Juan Soto could decide on his next team before or during baseball's winter meetingsWarning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year.
Throughout history, black athletes have been at the forefront of not just sports but also social activism, challenging injustices and advocating for equality. Using their influence, they know they can strive for change in their environment. Yet, some athletes take their activism to extraordinary levels, transforming their platforms into catalysts for change by showing actions and not just saying them. Taking actions In 2016, as racial tensions in the United States reached a boiling point, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick stepped into the spotlight for his bold decision to challenge systemic injustice. After the murders of four black people that summer, Kaepernick sought to make a statement his own way. During a preseason game, while the national anthem played, he chose to remain seated. This is one of the numerous bold stances that caught the attention of many, including Kobe Bryant , a figure synonymous with leadership and influence in the NBA. Kobe, no stranger to the intersection of sports and activism, admired Kaepernick's bravery. "I think what Colin Kaepernick stood for is the epitome of doing what he believes is right," says Bryant. "Now things have been taken out of context and misconstrued; they try to bend it this way that way and miss the point of what it is—the message that she was getting across, and I think having the bravery to be able to do that is something that we should all stand for." Related: Ice Cube shares his struggles watching Larry Bird dominate: "I just couldn't understand how he was as good as he was" Creating a movement Kaep's activism did not stop at sitting during the anthem. The former star quarterback also adjusted his protest by kneeling, a gesture intended to maintain his stance against police brutality against the black race. Bryant, who spent his career navigating the challenges of being a black athlete in a predominantly white country, understood the weight of Colin's decision. "It's very hard as a black athlete; it's just to sit here and say, 'You know what? We're comfortable. We made it. We have it made. It's okay. We don't have to jump into this thing. It's too much controversy. We don't need it.' Is that the right thing to do? No, it's not," "Bean" said. Kaepernick's actions became more evident during the 2020 murder of George Floyd, and other black athletes joined the movement. Players wore T-shirts, took a knee during the anthem, and used their platforms to advocate for justice. This collective action underscored the enduring influence of Kaep's original protest. Related: "I wish there was some way legally that I could give him some of the money" - Michael Jordan wanted to help Scottie Pippen with his contract issue
Google unveils quantum chip "Willow" with mind-boggling computing powerLAHAINA, Hawaii — Monday saw one of the best Maui Invitational games in the 40-plus-year history of the event. Unranked Memphis beat No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime after an absurd 18-5 UConn comeback in the final three minutes of regulation that included Memphis going the final four minutes of regulation without making a field goal. In overtime, the Tigers edged it out — the difference being a technical foul on Huskies coach Dan Hurley after a controversial over-the-back foul called on Liam McNeeley that gave the Tigers four points on PJ Carter free throws with 40 seconds remaining that turned a 92-all game into a 96-92 Memphis lead. UConn scrambled and got close but couldn't close out. Hassan Diarra missed a 3-pointer as time expired. Hurley, who was exceedingly intense in his haranguing of the officials just minutes into Monday morning's game (the Huskies committed seven team fouls in the first 5 minutes and 21 seconds), continued to aggressively express his protests and disgust as the teams made their way off the floor, after the postgame handshake. The overtime session was an opera of swings; prior to Hurley's technical, there was a near-scuffle on the floor between Memphis' Dain Dainja and UConn's Samson Johnson . Both were assessed dead-ball technical fouls, which fouled out Johnson. That was a big problem for UConn because it no longer had Tarris Reed Jr . available; he'd previously fouled out in regulation after the best game of his career (22 points, 11 rebounds). On the ensuing possession, Solo Ball hit a top-of-the-key 3-pointer to make it 90-86 in favor of UConn. In that moment, the game seemed set for the Huskies, until Carter promptly answered with a return trey and the Tigers swung the momentum. Earlier, it was Ball who hit a clutch 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds in regulation to tie the game at 92. Solo. Ball. pic.twitter.com/ujgqsZ2nCS It was a firecracker of a game, and the latest example of why this Thanksgiving week tournament is among the most reliable events in sports. The Maui Invitational isn't just reliably entertaining for big-name programs and great games — it also is prone to provide the occasional stunning upset. For the first time since February, Hurley's UConn Huskies have been defeated. An intriguing Memphis squad — which loaded up in the offseason with portal additions who can shoot it aplenty from deep — essentially controlled the game from the opening minute. The best player on the floor: Memphis' Tyrese Hunter . The senior had one of the best games of his career, erupting for 26 points on 7-of-10 3-point shooting. As a team, Memphis shot 12 for 22 from deep. The Tigers' physicality and bravado gave them the edge on Monday, but their 3-point shooting was the reason they were in position to win and held