Willis finished 3 of 9 from 3-point range and 6 for 7 from the line for the Golden Hurricane (4-3). Isaiah Barnes scored 12 points while shooting 4 for 9, including 4 for 6 from beyond the arc and added seven rebounds. Dwon Odom had 11 points and went 5 of 8 from the field. Jared Lary led the way for the Titans (3-4) with 12 points and two steals. Tulsa led 36-27 at halftime, with Willis racking up nine points. Tulsa extended its lead to 54-35 during the second half, fueled by a 9-2 scoring run. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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(BPT) - The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals. According to Bank of America's Small Business Owner's Report , more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season. Scammers know how to exploit the season's hustle and bustle. But don't let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact. The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams In today's digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it's a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns. The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app . With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next. Beyond just protecting your systems, it's essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention. The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season. Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it's your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.Conclave: 'These cardinals all have phones, they vape, they smoke'1. This mini turbo fan is basically a tiny Mary Poppins windbag in your pocket, perfect for beating the holiday heat (and awkward family gatherings). Promising review: “I bought this one as a second for the family to share. I bought the first one because I was wilting from the heat at my children's swimming lessons, but I recently brought it along with us on our holiday in Asia. The humid heat was killing me but the fan really helped. I love that the blades are hidden so my hair won't get caught in it by mistake. I only really need to go between the second to third speeds even in the 30+degree heat for the most part. Compared to the neck fan I bought over there for my son, this was more effective even though it meant holding it all the time (as opposed to the neck fan option). I would recommend this.” — Jenny Cheng Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $20.39 (was $34.99). 2. This six-pack of smiley sponge dudes cleans like a champ and changes colours like a rave – what more could you ask for? Promising review: “These things are amazing. They are the next best thing to the wired sponges. They don’t damage my pots and get up nearly every hard stain/food residue. We use the Scrub Daddy for multiple things like removing stickers, cleaning things like counters, oven, grill, and floor, as well as the obvious, our dishes. They are worth the money, they hold their shape for a long time, and they take seconds to absorb water... Warm water makes it soft and easy to manipulate and cold water makes it tough and you can use the thickness to put in the elbow grease.” — Southern Sage Mama Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $16.99 (was $29.99). 3. This double-length toilet paper will have you saying goodbye to those awkward mid-wipe scrambles. Promising review: “This toilet paper brand does not readily disintegrate even before it is put to use . Other brands may be softer, but they can be frustratingly fragile. This brand also has rolls that are longer than the other brands.” — Alma Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $19.66 (was $29.95). 4. These DentaStix are dental hygiene wrapped up in a delicious treat for your favourite four-legged friend (because apparently, they don't get cavities from holiday candy). Promising review: “This is a bulk item and great for the price. My dog's teeth were showing bad signs at her last check-up. Getting her on this product has shown a remarkable improvement in just the first 2 weeks. ” — Gina O'Neill “We used to intermittently give DentaStix to our previous dogs but, with our current dog, we decided to make sure she has one every day. So she's had them since a puppy and is now 7 years old. Her teeth are in very good condition –- not entirely free of tartar — but I'm sure the DentaStix have helped maintain her teeth. Buy them on special, or in bulk packs, and they don't cost anywhere near as much as some other dog dental chews.” — David Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $22.47 (was $31.99). 5. This National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar is a fun and educational way to count down to Christmas with your geologist-in-the-making kid. Promising review: “ Our kids loved this as their advent calendar instead of the usual chocolate ones or the Lego ones they’ve had some years as a treat. Well presented and lovely gems to be found inside. The only thing we found was the challenge of identifying some gems on the index inside the cover — lots look the same as another! But the kids figured it out by trial and error. We cut off the index to keep it as a reference. Highly recommend this National Geographic product for gem and stone lovers!” — Miss Patricia Austin Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $20.98 (was $44.99). 