Bulloch County Restaurant InspectionsHow Dana Holgorsen adjusted Nebraska football's playbook to deliver instant results
Jonah Goldberg Among elites across the ideological spectrum, there's one point of unifying agreement: Americans are bitterly divided. What if that's wrong? What if elites are the ones who are bitterly divided while most Americans are fairly unified? History rarely lines up perfectly with the calendar (the "sixties" didn't really start until the decade was almost over). But politically, the 21st century neatly began in 2000, when the election ended in a tie and the color coding of electoral maps became enshrined as a kind of permanent tribal color war of "red vs. blue." Elite understanding of politics has been stuck in this framework ever since. Politicians and voters have leaned into this alleged political reality, making it seem all the more real in the process. I loathe the phrase "perception is reality," but in politics it has the reifying power of self-fulfilling prophecy. Like rival noble families in medieval Europe, elites have been vying for power and dominance on the arrogant assumption that their subjects share their concern for who rules rather than what the rulers can deliver. Political cartoonists from across country draw up something special for the holiday In 2018, the group More in Common published a massive report on the "hidden tribes" of American politics. The wealthiest and whitest groups were "devoted conservatives" (6%) and "progressive activists" (8%). These tribes dominate the media, the parties and higher education, and they dictate the competing narratives of red vs. blue, particularly on cable news and social media. Meanwhile, the overwhelming majority of Americans resided in, or were adjacent to, the "exhausted majority." These people, however, "have no narrative," as David Brooks wrote at the time. "They have no coherent philosophic worldview to organize their thinking and compel action." Lacking a narrative might seem like a very postmodern problem, but in a postmodern elite culture, postmodern problems are real problems. It's worth noting that red vs. blue America didn't emerge ex nihilo. The 1990s were a time when the economy and government seemed to be working, at home and abroad. As a result, elites leaned into the narcissism of small differences to gain political and cultural advantage. They remain obsessed with competing, often apocalyptic, narratives. That leaves out most Americans. The gladiatorial combatants of cable news, editorial pages and academia, and their superfan spectators, can afford these fights. Members of the exhausted majority are more interested in mere competence. I think that's the hidden unity elites are missing. This is why we keep throwing incumbent parties out of power: They get elected promising competence but get derailed -- or seduced -- by fan service to, or trolling of, the elites who dominate the national conversation. There's a difference between competence and expertise. One of the most profound political changes in recent years has been the separation of notions of credentialed expertise from real-world competence. This isn't a new theme in American life, but the pandemic and the lurch toward identity politics amplified distrust of experts in unprecedented ways. This is a particular problem for the left because it is far more invested in credentialism than the right. Indeed, some progressives are suddenly realizing they invested too much in the authority of experts and too little in the ability of experts to provide what people want from government, such as affordable housing, decent education and low crime. The New York Times' Ezra Klein says he's tired of defending the authority of government institutions. Rather, "I want them to work." One of the reasons progressives find Trump so offensive is his absolute inability to speak the language of expertise -- which is full of coded elite shibboleths. But Trump veritably shouts the language of competence. I don't mean he is actually competent at governing. But he is effectively blunt about calling leaders, experts and elites -- of both parties -- stupid, ineffective, weak and incompetent. He lost in 2020 because voters didn't believe he was actually good at governing. He won in 2024 because the exhausted majority concluded the Biden administration was bad at it. Nostalgia for the low-inflation pre-pandemic economy was enough to convince voters that Trumpian drama is the tolerable price to pay for a good economy. About 3 out of 4 Americans who experienced "severe hardship" because of inflation voted for Trump. The genius of Trump's most effective ad -- "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you" -- was that it was simultaneously culture-war red meat and an argument that Harris was more concerned about boutique elite concerns than everyday ones. If Trump can actually deliver competent government, he could make the Republican Party the majority party for a generation. For myriad reasons, that's an if so big it's visible from space. But the opportunity is there -- and has been there all along. Goldberg is editor-in-chief of The Dispatch: thedispatch.com . Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, has reacted to report published in Sahara Reporters of a new lawsuit against his companies, staff, wife, and himself and dismissed the suit as empty forum shopping. He made this known during inquiries from some journalists to confirm if he was aware of the published report in Sahara Reporters. Ekeh said he was shocked that Femi Falana (SAN), counsel to Benjamin Joseph of Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd, an Enugu indigene based in Ibadan, has continued in the old school of media trial in the same case he withdrew last year after he “misled” the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami to issue him a Fiat. He said: “A few friends mentioned it to me a few days back. I was really shocked that Femi Falana (SAN) still continues in this old school of media trial in the same case he shamefully withdrew last year after he misled the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Malami SAN, to issue him a fiat. “A few days after Mr. Malami issued the Fiat, he discovered that Mr. Falana misled him by hiding material facts without disclosing to him that there was already a judgment by Hon. Justice Danlami Senchi of the FCT High Court in Charge No. FCT/HC/CR/244/2018 against his client on the same case with N20 million damage imposed on his client, Mr. Benjamin Joseph of Citadel Oracle Concepts Ltd, for false petitioning and to serve as a deterrence against others who waste taxpayers’ money incurred in investigating spurious petitions. “Falana also did not inform the Attorney General that he is the lawyer acting for Benjamin Joseph who filed a motion to appeal the N20m damages. Mr. Malami was also upset that Femi Falana didn’t actively disclose the fact that Benjamin Joseph was still facing a criminal case instituted against him by the Inspector General of Police in another court in Charge No.CR/216/16 before Honourable Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court Abuja, for false information on the same facts, which his client Benjamin Joseph, was unable to defend for over 8 years. Instead, Mr. Joseph was avoiding the court for flimsy reasons. The same Attorney General – Mr. Malami, had instructed that the criminal case against Benjamin Joseph should not be withdrawn but must be prosecuted to a logical conclusion, as contained in three separate letters to the Inspector General of Police after Benjamin Joseph had begged Mr. Malami to stop his trial.” Ekeh expressed his respect for Falana but stressed that “this case should instruct him to unlearn a few things in his practice. Times have moved from analogue to digital. There are new kids on the block. It is difficult for me to agree that Falana, as an experienced lawyer, parent, husband to another distinguished SAN, could not differentiate between corporate and individual personalities. “He listed Zinox, myself, and even retired non-Executive Directors of Technology Distributions Ltd as defendants, persons who have never been included in any investigation and report since this case started in 2013 just to make his media trial appear important.” He wondered “when serious matters of law became a show business. Every mature Nigerian knows the relationship between Falana and Sahara Reporters. It’s instructive to note that as we speak, the new suit filed by Falana has not been served on me or any of the defendants, to the best of my knowledge. However, Falana had rushed to the media, using Sahara Reporters to splash it as ‘Breaking News’ just to achieve the set objective of his client, Benjamin Joseph.” The Zinox boss said: “It is clear that they do not have confidence in their case but simply want media publicity to harass and embarrass me, my wife, directors, and staff of my companies. It is regrettable that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria would be playing to the gallery instead of venting his case in court. You can see that Falana is doing everything to protect his client at all costs, a man who lied but later confessed in his Witness Statement on Oath in a civil case he filed at the Lagos State High Court, that he knew about the contract and gave Princess Kama (his partner) all personal and corporate documents needed for the FIRS contract. “This shows that he has been lying all the while that he was not aware of the contract. It is also to be noted that the FIRS, in a letter on February 11, 2014, to Chief Afe Babalola Chambers, stated that Benjamin Joseph knew about the contract and that he gave them a letter accepting the contract and appointing Princess Kama, his staff, as the authorised representative of Citadel on the contract and also that Citadel instructed the FIRS to pay the proceeds of the contract into the Access Bank account opened for that purpose. I should suppose that it’s part of the reason the respected Afe Babalola SAN technically withdrew from acting for Benjamin Joseph in 2014. “But Femi Falana would rather continue in his intransigence to propagate the spurious claims of his client. As a counsel, it behoves him to properly advise his client not to tow a wrong path, especially when there’s a subsisting judgment that imposed N20 million damages against him for false petitioning. “I am in tech business and will never dine with any alleged blackmailer as Benjamin Joseph appears to be acting out. I am sure Mr. Falana and the learned AGF of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, both experienced lawyers, have not created time to read through this case file. If they did, then it is regrettable that the respected AGF would still grant another Fiat to Falana even after a similar Fiat was withdrawn from Falana by the former AGF over misrepresentation of facts. I doubt that the AGF, after withdrawing the criminal case against Benjamin Joseph in June 2024 to save him from possible imprisonment, would now issue a Fiat on behalf of the same Benjamin Joseph to file charges against the people he lied against. We cannot leave this country for people who dance to the gallery. “We must fix it. Thank you, but please note that I have nothing against Falana and Co., but if truly he secured a Fiat this year, which I doubt, we shall meet in court,” he said.
