Mumbai/New Delhi: The ever-bulging employee databases of companies are increasingly getting leaked into the internet for want of adequate security measures and, in some cases, for want of investment into available cybersecurity technologies. For instance, On 12 November, Amazon Inc. confirmed a 2023 employee data leak through a third-party vendor, bearing PIIs (personally identifiable information) of more than 100 million individuals from 2,000-plus companies—the biggest reported incident of its nature. Then, in October this year, US telecom firm Cisco faced a significant data leak of classified internal documents. In India, the problem is getting more acute as companies attempt to increase their diversity quotient, as hiring or even retrenchments increase in a volatile economic environment, and as companies seek to roll out increasingly customised benefit plans for key employees. Rajesh Padmanabhan, CEO of Talavvy, a Mumbai-based business transformation lab, said leaked employee databases can put the entire enterprise at risk, and breach of privacy means violation of corporate governance. “For instance, if the list of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) details are leaked externally, then one can access information of the employees, their special abilities and sell them to insurance etc. without their consent," he said. “Firms are now outsourcing their payroll processes, insurance, HR services, and there is no way to keep track of whether those firms are keeping data safe," said Dhiraj Gupta, chief technology officer of MFilterIt, a fraud detection and prevention firm. Increase in data breaches Noting that there has been a 20% increase in data breaches from corporates since 2022, including employee data, Gupta said that “employees have little knowledge where their database is stored and with whom". IBM’s global ‘Cost of a data breach, 2024’ report said that employee PIIs were a part of 40% of all breaches reported this year, which increased 10% over 2023. Further, the average cost of leaked employee information to businesses rose to $189 million for each breach—a 4.4% year-on-year rise. The overall cost of a data breach, $4.88 million this year, is at its highest ever. The increasing popularity of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT also increases the risk, experts said. While matching job hiring mandates with the candidate’s skills, many HR heads upload resumes on ChatGPT, which means the data of the candidate is available to others. Also read | On the other hand, staffing firms that recruit for companies say they are aware of the leaks and take great caution. “We have enhanced security audits and conduct them quarterly and, when needed, even more frequently. Access to data is restricted based on the specific role, ensuring only relevant information is available rather than all data," said Neeti Sharma, CEO of staffing firm Teamlease Digital. The recruitment firm, which hires in large numbers for its clients, told Mint that its employees and technology platforms are trained to distinguish between mandatory and optional data. “For instance, Aadhaar may be required for background verification, but other data points’ access may not be needed for everyone at all times," Sharma added. Aware of GDPR Firms exposed to global clients are especially aware of GDPR (general data protection regulation) compliance, which lay down the rules of handling personal data. GDPR was created by the European Union to protect the data of EU residents. “Companies like India’s software exporters, which have US clients, follow GDPR guidelines. All our group companies ensure that personal data available with the firm—like insurance, PAN and Aadhaar etc, have limited access and are masked," said Supratik Bhattacharyya, chief talent officer of RPG Group. “We are also discussing potential ways of masking gender information of candidates to prevent any form of bias at the time of their hiring. Data security is discussed in detail whenever any new initiative is launched," he further added. Also read | However, protecting data is expensive, and companies often resort to hosting data in open-source platforms instead of investing more in cloud platforms that need to be upgraded. According to the product head of a popular HR services platform, corporates need to invest in blockchain in order to make personal data access transparent to those who own the data. “But blockchain is very expensive, and companies do not want to invest in this technology," this person said on condition of anonymity. Transparent transfer of data Blockchain, which stands for distributed ledger to establish transparent transfer of data, can establish accountability in ownership and transfer of data. However, most blockchain implementations so far are public, leaving privacy and cost as key concerns. Pareen Lathia, founder of blockchain-based web3 social network ValuesDAO, said that the usage of blockchain can potentially transform privacy and security standards in the long run, but the same is not happening now because the technology itself is on an evolutionary streak. “Recruitment agencies have access to data from resumes, who then scrape it and sell it to partners without disclosure, this is a privacy issue," said Lathia, adding that Blockchain is specifically designed to solve this. An on-chain app where credentials can be posted lets the owner of the data access all of their own information, and see where and when they are transferred. Also read | “But right now, the challenge is that blockchain networks make all information public—and requires technologies such as zero-knowledge (ZK) or fast software encryption (FSE). But they are expensive, costing up to $0.5 ( 43) per transaction, which is too much for head-hunters to afford for each person’s application," Lathia said. Sam Altman’s Worldcoin, to be sure, is an option at hand for private blockchain deployment, where personally identifiable information can be attached to a person without compromising their identity or making the information public without consent. However, the latter remains expensive to deploy. “Realistically, this will take at least another year to scale up in the enterprise space," Lathia said.
