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Jonas Hu Announces Key Strategies for Integrating Chinese Culture into Modern Media in Exclusive InterviewIndiana aims to run its winning streak to five games Friday night when Nebraska welcomes the Hoosiers to Lincoln, Neb. Indiana (8-2, 1-0 Big Ten) has lost the past three meetings with Nebraska after winning seven straight. The Hoosiers are led by center Oumar Ballo, a transfer from Arizona who averages 13.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, and forward Malik Reneau (team-best 15.5 points and 6.4 rebounds). Reneau, according to Indiana, is one of five major-conference players to average at least 10 points per game with a field goal percentage of at least 60 and 80 percent from the free-throw line. Off Indiana's 82-67 home win over Minnesota on Monday, head coach Mike Woodson said there are things to work on going forward. "When you get a team down 15, 20 points, you got to remember how you got them down and continue to do the same things that got you the lead," said Woodson, "and I don't think we did that coming down the stretch." Nebraska's best win this season was over then-No. 14 Creighton in an in-state battle last month. But the Cornhuskers (6-2, 0-1) haven't played a very difficult schedule, and were blown out 89-52 by current No. 21 Michigan State on the road last weekend. The Spartans became the first team in 25 games to make more than 50 percent of their shots against Nebraska, so improved defense will be key for the Huskers. Nebraska was also outrebounded 48-19. "That hadn't been us all year, and that was the disappointing thing," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "The physicality of the game in this league ... we're going to see it every night. I've been pleased with how they've responded, but we'll see how they step up to the challenge Friday night." If Nebraska can turn things around on offense, it is 38-2 under Hoiberg when scoring at least 80 points, including 4-0 this season. Brice Williams is Nebraska's leading scorer at 17.5 points per game. Connor Essegian adds 13.0 ppg and shoots 42.6 percent from 3-point range. --Field Level Media
While there are tons of cozy pajamas that promote better sleep , there's also a gamut of research about the benefits of sleeping naked, such as potentially improving your self-image, supporting your reproductive health, and enhancing intimacy. After all, where else in the world — outside your own bed — can you really feel so comfortable? There's nothing quite like peeling off your pants and peeling back the covers. So we asked mental health experts, sex therapists, and sleep specialists to dig into the biggest benefits of sleeping sans pajamas, as well as the potential drawbacks of baring all in bed. Here's what they had to say. Jessi Gholami is a licensed therapist and clinical social worker. Ketan Parmar, MD, is a psychiatrist, sexologist, and mental health expert at ClinicSpots . Nick Bach, PsyD, is a psychologist and the CEO of Grace Psychological Services . Amelia Woods, PhD, is a sleep specialist at Order Your Supplies . Niloufar Esmaeilpour is a registered clinical counselor and the founder of Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre . Isabelle Uren is a certified sex expert, trainee sex and relationship therapist, and the manager of Bedbible.com . 7 Health Benefits of Sleeping Naked There's something to be said about seeing yourself naked — especially in a safe setting, like the comfort of your own bed. And research backs this up, suggesting that nude activities have proven to boost body image, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. "For some, sleeping naked can be a way to feel more at ease with their body, promoting acceptance and a positive sense of self," says Jessi Gholami , a licensed therapist and clinical social worker. Ketan Parmar, MD, a psychiatrist, sexologist, and mental health expert at ClinicSpots , explains that this positive sense of self often comes over time. "Removing clothing really puts one in close physical contact with the body and helps one feel much more comfortable; thus, there are little or no condemnations about the body and related pressures," he says. "Over time, this simple practice can shift focus from judging appearance to simply feeling at home in one's own skin." His patients who embrace the habit of sleeping naked often report feeling more comfortable and self-assured. He's noticed them gradually develop healthier and kinder views of their bodies. Still, self-acceptance is a journey, and it may be a long road for some people, says Nick Bach, PsyD, a psychologist and the CEO of Grace Psychological Services . But sleeping without clothes can be a "gentle way" to guide that journey and lead to even greater changes. "I've noticed in my practice that when individuals make small choices that enhance self-esteem, it often leads to broader positive changes in their mental health," Dr. Bach adds. Amelia Woods, PhD, a sleep specialist at Order Your Supplies , explains that clothes — especially tight or heat-retaining items — can disrupt the body's natural thermoregulation. So sleeping without them allows your body to more effectively regulate its temperature, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay deeply asleep for longer. "Our bodies naturally cool down during sleep, and maintaining a lower body temperature can help facilitate deeper, more restful sleep," she says. "Research has shown that cooler body temperatures can promote the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. By sleeping naked, you may help enhance this natural process." After all, the body naturally lowers its temperature to enter REM sleep stages, Dr. Bach explains. So helping it cool down can only help it reach REM. There's nothing quite like