6. This classic Tommy Hilfiger tee is the ultimate wardrobe staple — perfect for layering or just showing off your sophisticated brand loyalty (because who doesn't love a good designer label, even if it's under $25?). Promising review: I grabbed the Tommy Hilfiger Men's Essential Cotton Tee on sale for my son, and it's a great basic shirt. The fabric’s soft and comfortable, and it fits well. It’s held up nicely after a few washes, so no issues with shrinking or losing shape. My son likes it, and it’s easy to wear with pretty much anything. It's a good deal for the price.” — Patrick & Christine Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $21.99 (was $59.95). 7. This 30-pack of Energizer batteries is like a little jolt of power for all your electronic needs — from your kid's annoying talking toys to that remote that mysteriously disappears every night. Ditch the dead-battery drama! These batteries will keep your favourite gadgets going strong for ages. They're perfect for everything from remotes and toys to clocks and game controllers, all at a price that won't break the bank. Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $13.99 (was $27.99). 8. This healing cream is a multi-tasking miracle worker that could soothe diaper rash, sunburn, or even that paper cut from wrapping presents like a boss. Promising review: “Great stuff! I used this cream as soon as I received it, and it brought immediate relief. I have sensitive skin and yet this cream had no side effects whatsoever. I highly recommend this product.” — L.M “I purchased this item for my first-time mum granddaughter after learning from her that this product gave the best results for her baby's nappy rash . She was very happy with my order.” — Rob52 Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $21.59 (was $34.99). 9. These bamboo boxer briefs are the ultimate in comfort and sustainability — because let's face it, your nether regions deserve a little luxury (even on a budget). Promising review: “I've seen the ads on TV, but the price (compared to ordinary undies) for the Step Ones was a bridge too far. So when a cheaper brand of trunks appeared on Amazon, I took the plunge and ordered some. They were very good (not being a previous trunk wearer), more comfortable and better at holding the men's bits in place. Having happily made the switch to trunks, I took the plunge and ordered some Step One trunks. They are certainly the next level. They are more snug, comfortable, and worth the extra cost. ” — Steve VC Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $17.50 (was $35). 10. These Oral-B whitening strips will have you flashing a brighter smile with newfound confidence. Promising review: “Amazingly high-quality. The best whitening strips I’ve used thus far! I’m on my third day of using them, and I can already see the difference and others have commented as well. I can’t wait to see what it looks like after the 14 days...” — A Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $21.38 (was $44.99). 11. This snail mucin essence is K-Beauty magic in a bottle, giving your face a glow-up without the slime-covered struggle. Promising review: “I have severe rosacea with constant breakouts and have tried so many creams over the years –- even buying the very expensive creams and medication to try to help calm it. I was a bit skeptical at first but I'm so happy I tried this and am so thrilled with how well it works. I don't have to wear heavy makeup to try to cover my bumps because I don't have them anymore. My skin feels so soft and smooth and I love the way it feels now. I've bought my second bottle and am an avid fan! I use it day and night and I know everyone's skin is different but for me, this is an amazing product!” — Nanax3 Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $12.99 (was $38). 12. This classic Tommy Hilfiger baseball cap is the perfect "I woke up like this" accessory, even if your morning involved wrestling the cat off the curtains. Promising review: “I purchased this for my husband to wear in more corporate/dressy environments. The cap is full quality, has a great adjustable band at the back, and will be ideal for those corporate golfing days . True to the Tommy Hilfiger brand, the branding is understated yet still classy. Highly recommend this for your hubby!” — RiRi M Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $21.99 (was $49.95). 13. This digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, so you can finally impress your friends with a perfectly medium-rare steak. Promising review: “The thermometer has been a great addition to my kitchen tools . It’s easy to read and illuminates brightly. Easy to calibrate. It has rechargeable batteries and it’s lasted months before needing to recharge. Bonus, it has a magnet so I can attach it to my knife rack — no need to try and rummage through my draws to look for it.” — WorkingMama Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $18.99 (was $39). 