NoneWomen more likely to need walking aids but less likely to use them – study
Prominent human rights attorney quits international court over failure to prosecute VenezuelaTrump dominates Washington’s agenda – weeks before he takes the oath of office
A new study highlights the unexpected ways AI is transforming everyday tasks, making them more efficient and convenient. For example, research forecasts that 45 percent of grocery shopping activities will be handled by AI within five years. As a specific area, smart AI integration in retail and homes can reduce food waste by 30 percent through precise demand forecasting and expiration monitoring. Research from the firm ZeroBounce , reveals how AI quietly helps in everyday tasks—proving itself not just a tool for tech enthusiasts but an ally in the modern home and workspace. Digital Journal assesses the highlights: Grocery Shopping – Smart Grocery Shopping with AI With the power of AI-powered apps , consumers can get tailored grocery lists, price comparisons, and real-time stock updates. Research shows that AI could reduce grocery prices by up to 20 percent through optimized inventory and logistics. Within five years, an estimated 45 percent of grocery shopping tasks will be automated, thanks to AI’s ability to predict consumer needs with uncanny accuracy. Dish Washing – Efficient Cleaning Made Easy Modern dishwashers are making household chores smarter by assessing dish types and quantities and then automatically adjusting water temperature, pressure, and cycle duration for the best clean. Within the next five years, automation is expected to take over 33 percent of dishwashing tasks, making everyday life more convenient. The dishwasher industry is projected to reach a revenue of $14.9 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 7.1 percent, driven by the increasing demand for automated home appliances. Cooking – Intelligent Meal Prep AI-driven cooking systems enhance kitchen efficiency and sustainability by helping chefs optimize menu planning, forecast ingredient needs, and reduce food waste. AI can even factor in external conditions, like weather or local events, that might affect ingredient availability or customer demand. Research shows that integrating AI-based systems to track waste could cut food waste by up to 30 percent within just one year. As an example, 32 percent of cooking tasks are set to be automated in the coming years, making the kitchen much more efficient and user-friendly. Laundry – Smarter Fabric Care The integration of AI in washers and dryers ensures that detergent use and cycle settings are personalized, improving overall laundry care. Washing machine producers (Samsung, LG) state that by tailoring wash parameters to fabric specifics, AI machines ensure more efficient and gentle processes, extending garment life and reducing environmental impact. Smart machines also estimate energy and water consumption, improving efficiency. Automation is expected to handle 29 percent of laundry tasks in the next five years, making laundry care more convenient and efficient. Pet Care – Simplified Health and Feeding Advanced pet care devices, including smart feeders and activity monitors, are transforming how we care for our pets by automating feeding schedules and tracking health. Research from the American Veterinary Medical Association highlights that more veterinarians are adopting AI tools for diagnostic imaging and managing medical records. With these innovations, it is projected that 21 percent of pet care tasks will be automated in the next five years, enhancing both convenience and the quality of care for pets. Commenting on the findings, Liviu Tanase, CEO at ZeroBounce tells Digital Journal: “AI is turning everyday chores into effortless experiences—whether it’s grocery shopping tailored to your preferences or dishwashing cycles optimized without a second thought. It’s all about making life easier, freeing up time, and letting people focus on what truly matters. As technology continues to evolve, it’s simplifying routines in ways we never imagined. This transformation is not just about convenience; it’s about redefining how we live and interact with the world around.” Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level MediaPlanned in 2016, country’s first Samvidhan Park remains stuck in permissions & funding hurdles
NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN). Shareholders who purchased shares of ELAN during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery. CONTACT US HERE: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/elanco-animal-health-incorporated-loss-submission-form/?id=113423&from=3 CLASS PERIOD: November 7, 2023 to June 26, 2024 ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Zenrelia, a once-daily oral inhibitor for canine dermatology, was less safe than the Company had led investors to believe; (ii) Elanco was unlikely to meet its own previously issued timeline for the U.S. approval and commercial launch of both Zenrelia and Credelio Quattro, a broad spectrum parasiticide product for dogs; (iii) accordingly, the Company’s business and/or financial prospects were overstated; and (iv) as a result, the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. DEADLINE: December 6, 2024 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/elanco-animal-health-incorporated-loss-submission-form/?id=113423&from=3 NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of ELAN during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is December 6, 2024. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case. WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: The Gross Law Firm 15 West 38th Street, 12th floor New York, NY, 10018 Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com Phone: (646) 453-8903