the lead most of the morning. After losing four starters and multiple NBA players from its 2023-24 national championship team, Connecticut was understandably given the benefit of the doubt after a roster reloading. It had the ranking, reputation and the prestige, but it didn't have the early season résumé to indicate how good it was after losing four starters from last season's championship team. In Memphis, the first true test — by a long shot. UConn entered Monday with a 4-0 record and having destroyed opponents, beating low-major fodder by an average of 37.8 points — the best margin of victory in the country. But UConn's also played the easiest schedule, ranking 363 out of 364 at KenPom.com . That pillow-soft first three weeks meant a shock to the system awaited here in Maui for a Huskies program that was 47-3 in its previous 50 games. Then again, the majority of those 47 wins came with players no longer in the program. So, the Huskies' 17-game overall winning streak is over but also a 17-game winning streak on neutral floors is done as well with that loss coming in the 2023 Big East Tournament to Marquette . Memphis won its second game in the past 14 tries against a team ranked in the top two. And this win gives the Tigers' program a 5-0 for a second straight season, marking the first time the Tigers have done that since they were Memphis State in 1985. This story will be updated soon. 2004 Maui Invitational bracket
‘The Guy Has Real Charisma’: Ex-CNN Analyst Speculates About Whether Donald Trump Jr. Will Run For White House In 2028
Depressed Teenage Girl Lying On Bed At Home Looking At Mobile Phone A recent Australian social media ban might impact the tech industry more than we think. The recent measure, which will level fines against companies like Meta and X for violations , impacts anyone 16 years of age and younger. Tech companies have a year to figure out how to protect underage users from accessing the app, beyond the nominal measures they use today. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke to reporters and said: “Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them.” The Senate passed the law in Australia on Thursday this last week with 34 in favor and 19 against. The House passed the law with 102 “yes” votes to just 13 against. The ripple effects of these bans ( like the one for TikTok ) are clear: Social media companies will bear the burden for ensuring that underage users need more than an email and the ability to check a box saying they are over a certain age limit to access the apps. Yet, that’s not even the biggest takeaway of this new social media ban. Apart from the technological challenges, social media companies will need to grapple with how the ban could lead to further legal action related to how social media impacts mental health. Refresh Your Wardrobe And Home With Quince’s Black Friday Deals The Best Black Friday Deals On TVs, According To Our Tech Editor How the Australian social media ban addresses teen mental health One of the most recent reports explains how social media can impact teenagers. While the findings did mention a few benefits such as increased socialization, there’s clear evidence that social media can cause stress and mental health issues for teens. Excessive use (about three hours a day) can lead to low self-esteem, for example. An even more alarming stat has to do with teens feeling depressed. A recent study found that 40% of teens who use social media struggle with feelings of sadness. Even worse, the same study found that teenage girls are twice as likely as boys to have suicidal thoughts if they are frequent social media users and are also more likely to be bullied in school and online. Another finding has to do with obsessive social media use which has led to tech addiction. It’s becoming more common, especially among teens. The Australian social media ban is obviously a reaction to all of these reports, and addresses a concern that there are inadequate age-gating systems. Has the social media ban taken things too far? A good question to ask at this juncture is whether leveling fines against the tech companies is the best course of action. Some experts even question whether the studies about mental health are accurate or if they can be proven for the general populace, outside of those surveyed. And, while the Australian social media ban is one of the most far-reaching measures we’ve seen so far, enforcement is going to be a challenge. Short of requiring that a teen scan their identification and submit for inspection, age-gating is difficult because there’s no way to prove whether the teen has found a workaround. It’s thorny because, holding the social media companies liable in these cases means there has to be some way to prove the technology is faulty or flawed. While we can all agree that excessive social media use is not good for anyone in all age groups, the real impact of this Australian social media ban might be further discussion and debate about how to handle the issue for everyone.NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global publishing market size is estimated to grow by USD 19.37 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.2% during the forecast period. Increase in demand for diversity in content is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise in number of self-published authors. However, decreasing market share of traditional publishing poses a challenge. Key market players include Adobe Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Cambridge University Press, Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG, Haufe Lexware GmbH and Co. KG, John Wiley and Sons Inc., McGraw Hill LLC, MPS Ltd., News Corp., Oxford University Press, Pearson Plc, PLANETA CORPORACION Srl, Scholastic Corp., Thomson Reuters Corp., Vivendi SE, White Falcon Publishing Solutions LLP, Wolters Kluwer NV, YUDU Ltd., Lerner Publishing Group, and Blue Heron Book Works. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Book publishing, Magazine publishing, and Newspaper publishing), Platform (Traditional and Digital), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key companies profiled Adobe Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Cambridge University Press, Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG, Haufe Lexware GmbH and Co. KG, John Wiley and Sons Inc., McGraw Hill LLC, MPS Ltd., News Corp., Oxford University Press, Pearson Plc, PLANETA CORPORACION Srl, Scholastic Corp., Thomson Reuters Corp., Vivendi SE, White Falcon Publishing Solutions LLP, Wolters Kluwer NV, YUDU Ltd., Lerner Publishing Group, and Blue Heron Book Works Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The self-publishing trend has significantly increased the number of books in the global publishing market. Aspiring authors now have the opportunity to publish their work independently, retaining full control and earning higher royalties, typically around 60%-80% of the book's listed price. Self-publishing saves time, cost, and eliminates the risk of losing rights to traditional publishers. Digital platforms like Amazon KDP and Smashwords expand reach with minimal upfront costs, leading to an increase in indie and self-published authors and titles, fueling market growth. The publishing market is currently experiencing significant growth in various areas. One trending sector is eBooks, which have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and accessibility. Another trend is the use of chatbots for marketing and customer service in the publishing industry. Additionally, social media is playing a major role in promoting books and reaching new audiences. The use of analytics and data-driven insights is also becoming essential for publishers to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the rise of self-publishing and print-on-demand technology is giving authors more control over their work and reducing inventory costs. Overall, the publishing industry is adapting to new technologies and consumer preferences to stay competitive. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! • The publishing market faces challenges from shifting consumer preferences towards digital formats. Declining demand for traditional print publications, due to convenience and environmental concerns, puts pressure on profit margins with significant production and distribution costs. Major US newspapers, like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have seen growth in digital subscriptions, but overall print demand continues to decline. Self-publishing platforms add competition, impacting market share and revenue for traditional publishers in both newspaper and book sectors. • In the publishing market, challenges abound for both traditional and digital players. Classics and new releases, sales and marketing, distribution and logistics, and digital transformation are key areas of concern. Diversifying revenue streams through subscriptions, e-books, and audiobooks is essential for staying competitive. The digital shift requires rich content, user-friendly platforms, and security. Localization and globalization add complexity, while regulatory compliance and data privacy are critical concerns. Collaboration and partnerships are vital for success in this dynamic industry. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This publishing market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Book publishing- The educational sector's demand for books continues to grow, driven by increasing student populations and expanding access to education. Publishers respond with digital solutions and diverse content. Governments in developing countries, such as India under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, prioritize free education. The rise of eBooks and audiobooks broadens the market, enabling instant access and increased consumption. Independent publishing adds unique voices and niche topics, fueling market growth. Education expansion remains a key driver for the book publishing segment. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The publishing market encompasses a vast array of genres and formats, catering to the diverse reading preferences of individuals. Notable categories include Mystery, with its intriguing plots and puzzles reminiscent of jigsaws and Rubik's cubes; Educational books, which delve into the realms of Science, as explored by luminaries like Charles Darwin , Albert Einstein , Carl Sagan , and Richard Dawkins ; and Fiction, with its captivating narratives in Romance, Women's Fiction, Young Adult, and Classics. The marketplace is populated by local bookshops, such as Kitabay, and online portals, providing access to a multitude of prospects for both physical stores and online businesses. Stock market and housing market books offer insights into potential buyers' interests, while costs vary between formats and genres. Reading enthusiasts seek out these resources, expanding their knowledge and imagination. The Publishing Market encompasses a wide range of industries and sectors, including print and digital media, educational publishing, scientific, technical and medical (STM) publishing, and academic publishing. This market is driven by various factors such as increasing literacy rates, growing demand for knowledge and information, and the shift towards digital content. The market is also influenced by trends like self-publishing, open access publishing, and subscription models. Publishers are leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance content discovery and personalization. The market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to these factors and the increasing adoption of digital content. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/publishing-market-to-expand-by-usd-19-37-billion-2024-2028-fueled-by-rising-demand-for-diverse-content-report-explores-ai-driven-market-transformation---technavio-302325004.html SOURCE Technavio