SAN ANTONIO — Colorado secured what it said was record insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter as the star duo opted to complete their college careers in the Alamo Bowl rather than sit out and prepare for the NFL draft. Colorado would not disclose the amount of insurance coverage each received, citing privacy laws. Coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George both said it was the largest in college football history. "We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft," Sanders said Monday. "We all know who those two are and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football." While college programs maintain insurance policies for their athletes in case of injury, Colorado increased disability coverage for its entire roster in the Alamo Bowl. Sanders, the coach of the No. 20 Buffaloes, ensured his QB son and two-way star Hunter received larger policies since both are expected to be among the top 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft. "It was his idea we should get disability insurance for our athletes for this game to ensure that they played and if there was some kind of injury that they would be well taken care of," George said. "So, we worked together on that. We're excited about it. We think it's great that all our players are playing in the game. That's what all bowl games should be like." Colorado (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, No. 17 CFP) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. While most teams are scrambling with starters opting out of bowl games this year to enter the transfer portal or NFL draft, the Buffaloes did not lose any player on their two-deep roster. "It's more than what I got (when he played at Kansas State)," Colorado linebackers coach Andre' Hart said. "They gave us a helmet and said pop this on your leg and get out there and play. For them to get that (increased insurance coverage), I just think it's beneficial. To talk about where the game is, where it's going and how leadership is taking care of the players, I thought that's excellent." Shedeur Sanders completed 337 of 454 passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. Many scouting services have Sanders rated as the top quarterback in this year's draft. Hunter received the Heisman Trophy as a two-way standout at cornerback and wide receiver. He had 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns and as a cornerback had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and limited the opposition to 22 receptions on 688 defensive snaps. "They've taken care of us, everybody," Colorado running back Micah Welch said. "It really means a lot to have every teammate up here. That's a big thing. What I like about Coach Prime, they're taking care of us." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Trump Vows to Pursue Executions After Biden Commutes Most of Federal Death Row
It's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. (More on this below.) Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. Check our AP guide on the latest scams and what to do when you're victimized. Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a high-speed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi reportedly sought advice from Tesla CEO Elon Musk . According to an exclusive report in WSJ, ByteDance-owned TikTok chief executive officer Chew Shou Zi has sought input on US matters from Elon Musk. Tesla CEO has emerged as one of the closest advisers to President-elect Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal reported on November 23, citing people familiar with the matter. TikTok CEO Chew is reported to have reached out to Tesla CEO in recent weeks and asked for his opinions on topics ranging from the incoming administration to potential tech policy, the report added as per news agency Reuters. The report added that both the executives have not discussed specific measures to keep TikTok running in the United States. ByteDance's senior leadership remains cautiously optimistic. Before the US election, ByteDance executives met with people close to both Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Elon Musk joined Trump in calls with Google CEO and Ukraine president Incidentally, there are also reports that Musk joined President-elect Donald Trump during his call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. And earlier this week, The Information reported that Musk was there in the call when Google CEO Sunadr Pichai called to congratulate Pichai. The big Yes and No on Tiktok ban in the US Trump, who previously attempted to ban TikTok, has stated that he would not allow the app to be barred if elected in November. However, President Trump's pick for Federal Communications Commission chairman could be bad news for TikTok. In his Project 2025 chapter, Carr asserted that the Chinese social media platform TikTok “poses a serious and unacceptable risk to America’s national security” and should be banned. The new FCC chairman also reportedly has a close relationship with Musk and has accused Democrats of waging “regulatory