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49ers' Brandon Aiyuk Trolls Brock Purdy After ASU Beats Iowa StateA groundbreaking technology for sniffing out dangerous microbes in public water supplies has been heralded as a "very significant improvement" compared to existing methods. Scientists at Heriot-Watt University say the innovative system for identifying waterborne pathogens boasts a more than 70% detection rate, dramatically outperforming the industry's typical benchmark of around 30%. It's currently being put through its paces at a "major UK water company", aiming to minimise both the frequency and impact of contamination episodes similar to the recent cryptosporidium crisis in Devon earlier this year, which forced roughly 17,000 homes and businesses in Brixham to boil their water and led to numerous reported illnesses. The team also highlighted data indicating an uptick in illnesses associated with cryptosporidium across the UK, with thousands of annual cases related to this minuscule parasite. Project lead Professor Helen Bridle said: "People across the UK are very concerned about potential contamination in public water systems: incidents like the one in Devon show just how serious an impact they can have on people’s lives and livelihoods. "Our system has achieved a very significant improvement in detection rates of harmful bugs in the water so this technology will prevent illness and economic losses much more effectively in future." Water companies routinely monitor water quality, but according to the scientists, their "different approach" to monitoring has led to a "significantly better performance". The team is currently establishing a spin-out company named Aquazoa, aiming to commercialise the innovative system by early 2026. They have successfully obtained high growth spin-out funding from Scottish Enterprise, the national economic development agency of Scotland.
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Friday stepped into a major legal fight over the $8 billion a year the federal government spends to subsidize phone and internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas, in a new test of federal regulatory power. The justices will review an appellate ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund. The Federal Communications Commission collects money from telecommunications providers, who then pass the cost on to their customers. A conservative advocacy group, Consumer Research, challenged the practice. The justices had previously denied two appeals from Consumer Research after federal appeals courts upheld the program. But the full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, among the nation’s most conservative, ruled 9-7 that the method of funding is unconstitutional. The Biden administration appealed that ruling, but the case probably won't be argued until late March. At that point, the Trump administration will be in place and it not clear whether it will take a different view of the issue. The 5th Circuit held that the funding method is unconstitutional because Congress has given too much authority to the FCC and the agency in turn has ceded too much power to a private entity. The last time the Supreme Court invoked what is known as the non-delegation doctrine to strike down a federal law was in 1935. But several conservative justices have suggested they are open to breathing new life into the legal doctrine. ___
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During an appearance at GalaxyCon (via Fightful ), Britt Baker spoke about her recent guest role on the latest season of the Netflix series Cobra Kai . She appears as part of the Tiger Strike dojo, taking part in the Sekai Taikai. She said: “ I sent the writer a DM. No, my dear friend, Marty Kove, John Kreese in Cobra Kai, who I met in through the ComicCon world, I met some people through him and I got invited to the season four premiere. I met Hayden (Schlossberg), one of the writers, and at that time I had done some stuff with John Kreese in AEW, so we were linked a little bit. Me and Hayden talked. I said, ‘If you ever need a dentist or professional wrestler for any future seasons, let me know.’ He laughed, we followed each other on social media, and I said, ‘No, I’m serious. If you need anybody, let me know.’ I kept nudging and eventually he called me. ‘Hey, I actually have something that I think you would be good for, are you interested?’ I don’t care what it is; I’m such a fan I will do anything. I will be a fly on the wall just be on the set because I’m such a fan. ” View this post on Instagram A post shared by All Elite Wrestling (@aew)Canucks visit the Red Wings after shootout winMEXICO CITY (AP) — Over 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country's contentious new selection process, but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MEXICO CITY (AP) — Over 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country's contentious new selection process, but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MEXICO CITY (AP) — Over 18,000 people in Mexico have registered online to run for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships in the country’s contentious new selection process, but a random drawing in the end will determine who gets on the ballot, officials said Monday. The