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Anchored by next-generation IBM Quantum System Two in Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, new initiative will advance useful quantum applications as industries move towards quantum-centric supercomputing YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. and CHICAGO , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IBM (NYSE: IBM ) and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a collaboration to establish the new National Quantum Algorithm Center in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago . Anchored by IBM and other quantum computing pioneers including the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , the center will be fueled by IBM's next-generation quantum computer, IBM Quantum System Two, which the company plans to deploy in Chicago in the coming year. IBM Quantum System Two within the IQMP will be powered by IBM Quantum Heron, which can execute utility-scale algorithms beyond the capabilities of brute-force, classical simulation methods. Users will be able to leverage this system with Qiskit, IBM's performant quantum software, which is designed to be able to extend the length and complexity of quantum circuits to extract accurate results for problems of scientific and research value. These capabilities will enable Illinois' growing ecosystem of quantum innovators across academia, national labs, and industries to discover how quantum-centric supercomputing could be used for complex industry challenges. As the next evolution of high-performance computing, IBM's vision of quantum-centric supercomputing will integrate quantum and classical computers with performant software to break apart problems, allowing each architecture to solve parts of a complex algorithm for which it is best suited. Ultimately, this is engineered for users to run applications that are inaccessible or difficult for each computing paradigm on its own. "We are proud of the progress we have made to bring useful quantum technology to the world, and this new partnership with the State of Illinois and its thriving innovation ecosystem brings us one step closer to defining the future of computing," said Arvind Krishna , Chairman and CEO, IBM . "With IBM's best performing quantum hardware and software in the heart of Illinois' innovation network, together we can truly unlock the potential of quantum computing to solve the world's hardest problems." "We're making Illinois the global quantum capital and the center for job growth in the quantum industry – a true center of innovation with the power to solve the world's most pressing and complex challenges and create jobs and investment for our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "The groundbreaking National Quantum Algorithm Center in Illinois represents a transformative step forward, whose impact will reverberate throughout the tech industry and beyond. I'm grateful to the leadership at IBM and our university and other industry partners for their ongoing efforts to accelerate quantum computing across our state." Within the National Quantum Algorithm Center, quantum information experts, experimentalists, and domain experts across industries will share a unified objective to uncover yet unknown algorithms that leverage quantum-centric computing, including those which combine quantum and classical supercomputing resources across workflows. These teams will explore rigorous experimentation to determine how to execute workloads for complex, industry challenges and within future hybrid supercomputing architectures. To help drive new algorithm discovery, IBM will leverage its leadership as a pioneer in bringing useful quantum computing to the world with its existing relationships with Illinois academic and industry leaders, including long-standing collaborations with the University of Chicago , the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , and members of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the U.S. Economic Development Administration-designated Bloch Quantum Technology Hub. "IBM's decision to engage more deeply with our vibrant Illinois quantum ecosystem marks a new phase in the development of quantum information technologies," said Paul Alivisatos , President of the University of Chicago . "UChicago faculty and students will be able to deepen and expand their work in this area in collaboration with IBM scientists, colleagues from other universities, and many interested companies. The development of new algorithms is the next step to demonstrating effective quantum computations across a wide range of important problems and sectors." "We're thrilled to partner with IBM to bring the National Quantum Algorithm Center to life and look forward to hosting its state-of-the-art Quantum Computer as part of the IQMP," said Harley Johnson , Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and Founder Professor in Mechanical Science and Engineering, U. of I . "The IQMP is building upon Illinois' strong existing ecosystem of top-tier talent, research centers, universities and more to further establish our state as a global hub for quantum, and all of the economic growth and technological advancement that comes with it. The National Quantum Algorithm Center will be a place where innovators can realize the potential quantum computing holds to solve some of our most complex problems, and we're grateful to have IBM as a part of our campus." "The great promise of quantum innovation is being realized through powerful partnerships with industry leaders like IBM connecting further to our universities, national labs, and state government," said Rashid Bashir , Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign . "Our collaborative ecosystem is perfectly positioned to lead the National Quantum Algorithm Center through world-renowned faculty and students, and an entrepreneurial spirit that answers the most pressing questions of our time." "The announcement of the National Quantum Algorithm Center in collaboration with IBM and some of our brightest higher education institutions is a pivotal moment in Illinois' trajectory toward becoming a world leader in quantum research and development," said John Atkinson , Chairman of Intersect Illinois. "Thanks to the planning, foresight and execution of our Team Illinois partners — including Governor JB Pritzker and his administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the state's unmatched quantum ecosystem — we are well positioned to ensure the investment and job creation generated by this industry stays right here in Illinois ." About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit ibm.com for more information. Media Contact Chris Nay IBM Research cnay@us.ibm.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibm-and-state-of-illinois-to-build-national-quantum-algorithm-center-in-chicago-with-universities-and-industries-302330657.html SOURCE IBMLooking At Spotify Technology's Recent Unusual Options Activity

