioned 2,200 technology professionals from eight markets – India, France, Spain, Turkey, Colombia, Philippines, USA, and the UK – in the third quarter of 2024. Respondents were aged from 18-55+ and are employed in a representative cross-section of technology professions. Open questions were analyzed by Mercury Analytics. All statistics shown within this release are referring to the Indian respondents in the survey.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

How to turn AI into your travel agent

Travel

I’m going to Europe soon, and planning my trip was a breeze. Yes, really! Artificial intelligence did a big chunk of the work for me – and it can help you plan your next getaway, too.Start hereHere are a few ways to turn AI into your travel agent. There’s a whole industry of paid sites and apps popping up, but I haven’t found any that are useful enough to pay for. For this, let’s stick with using the big bots:◾ ChatGPT: My preferred AI chatbot; gives the best results based on my testing.◾ Gemini: Google’s chatbot is integrated into Google Flights and Google Hotels. I don’t think it’s as thorough as ChatGPT, and it often throws in weird opinions.1. Describe your likes and wantsYour AI travel buddy can do so much more than suggest tourist traps – it can help you create a truly tailored adventure. Remember, the more info you put in about who you are and what you like, the more “you” the suggestions will be.By interestsAI can curate a list of spots that match your hobbies or those of the group you’re traveling with:◾ “Find me the best food tours in Paris that include wine tastings.”◾ “What are some scenic hiking trails within 30 miles of Denver?”◾ “Suggest must-see art galleries in NYC for modern art lovers.”By weatherAI can suggest destinations based on your preferred climate at any time of year. So much easier than looking up weather charts!◾ “Find me a warm destination in the U.S. for January with average temps above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.”◾ “What are the best ski resorts in Wyoming for late December?”◾ “Where can I play golf in May with mild, spring-like weather?”By occasion or vibeNot sure where you want to go? Let AI find the perfect match for your mood. If you’re not sure how to word the vibe you’re looking for, tell AI how you want to feel on your trip.◾“What are some romantic destinations in Italy?”◾ “Suggest family-friendly vacation spots with amusement parks and beaches.”◾ “Where can I go to feel relaxed and refreshed in March without spending a ton of money?”The best part? AI doesn’t just offer generic lists; it crafts your dream trip based on what you love, need, or just want to experience.Need money for a vacation? Hear how one guy makes $170,000 a year answering questions online.2. Simplify bookings and reservationsAI does more than just answer questions. It simplifies the whole planning process so you can focus on the fun part of travel.Flights and transportationAI can assist in finding the best flight times, routes and transportation options based on your budget and preferences.◾ “What’s the most direct route from (origin) to (destination) with a layover under 2 hours?”◾ “Find me affordable train options from [city] to [city] with scenic views.”◾ “Which airlines offer the best in-flight perks for long-haul flights?”Hotels and accommodationsGet specific with your accommodation needs, and AI will help you sort through the options. It can do the hard work of sorting through reviews, amenities and locations for you. So sweet.◾ “What’s a family-friendly hotel in (destination) with a pool and free breakfast?”◾ “Suggest eco-friendly accommodations near hiking trails in (region).”◾ “Find a cozy boutique hotel in (city) within walking distance of top-rated restaurants.”Device charging no-nos: 5 mistakes people make when traveling.3. Ask the right questionsThis one hit the jackpot for me: “What are unique experiences in Berlin and Vienna during the first week of January?” The results? Festive Christmas markets, snowy countryside escapes and a hot springs spa. Not bad, right?For every city on my trip, I got creative with prompts:◾ “Help me plan a route between Paris and Vienna. My family loves unique experiences, scenic drives and amazing food.”◾ “I’m visiting Berlin. What are the tourist things I shouldn’t miss?”◾ “What’s a day-by-day itinerary for Paris that includes local food, hidden gems and cultural must-sees?”Don’t stop at the basics! Dig deeper and you’ll have your travel buddies asking, “How’d you know about this?”◾ “What’s an underrated restaurant where locals eat in (destination)?”◾ “Which festivals or seasonal events are happening in (destination) on (dates)?”◾ “What’s the easiest way to save on tickets and/or skip the lines for (popular attraction)?”Best ways to use credit card points for travel4. Time to pack like a proWe’ve all forgotten our phone chargers or overpacked like we’re moving abroad for a weekend trip.◾ Pack perfectly: “What should I pack for a (length of trip) to (destination) in (month)?”◾ Weatherproof your wardrobe: “What’s the weather typically like in (destination) in (month)?”◾ Stay document-ready: “What documents do I need for (destination)?” This way, you’re prepared for customs if you’re leaving the country. (By the way, you can now renew your passport online.)Share this with your favorite travel buddy and start planning for your next getaway. Bon voyage!The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.

Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia launches special campaigns to attract Indian tourists

Travel

New Delhi: As cricket fans gear up to watch the coveted India-Australia Test series starting Friday, host country Australia sees in the next six weeks a huge opportunity to bring in more Indian tourists.
The ‘Howzat for Holiday’ campaign, featuring Australia captain Pat Cummins and Tourism Australia’s mascot Ruby Kangaroo, aims to showcase top destinations to Indian audiences.
These 15- and 30-second advertisements are scheduled to be played during the telecast of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from 22 November to 7 January, 2025. The campaign has been launched by Tourism Australia, an entity funded in part by the Australian government.

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Indian tourists are a big market for Australia as their numbers have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels. According to reports, India is now Australia’s fifth-largest tourism market, up from seventh, attracting around 4.23 lakh travellers each year.“In January, we did extremely well with 26,200 Indians travelling to Australia, compared to 24,700 during the same month in 2019, a growth of 6.07 percent,” Tourism Australia announced earlier this year.“With tens of millions of people across India tuning in to watch the Test cricket series here in Australia, we have an opportunity to showcase to a huge audience why there is no place like Australia for a holiday,” said Senator Don Farrell, the Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism.
“Indian travellers are already visiting Australia in record numbers, and we expect even more in coming years, which is great news for our tourism industry,” he added.Apart from video ads, the campaign will also include print campaigns, signages, and billboards—aiming to reach up to 50 million people.More initiatives on the anvil 
The Pat Cummins ad campaign is one of the many initiatives Tourism Australia has introduced to attract Indians. In just a week, Australia launched a four-part social media campaign with David Warner and also struck a deal with Air India.The David Warner campaign, much like the one with Pat Cummins, aims to showcase top touristy destinations. Launched a week before the scheduled Test, the campaign takes viewers through various Australian cities.On the other hand, Tourism Australia has entered into a three-year partnership with Air India to display its stunning coral reefs and ocean roads, while the Indian airlines also aims to boost its presence in the country.
As per 2024 data, the airline operates 17 weekly, non-stop flights to Australia and holds an 18.5 percent share in the India-Australia travel market.“The aviation links between India and Australia have never been stronger, the market was one of the first to fully recover after the pandemic and, according to forecasts, the number of Indians travelling to Australia will double 2019 levels by 2028,” Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said.
Also read: Australian news outlet’s handles ‘blocked’ in Canada after it carried Jaishankar press conference—MEA

Revolutionising Medical Imaging: Venudhar Rao Hajari’s impact on healthcare technology

Technology

One of the most profound contributions Venudhar has made in his career is his involvement in the development of the world’s first digital PET/CT scanner. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, innovation plays a critical role in advancing patient care and outcomes. Venudhar Rao Hajari, a seasoned engineer with over two decades of experience, has made significant contributions to the field of medical imaging, particularly in the development of groundbreaking technology that has the potential to save lives on a global scale.

 Pioneering the Future of Cancer Detection

One of the most profound contributions Venudhar has made in his career is his involvement in the development of the world’s first digital PET/CT scanner. This revolutionary technology, developed at a major healthcare firm, represents a monumental leap forward in the early detection of cancer. Unlike traditional imaging systems, this digital PET/CT scanner allows for the identification of cancer at the earliest stages of biological development with minimal radioactive tracer injected into the patient. This advancement not only reduces patient exposure to harmful substances but also increases the likelihood of successful treatment by catching the disease in its nascent stages.

