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okebet photos By MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.By MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.

Julen Lopetegui facing sack after Leicester collapse as West Ham draw up three-man shortlist led by ex-Chelsea boss

Over 18,000 would-be judges have signed up for the 2025 judicial elections

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. | | | | | | | |BUFFALO – Following his splendid 31-save effort in Saturday’s 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, Sabres goalie James Reimer will likely take a back seat behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen again. Luukkonen has performed dynamically this month, compiling a 5-0-0 record with a 1.72 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage in six games. Those numbers include a 40-minute appearance Nov. 11 in which he allowed four goals before getting yanked because of a lower-body injury. After a so-so opening month, the Finn has morphed into one of the NHL’s elite goalies and the Sabres’ backbone again. Coach Lindy Ruff will almost certainly utilize him every chance he can. Still, Luukkonen, 25, can’t play every game, and the Sabres have back-to-back contests this weekend following Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center. So fresh off his Buffalo debut, expect Reimer, 36, to start either Friday’s afternoon’s home game against the Vancouver Canucks or Saturday’s road contest versus the New York Islanders. The Sabres waited a long time for Reimer to spell Luukkonen and illustrate why he ranks as one of the league’s top backups. After signing Reimer to a one-year, $1 million contract as a free agent, they kept second-year goalie Devon Levi and lost the veteran on waivers to the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 7 before reclaiming him Nov. 13. His return allowed the Sabres to send Levi, 22, to the Rochester Americans for regular action. Reimer’s work speaks for itself. He has played 504 games over 15 seasons, compiling a 216-179-63 mark with a 2.89 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Saturday’s terrific outing after sitting for 27 days – he made the last of his two starts with the Ducks on Oct. 27 – shouldn’t surprise anyone. “Over my career I’ve had stretches where I haven’t played and whatnot,” Reimer said last Monday of his long stretch without playing. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in San Jose that Reimer “had a spectacular performance.” “There’s not much else you can say except we needed him to keep us in the game, and he did,” he said. “And he made a couple of saves that, for the record, were unbelievable saves.” One of those saves, a highlight-reel stop on rookie Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick this year, ranks among the best by any goalie this season. With the Sabres trailing 2-1 almost halfway through the game, Reimer moved over in his crease and lunged forward to stymie Celebrini’s one-timer from the right circle with his glove. That, however, was just one part of a stop that elicited “oohs” from the crowd when a replay was shown. As he fell forward to the ice, Reimer reached behind his back and gloved the puck. He joked to reporters in San Jose that when Timothy Liljegren passed the puck to Celebrini from the point, he “blacked out.” “I was late on the pass across,” Reimer said. “... If I could do it over again, I’d like to find a way to keep my feet. But I was late, and so I kind of sprawled across, got a piece of it, and I just kind of saw it tip off my glove. That’s just 7-year-old street hockey goalie James playing.” The Sabres, who won all three games on their California trip, had Monday off.Cheers and beers for Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester reign starts with winNZ study: How peoples’ emotional cues shape views of genetically modified food

40cr devotees to visit Maha Kumbh but govt making preps for 100 cr: Yogi