Women are more likely to need walking sticks, wheelchairs and other mobility aids compared to men, but they are less likely to use them, according to a study. And single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). Some 2,480 were deemed to have “unmet need” and 1,375 were using mobility aids. During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. But were 21% less likely to go on to use mobility aids when they needed them. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”
Curious about bitcoin after it hit $100,000? Here’s what to know.THE NFL revealed their TV ratings entering Week 12 - and the Kansas City Chiefs lead the way. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have passed the Dallas Cowboys as the NFL 's top TV team. After 11 weeks of game action, the NFL is averaging 17.5 million viewers per game, per the league on X . The number excludes international games on NFL Network and exclusive streaming broadcasts on Peacock and ESPN+. The 17.5 million figure is the most through NFL's Week 11 since 2015. After Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills , the Chiefs extended its lead over the Cowboys as the league's No. 1 TV team. Read More on NFL The Chiefs-Bills matchup had the most TV viewers of the season (31.14 million). Before the game, Kansas City was unbeaten with a 9-0 record. The Chiefs have been part of four of the top five most-watched games through 11. The Cowboys have only been involved in one of those games, as their matchup against the Baltimore Ravens drew 27.3 million viewers. Most read in American Football Dallas has still been a popular team, even in the two blowout losses since quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending torn hamstring injury in Week 9. On Monday Night Football , in Week 11, ESPN received 17 million viewers for the Houston Texans ' 34-10 victory over the Cowboys. The game was the most-watched Week 11 MNF broadcast since 2006. And last week, CBS's broadcast of the Philadelphia Eagles ' 34-6 win over Dallas drew 24.61 million viewers. Overall, the NFL's TV ratings have increased despite the election season occurring in the first two months of the league campaign. In 2016, NFL ratings dropped eight percent from the previous year. And this season, ratings remained stable after looking at the NFL's major TV windows in the two weeks before and after the November 5 election. The two weeks before Election Day saw primetime games average 18.48 million viewers, per Nielsen data cited weekly by Sports Media Watch. In the two weeks after Election Day, those same windows averaged 18.18 million viewers. Neither Kansas City nor the Cowboys will have a primetime game in Week 12. Read More on The US Sun However, both will have stand-alone games in Week 13. CBS will air the Dallas-Washington Commanders game on Thanksgiving , while the Chiefs will take on the Las Vegas Raiders as part of Amazon Prime's Black Friday Football matchup.Minutes of an Executive meeting from June of that year state further action would be considered “as appropriate” if the DUP went ahead with a threat to rotate its ministers. The minutes are within files which have been declassified at the Public Record Office in Belfast. Devolved powersharing had been restored to Northern Ireland in May 2000 when Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble had received the backing of his party to go back into the Assembly, despite there having been no decommissioning of IRA arms at that point. Then DUP deputy leader Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds took up the offices as ministers for regional development and social development, but refused to attend Executive meetings due to the presence of Sinn Fein ministers. The party also said it would rotate its ministerial posts to prevent other parties from taking them. A minute of an Executive meeting on June 8 said Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds had refused a request from First Minister Mr Trimble and deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon to meet with them “to discuss recent public comments by the DUP concerning their positions as ministers”. The minute records that the Executive endorsed a proposal from the First and deputy First Ministers to write again to the two DUP ministers setting out sanctions against them. It says: “The First Minister and and Deputy First Minister would assume responsibility for representing the Executive Committee on transport matters at the British-Irish Council in place of the Minister for Regional Development. “The Minister for Social Development and the Minister for Regional Development would not be nominated to attend meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee. “Pending the receipt of satisfactory assurances from DUP Ministers regarding the confidentiality and integrity of Executive Committee business, the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would not receive Executive Committee papers as of right. “The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would seek briefing, as appropriate, from officials in the Department for Regional Development and Department for Social Development.” The minute continues: “If the DUP carried out their threat to change the holders of the two Ministerial offices on a frequent basis, the Executive Committee would consider other action as appropriate.” Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds resigned as ministers on June 27 and were replaced by party colleagues Gregory Campbell and Maurice Morrow. A minute from an Executive meeting that day says: “The Executive Committee noted that the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would be resigning their posts that afternoon, and expressed concern at the proposed rotation of the ministries held by their Party Members.”