The impact of this technology cannot be overstated. By enabling earlier diagnosis, this scanner has the potential to save hundreds of lives, sparing patients and their families from the devastating effects of advanced-stage cancer. Venudhar’s role in this project underscores his deep commitment to leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes and his expertise in systems engineering and medical device development.

 Bridging Technology and Healthcare: A Unique Contribution

Venudhar’s work on the digital PET/CT scanner is a prime example of how he bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical healthcare solutions. His involvement in this project went beyond mere technical development; it was about creating a tool that could have a real, tangible impact on the lives of millions around the world. This scanner not only embodies the fusion of high-speed digital design with complex medical needs but also highlights Venudhar’s ability to innovate in a way that directly addresses critical challenges in healthcare.

The expertise gained from this project has been instrumental in Venudhar’s ability to secure patents in both the United States and Europe. These patents not only recognize the uniqueness of the technology but also solidify Venudhar’s role as a leading innovator in the field of medical imaging. His contributions have set a new standard for what is possible in cancer detection and have paved the way for future advancements in medical technology.

 The Broader Impact: Shaping the Future of Healthcare

Venudhar’s work is a testament to the power of innovation in shaping the future of healthcare. His ability to see beyond the immediate technical challenges and focus on the broader implications of his work has been key to his success. The digital PET/CT scanner is not just a piece of technology; it is a lifeline for patients, a tool that has the potential to change the course of their treatment and, in many cases, their lives.

The ripple effects of Venudhar’s contributions extend beyond the scanner itself. His work has inspired new approaches to medical imaging, encouraged the adoption of more advanced technologies in healthcare, and demonstrated the importance of early detection in disease management. By setting a precedent in the industry, Venudhar has influenced how future medical devices will be designed, tested, and implemented.

 About Venudhar Rao Hajari

Venudhar Rao Hajari is a seasoned engineer with over twenty years of experience in software verification, systems engineering, firmware development, and component engineering, with a focus on healthcare, avionics, and embedded products design. He is currently a Staff Quality Assurance Engineer at a global medical technology company. Venudhar’s expertise spans the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), and he is well-versed in regulatory compliance, high-speed digital design, and medical device development. His contributions to the field, particularly in the development of the world’s first digital PET/CT scanner, have earned him patents in the US and Europe, solidifying his reputation as a leading innovator in healthcare technology.

Christmas travellers to Italy will face airport strikes and a surge in petty crime, warns Foreign Office

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreTravellers to Italy face a series of problems over the coming days and months.On one of the busiest days in the run up to Christmas, Friday 29 November, a nationwide general strike will paralyse the transport system – causing severe disruption for air and rail travellers, as well as shutting down local transport.Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport says staff at the two main Milan airports, Linate and Malpensa, will walk out all day. Across in Venice, the strike will affect flights between 2 and 6pm.Many other airports are expected to be disrupted.Wizz Air staff working in Italy may strike all day, affecting a number of flights to and from the UK.Looking further ahead, a new Foreign Office bulletin warns about Holy Year, which begins on Christmas Eve 2024 and will “draw millions of pilgrims to the city” until it ends on 6 January 2026.“The higher number of travellers during the Holy Year could increase levels of petty crime,” says the FCDO – which also warns: “Expect heavy crowds and road closures.”A Holy Year, or Jubilee, takes place every 25 years.The next will begin on Christmas Eve 2024. The Vatican says: “The Holy Father will preside over the celebration of Mass at 7pm in St Peter’s Square. The Rite of Opening of the Holy Door will take place immediately afterwards.”James Hill, who runs cultural tours to Italy and elsewhere, told The Independent: “This one is likely to be even busier than the one in 2000. Estimates are that 25 to 40 million people will come to Rome in one calendar year, particularly from Easter 2025.”He recommends a visit to the Italian capital before mid-December 2024 or after 6 January 2026.The official airline for the year is ITA, which is offering extra benefits – including flight discounts – for holders of the official pilgrimage card.