14. This Cetaphil sunscreen protects your little one's delicate skin from harmful rays, so they can play all day and meet new friends without worry. Promising review: “All our three kids have had facial reactions to sunscreen of various brands. This is the only type we’ve found so far that they do not react to. They eventually grow out of it and can use whatever sunscreen when they are older, but as toddlers and younger this has been the only option we’ve found. It’s nice sunscreen too and a nice dispenser. ” — Aaron Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $15.29 (was $24.99). 15. This pocket microscope will have your kids zooming in on the world around them, discovering the hidden wonders in a single drop of water (or maybe just the dust bunnies under the couch). Promising review: “I bought this for my 8-year-old daughter who loves to look at things found in the garden. So easy to use and lightweight. A wonderful birthday gift which she enjoyed very much.” — Jaz78 Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $16.86 (was $42). 16. These neoprene dumbbells will help you tone those noodle arms and finally lift that pesky laundry basket, or maybe start hitting those #fitspo goals. Promising review: “I needed to upgrade my 0.5kg hand weights to something more substantial and this set does the trick. The weights are covered in a matte finish neoprene that feels very comfortable when used and is non-slip. The only downside (and not worth deducting a star) is that the rack that comes with the set is plastic, a bit flimsy and wobbly.” — Ileah Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $18.74 (was $24.99). 17. This mini disco light will turn any room into a dance floor, because sometimes all you need is a little sparkle and a good beat. Promising review: “This light is so good, I bought a second one for my child’s birthday party!... It’s by far the best light I’ve found at this price point, the colours are vivid, it doesn’t just spin but moves the light around the room in a circular motion and responds well to the sound setting, flashing and changing colour to the beat if the music is loud/close enough. The suction is so strong too, I easily mounted one on either side of the AC unit and they are very solid. Excellent purchase, I would highly recommend!” — Aella Crow Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $16.98 (was $23.99). 18. This Anker fast charger will get your phone back to 100% in a flash, so you can keep scrolling through TikTok (or, you know, actually get some work done). Promising review: “ Anker does great chargers and this one is no exception. It can comfortably charge two devices at once and does so without the brick getting hot. It is also very small in comparison to other charging bricks and can easily fit in a two adapter wall socket or power board.” — Evan K Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $18.99 (was $49.99). 19. This adorable capybara night light is the perfect addition to any kid's room — because who wouldn't want to fall asleep next to a chill capybara? Promising review: “Absolutely love this! It works great, has different brightness levels, and is cute . I got this for my newborn so I don't have to turn on the main light. My 8-year-old son is obsessed so I bought another one!” — AmandaC Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $20.49 (was $23.39). 20. This La Roche-Posay balm is a lifesaver for dry, irritated skin, leaving it feeling soft and soothed. Promising review: “ Something about this cream minimises my red undertone . I love it. Very nice to put on in the morning with no make-up and know my skin looks bright and taken care of if I ever have to answer the door or run down the road quickly.” — Troy Barnes Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $16.96 (was $24.95). 21. This 2-in-1 oil sprayer dispenses like a dream, so you can finally ditch the greasy olive oil hands situation. Promising review: “I have tried many spray oil dispensers to eliminate buying the toxic supermarket spray cans and wanting to fill my own with pure oils. Not one has done what it said until I saw this one. I’m so happy I found this one ... It works perfectly but also not only sprays but pours... I highly recommend this product...” — Katrina Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $12.75 . 22. These Amazon Basic velvet hangers will keep your closet looking sleek and organised (adulting, check!) Promising review: “The velvet covering on the shoulders of these hangers prevents clothes from slipping off accidentally. [The hangers] are very slim and neat and make for increased storage in the wardrobe. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking to make access to clothing easier.” — Dee Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $14.90 (was $18.82). 23. These lightweight men's shorts are perfect for a casual, sporty look, whether you're hitting the gym or running errands. Promising review: “ I bought a pair of these for myself and really liked them. Other people told me the sizes were a bit snug, so I got the XL rather than the L and they fit nicely. They have very deep pockets which stop my phone from falling out...I also just ordered another 2 pairs because I liked them so much.” — Beanz Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $24.99 (was $44.99). 