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California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a Politico report became the biggest Democratic figure to openly oppose President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter. The president and the White House repeatedly rejected suggestions that Hunter Biden, who faced possible prison time for federal gun and tax evasion charges, would receive a pardon. The president on Sunday claimed, however, that his son’s prosecution was politically motivated and warranted his full forgiveness. The decision drew outrage from Republican lawmakers, who reviled the president’s broken promise. Newsom also expressed displeasure with the decision in a statement to Politico on Tuesday, saying he feels let down by Biden. “With everything the president and his family have been through, I completely understand the instinct to protect Hunter,” Gov. Newsom told the publication. “But I took the president at his word. So by definition, I’m disappointed and can’t support the decision.” The governor would not elaborate on the stance when pressed by Politico. Several White House spokespersons did not immediately respond to requests seeking a response to Newsom’s comments. Also speaking out this week about the pardon was Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. He also expressed understanding, but issued a warning about the potentially dangerous precedent set by Biden’s decision. “While as a father I certainly understand President @JoeBiden’s natural desire to help his son by pardoning him, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country,” he wrote via X. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Polis added. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation. Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” George Brauchler, who recently won the race for district attorney in Colorado’s new 23rd Judicial District, called for a stronger response from the governor. “’Disappointed’ isn’t nearly strong enough and does not address the lie POTUS told America, but this is at least something more than silence and much more than the justifications so many weak Dems have engaged in,” he said. Californians will elect a new governor in 2026 as Newsom reaches his term limit. Famed Olympian and media personality Caitlyn Jenner has teased running to fill the vacancy, while Politico reported Vice President Kamala Harris also has her eye on it.
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( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Southwest airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) in connection with Southwest Airlines' information technology infrastructure impacting Southwest Airlines' business, operations, and stock price. If you currently own shares of Southwest Airlines stock, please visit the firm's website at for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at ... . Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: , on Twitter: or on Facebook: . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 ... Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN15122024003118003196ID1108995371 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
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PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Macron's political woes The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. ___ Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Thomas Adamson And John Leicester, The Associated PressRESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCRX) today announced that the compensation committee of BioCryst’s board of directors granted five newly-hired employees stock options to purchase an aggregate of 17,400 shares, and restricted stock units (RSUs) covering an aggregate of 12,150 shares, of BioCryst common stock. The options and RSUs were granted as of November 29, 2024, as inducements material to each employee entering into employment with BioCryst. The options and RSUs were granted in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The options have an exercise price of $7.50 per share, which is equal to the closing price of BioCryst common stock on the grant date. The options and RSUs vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, in each case subject to the new employee’s continued service with the company. Each stock option has a 10-year term. The options and RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions of BioCryst’s Inducement Equity Incentive Plan and a stock option agreement or restricted stock unit agreement, as applicable, covering the grant. About BioCryst Pharmaceuticals BioCryst Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company with a deep commitment to improving the lives of people living with hereditary angioedema and other rare diseases. BioCryst leverages its expertise in structure-guided drug design to develop first-in-class or best-in-class oral small-molecule and protein therapeutics to target difficult-to-treat diseases. BioCryst has commercialized ORLADEYO® (berotralstat), the first oral, once-daily plasma kallikrein inhibitor, and is advancing a pipeline of small-molecule and protein therapies. For more information, please visit www.biocryst.com or follow us on LinkedIn . BCRXW Contact: John Bluth +1 919 859 7910 jbluth@biocryst.com