A bankruptcy judge has ordered a new hearing in conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ effort to stop the satirical news outlet The Onion from buying Infowars and turning it into a parody. Jones alleges fraud and collusion marred the bankruptcy auction in which The Onion was named the winning bidder on November 14 over a company affiliated with him. US bankruptcy judge Christopher Lopez had been scheduled to hear an emergency motion to disqualify The Onion’s bid, but decided to put it off until either December 9 or December 17. That is also when the judge will hear arguments on a request to approve the sale of Infowars to The Onion. Mr Lopez said similar arguments are being made in both requests. He could allow The Onion to move forward with the sale, order a new auction or name the other bidder as the winner. At stake is whether Mr Jones gets to stay at Infowars’ studio in Austin, Texas, under a new owner friendly to him, or whether he gets kicked out by The Onion. The other bidder, First United American Companies, runs a website in Mr Jones’s name that sells nutritional supplements. Regardless, Mr Jones has set up a new studio, websites and social media accounts that would allow him to keep airing his show. His personal account with 3.3 million followers on the social platform X was not part of the sale, although Mr Lopez will be deciding whether it should be included in the liquidation and sold off later. In a new court filing on Monday, lawyers for X objected to any sale of the accounts of both Mr Jones and Infowars, saying X is the owner of the accounts and that it has not given consent for them to be sold or transferred. Mr Jones has praised X owner Elon Musk on his show and suggested that Mr Musk should buy Infowars. Mr Musk has not responded publicly to that suggestion and was not among the bidders. Mr Jones’ bankruptcy and the liquidation of his assets came about after he was ordered to pay nearly 1.5 billion dollars (£1.19 billion) to relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Mr Jones was found liable for defamation and emotional distress damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas for repeatedly calling the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators a hoax staged by actors to increase gun control. Proceeds from the liquidation are to go to Mr Jones’s creditors, including the Sandy Hook families who sued him. Mr Jones alleged The Onion’s bid was the result of fraud and collusion involving many of those families, the humour site and a court-appointed trustee who is overseeing the liquidation. First United American Companies submitted a 3.5 million dollar (£2.7 million) sealed bid, while The Onion offered 1.75 million dollars (£1.3 million) in cash. But The Onion’s bid also included a pledge by Sandy Hook families to forego some or all of the auction proceeds due to them giving other creditors a total of 100,000 dollars (£79,400) more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, said that made The Onion’s proposal better for creditors and he named it the winning bid. He has denied any wrongdoing. Mr Jones and First United American Companies claimed that the bid violated Mr Lopez’s rules for the auction by including multiple entities and lacking a valid dollar amount. Mr Jones also alleged Mr Murray improperly cancelled an expected round of live bidding and only selected among the sealed bids that were submitted. Mr Jones called the auction “rigged” and a “fraud” on his show, which airs on the Infowars website, radio stations and his X account. In a court filing, Mr Murray called the allegations “a disappointed bidder’s improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open auction process”. Mr Lopez’s September order on the auction procedures made a live bidding round optional. It gave broad authority to Mr Murray to conduct the sale, including the power to reject any bid, no matter how high, that was “contrary to the best interests” of Mr Jones, his company and their creditors. Hi friends! I wanted to give a quick update on The Onion’s purchase of InfoWars, which we can’t wait to relaunch as the dumbest site on the internet. Long and short of it: We won the bid and — you're not going to believe it — the previous InfoWars folks aren't taking it well. — follow @bencollins on bluesky (@oneunderscore__) But at a November 14 hearing, Mr Lopez said he was concerned about the process and transparency. “We’re all going to an evidentiary hearing and I’m going to figure out exactly what happened,” he said. “No one should feel comfortable with the results of this auction.” The assets of Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems, that were up for sale included the Austin studio, Infowars’ video archive, video production equipment, product trademarks, and Infowars’ websites and social media accounts. Mr Jones is appealing the 1.5 billion dollar (£1.19 billion) in judgments citing free speech rights but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened. Mr Jones has brought in millions of dollars a year in revenue by hawking nutritional supplements, clothing, survival gear and other merchandise from his Infowars Store website, according to court documents. Many of Mr Jones’ personal assets, including real estate as well as guns and other personal belongings, also are being sold as part of the bankruptcy.

