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Confident Bucs gear up for stretch run against lighter season-ending schedule TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Fred Goodall, The Associated Press Nov 25, 2024 3:05 PM Nov 25, 2024 3:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates with fans after an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Sunday’s 30-7 rout of the New York Giants began a six-game, regular season-ending stretch in which the Bucs (5-6) will face five opponents that currently have losing records. The victory coming out of the team’s bye week stopped a four-game skid and moved the three-time defending NFC South champions within one game of first-place Atlanta in the division. The Falcons swept the season series, so the Bucs essentially trail the Falcons by two games with six remaining. They’re in a good position to chase their fifth consecutive playoff berth, but can hardly assume they’ll benefit from having an easy remaining schedule. “We’re hoping it builds confidence. We have belief that we’re still sitting and controlling our own destiny,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said of beating the Giants. “But it’s not just going to happen,” Mayfield added. “So, we have to take it one week at a time. And you find the recipe for success within your work week. ... You try to emulate that week after week and continue to build it.” The Los Angeles Chargers, who entered Monday night’s game against Baltimore at 7-3, are the only opponent remaining on Tampa Bay’s schedule that currently has a winning record. The Bucs will face division rival Carolina (3-8) twice in the next six weeks. They’ll also host Las Vegas (2-9) and New Orleans (4-7) and play the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys (4-7) on the road. “We can’t get comfortable,” rookie running back Bucky Irving said. “We just got to keep our foot on the gas and keep running.” What’s working The offense continues to put up big numbers, finishing with 450 yards against the Giants. It’s the fifth time Tampa Bay has gained more than 400 yards this season. The Bucs have now scored 30-plus points six times, second in the NFL behind Buffalo’s eight. What needs help There wasn’t a lot to fault in the team’s performance against the Giants, although coach Todd Bowles said both the offense and defense could have been done a better job closing out the game late. “For the most part we executed on both sides of the football,” Bowles said. “Still like to have finished the game a little better, but they came back (from the bye week) mentally tougher, and they came ready to play.” Stock up Irving averaged more than 7 yards per carry in rushing for 87 yards on 12 attempts. He also had six receptions for 64 yards, finishing with a season-high 151 yards from scrimmage. Stock down Just when it looked as if the defense was beginning to trend the right way health-wise, the Bucs lost safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle) to injuries on Sunday. Injuries Bowles said Monday he was still awaiting an update on the severity of Whitehead’s injury. Tryon-Shoyinka has an ankle sprain. LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) sat out against the Giants and his status will be evaluated as the week progresses. Key number 11. With wide receiver Mike Evans back on the field after missing three games with a hamstring injury, Mayfield completed passes to 11 different players, tying a team record. “He obviously changed the game, even when he's not getting the ball,” Mayfield said. “It's huge that we have him in.” Next up At Carolina, the second of three consecutive games vs. last-place teams the Bucs will face during their stretch run. They’ll also host the Panthers on Dec. 29. “It’s an NFC South battle, and all of them are going to be hard. None of them are going to be easy,” Bowles said. “I think (coach) Dave (Canales) has done an excellent job taking on that team and it’s taking over his personality right now,” Bowles added. “They’re playing pretty good football. ... It’s going to be a tough battle.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Fred Goodall, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink Nov 25, 2024 3:25 PM Cardinals' feel-good month comes to a screeching halt after a head-scratching loss to Seahawks Nov 25, 2024 2:58 PM After rough start under coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks' defense has become a strength Nov 25, 2024 2:53 PMThe five-part series will debut globally on December 10, following elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. A trailer for the series titled Polo, executive produced by Harry and Meghan, was released on Thursday, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the “fast-paced and glamorous world of polo”. In a statement, Harry said: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour. “We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.” It has been produced by the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions, having previously released three documentaries with Netflix as part of a multimillion-pound deal with the streaming giant. Heart Of Invictus, which aired last August, followed a group of service members on their road to the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style sporting competition set up by Harry in 2014 for injured and sick military personnel and veterans. Netflix also released the documentary series Live To Lead and the controversial six-part Harry & Meghan documentary in December 2022. Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties.