If Don Draper from “Mad Men” was quintessentially, at his deepest self, an ad man, then Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is likewise a sales guy. Lately he’s been selling — or more like singing the gospel — about AI agents and Salesforce’s recently released agent-maker platform, Agentforce. It’s true that Benioff famously gets hyped about all of Salesforce’s latest offerings, but on Tuesday, as part of the company’s latest quarterly results , he also released numbers to back up why he’s so excited. Benioff said that Salesforce closed 200 deals for Agentforce in just one quarter and that it plans to hire 1,400 salespeople to help it close the many more deals it is working on. Agentforce “just became available on October 24th, and we’re already seeing this incredible velocity, more than 200 Agentforce deals just in Q3,” Benioff told analysts on the quarterly conference call . “The pipeline is in the thousands for potential transactions that are coming up in future quarters.” He named FedEx, Adecco, Accenture, ACE Hardware, IBM, and RBC Wealth Management as Agentforce customers. The company said it now expects to bring in more revenue for its fiscal year than it previously projected, too, $37.8 to $38 billion, which will be up 8% to 9% over its previous year, largely on the strength of its AI products. Benioff recently told TechCrunch that he expects Salesforce customers to deploy one billion AI agents within the next year and that AI agents will allow companies to have an unlimited workforce. “These agents are not tools. They are becoming collaborators. They’re working 24/7 to analyze data, make decisions, take action,” he said on the conference call. “Salesforce has become, right out of the gate here, the largest supplier of digital labor, and this is just the beginning.” How much of this vision turns into reality we’ll have to wait and see. LLM-based tech is still working to solve its hallucination problem — an issue baked into a technology that is quintessentially at its core about imitating creativity. Benioff said on the call that because Agentforce can train on the up to 300 petabytes of actual company data Salesforce manages, “you’re going to see remarkably low hallucinogenic performance.” Other startups are working on other LLM issues necessary to turn AI agents into actual digital collaborators, like memory and state. But as we finish the year of AI , it’s becoming clear that enterprises have found a direction for their AI investments. After spending much of 2023 throwing around experimental budgets to answer the board-level question “what are we doing with AI?” the answer is apparently: AI agents for sales and customer service. It is interesting, and not without irony, that Salesforce will be hiring humans to help them sell this tech. Maybe that means that AI will create jobs, not just replace them. Maybe it means that even a company touting the rise of the digital workforce isn’t ready to turn over the reins entirely to software just yet. But it will also be equipping its sales humans with AI sales development representatives. As Salesforce COO Brian Millham explained on the call, “To capture this increased demand for Agentforce, we’re hiring 1,400 AEs globally in our fourth quarter and we’re also using new sales SDR agent and sales coaching agent to augment every seller.” Salesforce isn’t alone in chasing this killer enterprise AI app. Startups offering SDR technology have boomed in 2024, attracting lots of VC investment and a lot of initial revenue — the object of many an exploratory enterprise AI budget. But it’s an area where the incumbents that hold the customer data to train the bots have the advantage like Salesforce, HubSpot, and ZoomInfo. Ditto for customer service bots.NEW YORK , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global fantasy sports market size is estimated to grow by USD 9.72 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period. For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report Region Outlook 1. North America - North America is estimated to contribute 37%. To the growth of the global market. The Fantasy Sports Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027. The North American fantasy sports market is primarily driven by the substantial player base in the region, which exceeds 50 million individuals. This figure continues to expand annually. The market's growth is attributed to the enhanced user experience offered by fantasy sports platforms. Additionally, the popularity of sports like football and Internet infrastructure contribute significantly to the market's strength. Notably, North American gamers have a higher disposable income compared to their counterparts in other regions, making it an attractive market for vendors. Key players in the North American market include Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Microsoft. For more insights on North America's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample Segmentation Overview 1.1 Fantasy soccer 1.2 Fantasy baseball 1.3 Fantasy basketball 1.4 Fantasy football 1.5 Others 2.1 Mobile application 2.2 Website 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Fantasy soccer is a popular game where participants build teams of real-life soccer players and earn points based on their actual on-field statistics. This game involves selecting eleven players for four positions. Soccer's global appeal fuels the fantasy soccer market's growth. Notable leagues include Draft Fantasy Football, McDonald's FIFA World Cup Fantasy, Fantasy Premier League, and UEFA Champions League Fantasy Football. Players can make transfers before the season, with a cap on the number during the season. Some websites offer unlimited transfers but deduct points. Player performance determines transfer fees. The increasing viewership on various media platforms, such as the internet and mobile, is expected to boost the segment's expansion in the global fantasy sports market during the forecast period. Research Analysis The Fantasy Sports Market is experiencing exponential growth, fueled by the increasing popularity of sports leagues and tournaments across the globe. NFL, Premier League, IPL, and various other leagues have a massive fan base, driving the demand for fantasy sports platforms. High-speed internet and smartphones have made online gaming more accessible than ever before. The market size is projected to expand significantly due to the rise of the Online gaming business. Secure payment methods and the integration of blockchain-based apps ensure a safe and transparent user experience. Fantasy chatbots offer personalized recommendations and real-time updates, enhancing fan engagement. However, the market faces challenges from illegal sports betting and the need for regulatory frameworks. Sports Tech is