THINK tank Stratbase group on Sunday stressed the important role of the private sector to enable the country to transform to green energy. Stratbase group chief operating officer Rupert Paul Manhit said the Philippines offers a lot of opportunities for private investors to develop sustainable projects for the country in its energy transition. Energy transition is defined as the huge shift on how the country can produce, distribute, and consume energy. Furthermore, it is withdrawing from traditional fossil fuel-based systems to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The transformation is being pushed by the need to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy security. Energy transition is important for the following reasons • Climate change mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. • Improved air quality: Cleaner energy sources lead to healthier environments. • Energy security: Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which can be subject to geopolitical instability. • Economic opportunities: Creating jobs and driving innovation in the clean energy sector. Nevertheless, energy transition is a complicated and ongoing process that requires significant investment, technological advancements, and policy changes. Manhit cited the recent visit of a huge Canadian trade mission to explore the opportunities in sustainavble energy. “Canada has been a trusted and reliable partner of the Philippines on energy transition, and the presence of Canada’s largest-ever trade mission to the Philippines reflects a growing recognition of the country’s immense potential as an investment destination,” he said. “With the Philippines’ power generation sector being almost entirely privately owned, there is a unique opportunity for private entities to lead in driving this transformation. This leadership will not only advance our clean energy ambitions but also bolster energy security and economic growth,” Manhit explained. The Stratbase group recently, in partnership with the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines and Natural Resources Canada, organized the Philippines-Canada Forum on Energy Transition. The forum also hosted some of the delegates from the largest ever Canada trade mission to the Philippines, with over 300 Canadians from more than 190 business organizations. Paul Thoppil, the Canadian government’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative, reiterated Ottawa’s support to the Philippines’ energy transition, noting the growing alignment of Canada’s development assistance on climate action. “We have created, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia. And for the first time ever, Canada’s Development Finance Institution (FinDev), has been given geographic expansion into the [Indo-Pacific] region,” Thoppil said. Canada is also the second largest donor to the Climate Investment Funds—Accelerating Coal Transition Initiative, which is providing up to $500 million in development assistance to the Philippines in support of the country’s energy transition. Thoppil emphasized the importance of the partnership between Canada and Philippines in energy transition, including in the commercial sector. “For a commercial relationship to thrive, it needs to be sustainable between two countries. And therefore, for Canada, we believe in capital flow and technology transfer flow that is between the Philippines and Canada. We acknowledge the capital and the technology that exists in your country that we can benefit from as well,” Thoppil said. Canada is an energy powerhouse, be it in hydro, liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear, biomass and more. Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said Canada’s development assistance and commercial initiatives could provide critical support for the Philippines’ energy transition, which includes nuclear power. “Canada and the Philippines share a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Canada’s expertise in renewable energy and nuclear power and grid modernization presents immense opportunities for knowledge sharing and economic transfer,” Guevara said. Environment Undersecretary Analiza Teh also stressed the importance of collaboration between the Philippines and Canada to achieve sustainability, particularly in energy transition. “International partnerships with bilateral and development partners are essential, particularly in providing experts for policy recommendations, technical studies, and modeling to complete these studies effectively. Additionally, mobilizing the private sector is crucial,” Teh said. “We hope development partners can support countries in aligning private sector sustainability goals with government and climate objectives,” she added. Rizal Raoul S. Reyes has covered technology, science, business, property and special reports. He had working stints with the Business Star, Manila Bulletin and Independent Daily News.Thousands of pounds of Chinese food across US recalled because it can 'cause death'