WAKE FOREST 67, DETROIT MERCY 57GREEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — La Salle senior quarterback Patrick McLaughlin had an inkling four weeks ago that the Lancers could face top-seeded Anderson in the Division II, Region 8 football final. “Coming into the playoffs I think we knew we were going to face them,” said McLaughlin, the eldest son of longtime La Salle coach Pat McLaughlin. “They’re a very good team. Very fundamental; they’re very sound. Their offense is very explosive. So we know as an offense we’re going to have to score a lot. The defense has to get some stops.” Undefeated Anderson, which has a 13-0 record for the first time in program history, plays No. 2 seed La Salle (11-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Princeton. The winner advances to a Division II state semifinal Nov. 29 with the opponent and location to be determined later. Anderson is ranked No. 11 in the MaxPreps Ohio rankings (regardless of division) while La Salle is No. 18. “We are excited about this matchup,” Anderson coach Evan Dreyer said. “This matchup is a great opportunity. The ECC (Eastern Cincinnati Conference) versus the GCL (Greater Catholic League). We have not beaten La Salle ever.” Friday will be the fourth meeting between the two programs including the first matchup since a 2021 second-round playoff game in which the Lancers won 45-21, according to La Salle football broadcaster Jeff Bosse. The Lancers were also victorious in a 2020 regional semifinal and a 2007 regular-season game. “We have told the team to be ready for a physically tough football game that should be fun,” Dreyer said. “This is what high school football is all about.” Anderson, which is seeking its second straight regional title, has an opportunity for its fourth state Final Four appearance in program history. The Raptors were a 2023 state semifinalist, 2008 state runner-up and 2007 state champion – all in Division II. Anderson has outscored opponents this season 657 to 107. The Raptors’ 657 points are on the Ohio High School Athletic Association record list for most points in a season. The Raptors average 50.5 points and 314 yards passing in an up-tempo offense. Those staggering numbers have the potential to be intimidating for any opponent. “If we get caught playing with bad eyes, get caught playing with bad leverage against Anderson – they’ll make you pay,” La Salle coach Pat McLaughlin said. Anderson is led by several players including senior quarterback Justice Burnam, who has thrown for 3,464 yards and 41 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 549 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior tailback Durrell Turner has rushed for 1,027 yards and 25 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Trace Jallick has 86 receptions for 1,671 yards and 20 touchdowns. Senior tight end Caden Piening has 38 receptions for 685 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, Anderson is led by several players including senior defensive lineman Alex Stanyard, who has nine sacks. Senior safety Jayonn Saunders has four interceptions. Sophomore linebacker Antwoine Higgins and sophomore defensive back Ace Alston are among the other defensive stars. “The biggest thing with Anderson I think is that in years past maybe their defense hasn’t been as good as their offense,” Pat McLaughlin said. “I don’t think that’s the case this year. I think their defense is really good; they’re really fast. They’re very sound in what they do.” La Salle, which is making its first regional final appearance since 2020, is also led by several players including Patrick McLaughlin as a dual-threat quarterback. “He is a great leader who loves to compete,” Dreyer said. “His football IQ is through the roof. The receivers are elite at making plays at crucial situations. The running backs are coming into the zone with the offensive line. The offensive line is physical upfront.” La Salle has several other players to watch including senior wide receiver Max Welter and senior running backs Isaac Goldschmidt and Ty Brown. Senior wide receiver/safety Walter Berry Jr., senior tight end/linebacker Brady O’Connor and senior defensive lineman Fergus Kreider (five interceptions entering the regional semifinal) are having very good seasons. “Their defensive line gets after the quarterback and stops the run,” Dreyer said. “The linebackers are flying around making plays. The defensive backs coached by their defensive coordinator, Mike Koenig, are incredible. He does a great job with them.” La Salle is seeking its fifth trip to the state Final Four including its first appearance since 2019 when it won the Division II state championship. All the program's state semifinal trips (2019, 2016, 2015, 2014) have resulted in state championships. The Lancers are grateful for an opportunity Friday especially after the team had a combined record of 6-16 