Eric Schmidt argues that the United States needs a national compute strategy akin to the Apollo program to secure its position in the global race for artificial intelligence. As nations worldwide escalate investments in AI and advanced computing, Schmidt emphasizes the importance of government-led infrastructure, like the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), to support AI research and development. He contends that only through a combination of dedicated federal AI supercomputers and strategic talent acquisition, including relaxed immigration policies for PhD holders, can America maintain its lead in innovation and national security. Schmidt calls for immediate foundational investments to sustain long-term competitive advantages in AI technology.

Eric Schmidt: Why America needs an Apollo program for the age of AI MIT Technology Review

Ascension Health announced a ransomware attack detected on May 8, prompting them to halt non-emergency procedures and block online patient records. This follows a broader trend of increased ransomware attacks in the healthcare sector. Despite efforts to secure systems, healthcare entities like Murfreesboro Medical Clinic have faced swift class action lawsuits post-breach. A new state law, now pending the governor's approval, aims to prevent such lawsuits unless gross negligence is involved. Critics argue this could provide undue immunity to negligent organizations. Ascension is collaborating with federal agencies and cybersecurity experts to manage the current attack and restore services.

New state law to protect entities under cyber attack from class action suits amid Ascension Health hack WKRN

UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Center for Health Innovation (JCHI) has been active in enhancing patient care through technology-driven initiatives. Since its launch in 2021, JCHI implemented an AI sepsis prediction algorithm that reduced sepsis deaths by 17% in emergency departments. The center also rolled out an at-home patient monitoring program and is developing a 24/7 command center to improve care coordination. The innovation uses a hybrid cloud infrastructure, mainly relying on AWS but integrating on-premises systems for comprehensive data management. Current projects include leveraging AI for generative tasks and developing an AI-driven Mission Control Center to manage hospital operations, with an anticipated launch of the full operations hub in 2026. This center aims to continuously foster innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes across the healthcare system.

Health innovation hubs like the Emory Healthcare Innovation Hub and the MaineHealth Innovation Center are being developed nationwide to address key healthcare challenges and integrate advanced technologies. Emory's hub has collaborated on projects involving AI, AR, and VR with healthcare and tech companies to improve patient care and staff productivity. Meanwhile, MaineHealth's Innovation Center supports employees’ projects through funding and partnerships, with initiatives including AR training systems and AI-powered diagnostic tools. These centers

Why Healthcare Organizations Are Launching Innovation Centers healthtechmagazine.net

A senior FBI official recently disclosed that Scattered Spider, a cybercriminal group implicated in multiple high-profile breaches, consists of approximately 1,000 individuals. At the Sleuthcon conference, Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, characterized the group as vast and dispersed, with many members not knowing each other directly. Known also as “0ktapus” or UNC3944 by cybersecurity firms, Scattered Spider has targeted big-name companies like MGM Resorts and Okta. Its members, primarily from the U.S. and the U.K., specialize in social engineering to gain network access and have collaborated with ransomware groups. The group is recognized as a top cybersecurity threat, with parallels to nation-state actors. The FBI has faced criticism for limited arrests but emphasizes ongoing efforts and some private actions. The potent threat from groups like Scattered Spider has spurred calls for more resources and attention to cybercrime, comparable to those for state-aligned cyber operations.

Potent youth cybercrime ring made up of 1,000 people, FBI official says CyberScoop