revolutionizing the industry, with software engineers and data scientists at the forefront of innovation. Baseball, Cricket, Football (rugby), Volleyball, and other sports continue to captivate audiences worldwide, fueling the growth of the Fantasy Sports Market. Internet penetration is a key factor, with more regions embracing digital platforms for sports consumption. Market Overview Fantasy sports market is experiencing exponential growth, fueled by the popularity of sports leagues and tournaments across the NFL, Premier League, IPL, and more. Fan engagement reaches new heights with fantasy sports platforms, enabling high-speed internet users to enjoy online gaming experiences, including eSports, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, cricket, and more. Gameplay is enhanced through user interfaces, social interaction, and daily fantasy contests, as well as virtual trading and NFT-based games like Reignmakers and Fantasy Football. The mobile application sector is a significant driver, with platforms offering mobile applications and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Online gambling and sports betting are also integral parts of the fantasy sports ecosystem. However, it's essential to maintain secure payment methods and adhere to regulations against illegal sports betting . Software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals are crucial in developing these innovative platforms, ensuring seamless user experiences and protecting against potential threats. The online gaming business continues to evolve, with freemium models, in-app purchases, advertising, and premium subscriptions driving revenue. Emerging sports like badminton, football (rugby), volleyball, and others are also gaining traction in the fantasy sports world. Internet penetration and the rise of Sports Tech have played a significant role in the market's growth. As more users access these platforms, the importance of sensor tower data and advertising opportunities increases. The future of fantasy sports lies in the integration of blockchain-based apps, fantasy chatbots, and the potential of in-app advertisements, pay-per-download, and subscription services. Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
Prediction: 2 Stocks That Will Be Worth More Than Palantir Technologies 1 Year From Now - Yahoo Finance
A federal judge ruled Monday that a volleyball player for the San Jose State University women's team, who is at the ce nter of controversy about transgender athletes, can compete in this week's conference tournament. Judge S. Kato Crews, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, denied the emergency motion for a preliminary injunction filed this month against the Mountain West Conference. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit that preceded the emergency motion included San Jose's co-captain Brooke Slusser and 10 athletes from other schools who argued that their Title IX rights are being violated by allowing the athlete to play for a women’s sports team, according to the news outlet. The 132-page lawsuit sought to prevent the player from participating in the conference tournament. In addition to barring the athlete from the tournament, the emergency motion also sought to rescind the conference's policy that establishes wins, losses and forfeits if a member of a non-canceling team has a transgender player; rescind the wins SJSU had and losses against teams that refused to play SJSU and to recalculate winning percentages based on games from earlier this season that some teams forfeited and apply the new calculations, and seedings, to the conference tournament that begins Wednesday. Several conference teams have refused to play SJSU and instead forfeited the games. The player, whom NBC News is not naming, has never spoken publicly, and SJSU has not confirmed that one of its players is transgender. In Monday's ruling, the judge determined that the emergency motion was a heavy lift for the conference at the 11th hour and was not needed because teams that had previously forfeited did so knowing the conference's 2022 transgender policy. “The relief requested with the Emergency Motion would risk confusion and upend months of planning and would prejudice, at a minimum, Defendants and other teams participating in the tournament depending on the results of any reseeding. On balance, the equities favor the MWC’s interest in conducting and proceeding with the tournament as planned," the ruling read. The judge also cited other laws and previous rulings noting that it's impossible to discriminate against a person based on transgender status without discriminating against them based on sex. In a statement Monday, San Jose State lauded the judge's decision. "San José State University will continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms," the university said said. "All San José State University student-athletes are eligible to participate in their sports under NCAA and Mountain West Conference rules." The Mountain West Conference has said it is taking the suit’s allegations seriously. “The Mountain West Conference prioritizes the best interests of our student-athletes and takes great care to adhere to NCAA and MW policies,” the group said in a statement. “While we are unable to comment on the pending litigation of this particular situation, we take seriously all concerns of student-athlete welfare and fairness.” Last month , multiple teams canceled games against San Jose State, including on Oct. 24, when the University of Nevada, Reno, canceled citing it would not have enough players. Nevada players announced that they were refusing "to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details. The school's athletic department said it wouldn’t back out from the match, referencing state equality laws, but added that no players would be disciplined. The game was switched to San Jose, California, “in the interest of both programs,” the teams said in a joint statement — with no further explanation — before Nevada elected to forfeit. Earlier this season, Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State also canceled games against their conference foe. This month, a group of more than a dozen Republican lawmakers urged the Mountain West to ban transgender women from competition after it was reported that a trans student competed on the women’s volleyball team. In a letter sent Nov. 18 to the commissioner of the Mountain West Conference, Republican senators and representatives said the conference was violating Title IX sex discrimination protections and failing to meet its own requirements regarding gender equity. “Permitting biological men to play in women’s sports is not equitable; it is an injustice,” the letter reads. “Under these guidelines, it is only fair that biological males play men’s sports and biological females play women’s sports.” “Clearly, the Mountain West Conference has dropped the ball,” it continues. The group of GOP lawmakers included Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee and Reps. John Curtis, Blake Moore, Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy of Utah; Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch and Reps. Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson of Idaho; and Sens. John Barrasso and Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming.The Idaho Falls Fire Department is asking locals to donate toys and supplies ahead of its fourth annual supply and toy drive and light parade, according to a press release. “As firefighters, we know the power of showing up when it matters most,” Idaho Falls firefighter Donovan Hendrix said in the release. “This holiday season, we need your help with our emergency, and we don’t have much time. This is our 911 call to you, so how will you respond?” Firefighters seek to fill an ambulance with the donated items. The supply and toy drive and light parade will be on Dec. 14. Donations will go to the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. The fire department and Idaho Falls Firefighters IAFF Local 1565 will be accepting donations at any Idaho Falls fire station until noon on Dec. 13. On Dec. 7, Reed's Dairy on Broadway will also be offering a free scoop of ice cream to anyone who brings and donates a toy. This year’s wish list includes Legos, dolls, action figures, toy cars, card games, board games, teen items, fidget spinners, and various snacks. The full wish list and other locations accepting donations can be found at postregister.secondstreetapp.com/TOY-DRIVE-2024/ .
The cyberattack on Rhode Island’s RIBridges system underscores significant security challenges faced by public assistance programs. It revealed critical vulnerabilities in handling sensitive data, vendor management, system maintenance, and public trust. RIBridges manages applications for Rhode Island’s public assistance programs, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The attackers behind the breach claimed to have possession of approximately one terabyte of data and demanded a ransom to prevent its release. The breach followed a by the Beeck Center for Social Impact that found identity proofing requirements for online public benefits applications systems had increased only slightly in 2024. The study found that while some states have adopted innovative practices, challenges remain in achieving effective digital identity management, including security. The office of Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said in a statement that there is a “high probability” that highly sensitive personal information was stolen. In Fiscal Year 2023, the state’s Medicaid program had more than 389,000 people, the SNAP benefits program had more than 140,000 users, and HealthSource RI, the official healthcare portal for the state of Rhode Island, had more than 30,000. Rob Fitzgerald, field CISO of Blue Mantis, told GoLocal the attack “is potentially devastating.” State officials are urging anyone who applied for benefits through RIBridges since 2016 to change their passwords and monitor their bank accounts for suspicious charges. The governor’s office said, “Households that may have had personal information compromised will receive a letter by mail from the state that explains how to access free credit monitoring.” The Rhode Island State Department of Administration said in an , “As a best practice, customers should change any common or reused passwords to a new strong, and unique one. Using a safe and secure password manager is the most effective way to reduce the risks of password misuse. Customers can also call their bank to ask what steps may be taken related to the security of their bank account.” On December 13, RIBridges was taken offline following the cyberattack. Governor McKee reported that data including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and certain banking information may have been accessed. On December 5, Rhode Island’s vendor, Deloitte, informed state officials of a potential cyberattack on the RIBridges system. At that time, it was unclear if any sensitive information was compromised. On December 10, Deloitte received a screenshot from the attackers displaying file folders, indicating a serious breach. The following day, Deloitte assessed a high probability that the compromised folders contained personally identifiable information from RIBridges. On December 13, after discovering malicious code within the system, the state directed Deloitte to shut down RIBridges to mitigate the threat. On Saturday, December 14, the governor’s office , “After consultation with our state IT department, Deloitte immediately implemented additional security measures and started to assess the threat. It was important, for security reasons, to keep this knowledge internal until we could secure the RIBridges system. At the same time, our team began an investigation into what data may have been compromised, and how a possible attack was able to occur.” Governor McKee’s office added that “to the best of our knowledge, any individual who has received or applied for health coverage and/or health and human services programs or benefits could be impacted