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“Who is impacted by the two monthly tax payments withdrawn on March 15, 2024?”

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March 11, 2024

“Who is impacted by the two monthly tax payments withdrawn on March 15, 2024?”

Mark your calendars for March 15, 2024, as it marks the third monthly tax withdrawal for those who have opted for monthly tax payments. This month, two key deductions will be made – property tax and housing tax for second homes. Property tax applies to owners as of January 1, 2023, while housing tax affects those with second homes. To view the specific amounts deducted, log into your account and navigate to the “Manage my withholding tax” and “View the history of all your withdrawals” sections. Keep an eye out for the direct debit titled “LEVEL General Directorate of Public Finances” in your banking application.

In addition to these deductions, income without collectors, such as self-employed workers, farmers, and recipients of alimony, will also see levies taken out. To find out the exact amounts of these deductions, consult your latest tax notice or visit the tax website and log in to your Personal space to access the “Consult my personal tax situation” section.

For further information, visit the tax website at www.impots.gouv.fr and stay informed about the upcoming tax levies.

Prominent figures appointed to Chancellor’s Advisory Board for the first time

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March 11, 2024

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Prominent figures appointed to Chancellor’s Advisory Board for the first time

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive has established an external Chancellor’s Advisory Board to advance the university’s mission and broaden its impact. Comprised of thought leaders from various fields known for their expertise and success, the board will provide advice on emerging research areas and programs to expand the university’s reach.

The diverse perspectives of board members aim to deepen connections with existing partners, develop new collaborations, and identify strategies to amplify the university’s strengths. Chancellor Larive emphasized the importance of external input in widening the institution’s influence and transforming student lives for the better.

The inaugural 14 members of the UC Santa Cruz Chancellor’s Advisory Board include notable figures such as Raquel Arias, Anna Escobedo Cabral, and Bud Colligan. Larive expressed gratitude for their willingness to support the university’s work.

UC Santa Cruz is recognized as a leading research university committed to student success and access. Faculty members are at the forefront of innovation, making significant contributions to society and technology. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities and has joined the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities to increase opportunities for underserved communities.

The formation of the advisory board follows the completion of the UC Santa Cruz Strategic Plan, outlining academic and programmatic goals for the next decade. Chancellor Larive believes this is the right time to pursue new initiatives and leverage the expertise of board members to further advance the university.

The Chancellor’s Advisory Board will work alongside other external advisory boards on campus to enhance the university’s impact and foster continued growth and success.

“Key Learnings from AI-Enhanced Invention Guidance”

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March 11, 2024

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The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has recently issued guidance regarding inventorship for inventions developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). This move comes as part of the federal government’s efforts to ensure that AI is developed in a safe, secure, and trustworthy manner.

The guidance aims to clarify how inventorship is determined when AI is involved in the innovation process. It reflects the USPTO’s commitment to adapting examination practices to keep up with the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The issuance of this guidance follows earlier attempts to name an AI agent as an inventor in a patent application. These attempts, notably by the Artificial Intelligence Project in 2019, were met with rejection by the USPTO. The courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, upheld the decision that inventors must be natural human beings.

Stephen Thaler, representing the Artificial Intelligence Project, argued at each stage that AI agents should be recognized as inventors to encourage innovation. However, both the USPTO and the courts emphasized that the Patent Act specifies that inventors must be natural persons.

In light of these rulings, the USPTO’s guidance reaffirms that AI entities cannot be listed as inventors. Instead, it outlines criteria for identifying a natural person associated with an AI-assisted invention as the inventor. The guidance utilizes the Pannu factors to determine if the individual has made a significant contribution to the claimed invention.

With this guidance, the USPTO aims to assist applicants and examiners in determining whether a natural person using AI should be recognized as an inventor based on their contributions to the invention. The guidance aims to strike a balance between encouraging innovation in AI-assisted inventions while maintaining the integrity of inventorship requirements.

For more information on the USPTO’s AI inventorship guidance, interested parties can refer to the official USPTO resources available on their website. This guidance marks a significant step in the evolving landscape of patent law and AI technology, ensuring that innovation is fostered while adhering to legal standards.

Convenient Stores to Introduce Payment Platform for Fleet Customers Using Car IQ

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March 11, 2024

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Convenient Stores to Introduce Payment Platform for Fleet Customers Using Car IQ

Huck’s Convenience Store Teams Up with Car IQ for Fleet Fueling Solution

Huck’s Convenience Store has announced a new partnership with vehicle payment technology company, Car IQ. This collaboration will allow commercial fleet drivers to utilize Car IQ’s payment method at all 128 Huck’s convenience stores.

