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nigobil CHICAGO — Newly unsealed court records now link embattled Chicago rapper Lil Durk — already facing murder-for-hire charges in Los Angeles — to the fatal 2022 shooting of an alleged gang leader outside a community center on Chicago’s Far South Side. The warrant application was filed in April 2023 but was not unsealed until Wednesday, in advance of a scheduled Thursday detention hearing in Lil Durk’s murder-for-hire case. Lil Durk — born Devontay Durk Banks — was charged last month with funding a cross-country murder-for-hire plan to exact revenge for the 2020 killing of fellow Chicago rapper King Von in Atlanta. The newly unsealed filing in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges Banks was behind the Jan. 27, 2022 killing of Stephon Mack , 24, who was shot to death shortly after he exited the Youth Peace Center of Roseland on West 111th Street. At the time of his death, according to the FBI, Mack was the leader of the Smashville faction of the Gangster Disciples. Banks’ brother, Dontay Banks, was shot to death outside a nightclub in south suburban Harvey in 2021. According to the warrant application, another Gangster Disciples faction with ties to Smashville carried out the murder. “Lil Durk was and still is offering money for people to kill those responsible for his brother’s murder, and more specifically, offering to pay money for any Gangster Disciple that is killed,” a federal agent wrote in April 2023. Banks has not been charged in the Chicago investigation, which law enforcement sources told the Tribune is still open and active. Earlier this year, federal prosecutors in Chicago charged two men, Anthony Montgomery-Wilson and Preston Powell, with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in Mack’s killing. Banks, though, is not charged in Mack’s death. Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles are expected to point to the shooting as reason to keep Banks in police custody before trial. In probing Mack’s death, federal investigators analyzed jail phone calls, social media postings, firearms purchases, as well as lyrics from Lil Durk’s song “Ahhh Ha,” released about a month after the shooting. The warrant application goes on to say Montgomery-Wilson and Powell “may have exchanged text messages concerning payment for Mack’s murder.” Montgomery-Wilson was arrested on an unrelated charge a few weeks after Mack’s death. A detective with the New Lenox police department then applied for and was granted a warrant to search the contents of his cellphone. Investigators then discovered a two-person text message conversation that mentioned “OTF” — the rap consortium founded by Lil Durk that prosecutors have linked to the alleged murder-for-hire plot in Los Angeles. On Feb. 10, 2022, one of the people in the text conversation asked, “Wassup with otf,” to which the other person responded, “Nothing.” Eight days later, in the same conversation, another text message read, “Did durk gave (sic) u that money.” In a statement last week, Banks’ attorneys blasted the prosecution’s focus on Lil Durk’s music and noted his yearslong record of philanthropy in Chicago. “When you see an artist’s rap lyrics quoted as ‘evidence’ against them, it is a glaring indication that there is no real evidence against that person,” Banks’ attorneys said in a statement to the Tribune. “The real truth is that Durk Banks is a Grammy Award-winning artist, a dedicated father and a loving husband,” Banks’ attorneys added. “Mr. Banks has been intensely committed to giving back to the Chicago community he loves through his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation and has put on more than a dozen charitable events over the last few years. He is looking forward to fighting against these false allegations in court.” In mid-October, federal authorities charged five others in a plot to kill rapper Quando Rondo — born Tyquian Terrel Bowman — in retaliation for the November 2020 shooting death of King Von. Banks is accused of bankrolling the effort to kill Bowman.. Bowman, his sister and his cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, 24, were riding in Bowman’s black Cadillac Escalade near a gas station in West Hollywood in August 2022 when gunmen opened fire, according to the federal charges. Bowman and his sister were not injured, but Robinson was struck multiple times and killed. ©2024 Chicago Tribune. Visit at chicagotribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE: ODC) today declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.155 per share of the Company's Common Stock and $0.1165 per share of the Company's Class B Stock. The dividend amount has been proportionately reduced to reflect the anticipated two-for-one stock split, in the form of a stock dividend, where stockholders of record at the close of business on December 20, 2024, the record date of the stock split, will receive one additional share of Common Stock for every share of Common Stock held on the record date, and one additional share of Class B Stock for every share of Class B Stock held on the record date. Oil-Dri expects the additional shares will be distributed after market close on January 3, 2025. The cash dividends will be payable on March 7, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 21, 2025. Oil-Dri has paid cash dividends continuously each year since 1974 and has increased dividends annually for twenty-one consecutive years. The Company's press release outlining its performance for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 will be issued after the close of the U.S. stock market on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Oil-Dri will host an earnings discussion via a live webcast on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Participation details will be posted on the Company's website's Events page approximately one week prior to the call. About Oil-Dri Corporation of America Oil-Dri Corporation of America ("Oil-Dri”) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for the pet care, animal health and nutrition, fluids purification, agricultural ingredients, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri is vertically integrated which enables the Company to efficiently oversee every step of the process from research and development to supply chain to marketing and sales. With over 80 years of experience, the Company continues to fulfill its mission to Create Value from Sorbent Minerals . To learn more about the Company, please visit oildri.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future performance, our business, our beliefs and our management's assumptions. In addition, we, or others on our behalf, may make forward-looking statements in other press releases or written statements, or in our communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, webcasts, phone calls and conference calls. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "expect,” "outlook,” "forecast,” "would,” "could,” "should,” "project,” "intend,” "plan,” "continue,” "believe,” "seek,” "estimate,” "anticipate,” "may,” "assume,” "potential,” "strive,” and similar references to future periods. Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, those described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, intended, expected, believed, estimated, projected, planned or otherwise expressed in any forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except to the extent required by law, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise. Contact: Leslie A. Garber Director of Investor Relations Oil-Dri Corporation of America [email protected] (312) 321-1515 This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.None