by this leak.” The programs and benefits managed through the RIBridges system include but are not limited to Medicaid, SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Child Care Assistance Program, Health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI, Rhode Island Works, Long-Term Services and Supports, and the General Public Assistance Program. State Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer Brian Tardiff clarified that the incident was not a ransomware attack but rather what he described as “more of an extortion-type activity” by the cybercriminal group that was behind the attack. With RIBridges offline, residents are unable to access the online portal or mobile app for applying to public benefits programs, including HealthSource RI, the state’s healthcare marketplace, which was in the midst of the open enrollment period and ends January 31, 2025. In response, the state has made paper applications available and plans to establish a call center to assist affected individuals. This incident is not the first challenge associated with the RIBridges system, officially known as the Unified Health Infrastructure Project (UHIP). It was launched in 2016 as a centralized platform to streamline access to public assistance programs. Designed to integrate multiple services, the system aimed to modernize the state’s approach to managing social services. However, its history is marked by technical failures, mismanagement, and security vulnerabilities that have undermined its effectiveness and public trust. RIBridges was developed by Deloitte under a contract initially valued at $105 million but which ballooned over time to exceed $600 million. From the outset, the project faced significant challenges. Federal agencies, including the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, had warned Rhode Island before the system’s launch that it was not ready for deployment. Despite these warnings, the Providence Journal documented how RIBridges proceeded despite clear operational risks, leading to immediate and widespread problems. The launch resulted in significant disruptions to benefits distribution, with thousands of residents experiencing delays in receiving critical assistance. Backlogs soared, with more than 20,000 cases piling up due to system malfunctions. All of this was widely reported, including by state officials during public hearings. The system’s technical issues were compounded by governance failures and a lack of rigorous testing. RIBridges struggled with basic functionality, such as accurately processing applications, calculating benefits, and integrating data from multiple sources. These operational failures prompted a federal investigation that resulted in millions of dollars in penalties for the state, as well as public criticism of then-Governor Gina Raimondo’s administration. The state was forced to hire additional staff and consultants to address the backlog and repair the system, further increasing costs. Over time, many of the initial operational issues were addressed, but concerns about the system’s security emerged. As a central repository for sensitive personal data, including financial information and health records, RIBridges became a potential target for cyberattacks. Security audits revealed vulnerabilities in the system’s defenses, though details of these findings were often not made public due to their sensitive nature. The recent cyberattack has brought these longstanding concerns to the forefront. Cybercriminals exploited weaknesses in RIBridges to access sensitive data. The attackers bypassed existing security measures, inserted malicious code, and obtained unauthorized access. The breach exposed flaws in the system’s technical defenses and highlighted issues with its oversight and vendor management. The breach marked the most significant security incident in the system’s storied history and underscored the risks associated with relying on centralized, highly integrated platforms for public assistance. Public assistance systems like RIBridges manage extensive amounts of personally identifiable information. Centralizing such sensitive data makes these systems an attractive target for cybercriminals. The breach demonstrated the risks inherent in storing data in centralized databases, emphasizing the need for advanced encryption, routine penetration testing, and compartmentalized data storage to limit potential exposure. Critics had argued that the system’s history of technical and governance failures made it ill-equipped to handle modern cybersecurity threats, despite its critical role in serving vulnerable populations. RIBridges has thus come to symbolize both the promise and pitfalls of large-scale government technology projects. While its goals of modernization and efficiency were ambitious, its troubled history reveals the challenges of implementing such systems without sufficient planning, testing, and investment in robust security measures. The attack also highlighted the importance of vendor oversight. RIBridges was developed and managed by a third-party contractor, which identified the breach but faced delays in fully understanding its implications. This reliance on external contractors for critical infrastructure illustrates the risks of insufficient security measures among third-party providers and the need for governments to ensure that all vendors meet rigorous cybersecurity standards through continuous audits and stringent evaluations. Additionally, the incident revealed the consequences of delayed detection and response. Although the breach began on or before December 5, the full extent of the data compromise became apparent only several days later. This delay demonstrates the need for real-time monitoring systems, automated alerts, and well-prepared incident response plans that can swiftly contain and mitigate threats. The disruption caused by the attack extended beyond data security. With RIBridges offline, residents were unable to access critical services like SNAP and Medicaid during a crucial period, leaving vulnerable populations