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mega 0s Johns Hopkins Marty Makary, Trump’s choice for FDA, a ‘brilliant surgeon’ with some ‘worrisome’ views

Hudson Meek, the child actor known best for his performance in the 2017 film "Baby Driver," has died, authorities said. He was 16. Meek was pronounced dead Dec. 21 at University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, the Jefferson County Coroner confirmed to CBS News. He succumbed to blunt force injuries he'd suffered two days earlier, when he fell from a moving vehicle, according to the coroner's report. The coroner said the circumstances around Meek's death are under investigation by the police department in Vestavia Hills, the Birmingham suburb where the actor lived and the incident occurred. A post on Meek's Instagram account Sunday announced he had died but did not share details about what happened. "Our hearts are broken to share that Hudson Meek went home to be with Jesus tonight. His 16 years on this earth were far too short, but he accomplished so much and significantly impacted everyone he met," the post's caption read in part. A memorial service for Meek is scheduled to take place at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama, this Saturday, Dec. 28, and will be available to livestream, according to a second post shared to social media Wednesday and an obituary . The obituary described as "reflective and thoughtful" yet "tenacious when he set his mind to something." "Hudson's personality was one of a kind," it said. "He was confident, convicted in his beliefs, spontenous, and quick-witted. He never let the facts get in the way of a funny story, and he loved friendly banter. He was a prankster, loved a good joke, and was happiest when he was making others laugh." Meek was a sophomore at Vestavia Hills High School, where he played football and was a member of the choir as well as the school's fellowship of Christian athletes, according to the obituary. His acting career took off in 2017, when he played the younger version of Ansel Elgort's titular character in the action-crime movie "Baby Driver."

Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season due to a broken collarbone, head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Monday, leaving the Raiders with a short week to determine their starter. Minshew suffered the injury when he was sacked and landed on his left shoulder late in the fourth quarter of Las Vegas' 29-19 home loss to the Denver Broncos. Former starter Aidan O'Connell, who was sidelined by a thumb injury in Week 7, could return off injured reserve in time for the Raiders (2-9) to face the two-time reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs (10-1) on Friday in Kansas City. "We'll see if Aidan is good to go," Pierce said. "He's been ramping up." O'Connell entered the 21-day practice window on Monday as the Raiders determine when to activate him. "Seeing him able to grip the ball comfortable, hopefully, no pain there, and just being able to be efficient," Pierce said. "To put a player out there that's hurting or injured still, that's not to the benefit of the player or our team." O'Connell, 26, has played in four games this season, starting two (both losses). He is 52 of 82 (63.4 percent) for 455 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. As a rookie last season, O'Connell started 10 of 11 games, going 5-5, and completed 213 of 343 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,218 yards, 12 TDs and seven interceptions. The Raiders selected O'Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. "Obviously at the quarterback position, you've got to be smart," Pierce said. "I think with Aidan, his future's much brighter looking ahead. ... I'll have to really rely on our doctors and medical staff." Desmond Ridder replaced Minshew and went 5 of 10 for 64 yards. Ridder, 25, has appeared in three games this season for Las Vegas and is 16 of 26 (61.5 percent) for 138 yards and one TD. Ridder played the previous two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. For his career, he is 338 of 529 (63.9 percent) for 3,682 yards, 15 TDs and 12 interceptions in 22 games (17 starts, 8-9 record). Minshew, 28, completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Broncos. He finished his first season with the Raiders with 2,013 yards, nine TDs and 10 picks on 66.3 percent passing. He joined the Raiders in free agency after stints in Jacksonville (2019-20), Philadelphia (2021-22) and Indianapolis (2023) and won the starting job in camp. But he was benched multiple times for O'Connell as the Raiders struggled as a team. --Field Level MediaRaiders confirm QB Gardner Minshew out for season, look to Aidan O'Connell

TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — A U.S. senator has called for mysterious drones spotted flying at night over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” even as it remains unclear who owns the unmanned aircraft. “We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday, as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill. People in the New York region are also concerned that the drones may be sharing airspace with commercial airlines, he said, demanding more transparency from the Biden administration. The White House said Thursday that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said there were no reported sightings in any restricted airspace. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not uncovered any foreign involvement from coastal vessels. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said, echoing statements from the Pentagon and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has said they are not U.S. military drones. In a joint statement issued Thursday afternoon, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said they and their federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, “continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.” The agencies said they have not corroborated any of the reported sightings with electronic detection, and that reviews of available images appear to show many of the reported drones are actually manned aircraft. “There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space,” according to the statement. The drones appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once. The worry stems partly from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey appeared to be larger than those typically used by hobbyists. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said he was frustrated by the lack of transparency, saying it could help spread fear and misinformation. “We should know what’s going on over our skies,” he said Thursday. John Duesler, president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, said witnesses may be confused about what they are seeing, especially in the dark, and noted it’s hard to know the size of the drones or how close they might be. “There are certainly big drones, such as agricultural drones, but typically they are not the type you see flying around in urban or suburban spaces,” Duesler said Thursday. Duesler said the drones — and those flying them — likely cannot evade detection. “They will leave a radio frequency footprint, they all leave a signature," he said. "We will find out what kind of drones they were, who was flying them and where they were flying them.” Fantasia, a Morris County Republican, was among several lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the sightings from the New York City area across New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. It is unknown at this time whether the sightings are related. Duesler said the public wants to know what's going on. “I hope (the government agencies) will come out with more information about this to ease our fears. But this could just be the acts of rogue drone operators, it’s not an ‘invasion’ as some reports have called it,” Duesler said. “I am concerned about this it but not alarmed by it.” Associated Press reporters Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and reporter Darlene Superville and videojournalists Serkan Gurbuz and Nathan Ellgren in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.Unique among ‘Person of the Year’ designees, Donald Trump gets a fact-check from Time magazine

NoneDucks get early Christmas present with return of mighty defensemanCRENESSITY, the first new treatment available in 70 years to the classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) community, offers a paradigm-shifting treatment approach FDA approval supported by data from the largest-ever clinical trial program in pediatric and adult patients with classic CAH CRENESSITY is expected to be commercially available in approximately one week Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher granted in connection with approval SAN DIEGO , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. NBIX today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved CRENESSITYTM (crinecerfont) capsules and oral solution as an adjunctive treatment to glucocorticoid replacement to control androgens in adult and pediatric patients four years of age and older with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare, serious and lifelong genetic condition involving the adrenal glands. CRENESSITY, a potent and selective oral corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF 1 ) antagonist, is the first and only classic CAH treatment that directly reduces excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and downstream adrenal androgen production, allowing for glucocorticoid dose reduction. It is a breakthrough in the treatment landscape for classic CAH. "For the last three decades, Neurocrine Biosciences, together with our late founder, Wylie W. Vale , has conducted groundbreaking research uncovering the critical role of corticotropin-releasing factor and its receptor, CRF 1 , in the pathophysiology of congenital adrenal hyperplasia," said Kyle W. Gano , Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Neurocrine Biosciences. "The approval of CRENESSITY is a significant milestone for the CAH community, and we are grateful to the individuals who participated in our clinical trials, including their families and caregivers, and to the clinical investigators who helped advance a new therapy and class of medicines." "Patients and families struggle to achieve balance between managing the symptoms of CAH and the side effects or complications of treatment with high-dose steroids, which may impact quality of life," said Dina Matos , Executive Director, CARES Foundation. "We are grateful to Neurocrine Biosciences for engaging with our community throughout the drug development process to understand our needs and ultimately providing this new medication that can help reduce excess adrenal androgens and the need for high-dose steroid treatment for individuals living with CAH." CRENESSITY is expected to be