PORTLAND, Ore. — At least four commercial pilots encountered mysterious lights zipping through the skies above Oregon this past weekend. One pilot flying an air ambulance reported a bright light streaking toward his Life Flight plane, with it suddenly reversing back toward the Pacific Ocean. “Red in color — moving at extreme speeds. I don’t even know how to describe how fast it was moving,” the pilot told air traffic control. On Sunday night, Dec. 8, the pilot of a United Airlines flight described unexpected lights in the sky above the Eugene area. “We’re seeing three or four targets. They’re all altitudes. Up and down. It’s pretty crazy,” the pilot told air traffic controllers, who confirmed there was no military activity in the area. The Life Flight pilot reported one of the lights was going in circles in a “corkscrew pattern” and showed up on his aircraft’s collision avoidance system. “You are cleared to maneuver as necessary — a left or right to avoid the UFO out there,” an air traffic controller responded in the audio clip posted online. Several brief video clips taken by pilots and their crew showed lights in the night sky, although objects are difficult to see because of the dark conditions. “It’s weird. It’s red, circular shape, and it keeps zipping out towards the ocean and then coming back about 20 miles or closer to us — then it zips back to the ocean,” the Life Flight pilot told air traffic controllers on Sunday night. Two Horizon Airlines pilots also reported seeing mysterious lights, according to an air traffic controller. The flights each continued without further incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged that a pilot saw unidentified lights but did not provide further comment. So, what could it be? “That appears to be Starlink satellites, most likely,” explained scientist and researcher Douglas Buettner, who led a study examining a case of five pilots who saw several bright moving objects over the Pacific Ocean in 2022. The pilots, flying in two commercial aircraft, took photos and video of unrecognizable objects reported as unidentified aerial phenomena. Buettner and his colleagues determined the bright lights were flare from numerous Starlink satellites, launched by SpaceX to provide broadband internet. “Literally all it is — it’s the sun hits the satellite just right, and it is being reflected back into your eye,” explained Buettner, deputy chief scientist of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center, led by the Stevens Institute of Technology. He believes the eye-catching lights spotted by pilots over Oregon were most likely satellite flares — although without better data and clear video, he hasn’t ruled out other possibilities. “I’ve had two other people look at it, and they say it is consistent with Starlink,” Buettner explained. In August 2022, people in Oregon witnessed a string of Starlink satellites moving dramatically across the night sky. Last month, the Pentagon director overseeing unidentified anomalous phenomena told lawmakers the Defense Department has seen an increase in reported UAP sightings , especially since satellite constellations such as Starlink were launched. “We do have one example that I’m aware of where we were able to correlate a number of observations of interesting lights in the sky, and eventually, we concluded that it was multiple people observing Starlink flares,” Jon Kosloski testified at a Senate hearing.Leonardo DRS CEO Lynn William III sells $1.53 million in stock

Alex Jones’ bankruptcy judge orders new hearing on The Onion’s Infowars bidBritt Baker says she’s ‘exhausted’ by social media critics: ‘I’m done being polite’ - Figure Four OnlinePosing on red carpet at film premiere, Gray after another trip in taxpayer funded limo Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By TOM GORDON DEPUTY SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 21:56, 25 November 2024 | Updated: 22:02, 25 November 2024 e-mail View comments Neil Gray is facing more claims he indulged himself at the taxpayers’ expense after being chauffeured to a star-studded film premiere. The Health Secretary, who grew up in Orkney where the film is set, previously said ‘cannot wait to see this’ on social media. The updated register of ministerial engagements states he met with Screen Scotland at a ‘reception’ that night about ‘culture’. Mr Gray, who took over the health portfolio in February after a year with the economy brief, last had ministerial responsibility for culture in March 2023. After visiting the cinema with his wife Karlie, the Airdrie and Shotts MSP took a ministerial limo from another Film Festival venue to a ‘personal address’. Health Minister Neil Gray and his wife on the red carpet at the premiere Saoirse Ronan starred in Amy Liptrot’s The Outrun and appeared at the red carpet event in Edinburgh Mr Gray, 38, did have a series of health-related meetings in Edinburgh earlier involving the BMA, NHS Forth Valley and a ‘health workforce roundtable’. But the Film Festival event was the last ‘ministerial’ engagement of the day. The government refused to say why Mr Gray attended, what ministerial business was discussed, or whether he took a family member or guest – as he did to the football. A spokesman said: ‘Ministers attend sporting and cultural events as part of their ministerial duties.’ Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport Advertisement The Outrun, based on Orcadian writer Amy Liptrot’s memoir about recovering from alcoholism, was well-known to Mr Gray. In December last year, he reposted a message on X about it being shown at the Sundance Film Festival in the US the following month. He wrote: ‘Cannot wait to see this!’ Mr Gray apologised to parliament this month after taking official limos to eight football matches in around two years, four involving Aberdeen. He admitted the many Aberdeen matches gave ‘the impression of acting more as a fan and less as a minister’. He said yesterday he would continue to attend games, but would ‘get the balance right’. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: ‘There is a growing pattern of behaviour from Neil Gray. He has serious questions to answer over why he was chauffeured in the ministerial limo to and from a film premiere. ‘It looks as though he likes to use his position of privilege to indulge in his favourite passions, rather than focusing on his actual job. ‘The scandal smacks of another SNP cover-up and it won’t go away until he is fully upfront about why he was at certain events and if any government business actually took place.’ Edinburgh Share or comment on this article: Posing on red carpet at film premiere, Gray after another trip in taxpayer funded limo e-mail Add commentMaryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them. The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits. The lawsuit adds to other claims filed in recent years, including a class action on behalf of Cecil County residents in 2023 demanding Gore foot the bill for water filtration systems, medical bills and other damages associated with decades of harmful pollution in the largely rural community. “PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems, and can even harm the ability to bear children,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions.” Gore spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said the company is “surprised by the Maryland Attorney General’s decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years.” “We have been working with Maryland, employing the most current, reliable science and technology to assess the potential impact of our operations and guide our ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect the environment,” the company said in a statement, noting a Dec. 18 report that contains nearly two years of groundwater testing results. But attorney Philip Federico, who represents plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, called the company’s efforts “too little, much too late.” In the meantime, he said, residents are continuing to suffer — one of his clients was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. “It’s typical corporate environmental contamination,” he said. “They’re in no hurry to fix the problem.” The synthetic chemicals are especially harmful because they’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. In addition to cancers and immune system problems, exposure to certain levels of PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, reproductive health issues and developmental delays in children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Gore leaders failed to warn people living near its Maryland facilities about the potential impacts, hoping to protect their corporate image and avoid liability, according to the state’s lawsuit. The result has been “a toxic legacy for generations to come,” the lawsuit alleges. Since the chemicals are already in the local environment, protecting residents now often means installing complex and expensive water filtration systems. People with private wells have found highly elevated levels of dangerous chemicals in their water, according to the class action lawsuit. The Maryland facilities are located in a rural area just across the border from Delaware, where Gore has become a longtime fixture in the community. The company, which today employs more than 13,000 people, was founded in 1958 after Wilbert Gore left the chemical giant DuPont to start his own business. Its profile rose with the development of Gore-Tex , a lightweight waterproof material created by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene, which is better known by the brand name Teflon that’s used to coat nonstick pans. The membrane within Gore-Tex fabric has billions of pores that are smaller than water droplets, making it especially effective for outdoor gear. The state’s complaint traces Gore’s longstanding relationship with DuPont , arguing that information about the chemicals' dangers was long known within both companies as they sought to keep things quiet and boost profits. It alleges that as early as 1961, DuPont scientists knew the chemical caused adverse liver reactions in rats and dogs. DuPont has faced widespread litigation in recent years. Along with two spinoff companies, it announced a $1.18 billion deal last year to resolve complaints of polluting many U.S. drinking water systems with forever chemicals. The Maryland lawsuit seeks to hold Gore responsible for costs associated with the state’s ongoing investigations and cleanup efforts, among other damages. State oversight has ramped up following litigation from residents alleging their drinking water was contaminated. Until then, the company operated in Cecil County with little scrutiny. Gore announced in 2014 that it had eliminated perfluorooctanoic acid from the raw materials used to create Gore-Tex. But it’s still causing long-term impacts because it persists for so long in the environment, attorneys say. Over the past two years, Gore has hired an environmental consulting firm to conduct testing in the area and provided bottled water and water filtration systems to residents near certain Maryland facilities, according to a webpage describing its efforts. Recent testing of drinking water at residences near certain Gore sites revealed perfluorooctanoic acid levels well above what the EPA considers safe, according to state officials. Attorneys for the state acknowledged Gore’s ongoing efforts to investigate and address the problem but said the company needs to step up and be a better neighbor. “While we appreciate Gore’s limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said in a statement. “We must remove these forever chemicals from our natural resources urgently, and we expect responsible parties to pay for this remediation.”