You can learn something about a city by just walking through it. Most of New York City's Manhattan core feels bustling, whereas a San Francisco block can seem dormant. In Rome, it is common to see groups of men standing around, chatting or arguing. We are all familiar with such casual generalizations, but what might the data show more explicitly? Fortunately, there is new research. We have entered the age where innovative methods of measurement, such as computer vision and deep learning, can reveal how American life has changed. Researchers at the National Bureau of Economic Research compiled footage of four urban public spaces, two in New York and one each in Philadelphia and Boston, from 1979-1980 and again in 2008-2010. These snapshots of American life, roughly 30 years apart, reveal how changes in work and culture might have shaped the way people move and interact on the street. The videos capture people circulating in two busy Manhattan locations, in Bryant Park in midtown and outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side; around Boston's Downtown Crossing shopping district; and on Chestnut Street in downtown Philadelphia. One piece of good news is that at least when it comes to our street behavior, we don't seem to have become more solitary. From 1980 to 2010 there was hardly any change in the share of pedestrians walking alone, rising from 67% to 68%. A bigger change is that average walking speed rose by 15%. So the pace of American life has accelerated, at least in public spaces in the Northeast. Most economists would predict such a result, since the growth in wages has increased the opportunity cost of just walking around. Better to have a quick stroll and get back to your work desk. The biggest change in behavior was that lingering fell dramatically. The amount of time spent just hanging out dropped by about half across the measured locations. Note that this was seen in places where crime rates have fallen, so this trend was unlikely to have resulted from fear of being mugged. Instead, Americans just don't use public spaces as they used to. These places now tend to be for moving through, to get somewhere, rather than for enjoying life or hoping to meet other people. There was especially a shift at Boston's Downtown Crossing. In 1980, 54% of the people there were lingering, whereas by 2010 that had fallen to 14%. Consistent with this observation, the number of public encounters also fell. You might be no less likely to set off with another person in tow, but you won't meet up with others as often while you are underway. The notion of downtown as a "public square," rife with spontaneous or planned encounters, is not what it used to be. The internet and mobile phones are likely driving this change in behavior. If there is someone you want to meet up with, it is today much easier to arrange that in advance, rather than hoping for chance encounters. Anecdotally, I have noticed that the notion of a "hangout" is less central to daily life than when I was growing up, though people will talk about "hanging out" on social media such as X or Bluesky. Another driver of change could be the aging of America. In the 1980s, when I was in my 20s, I sometimes would hang out at the Downtown Crossing area in Boston, but it is unlikely, if I still lived nearby, that I would do so today. As an older person, I am busier and have more pre-established social networks, including in other cities and online. I also find that more people in public spaces are on their cell phones, so what's the point? American cities have devoted considerable attention to developing public spaces as a place to meet up and socialize. Some pedestrian-oriented spaces, such as New York City's Times Square and downtown areas in Cleveland and Philadelphia, among others, are far more animated than they were three decades ago. But perhaps the emphasis on the public square is less appropriate than it used to be, and traffic management, in the broad sense of that term, should be the new priority. Should we prefer this new world to the old? There is probably no going back, but in the meantime I will be observing public spaces in a new and different way. I am more likely to see the velocity of movement and take stock of the social thinness of what is before me, and thus be all the more in a hurry to get to my next destination. Tyler Cowen is the chair of the economics department at George Mason University and a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. Get local news delivered to your inbox!OTTAWA - Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump is brushing off Ontario’s threat to restrict electricity exports in retaliation for sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, as the province floats the idea of effectively barring sales of American alcohol. On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford said Ontario is contemplating restricting electricity exports to Michigan, New York state and Minnesota if Trump follows through on a threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada. “That’s OK if he that does that. That’s fine,” Trump told American network CNBC when asked Thursday about Ford’s remarks on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. “The United States is subsidizing Canada and we shouldn’t have to do that,” Trump added. “And we have a great relationship. I have so many friends in Canada, but we shouldn’t have