ruling party pushed through a constitutional reform in September to make all federal judges stand for election, replacing the system where court employees and lawyers mainly move up through the ranks. Current court employees and their supporters have staged dozens of demonstrations against the reforms, calling them part of a ruling-party campaign to weaken checks and balances and eliminate independent regulatory and oversight bodies. Now, candidates for Supreme Court seats and federal judgeships need only a law degree, a grade point average of 3.2, “five years of professional experience” and five letters of recommendation from neighbors or friends. That, and some luck in the final drawing. Officials rejected criticism that has called the process rushed or amateurish for the often highly technical posts that can hear cases including intellectual property, organized crime and Constitutional law. “The results have been spectacular,” said Arturo Zaldivar, a top advisor to President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to the plan, evaluation committees will have just over a month to review thousands of resumes and whittle the field to about 10 candidates or less for each for the 881 judgeships and nine seats on the Supreme Court. Then 1,793 names chosen at random from those selected will appear on the ballot on June 1. Critics warn that many who land on the ballot will be unknowns who perhaps have never argued a case in the courts they seek to run. “You don’t elect a doctor or a surgeon for an operation based on their popularity, you elect them based on their technical expertise, their ability, their knowledge,” said Sergio Méndez Silva, the legal coordinator for the civic group Foundation for Justice. “That also applies for a judge.” With candidates now having to run election campaigns, critics warn there’s a chance drug cartels or political parties could finance them to get friendly judges onto the bench. There are also concerns that the evaluation committees deciding who makes the cut for the selection to appear on ballots may not be impartial. Most committee members were appointed by the legislative or executive branches, controlled by the ruling Morena party. Some critics argue that the current justice system, which is riddled with nepotism, corruption and a lack of accountability, needs to be changed. “We need a justice system that gives results,” said Martínez Garza, an academic and former head of the human rights commission in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon who has registered to run for a Supreme Court seat. Trials in Mexico can last for years, and the ruling party has added to the growing list of crimes for which bail is not allowed, meaning that a large percentage of the prison population is people awaiting trial. Advertisement
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Thailand will go up against a "totally different" Philippines side in the first leg of their Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 semi-final in Manila on Friday night. The War Elephants are the defending champions and made it to the last-four stage of the regional championship after victories over Timor Leste, Malaysia and Cambodia helped them finish at the top of Group A. The Philippines sprang a big surprise by taking second spot behind Vietnam in Group B. Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii told a pre-match press conference on Thursday in Manila that his men would have to adjust their game to suit the synthetic grass pitch at Rizal Memorial Stadium. "We are faced with a situation in which we have to play on a pitch with artificial grass and this means that every player has to adjust himself to the surface," said the Japanese tactician. "But in football you are expected to adjust to such situations and be ready for all sorts of conditions at different match venues. "We have had the opportunity to play on an artificial grass pitch back home for a couple of days and have had two days of training opportunity at the match venue. "I believe that this will help the players get ready for this new challenge." Ishii added: "We have seen the tapes of the match between the Philippines and Indonesia and there is no need to talk much about it. "From what we have seen, I can say that the Philippines now play a different brand of football. "They are a totally different team from the one we played a few months ago. Their offence and defence have both improved a great deal. "But we have trained on the artificial pitch at Rizal Memorial Stadium and I don't think there is a need to make any drastic changes to our game plan for the match." The two sides clashed in the King's Cup first round in Songkhla in October when the War Elephants dominated the Philippines 3-1. Thai left wing back Thitathorn Auksornsri said: "We have been preparing the team for quite some time and everyone is now ready for the match. "I played at this stadium during the 2019 SEA Games, but that was a long time ago. We need to adjust many things for this venue." The match will kick off at 8pm (Thai time) on Saturday and will be televised live by Thai Rath TV (32), AIS Play, TrueSport 2 (667) and the BG Sports Channel on YouTube.Alexa Buhman and Brielle Volker were recently named to the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Class 2A