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Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley predicts 2025 will be a significant year for corporate Bitcoin adoption. Bitwise is launching an ETF focused on companies holding over 1,000 BTC, with weightings based on Bitcoin reserves. Although only 22 companies currently hold 1,000 BTC or more, many CFOs are still cautious about Bitcoin. Hunter Horsley, the CEO of Bitwise, revealed a brighter outlook for adopting corporate Bitcoin, and he believes that 2025 will be a turning point. Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Plan While posting on social media lately, Horsley said, "It feels like 2025 will be a big year for new corporates adopting the Bitcoin Standard." His words, especially since the publication of Bitwise's draft for an ETF to track companies with a decent amount of bitcoin reserve. The proposed ETF is called the Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF. It focuses on companies with more than 1,000 BTC in their corporate treasuries. This is different from a traditional ETF. Where the weightings of this fund would be determined by how much market capitalization the... Sneha Murali

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Lucknow, December 15: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that while 40 crore devotees are expected to attend the 45-day Prayagraj Mahakumbh (from January 13 to February 26), arrangements are being made to accommodate 100 crore people. On January 29, during the main Muhurta of Mauni Amavasya, an estimated six crore devotees will take a holy dip, but preparations will cater to 10 crore. He said, "The Mahakumbh will feature extensive facilities, including 12 km of ghats and an expanded area spanning 10,000 acres. Devotees will have the opportunity to experience the darshan of Char Dham, Dwadash Jyotirlingas, and other significant Jyotirlingas. The event will integrate cutting-edge technology, such as an AI-based Bhashini app in 11 Indian languages, allowing visitors to access information about the Kumbh and services like Khoya-Paya in their preferred language." He added, "The government plans to implement a precise headcount of every attendee and ensure a sustainable, eco-friendly event. The Mahakumbh will feature zero liquid discharge systems, 1.50 lakh toilets, and a ban on single-use plastics. This grand event aims to set a benchmark and drive Uttar Pradesh’s roadmap for economic prosperity." During his address, CM Yogi also shared his views on the Sambhal issue. He highlighted the tragic events that took place 46 years ago in Sambhal, where innocent people lost their lives to barbaric violence. He questioned why the perpetrators of the massacre have not been brought to justice even after decades. Referring to Sambhal's ancient temple, the Chief Minister emphasized its historic significance, including the ancient idol of Bajrang Bali and the Jyotirlinga. “This temple did not reappear overnight. It represents our enduring heritage and the truth of our history,” he said. He criticized those who try to suppress the truth or tarnish cultural events like the Kumbh, emphasizing that voices of truth often face threats and efforts to silence them. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the remarkable transformation of the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh, stating that it redefined expectations. “Anyone who witnessed the Kumbh of 2019 would have seen the out-of-the-box efforts that made it clean, safe, and well-organized. What was once associated with dirt, chaos, stampedes, and insecurity became a divine and grand event,” he said. He credited the success of the 2019 Kumbh to its high standards of cleanliness, management, and security, noting that it was so exemplary that Prime Minister Narendra Modi washed the feet of sanitation workers in appreciation. “It is part of India’s heritage to express gratitude to those who contribute to its success,” he said. The upcoming Mahakumbh 2025, he added, will showcase a unique confluence of faith and modernity. CM Yogi indirectly criticized Congress and opposition parties for claiming exclusive ownership of India's legacy. “Some people wander around with a self-proclaimed contract of representing India and treat Discovery of India as if it were the oldest book of this country,” he remarked. He referenced the historic Supreme Court verdict on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi delivered on November 9, 2019, which resolved a decades-long dispute. Yet, he pointed out, some individuals continue to threaten the judges who delivered the decision. The Chief Minister accused opposition leaders of hypocrisy in the name of the Constitution, citing their no-confidence motion against the Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. “The Chairman emphasized his duty to ensure the House functions and public issues are discussed. Yet, these people accused him of bias and moved a no-confidence motion to silence him,” he said. He further criticized attempts to question institutions like the Election Commission for conducting fair elections and the Allahabad High Court for delivering truthful judgments. “These individuals even bring impeachment motions in the Upper House, showing their intention to intimidate anyone who speaks the truth or stands for India’s heritage,” CM Yogi concluded. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been pivotal in driving development in the region. “Without the Ram Temple, there would have been no airport, no double rail line, and no enhanced connectivity. While the common man and devotees are expressing their gratitude, those who secretly inserted the word 'secular' into the Constitution are lamenting in their homes,” he said. The Chief Minister pointed out that these individuals, who ruled for decades without delivering meaningful progress, are now criticizing the present government for their inefficiencies. “They have a problem with the spirituality and development of Kashi and Ayodhya. Their frustration stems from their failure and our success. We must understand their mentality,” he added. CM Yogi outlined his government’s efforts to transform Prayagraj into a hub of spiritual and infrastructural excellence. The Sangam will feature a permanent ghat for the first time, and a modern riverfront is being developed along the Ganga. He said, "The water of the Sangam will be kept clean and uninterrupted, while devotees will have year-round access to the Akshayvat Corridor. The Saraswati Koop Corridor, Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir, and Maharishi Bhardwaj Ashram Corridor are complete. In Shringverpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a 56-foot-high statue of Lord Ram embracing Nishadraj and a dedicated corridor. The airport and railway station in Prayagraj are undergoing major renovations, and over 216 roads are being upgraded — from single to double lanes, double to four lanes, and four to six lanes." “This development reflects our commitment to blending spirituality with progress, creating a Prayagraj that is both modern and rooted in tradition,” the Chief Minister concluded.Donald Trump's criminal prosecution for election subversion and mishandling documents to be discontinued

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona lost at home for the first time this season when the Liga leader was stunned by Las Palmas 2-1 on Saturday. Sandro Ramirez and Fábio Silva scored for the Canary Islands club on either side of Raphinha’s equalizer to give Las Palmas its first win at Barcelona in more than 50 years. Barcelona played superbly in the first three months under new coach Hansi Flick and was flying high after convincing victories over Real Madrid in the domestic competition and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. It had won all eight of its home games. But it has gone three rounds of La Liga without a win. Before Las Palmas, it fell at Real Sociedad 1-0 and drew at Celta Vigo 2-2 after squandering a two-goal lead in the final minutes. The dropped points mean Madrid, despite its own troubles , especially in the Champions League, can move ahead of Barcelona in La Liga. It trails Barcelona by four points with two games in hand. “I don’t care about scoring, I care about winning,” Raphinha said after his standout performance was unable to end Barcelona's slump. “We have to take a hard look at what we are doing wrong. We have slipped in our form and are letting games get away form us. We have our next game on Tuesday (at Mallorca), and we need to turn this around so we can win the league.” Atletico Madrid was only two points behind Barcelona in second place — and with the same number of games played — after Antoine Griezmann scored a gem of a goal in a 5-0 demolition of last-placed Valladolid. Las Palmas savored its first victory at Barcelona since the 1971-72 season and just its third victory at the Catalan club overall. The other visits by the modest side that wears all yellow uniforms to Barcelona have ended in 34 defeats and three draws. “We are thrilled because we have made history,” Sandro said. “When you start the season you think that these games are usually going to end in wins for the bigger side, but if there is one thing we believe in is our capacity to work hard all week to get results like this.” Barcelona's Lamine Yamal returned from a right ankle injury that sidelined him for three weeks. Yamal appeared as a halftime substitute and Jasper Cillessen saved his best shot. The Las Palmas goalkeeper also palmed a Raphinha free kick over his bar in the final minutes. Sandro, a former Barcelona youth player, capped a fine five-pass buildup by Las Palmas from its own box as it masterfully undid Barcelona’s high pressure in the 49th minute. Raphinha had already hit the crossbar in the first half before he equalized in the 61st. The Brazil forward took a short pass from Pedri just outside the area, skirted across the edge and drilled a shot between two defenders. But Barcelona was caught pushing forward for a second goal when Silva controlled a ball from Javi Muñoz and sent in a shot bouncing past Iñaki Peña in the 67th. The unexpected loss dampened Barcelona’s celebration of its 125th anniversary, which included the debut of its new mascot “Cat,” a large, yellow feline wearing its team kit. Barcelona lost left back Alejandro Balde early in the game when he couldn’t continue after he crashed into Sandro at full speed. Balde appeared to hurt his upper chest or neck area when he ran into Sandro’s shoulder. He was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Gerard Martín. Griezmann scored one of the goals of the season when the forward exchanged a quick one-two with Julián Alvarez and used a sleek touch of the inside of his boot to roll the ball with him as he spun before dinking it over the Valladolid goalkeeper. That was the visitor's fourth goal. Shortly after, Valladolid fans stood up and applauded when Griezmann was substituted. “That is what every players wants, to make people enjoy what we do. So I appreciate their warmth,” Griezmann said. Atletico also got goals from Alvarez, Clement Lenglet, Rodrigo de Paul, and Alexander Sorloth. Espanyol beat Celta 3-1 to end a streak of four losses in the league and relieve pressure on coach Manolo González. Alaves also drew with Leganes 1-1 at home. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer