400tmax Introduction: Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) has been targeted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) multiple times over the past few years. Late Wednesday evening, the DOJ decided that Google should be forced to sell off its Chrome browser. This topic Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GOOG either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Blame it on the food and drink?Trump may revoke policy shielding migrants from deportation arrests in churches and schools
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‘More than rugby’: PM announces Papua New Guinea NRL teamControladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VLRS) Given Average Rating of “Buy” by AnalystsWASHINGTON — A top White House official said Wednesday at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations were impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. FILE - The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, in Zhangjiakou, China, on Feb. 2, 2022. A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. The U.S. believes the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” US officials recommend encrypted messaging apps amid "Salt Typhoon" cyberattack, attributed to China, targeting AT&T, Verizon, and others. The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday. White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Trump's pick to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel was allegedly the target of cyberattack attempt by Iranian-backed hackers. Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online. Picture this: You're on vacation in a city abroad, exploring museums, tasting the local cuisine, and people-watching at cafés. Everything is going perfectly until you get a series of alerts on your phone. Someone is making fraudulent charges using your credit card, sending you into a panic. How could this have happened? Cyberattacks targeting travelers are nothing new. But as travel has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, so has the volume of hackers and cybercriminals preying upon tourists. Financial fraud is the most common form of cybercrime experienced by travelers, but surveillance via public Wi-Fi networks, social media hacking, and phishing scams are also common, according to a survey by ExpressVPN . Spokeo consulted cybersecurity sources and travel guides to determine some of the best ways to protect your phone while traveling, from using a VPN to managing secure passwords. Online attacks are not the only type of crime impacting travelers—physical theft of phones is also a threat. Phones have become such invaluable travel aids, housing our navigation tools, digital wallets, itineraries, and contacts, that having your phone stolen, lost, or compromised while abroad can be devastating. Meanwhile, traveling can make people uniquely vulnerable to both cyber and physical attacks due to common pitfalls like oversharing on social media and letting your guard down when it comes to taking risks online. Luckily, there are numerous precautions travelers can take to safeguard against cyberattacks and phone theft. Hackers can—and do—target public Wi-Fi networks at cafés and hotels to gain access to your personal information or install malware onto your device, particularly on unsecured networks. Travelers are especially vulnerable to these types of cybersecurity breaches because they are often more reliant on public Wi-Fi than they would be in their home countries where they have more robust phone plans. This reliance on public, unsecured networks means travelers are more likely to use those networks to perform sensitive tasks like financial transfers, meaning hackers can easily gain access to banking information or other passwords. One easy way to safeguard yourself against these breaches is to use a virtual private network, or VPN, while traveling. VPNs are apps that encrypt your data and hide your location, preventing hackers from accessing personal information. An added bonus is that VPNs allow you to access websites that may be blocked or unavailable in the country you are visiting. To use a VPN, simply download a VPN app on your phone or computer, create an account, choose a server, and connect. Pickpockets, scammers, and flagrant, snatch-your-phone-right-out-of-your-hand thieves can be found pretty much everywhere. In London, for instance, a staggering 91,000 phones were reported stolen to police in 2022 , breaking down to an average of 248 per day, according to the BBC. Whether you're visiting a crowded tourist attraction or just want peace of mind, travel experts advise taking precautions to make sure your phone isn't physically stolen or compromised while traveling. There are several antitheft options to choose from. If you want a bag that will protect your phone from theft, experts recommend looking for features like slash-resistant fabric, reinforced shoulder straps, hidden zippers that can be locked, and secure attachment points, like a cross-body strap or a sturdy clip. For tethers, look for those made of tear-resistant material with a reinforced clip or ring. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, there's a good chance you won't be getting it back. Out of those 91,000 phones stolen in London in 2022, only 1,915 (or about 2%) were recovered. The good news is that you can take precautions to make the loss of your phone less devastating by backing up your data before you travel. With backed-up data, you can acquire a new device and still access your photos, contacts, messages, and passwords. Moreover, if you have "Find My Device" or "Find My Phone" enabled, you can remotely wipe your stolen phone's data so the thief cannot access it. It's safest to back up your data to a hard drive and not just the cloud. That way, if you have to wipe your device, you don't accidentally erase the backup, too. In order for the previous tip on this list to work, "Find My Phone" must be turned on in advance, but remotely wiping your device isn't the only thing this feature allows you to do. The "Find My Phone" feature enables you to track your device, as long as it's turned on and not in airplane mode. This is particularly helpful if you misplaced your phone or left it somewhere since it can help you retrace your steps. While this feature won't show you the live location of a phone that has been turned off, it will show the phone's last known location. With "Find My Phone," you can also remotely lock your phone or enable "Lost Mode," which locks down the phone, suspends any in-phone payment methods, and displays contact information for returning the phone to you. If your phone was stolen, experts caution against taking matters into your own hands by chasing down the thief, since this could land you in a potentially dangerous situation and is unlikely to result in getting your phone back. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign– During a recent interview with US Magazine , AEW star and former Women’s World Champion Britt baker discussed dealing with online criticism and how she’s exhausted with being polite. Below are some highlights: Britt Baker on why she’s done being polite: “I’m exhausted. I’m not going to be polite anymore. Leave me alone. Politeness is 2024. Everyone needs to be real and authentic and the world will be a better place.” Baker on her personal life in the last year: “Roller coaster is a good word, bBut I also don’t think it’s appropriate, because with a roller coaster there’s a start and an end point. I can’t really say where the roller coaster started and I definitely don’t know where it’s going to end.” Her thoughts on the online critics: “You can’t ever believe what you read about yourself, whether it’s really good or really bad, or you’re going to end up medicated and sedated potentially. It’s tough because we live in a world where social media is so prominent. Social media fuels what we do, essentially. We rely on it. But man, is it toxic. It’s brutal. There’s a whole population of people on social media who just want to make you feel bad about yourself. It’s crazy we live in a world where that’s their mission. ‘I’m going to wake up today, tweet 10 mean tweets to Britt. I’m gonna take a lunch break. And then maybe I’ll do 10 more.’ It’s bizarre.” Britt Baker beat Penelope Ford earlier this month on AEW Dynamite on November 13. She also appears in the latest season of Cobra Kai on Netflix.
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BNP and several other political parties raise questions about the Students Against Discrimination's decision to proclaim what it calls the July Revolution while Jamaat welcomes it. Sources in the BNP say their leaders apprehend that this move may delay the next election. They also wonder why the students are doing this five months after the uprising. The BNP wants an election at the earliest and believes that only an elected government can run the country. Ganosamhati Andolon and Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders say the Students Against Discrimination is trying to make it seem like it alone led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Students' Convener Hasnat Abdullah yesterday said the Mujibbadi constitution of 1972 must be buried by the Proclamation of July Revolution. The Communist Party of Bangladesh says the people will not accept any move to disown the constitution. But BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said the constitution written in 1972 came at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs. "As your elders, we feel disappointed when you say that the constitution should be buried. If there is anything bad in the constitution, it can be amended," he said at an event. "I would like to tell the student leaders not to misunderstand us. When you say things like this, it sounds like fascism. The fascists used to say, 'We will bury them, kill them, and cut them apart," he was quoted as saying by UNB. Wishing anonymity, a central committee member of the BNP said, "The students have taken the initiative all of a sudden. There are many reasons to think this move is aimed at delaying the election. BNP wants to give the interim government the time that is logical to make some necessary reforms. It should not be unlimited time." CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said the 1972 constitution was the outcome of the country's long struggle. "The constitution and its preamble -- nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism -- were adopted as a continuation of the 21-point demands of the 1954 Jukta Front, the 11-point demands of 1969, and the Declaration of Independence during the Liberation War. Those who refuse to acknowledge this or want to repeal the 1972 Constitution and its preamble, are essentially disowning the Liberation War," he said. Jamaat spokesperson Motiur Rahman Akanda said, "We must welcome the Students Against Discrimination which is set to proclaim on December 31 the July mass uprising as a revolution. They led the mass uprising against the fascist Awami League government. "We will express our formal reaction after we know what is in the proclamation. We think the students can make such a proclamation. There is nothing wrong with it." Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said, "It is a whimsical decision by the students. If the students make any decision without consulting with political parties and other stakeholders, their move will raise questions. Before making decisions, the students should talk to others." Rashed also said making the proclamation so late defied logic. "It should be declared before the movement," he said, adding that students now want to take all the credit although many political parties, organisations and individuals were behind the movement. A leader of Ganosamhati Andolon, wishing anonymity, said students were making the move for political gains. BNP and several other political parties raise questions about the Students Against Discrimination's decision to proclaim what it calls the July Revolution while Jamaat welcomes it. Sources in the BNP say their leaders apprehend that this move may delay the next election. They