the feeling of unbuttoning your pants or unhooking your bra after a long day. It isn't just a physically freeing feeling either. For many people, stripping down before slipping between the sheets can also feel mentally liberating. Niloufar Esmaeilpour, a registered clinical counselor and the founder of Lotus Therapy & Counselling Centre , says that removing your clothing before bed can relieve stress and release pressure associated with everyday social life. "[Sleeping naked] reduces tension and [relaxes you], therefore making it easier on the mind to unwind before bed," she says, adding that sleeping naked and the intimacy with ourselves that it provides can, in and of itself, improve emotional health. "Being more aware of our physical bodies during such a tranquil, sensitive state in life is grounding; it makes us feel more centered and at ease within our own space. This alone can have us feeling less anxious, leading to better coping with daily stress and improving our mental health." The improved sleep quality that comes with sleeping in a cooler environment is linked to being in a better mood . "Quality sleep supports better mood, focus, and emotional resilience, which are all essential for mental wellness," Gholami says. "For those dealing with stress, anxiety, or even body-image concerns, [sleeping naked]... can create a sense of freedom and comfort that extends beyond just the nighttime hours, potentially influencing how one feels throughout the day." Plus, according to the Sleep Foundation , sleeping without clothes and with a partner can induce the release of oxytocin by facilitating skin-to-skin contact. Known as the "feel-good" hormone, oxytocin naturally lowers cortisol, our main stress hormone. (More benefits of oxytocin coming.) "Sleeping naked [can] increase affection and emotional bonding in relationships," Dr. Parmar says. That same oxytocin that can boost mood also "triggers feelings of bonding, trust, and security," he says, "which are immensely beneficial for relationship satisfaction." Of course, hopping in bed naked with a partner can also set the tone for physical intimacy. "Sleeping naked... can help increase your desire for sex and arousal by creating the right environment for physical intimacy," says Isabelle Uren, a certified sex expert, trainee sex and relationship therapist, and the manager of Bedbible.com . For both men and women, sleeping without tight clothing can also allow the body to "breathe" and reduce moisture buildup, which can be beneficial for sexual health, according to Dr. Bach. "For men, cooler temperatures have been linked to improved sperm health, which is particularly relevant for those thinking about fertility," he says. Studies have shown that the testes need a cool environment for sperm production and quality. Meanwhile, for women, research shows that tight-fitting clothing or underwear can take a toll on vaginal pH balance and cause candidiasis. Wearing loose clothing — or forgoing clothing altogether — can, therefore, promote ventilation and keep bacteria at bay. "Sleeping without clothing can support vaginal health by reducing the buildup of moisture, which can lead to fungal infections or bacterial imbalances," Dr. Woods says. "Another often-overlooked benefit of sleeping naked is improved skin health," Dr. Woods says. "Wearing tight-fitting or non-breathable clothing to bed can trap sweat, dirt, and bacteria against the skin, which can contribute to skin irritation, acne, or other dermatological issues." Sleeping free of constrictive clothing allows your skin to "breathe" while you sleep and reduces irritation. This may be especially important for people with skin sensitivities or conditions like eczema, Dr. Woods says. What Are the Drawbacks to Sleeping Naked? Despite these upsides to sleeping nude, there are also some cons to going commando. Most obviously, you might feel cold. And if you feel too cold, it could keep you from falling or staying asleep, which would, of course, counteract the aforementioned benefits of sleeping in a cool environment. Moreover, if you sleep with a partner, skin-on-skin contact — especially in areas that are prone to sweating or that have prickly hair — can cause irritation. "There could be physical reasons a person might not want to sleep naked, such as skin conditions involving itchy or broken skin, sweating during the night, or other health conditions," says Uren. "Also, some people find it uncomfortable to have their breasts or penis free-range in the night." Other practical reasons to sleep clothed rather than naked include having small children or other people you care for during the night, Uren adds. And even though sleeping naked can be beneficial for your sex life, she says, if you are tired from not sleeping, sexual desire is likely to be one of the first things to go. "Whether you sleep naked or clothed, good quality sleep is foundational to well-being and should always be the priority," Uren says. Even solo, sleeping directly on your bedding potentially exposes you to allergens like dust. Plus, your own natural body oils, sweat, and dead skin can more easily transfer to your sheets without clothing as a barrier, which means you may have to clean them more often than every one to two weeks . It's also worth mentioning that if you have a middle-of-the-night emergency — as in the fire alarm goes off or you need to quickly evacuate for another reason — being stark naked could be. . . highly inconvenient. AnnaMarie Houlis has 15 years of writing and editing experience in women's wellness and travel, although she has covered the gamut — from business and technology to fashion and finance. Since kicking off her career at lifestyle magazines in New York City, she has spent the last decade traveling as a nomadic freelancer with thousands of bylines.