to subsidize a country,” he said, claiming this amounts to more than US$100 billion annually in unspecified subsidies. Meanwhile, an official in the Ford government says it’s considering restricting the Liquor Control Board of Ontario from buying American-made alcohol. The province says the Crown agency is the largest purchaser of alcohol in the world. The province also says it could restrict exports of Canadian critical minerals required for electric-vehicle batteries, and bar American companies from provincial procurement. Ford doubled down Thursday on the idea of cutting off energy exports. The province says that in 2013, Ontario exported enough energy to power 1.5 million homes in those three states. “It’s a last resort,” Ford said. “We’re sending a message to the U.S. (that if) you come and attack Ontario, you attack livelihoods of people in Ontario and Canadians, we are going to use every tool in our tool box to defend Ontarians and Canadians. Let’s hope it never comes to that.” Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the province would rather have co-operation with the U.S., but has mechanisms to “end power sale into the U.S. market” the day Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ruled out following suit. “Under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports,” she said. “Our approach is one of diplomacy, not threats.” Michael Sabia, president and CEO of Hydro-Québec, said “it’s not our current intention” to cut off Quebec’s exports to Massachusetts or New York state, but he conceded it might be possible. “Our intention is to respect those contracts, both because they’re legally binding, but also because it’s part of, in our view, a sound relationship with the United States,” he said. “It’s a questionable instrument to use in a trade conflict.” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew would not directly say whether Manitoba would threaten to withhold hydroelectric exports. “We are preparing our list and starting to think through what those options should look like,” he said. “I’m not going to make specific news today about items that we’re looking at.” Kinew added that some premiers felt retaliatory measures wouldn’t work in a call Trudeau held Wednesday. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said “we have no interest in stopping” the export of energy to the U.S., adding that a trade war would hurt both countries. “We hope it is just bluster; we’re preparing as if it is not,” he said. Canada supplies more oil to the U.S. than any other country. About 60 per cent of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85 per cent of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada sold $170 billion worth of energy products last year to the U.S. It also has 34 critical minerals and metals the Pentagon is eager for. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tax on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs. Canadian officials have said it is unfair to lump Canada in with Mexico. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Canada since has promised more border security spending to address Trump’s border concerns. Ford said that will include more border and police officers, as well as drones and sniffer dogs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press, Liam Casey in Toronto, Lisa Johnson in Edmonton and Steve Lambert in Winnipeg.

Guest Opinion: Biden’s unpardonable clemency — Clearing son Hunter clouds father Joe’s legacy

Education and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said Bangladesh has no option to defer its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) club. "Even if we want to, we may not be able to remain in the group of LDCs. Many people don't know that," he said. The eminent economist made the remarks yesterday in Dhaka at a four-day conference organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). As per the United Nations schedule, Bangladesh is set to graduate from the LDC status in November 2026. However, owing to the economic crisis that has been prevalent for nearly two years, the issue of deferring graduation has been coming to the spotlight in recent months, particularly by local businesses. With the economy in a fragile state due to the fallouts of global inflationary pressure, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war as well as political turmoil and energy shocks on the domestic front, a section of exporters has been putting pressure on the government to shelve any graduation plans. According to a UN report, trade preferences accorded to Bangladesh as an LDC have played a crucial role in the development of its economy and achievements in trade and social sectors. The loss of these benefits following graduation is expected to dent a lot of businesses by costing the country its trade competitiveness, especially if it fails to secure bilateral agreements with major export destinations. In November, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed told the media that they are yet to make a decision on the scheduled graduation. The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) reviews the LDC category every three years, assessing the progress of countries across three criteria, namely income, human assets, and vulnerability. Based on these reviews, the CDP recommends which countries should be classified as LDCs to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The final decision is made by the UN General Assembly. To graduate, a country must meet the threshold for two of the three criteria in two consecutive reviews. "We have already qualified twice," Prof Mahmud said, referring to the previous reviews in 2018 and 2021. If any country files a petition to the CDP's hearing committee saying that they are unable to graduate or asking to stay in the group of LDCs, it is considered degrading, he added. "The Maldives and some tiny island nations applied for it, but it was unsuccessful." When a country qualifies, it graduates automatically, the adviser explained. "We need to continue discussions on unilateral concessions with different nations. Japan, Canada and the European Union can be favourable options," he added. He also underscored the need