in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. “I just tell the guys, ‘Don’t look back and wish that you would’ve done this or done that – don’t take anything for granted,’” Pat McLaughlin said. “As a coach right now – to still be playing – we understand that making a run in the playoffs doesn’t happen every year. It’s pretty difficult. It’s a long, very hard process so appreciate it.” Friday's high school football schedule Ohio regional finals Division I regional final at Mason Moeller (12-1) vs. St. Xavier (10-3) Division II regional final at Princeton Anderson (13-0) vs. La Salle (11-2) Division IV regional final at Monroe Taft (11-2) vs. Alter (8-5) Indiana Class 3A Semi-state round Batesville at Heritage Hills Kentucky Class 1A regional finals Newport (9-2) at Kentucky Country Day (9-2) NewCath (9-3) at Campbellsville (10-2) Class 2A regional final Martin County (9-3) at Beechwood (11-1) Class 4A regional final Covington Catholic (10-2) at Boyle County (12-0) Class 5A regional final Pulaski County (8-4) at Highlands (10-2) Southwestern (7-5) at Cooper (12-0) Class 6A regional final Central Hardin (4-8) at Ryle (10-2) SIGN UP: Subscribe to our high school sports newsletterAuthorities in Los Angeles confirmed Tuesday that the cause of death for Ryan Kobayashi, the grief-stricken father who flew from Hawaii to search for his missing daughter , was suicide. A medical examiner’s report said he suffered “multiple blunt force traumatic injuries.” Police said previously he was found around 4 a.m. Sunday in a parking lot at Los Angeles International Airport. Kobayashi, 58, had been in the city for 13 days in search of his 31-year-old daughter, Hannah, who mysteriously disappeared after missing a layover at LAX earlier this month. Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told the Daily Beast on Monday that Kobayashi had gone as far as searching for his child in the city’s seediest areas, like Skid Row. After many sleepless nights while contending with the agony of the situation, however, Pidgeon told the Beast that Ryan “couldn’t take it” anymore and died of a “broken heart.” Pidgeon was emphatic that Ryan’s death didn’t involve foul play and police have since confirmed that to be true. The LAPD have yet to release a significant update on Hannah’s case, but Pidgeon said detectives told her Monday they believe Hannah is still in LA. Donald Trump was caught on camera offering to buy a young girl’s hair in a cringe-worthy encounter at his golf course in Palm Beach, Florida. The president-elect was driving his golf cart when he spotted the girl. “Oh I love that hair! I want her hair! Can I buy your hair? I’ll pay you millions for it,” he said. Trump then invited her to sit next to him and take a photo. The girl smiled while Trump did his signature thumbs up for the picture. “That’s amazing,” an onlooker said. “You can say you were with the president, and you played golf with him.” As Trump patted the girl goodbye and she hopped off the cart, the same onlooker said, “say, ‘Thank you, Mr. President.’” The same golf course was the site of an attempted assassination on the president-elect in September. Trump is shown surrounded by security in the video. "Can I buy your hair?" President-elect Donald Trump complimented a kid's hair while golfing at his club in West Palm Beach. pic.twitter.com/nlH215l6wd Sexual supplements are nothing new, but Popstar Labs is revolutionizing the industry by focusing on an area that has thus far been overlooked: semen health. Crafted by leading men’s sexual health experts, Popstar Volume & Taste is a first-of-its-kind daily supplement that is formulated to enhance semen volume, improve taste, and support semen health. Popstar Labs was founded by two board-certified urologists with decades of experience, Dr. Joshua Gonzalez and Dr. Brian Steixner, to support a shared mission of developing real solutions for men to improve their sexual wellness and experience. The brand’s proprietary formula features all-natural, high-quality ingredients that have been third-party tested to ensure purity, quality, and efficacy. The result? 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While House Ethics rules allow for members to make $31,815 outside of their role in Congress, they aren’t allowed to receive “a payment of money or a thing of value for an appearance, speech, or article.’” While it’s untested how this rule applies to Cameo, Boebert likely doesn’t want to be the one to find out. The embattled Republican rep has been at the center of several controversies since joining Congress in 2020. Her more notable incidents include vaping and being disruptive during a performance of Beetlejuice , and live-tweeting Nancy Pelosi’s movements during Jan. 6. She’s also been fined by the Ethics Committee for refusing to wear a mask on the House floor. YouTuber MrBeast said allegations that contestants were mistreated