24. This giant bottle of laundry detergent will tackle Mount Washmore and leave your clothes squeaky clean. Promising review: “Washing clothes with cold water is the best way to preserve them. It also helps keep down the use of energy. I have been using Cold Power for many years and have never been disappointed. The washed items always look clean and smell refreshing. Highly recommended.” — DH Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $17.95 (was $36). 25. This classic Casio watch is the ultimate timekeeper – it's stylish, affordable, and will probably survive a zombie apocalypse . (We haven't tested the zombie apocalypse part, but trust us, it's durable.) Promising review: “For starters, I've seen a few reviews from people claiming their watch to be fake. I'm unsure what has happened there for them (different seller/supplier), but I can confirm that the watch I received is genuine. At the time of purchase the supplier was William Klein, so if you see that — buy with confidence... For the watch itself, it's the same as I remember. I had one back in the early 90s when I was a kid, and almost nothing has changed. It's light, comfortable and will give you a good dose of nostalgia. I love it. Being a budget watch, don't expect it to be indestructible. It's not flimsy but it's also not solid. If you're after something heavy-duty, get a G-Shock ...” — Adam M. Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $22.50 (was $59.95). 26. This giant bottle of Garnier micellar water will banish makeup like magic, leaving your face feeling fresh and fabulous. Promising review: “I really thought this product would be fancy expensive water. I was surprised. It takes off make-up easily and is very kind to sensitive eyes. A little on a cotton pad goes a long way. I will buy again.” — Quinny Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $8.05 (was $24.99). 27. This fancy gadget will ensure your espresso is perfectly even for a barista-worthy brew (without the barista-worthy price tag). Promising review: This takes my home barista skills to another level by giving a consistent, even, and level tamper every time. The coffee on my Breville Barista Pro never tasted better.” — Jen from Perth Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $23.99 (was $35.99). 28. These sleep headphones are a dream come true (literally) – comfy, wireless, and perfect for catching some Zzz's. Promising review: “I use this at nighttime as my partner is a late-night gamer and it works a treat! I hate the feeling of earbuds, so I gave this a go. The headband is comfortable, the volume goes louder than expected ...I have had this for a few months and considering the price I am impressed with how long this has lasted.” — Raichel Howard Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $18.19 (was $27.99). 29. This Boss deodorant stick will keep you feeling fresh all day long, even during those epic holiday shopping sprees. Promising review: “I've always been apprehensive of using deodorant sticks and even this one I ordered by mistake (didn't read properly, I thought it was a spray). But I really like this stick. It smells really good and isn't sticky like other sticks that I have used in the past. ” — Rishab Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $18.35 (was $46). 30. This Xbox gift card will fuel your next gaming adventure — because who doesn't love a virtual escape? Gamers, this one's for you! Snag a $15 Xbox Gift Card and treat yourself to some epic in-game swag. Promising review: “ From purchasing to receiving the gift card, it felt like seconds to complete. I always have easy access to the code too just in case. It’s convenient, and I would purchase [one] again.” — Luis Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $14.25 (was $15). 31. These moisture-wicking socks will keep your feet feeling fresh, whether you're conquering the gym or conquering your couch. (No judgment on either activity.) Promising review: “I got these to replace my Explorer socks since they kept wearing out and pilling. These socks are more comfortable, better fitting, and not pilling at all so far. Although I wish they were shorter as they apply pressure to my calf muscles.” — Anonymous user Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $25 (was $39). 32. And finally, this portable power bank will keep your phone charged on the go so you’ll never get caught with a dead phone again. Promising review: I bought this as a replacement for my previous power bank. It holds the charge well and I can charge my phone three times before I need to charge the power bank. It also has the necessary cables attached to it which is extremely convenient.” — EL Buy it now from Amazon Australia for $20.97 . Note: Some reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Macron's new PM Bayrou faces budget battle with fractious French parliamentControversial billionaire Elon Musk responded to speculation that MSNBC could be put up for sale , asking on Friday how much the cable news network would set him back. The Comcast media conglomerate announced Wednesday it planned to spin some of its NBCUniversal properties — including MSNBC, CNBC, USA, Oxygen and E! — into “a new publicly traded company.” The announcement prompted some social media users, including Donald Trump Jr., to suggest the world’s richest man should buy MSNBC . Many of the left-leaning