also wonder why the students are doing this five months after the uprising. The BNP wants an election at the earliest and believes that only an elected government can run the country. Ganosamhati Andolon and Gono Odhikar Parishad leaders say the Students Against Discrimination is trying to make it seem like it alone led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Students' Convener Hasnat Abdullah yesterday said the Mujibbadi constitution of 1972 must be buried by the Proclamation of July Revolution. The Communist Party of Bangladesh says the people will not accept any move to disown the constitution. But BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas said the constitution written in 1972 came at the cost of the blood of 30 lakh martyrs. "As your elders, we feel disappointed when you say that the constitution should be buried. If there is anything bad in the constitution, it can be amended," he said at an event. "I would like to tell the student leaders not to misunderstand us. When you say things like this, it sounds like fascism. The fascists used to say, 'We will bury them, kill them, and cut them apart," he was quoted as saying by UNB. Wishing anonymity, a central committee member of the BNP said, "The students have taken the initiative all of a sudden. There are many reasons to think this move is aimed at delaying the election. BNP wants to give the interim government the time that is logical to make some necessary reforms. It should not be unlimited time." CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said the 1972 constitution was the outcome of the country's long struggle. "The constitution and its preamble -- nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism -- were adopted as a continuation of the 21-point demands of the 1954 Jukta Front, the 11-point demands of 1969, and the Declaration of Independence during the Liberation War. Those who refuse to acknowledge this or want to repeal the 1972 Constitution and its preamble, are essentially disowning the Liberation War," he said. Jamaat spokesperson Motiur Rahman Akanda said, "We must welcome the Students Against Discrimination which is set to proclaim on December 31 the July mass uprising as a revolution. They led the mass uprising against the fascist Awami League government. "We will express our formal reaction after we know what is in the proclamation. We think the students can make such a proclamation. There is nothing wrong with it." Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said, "It is a whimsical decision by the students. If the students make any decision without consulting with political parties and other stakeholders, their move will raise questions. Before making decisions, the students should talk to others." Rashed also said making the proclamation so late defied logic. "It should be declared before the movement," he said, adding that students now want to take all the credit although many political parties, organisations and individuals were behind the movement. A leader of Ganosamhati Andolon, wishing anonymity, said students were making the move for political gains.North Korea's Kim vows the toughest anti-US policy before Trump takes office
Australia will be able to withdraw $600m in funding for a PNG rugby league team at anytime and without cause under a 10-year deal struck to financially back the expansion side that will enter the NRL in 2028. The Australian government will not release terms of the deal between the two countries, which sits alongside the bilateral security agreement that comes into force on Thursday, but officials have described the arrangement as based on shared strategic trust. The deal, which starts in the current year and expires in 2034-35, includes the construction of a compound to accommodate players and tax breaks to assist in recruitment. Prime minister and rugby league fan Anthony Albanese said the deal – which has been years in the making – was about more than sport, and would bring benefits to the PNG economy and those living in the region. “Rugby league is PNG’s national sport, and PNG deserves a national team,” he said. ARLC chair Peter V’landys said the deal was a “historic step” for the sport, Australia, PNG and more broadly the entire Pacific region. “Rugby league isn’t just sport, it’s a social force for good – a way to improve lives and build stronger communities,” V’landys said. “The new PNG team provides the NRL with a new 10 million-plus audience many who will go from being casual fans into engaged fans. Just as importantly the pathways investments will provide many new and exciting players to the game. The spending is split roughly in half between the NRL club and other rugby league-related development activities in the Pacific. $290m will go towards the NRL franchise and $250m is for rugby league programs in the region. $60m will be paid directly to the NRL as a licence fee, which is expected to be shared between existing clubs. $120m of the money committed will come from existing government programmes, leaving an average annual cost to the budget of $48m. The arrangement also involves more than $100m investment from Papua New Guinea which will build new facilities and accommodation for players and staff as well as fund the tax breaks. Australia has provided more than $1.4bn to the PNG Treasury in the past three years according to the Lowy Institute. The PNG government hopes Australian tourists will also travel to Port Moresby to watch matches involved the new team. About 10,000 Australians currently live in PNG, and approximately the same number of PNG nationals currently reside in Australia. The PNG Hunters have played in the senior Queensland Cup competition – one tier below the NRL – since 2014 and were premiers in 2017. At $60m a year, the investment is dwarfed by Australia’s overall spending in the Pacific, which the government claims reached $2bn for the first time in 2024-25. The deal has been secured by the signing of detailed term sheets involving the two governments and the NRL, but Australian officials expect the long-form agreements to be signed within weeks.