on his Amazon Prime game show were “blown out of proportion.” The influencer, real name Jimmy Donaldson, and Amazon were hit with a class action lawsuit earlier this year that alleged Beast Games contestants were subjected to “unreasonable, unsafe, and unlawful employment conditions.” The suit contains allegations that some contestants were hospitalized and others endured sexual harassment on set. “We have tons of behind the scenes [footage] dropping when the show does to show how blown out of proportion these claims were,” MrBeast tweeted Monday. “Just can’t release it now because it would spoil the games.” He released a trailer for the show, which features 1,000 people in a series of challenges for a $5 million prize. Earlier this month, the online influencer’s company disclosed it had fired 10 employees after an third-party investigation into workplace culture substantiated some harassment and misconduct allegations. The probe found no evidence to support sexual misconduct. We have tons of behind the scenes dropping when the show does to show how blown out of proportion these claims were. Just can’t release it now because it would spoil the games. Tech gifts can be tricky—not everyone is looking for a sophisticated smartwatch or a flashy mechanical keyboard. Tile —a powerful and compact bluetooth tracker—is a practical and affordable tech gift anyone will love—especially those prone to misplacing things. You can attach a Tile tracker to almost anything like wallets, keys, luggage, cars, and even pets. Once paired, you can use the Tile app to play a chime (if your item is within range) or view its last location. As an added bonus, you can use Tile trackers to find your phone. 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During a segment Monday night celebrating a judge’s dismissal of special prosecutor Jack Smith ’s election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump , Fox News host Laura Ingraham turned to the election racketeering charges brought against Trump in Georgia. As she discussed Fani Willis , the prosecutor in the Georgia case, a photo of New York state Attorney General Letitia James appeared on the screen. Both women are Black. Minutes later, The Ingraham Angle host sought to “explain” the mixup. “Earlier we accidentally showed a graphic that had a photo of another vicious anti-Trump figure, Letitia James, when we were talking about Fani Willis,” Ingraham said. “That was our mistake. They both hate Trump.” James brought a civil suit against Trump and the Trump Organization that resulted in a $450 million judgment, which Trump’s lawyers have appealed. Social media users were quick to argue the fraud case probably wasn’t the source of Ingraham’s confusion. Earlier this year, she mixed up attorneys Nathan Wade and Terrence Bradley, both Black men connected to Willis. “We made a mistake, and we are sorry for that,” Ingraham said at the time. Ingraham: Earlier we accidentally showed a graphic that had a photo of another vicious anti-Trump figure, Letitia James when we were talking about Fani Willis. That was our mistake. They both hate Trump pic.twitter.com/CT1cHGO388 Wendy Williams was labeled as “permanently incapacitated” in new court documents by her guardian, less than a year after revealing her dementia and aphasia diagnosis to the public. Her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, and her legal team, wrote in court documents obtained by The U.S. Sun that Williams “has been afflicted by early-onset dementia and, as a result, has become cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated.” The revelation came amid an ongoing legal battle over the Lifetime series Where is Wendy Williams? , a documentary that showed the former TV host dealing with alcohol addiction, alongside health and financial issues. Past court documents claimed that the series exploited Williams, and said that she did not have the ability to consent to the series due to her health ailments. The new filing asked for information of her “health, familial relationships, and finances” to be redacted in an effort of privacy, according to the outlet. Williams was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia in 2023, revealing her health conditions publicly earlier this year. Bird flu has been found in raw milk in California, state regulators said Sunday, prompting a recall. Raw milk with a “best by” date of Nov. 27 from Raw Farm, which is in Fresno County, is being pulled from shelves, and consumers who already bought some are being told by the California Department of Public Health not to drink it. “Public health experts have long warned consumers against consuming raw milk or raw milk products due to elevated risks of foodborne illness,” the state health agency said . “Drinking or accidentally inhaling raw milk containing bird flu virus may lead to illness. In addition, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands after touching raw milk with bird flu virus may also lead to infection.” Pasteurized milk kills bacteria and viruses like E. coli, listeria, and H5N1, otherwise known as bird flu. And yet an emerging trend is seeing rising demands for raw milk. Among its proponents is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , whom Donald Trump named to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. A vaccine skeptic, Kennedy also wants to remove fluoride from public water, even though it has been shown to prevent tooth decay. President-elect Donald Trump has come out swinging at Mexico and Canada before he’s even taken his seat back in the Oval Office—but the country’s neighbors to the south aren’t taking his threats lying down. Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum responded harshly after Trump announced Monday that goods that enter the U.S. from her country and Canada would be subject to 25 percent tariffs. Warning that Mexico could retaliate with its own tariffs, she said, “One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses.” Trump has claimed the tariffs are necessary to encourage both countries to stop the influx of drugs and migrants at the border. But Sheinbaum shot back at his reasoning, saying the flow of drugs “is a problem of public health and consumption in your country’s society.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. As a child, receiving socks as a present was your first lesson in accepting disappointment with a smile. Now, socks are one of the best gifts to unwrap during the holidays. Bombas is a mission-driven clothing company that specializes in comfy socks, shirts, slippers, bralettes, and underwear . For every piece of essential clothing you purchase, Bombas will donate one in return. If you buy three pairs of socks today, Bombas will donate three pairs. For the holidays, readers can save 15 percent on select Bombas packs ; new customers can take an additional 25 percent off all socks and get free shipping on orders over $125. What makes Bombas socks special is the innovative design that’s all in service for superior comfort. The socks have a unique seamless toe knit that eliminates the annoying bump and a blister tab at the heel to prevent chafing and blisters from contact with your shoes. For extra firm support, the honeycomb arch and strategic zone cushioning work together to cradle your arches and soles, providing targeted support where your feet need it most. No matter the occasion, Bombas has a pair of socks for it. Casual socks for everyday wear, dress socks for a night out, athletic socks for workouts, and compression socks for recovery days. Click here to start exploring the savings today! These incredible holiday deals end on Dec. 17, so step to it. A Trump-endorsed guitar company was given a cease and desist order from Gibson, who accused it of infringing on its trademarks, “particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape.” Gibson confirmed the order to 16 Creative in a statement Monday to Guitar World . The website for Trump Guitars lists for sale an “American Eagle Series” with the campaign slogan “Make America Great Again” on the neck of the guitar. The instruments are “custom designed and developed by a veteran-owned company with the help of a master luthier,” according to the company, which also says that the guitars are manufactured by “multiple providers” that are “both domestic and international.” A guitar that has been signed by the president-elect costs at least $10,000; a non-signed guitar goes for $1,250. Some of Trump’s other recent money-making endeavors include watches, sneakers, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Coming Soon! The Limited Edition “45” Guitar. Only 1,300 of each Acoustic and Electric Guitars MADE — Some personally signed! https://t.co/DY4LkF4feh pic.twitter.com/0ghYmjLxKo A baby gorilla was accidentally killed at a zoo in Canada when it was struck in the head by a door, officials said Thursday. The 2-year-old female gorilla, Eyare, was roaming from room to room when a zookeeper activated the wrong hydraulic door to separate her, according to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo . The accident left the ape with “traumatic head injuries” and veterinary staff administered CPR. The zookeeper “was immediately removed from the workplace following the incident,” the zoo said. The zoo said it launched an investigation into the incident and “doesn’t take these findings lightly.” All zookeepers will undergo retraining to prevent further accidents. “This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable,” said Colleen Baird, director of Animal Care, Health and Welfare, in a statement. “Eyare’s short but impactful life brought so much joy to our community, and she will be deeply missed by all. We will do everything we can to prevent future incidents.”