My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix Introduces Advanced Sofa Cleaning Services in Phoenix, AZ 11-26-2024 11:30 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Target Press Media Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732324309.jpg A professional sofa cleaning service in Phoenix, AZ, showcasing a spotless, freshly cleaned sofa with advanced steam-cleaning equipment in a cozy living room setting. My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix offers eco-friendly sofa cleaning services, removing stains, allergens, and odors for fresher, healthier furniture in Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix, AZ - My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix has launched specialized sofa cleaning [ https://mysteamgreencarpetcleaningphoenix.com/sofa-cleaning/ ] services to restore the beauty, cleanliness, and comfort of upholstered furniture for residents in Phoenix, AZ. Utilizing advanced steam-cleaning technology and eco-friendly products, the company effectively removes dirt, stains, allergens, and odors, promoting a healthier indoor environment. Regular sofa cleaning plays a vital role in extending the life of furniture and maintaining a clean and inviting home. My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix offers deep-cleaning solutions that are safe for families and pets, tackling even the most stubborn stains and contaminants embedded in upholstered furniture. "These sofa cleaning services are designed to refresh living spaces and improve indoor air quality by eliminating deeply embedded allergens," said Haim, owner of My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix. The company's flexible appointments, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service make professional sofa cleaning a preferred choice for homeowners in Phoenix, AZ. About My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix is a leading provider of eco-friendly carpet, upholstery, and sofa cleaning services in Phoenix, AZ. With a commitment to environmentally safe practices and exceptional results, the company helps residents maintain healthy and beautiful homes. For more information, visit http://mysteamgreencarpetcleaningphoenix.com/ [ http://mysteamgreencarpetcleaningphoenix.com/ ] - https://mysteamgreencarpetcleaningphoenix.wordpress.com/2024/11/22/press-release-october-carpet-cleaning/ or call (813) 550-1927. Media Contact Company Name: My Steam Green Carpet Cleaning Phoenix Contact Person: Haim Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=my-steam-green-carpet-cleaning-phoenix-introduces-advanced-sofa-cleaning-services-in-phoenix-az ] Phone: (813) 550-1927 City: Phoenix State: Arizona Country: United States Website: https://mysteamgreencarpetcleaningphoenix.com/ This release was published on openPR.

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Ranked squads are on Thursday’s college basketball schedule in one game, the UConn Huskies squaring off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.Daily Post Nigeria Ogun seeks strategic partnership with Power Africa to revolutionise energy access Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Ogun seeks strategic partnership with Power Africa to revolutionise energy access Published on December 12, 2024 By Daily Post Staff The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called for partnership with the management of Power Africa to realise his administration’s vision of providing 24/7 affordable and reliable electricity in the state. The governor met with the management of Power Africa at the just concluded Africa Investment Forum, which was held in Rabat, Morocco. According to Prince Abiodun, the meeting aimed to enhance Ogun State’s energy infrastructure and provide reliable electricity to its citizens, industries, and businesses. Power Africa is an initiative focused on increasing access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging investments and public-private partnerships to boost energy generation, transmission, and distribution. The meeting explored opportunities to attract investments, strengthen capacity building, and enhance technical expertise for the newly established Ministry of Energy. According to the Governor, Ogun State is committed to achieving energy self-sufficiency through innovative initiatives in gas-to-power projects and renewable energy solutions. He expressed optimism about collaborating with Power Africa to meet the state’s growing energy demands while fostering sustainable development. Prince Abiodun also held a strategic meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines of Morocco to explore potential partnerships in the mining and hydrocarbon sectors. This meeting comes on the heels of Ogun State’s recent designation as a frontier state by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), highlighting the state’s growing significance in Nigeria’s energy landscape. The discussions focused on identifying collaborative opportunities that could unlock Ogun State’s vast mineral and hydrocarbon potential. Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable economic growth and development, noting that this initiative aligns with his administration’s vision for a more prosperous Ogun State. Prince Abiodun had earlier met with the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, where he spoke about the investment opportunities that abound in the state, especially in livestock value addition, timber processing, renewable energy, and investments in the power sector. Prince Abiodun also mentioned that Ogun State is exploring opportunities for the establishment of an automotive assembly plant and extending the Lagos red and blue rail lines from Agbado to Kajola and from Okokomaiko to Agbara/Lusada, as well as the Purple Line, with its route extending to the Redeemed Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Related Topics: ogun Power Africa Don't Miss Aviation regulatory agencies visit Ogun, certify Gateway Airport for commercial operations You may like Aviation regulatory agencies visit Ogun, certify Gateway Airport for commercial operations Many journalists in Ogun hypertensive but not aware – Medical expert Ogun gets new Commissioner of Police Ogun govt distributes relief items to flood, fire victims Ogun govt rewards outstanding athletes at National Youth Games Ogun Govt to establish cocoa enclave in 3 senatorial districts Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

The Republic of Korea’s ascent as a global beacon of liberal democracy and capitalism has been built on its robust alliance with the United States. Now this exemplary democracy faces its most significant challenge in decades. It is clearer by the day that President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent failed attempt to invoke martial law was just the beginning of a major crisis that risks the collapse of the South Korean government and a politically motivated conflict with North Korea. The United States must act decisively by unequivocally condemning South Korea’s democratic backsliding, supporting its constitutional mechanisms for self-correction and strengthening regional security amid its ally’s internal crisis. The situation has grown more unstable by the day. After swiftly overturning Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, the National Assembly moved to impeach the president on Saturday. Yoon responded by announcing that he would essentially hand over the remainder of his term to members of his ruling party, the People Power Party. This prompted party members to abstain, dooming the impeachment vote, which requires a supermajority. In the aftermath, the leader of the ruling party, Han Dong-hoon, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced their intention to jointly take over governance, a move one politician deemed a “second coup” and legal experts said wasn’t constitutional. As politicians work to revive the impeachment process, one member of the opposition party has claimed that shortly before martial law was declared, Yoon’s defense minister, Kim Yong-hyun, ordered strikes on North Korean balloon-launch sites meant to incite military conflict and justify the imposition of martial law. The National Assembly member cited a tip from a credible military source. However, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement to the website NK News, denied that Kim had planned a strike. Kim resigned last week as defense minister and was arrested this week on