Despite Mary Lou McDonald’s confidence around shaping a coalition without Fine Gael and Fianna Fail – the two parties that have dominated the landscape of Irish politics for a century – the pathway to government for Sinn Fein still appears challenging. With counting following Friday’s election still in the relatively early stages – after an exit poll that showed the main three parties effectively neck-and-neck – there is some way to go before the final picture emerges and the options for government formation crystalise. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris, has dismissed talk of a Sinn Fein surge and said he was “cautiously optimistic” about where his party will stand after all the votes are counted. Meanwhile, Ireland’s deputy premier and Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, insisted his party has a “very clear route back to government” as he predicted seat gains. The counting process could last days because of Ireland’s complex system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV), where candidates are ranked by preference. The early indications have turned the focus to the tricky arithmetic of government formation, as the country’s several smaller parties and many independents potentially jockey for a place in government. Ms McDonald told reporters at the RDS count centre in Dublin that she would be “very, very actively pursuing” the potential to form a government with other parties on the left of the political spectrum. The smaller, left-leaning parties in Ireland include the Social Democrats, the Irish Labour Party, the Green Party and People Before Profit-Solidarity. Ms McDonald said her party had delivered an “incredible performance” in the election. “I think it’s fair to say that we have now confirmed that we have broken the political mould here in this state,” she said. “Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history and that, in itself, is very significant.” She added: “I am looking to bring about a government of change, and I’m going to go and look at all formulations. “If you want my bottom line, the idea of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for another five years, in our strong opinion, is not a good outcome for Irish society. “Obviously, I want to talk to other parties of the left and those that we share very significant policy objectives with. So I’m going to do that first and just hear their mind, hear their thinking. But be very clear, we will be very, very actively pursuing entrance into government.” In Friday night’s exit poll, Sinn Fein was predicted to take 21.1% of first-preference votes, narrowly ahead of outgoing coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at 21% and 19.5% respectively. Prior to the election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael both ruled out entering government with Sinn Fein. Fine Gael leader Mr Harris rejected suggestions Sinn Fein had broken new ground. He told reporters in his count centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow: “Certainly we haven’t seen a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it. “I mean, it looks likely, on the figures that we’ve seen now, fewer people, many fewer people would have voted Sinn Fein in this election than the last one. “In fact, I think they’re down by around 5% and actually the parties, particularly the two parties, the two larger parties in government, are likely to receive significant support from the electorate. So definitely, politics in Ireland has gotten much more fragmented.” He said it was too early to tell what the next government would look like. “I think anybody who makes any suggestion about who is going to be the largest party or the construct of the next government, they’re a braver person than I am,” he said. “Our electoral system dictates that there’ll be many, many transfers that will go on for hours, if not days, before we know the final computations at all. “But what I am very confident about is that my party will have a very significant role to play in the years ahead, and I’m cautiously optimistic and excited.” Fianna Fail’s Mr Martin told reporters at a count centre in Cork he was confident that the numbers exist to form a government with parties that shared his political viewpoint. Mr Martin said it “remains to be seen” whether he would return to the role of Taoiseach – a position he held between 2020 and 2022 – but he expressed confidence his party would outperform the exit poll prediction. “It’s a bit too early yet to call the exact type of government that will be formed or the composition of the next government,” he said. “But I think there are, there will be a sufficiency of seats, it seems to me, that aligns with the core principles that I articulated at the outset of this campaign and throughout the campaign, around the pro-enterprise economy, around a positively pro-European position, a government that will strongly push for home ownership and around parties that are transparently democratic in how they conduct their affairs.” Asked if it would be in a coalition with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Social Democrats, he said that would be “racing a bit too far ahead”. The final result may dictate that if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are to return to government, they may