network’s hosts, including Joe Scarborough, Rachel Maddow and Mika Brzezinski, have been critical of Musk and the MAGA movement he supports . “Hey @elonmusk I have the funniest idea ever!!!” Trump Jr. posted on Friday alongside a graphic joking that MSNBC would sell for the “best offer.” “How much does it cost?” replied Musk, whose net worth was estimated to have reached a record high of $321.7 billion on Friday. Musk’s response was very similar to the one he gave in 2017 when some social media users suggested he buy Twitter. Five years later, he spent $44 billion to purchase the platform , which he renamed X and has since used to promote his right-wing ideology and conspiracy theories . “I mean it can’t be much,” Trump Jr. wrote back. “Look at the ratings.” MSNBC viewership reportedly plummeted 38% after Election Day, according to The Wrap. Musk’s banter with Trump Jr. continued, with the entrepreneur writing, “The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely.” While Comcast made no mention of selling MSNBC to Musk , the big-spending tech wiz has proven he can take over companies despite resistance from their board of directors, just as he did with Twitter. Speculation about Musk buying a progressive cable news network comes a week after satirical site The Onion announced it had purchased Alex Jones’ far-right “InfoWars” empire in a bankruptcy auction. Jones was forced to sell the disgraced brand to satisfy a judgment against him in connection with the lies and conspiracy theories he pushed about the 2012 massacre at Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School . A Texas judge has delayed that acquisition while a court reviews details of the bidding process.
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ALBANY — A road map for how New York State could revamp its nearly two-decade old method of allocating school funding was released late Monday, a month before the 2025 legislative session starts. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature earlier this year earmarked $2 million to the Rockefeller Institute of Government, an Albany-based think tank, to conduct an analysis of the state’s complex school aid formula, known as Foundation Aid. Education advocates for years have called for the formula to be updated to factor changing student populations, regional costs and changes in poverty. Foundation aid is the single-largest source of financial support for public schools in New York State, sending billions of dollars annually to schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties alone. The formula, first enacted in the 2007-08 school year, considers a number of factors to determine aid including student need, regional cost differences, the cost of a successful education and local district fiscal capacity, including how much districts expect to raise from local sources, primarily property taxes. Parts of the formula are updated regularly, but some are frozen. For example, it still uses 2000 census poverty data. The recommendations aim to more equitably distribute aid, so, for example, districts with larger populations and those in high-poverty areas would get more aid. The recommendations give more weight to students who have higher needs — for example, economically disadvantaged students, English Language Learners students with disabilities and those in foster care — so districts would get funding to better support them. And the report suggests changing how inflation is calculated in the formula to better reflect the costs faced by districts. Get the latest updates on how education is changing in your district. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . The report recommends a phased-in approach so no district sees large year-to-year changes in funding. "While the Foundation aid formula is a vast improvement on the education financing approach previously used by the State, several of its components have grown stale," Rockefeller Institute of Government President Bob Megna said in the report. 'Menu of Options' The 314-page report represents a "menu of options" for policymakers to address issues with the formula’s components "while giving school administrators the reliability and predictability they need," Megna wrote. The report describes five themes that emerged during public hearings held across the state, including Long Island, over the summer. They include the need to address the funding needs of for English Language Learners who typically need more resources; outdated poverty data; the accuracy and specificity of regional costs; and increased duties of school districts that weren't part of the original funding equation. State lawmakers and education advocates now have a month to absorb the report’s findings before the legislative session starts in January. At least some of the recommendations are expected to be included in the governor’s executive budget proposal in January for the next fiscal year, which begins April 1. Hochul's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night. The complex formula was enacted after the state’s highest court ruled in 2006 that New York was underfunding schools and not meeting its constitutional burden to provide students with a "sound basic education." The original court case