allegations of abuse of power . Within 24 hours of the martial law order, the United States responded by reaffirming its support for “the people of Korea” and the two nations’ alliance “based on shared principles of democracy and the rule of law.” Now it should be much clearer: The State Department should issue a clear official statement denouncing Yoon’s unjustifiable actions. A unified international voice, led by the U.S., has often been crucial in countering antidemocratic moves. During Peru’s 2022 political crisis, for example, the U.S. made strong public statements through the embassy, secretary of State, and State Department, rejecting “extra-constitutional” actions and advocating democratic reforms . This pressure contributed to President Pedro Castillo’s removal and encouraged his successor, Dina Boluarte, to engage with opposition forces and prioritize reforms. Similarly, South Korea has seen widespread protests against Yoon’s incompetent and irrational leadership. The United States must urge Yoon and all of South Korea’s leaders to respect the will of the people and safeguard the country’s constitutional framework. At the same time, South Korea’s democratic allies, including the United States, must not cooperate in political asylum requests or escape attempts tied to the crisis. To ensure justice, all those involved in the martial law declaration must face accountability through democratic and constitutional procedures. Historically, South Korea has overcome political crises through self-correction and democratic resilience . From resisting foreign invasions during the monarchy to championing pro-democracy movements and impeaching scandal-ridden President Park Geun-hye in 2017, vigilant citizens have held politicians accountable and strengthened the nation’s political system. South Korea’s robust civil society must be honored and acknowledged by the United States and other allies. Beyond diplomatic measures, the United States should raise its military alert levels in East Asia to ensure regional stability amid the potential security vacuum created by South Korea’s political crisis. Key defense institutions, such as the Ministry of Defense and the National Intelligence Service, face operational challenges because of the investigations, resignations and political chaos caused by the martial law crisis. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by North Korea or other adversaries through military provocations or intelligence operations. South Korea is a crucial frontline defender of liberal democracy globally and a buffer against authoritarian regimes in East Asia. It also plays a vital role in America’s supply chains, particularly for semiconductors. Preserving regional stability is essential not only for South Korea but also for U.S. national interests. This is no ordinary political crisis. Because of Yoon’s actions, South Korea now faces a grave threat to its political system, with risks of autocracy and conflict with North Korea. This is not only a test of political resilience but a fight for democracy’s survival. The United States, speaking forcefully, can help its ally rise from the brink. This crisis is a defining test of U.S. leadership, signaling whether America still champions democracy globally. Will Daewook Kwon and Jaemin Park are fellows at the Harvard Kennedy School. Kwon served as an intelligence analyst for the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Defense. Park has worked in diplomatic affairs in South Korea.

As the Premier League season continues to unfold, it will be intriguing to see how the chances created standings evolve and which players will emerge as the standout creators in English football. With the likes of Palmer, Bernardo Silva, and Szoboszlai setting the benchmark for creativity and innovation, fans can expect more moments of magic and brilliance as these gifted individuals showcase their talents on the grand stage of the Premier League.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are expected to hire former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl winner, as their head coach, according to multiple reports. ESPN and NFL Network were first to report the news. Belichick, 72, coached the Patriots from 2000 to 2023. He won Super Bowls after the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons before he and New England mutually parted ways in January. Belichick is second on the NFL’s all-time coaching wins list, with 333. He also won two Super Bowls as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator after the 1987 and 1990 seasons. The Tar Heels fired head coach Mack Brown on Nov. 26. Brown, who previously coached at North Carolina from 1988 to 1997, led the team for the last six seasons. He had a 43-33 record during his second stint, winning one bowl game. The Tar Heels have not won a conference championship since 1980. They last appeared in the ACC championship game in 2022. Belichick has never coached in college. He began his coaching career as an assistant with the Baltimore Colts in 1975, then spent two years with the Detroit Lions and one with the Denver Broncos. The Giants hired Belichick as a special teams assistant in 1979 and promoted him to defensive coordinator in 1985. He won two championships under head coach Bill Parcells before he accepted the head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns in 1991. In four seasons with the Browns, Belichick was 36-44, making the playoffs only once. After he was fired in 1996, he reunited with Parcells, first as a defensive assistant with the Patriots in 1996, then as the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator from 1997 to 1999. Belichick originally agreed to become the Jets’ head coach in 2000 but surprised the team by resigning before what was supposed to be his introductory news conference. He instead left for New England, where he was given final say over player personnel in addition to his coaching duties. Though he oversaw six Super Bowl wins, Belichick’s relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft reportedly grew strained in 2020. That year, Belichick decided the Patriots would part ways with quarterback Tom Brady, who started in all of New England’s Super Bowl wins and is headed to the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest signal callers of all time. In his last four years as the Patriots’ head coach, all without Brady, Belichick posted a 29-38 record, making the playoffs only once. In January, Belichick interviewed for the head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons, who hired Raheem Morris.Real Madrid's coaching staff and medical team play a crucial role in managing the players' workload and monitoring their physical condition to minimize the risk of injuries. Rotation of the squad, strategic rest periods, and personalized training programs are essential tools in ensuring the players' health and fitness are maintained throughout the demanding season. Additionally, preventive measures such as proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and recovery strategies are vital in reducing the likelihood of injuries and aiding in the players' swift return to full fitness.

AWH Partners Promotes Dev Sharma as Director of AnalyticsIn conclusion, the issuance of this document by the four departments reflects the government's determination and commitment to stabilizing employment and promoting social stability. By implementing targeted measures to assist key groups in the labor market, providing vocational training and skill improvement, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and improving the employment assistance service system, it is believed that the goal of precise aid for stable employment can be achieved, contributing to the overall economic and social development of the country.Furthermore, Hisense emphasized that these rumors could potentially harm the company's reputation and create unnecessary panic among stakeholders. To that end, Hisense has announced that they will be taking legal action against those responsible for spreading false information and rumors about the company.