without essential support. The widespread impact of such disruptions highlights the need for governments to develop robust continuity and disaster recovery plans to ensure the availability of vital services even during cybersecurity crises. Unlike traditional ransomware attacks, RIBridges breach involved extortion, with attackers threatening to release stolen data, which reflects a broader trend in cybercrime where the focus shifts from locking systems to leveraging sensitive data for financial gain. Counteracting these tactics involve strategies such as data loss prevention and zero-trust architectures to prevent data exfiltration and mitigate the impact of such incidents. Finally, the attack raises concerns about public trust. Repeated issues with RIBridges have undermined confidence in the system. The breach further strained this trust, especially among residents who rely on the platform for essential services. Transparent communication, swift remediation, and steps to protect affected individuals, such as credit monitoring, are crucial in rebuilding trust. The Rhode Island cyberattack is a stark reminder of the risks facing public assistance systems. As digitization increases, these systems must adopt robust cybersecurity measures, proactive risk management, and continuous monitoring to protect the data and services relied upon by vulnerable populations. The incident highlights the urgency for governments to prioritize security in systems designed to support public welfare. | | | | | | | |
Ina Garten isn't serving up sour grapes — but she's setting the record straight. The 76-year-old Food Network alum addressed Martha Stewart's claim that the two fell out after Stewart, 83, went to prison in October 2004. (Stewart spent five months behind bars after being found guilty on charges including conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the sale of a stock — she was released in March 2005.) "Well, let's just say her story isn't exactly accurate," Garten told People during a Q&A on Thursday, December 5. Laughing, she added, "And, you know, that was 25 years ago. I think it's time to let it go." Earlier this year, Stewart painted a different picture of their friendship's end. "When I was sent off to Alderson Prison, she stopped talking to me," the lifestyle guru told The New Yorker in September, calling it "extremely distressing and extremely unfriendly." Garten, however, has maintained that distance — not drama — caused the rift. She explained to the outlet that their relationship fizzled when she moved to Connecticut and her former friend stayed in New York. A post shared by People Magazine (@people) When a clip of Garten's recent Q&A hit social media, fans were quick to weigh in. "Love you Ina!!! But I do believe Martha was telling the truth..." one person commented. "This is not easy for me since I am huge fans of both. There are always two sides to a story," another fan added. "Not everyone likes everyone. Ina is right, move on," chimed in a third. The two domestic icons go way back. Stewart helped launch Garten's career in the early 1990s by writing about her Hamptons food store, The Barefoot Contessa, in the first issue of Martha Stewart Living. That article connected Garten with her future publisher, Chip Gibson, and led to her first cookbook. Despite their history, Stewart told People in October that a reconciliation seemed unlikely. "She's into her own thing," the culinary queen said. "That's okay." Still, the two haven't shied away from complimenting each other over the years. "I think she did something really important," the Be Ready When the Luck Happens author said of Stewart in 2017 , praising her for elevating home arts to a level of prestige.None
NOVATO, Calif. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (NASDAQ: HNNA) today announced that, effective December 18, 2024, it will transfer the stock exchange listing for the Hennessy Stance ESG ETF (the "Stance ETF") from NYSE Arca, Inc. to The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq"). Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is the investment advisor for the Stance ETF, which is a series of Hennessy Funds Trust (the "Trust"). The Board of Trustees of the Trust approved the transfer at a meeting held on September 25, 2024. The Stance ETF expects to begin trading as a Nasdaq-listed company on December 18, 2024, and its shares will continue to trade under the symbol "STNC." "The transfer to Nasdaq is designed to facilitate the continued listing of the Stance ETF's shares on a national securities exchange at a lower annual expense," said Neil Hennessy , Chairman and CEO of Hennessy Advisors, Inc. About Hennessy Advisors, Inc . Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is a publicly traded investment manager offering a broad range of domestic equity, multi-asset, and sector and specialty funds. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is committed to providing superior service to shareholders and employing a consistent and disciplined approach to investing based on a buy and hold philosophy that rejects the idea of market timing. Additional Information Nothing in this press release shall be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security to any person in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Forward‐Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, which do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are beyond the ability of Hennessy Advisors, Inc. to control and, in many cases, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. cannot predict what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements. As a result, no assurance can be given as to future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements, and Hennessy Advisors, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any forward-looking statements. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hennessy-advisors-inc-announces-listing-transfer-for-the-hennessy-stance-esg-etf-stnc-to-the-nasdaq-stock-market-llc-302315845.html SOURCE Hennessy Advisors, Inc.