All-Northeast District teams. It was Buhman’s second all-district honor and the first for Volker. “In a season marked by exceptional performances and teamwork, two standout athletes from Sumner-Fredericksburg have been recognized with all-district honors for their contributions,” outgoing head coach Sarah Buhman said. “Alexa Buhman and Brielle Volker were chosen for their outstanding skills, dedication, and leadership on the court.” Buhman accumulated 858 assists, 240 digs, 86 kills and 49 total blocks on the season. She hit the 2,500-career assist mark and is near 700 career digs. “Being named 2A all northeast district is such an honor, but I could not do it without the group of girls this year,” Alexa said. “We fought as a team and worked hard all season. Without great passers and hitters, I wouldn’t be named all district, so it really reflects on our passers and hitters for getting the ball up to run our offense. We are all in this together, so we share this award. Better together.” “She demonstrated her versatility and commitment on both sides of the ball,” coach Buhman said of the junior setter. “Her court awareness and quick decision-making were instrumental in setting up the team’s offense.” Volker accumulated 440 kills on 1,208 attempts this season after totaling 279 her first three seasons of varsity play. The North Iowa Area Community College signee added 292 digs, 10 solo blocks, 28 block assists, 36 aces and 23 assists during her last high school season. “Brielle was praised for her dynamic offensive plays and consistent ability to deliver under pressure,” coach Buhman said. “She proved to be a driving force in the team’s success Brielle stepped up to finish off her high school career in a dynamic fashion.”5 ASX ETFs to buy in December and hold for 10 years
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey, a legend of the City of Brotherly Love, passed away yesterday at the age of 79, and the world of sports is paying tribute to him. After a long hard 3 year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grand father, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad. pic.twitter.com/RTLln3UA8o More News: Eagles' Jalen Hurts Could be Ruled Out Following Second Missed Practice Bergey's son Jake posted an image of his father on social media as a sad announcement, with the caption reading, "After a long hard 3 year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grand father, football player and out right great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad." RIP my Hall of Fame teammate Bill Bergey. Bill was a great player and even better person! My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bergey family! Bubba was special! pic.twitter.com/MOh7XfvkOH Bergey was born in South Dayton, New York, in 1945, and was a standout athlete from a young age. He played football at Arkansas State University under coach Bernie Ellender and became an All-American. H is still regarded as one of the greatest players in the school's history, having been named the Top Player in Arkansas State history by fans. Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1969, Bergey had a brief stint with the team, earning a Pro Bowl selection before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1974. In Philadelphia, his career flourished. Bergey quickly became a cornerstone of the Eagles' defense and one of the most beloved players of his era. December 5th A feisty date for linebacker #66 Bill Bergey In 1971 while with the #Bengals , and in 1976 with the #Eagles pic.twitter.com/AkkvDYlVGJ Over seven seasons, he was a five-time All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and a three-time team MVP. His stellar play helped him earn recognition as the NFL 's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year in 1974. Bergey finished his Eagles career with nearly 1,200 tackles and 27 interceptions, including a standout five-pick season in 1974. Bergey's defensive prowess helped propel the Eagles to prominence in the mid-1970s, earning him multiple Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro selections throughout the decade. All the best to my old friend Bill Bergey. Heck of a player, even better person. Photo taken in Smithers with Bill, my late uncle Wilf, and me. https://t.co/9gaTQcCg9a pic.twitter.com/gmhJelNxRc More News: Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Apologizes to Zach Ertz Following Sideline Incident: Report His leadership on the field was integral to the Eagles' success, particularly during their Super Bowl XV appearance in 1980. Though he played all 16 games that season, Bergey was forced to retire shortly after due to a chronic knee injury. Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie released a statement praising Bergey: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bergey. An Eagles all-time great, Bill was a legendary linebacker who gained the respect of players and coaches across the league for his blue-collar work ethic and hard-nosed play. He was rightfully inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1988. Bill exemplified what it meant to be an Eagle in every way, and proudly represented the team in the community well after his playing days were over. We will all miss him dearly and extend our deepest condolences to the entire Bergey family."