need more than one junior partner, or potentially the buy-in of several independent TDs. Mr Martin said it was unclear how quickly a government can be formed, as he predicted his party would gain new seats. “It will be challenging. This is not easy,” he added. The junior partner in the outgoing government – the Green Party – looks set for a bruising set of results. Green leader Roderic O’Gorman is in a fight to hold onto his seat, as are a number of party colleagues, including Media Minister Catherine Martin. “It’s clear the Green Party has not had a good day,” he said. The early counting also suggested potential trouble for Fianna Fail in Wicklow, where the party’s only candidate in the constituency, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, is considered to have a battle ahead, with the risk of losing his seat. Meanwhile, there is significant focus on independent candidate Gerard Hutch who, on Saturday evening, was sitting in fourth place in the four-seat constituency of Dublin Central. Last spring, Mr Hutch was found not guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne, in one of the first deadly attacks of the Hutch-Kinahan gangland feud. Mr Byrne, 33, died after being shot six times at a crowded boxing weigh-in event at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. A Special Criminal Court judge described Mr Hutch, 61, as the patriarchal figurehead of the Hutch criminal organisation and said he had engaged in “serious criminal conduct”. The constituency will be closely watched as other hopefuls wait to see if transfers from eliminated candidates may eventually rule him out of contention. In the constituency of Louth, the much-criticised selection of John McGahon appeared not to have paid off for Fine Gael. The party’s campaign was beset by questioning over footage entering the public domain of the candidate engaged in a fight outside a pub in 2018. The Social Democrats have a strong chance of emerging as the largest of the smaller parties. The party’s leader, Holly Cairns, was already celebrating before a single vote was counted however, having announced the birth of her baby girl on polling day.Over 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country's contentious new selection process, but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. The ruling party pushed through a constitutional reform in September to make all federal judges stand for election, replacing the system where court employees and lawyers mainly move up through the ranks. Current court employees and their supporters have staged dozens of demonstrations against the reforms, calling them part of a ruling-party campaign to weaken checks and balances and eliminate independent regulatory and oversight bodies. Now, candidates for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships need only a law degree, a grade point average of 3.2, “five years of professional experience” and five letters of recommendation from neighbors or friends. That, and some luck in the final drawing. Officials rejected criticism that has called the process rushed or amateurish for the often highly technical posts that can hear cases including intellectual property, organized crime and Constitutional law. “The results have been spectacular,” said Arturo Zaldivar, a top advisor to President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to the plan, evaluation committees will have just over a month to review thousands of resumes and whittle the field to about 10 candidates or less for each for the 881 judgeships and nine seats on the Supreme Court. Then 1,793 names chosen at random from those selected will appear on the ballot on June 1. Critics warn that many who land on the ballot will be unknowns who perhaps have never argued a case in the courts they seek to run. “You don’t elect a doctor or a surgeon for an operation based on their popularity, you elect them based on their technical expertise, their ability, their knowledge,” said Sergio Méndez Silva, the legal coordinator for the civic group Foundation for Justice. “That also applies for a judge.” With candidates now having to run election campaigns, critics warn there's a chance drug cartels or political parties could finance them to get friendly judges onto the bench. There are also concerns that the evaluation committees deciding who makes the cut for the selection to appear on ballots may not be impartial. Most committee members were appointed by the legislative or executive branches, controlled by the ruling Morena party. Some critics argue that the current justice system, which is riddled with nepotism, corruption and a lack of accountability, needs to be changed. “We need a justice system that gives results,” said Martínez Garza, an academic and former head of the human rights commission in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon who has registered to run for a Supreme Court seat. Trials in Mexico can last for years, and the ruling party has added to the growing list of crimes for which bail is not allowed, meaning that a large percentage of the prison population is people awaiting trial. ____ Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
DEADLINE ALERT: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Investigates Claims on Behalf of Investors of Evolv Technologies
$1. 045 committed to education infrastructures in FCT – WikeWASHINGTON — A top White House official said Wednesday at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations were impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. The U.S. believes the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday. White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline. “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online.
DENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The annual general meeting and game of ACBL Western New York Unit 116 will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Buffalo Bridge Center. • • • Congratulations to Saleh Fetouh, who won the most master points among Buffalo area players in the Niagara Open Sectional Tournament Nov. 15 to 17 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. He earned 19.42 points and was fifth overall. Also doing well were Chongmin Zhang with 8.72 points and Davis Heussler and David Colligan, both with 6.55. • • • The Bridge Center offers a regular schedule of in-person and online games five days a week, with special games on the weekends. Fee for face-to-face games is $8 for members and $11 for non-members. For more info, visit the Buffalo Bridge Center website or call 716-424-0014. Lessons for beginners are being held at the Buffalo Bridge Center from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For more information, call Ruth Nawotniak at 716-949-7574 or email ruth2250@outlook.com . Don’t want to clean up the house for kitchen bridge? The Bridge Center also hosts a social game in its lessons room on Tuesday mornings during the regular 10:30 a.m. game. Players can go at their own speed and style. Fee is $5 to cover expenses. In-person games: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. For players with fewer than 1,600 points. Simultaneous game for players with fewer than 99 points if there are enough tables. Free lesson at 10. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Open to all players. Simultaneous game for players with fewer than 99 points if there are enough tables. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Upgraded to now include players with up to 2,000 points. Simultaneous game for players with fewer than 99 points if there are enough tables. Free lesson at 10. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Open to all players by pre-registration only. Call 716-424-0014. Virtual games on Bridge Base Online: Mondays, 7 p.m. For players with fewer than 750 points. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Delaware Wednesday game for players with fewer than 2,000 points. For info on this game, call Ed Harman at 716-480-1666 or email eharmon@roadrunner.com . • • • More access to virtual games on Bridge Base Online is being offered by the Airport Bridge Club, which currently is not holding face-to-face games. It has affiliated with a new group of clubs, the SE Club of Clubs Online Bridge Collective, where most games are $5. For more info, click this link . The Airport Club also continues to be part of the Alliance Bridge Club, which offers more than a dozen games every day. Anyone who has played at the Airport Club is automatically a member. For more info, visit alliancebridgeclub.com or call Airport Club manager Bill Finkelstein at 716-603-6943. • • • The East Aurora Bridge Club begins play at 10 a.m. Wednesdays in the Aurora Senior Citizens Center, 101 King St., East Aurora. Attendance is generally three or four tables. For more info, email director Dave Larcom at dmocral@verizon.net . • • • The Bridge Centre of Niagara in St. Catharines, Ont., offers a mix of online games and in-person games at its club in Tremont Square opposite the Pen Centre shopping plaza off Glendale Avenue. Face-to-face games open to all players are offered at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is also a face-to-face game for 499ers (players with fewer than 500 points) at 1 p.m. Monday and Friday, a beginner game with a mini-lesson at 6 p.m. Monday, mentoring at 1 