Orlando Pride players celebrate their National Women's Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The Pride beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Saturday night to win their first National Women's Soccer League championship, capping a league-dominating season that set a league record for consecutive unbeaten matches, while becoming the first professional sports team from Orlando to win a major league trophy. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride forward Marta celebrates with teammates their National Women’s Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride players celebrate their National Women’s Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The Pride beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Saturday night to win their first National Women’s Soccer League championship, capping a league-dominating season that set a league record for consecutive unbeaten matches, while becoming the first professional sports team from Orlando to win a major league trophy. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride Black Swans supporter group celebrate during the Orlando Pride National Women’s Soccer League championship victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride players celebrate their National Women’s Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The Pride beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Saturday night to win their first National Women’s Soccer League championship, capping a league-dominating season that set a league record for consecutive unbeaten matches, while becoming the first professional sports team from Orlando to win a major league trophy. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride Black Swans supporter group celebrate during the Orlando Pride National Women’s Soccer League championship victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride players celebrate their National Women’s Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride players celebrate their National Women’s Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride players celebrate their National Women’s Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The Pride beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Saturday night to win their first National Women’s Soccer League championship, capping a league-dominating season that set a league record for consecutive unbeaten matches, while becoming the first professional sports team from Orlando to win a major league trophy. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel) Orlando Pride players celebrate their National Women's Soccer League championship during a victory parade on Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The Pride beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Saturday night to win their first National Women's Soccer League championship, capping a league-dominating season that set a league record for consecutive unbeaten matches, while becoming the first professional sports team from Orlando to win a major league trophy. (Rich Pope/Orlando Sentinel)The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as US markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. US-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4% respectively. The Japanese car makers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street also got a labour market update. US applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labour Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late on Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar.
George Norcross III, right, and lawyer Michael Critchley speak to reporters in Trenton on June 17, 2024, after hearing Norcross has been indicted by the state Attorney General's Office. (Photo by Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor) State prosecutors have urged a judge to deny Democratic power broker George Norcross III’s motion to dismiss his racketeering indictment , accusing defense attorneys of trashing their investigation to “indoctrinate the press, the public, and, worst of all, the prospective jury pool.” In a new filing, state prosecutors implored Judge Peter E. Warshaw Jr. to reject Norcross’ argument that he and five co-defendants were engaged in “hard-bargaining,” not extortion, conspiracy, and other crimes, in deals since 2012 to secure land, easements, and tax incentives along the Camden waterfront. “Defendants resist any further scrutiny of their actions, claiming that this is all just ‘garden-variety politics,’ ‘how deals get done,’ and even ‘a feature of democratic self-government.’ But the grand jury did not think so, and nothing about its view is manifestly or palpably wrong,” prosecutors wrote. In a letter Friday, Attorney General Matt Platkin also asked Warshaw to reject a separate motion defense attorneys filed last Wednesday to compel prosecutors to produce the applications and other documents authorizing the federal wiretaps. The defense plans to press Warshaw to suppress the wiretapping evidence but needs the underlying documents to do so, they wrote. The wiretaps initially were approved for a federal investigation into John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty, the disgraced labor leader in Philadelphia who went to prison this year for embezzling from the labor union he had headed. Investigators listening to conversations in that probe shifted their focus in 2016 to Norcross — but they did so without a fresh wiretap order, defense attorneys said. “These circumstances raise obvious red flags as to whether prosecutors and agents followed