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lucky jackpot Showgirls! DJs! Open bar! Shots! How Gen Z and Millennials do ShabbatThe common murre, a large black-and-white seabird native to northern waters, has become far less common in Alaska over the past decade due to the impacts of climate change. A study published Thursday in Science reveals that a record-breaking marine heat wave in the northeast Pacific from 2014 to 2016 triggered a catastrophic population collapse, wiping out four million birds -- about half the species in the region. Strikingly, they have shown little signs of rebounding, suggesting long-term shifts in the food web that have locked the ecosystem into a troubling new equilibrium. "There's a lot of talk about declines of species that are tied to changes in temperature, but in this case, it was not a long term result," lead author Heather Renner of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge told AFP. "To our knowledge, this is the largest mortality event of any wildlife species reported during the modern era," she and her colleagues emphasized in their paper. The finding triggers "alarm bells," Renner said in an interview, as human-caused climate change makes heat waves more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting. With their dapper, tuxedoed look, common murres are sometimes called the "penguins of the north." Their slender wings power them across vast distances in search of food and make them expert divers. But even these hardy seabirds were no match for an unprecedented environmental catastrophe. The largest marine heat wave ever recorded began in the late fall of 2014, spanning a massive swath of the northeast Pacific Ocean from California to Alaska. It persisted for over two years, leaving devastation in its wake. During this time, some 62,000 emaciated murres washed ashore along the North American Pacific coastline -- dead or dying from starvation. Experts point to two key reasons for the bird deaths: elevated ocean temperatures reduced both the quality and quantity of phytoplankton, impacting fish like herring, sardines, and anchovies -- the mainstay of the murre diet. At the same time, warmer waters increased the energy demands of larger fish, such as salmon and Pacific cod, which compete with murres for the same prey. "We knew then it was a big deal, but unfortunately, we couldn't really quantify the effects," explained Renner. For years after the event, breeding colonies failed to produce chicks, complicating efforts to assess the full impact. Earlier estimates pegged the number of deaths at around a million, but a more robust analysis -- drawing on data from 13 murre colonies -- revealed the toll was four times higher. "It is just so much worse than we thought it was," Renner said of the new findings. The marine heat wave didn't just impact common murres. Pacific cod stocks collapsed, king salmon populations dwindled, and as many as 7,000 humpback whales perished. Yet the crisis created an uneven playing field: some species emerged unscathed, while others even thrived. Thick-billed murres, which often share nesting cliffs with common murres, were largely unaffected, possibly due to their more adaptable diet, Renner noted. For common murres, however, the fallout lingers. Despite nearly a decade since the heat wave, their numbers show no sign of bouncing back -- and the losses may well be permanent. Part of the reason lies in the long-term decline of some of their prey. Another factor is murres' survival strategy relies on numbers: they aggregate in massive colonies to protect their eggs from opportunistic predators like eagles and gulls. With their populations slashed, these birds have lost their critical safety buffer. Still, Renner offered a glimmer of hope. While addressing global warming is essential for curbing long-term climate change, conservation efforts can make a difference in the short term, she said. Removing invasive species like foxes and rats from murre nesting islands could also provide the beleaguered birds with a fighting chance. ia/des

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The emergence of generative AI has reshaped the face of the corporate landscape. Its integration with most global technology has brought about equal risk and opportunity that boards can no longer afford to overlook. Unlike traditional technologies, AI has the potential to be embedded deeply in corporate practice in a manner that provides access and use to all employees, regardless of their technical expertise; this exposure enhances the probability of misuse, unintended consequences, and exposure to increased risks regarding reputations, financials, operations, and inducts legal. Board of directors are now saddled with the responsibility of proactively monitoring how their organizations deploy AI. While a useful tool for managing efficiency in the workplace, the use of AI can, at times, lead to more problems than solutions. Michael Portegello , a former executive at a Big Four professional services firm and seasoned business advisor with over 37 years of experience, offers some perspective on this delicate task of balancing power. The Heavy Responsibility of AI Use Institutional investors, regulators, and other stakeholders have begun paying more attention to how companies govern their AI strategies. There's also a rising call for transparency, as these stakeholders expect companies to disclose AI-related risks and measures taken to mitigate them. Consider this: from 2022 to 2024, it appears from the S&P 500 Form 10-K filings that the number of companies referencing AI as a risk factor has grown from 49 to 281. Such rapid growth in disclosures evidences the growing scrutiny over AI adoption and the fact that boards should be well-prepared to navigate this new regulation landscape. Portegello highlights the weightiness of boards proactively working alongside management to integrate AI in ways that align with corporate values, ethics, and compliance expectations. Equally important, boards are responsible for asking the right questions at the right time to meet head-on with the unique