p.m. Tuesdays (register by 9 p.m. Sunday), a 299er game at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (pre-registration requested); and a 999er game at 1 p.m. Thursday. The club currently hosts two virtual games on Bridge Base Online. There’s one for players with fewer than 750 points at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, and an open game at 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more info, click here . • • • Face-to-face play in non-sanctioned clubs is offered at the Tonawanda Senior Center on Wednesday afternoons and at the Amherst Senior Center on Monday and Friday afternoons. • • • Tournament calendar 2024 District 5 STAC (Sectional Tournament at the Clubs) – Participating ACBL-sanctioned clubs. Monday, Dec. 9, to Sunday, Dec. 15. Toronto Non-Life Master Regional – Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ont. Friday, Jan. 3, to Sunday, Jan. 5. For more info, click this link . Toronto New Year's Sectional – Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ont. Friday, Jan. 3, to Sunday, Jan. 5. For more info, click this link . 2025 Cleveland Rock & Roll Regional – Embassy Suites Hotel, 5800 Rockside Road, Independence, Ohio. Wednesday, Jan. 8, to Sunday, Jan. 12. For more info, click this link . Niagara Sectional – Holiday Inn & Suites, 327 Ontario St., St. Catharines, Ont. Friday, Feb. 7, to Sunday, Feb. 9. Buffalo Spring Sectional – Buffalo Bridge Center, 60 Dingens St., Buffalo. Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30. Toronto Easter Regional – Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ont. Tuesday, April 15, to Sunday, April 20. For more info, click this link . • • • Bridge club websites: Click names for links. Bridge Center of Buffalo . Western New York Unit 116 . The Airport Bridge Club, which continues to be on hiatus, does not have a website. For info, call 716-603-6943. • • • Duplicate scores from ACBL Live for Clubs Week of Nov. 11 to Nov. 17 ACBL Affiliated Clubs Buffalo Bridge Center Monday evening – 0-750 game online. Carol Licata and Larry Himelein, 70.37%; Jeannine and Michel Dupuis, 61.11%; Michael and Jim Hassett, 53.70%; Fran Schmidt and Richard McGowan, 53.70%. Buffalo Bridge Center Tuesday morning – 0-1,600 game. North-south, Paula Rosen and Maryann Szafran, 57.85%; Joanne Nover and Larry Himelein, 57.84%; Betty Metz and John Brennan, 53.99%; Joyce Greenspan and Audrey Ray, 53.07%; Pat Wolcott and Joe Miranda, 50.96%; east-west, Agi Maisel and Pat Haynes, 61.19%; Ruth Nawotniak and Paul Zittel, 59.82%; Dennis Daley and Brian Fleming, 53.23%; Carol Licata and Ilene Rothman, 46.98%. Buffalo Bridge Center Wednesday morning – Open game. Donna Steffan and Jay Levy, 64.58%; (3-way tie) Kamil Bishara and Fred Yellen, Judy Graf and Jim Gullo, Davis Heussler and Howard Foster, 53.13%. Buffalo Bridge Center Thursday morning – 0-2,000 game. Larry Himelein and David Schott, 81.48%; Betty Metz and Dennis Daly, 57.94%; Marilyn Wortzman and Jim Easton, 56.48%; Jim McClure and Richard McGowan, 50.92%. Buffalo Bridge Center Friday morning – Open game. (Tie) John Ziemer and Vic Bergsten, Judy Graf and Mike Ryan, 56%; Jay Costello and Bud Seidenberg, 55%; Martha Welte and Larry Abate, 52%. Bridge Club of East Aurora Wednesday morning – Open game. Sandi England and Walt Olszewski, 61.46%; Jan and Carl Hasselback, 60.42%; Linda Zittel and Joanne LaFay, 53.13%; Joan and Bob Ciszak, 50%. Delaware Wednesday evening – 0-2,000 game online. Deborah Zimmerman and Tom Karnowski, 67.13%; Sue Manning and Sam Khayatt, 63.89%; Jim Lanzo and Bill Rich, 58.33%; Marilyn Wortzman and Jim Easton, 56.25%; Mary Ball and Joyce Frayer, 50.23%; Sherry Siegel and Gary Keenan, 50%. Other clubs Amherst Senior Center Friday afternoon – North-south, (Tie) Edna and Ron Fill, Walt Olszewski and Ed Drozen, 58%; east-west, Mary and Jim Atwood, 58%; Fritz Schweiger and Carol Neuhaus, 55%. Tonawanda Senior Center Wednesday afternoon – Susan and Harvey Lichtblau, 75%; Rose Bochiechio and Edna Fill, 59%. • • • Unit 116 Master Point Leaders for Virtual Club Play Jan. 1, 2024, to Oct. 31, 2024 0-5 Points – Michael Rupp, 4.94; Maxine Seller, 0.59. 