commercially available in approximately one week. The medication will be provided through PANTHERx Rare, a specialty pharmacy, to centralize and simplify CRENESSITY prescription fulfillment. Neurocrine Biosciences is committed to supporting patients in obtaining treatment with CRENESSITY by offering Neurocrine Access Support, a free, comprehensive assistance program created for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. It offers a range of options to make sure patients have everything they need to begin and continue taking CRENESSITY. A dedicated Care Coordinator, backed by a team, is available to help patients and caregivers navigate the insurance process and identify appropriate financial assistance options. Most patients will pay $10 or less per month for CRENESSITY*. For more information, visit www.NBIacces.com/crenessity or call 1-855-CRNSITY (276-7489) Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm ET . *Additional terms and conditions apply. CAHtalyst TM Clinical Program Overview: The FDA approval is supported by the largest-ever clinical trial program of classic CAH, the CAHtalyst Pediatric and Adult Phase 3 global registrational studies. CAHtalyst Phase 3 data results in pediatric and adult patients with classic CAH were published in The New England Journal of Medicine . "The clinical results across both CAHtalyst studies support the efficacy and safety profile of CRENESSITY and its ability to reduce the overproduction of adrenal androgens, allowing for a meaningful reduction in glucocorticoid dosage, while maintaining or enhancing control of these androgens," said Richard Auchus , M.D., Ph.D., Professor, University of Michigan Health, Principal Investigator. "Chronic treatment with supraphysiologic glucocorticoids can cause a number of short- and long-term health consequences, such as obesity, hypertension and osteoporosis, so the ability for patients with CAH to lower their glucocorticoid dose to a more physiologic level can have profound benefits." In both CAHtalyst studies, CRENESSITY enabled lower steroid doses and decreased androgen levels. Phase 3 CAHtalyst Pediatric Study: The CAHtalyst Pediatric study met its primary endpoint, with CRENESSITY significantly decreasing androstenedione levels from baseline to Week 4 versus patients taking placebo who experienced a substantial increase in androstenedione levels. Children taking CRENESSITY were also able to significantly reduce their GC doses at Week 28 while maintaining or improving androgen levels, a key secondary endpoint. Children taking CRENESSITY saw approximately four times greater reduction in androstenedione compared with those taking placebo. Approximately four times greater steroid dose reduction in children taking CRENESSITY was seen compared with those taking placebo. Children taking CRENESSITY saw approximately 12 times greater reduction in 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) compared with those taking placebo. Headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, nasal congestion and nosebleed were the most common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among the pediatric population treated with CRENESSITY. Most side effects were temporary and mild to moderate in severity. Phase 3 CAHtalyst Adult Study: The CAHtalyst Adult study met its primary endpoint with CRENESSITY enabling significant GC dose reductions at Week 24 (while maintaining or improving baseline androstenedione levels) and key secondary endpoint of decreasing androstenedione levels at Week 4. A significantly higher number of patients taking CRENESSITY (63%) achieved a GC dose in the physiologic range while androstenedione was maintained or improved compared with patients taking placebo (18%). Approximately two times greater steroid dose reduction was seen in people taking CRENESSITY compared with those taking placebo. People taking CRENESSITY saw an eight times greater reduction in androstenedione compared with those taking placebo. People taking CRENESSITY saw a 37 times greater reduction in 17-OHP compared with those taking placebo. Fatigue, headache, dizziness, joint pain, back pain, decreased appetite and muscle pain were the most common ADRs in the CRENESSITY treatment group. Most side effects were temporary and mild to moderate in severity. CRENESSITY was well tolerated with few treatment-related adverse events in both CAHtalyst studies. Pediatric and adult patients taking CRENESSITY had no treatment-related serious adverse events. Adrenal insufficiency and crisis are risks of living with CAH that CRENESSITY does not address and can occur when a patient's GC dose is too low. In the CAHtalyst Pediatric study, there were no cases of adrenal crisis among patients taking CRENESSITY or placebo. In the CAHtalyst Adult study, two patients (1.6%) taking CRENESSITY experienced adrenal crisis. No patients on placebo experienced adrenal crisis. However, one patient (1.7%) on placebo experienced adrenal insufficiency. Patients should work with their healthcare provider to manage GC dosing while taking CRENESSITY. For more information about CRENESSITY, visit Crenessity.com . About Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare genetic condition that results in an enzyme deficiency that alters the production of adrenal steroid hormones, such as cortisol, aldosterone and adrenal androgens, which are essential for life. Approximately 95% of CAH cases are caused by variants of the CYP21A2 gene that leads to deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21-OH). Severe deficiency of this enzyme leads to an inability of the adrenal glands to produce enough cortisol and, in approximately 75% of cases, aldosterone. Because individuals with CAH are still able to produce androgens, the unused precursors that would normally be used to make cortisol instead result in the production of excess amounts of androgens. If left untreated, CAH can result in salt wasting, dehydration and even death. Historically, exogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used not only to correct the endogenous cortisol deficiency, but doses used are higher than cortisol replacement needed (supraphysiologic) to lower the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal androgens. However, GC treatment at high doses has been associated with serious and significant complications of steroid excess, including metabolic issues such as weight gain and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Additionally, long-term treatment with high-dose GCs may have psychological and cognitive impact, such as changes in mood and memory. Adrenal androgen excess has been associated with abnormal bone growth and development in pediatric patients, female health problems such as excess facial hair growth and menstrual irregularities, testicular rest tumors in males and fertility issues in both sexes. About The CAHtalystTM Studies The Phase 3 CAHtalystTM global registrational studies were designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of CRENESSITY in children and adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The CAHtalyst studies were the largest-ever clinical trial program in classic CAH, including 285 pediatric and adult patients. The CAHtalyst Pediatric study included 103 pediatric patients aged four to 17 years. The study tested two questions. The first question evaluated whether four weeks of CRENESSITY treatment could improve androgen control. The second question evaluated whether an additional 24 weeks of CRENESSITY treatment enabled customized glucocorticoid (GC) down-titration while androstenedione levels were maintained or improved. The CAHtalyst Adult study included 182 adult patients aged 18 to 58 years. Similarly, the first question of the study evaluated whether four weeks of CRENESSITY treatment could improve androgen control, and the second question evaluated whether an additional 20 weeks of CRENESSITY treatment enabled GC reduction to physiologic range while androstenedione levels were maintained or improved. Data from the CAHtalyst Phase 3 studies supported approval of CRENESSITY by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2024. The open-label extension treatment portions of both studies are ongoing. About CRENESSITYTM (crinecerfont) CRENESSITYTM is a potent and selective, oral corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF 1 ) antagonist developed to reduce and control excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal androgens through a non-glucocorticoid (GC) mechanism for the treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Antagonism of CRF 1 receptors in the pituitary has been shown to decrease ACTH levels, which in turn decreases the production of adrenal androgens and potentially the symptoms associated with CAH. The robust clinical study data demonstrate that lowering adrenal androgen levels with CRENESSITY enables lower, more physiologic dosing of GCs to replace missing cortisol. CRENESSITY comes in capsules and an oral solution. The capsule formulation is available in 50 mg and 100 mg doses. The oral solution is available as a 50 mg/mL strength formulation. For adults 18 years and older, the recommended dosage is 100 mg twice daily taken orally with a meal. For pediatric patients four to 17 years of age weighing less than 55 kg (121 lbs), the recommended dosage is based on body weight and is administered twice daily, taken orally with a meal. For pediatric patients weighing more than 55 kg (121 lbs), the recommended dosage is 100 mg twice daily taken orally with a meal. Healthcare providers can work with patients to determine the appropriate formulation for use depending on patient needs. Patients receiving CRENESSITY should continue GC therapy for cortisol replacement. Important Information Approved Uses CRENESSITY (crinecerfont) is a prescription medicine used together with glucocorticoids (steroids) to control androgen (testosterone-like hormone) levels in adults and children 4 years of age and older with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not take CRENESSITY if you: Are allergic to crinecerfont, or any of the ingredients in CRENESSITY. CRENESSITY may cause serious side effects, including : Allergic Reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include tightness of the throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, and rash. If you have an allergic reaction to CRENESSITY, get emergency medical help right away and stop taking CRENESSITY. Risk of Sudden Adrenal Insufficiency or Adrenal Crisis With Too Little Glucocorticoid (Steroid) Medicine. Sudden adrenal insufficiency or adrenal crisis can happen in people with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who are not taking enough glucocorticoid (steroid) medicine. You should continue taking your glucocorticoid (steroid) medicine during treatment with CRENESSITY. Certain conditions such as infection, severe injury, or shock may increase your risk for sudden adrenal insufficiency or adrenal crisis. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a severe injury, infection, illness, or have planned surgery during treatment. Your healthcare provider may need to change your dose of glucocorticoid (steroid) medicine. Before taking CRENESSITY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take , including prescription and over-the counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The most common side effects of CRENESSITY in adults include tiredness, headache, dizziness, joint pain, back pain, decreased appetite, and muscle pain. The most common side effects of CRENESSITY in children include headache, stomach pain, tiredness, nasal congestion, and nose bleeds. These are not all the possible side effects of CRENESSITY. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Dosage Forms and Strengths: CRENESSITY is available in 50 mg and 100 mg capsules and as an oral solution of 50 mg/mL. Please see full Prescribing Information About Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs, but few options. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids,* as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com , and follow the company on LinkedIn , X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook . (*in collaboration with AbbVie) The NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES Logo Lockup and YOU DESERVE BRAVE SCIENCE are registered trademarks of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. CRENESSITY and CAHtalyst are trademarks of Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Forward-Looking Statements In addition to historical facts, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential benefits to be derived from CRENESSITY for the treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency; the value and benefits CRENESSITY brings to patients with CAH; the ability of Neurocrine Biosciences to ensure patients have access to CRENESSITY; and whether the results from our clinical trials of CRENESSITY are indicative of real-world results. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: risks and uncertainties associated with Neurocrine Biosciences' business and finances in general, as well as risks and uncertainties associated with the commercialization of CRENESSITY; whether CRENESSITY receives adequate reimbursement from third-party payors; the degree and pace of market uptake of CRENESSITY; risks and uncertainties relating to competitive products and technological changes that may limit demand for CRENESSITY; risks associated with the Company's dependence on third parties for development and manufacturing activities related to CRENESSITY, and the ability of the Company to manage these third parties; risks that additional regulatory submissions for CRENESSITY or other product candidates may not occur or be submitted in a timely manner; risks that the FDA or other regulatory authorities may make adverse decisions regarding CRENESSITY; risks that post-approval CRENESSITY commitments or requirements may be delayed; risks that CRENESSITY may be precluded from commercialization by the proprietary or regulatory rights of third parties, or have unintended side effects, adverse reactions or incidents of misuse; risks and uncertainties relating to competitive products and technological changes that may limit demand for CRENESSITY; and other risks described in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 . Neurocrine Biosciences disclaims any obligation to update the statements contained in this press release after the date hereof other than required by law. © 2024 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CP-CFT-US-0070 12/2024 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neurocrine-biosciences-announces-fda-approval-of-crenessity-crinecerfont-a-first-in-class-treatment-for-children-and-adults-with-classic-congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia-302331772.html SOURCE Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season due to a broken collarbone, head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Monday, leaving the Raiders with a short week to determine their starter. Minshew suffered the injury when he was sacked and landed on his left shoulder late in the fourth quarter of Las Vegas' 29-19 home loss to the Denver Broncos. Former starter Aidan O'Connell, who was sidelined by a thumb injury in Week 7, could return off injured reserve in time for the Raiders (2-9) to face the two-time reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs (10-1) on Friday in Kansas City. "We'll see if Aidan is good to go," Pierce said. "He's been ramping up." O'Connell entered the 21-day practice window on Monday as the Raiders determine when to activate him. "Seeing him able to grip the ball comfortable, hopefully, no pain there, and just being able to be efficient," Pierce said. "To put a player out there that's hurting or injured still, that's not to the benefit of the player or our team." O'Connell, 26, has played in four games this season, starting two (both losses). He is 52 of 82 (63.4 percent) for 455 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. As a rookie last season, O'Connell started 10 of 11 games, going 5-5, and completed 213 of 343 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,218 yards, 12 TDs and seven interceptions. The Raiders selected O'Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. "Obviously at the quarterback position, you've