Promotion Affirms Company's Commitment to Galvanize New Era of Tech-Driven Real Estate Investment NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Underscoring its commitment to revolutionize investment strategies by leveraging advanced technologies to drive investor value, real estate investment firm AWH Partners announces the promotion of Devashish (Dev) Sharma to director of analytics. Sharma, who has been with the New York -based firm since July 2023 , has played a pivotal role in enhancing returns for investors by strengthening the integration of technology and data analytics in his previous role in asset management. In this new position, he will leverage the firm's data assets to create insights that sharpen acquisition strategies, improve asset performance, and strengthen overall decision-making and corporate governance, ultimately driving superior outcomes for stakeholders. In leading this newly created role, Sharma will focus on enhancing AWH Partners' cross-functional data ecosystem and optimizing technology-enabled processes to deliver actionable investment insights, streamline analysis, automate recurring tasks, and identify market opportunities ahead of industry trends. By developing business intelligence tools and mechanisms, he will ensure the firm's leadership and continuity in hospitality real estate, delivering enhanced transparency and scalability of tech-driven initiatives to foster sustainable growth and maximize investor returns. With dual master's degrees in business administration and hospitality management from Cornell University , Sharma has 13 years' experience across investment banking, real estate financing, hotel acquisition and hotel asset management. Before relocating to the U.S. for his graduate studies, Sharma was the investment manager at SAMHI Hotels, which specializes in hotel investments in India , and an associate investment manager at Piramal Fund Management, one of the first firms to enter real estate fund management in India . His global expertise in real estate financing and operational excellence has directly contributed to the success of the firm's high-value investment portfolios. "Dev brings a truly exceptional background to this new role with his experience in real estate financing and data analytics, as well as earning advanced degrees in business and hospitality from one of this country's premier Ivy League universities. Since joining AWH, he has demonstrated dedication and passion for helping the firm realize the next level of data-driven decision-making," said Chad Cooley , co-founder and managing partner of AWH Partners. "His work has strengthened our ability to deliver consistent value to our investors, helping us stand out in an increasingly competitive market." AWH Partners has made substantial investments in technology to identify and acquire differentiated investment opportunities in a highly competitive marketplace. This position underscores the firm's strategic focus on combining innovation and expertise to generate superior investor outcomes. By empowering its team with leadership opportunities, AWH Partners fosters an environment where talent thrives, furthering its goal of shaping the future of real estate investment. Sharma's leadership will continue to advance the firm's mission to deliver sustainable growth and performance across its portfolio. A native of India , Sharma is a chartered accountant and earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Sri Venkateswara College at the University of Delhi in 2009. Sharma's global perspective and track record of integrating analytics into investment strategies position him as a key player in advancing AWH Partners' investor-centric vision. "My goal is to further integrate analytics into every aspect of our investment process to ensure we are at the forefront of data and technology use in real estate investment worldwide," he said. About AWH Partners: AWH Partners (AWH) is a leading national platform for hotel real estate investment, management and development. Privately held, it was founded in 2010 by alumni of The Blackstone Group and The Related Companies. The firm partners with marquee institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals around the world. Its portfolio includes properties from renowned brands, including the Marriott and Hilton corporations, as well as independently branded assets. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/awh-partners-promotes-dev-sharma-as-director-of-analytics-302330763.html SOURCE AWH Partners © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Lifestyle expert Carey Reilly shows various travel gifts for your family this summer. It’s the perfect time to pick up holiday gifts for your family and treat yourself to that pricey watch you wouldn’t splurge on otherwise. Black Friday is a worldwide cultural and economic phenomenon today. It comes with much anticipation, great discounts and a shopping frenzy. Its success is such that it now lasts the whole month. But don’t let the excitement cloud your judgment. The deals are enticing, but there are dangers lurking beneath the surface. I’M GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS A woman shopping online on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson) The devil’s in the privacy policy Particularly when it comes to online shopping, we give up personal data with every purchase. Information such as your email address, name and address is necessary to create an account or receive a delivery. And that’s fine as long as it’s used for these purposes only. However, the fine print linked under " Privacy Policy " that you agree to at checkout often comes with a long list or, worse still, an unspecified number of third parties with which your data will be shared. Retailers often sell personal information and purchase histories to third parties, such as marketing companies and data brokers, who use it to build detailed consumer profiles. Once it’s out there, it’s very hard to remove your information from these third-party databases. Arguably, this happens all the time, Black Friday or not. But with all the marketing strategies pushing us to buy quickly and buy more, we’re just less likely to pay attention. A woman shopping online on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson) BEST WAY TO CONNECT YOUR NEW LAPTOP TO EXTERNAL DEVICES The spam and scam aftershock, a post-Black Friday hiccup The term "Black Friday" was originally coined in the 1950s by Philadelphia police officers to describe the chaos that ensued the day after Thanksgiving, when hordes of shoppers and tourists flooded the city. After the shopping extravaganza of Black Friday, your inbox and phone may experience their own dark moments. A surge in spam is widely reported during the month of November. This unwanted communication can come from several sources. First, from the online shops where you’ve left your email and phone number. Second, from all the companies that received your consumer profile, the ones listed (or not) in the fine print of the privacy policy. Third, from all the retailers you bought from in the past, including that one-time purchase of a kettlebell set three years ago (that you’d rather forget). But that’s not all; Black Friday is a fiesta for hackers, too, and the perfect time for social engineering attacks! The urgency and excitement of Black Friday deals encourage you to let your guard down. You’re likelier to click on links or open attachments without checking the source. And less likely to notice that a phishing email pretending to be sent by a big retailer has sneaked into your inbox. Your data is being collected, shared and sold as you read this article. A woman shopping online on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson) THE DANGEROUS INTERSECTION OF PEOPLE SEARCH SITES AND SCAMS How to buy without being sold at the same time Reading privacy policies every time you buy something isn’t realistic. If you’re ambitious, use the search function (Ctrl+F or Command+F) to find terms like "opt out," "unsubscribe" or "do not sell" to quickly locate sections where you can limit data sharing. Depending on where you live, these options may simply not be available to you. An easier solution is to use a disposable email address whenever you open an account for the sole purpose of making a purchase. Once you receive your order confirmation, you can disable it so that no further communication is sent your way. You can also use privacy-focused tools or browsers that block tracking cookies and prevent companies from collecting your data. A woman shopping online on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson) 5 SECRETS TO SHOPPING SMARTER ON AMAZON 8 tips to safeguard your email after Black Friday As the dust settles from the shopping rush, it's crucial to be proactive; here are eight essential tips to help you protect your email and personal information from the surge of spam and scams that often follow. 