Department of Justice policies, the letter of the federal wiretap laws, and truly established probable cause as to Mr. Norcross,” defense attorneys wrote in their motion. The documents prosecutors did provide were so heavily redacted that defense attorneys accused them of “playing a cynical game of hide-the-ball.” The defense also accused Platkin of overreach by taking on a case that investigators had first “shopped” around unsuccessfully to U.S. attorney offices in New Jersey and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Federal prosecutors in those offices closed the case because they “saw no crime,” the defense alleges. “There is just one conclusion to be drawn — that the Attorney General prizes headlines over prosecution standards,” defense attorneys Jeffrey S. Chiesa and Lee Vartan said in a statement. The two represent William M. Tambussi, Norcross’ personal attorney and co-defendant. Platkin bristled at defense attorneys’ claims that his office shirked their legal duty to turn over such documents during discovery. “So far, the State has turned over to the defense more than 4.3 million files ranging in length from one-page documents to documents that are thousands of pages long,” Platkin wrote. “The State has also given the defense more than 6,000 wiretap recordings and at least 700 hours of audio recordings, which include the interviews of about 100 people.” Defense attorneys sought additional documents his office doesn’t have, and the office requested them accordingly from federal prosecutors, Platkin added. He dismissed defense attorneys’ claims that his office improperly picked up an investigation the feds abandoned. “That the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River used wiretap materials that federal officials alone generated to prosecute a Norcross associate while declining to pursue Norcross and his codefendants for different criminal schemes in New Jersey is no barrier to this prosecution,” he wrote. New Jersey will “safeguard its residents from corruption — even if it invites the wrath of powerful people like George Norcross or less powerful people like Tambussi,” Platkin added. Federal prosecutors did not pass on prosecuting Norcross and his associates because they saw no crime, Platkin said. Instead, prosecutors close cases without taking them to court for all sorts of discretionary reasons that have nothing to do with guilt or innocence, such as whether their office has the bandwidth to handle such a prosecution, he said. Defense attorneys in the Norcross case say federal prosecutors in New Jersey who closed the probe without charges in 2018 cited “a review of the applicable law and evidence obtained during the investigation,” while federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania gave up last year “based upon review of the available admissible evidence, the applicable law, the probability of a successful trial and the prosecution standards of the office.” Platkin attributed defense attorneys’ “distorted” claims to “their months-long effort to barrage the media with inflammatory rhetoric designed to sway the jury pool.” Norcross was charged in June in a 13-count indictment along with Tambussi and four others — Norcross’ brother Philip A. Norcross, an attorney with Parker McKay; former Camden mayor Dana Redd; Sidney Brown, the head of trucking company NFI and a Norcross business partner; and John J. O’Donnell, a real estate developer and president of The Michaels Organization. Norcross is accused of overseeing a criminal enterprise, using direct threats and intimidation to win development rights along the waterfront and then benefiting from millions of dollars in state-issued tax credits. Norcross and his co-defendants have denied the charges against them. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Share Tweet Share Share Email In today’s digital age, businesses rely heavily on robust IT infrastructure to operate efficiently and remain competitive. However, with great reliance on technology comes the critical need for effective cybersecurity measures. Cybersecurity services go beyond basic antivirus programs—they protect your organization from evolving threats that could cripple operations and tarnish reputations. But how exactly do these services strengthen your IT infrastructure? Let’s dive in . Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in IT Infrastructure Your IT infrastructure is the backbone of your organization, encompassing everything from hardware and software to data storage and network systems. A single vulnerability in this system could expose sensitive information, disrupt operations, or even bring your business to a standstill. Cybersecurity services are designed to shield your IT assets from threats like malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and more. These services ensure that your IT systems are resilient, enabling your business to grow confidently in a secure environment. Key Ways Cybersecurity Services Strengthen IT Infrastructure 1. Enhancing Network Security One of the foundational elements of a strong IT infrastructure is a secure network. Cybersecurity services ensure that your networks are fortified against unauthorized access. They employ firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network monitoring tools to detect and prevent breaches. For instance, managed cybersecurity services provided by an IT Support Company might include 24/7 monitoring of network activity. This proactive approach helps identify unusual behavior and thwart potential attacks before they escalate. 