for export diversification and economic diplomacy to negotiate in the global market. Earlier, members of a panel that recently prepared a white paper on the state of the economy also advised the government not to defer graduation. "Based on the committee's assessment of data and information, Bangladesh meets the requirements for LDC graduation despite the challenging economic situation," Debapriya Bhattacharya, who led the panel, said last week. "So, we don't see any reason to hold back the graduation process." In its report, the white paper committee said recent concerns about inflated economic indicators under the previous Awami League government would have little relevance in the case of LDC graduation. The UN bodies will only revisit their calculations when a revised data set, including gross national income estimates, is available from government sources. "Notwithstanding the reservations expressed by certain exporters' groups, there is hardly any plausible reason, as of now, for Bangladesh to request a deferment of the exit date from the LDC group," it said. "Under these circumstances, Bangladesh will be well advised to pursue a substantive and effective LDC graduation strategy. This will require putting forward a transition plan to counteract the negative fallouts of Bangladesh's graduation out of the LDC group and enable the required structural transformation of the economy." The white paper added that postposing graduation will invite political backlash. According to a triennial review by the CDP in February this year, the current situation remains comfortable despite recent economic and political challenges. Even the dampened economic performance during the current fiscal year is not expected to bring the country below the stipulated thresholds, it said. Illusory wealth in big industry balance sheets Speaking of how Bangladesh can build an egalitarian society after a mass uprising toppled the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, Mahmud said that the interim government is facing a huge shortage of resources. This has made it difficult to increase investment in education, health and human resource development. "A lot of money has been smuggled out of the country. People's money is in the banks, but the money has gone out," he said. Although there is a lot of money in the balance sheets of some big industrial companies, it does not exist in reality, he said, mentioning the example of Beximco. "Workers have to be paid. But where will the money come from?" he asked. It is difficult to build an egalitarian society when contending with such realities. "Now it has become a moral issue whether to buy dialysis machines or invest in public health," he said, adding that even seasoned economists and philosophers like Amartya Sen and John Rawls may not be able to come up with a solution for such a moral dilemma. Indermit S Gill, the chief economist of the World Bank Group, said during a presentation at the event that middle-income countries, which are home to 6 billion people, were caught in a race against time. "The external environment is making things harder, not easier. To escape the middle-income trap, countries need to undergo two transitions, not one. The transitions are between investment, infusion and innovation. "To grow quickly, they have to discipline incumbents, reward merit, and capitalise on crises," Indermit said. Binayak Sen, director general of the BIDS, delivered the opening remarks. A total of 30 papers, two keynote addresses and 12 public lectures from Bangladesh and abroad will be presented and delivered at the conference, said Sen.

Quest Partners LLC Has $491,000 Position in IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV)Shoppers seeking updates on their online purchases are receiving fake shipping notifications — something that is heightened during the busy shipping season during the holidays. The endless texts and phishing emails alert shoppers to a delivery issue requiring immediate attention. Scripps News Baltimore Reporter Mallory Sofastaii spoke with multiple customers at the post office, who told her they have received these scam texts. Scammers just need one person to fall for it. “They’re desperately hoping that you will act so quickly that you will give them whatever they want so that they can steal money from you,” said Karen Morgan, executive council member and lead fraud volunteer with AARP Maryland. RELATED STORY | This phishing scam uses text messages pretending to be USPS with a delivery AARP is warning shoppers about these scam texts seeking personal information such as date of birth, Social Security Number, or account logins. And they received a report of someone paying a $0.99 re-delivery fee and later realizing they'd been charged $400. “Do not act quickly on any of these notifications. Stop a minute to recall, did you actually order something? Have you actually sent something? And by the way, if it's the post office, FedEx or UPS, don't they already have your address? Why do they need you to give it to them again?” Morgan suggested. USPS will never send a text or email without the customer first requesting tracking information and they do not charge for these services. “I have registered with the post office to receive emails,” said online shopper Ana Cruz, who uses USPS Informed Delivery , a free service to keep track of mail and packages that are scheduled to be delivered. Howard Shand said he doesn’t do a lot of online shopping. “I go direct to a store, so I don't really have that problem. You know, I shop early,” he added. And he said he's extra vigilant for a reason. “I've been scammed before, so, you know, it makes you more alert,” Shand said. “Just be careful. Pay attention and don't let down your guard easily.” It's important not to click on any links in these messages. Even if you don't enter your information, malware could be downloaded onto your device. And some of the links will take you to a fake login page designed to steal your password and then lock you out of your real account or to hack into other financial accounts. Click here to see the other 12 Scams of Christmas. This story was originally published by Mallory Sofastaii at Scripps News Baltimore .