focused on New York City schools, but the state adopted the formula for all districts. It replaced more than 30 stand-alone aid categories, a move intended to create equity and giving school administrators a better idea of the aid they’d receive each year. Foundation aid was fully funded under Hochul. Last budget cycle, Hochul, citing declining school enrollments over the last decade, proposed ending a part of the formula known as "hold-harmless," which guarantees no school district receives less aid than the year before even if enrollment changes. The proposal was met with criticism from some education advocates, school leaders and state lawmakers who feared it would result in less state aid for districts. Hochul and lawmakers instead agreed to wait and study the formula. The report recommended several changes to hold-harmless, including creating a per-pupil local income and property wealth threshold. The report says that policymakers could create a three- or five-year phase out schedule for planned reductions of hold harmless. The study also recommends updating and revising the "successful schools model," which looked at successful districts’ per pupil spending. The model largely used test scores to measure academic outcome and the report recommends finding an alternative way to measure student success. The report calls for using a five-year average of inflation rates, through the U.S. Consumer Price Index for the Northeast region, to better reflect cost increases being faced by districts. It recommends replacing outdated poverty measures, which currently rely on free and reduced price lunch data, with the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates rate, which counts children ages five to 17 in poverty. The rate should prioritize districts with greater concentrations of student poverty receive more funding, the report said. It also recommended using the rate to better calculate student population, using a three-year average. The report recommends providing a different weight for English Language Learners based on their level of proficiency, rather than having a single weighting for all ELL students — providing more funding where it’s needed. The recommendations also include updating how regional costs and local contributions are calculated. Assemb. Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) Monday emphasized the urgent need for the formula to be updated, particularly with changes in technology, evolving job markets and new opportunities. "Ensuring our children have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world is our most important responsibility," he said in a press release. "The outdated funding formula is shortchanging our local schools, depriving them of the resources necessary for critical programs that are essential to our students’ futures."None
Kansas holds off Auburn for No. 1 in AP Top 25 as SEC grabs 3 of top 4 spots; UConn slides to No. 25 Kansas continues to hold the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. Auburn is pushing the Jayhawks in the latest poll after winning the Maui Invitational and checked in at No. 2. Two-time reigning national champion UConn nearly fell out entirely after an 0-3 week at Maui, falling from No. 2 to 25th. The Southeastern Conference had three of the top four teams with No. 3 Tennessee and No. 4 Kentucky behind the Tigers. The poll featured six new teams, headlined by No. 13 Oregon, No. 16 Memphis and No. 18 Pittsburgh. TCU, Duke climb into top 10, Notre Dame drops in women's AP Top 25; UCLA and UConn remain 1-2 TCU has its best ranking ever in The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll after a convincing win over Notre Dame. The Horned Frogs jumped eight spots to No. 9, the first time the school has ever been in the top 10. The Fighting Irish, who were third last week, fell seven spots to 10th after losses to TCU and Utah. UCLA remained No. 1, followed by UConn, South Carolina, Texas and LSU. USC, Maryland and Duke are next. How to sum up 2024? The Oxford University Press word of the year is 'brain rot' LONDON (AP) — Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” its word of the year. It's defined as “the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state,” especially from consuming too much low-grade online content. Oxford University Press said Monday that the phrase “gained new prominence in 2024,” with its frequency of use increasing 230% from the year before. It was chosen by a combination of public vote and language analysis by Oxford lexicographers. The five other word-of-the-year finalists were demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl said the choice of phrase “feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology.” Scientists gather to decode puzzle of the world's rarest whale in 'extraordinary' New Zealand study WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Scientists and culture experts in New Zealand have begun the first-ever dissection of a spade-toothed whale, the world's rarest whale species. The creature, which washed up dead on a beach on New Zealand's South Island in July, is only the seventh specimen ever found. None has ever been seen alive at sea. Almost nothing is known about it but scientists, working with Māori cultural