1. Create alias email addresses. An alias email address is an additional email address that can be used to receive emails in the same mailbox as the primary email address. It acts as a forwarding address, directing emails to the primary email address. An email alias address is a great way for you to stop receiving constant spam mail by simply deleting the email alias address. See my review of best secure and private email services here. 2. Use a password manager to consistently use complex passwords that you can change frequently. 3. Avoid opening attachments or clicking on links from emails unless you are sure they are from a trusted source. Scammers or hackers can easily change the name of the sender to make it look like it came from a legitimate organization such as Amazon or an individual. But if you click the email header, you will see the sender's actual email address. By pretending to be a reputable organization, the crooks send urgent messages to make you click on links, reply or provide personal information in an attempt to fix a problem or claim a reward. If you click on a malicious link, then a scammer may be able to access your email and other personal data. 4. Have strong antivirus software on all your devices: The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Malicious links are often disguised as legitimate ones, but they can download malware onto your device without your knowledge. Malware is a type of software that can damage your device, steal your personal information, or give hackers access to your data. Hackers can then use your data for various purposes, such as identity theft , fraud or blackmail. This is why it is important to have antivirus software that can detect and remove malware before it causes any harm. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices . 5. Go directly to the official site where you have any accounts , such as your financial institution, to check if any changes or charges were made instead of clicking links in the email you received or responding to the email. This way, you can avoid falling for phishing scams and keep your account secure. 6. Limit the number of accounts or profiles you create with your personal email account. 7. Regularly scrub your personal information on the internet . You don’t want spammers to take your email and add it to their lists, do you? That would result in annoying and potentially dangerous messages flooding your inbox. To prevent that, you need to make sure your personal information is not exposed on the internet. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 8. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs don’t directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. I've been scammed! What to do next? If a scammer gets hold of your email address, they can use it to access your other accounts, send phishing emails to trick you into revealing your passwords or personal details, or even impersonate you to commit fraud or other crimes. This is why it is important to protect your email address from falling into the wrong hands and to act quickly if you suspect that it has been compromised. Below are some next steps if you find you or your loved one is a victim of identity theft. 1. If you can regain control of your accounts , change your passwords and inform the account provider. 2. Look through bank statements and checking account transactions to see where outlier activity started. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE 3. Use identity theft protection services to manage your personal information on and offline. Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. One of the best parts of using identity theft protections services is that it can include identity theft insurance of up to $ 1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft. 4. Report any breaches to official government agencies like the Federal Communications Commission. 5. You may wish to get the professional advice of a lawyer before speaking to law enforcement, especially when you are dealing with criminal identity theft, and if being a victim of criminal identity theft leaves you unable to secure employment or housing. 6. Alert all three major credit bureaus and possibly place a fraud alert on your credit report. 7. Run your own background check or request a copy of one if that is how you discovered your information has been used by a criminal. If you are a victim of identity theft, the most important thing to do is to take immediate action to mitigate the damage and prevent further harm. Kurt's key takeaways Navigating the world of online shopping during Black Friday can be a thrilling yet daunting experience. While the discounts are enticing, they often come with hidden costs — namely, your personal data. As you prepare your shopping list, consider utilizing tools to safeguard your information. These resources can help you maintain your privacy while enjoying the benefits of online shopping. Also, remember that post-Black Friday, you may find yourself inundated with spam and unwanted communications from retailers and third parties. Taking proactive steps now can save you from future headaches. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Have you ever experienced a data breach or privacy issue while shopping online? How did you handle it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover . Follow Kurt on his social channels: Facebook YouTube Instagram Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked? What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web? How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services? How do I remove my private data from the internet? New from Kurt: Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!) Enter Cyberguy’s $500 Holiday Gift Card Sweepstakes Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Pat Bryant caught a 40-yard touchdown on fourth down with four seconds remaining as No. 25 Illinois rallied for a dramatic 38-31 victory over Rutgers on Saturday afternoon in Piscataway, N.J. With Rutgers playing cover-zero defense, Bryant caught Luke Altmyer's sidearm toss on fourth-and-13 at the 22-yard line in the middle of the field and ran in from the right side for a 36-31 lead. Bryant's dramatic catch came after Illinois initially decided to attempt a go-ahead 57-yard field goal into the wind. Following a timeout, the Ilini went for it on fourth down. Altmeyer's two-point conversion attempt to Bryant was incomplete, but the visitors recorded a safety on the game's final play. Bryant finished with seven catches for a career-high 197 yards, and his score came after Rutgers took a 31-30 lead on a 13-yard rushing TD by Kyle Monangai with 1:08 left. Monangai gave the Scarlet Knights the lead after Illinois overcame a nine-point deficit on Aidan Laughery's 8-yard TD run with 13:48 remaining and Altmyer's 30-yard run with 3:07 left. Bryant's clutch catch gave Illinois (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) eight wins for the second time in three seasons on a day when it committed 11 penalties. Altmyer finished 12-of-26 passing for 249 yards and threw two touchdowns. He also gained a team-high 74 yards on the ground as the Ilini totaled 182 rushing yards. Monangai finished with 122 yards on 28 carries and Kaliakmanis completed 19-of-37 passes for 175 yards, but Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) was unable to win a third straight Big Ten game for the first time. Kaliakmanis also rushed for 84 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. The Scarlet Knights saw their losing streak against ranked teams reach 41 games after taking a 17-9 halftime lead and a 24-15 advantage early in the fourth. --Field Level MediaThe Fort Worth ISD school board approved just over $14 million in spending at its Nov. 12 meeting. The two largest purchases were related to campus operations. Trustees approved the district’s school resource officer program for the 2024-25 school year for $5.9 million and the purchase of audio-visual displays for up to $1.78 million. Trustee Kevin Lynch was absent. Here’s what else trustees approved: Financial advisory firms What is it? Trustees appointed two financial advisory firms, HilltopSecurities Inc. and Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., as co-financial advisers for the district. These firms were selected after an evaluation process that included a request for qualifications, committee scoring and in-person interviews. The co-advisory structure, with a 50/50 fee split, is designed to provide comprehensive guidance on managing the district’s large debt portfolio. Upon board approval, contracts will be negotiated with the selected firms. What’s the cost? Costs of issuance are typically 2%-5% of the cost of issuance. Who’s the vendor? HilltopSecurities Inc. ; Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Where’s the funding coming from? Debt service fund, general fund and capital projects fund. What was the vote? Unanimous, with trustee Kevin Lynch absent. School resource officer program Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. What is it? The district and the city of Fort Worth entered into an Interlocal Agreement for the school resource officer program. This partnership assigns Fort Worth Police Department officers to schools within the city’s limits to enhance safety and security. Under the agreement, effective Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, the district will cover 50% of the personnel and operating costs for the officers assigned to its schools. What’s the cost? $5,896,323.53 Who’s the vendor? City of Fort Worth Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous Audio-visual displays for classrooms What is it? Trustees approved a continuation of the project to replace outdated interactive whiteboards with new interactive flat panels in 13 elementary schools and at other campuses. Initially funded with $10.4 million approved in January 2022 and supplemented by additional funding in October 2023, the project faced delays and will require updated quotes to proceed. The replacements aim to modernize audio-visual equipment across the district’s schools. What’s the cost? Not to exceed $1.787 million Who’s the vendor? Delcom Group Where’s the funding coming from? TRE What was the vote? Unanimous West Side Transportation and Operations Center What is it? Trustees approved a proposal for a new transportation and operations center to replace the outdated facilities at 3626 Longvue Ave., Fort Worth. Originally planned in 2020, the project’s scope has since expanded to consolidate warehouse functions and staff from multiple sites, aiming to reduce leasing costs and improve operational efficiency. The project is also necessitated by the TxDOT RM 2871 Roadway Improvement Project, which requires the demolition and replacement of existing buildings due to planned roadway widening. What’s the cost? $1.38 million Who’s the vendor? Real Estate Sale Proceeds Fund Where’s the funding coming from? Corgan What was the vote? 5-3, with board President Roxanne Martinez, trustee Tobi Jackson and trustee Anael Luebanos dissenting. New printers and scanners What is it? Trustees funded the replacement and purchase of new printers and scanners as part of the district’s managed print services contract. The contract covers maintenance, repairs and toner for 347 copiers and supports the district’s upcoming digitization project to reduce paper usage. Phase I adds color copiers to 81 campuses, while Phase II replaces the entire fleet districtwide with new copiers from the awarded vendor. The contract previously lapsed, causing issues for campuses across the district. What’s the cost? Not to exceed $1.3 million Who’s the vendor? Novatech Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous Replacements for campus fire alarms What is it? Trustees approved a request to replace inoperable fire alarm control panels at nine district facilities where the systems have completely failed. The replacement is critical to restore fire detection capabilities, comply with building codes and maintain life safety standards for everyone using these facilities. The new panels will improve compatibility with other safety systems, enhancing overall building management. In the interim, fire-watch personnel have been assigned to ensure safety until the replacements are installed. What’s the cost? $1,154,153.49 Who’s the vendor? Firetrol Protection Systems Inc. ; Century Fire Protection ; Texas Fire & Sound Inc. Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous Rosemont Middle School renovations What is it? Trustees amended the contract with Huckabee architects for renovations at Rosemont Middle School under the 2021 capital improvement program. Following the February 2024 approval of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) amendments for the project, the architect’s not-to-exceed (NTE) budget must be adjusted from $4.1 million to $5.13 million to align with the updated project costs. What’s the cost? $1,025,233.14 Who’s the vendor? Huckabee architects Where’s the funding coming from? 2021 bond program What was the vote? Unanimous Copier lease extension agreement What is it? Trustees approved an agreement ensuring continued support for the district’s current copier lease program while transitioning to a new vendor. The agreement is designed to prevent any disruptions to copier functionality across the district during the transition period. What’s the cost? Not to exceed $450,000 Who’s the vendor? Xerox Business Solutions Southwest Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda, a list of routine actions that can be approved in one vote. Forest Oak Sixth Grade relocation project What is it? Trustees approved a change order for the Forest Oak Sixth Grade relocation project under the 2021 capital improvement program. It provides additional funding for unexpected requirements from the city of Fort Worth, including constructing a large detention pond and associated storm drainage work. The change order also extends the project’s substantial completion date from Aug. 1, 2024, to Nov. 1, 2024. What’s the cost? $370,000 Who’s the vendor? F.H. Paschen Where’s the funding coming from? 2021 bond program What was the vote? Unanimous Payment of Teacher Incentive Allotment designation fee What is it? The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) is a state program created under Texas House Bill 3 in 2019 to reward and retain highly effective teachers, especially in schools that are hard to staff. It offers teachers a chance to earn higher salaries while staying in the classroom to positively impact students. To participate, districts must pay a $500 per teacher designation fee to the Texas Education Agency, which is reimbursed after final funding is settled in September 2025. What’s the cost? $225,430 Who’s the vendor? Texas Education Agency Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Dunbar High School betterment project What is it? Trustees finalized a contract for renovations at Dunbar High School under Phillips/May corporation. Initially approved in April 2023 with a budget of $5.2 million and a completion date of Dec. 31, 2023, the project underwent adjustments, including a $291,042 deduction and a 131-day extension. The final contract amount is $4.9 million with substantial completion achieved on May 10, 2024. After previous payments, a final balance of $205,777 remains due. What’s the cost? $205,777.04 Who’s the vendor? Phillips/May Where’s the funding coming from? 2017 bond program What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Energy and sustainability software What is it? Trustees approved an upgrade of the district’s energy and sustainability management software to improve utility management. Utilities are a major expenditure, and this advanced tool aims to reduce energy consumption and costs, freeing up more funds for classroom needs. The upgrade will transition from manual entry of utility bills to automated monthly imports, providing real-time data to enhance tracking, reporting and analysis. What’s the cost? $93,800.13 Who’s the vendor? EnergyCAP, LLC Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Clifford Davis Elementary School playground What is it? Clifford Davis Elementary School is getting a new playground this December, thanks to a partnership between the district and KABOOM! The project is partly funded through KABOOM! donations, and trustees approved to install a durable pour-in-place safety surface instead of traditional wood fibers. This surface, designed to last 10 to 15 years, will improve safety and durability, with installation timed to coincide with the playground construction for a seamless upgrade. What’s the cost? $86,266 Who’s the vendor? Whirlix Design Inc. Where’s the funding coming from? TRE What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Bidirectional amplifier system for Western Hills High School What is it? Trustees approved a safety improvement project at Western Hills High School to ensure public safety radios — like those used by police, fire and EMS — work as effectively inside the building as they do outside. Currently, parts of the building block radio signals, creating a critical safety hazard for first responders. The Benbrook fire marshal has mandated a solution and installing a bidirectional amplifier system is the recommended fix. What’s the cost? $77,958 Who’s the vendor? Aerowave Technologies Where’s the funding coming from? Special revenue What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Facility management software What is it? Trustees approved a contract with a facility management provider to streamline and manage nonschool use of district facilities. The agreement includes creating a public rental marketplace where the community can easily find, request and pay for facility rentals. The provider will handle inquiries, confirm availability and approve schedules, earning 10% of each processed transaction. While an optional work-order management module is available at 14% per transaction, the district is not adopting it at this time. The contract begins Nov. 15, 2024, and runs through Nov. 15, 2027, with options for two one-year renewals. What’s the cost? 10% of rental revenue Who’s the vendor? Facilitron Inc. Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Professional Systems Software and Technology to provide current and former employees tracking for Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act What is it? Contract renewal proposal for Professional Systems Software and Technology, a company that has been managing the district’s Affordable Care Act compliance since 2015. This includes notifying employees about their coverage and submitting required IRS reports. The district is considering a new contract through August 2025, with potential yearly extensions through 2030. What’s the cost? Not to exceed $62,000 annually Who’s the vendor? Professional Systems Software and Technology Where’s the funding coming from? Internal service fund What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Software maintenance and support for printing What is it? Trustees renewed the district’s Papercut solution, which secures printing by requiring users to verify their identity with district badges or log-ins before releasing print jobs. The renewal covers a one-year period to maintain this security measure. What’s the cost? $61,416.68 Who’s the vendor? Xerox Business Solutions Southwest Where’s the funding coming from? General fund What was the vote? Unanimous. Item was on the consent agenda. Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.org or @matthewsgroi1 . At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Your support makes TWICE the impact today. As November draws to a close , time is running out to double your impact. Thanks to the generosity of the Nicholas Martin Jr. Family Foundation, every dollar you give will be matched—up to $15,000. Will you give today to help trusted, local reporting thrive in Fort Worth and Tarrant County? Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Look for the "Republish This Story" button underneath each story. To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). Do not copy stories straight from the front-end of our web-site. You are required to follow the guidelines and use the republication tool when you share our content. The republication tool generates the appropriate html code. You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you use our stories in any other medium — for example, newsletters or other email campaigns — you must make it clear that the stories are from the Fort Worth Report. In all emails, link directly to the story at fortworthreport.org and not to your website. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. You have to credit Fort Worth Report. Please use “Author Name, Fort Worth Report” in the byline. If you’re not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: “This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report” and include our website, fortworthreport.org . You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. You can only publish select stories individually — not as a collection. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Matthew Sgroi, Fort Worth Report November 26, 2024

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Nvidia strikes deal for big San Jose lease, hinting at tech expansionIt's bleak, but all is not lost for the New York Jets this season. With six games remaining, the Jets have an opportunity to begin building toward the future. It's an ideal time to evaluate lesser-known commodities in real-game situations and determine whether or not they're worth keeping once the new regime is in place. According to Bleacher Report , undrafted rookie defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III is a player who warrants more action as the season winds down. From Prioritizing Every Roster's Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 12 : Move to Make Now: Give Leonard Taylor III more snaps The Jets primarily play Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw on the inside. Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts and Bruce Hector have been getting some run as rotational players. Moving beyond 2024, it's unclear whether Kinlaw will remain with the team. He's a free agent and Robert Saleh, who coached him in San Francisco, is no longer the coach. Taylor is an undrafted free agent who was once considered a Day 1 or 2 pick when he was at Miami. He had two tackles for loss on Sunday and should get an extended look the rest of the season. — Bleacher Report Taylor may actually be ready to help the Jets right now as their interior line play hasn't been stellar. He's already appeared in eight games, playing fewer than 20 defensive snaps per outing. RELATED: Mysterious benching potentially influenced by Jets' owner Woody Johnson The 25-year-old Taylor has been active seven weeks in a row for the Jets. He's made multiple tackles in five consecutive appearances. Meanwhile, the Jets may have unlocked a wider opportunity for Taylor by releasing Hector earlier this week to create a roster spot for kicker Anders Carlson. With Williams being the lone defensive tackle on a long-term contract, Taylor can establish himself as part of the future. Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas and Leki Fotu are all on one-year deals and seem unlikely to return in 2025. The Jets should use this time wisely to see what they have in Taylor. More New York Jets News: • Boomer Esiason's reason why Aaron Rodgers-led Jets lack downfield pass game • Ex-Jets' QB Ryan Fitzpatrick drags Aaron Rodgers in viral social post • Who is New York Jets' interim general manager Phil Savage? • Three serious candidates for Jets' head coaching job • Aaron Rodgers assesses Jets' interim head coach after 5 games