5-20 Points – Fran Holmes, 6.91; Devon Marlette, 2.67; Marie Aaron, 0.90; David Taylor, 0.67; Jeannine Dupuis, 0.16. 20-50 Points – Brian Fleming, 15.26; Michel Dupuis, 10.76; Ilene Rothman, 9.69; Maxine Johnson, 4.83; Kathleen Voigt, 3.80; Maureen Saab, 3.50; Donna Starnes, 2.22; Phyllis Stasiowski, 1.43; Karen Dearing, 1.33; Peggy Stock, 0.42. 50-100 Points – Maria Schory, 34.71; Howard Epstein, 19.17; Gary Keenan, 14.09; John Houghtaling, 13.42; Mike Metzger, 12.90; Cynthia Tashjian, 10.30; Candace Graser, 8.99; Mary Ellen Cotter, 6.28; Susan Burns, 5.30; Amy Habib, 4.62. 100-200 Points – Carol Licata, 21.14; Jim Hassett, 17.94; Fran Schmidt, 11.70; Judith McDermid, 10.16; Jim Greno, 9.04; Joan Ciszak, 7.59; Betsy Greno, 7.09; Susan Levy, 2.57; Janet Desmon, 1.99; Bill Noltee, 1.97; Betty DeFeo, 1.66. 200-300 Points – Maria Amlani, 45.97; Laura Houghtaling, 13.42; John Scott, 1.78; Patty Porter, 1.68. 300-500 Points – Kusum Phadke, 26.10; Pat Haynes, 17.72; Bob Ciszak, 15.44; Margaret Zhou, 6.09; David Schott, 5.19; Jim McClure, 4.89; Joanne Nover, 4 even; Ruth Nawotniak, 3.43. 500-1,000 Points – Martha Townson, 81.73; Terry Hamovitch, 55.61; Bram Hamovitch, 54.29; Ed Harman, 22.21; Sushil Amlani, 22.16; Larry Himelein, 17.56; Bill Rich, 16.90; Richard McGowan, 16.66; Joyce Frayer, 15.90; Diana Smith, 15.64. 1,000-1,500 Points – Jim Lanzo, 155.02; Vic Bergsten, 52.17; (tie) Jim Easton, Marilyn Wortzman, 10.43; Mary Ball, 8.16; Bob Kaprove, 0.83; Ed Rupp, 0.68; Bert Feasley, 0.67; Kamil Bishara, 0.60. 1,500-2,500 Points – John Bava, 41.04; Walt Olszewski, 14.11; Pinky Regan, 10.02; Rajat Basu, 6.64; Sandi England, 2.99; Paula Kotowski, 2.11; Joyce Greenspan, 1.58; Nancy Kessler, 1.54. 2,500-3,500 Points – Art Morth, 15.65; Linda Burroughsford, 9.69; Elaine Kurasiewicz, 1.53; Dale Anderson, 0.98; Mike Silverman, 0.60; Bill Rushmore, 0.28. 3,500-5,000 Points – Judy Padgug, 20.96; Martha Welte, 10.29; Davis Heussler, 10.14; Ken Meier, 4.75; Barbara Libby, 2.38; Chongmin Zhang, 1.88. More than 5,000 Points – Saleh Fetouh, 98.76; Jay Levy, 38.66; Dian Petrov, 5.75. • • • The Duplicate Bridge column is compiled weekly by Buffalo News Staff Reporter Dale Anderson. The print version stopped appearing Saturdays in The News in March 2020 when the pandemic forced local bridge clubs to halt face-to-face play. These days you can find it in two places online. Google “Duplicate Bridge” plus the current Saturday date and that should bring up a link to it on buffalonews.com , the Buffalo News website. Another place to find it is on Dale Anderson’s bridge blog at http://newsdupli.blogspot.com/ Deadline for submission of scores and notices is Tuesday night. Email danderson@buffnews.com or dahotwings@aol.com . Office phone is 716-849-4420. • • • A Gold Life Master , Dale Anderson has a career total of more than 2,970 master points. He occasionally writes about his quest for the next measure of achievement, Sapphire Life Master (3,500 points), and other bridge adventures here . Email danderson@buffnews.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.