wagers AI presents. Such a hands-on approach powers responsible innovation and lays the foundation of accountability throughout the organization. Portegello points out that the board’s responsibility will extend into legal compliance, ethics, and enterprise risk management. The Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance has stated that boards must exercise fiduciary oversight, ensuring AI strategies are transparent, ethically managed, and supported by strong internal controls. Effective AI governance now requires that boards understand the potential of the technologies involved and their inherent risks, constantly engaging with management to sustain a cohesive sense of broadly informed decision-making. Portegello emphasizes a key question that boards must ask to fulfill fiduciary duties: “How much does each individual director know about AI?” He references a recent Deloitte study that found almost 80% of boards report having little or no knowledge of AI; to bridge this unsettling gap, Portegello recommends companies focus on adding AI expertise through specialized training, consulting from experts, or even new board members dedicated to that area of expertise. With AI moving at this pace, “boards must increase and update their knowledge about AI, receive frequent and systematic updates on strategies and related risks to ensure that they fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities,” says Portegello. Under increasing pressure from regulators, investors, and stakeholders, corporate leaders should create an environment in which AI converges with both long-term strategic goals and the core ethical standards of their organization. This will provide a foundation for boards to lead their companies through AI governance complexities confidently and clearly, setting the stage for further in-depth exploration. Mitigating the Risk in AI Use With the huge role AI plays in the corporate scene, boards are faced with a double-sided challenge: embracing the potential of AI to drive the growth of their company while simultaneously ensuring its use is in compliance with company values and regulatory expectations. Portegello highlights that, in today’s world, boards need to go beyond traditional oversight by understanding both the opportunities and risks AI presents. This journey starts with building a solid foundation of AI knowledge, fostering a culture of ethical AI use, and establishing governance frameworks that support both innovation and responsibility. It is important to examine key areas for boards to focus on as they learn to walk the road between security and innovation. From boosting AI expertise to performing ethical practices, these steps offer practical ideas, user-friendly implementation, and essential questions board members can ask to feel more confident in their understanding of AI. 1. Prioritizing AI oversight AI’s presence in the world is non-negotiable. As such, boards need to ensure their organization’s employees have at least a working knowledge of AI and the dangers it poses to the safety and reputation of the company. Portegello stresses that many boards still have a significant knowledge gap, with nearly 80% of directors lacking in-depth AI understanding . To close this gap, he points out the value in “ensuring the AI governance framework addresses leadership’s challenges related to the potential impact on recruiting and diversity, equity and inclusion among many other related opportunities, risks and compliance issues.” By focusing on these critical areas, boards will be better equipped to guide their organizations by learning to use AI responsibly. Additionally, once they feel they have a stronger grasp on the usage of AI, board members can explore their organization’s strategy from diversified angles. A stream of regular, informed questioning keeps them actively engaged with the company’s values and promotes their ability to stay ahead in the market. 2. Integrating innovation with risk management For corporate leaders, the question is how to strike the right balance between AI-driven growth and risk management. According to Portegello, AI governance guides the efforts of AI-driven innovation in a way that guarantees that core values and regulatory expectations are fully complied with. A strong governance structure coupled with transparent communication between the board and management will help to strike a balance in overseeing the risks that come with AI. To responsibly stimulate innovation, boards should strive to set a pattern of safety-oriented, transparent conversations with management. That kind of engagement assures that AI initiatives not only drive growth but are also supported by solid safeguards to minimize risk. In this way, through the regular review and challenge of decisions, the board can create an environment where growth through AI occurs ethically and effectively, thereby establishing a foundation of confidence among stakeholders and investors. 3. Teaching ethical AI use Ethics is at the core of AI governance; boards have a critical role in promoting such values across the organization. The inclusion of ethics in the AI governance framework ensures that the AI initiatives will meet the company's initial values. Portegello suggests that the board set these ethical principles from the very beginning and embed them in policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accountability. This proactive approach provides a culture in which ethical AI use becomes standard and supports both compliance and integrity. This would again mean consistent monitoring of such ethical standards as AI becomes integrated across various functions. The board should review the policies on AI regularly to ensure they reflect current ethical standards and deal maturely with issues of bias, discrimination, and transparency. Steady oversight of these significant concerns underpins company-wide accountability and ties practices in AI with corporate purpose, setting the standard for the responsible use of AI. By prioritizing ethics, boards will secure their organization’s future in a swiftly changing digital