got to be smart," Pierce said. "I think with Aidan, his future's much brighter looking ahead. ... I'll have to really rely on our doctors and medical staff." Desmond Ridder replaced Minshew and went 5 of 10 for 64 yards. Ridder, 25, has appeared in three games this season for Las Vegas and is 16 of 26 (61.5 percent) for 138 yards and one TD. Ridder played the previous two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. For his career, he is 338 of 529 (63.9 percent) for 3,682 yards, 15 TDs and 12 interceptions in 22 games (17 starts, 8-9 record). Minshew, 28, completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Broncos. He finished his first season with the Raiders with 2,013 yards, nine TDs and 10 picks on 66.3 percent passing. He joined the Raiders in free agency after stints in Jacksonville (2019-20), Philadelphia (2021-22) and Indianapolis (2023) and won the starting job in camp. But he was benched multiple times for O'Connell as the Raiders struggled as a team. --Field Level MediaThe Giants were a no-show against the Bucs after releasing quarterback Daniel JonesMbappé enduring 'difficult moment' as he misses another penalty kick and Madrid loses to Athletic

By Ron Marvel Star Correspondent First-year Cloudland boys basketball coach Cody McClain earned his first high school win Tuesday night, though it wasn’t easy, as a feisty Happy Valley team fought until the final buzzer. Highlander Bryce Birchfield got his squad on the board early with a layup to give his team the early lead. Trailing 11-2, Warrior Zack Rose grabbed a loose ball and drove hard to the rim, drawing a foul and completing a three-point play to cut the Highlanders’ lead to 11-5. Cooper Smith hit a long 3-pointer to push the lead back out to 10 points, ending the period at 17-7. The Warriors clawed back into the contest, breaking through the Highlanders’ press and finding Ron Paul Parker under the bucket to cut the lead to 17-9. Happy Valley continued chipping away at Cloudland’s lead as Parker found Grady Goulds on the baseline for an easy bucket, trimming the lead to four at the 1:55 mark of the second period. Leading by two, the Highlanders extended their lead when Nick Caraway went up over two defenders to grab an offensive rebound and sank a short jumper, making the score 21-17 at halftime. The Warriors reduced the lead to two early in the third quarter when Parker hit a pair of free throws at the 5:40 mark. The Highlanders responded with a 9-0 run, sparked by a Smith jumper from eight feet. Attempting to rally, Austin Stines knocked down a shot from the left baseline to cut the lead to 30-23. However, Cloudland answered with seven straight points, going up by 14. Uriah Jarrett led the charge with eight points in the decisive third period. Although trailing, the Warriors kept fighting. Colby Cash hit a 3-pointer to cut Cloudland’s lead to five at the 3:31 mark of the final period. The Highlanders slowed the game down with disciplined perimeter play. Cass Turbyfill came off the bench to provide a crucial bucket, pushing the lead to 12 at 46-34. Despite foul trouble late in the game, Cloudland’s bench players held off the Warriors for the win. Parker led the Warriors with 12 points. However, Happy Valley missed opportunities at the free-throw line, going just 12-for-37. The Highlanders were led by Jarrett, who scored 12 points, while Smith added 11. After the game, Coach McClain reflected on the experience gained by his young team. “We are so young we have to learn to punch back when we get punched,” McClain said. “Learning to win means getting punched in the mouth but punching back—it’s part of the process.” Girls varsity – Highlanders 51, Warriors 8 A dominant Cloudland defense flexed its muscle in an overwhelming performance, rolling past the Lady Warriors. The Lady Highlanders’ press forced multiple turnovers, leading to points in transition. Makinna Shell led Cloudland with 17 points, while MaKenzie Street added nine. Nine different Lady Highlanders scored in the contest as Coach Matt Birchfield gave his reserves valuable minutes. Senior Cayden Anderson scored six points in the loss for the Lady Warriors. After the game, Coach Birchfield praised his team’s defensive intensity. “A lot of depth tonight—we played 10 kids with just tenacious defense,” Birchfield said. “We have to play that up-tempo way with strong effort. When we play that intense on defense, it gets our offense going.”WASHINGTON — 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. Strong passwords for important accounts help protect your information while you travel, but it's just a first step. The National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends creating long, unique, and complex passwords for every account and combining them with multifactor authentication to create maximum barriers to entry. If you're worried about remembering these passwords, password managers can be a vital tool for both creating and storing strong passwords. Password managers are apps that act as secure vaults for all your passwords. Some even come with a feature that allows you to temporarily delete sensitive passwords before you travel and then easily restore them once you return. Story editing by Mia Nakaji Monnier. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Spokeo and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