More than 1,000 law enforcement officials will be monitoring the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day to keep crowds safe during Pasadena’s annual celebration. While it is a day of celebration for football fans and community members alike, Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris said there will be “zero tolerance for shenanigans.” Officials from local, state and federal law enforcement, including more than 250 members of the Pasadena Police Department, will be in attendance. Uniformed and plain-clothed officers will be stationed around the parade route and the stadium to monitor for safety hazards and handle any problems that may arise, Harris said. Law enforcement will strictly enforce rules prohibiting public alcohol consumption throughout the event, Harris said. “There won’t be any breaks,” he said. “If you come up and ask for a break on something, we’re going to assume you want an arrest.” Harris said officers still want attendees to enjoy the day-long celebration. Throughout the parade route and stadium, he said, attendees will see law enforcement smiling as they enjoy the festivities, too. “It’s a day that we welcome the world to Pasadena,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. The city expects restaurants and hotels to be filled with community members and visitors celebrating. Gordo recommended that anyone planning to grab a meal or stay in the area make reservations in advance. Planning for the parade and bowl game begins the year prior to ensure attendees have a safe experience, Gordo said. At last year’s parade, a woman in her 20s rammed into a barricade at Colorado Boulevard and Chester Avenue. The barriers set up in the area stopped the woman, but if she were successful, officials said she could have injured numerous parade watchers. Police arrested the woman for suspected assault with a deadly weapon, and her vehicle sustained significant damage from the crash. Harris said police presence at the parade and the barricades allowed them to stop the assault before anyone was hurt. Law enforcement will continue to patrol the area and pay attention to make sure they prevent any other safety hazards. Just blocks away, last year’s parade was also interrupted for about 15 minutes, when a group of Pasadena interfaith communities led a pro-Palestinian protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza before peacefully dispersing under police orders. No arrests were made. The 136th annual Rose Parade’s theme is “Best Day Ever,” celebrating friends, family, community and the happiest moments in life, said Tournament of Roses President David Eads. Grand Finale performances will include singers Debbie Gibson and Betty Who and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and the parade will feature traditional floral floats, marching bands, equestrian units and musical performances. In the Rose Bowl, Oregon will face off against the winner of a Dec. 21 game between Ohio State and Tennessee. On New Year’s Eve, visitors can arrive and claim spots along Colorado Boulevard starting at noon to watch the parade the following day. The Pasadena Fire Department along with around 15 other fire agencies will also be monitoring the parade route and stadium for illegal bonfires that can spread to structure fires or injure or kill others. “Here we are in December, and we’re still dealing with major brush fires,” said Fire Chief Chad Augustin. “We only have to look to our neighbors in Malibu and the Franklin Fire, how devastating that’s been.” Attendees are allowed to have small professionally manufactured barbecues that are elevated at least one foot off the ground, if they are kept at least 25 feet away from buildings. Fire officials recommend anyone with a barbecue also have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Augustin reminded attendees to dress in layers, bring gloves and beanies and stay hydrated, as officials expect frigid temperatures overnight and warmer temperatures during the day. Parking lots at the Rose Bowl Stadium will open at 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day, where visitors can pay to park and walk to the parade route, said stadium CEO Jens Weiden. The stadium’s public Fan Fest celebration will start at 9 a.m., and gates will open at 11:30 a.m. Ticketholders are asked to take their seats by 1 p.m. for pre-game festivities before kickoff. The city website will also have a schedule for when attendees can arrive to camp out and where they can park. Attendees should double check for temporary no-parking signs and other restrictions before they park. Vehicles blocking emergency travel lanes or in restricted areas at the stadium or along the parade route will be towed at the owner’s expense.Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire to end nearly 14 months of fighting JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. What to know about ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders. The truce that is set to take effect early Wednesday raised hopes and renewed difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities But the deal does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since Hamas militants attacked southern Israel last October. Trump vows tariffs over immigration. What the numbers say about border crossings, drugs and crime. WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on Mexico and Canada as he seeks to portray them as responsible for illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Over its tenure, the Biden administration has struggled with growing numbers of migrants arriving at the southern border. But this year, the number of people crossing the border without documents has actually been falling. That's due in part to stricter enforcement by Mexican authorities as well as asylum restrictions announced earlier this year by the Biden administration. When it comes to fentanyl smuggling, much of the deadly supply comes from Mexico though statistics show more than 86% of those sentenced for fentanyl trafficking crimes in the 12 months ending September 2023 were U.S. citizens. AP finds that a Pentagon-funded study on extremism in the military relied on old data Early this year, Pete Hegseth told a Fox News audience a new, Pentagon-funded study proved that the number of military service members and veterans involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection did not indicate a wider problem in the armed forces. Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Defense, wasn’t alone. The Wall Street Journal’s opinion page highlighted the same report as evidence that extremists in military communities were “phantoms” created by a “false media narrative.” The X account for Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee posted that the study showed the focus on extremism in the military was a “witch hunt.” But The Associated Press has found that the study relied on old data, misleading analyses and ignored evidence that pointed to the opposite conclusion. How Trump's bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith move to abandon two federal cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats Trump was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victory NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Brazil’s Bolsonaro planned and participated in a 2022 coup plot, unsealed police report says SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election, according to a Federal Police report that has been unsealed. Brazil’s Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. Bolsonaro called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, that would have declared the vote fraudulent, to justify a possible military intervention. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The proposal, which would not be finalized until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, could cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. It would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some people have labeled them miracle drugs. New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants People with HIV who need a kidney or liver transplant will be able to receive an organ from a donor with HIV. That's according to a new rule announced Tuesday by U.S. health officials. Previously, such transplants could be done only as part of research studies. The new rule takes effect Wednesday. It's expected to shorten the wait for organs for all, regardless of HIV status, by increasing the pool of available organs. The practice is supported by a decade of research, during which 500 transplants of kidneys and livers from HIV-positive donors have been done in the U.S. Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision.

NoneThis initiative reflects ByteDance's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote cultural heritage, academic excellence, and intellectual pursuits. By investing in the preservation and dissemination of the "Rujiazang," ByteDance is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding China's rich cultural legacy and ensuring that its profound intellectual traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.