world. Traditional IT vs. Generative AI In learning of the risks associated with AI, it is essential to touch on the challenge of governing AI compared to traditional IT. This new area of digital monitoring presents boards with a highly complex responsibility. “One of the differences between AI and traditional IT development and software deployments is the democratization of AI within organizations, with all functions either becoming automated and/or enhanced by AI,” Portegello points out. As such, this shift in responsibility would involve building a company culture where growth in AI is congruent with maintaining an awareness of its differentiation from IT. Just as a help desk allows employees to have their questions regarding IT answered, there should be a gradual process to establish an AI-centered team of experts within each company. Boards must also ensure that management is proactively preparing employees for the unique compliance challenges created by AI. Data privacy, bias, discrimination, and regulatory compliance are far more complex with AI's self-learning and decision-making capabilities than with traditional IT. As Portegello suggests, strong communication within the company can establish a foundation through which AI can drive growth while respecting corporate values and expectations. Harnessing AI for Corporate Growth With its exponential improvement, artificial intelligence is capable of creating transformational change across various industries. Furthermore, AI's opportunities for unconventional growth and competitive advantage exceed all past limitations, along with the potential for new operational efficiencies and improved decision-making capabilities. With appropriate governance and strategic planning, companies can use AI to build a highly skilled workforce, exploring new frontiers in emerging technologies. "New and exciting ways to leverage AI are being introduced every day," says Portegello, emphasizing the role of boards in supporting responsible AI implementation. Companies should work towards the goal of providing their employees with a tailored set of strategic tools, allowing the organization to thrive under the current wave of AI development. 1. Developing workforce readiness One of the many ways that AI has revolutionized the concept of knowledge is through its infusion into various business functions. Boards are vital in preparing the organization for this transformation by creating a culture of continuous learning and development. Portegello emphasizes the importance of "ensuring employee readiness and the need and costs for re-training and skill development." The boards should ensure that the necessary training programs for leadership and employees to bridge the skills gaps exist, creating a diverse and inclusive AI talent pool. Such an approach sets an organization up for profitable success by making room for sustainable growth. 2. Strategic capital investment in AI infrastructure AI’s transformative potential requires heavy investment in infrastructure, data management, and compliance measures. Boards must take on a long-term perspective when overseeing these capital expenditures, connecting AI investments with the organization’s strategic goals to maximize return on investment (ROI). Portegello encourages boards to take an active role in this process; if the board sets frequent updates on ROI and tracking management accountability, then such investments will be channeled toward growing the company. 3. Keep an eye on emerging AI trends “Future applications will have a truly transformational impact as AI merges with other transformational technologies such as robotics, biotechnology, quantum among others,” Portegello claims. This development requires advanced governance models in the convergence of ethical, moral, and operational risks. Additionally, regulatory demands are going to increase, with stakeholders such as institutional investors desiring a great level of transparency and accountability. In preparation, boards should frequently update their knowledge of emerging AI trends and establish sound governance practices to ensure compliance with evolving regulations. This will be the best position from which organizations can responsibly take advantage of AI growth to meet their audience's heightened expectations. Striking a Balance in AI Regulation As AI continues to rebuild the internal lining of the corporate landscape, boards must adopt proactive governance to balance the potential of AI for growth with the associated risks. Michael Portegello's contributions bring forth the importance of continuing learning and watchful oversight in guiding responsible AI use. Boards can prepare their organizations for the transformative power of AI by encouraging a culture of innovation and accountability, as well as support for workforce readiness and readiness for emerging trends. This balanced approach allows boards to fulfill their fiduciary duties in a manner that ensures sustainable growth, full regulatory compliance, and alignment with corporate values in an increasingly AI-driven world.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. “Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR's “take-it-or-leave-it” final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as “open” teams that don't have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was “primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR,” Freeze said. “NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit,” Freeze said. “NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved.” A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing “new circumstances” in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a “coordinated effort behind the scenes.” “This is completely false,” Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. “23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing,” Lauletta said. "Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. “It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships,” he continued. “It is a necessity because NASCAR’s monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level.”

TOKYO , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from China and Japan shared their insights on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) governance and data sharing at a sub-forum of the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum in Tokyo recently. The sub-forum contributed eastern wisdom to AI governance and digital social development, demonstrating the significance of international cooperation for the development of the digital economy, according to Gao Shaolin, advisor at Peking University's Legal Artificial Intelligence Research Center. AI governance framework The participants agreed that the next 10 years will be a critical period for the development of AI. Gao Wen, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), said since China's State Council issued a guideline on developing AI in 2017, the nation has made significant progress in AI research and development and industrial layout, especially in computing power and 5G network construction. By the end of 2023, China had over half of the world's 1.57 billion 5G users, according to the World Internet Development Report 2024. It ranked second globally in AI and computing power scale, which has laid a solid foundation for the rapid development of AI. Tatsuo Yamazaki , project professor at the International University of Health and Welfare, said it was very meaningful for Japan and China to discuss strengthening AI governance rules. Fumihiko Kamio , research director of the Nomura Research Institute, echoed his view. He emphasized that the core goal of AI technology is to improve productivity and eliminate obstacles to social development, and called on Chinese and Japanese experts to work together to build an AI governance framework to cope with the global challenges. Deepening international cooperation China put forth the Global AI Governance Initiative in October last year. In July, the UN General Assembly adopted a China -sponsored resolution on enhancing international cooperation on AI capacity-building. The participants spoke highly of the Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative recently proposed by China . They agreed that AI governance requires global collaboration, especially in the formulation of international standards and the construction of ethical frameworks, where China and Japan can play an active role. Ding Wenhua, academician of the CAE, said China and Japan have both similarities and differences in technology development and governance priorities, so deepening cooperation will bring unique value to global AI governance. " China and Japan should deepen AI technology cooperation between enterprises, work together in AI security research, talent exchange, and jointly explore more possibilities for the application of technology," Wang Zhongyuan , president of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, said. Balancing development & risks AI governance refers to the guardrails established to ensure AI systems and tools remain safe and ethical and respect human rights. Xu Zhilong , editor-in-chief of Science and Technology Daily, stressed that AI, as a revolutionary technology, has far-reaching impacts on all areas of society and economy. However, its potential risks such as data leakage and the spread of false information should not be ignored. "Technological progress and security ethics should be developed in a balanced way to ensure that AI technology always serves the progress of human civilization," Xu said. AI governance should not only heed the current technological ethics issues, but also prevent possible long-term risks, such as AI going out of human control, according to Toshio Iwamoto , senior corporate advisor of NTT DATA. He said AI R&D and application should abide by the principles of fairness, transparency, safety and availability. Yuan Yue, chairman of Beijing Dataway Horizon, shared his view from the perspective of regulatory models. "Policy choices should be based on the current status and goals of national technological development," Yuan said, adding that China prefers to provide a more friendly development environment for enterprises while ensuring an effective response to risks. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/science-and-technology-daily-promoting-ai-governance-jointly-302332050.html SOURCE Science and Technology Daily

The man, known only as H6, brought a case to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) after then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman said he should be excluded from the UK in March 2023. Judges were told that in a briefing for the Home Secretary in July 2023, officials claimed H6 had been in a position to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials “that could be leveraged for political interference purposes”. They also said that H6 had downplayed his relationship with the Chinese state, which combined with his relationship with Andrew, represented a threat to national security. At a hearing in July, the specialist tribunal heard that the businessman was told by an adviser to Andrew that he could act on the duke’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China, and that H6 had been invited to Andrew’s birthday party in 2020. A letter referencing the birthday party from the adviser, Dominic Hampshire, was discovered on H6’s devices when he was stopped at a port in November 2021. The letter also said: “I also hope that it is clear to you where you sit with my principal and indeed his family. “You should never underestimate the strength of that relationship... Outside of his closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.” In a ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith and Sir Stewart Eldon, dismissed the challenge. The judges said: “The Secretary of State was entitled to conclude that the applicant represented a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom, and that she was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate.” The Home Office confirmed in July 2023 that H6 would be excluded from the UK as he was considered to have engaged in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and that he likely posed a threat to national security. The now-50-year-old former civil servant brought legal action for a review of the decision, arguing that it was unlawful. The tribunal in London heard that H6 had said he avoids getting involved in politics, and only had limited links to the Chinese state. His lawyers also argued that there was evidence that it was difficult for a Chinese national involved in business to avoid any contact with the CCP and that material related to his relationship with Andrew had to be read in the context of an advisor writing to someone who had been loyal to the duke in difficult times. However Home Office lawyers argued that H6 had downplayed his links to an arm of the CCP, and that his relationship with Andrew could be used for political interference. In their 53-page ruling, the judges said that Andrew could have been made “vulnerable” to the misuse of the influence H6 had. They said: “The applicant won a significant degree, one could say an unusual degree, of trust from a senior member of the Royal Family who was prepared to enter into business activities with him. “That occurred in a context where, as the contemporaneous documents record, the duke was under considerable pressure and could be expected to value the applicant’s loyal support. “It is obvious that the pressures on the duke could make him vulnerable to the misuse of that sort of influence. “That does not mean that the Home Secretary could be expected to exclude from the UK any Chinese businessman who formed a commercial relationship with the duke or with any other member of the Royal Family.” The three judges said that H6 had enjoyed a private life in the UK, which had been described as the businessman’s “second home”, adding: “He has settled status, a home and extensive business interests in the United Kingdom. He was regarded as a close confidant of the duke.” The judges continued the Home Secretary was “rationally entitled to decide” there was a potential to leverage the relationship, adding H6 was “not candid” about his links to the CCP. They concluded: “In our judgment it was open to the SSHD to take a reasonably precautionary approach to the risk, and to take action rationally aimed at neutralising it so far as possible. “Whilst excluding the applicant would not necessarily halt his activities, it would significantly hinder them. “Cultivating relationships with prominent UK individuals would logically be much more difficult if no meetings could take place in the UK.”Trump Cabinet picks, appointees targeted by bomb threats and swatting attacks

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks were struggling a week ago, coming off their bye having lost five of their last six games. That included a gut-punch overtime defeat at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 3. The outlook for the last-place Seahawks (5-5) was beginning to look grim. They suddenly have renewed optimism this week after an uplifting victory over the San Francisco 49ers that snapped a six-game losing streak against their arch-rival that dated to 2021. Seattle will play the first-place Arizona Cardinals (6-4) on Sunday for a share of the NFC West lead. How quickly things change in the NFL. “We’ve earned the opportunity to be fighting for the lead in the division going into the home stretch,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “So that’s the way we’re treating it. It’s very much like a playoff mindset for us at this point.” The win over the 49ers, which was capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Geno Smith with 18 seconds left, put the Seahawks in a much better place mentally than they’d been in over the previous six weeks. They're hoping it's just the start of something even bigger. “It can just spark something that you’ve been looking for this whole year,” wide receiver DK Metcalf said. “I know we started off very hot with the first three games, but, you know, when adversity hit, it’s all about how you respond. I think we responded the right way, and it’s going to carry us throughout the rest of the season.” While the Seahawks are feeling better this week, the Cardinals have plenty of reason to feel optimistic, too. After starting the season 2-4, Arizona has won four straight to put itself in first place in the NFC West. The Cardinals have a defense that is making big strides under the leadership of veteran safety Budda Baker and a top-five running game behind the dual threat of running back James Conner, who has 697 yards rushing, and quarterback Kyler Murray, who seems to be hitting his stride in his sixth NFL season. Murray has 2,058 yards passing with 12 touchdowns, and has rushed for 371 yards and four scores. Second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon has been impressed with Murray’s improved decision-making as Murray has thrown just three interceptions through 10 games. “There’s times that he probably wants to try to thread it a little bit, but understands when to pick and choose his spots,” Gannon said. “I think he’s done a phenomenal job with that and there are a lot of times throughout the game where you could say we like to put it in the quarterback’s hands, and you trust him to make the right decision for that point in the game.” Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will see a familiar face on the other sideline Sunday in rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who was Smith-Njigba’s college teammate at Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. The pair each caught three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ wild win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl, with Smith-Njigba having 347 yards receiving on what was a 573-passing yard day for C.J. Stroud, now the quarterback of the Houston Texans. “Late his freshman year, he really just stood out,” Smith-Njigba said of Harrison. “You could just see the growth and kind of who he is becoming. ... He’s passed a lot of people’s expectations, of course, but I knew he was going to be elite later on freshman year.” Murray is coming off one of the best games of his career after completing 22 of 24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown against the Jets two weeks ago. He also ran for 21 yards and two TDs. Murray currently ranks No. 3 in the NFL in quarterback rating behind Cincinnati's Joe Burrow and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. That has put him in the MVP conversation, particularly since Arizona has won four straight games. “I don’t play the game for the validation of others," Murray said. "But as a player, of course, sometimes the recognition and the words being said feel good. But it doesn’t satisfy me.” The most surprising part of Arizona’s four-game winning streak is the rapid improvement of the defense, which has allowed just 9 and 6 points, respectively, over the past two games. No touchdowns have been allowed – just five field goals. It’s just the second time over the past 30 years that the franchise has allowed 10 points or less over back-to-back games. Baker, a Bellevue native and former University of Washington football star, is the unquestioned leader of the bunch – he already has 100 tackles over 10 games - but the team also has a strong core of linebackers in Kyzir White, Mack Wilson and Zaven Collins. Metcalf and Baker have gone up against each other many times before, most famously when Metcalf ran Baker down on an interception return in 2020. “You really can’t prepare for a guy like that because his engine never stops,” Metcalf said. “He’s always going to be around the ball. He’s always going to affect the game with just his play effort and play style. ... Just got to try to minimize his playmaking ability as much as we can on offense.” AP Sports Writer David Brandt in Phoenix, Arizona, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Letters to The Editor — December 13, 2024The Pittsburgh Steelers look to continue their improbable season atop the AFC North when they visit the disappointing Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon. The Steelers (8-3) saw their five-game winning streak come to an end last time out, suffering a 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 21 in a game that featured a second-half snowstorm. Pittsburgh rallied from an 18-6 deficit to take a 19-18 lead with 6:15 to go in the fourth quarter before the Browns scored what ended up being the game-winning points in the final minute. After the Steelers kicked a 15-yard punt following a three-and-out, their defense went on to allow Cleveland to convert on fourth-and-3, leading to Nick Chubb's 2-yard touchdown run with 57 seconds remaining in the contest. "We just didn't make enough of those critical plays in those moments," Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cameron Heyward said. "We've stepped up in those critical moments. But on the flip side, those three losses we've had, we haven't had those moments. We're trying to change that where, no matter what team, we gotta have those winning moments." All three of the Steelers' losses this season have come against teams that currently have a losing record. Pittsburgh also fell to the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts. Still, the Steelers currently lead the AFC North, but the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) are right on their tail. It's a tight race in the division that Cincinnati (4-7) has slipped out of. Even though the Bengals have been in a rut -- with three losses in their past four games -- Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor doesn't want his team to just throw in the towel. "This is December football," Taylor said. "This is where it means something. Regardless (of) what our record is right now, you need to play your best football in December, and now, more than ever, we're going to need that from our guys, and they understand that. They subscribe to it, and we just keep ... moving forward from here." The Bengals were on their bye last week, but before that, they were on the wrong end of a 34-27 decision against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 17. Like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati came back from a sizable deficit only to lose. Joe Burrow threw three second-half touchdown passes against Los Angeles as the Bengals climbed out of a 27-6 hole, but Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins found the end zone from 29 yards out with 18 seconds left in regulation to break a 27-27 tie. Burrow went 28-for-50 passing for 356 yards and the three TDs. "I think we're playing a really good team," Heyward said of Cincinnati. "The roster is very good. And you look at their losses, they come down to those critical moments." Making things harder for the Steelers could be the absence of linebacker Alex Highsmith, who did not practice on Wednesday because of an ankle injury. For the Bengals, left tackle Orlando Brown, who has missed the past three games with a leg injury, was a limited participant on Wednesday. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins missed practice with an illness and starting linebacker Logan Wilson (knee) also did not practice. Burrow (wrist) was a full participant. --Field Level MediaReal Madrid lost at Liverpool on Wednesday, and in a previous era, that might have been that. Three Champions League defeats in five tries were, once upon a time, crippling. Losses to Lille and AC Milan would have endangered any European campaign. A third, 2-0 at Anfield, might have ended it. Real Madrid, though, are very much alive in the 2024-25 competition precisely because of their president detests. "[The] new model will have more games and less interest. It's an absurd competition," Florentino Pérez last November. Now, it's the only reason his club are still title contenders. stumbled yet again Wednesday, on a boisterous evening in northwest England. They caved to Liverpool pressure early in the second half. Their only shot on target prior to stoppage time was their best chance to equalize — a penalty that Kylian Mbappé failed to convert. Their obvious excuse is injuries. They've been debilitated by a growing list of absentees that now includes Aurélien Tchouaméni, Rodrygo, three key defenders and Vinícius Júnior. But the stars that remain have been dim. Mbappé was dreadful Wednesday. On early matchdays, the entire team looked disjointed, disinterested or both. And the results have been grim. They needed late rallies to beat Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund. They fell in France, then at home to struggling AC Milan. For decades, such a start to the Champions League would have put their progression to the knockout stage squarely in the balance. The — 32 teams, eight groups of four, top two in each group advance — was stale but relatively unforgiving. It granted some leeway; and as , giants rarely fell. But when they floundered repeatedly, like Manchester United in 2020 and 2023, they'd perish. In response to pressure from superclubs such as Real Madrid, however, UEFA expanded and overhauled the format. Now there is a "league phase," from which 24 (out of 36) teams will progress. Through five rounds, with three remaining, Real sits squarely on the bubble of the 24, on six points, in 24th place. In other words, the the preseason favorites, have been subpar; but as things stand, they'd still go through to the first knockout round. They'd still be favored, no matter their opponent, to win and advance to the Round of 16, as they have for 27 consecutive seasons. And their savior would be the new Champions League structure that Pérez thinks is "absurd." He says that because he is the leading proponent of a European Super League. He was the architect of the . He was the most powerful force behind . "The Super League is more necessary than ever," he said last year. So he hated the compromise, UEFA's new Champions League format, which created more giant-vs.-giant matchups in the league phase, but watered down the competition. He reiterated his criticism this past Sunday. “The new Champions League format has proved not to be a solution, as we predicted," Pérez said in a long speech at Real Madrid's annual general meeting. "It has increased the number of matches but reduced the value of each match. The competition will only arouse the passion of the fans at the end and not at the beginning, as expected.” And then, three days later, his floundering team aroused the passion of fans by losing again. Real Madrid has been so bad that, suddenly, their league phase matches have actually become meaningful. Next up is a trip to Atalanta on Matchday 6 (Dec. 10). Defeat there, in Bergamo, Italy, would leave on the outside looking in at the knockouts. But still, even then, wins in their final two games — against Salzburg and Brest — would almost certainly be sufficient. Pérez, in many ways, is right — the new format has devalued these early-round games, by making losses relatively inconsequential. It is far too merciful. And in the most ironic of twists, it is his club, the , the , Real Madrid, who will probably benefit.Apple Loop: iPhone 17 Design Leaks, iPhone 16 Camera Issues, Apple Confirms Black Friday Offers - Forbes

ryasick A sudden spike in stock market volatility caused the VIX index to rise to its third-highest level in August 2024. The third-highest level since the VIX futures and options began trading in 2004. The monthly chart shows the VIX exploded The Hecht Commodity Report is one of the most comprehensive commodities reports available today from a top-ranked author in commodities, forex, and precious metals. My weekly report covers the market movements of over 29 different commodities and provides bullish, bearish, and neutral calls, directional trading recommendations, and actionable ideas for traders and investors. I am offering a free trial and discount to new subscribers for a limited time. Andrew Hecht is a 35-year Wall Street veteran covering commodities and precious metals. The Hecht Commodity Report Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. The author always has positions in commodities markets in futures, options, ETF/ETN products, and commodity equities. These long and short positions tend to change on an intraday basis. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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The closer a Prince Rupert woman looked at the deer in her yard, the stranger things became for her. “It was the first time I’ve seen anything like that; it was pretty bizarre,” said Joan Dudoward. Dudoward is a senior residing on 11th Avenue East in Prince Rupert. A flash of movement caught her eye as she scrubbed her breakfast plates on a typical Wednesday morning. Peeking out the window above her sink, she gasped— a majestic buck with massive antlers stood gracefully in her yard. “As soon as I noticed the huge buck, I ran and grabbed my camera to photograph it. I’ve been taking photos since I was a teenager...I photograph everything,” she said. She says he cozied up to lie on the grass and stayed for about half an hour. “He was wiggling his ears so I zoomed in and noticed a tag clipped on him,” she said. “I thought, why is this dear clipped? I got very concerned.” Dudoward, driven by her curiosity, noted that one side of the clip was labelled “BC WILDLIFE 06-529,” while the other read “CALL RAP: 877-952-7227.” It was suspicious because the number displayed is very similar but different from the official number of B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, which is 1-877-952-7277. Also, the legitimate acronym for their hotline, Report All Poachers and Polluters, is “RAPP,” not “RAP,” as indicated on the tag. She called the number on the neon green tag to inquire about the buck, but reached a woman who spoke to her very hurriedly, she said. The woman, who identified herself as Jessica, wanted to send Dudoward a “free medical alert device” that she could wear around her neck. “We’re very excited to tell you about a special promotion for select callers,” Dudoward recalls the woman saying. She was then asked questions such as her age to check eligibility. Jessica then explained that as a senior, the device would help her in emergencies, such as falls, by alerting her immediate contacts. To proceed with delivery, she said she needed some personal information from Dudoward, such as her address. Then, Dudoward was abruptly transferred to another agent who continued the call. But when she tried to ask her about the buck and why the agency had clipped its number on his ear, they wouldn’t respond but instead continued to promote their products “That’s just cruelty to animals. They are targeting seniors for sure, and hurting the deer in the process,” said Dudoward. She wondered how they must have handled the wild animal to dart him. She questioned, “Did they sedate him? What exactly happened there?” She was absolutely shocked. Dudoward couldn’t comprehend why B.C. Wildlife, a legitimate organization, would have put this company’s number on the buck's ear. The incident reminded her of this continued pattern of companies attempting to target elderly and vulnerable individuals. “I also have my mother’s old number, and it gets scam calls all the time,” she said. “How can they do that? Especially to seniors. They are trying to decide if they should pay the rent or get medication,” said Dudoward in frustration. She proceeded to contact the legitimate conservation officer’s number, who, like the local RCMP, didn’t pay much heed to her situation, she said. The next day, Dudoward called the agency’s number on the tag again, and the conversation took a completely different turn. Now, the agent asked if she was 18 and was promoting products aimed at youth. They informed her that she needed to pay $3 through a call paywall to proceed to the next step, during which she would be directed to the free products for which she was eligible. “The message keeps changing; this is so strange,” said Dudoward. investigated the call and found that it was an intricately designed AI automated voice call. The system guides the caller through different phases by detecting both their spoken responses and the number keys they press. Contrary to Dudoward’s initial belief, it wasn’t a live human speaking to her, but a pre-recorded one. In fact, similar cases of fraud involving medical alert devices have happened in the U.S. before, prompting the and the to issue cautionary alerts for consumers regarding these “robocalls.” The authorities advised seniors to immediately hang up, not press any keys when prompted, and avoid sharing personal information. “Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others,” states the Canadian Government on its The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) says that there have been 40,623 reports of fraud this year up to Oct. 31, resulting in a loss of $503 million. Vishing is a social engineering technique that uses voice communication technology. It involves fraudulent phone calls to trick the victim into revealing personal data. The CAFC advises caution during phone calls. They urge people not to hesitate to say no if something feels off and not to feel pressured by urgency or time limits. They also encourage taking enough time to research before sharing personal information. contacted the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a comment regarding the tag on the buck. “The Conservation Officer Service darted this deer Nov. 5 to remove wires wrapped around its antlers. The tag is legitimate, but unfortunately has the wrong number on it for RAPP. The new versions of the tag have the correct number and COS will stop using these older tags,” said Jesse Zeman, executive director at B.C. Wildlife Federation. Although the exact cause of this mistake is unclear, anyone who suspects fraud should contact CAFC at 1-888-495-8501 or their local police.Boerne’s pathway to success: Empowering the next generation

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