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:35 p.m. EST
Material Fact of derivative agreements of "equity swap" board approvalCam Akers delivers clutch performance in Vikings’ win
Watchdog Alleges Hatch Act Violations by Biden Appointee Behind ‘Kamala Wins’ X AccountOTTAWA — Canada got back in the win column at the world junior hockey championship. It wasn't pretty. Oliver Bonk, Caden Price and Mathieu Cataford, into the empty net, scored as the wobbly host country picked up an unconvincing 3-0 victory over Germany on Sunday. Carter George made 25 saves to register the goaltender's second straight shutout for the Canadians, who were coming off Friday's stunning 3-2 upset loss to Latvia in a shootout. Nico Pertuch stopped 33 shots for Germany, which dropped its Group A opener at the men's under-20 tournament to the United States 10-4 before falling 3-1 to Finland. Canada entered with a 17-0 record all-time and a combined 107-26 score against Germany at the world juniors, including last year's 6-3 victory in Gothenburg, Sweden, and an 11-2 drubbing at the 2023 event in Halifax. Despite another sub-par performance, the victory sets up a New Year's Eve matchup against the U.S. for first place in the pool after the Americans fell 4-3 to the Finns in overtime earlier Sunday. Canada suffered one of the powerhouse nation's worst defeats in tournament history Friday when Latvia — outscored 41-4 in four previous meetings at the event — shocked the hockey world. And while the plucky Latvians were full marks for their victory, the Canadians were largely disjointed and surrendered the middle of the ice for long stretches despite firing 57 shots on goal. There was more of the same Sunday. Head coach Dave Cameron made a couple of changes to Canada's lineup — one out of necessity and another for tactical reasons. With star defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who could go No. 1 at the 2025 NHL draft, out of the world juniors after suffering an upper-body injury against Latvia, Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio drew in. Cameron also sat forward Porter Martone in favour of Carson Rehkopf. Canada opened the scoring on the power play, which also had a new look after going 1-for-7 through the first two games, when Bonk scored from his normal bumper position in the slot off an Easton Cowan feed at 9:40 of the first period. Sam Dickinson then chimed a one-timer off the post on another man advantage before George, who was in goal for Canada's 4-0 opener against the Finns, made a couple of stops on the penalty kill inside a red-clad Canadian Tire Centre. Petruch made a big stop off Tanner Howe in the second before also denying Calum Ritchie from the slot on a power play, but the Canadians again looked completely out of sorts against what was a decidedly inferior opponent on paper. Berkly Catton hit another post for Canada early in the third. Tanner Molendyk also found iron. Unable to register a 5-on-5 goal against either Latvia or Germany through more than 120 minutes of action, Price scored on a shot that caromed off the end boards and went in off Pertuch with 4:58 left in regulation to make it 2-0 before Cataford iced it into the empty net on another nervy night for the 20-time gold medallists. LATVIAN REACTION The U.S. beat Latvia 5-1 on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the Europeans' upset of Canada. American captain Ryan Leonard said the Latvians were impressive — even on short rest. "That team's no joke," said the Washington Capitals prospect. "You can't really treat anyone different, especially in this short of a tournament." UP NEXT Germany will meet Latvia on Monday in a crucial game at the bottom of the Group A standings. Canada now turns its attention to Tuesday's clash against the U.S. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
A London-listed marketing specialist backed by Lord Ashcroft, the former Conservative Party treasurer, will this week announce the purchase of a key digital partner to sporting properties including the Men's T20 Cricket World Cup. Sky News has learnt that Brave Bison, which trades on the junior AIM exchange and has a market capitalisation of just under £30m, is close to agreeing to buy Engage Digital Partners for just over £10m in a cash-and-stock deal. City sources said a transaction could be announced as soon as Monday morning. It will create a group with 350 staff in its UK offices in London and Manchester, as well as in Australia, India and Singapore. The deal will be the sixth acquisition for Brave Bison since brothers Oli and Theo Green took over the business in 2020. Brave Bison, which has seen its shares rise by nearly a fifth over the last year, counts LinkedIn and New Balance among its clients. Last year, it bought the podcaster and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett's social media and influencer agency, SocialChain. More from Money Harland & Wolff close to government-backed rescue deal with Navantia Hitachi: Hundreds of jobs secured at County Durham train factory after £500m deal Guardian signs controversial deal to sell The Observer to Tortoise Media In addition to Lord Ashcroft, it counts the hospitality entrepreneur Luke Johnson among its investors. The deal comes at a time when sports rights-owners are turning to data and newer forms of marketing to monetise their properties more effectively, with traditional commercial models being increasingly up-ended. Engage organises fan engagement campaigns across a number of sporting and entertainment properties, including Formula 1, Real Madrid and New Zealand Rugby. It is also a partner of the International Cricket Council, with which it worked on this year's T20 World Cup, when England lost to India in the semi-finals. Engage has been working on a potential sale of the business since the summer, having hired corporate financiers from KPMG to advise on talks with bidders. Adding it to Brave Bison will combine it with a group which already works with rights-holders including the Ryder, Cup, Australian Open tennis and Le Mans. Engage was founded by Gregg Oldfield, who led a management buyout from Endemol Sport in 2012. It describes itself as the largest independent agency in sport, and is similar in some respects to - albeit smaller than - Two Circles, which was sold to a private equity firm earlier this year. Mr Oldfield will lead the combined groups' sports and entertainment division. Brave Bison could not be reached for comment on Sunday.Mortgage Rates Drop Present Opportunities For HomebuildersMarket Trading Guide: IRFC, REC among 8 stock recommendations for Monday