2. Data Protection and Encryption Data is among the most valuable assets for any organization. Cybersecurity services implement encryption protocols to protect sensitive data in transit and at rest. Additionally, regular data backups and secure storage solutions are part of these services, ensuring that your business can recover quickly in case of a breach or natural disaster. 3. Mitigating Risks Through Vulnerability Assessments A strong IT infrastructure requires constant evaluation. Cybersecurity experts conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weak points in your systems. These assessments provide actionable insights to address gaps in your security posture, reducing the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals. 4. Implementing Endpoint Security With the rise of remote work, endpoint security has become critical. Cybersecurity services protect all devices connected to your network, from desktops and laptops to smartphones and tablets. Endpoint security solutions prevent malware infections and unauthorized access to devices, ensuring that your IT infrastructure remains secure even in a distributed work environment. 5. Establishing Incident Response Plans No system is completely immune to cyberattacks. That’s why having an incident response plan is crucial. Cybersecurity services develop and implement comprehensive response strategies to minimize damage when an attack occurs. Quick containment and recovery measures ensure that your business faces minimal downtime and financial loss. 6. Educating Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches. Cybersecurity services often include employee training programs to educate your team about recognizing phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and following security protocols. A well-informed workforce is a key component of a resilient IT infrastructure. The Role of Cybersecurity in Compliance and Reputation Ensuring Regulatory Compliance Many industries are subject to strict regulatory requirements for data protection. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions. Cybersecurity services help businesses adhere to regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, among others. By aligning your IT infrastructure with compliance standards, you avoid penalties and build trust with clients and stakeholders. Protecting Brand Reputation A cyberattack can do more than compromise data—it can damage your company’s reputation. Customers and partners need assurance that their information is safe in your hands. Cybersecurity services help safeguard your brand by preventing breaches and demonstrating a commitment to data security. Customizing Cybersecurity Services for Your IT Needs Every organization’s IT infrastructure is unique, which means cookie-cutter solutions won’t suffice. Tailored cybersecurity services ensure that your specific vulnerabilities are addressed. Partnering with an IT Support Company Collaborating with an IT Support Company specializing in cybersecurity ensures that your IT systems are both secure and optimized for performance. These companies offer end-to-end solutions, including system audits, real-time threat monitoring, and regular updates to keep your infrastructure resilient. Steps to Strengthen Your IT Infrastructure with Cybersecurity Services 1. Conduct a Comprehensive IT Audit Understand your current IT infrastructure and identify potential vulnerabilities. 2. Invest in Advanced Threat Detection Tools Implement cutting-edge tools like AI-driven threat detection systems to stay ahead of cybercriminals. 3. Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Add an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification for system access. 4. Regularly Update and Patch Systems Outdated software is a prime target for cyberattacks. Ensure regular updates to minimize risks. 5. Engage a Reliable IT Services Company Partnering with an experienced IT Services Company gives you access to specialized expertise. These professionals manage your cybersecurity needs, allowing you to focus on core business operations. The Future of Cybersecurity in IT Infrastructure As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must cybersecurity measures. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technology are paving the way for more robust security solutions. By staying proactive and investing in cybersecurity services, businesses can not only protect their IT infrastructure but also gain a competitive edge in a tech-driven world. Final Thoughts Strengthening your IT infrastructure is no longer optional; it’s essential for business continuity and growth. Cybersecurity services play a vital role in fortifying your systems against an ever-growing list of threats. From securing networks to educating employees, these services create a multi-layered defense strategy that protects your most valuable assets. If you’re looking to take your IT security to the next level, consider partnering with an experienced IT Services Company . They’ll provide tailored solutions to safeguard your infrastructure and ensure you stay ahead in a constantly changing digital landscape. By prioritizing cybersecurity, you’re not just protecting your business—you’re building a foundation for sustained success in the digital era. Related Items: cybersecurity , IT Infrastructure Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Helios Cyber Secure Processor: Redefining Cybersecurity in Computing Cybersecurity in Finance: Best Practices for Protecting Digital Assets Alastair Monte Carlo: Navigating the Future of AI, Cybersecurity, and Human Progress Comments