Jon Bunch, director of marketing at Huck’s, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Working with Car IQ checks a lot of boxes for us. We’re always looking to innovate in everything we do. With Car IQ in our corner, we can not only provide an incredible, state-of-the-art payment platform for our customers, but we can also tap into an enormous amount of new opportunities to create commercial fleet volume at our stations.”

Car IQ’s technology uses unique vehicle ID and data to automatically connect vehicles to merchants, allowing fleet drivers to pay for fuel, toll management, parking, electric-vehicle (EV) charging, and more without the need for a fleet card program.

Through Car IQ’s platform, commercial fleet vehicles can connect directly to Huck’s gas pumps. Fleet drivers will make payments through the Car IQ app, eliminating the need for credit cards. The telematics integration enables Car IQ Pay to validate the fleet vehicle, authorize payment, and unlock the pump for fueling.

After fueling, Car IQ handles the payment to the merchant and verifies that the fuel was received. Receipts and invoices are sent to a central ledger, simplifying card management and reconciliation. Car IQ’s use of unique vehicle data to measure the fuel tank before and after the transaction ensures there is zero risk of fraud or friendly fraud during the payment process.

This partnership between Huck’s Convenience Store and Car IQ expands the Car IQ network in key geographic locations, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. This move will provide greater convenience and efficiency for commercial fleet drivers in these areas.

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Karen Lincoln Michel to Step Down as CEO at IndiJ Public Media

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March 11, 2024

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Karen Lincoln Michel to Step Down as CEO at IndiJ Public Media

Karen Lincoln Michel is set to step down as the CEO of IndiJ Public Media in Phoenix, as announced by the organization in a recent press release. Michel will be transitioning to a new role focusing on the organization’s local Indigenous journalism efforts once a successor has been hired.

According to the press release, this shift is part of the organization’s strategic plan to provide opportunities to emerging leaders who possess proven skills and innovative ideas to advance the nonprofit news startup to the next level. Michel initially joined the organization as the president of ICT, an independent nonprofit news outlet catering to Indigenous communities, in 2019. Her title was later upgraded to CEO when IndiJ Public Media acquired ICT in 2021.

The ICT Newscast, a program led by Michel, is currently broadcasted on 40 public television stations. Michel expressed her gratitude for her role as President and CEO of IndiJ Public Media, stating that it has been the highlight of her career. She emphasized her belief in the organization’s mission to deliver compelling stories created by Indigenous journalists to Indigenous communities.

IndiJ Public Media has already commenced a national search to find a suitable replacement for Michel. Derrick Beetso, chair of IndiJ’s board, praised Michel’s dedication to amplifying Native voices in the media landscape, highlighting her leadership, insights, and unwavering commitment to fulfilling IndiJ’s mission during her tenure as the first CEO and President of the organization.

‘hedgehog lab Elevates Fintech Expert to Chief Client Officer’

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March 11, 2024

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‘hedgehog lab Elevates Fintech Expert to Chief Client Officer’

Hedgehog lab, a global tech consultancy based in the North East, has recently appointed Clare Weightman as its new chief client officer. Weightman joined the company last year through the acquisition of digital product firm Netsells as part of a multi-million investment deal from investors BGF.

With a background in account management at leading companies such as Newcastle Strategic Solutions, Weightman brings a wealth of experience to hedgehog lab. Her expertise has already made a significant impact on client communication and the development of a high-performing commercial team.

CEO Sarat Pediredla expressed his confidence in Weightman’s abilities, stating, “Having worked closely with Clare for almost a year now, I am pleased to announce her appointment as our new chief client officer. Her dedication and strategic vision have greatly influenced the company, and I have no doubt that her leadership will enhance our client-centric approach, driving growth and innovation within the business.”

Weightman herself shared her excitement about the new role, stating, “I am thrilled to be starting a new chapter at hedgehog lab as chief client officer. Our goal is to empower our talented team to produce exceptional work for our global clients. I look forward to collaborating with our experts in UXR, UI/UX, engineering, cloud, AI, and data science to deliver groundbreaking solutions to our clients.”

“Charles Promises Commonwealth: ‘I Will Continue to Serve You and Adapt to Current Trends'”

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March 11, 2024

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“Charles Promises Commonwealth: ‘I Will Continue to Serve You and Adapt to Current Trends'”

King Charles, in a heartfelt message to the Commonwealth, has pledged to “continue to serve you, to the best of my ability” as he undergoes treatment for cancer. The 75-year-old monarch expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and well wishes he has received since his diagnosis.

Speaking from Windsor Castle in a video message, King Charles thanked the public for their kind and thoughtful messages regarding his health. He acknowledged the overwhelming support and reassured the Commonwealth that he is committed to serving them to the best of his ability.

The King’s message comes at a time when his health is a concern, but his determination to fulfill his duties remains unwavering. As he continues his treatment, King Charles remains steadfast in his dedication to the Commonwealth and its people.

The video message from King Charles serves as a reminder of his commitment to his role and his gratitude for the support he has received. Despite facing health challenges, the monarch’s resolve to serve the Commonwealth remains strong.

’24th Annual Peanut Butter Drive Launched by Washington Trust to Support Local Food Banks’

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March 11, 2024

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’24th Annual Peanut Butter Drive Launched by Washington Trust to Support Local Food Banks’

Washington Trust Company Launches 24th Annual Peanut Butter Drive

The Washington Trust Company, also known as Washington Trust, has officially started its 24th annual Peanut Butter Drive. The bank will be collecting jars of peanut butter at its 27 branch locations until March 31, 2024.

The peanut butter collected during the Washington Trust Peanut Butter Drive will be donated to 19 local hunger relief agencies within the bank’s footprint. In addition to physical donations, online contributions will support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Connecticut Foodshare, and the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Since its inception in 2001, the annual Peanut Butter Drive has collected over 159 tons of peanut butter, which is equivalent to creating 5 million peanut butter sandwiches. This initiative serves as a crucial resource for those in need and aims to combat food insecurity in the region.

For more information on how to contribute to the Peanut Butter Drive, visit Washington Trust’s website or the Corporation’s website. Join Washington Trust in making a difference in the community by supporting this important cause.

Contact:
The Washington Trust Company

‘New brand updates unveiled by Thomas Foods International in the USA’

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March 11, 2024

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Thomas Foods International USA (TFI), a prominent importer and processor of premium proteins, has unveiled a fresh new brand design for its Thomas Farms line. The aim of this redesign is to captivate consumers while effectively showcasing what sets Thomas Farms apart – their roots as an Australian family-run business and the superior quality of their products.

“We wanted to not only excite consumers but also visually communicate the essence of Thomas Farms; our Australian heritage and the exceptional quality of our offerings,” stated Michael Forrest, the CEO of Thomas Foods International USA.

The revamped packaging will highlight specific features and benefits of each product, such as being grass fed and finished, lean/fat ratios, humanely raised, certified USDA Organic, and all natural. The packaging itself will now be made of clear recyclable trays, a sustainable shift from the previously used black modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) containers.

Furthermore, every MAP film and pre-printed label on the back panel will feature a QR code linking to a website with recipes, instructional videos, nutritional details, and more. This added feature aims to cater to busy consumers who are increasingly conscious about the products they purchase.

“For modern consumers, it’s not just about buying a product; it’s about buying into a set of values. Our new packaging ensures that shoppers can easily identify the qualities important to them while also gaining mealtime inspiration and insight into our brand story,” Forrest explained.

The brand promise of the Thomas family, championed by Darren Thomas, the managing director of Thomas Foods International, will be prominently displayed on each and every package. This reaffirms the company’s commitment to upholding values that prioritize the welfare of animals, people, and the environment.

Experience Enhanced Living with a Customized Aqara Smart Home

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March 11, 2024

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Experience Enhanced Living with a Customized Aqara Smart Home

Aqara: Revolutionizing Smart Home Living

Looking to transform your home into a smart, automated haven? Look no further than Aqara, a brand that offers a diverse range of smart home devices spanning over 30 different categories. With Aqara’s versatile solutions, the possibilities are endless for customizing and controlling your home in innovative ways.

Illuminate your living space with Aqara’s multicolor LED Strips and Ceiling Light, boasting 16 million color options in temperatures ranging from cool to warm. Enhance your home security with Aqara’s wireless video doorbell, and bid farewell to traditional keys with Aqara’s smart lock featuring a keypad and fingerprint reader, automatic lock, and emergency unlock functions.

Even your furry companions can benefit from Aqara’s technology with the smart pet feeder, allowing you to schedule and monitor your pet’s feeding habits remotely. From curtain automation to room temperature control, Aqara has you covered with its rod and track drivers for seamless operation.

Aqara’s lineup includes smart home controllers and sensors to tailor your home automation experience, monitoring room temperature, smoke levels, motion detection, and more. Choose from a variety of Aqara hubs to centralize your smart home system, including hubs with integrated smart speakers and security cameras.

With Aqara’s comprehensive range of smart home solutions, you can enjoy a personalized and convenient living experience like never before. Say goodbye to traditional home management and embrace the future with Aqara.