experts, hope to answer some of the many lingering questions this week, including where they live, what they eat, how they produce sound and how this specimen died. Hong Kong launches panda sculpture tour as the city hopes the bear craze boosts tourism HONG KONG (AP) — Thousands of giant panda sculptures will greet residents and tourists starting on Saturday in Hong Kong, where enthusiasm for the bears has grown since two cubs were born in a local theme park. The 2,500 exhibits will be publicly displayed at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong’s popular shopping districts, this weekend before setting their footprint at three other locations this month. The displays reflect Hong Kong’s use of pandas to boost its economy as the Chinese financial hub works to regain its position as one of Asia’s top tourism destinations. Violent hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence 'has no business being in our league,' coach says JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was carted off the field after taking a violent elbow to the facemask from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. It prompted two sideline-clearing scuffles. Lawrence clenched both fists after the hit, movements consistent with what’s referred to as the “fencing response,” which can be common after a traumatic brain injury. Lawrence was on the ground for several minutes as teammates came to his defense and mobbed Al-Shaair. Lawrence eventually was helped to his feet and loaded into the front seat of a cart to be taken off the field. He was not transported to a hospital. He was quickly ruled out with a concussion, though. Al-Shaair and Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones were ejected after the first altercation. Big Ten fines Michigan and Ohio State $100,000 each for postgame melee ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — The Big Ten Conference has announced it fined Michigan and Ohio State $100,000 each for violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy for the on-field melee at the end of the Wolverines’ win in Columbus .A fight broke out at midfield Saturday after the Wolverines’ 13-10 victory when Michigan players attempted to plant their flag on the OSU logo and were confronted by the Buckeyes. Police used pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves. One officer suffered a head injury when he was “knocked down and trampled while trying to separate players fighting." The officer was taken to a hospital and has since been released. Marshall Brickman, who co-wrote 'Annie Hall' with Woody Allen, dies at 85 NEW YORK (AP) — The Oscar-winning screenwriter Marshall Brickman, whose wide-ranging career spanned some of Woody Allen’s best films, the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” and a number of Johnny Carson’s most beloved sketches, has died. He was 85. Brickman died Friday in Manhattan, his daughter Sophie Brickman told The New York Times. No cause of death was cited. Brickman was best known for his extensive collaboration with Allen, beginning with the 1973 film “Sleeper.” Together, they co-wrote “Annie Hall," “Manhattan” and “Manhattan Murder Mystery." The loosely structured script for “Annie Hall,” in particular, has been hailed as one of the wittiest comedies. It won Brickman and Allen an Oscar for best original screenplay. 'Moana 2' sails to a record $221 million opening as Hollywood celebrates a moviegoing feast NEW YORK (AP) — “Moana 2” brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend with $221 million in ticket sales. Studio estimates Sunday show that, combined with “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas. “Moana 2" blew predictions out of the water, setting a record for Thanksgiving moviegoing. At the same time, the sensation of “Wicked” showed no signs of slowing down with $117.5 million over the five-day weekend. “Gladiator II” collected $44 million. For an industry that’s been battered in recent years by the pandemic, work stoppages and streaming, it was a triumphant weekend that showed the still-potent power of Hollywood’s blockbuster machine. College football players scuffle after flags come out following rivalry wins It was flag day in college football. Michigan, North Carolina State and Florida celebrated road wins by displaying flags on the logos in the middle of their rivals’ stadiums. Arizona State put its own twist on the day with a trident. The results were predictable. Michigan scuffled with Ohio State after a group of Wolverines attempted to plant their flag in the middle of Ohio Stadium. There was a similar scene in North Carolina after at least one N.C. State player tried to plant a Wolfpack flag on UNC’s home field. And another skirmish in Florida after Gators edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. planted a flag on Florida State’s logo.