When dockworkers walked the picket line in October, the strike lasted for 3 days. And if a new contract between their 45,000 member union and the U.S. Maritime Alliance isn't signed by mid-January — a longer strike could send inflation going in the wrong direction. Just months after a strike at Gulf and East Coast ports ended, operators and union members are now at an impasse — once again — over automation. Port operators say they need more technology to increase port efficiency, improve safety and to control costs. But union members say no, because some workers will lose their jobs. A new strike could come if an agreement isn't reached by January 15. And if that happens inflation could increase, when goods aren't flowing in an out of ports as quickly. Thursday union leaders met with President-elect Donald trump at Mar-a-Lago and walked away with his support. Writing about automation on Truth social, Trump said "the amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American workers," and that foreign countries "...shouldn't be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt." RELATED STORY | Billions of dollars of U.S. economic activity halted as port workers enter day two of their strike Professor Todd Belt of George Washington University called it Trump striking a different path than he did during his first term. "During the first Trump term you had Donald Trump, surrounded by a lot of people who were suggested to him by incumbent Republicans who had really a Republican orthodoxy on free trade. Donald trump now is going to be surrounded by a lot of people who support his ideas of interventionism and tariffs, as well as other trade policies that will protect working people at the expense of, of course, inflation," Belt said. The International Longshoremen's Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to "supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace — from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products." "To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains," said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November's election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. "For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries," Trump posted. "It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!" The Associated Press contributed to this report.Employers should prepare for sickest month of the year, says HR software firm Employers should be clear about sick day policies and encourage flu vaccinations, says BrightHR Adam Campbell Dec 12, 2024 12:04 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message For 2023-24, a Statistics Canada survey revealed only 42 per cent of respondents received a flu vaccination, one per cent less than last year Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash Listen to this article 00:02:44 Employers should have clear sick-day policies and encourage vaccinations to prevent impacts to productivity and bottom lines, according to human resources software company BrightHR. The company, which monitors more than 7,000 companies and 65,000 employees in Canada, revealed in a Nov. 22 release that 34 per cent of all sickness absences from the flu or colds typically occur between November and January. December is the third “sickest” month of the year, followed by November in second and January in first. Industries heavily reliant on temporary contractors or shift work could be impacted the most by absences this year, BrightHR chief international growth and marketing officer Thea Watson told BIV . She said sectors like education, retail and hospitality could be left with fewer people to do their jobs, which can increase burnout for other employees. For flu-related absences, November and December 2023 tied in second place with the most sick days – each at 131 per cent above last year’s monthly average, according to data from BrightHR. A spokeswoman for BrightHR did not provide BIV with this year's data by publication time. However, Watson says employers can take action and minimize impacts. “One of the first things they [companies] can do is ensure that they're communicating their policies,” she said. This includes being clear about sick days and remote work policies. Flu absences have continued to become more frequent across the country, said Watson, adding this has significant effects on worker productivity and business costs. “It takes anywhere from two to five minutes to process any sick leave,” she said. “You could be spending thousands [of dollars] on just processing sick leave ... depending on your business size.” BrightHR CEO Alan Price said in the release encouraging employers to stay home if they’re feeling unwell could prevent losing other workers to sickness. However, encouragement should also be given for flu vaccinations. Flu vaccinations for adults 18 and older have slightly decreased over the past year, from 43 per cent in 2022-23 to 42 per cent in 2023-24, according to Statistics Canada’s vaccination coverage survey . Among respondents, the most common reason for not getting the flu shot was thinking the vaccine was not needed (31 per cent), with 15 per cent stating they encountered difficulties scheduling an appointment. [email protected] See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Economy, Law & Politics S&P/TSX composite down nearly 250 points, U.S. stock markets also fall Dec 12, 2024 1:46 PM Vancouver Island First Nation whose ex-chief met Capt. Cook files claim against B.C. Dec 12, 2024 12:26 PM Border officials, RCMP to testify on impact of Trump's plans for border security Dec 12, 2024 9:21 AM