lawfare” against Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service.Pitt and LSU met Friday afternoon in the Greenbrier Tipoff in White Sulpher Springs, W.Va., but the Panthers’ 74-63 victory beared no resemblance to the teams’ most recent meeting Jan. 31, 1969. That day, Pete Maravich scored 40 points in LSU’s 120-79 victory against coach Buzz Ridl’s Panthers. But Pitt put on a shooting display of its own Friday at the outset of the second half, scoring the first 13 points after halftime on its way to its sixth consecutive victory. Pitt is 6-0 to start the season for the second time in coach Jeff Capel’s seven seasons and will play the UCF/Wisconsin winner Sunday. Those teams met in the second game of the Greenbrier doubleheader. Jaland Lowe led the Panthers with a career-high 22 points, followed by Ishmael Leggett (21), Cam Corhen (14) and Zack Austin (10). Damian Dunn, who was Pitt’s second-leading scorer at 15.2 points per game, managed only two before he fouled out with 7 minutes, 1 second left in the game. Lowe, who had a triple-double Monday against VMI, led the Panthers with eight rebounds and six assists. While Pitt made its first five shots of the second half, LSU (4-1) missed its first 12 until Cam Carter scored on a layup with 13:14 left in the game. Pitt scored in a variety of ways to seize a 40-28 lead that included one of Lowe’s four 3-pointers, dunks from Austin and Corhen, 2-point baskets from Leggett and Damian Dunn and Austin’s two foul shots. LSU cut the lead to 43-38 with 10:52 left, but Lowe answered with consecutive 3s in a span of 61 seconds. Eventually, Pitt’s lead ballooned to 51-40 when Lowe hit a 2-point jumper, concluding a run of eight points in a row by the sophomore point guard. The Tigers responded, however, and only trailed 58-54 with 5:26 left. Early in the game, strong defense — or poor shooting — kept the score low, with the teams combining to miss 23 of their first 33 shots. Pitt came into the game shooting 51.3% from the field and averaging 88.2 points, but the Panthers ended the half trailing 28-27 while shooting 31.3% (10 of 32), with six turnovers. They also lost the rebound battle in the first 20 minutes 24-18. Pitt grabbed an early lead and held it through most of the first half, thanks in part to 3-point shots from Austin, Lowe, Brandin Cummings and Leggett in a span of six minutes. After its early shooting slump, LSU recovered from its largest first-half deficit (18-10) and got consecutive 3s from Jalen Reed and Jordan Sears. Lowe made a steal late in the first half, drove to the basket and set up Corhen with an alley-oop dunk and a 25-20 lead. Later in the half in a half-court offensive set, Lowe and Corhen combined for a similar basket, but LSU took its 28-27 lead at intermission when Lowe complained to officials after a turnover and was given a technical foul. LSU’s Carter made one of two foul shots for the Tigers’ halftime margin.
Creating a diversified portfolio in your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is one of the smartest moves for long-term financial . By spreading your investments across various sectors and industries, you reduce the impact of any single investment’s downturn — all while positioning yourself to capture opportunities in multiple areas. It’s like creating a buffet: no one dish dominates, and every choice complements the rest. So, let’s look at some options. Waste Connections ( ) is a powerhouse in the waste management industry, a sector that thrives regardless of economic conditions. Waste disposal is a necessity, making WCN a dependable choice for stability. In its most recent quarter, WCN reported a 13.3% year-over-year increase in revenue to $2.34 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations. The Canadian stock’s diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.35 also beat projections, showcasing strong operational efficiency. With a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.10, Waste Connections offers a combination of reliability and steady growth. It even sweetens the deal with dividends, offering an annual payout of $1.76 per share. Over the past five years, WCN has consistently outperformed, making it a staple for any defensive portfolio. WSP Global Next, we have ( ), a leader in engineering and consulting services. Infrastructure spending worldwide is booming, and WSP is perfectly positioned to benefit. The Canadian stock’s latest earnings report revealed a 10.7% increase in quarterly revenue, climbing to $15.23 billion over the past twelve months. Even more impressive is WSP’s growing backlog, now valued at $13.8 billion, which represents over a year of guaranteed revenue. Its forward P/E ratio of 27.10 reflects the market’s confidence in its ability to continue delivering value. WSP’s solid dividend payout ratio of 29.13% ensures it balances reinvestment for growth with rewarding shareholders, making it a great pick for TFSA investors focused on both income and appreciation. Lundin Mining ( ) is a gem for those looking to add some mining exposure to their portfolios. This Canadian stock specializes in base metals like copper, zinc, and nickel. Essential for global electrification and renewable energy projects. Lundin has had a strong year, with quarterly revenue growing 8.1% year over year to $4.15 billion as of September 2024. The Canadian stock currently offers a forward P/E of 13.39, suggesting it’s undervalued relative to its future earnings potential. Lundin’s dividend yield of 2.77% adds an income layer, while its lean debt-to-equity ratio of 33.97% keeps it financially sound. For those bullish on the transition to green energy, Lundin Mining is a strategic pick. Brookfield Renewable On the renewable energy front, ( ) shines brightly. With one of the largest renewable energy portfolios globally, BEP.UN provides exposure to hydroelectric, wind, and solar power assets. The Canadian stock’s revenue surged by 24.7% year over year to $5.77 billion in its most recent quarter, reflecting its ability to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy. BEP.UN also offers a generous forward annual dividend yield of 5.82%, making it a favourite among income investors. Its recent investments in storage solutions and energy production solidify its position as a key player in the transition to sustainable energy. For TFSA investors, BEP.UN offers a mix of income and growth — all while aligning with the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) trend. Bottom line Together, these four companies provide a perfect storm of diversification. A diversified portfolio not only reduces risk. It also maximizes your opportunities to capture upside across sectors. As an investor, your job is to review and rebalance periodically, ensuring your holdings still align with your goals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, this quartet is a solid start for any TFSA strategy. By investing in reliable, growth-oriented companies like these, you set yourself up for long-term success. All while enjoying the tax-free benefits of your TFSA. As always, consult with a financial advisor to ensure these choices align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.NEW YORK (AP) — Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa scored 27 points as Columbia beat Fairfield 85-72 on Saturday night. De La Rosa shot 8 of 15 from the field, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Lions (11-1). Avery Brown shot 5 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to add 16 points. Kenny Noland went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 15 points. The Stags (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) were led by Louis Bleechmore, who recorded 12 points. Fairfield also got 12 points and seven assists from Jamie Bergens. Deon Perry had 12 points and five assists. Columbia's next game is Monday against Rutgers on the road, and Fairfield visits Merrimack on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
300 Passengers Onboard First Surat-Bangkok Flight Finish Whole Stock Of Alcohol, Gujarati Snacks
By MARC LEVY HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriterSerbian activists file complaint over spyware use BELGRADE: Several Serbian NGOs filed complaints Tuesday against members of the police and security services following an Amnesty International report that authorities were using sophisticated digital surveillance technology to spy on journalists and activists. The rights watchdog ́s December 16 report, “A Digital Prison,” said Serbian authorities had used spyware that provided them “extensive surveillance capabilities once installed on a target ́s device.” The report includes testimonies of an activist and a journalist who accused authorities of covertly installing spyware on their devices while being questioned by authorities. “We have filed a criminal complaint against unidentified individuals from the Security Information Agency (BIA) and the police on suspicion of committing unauthorised collection of personal data, creating and introducing computer viruses and electronic data processing,” said Dusan Pokusevski from the expert organization SHARE, which focuses on digital security. The Amnesty report highlighted the use of software made by Israeli firm Cellebrite to extract information from smartphones belonging to activists and journalists, as well as to introduce what is believed to be a locally developed spyware program called NoviSpy. The app can remotely activate a phone ́s microphone or camera for recording and extracting sensitive personal data, according to Amnesty. Cellebrite products are widely used by law enforcement agencies worldwide to unlock smartphones and search for evidence. Serbia ́s intelligence agency dismissed the Amnesty report ́s claims as “absurd”. In a separate statement, Serbian police said its forces only use forensic tools in accordance with the country ́s laws. But activists claim that Serbia ́s legal framework does not provide a legal basis for the intrusive measures detailed in the Amnesty report. They also claim to have evidence that data from infected devices was sent to a server hosted on an IP address previously linked to the BIA.