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Five Mind Games MLMs Use to Scam PeopleJammu, Nov 25: The J&K government has warned its officials against sharing “top secret” and “secret” documents over the internet, using third-party tools like Whatsapp and Gmail. However, there will be no such restriction on sharing ‘confidential’ and ‘restricted’ information over the internet, if shared through networks that have deployed commercial AES 256-bit encryption. The officials have been asked to ensure the security and confidentiality of official communications by strictly adhering to these directives to avoid “potential risks.” Potential risks have been identified as “unauthorized access, data breaches and leaks of confidential information.” Sharing of “top secret” and “secret” information in a ‘work-from-home’ environment has been prohibited. As per the National Information Security Policy and Guidelines (NISPG), the “top secret” and “secret” information should be shared only in a closed network with leased line connectivity where a Scientific Analysis Group (SAG) grade encryption mechanism is deployed. The officials have been asked not to downgrade classification for sharing. Smartphones and Digital Assistant Devices like Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s HomePod, Google Home, Alexa and Siri will not be allowed during discussions on classified issues. In the same breath, the government has also warned that non-compliance will invite disciplinary action “as deemed appropriate by the administration.” These directives have been issued after the government has taken serious cognisance of the increasing use of social media platforms for transmitting sensitive and secret information or confidential documents by officials. “It has come to the attention of the administration that there is an increasing trend among officers and officials to use third-party tools such as WhatsApp, Gmail and other similar platforms for transmitting sensitive, secret and confidential information. This practice poses significant risks to the integrity and security of the information being communicated. Using third-party communication tools can lead to several potential issues including unauthorised access, data breaches and leaks of confidential information,” it has been noted with concern in the directives. It has been pointed out that these platforms (like WhatsApp and Gmail) are not specifically designed to handle classified or sensitive information and their “security protocols may not meet the stringent standards required for official communications.” Consequently, the use of such tools can result in severe security breaches that jeopardise the integrity of governmental operations, it has been cautioned. To emphasise the importance of exercising discretion and adhering to established protocols for handling official communications, particularly those of a sensitive, secret, or confidential nature, specific guidelines have been issued for the officers and officials of J&K. Referring to ‘classified information’ which falls under four categories namely “top secret”, “secret”, “confidential” and “restricted”, it has been specified that the documents in the first two categories (top secret and secret) will not be shared over the internet. For the communication of “confidential” and “restricted” information, the use of a government email (NIC email) facility or government instant messaging platforms, such as CDAC’s Samvad, NIC’s Sandesh etc, has been recommended. However, the officials have been asked to remain cautious during the classification of information. “Information that deserves a “top secret” and “secret” classification shall not be downgraded to “confidential” or “restricted” for sharing. In the context of the e-Office system, the departments must deploy proper firewalls and white-list IP addresses. The e-Office server should be accessed through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for enhanced security,” it has been instructed. The departments have been asked to ensure that only authorized employees or personnel are allowed to access the e-Office system. “However, “top secret”, “secret” information shall be shared over the e-Office system only with a leased line closed network and SAG grade encryption mechanism,” it has been specified. Regarding Video Conferencing (VC) for official purposes, only government VC solutions offered by CDAC, CDOT and NIC may be used. Meeting IDs and passwords, as per guidelines, should only be shared with authorized participants. For enhanced security, the ‘waiting room’ facility and prior registration of the participants may be utilized. Even then, “top secret”, and “secret” information will not be shared during the VC meetings. Officials working from home have been directed to use security-hardened electronic devices, such as laptops and desktops connected to office servers via a VPN and firewall setup. “It is important to note that “top secret” and “secret” information should not be shared in a work-from-home environment. Digital Assistant Devices such as Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s HomePod and Google Home should be kept out of the office during discussions on classified issues. Further Digital Assistants, such as Alexa and Siri should be turned off during official meetings in the office, used by employees. Smartphones should be deposited outside the meeting room when discussing classified information,” it has been instructed. Though there is no reference on that account yet it is being presumed that recent developments in the United States and Canada may be behind this strict information security protocol.