California saw its biggest increase in registered lobbyists last session since at least 2011, when a change in the law caused the number to more than double. There was a roughly 10% increase in the number of lobbyists who registered for the 2023-24 session compared to the previous one — for a record of 3,245 people, according to the Secretary of State’s office. What’s behind the jump? Longtime lobbyist Chris Micheli sees it as the result of high turnover in the Legislature — leading to an “exodus of legislative staff” who went into advocacy. In what was dubbed the Great Resignation of 2022, for example, 26 members opted out of seeking re-election , in addition to the seven who reached term limits. Micheli said he has also seen a rise in state agency rule-making, which motivates those in support of or against regulations to lobby: “Some of these regulatory bodies, like the Air Resources Board — the number of regulations that they’re undertaking and their significance has been growing in recent years.” Meanwhile, the number of legislative staff has shifted only slightly since the mid-1990s, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. The staff count can impact how much time members have to write and research legislation. The increase in lobbyists means there’s now at least one lobbyist for every staff member, compared to two staffers per lobbyist back in 1995, the earliest data available from the Secretary of State’s office. “The fact that the number of registered lobbyists has risen so high and outstrips the number of actual staffers that legislators have to help them with people’s work shows how skewed our system has become towards the interests of wealthy interests that also dominate campaign spending, rather than regular people,” emailed Trent Lange, executive director of California Clean Money Campaign — an advocacy group that aims to combat the influence of money on politics. Lobbyists are required to register with the Secretary of State’s office, and report on their activities each quarter. That’s according to the state’s Political Reform Act , which passed in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal in 1974 in an effort to combat political corruption. The law defines lobbyists as those who are paid to influence legislation or regulation through direct communication with lawmakers, outside of public comments. They can be hired as contractors by companies, or work to influence policy as an employee, although those who spend less than one-third of their time lobbying don’t have to register. Lawmakers and those who work for state agencies legally must wait one year after leaving state jobs before working as lobbyists. Legislative staff do not have that requirement. The recent jump in new lobbyists was the highest since 2011 , when a law signed by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger went into effect requiring placement agents — financial officers who solicit investments from the state workers’ and teachers’ retirement funds — to register as lobbyists. The law nearly doubled the number of registered lobbyists, from 1,237 for the two-year session ending in 2010 to 2,353 in 2012. The second highest bump came in the session that ended in 2020, with 257 more registered lobbyists compared to the session before, according to the Secretary of State’s office. The rise in the number of lobbyists coincides with an uptick in money spent on lobbying, with industry and advocacy groups spending record amounts each year since 2022 . Spending to lobby California legislators hit nearly $420 million in just the first nine months of 2024, compared to $484 million in all of 2023 and $443 million in the entirety of 2022. Included in the recent boost: a summer lobbying blitz by Google to influence whether it would have to pay news outlets for publishing their content. Jonathan Mehta Stein, executive director of the good governmental advocacy group California Common Cause, labeled it “absolutely wild” that nearly $1 billion was spent on lobbying last session. “Sometimes people in the capitol community,” he said, “lose sight of how staggering it would be to their constituents if they knew how much money is spent to, in many cases, divert policy decisions away from the reason everyone originally went to Sacramento, which is to serve the public interest without fear or favor.” Jeremia Kimelman contributed to this story. This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Jharkhand’s Assembly elections: Analysis and the methodologyBerlin confirmed plans to reform its legal framework make it a clear criminal offence to “facilitate the smuggling of migrants to the UK” as part of the agreement, the Home Office said. The Home Office said the move would give German prosecutors more tools to tackle the supply and storage of dangerous small boats. Both countries will also commit to exchange information that may help to remove migrant-smuggling content from social media platforms and tackle end-to-end routes of criminal smuggling networks as part of the deal. It comes ahead of the UK and Germany hosting the so-called Calais Group in London, which sees ministers and police from the two countries, alongside France, Belgium and the Netherlands, gather to discuss migration in Europe. Delegates are expected to agree a detailed plan to tackle people-smuggling gangs in 2025 at the meeting on Tuesday. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “For too long organised criminal gangs have been exploiting vulnerable people, undermining border security in the UK and across Europe while putting thousands of lives at risk. “We are clear that this cannot go on. “Germany is already a key partner in our efforts to crack down on migrant smuggling, but there is always more we can do together. “Our new joint action plan with deliver a strengthened partnership with Germany, boosting our respective border security as we work to fix the foundations, and ultimately saving lives.” Nancy Faeser, German federal minister of the interior said: “We are now stepping up our joint action to fight the brutal activities of international smugglers. “This is at the core of our joint action plan that we have agreed in London. “I am very grateful to my British counterpart Yvette Cooper that we were able to reach this important agreement. “It will help us end the inhumane activities of criminal migrant smuggling organisations. “By cramming people into inflatable boats under threats of violence and sending them across the Channel, these organisations put human lives at risk. “Many of these crimes are planned in Germany. “Together, we are now countering this unscrupulous business with even more resolve. “This includes maintaining a high investigative pressure, exchanging information between our security authorities as best as possible, and persistently investigating financial flows to identify the criminals operating behind the scenes.”
Hurricanes visit the Panthers in Eastern Conference actionCharles Schwab Investment Management Inc. Boosts Position in Knife River Co. (NYSE:KNF)ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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