State tax revenues up slightly in NovemberMaryland 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.”As President-elect Donald Trump promises to take immediate action on a number of fronts once he returns to the White House, he and House Speaker Mike Johnson will continue their talks about the upcoming agenda Saturday at the Army-Navy Game in Landover. The Republican congressional leader, whose son is a plebe at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, is a key Trump ally expected to help push the president’s plans through Congress. “American families are ready to see an American First agenda and we’re excited about that,” Johnson said at a news conference Tuesday. “You hear a lot of talk about the agenda and how it will be formulated and come together right out of the gates in early January. We’re working on that right now. In fact, House Republicans are already working to enact that agenda.” The football game could be one of a few Maryland-based conversations for how that agenda comes together. While the lawmakers have not officially announced other meetings, House GOP leaders are expected to meet for a daylong retreat in the days after Congress begins its next session Jan. 3 — a retreat that is likely to be in Baltimore, the political news organization Punchbowl News reported. Johnson said he and Trump would be talking “in-depth” about their “playbook” this weekend. The top priority, he said, is curtailing the flow of undocumented immigrants at the southern border and tax reform, both of which could be addressed early in 2025. Some of the work is already underway, he noted, began last week with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy visiting with House and Senate Republicans about their plans to significantly cut the federal budget. Trump has named the two wealthy businessmen to run a new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Trump also attended the storied Army-Navy Game as president-elect in 2016, when the 71,600-person crowd greeted him with chants of “USA, USA.” Johnson said Tuesday some of his son’s Naval Academy classmates had recently visited the Capitol. “I guess I got to say ‘Go Navy,’ because my son’s there,” Johnson said. “But President Trump is coming to the game and others, and we’ll all be there together. It’ll be a lot of fun.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Janesch at sjanesch@baltsun.com , (443) 790-1734 and on X as @samjanesch .Higher Education CRM Software Market to Witness Stunning Growth with Salesforce, Oracle, PeopleSoft
Need help with filling out your fantasy football lineups for Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season? It's an important part of the year ahead of the fantasy playoffs, so every decision becomes more crucial. Vinnie Iyer is here for you again, back with another edition of the Decider, a unique blend of positional rankings and start ‘em, sit ‘em advice. Let's get into breaking down the best and worst plays in redraft based on matchups, usage, and other factors, plus some good price values to target in DFS. Fantasy Football Week 13 Start 'Em: Quarterbacks Regular starts Stronger starts 9. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (vs. LAC): He should be busy chucking against a team with a good run defense and Herbert lighting it up. 10. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (vs. CLE): He keeps crushing at home, and the Browns will oblige on Monday night. 11. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (at JAX): Stroud has the best possible matchup to get back on track big time. 12. Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (at CIN): He should be busy working off play-action to battle Burrow. 13. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. CHI): Goff needs the run to work to play well, and he should be motivated to stop a division rival after last year's Thanksgiving loss to the Packers. 14. Anthony Richardson, Colts (at NE): Richardson should have his way passing downfield and running on the Patriots. 15. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. HOU): Should he return after the bye, he can rebound with an adjusted offense vs. a bad pass defense. 16. Drake Maye, New England Patriots (vs. IND): He should see some things open up all over the field at home vs. the Colts' defense. WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers DFS pick Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (vs. TB, $4,700 on DraftKings, $6,600 on FanDuel): Let's try this again on the Buccaneers as Young is coming off a 16.5-point DK effort against the Chiefs at home. And Tampa Bay offers the best possible passing matchup in what should be another negative game script. There's an easier path to 3X or 4X value than other QBs given those prices. Fantasy Football Week 13 Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks Weaker starts 17. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (vs. MIA): The Packers should stay run-oriented and win with that and defense on Thursday. 18. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (at MIN): He's been a roller coaster, especially on the road against tougher defenses. 19. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (at GB): He has been ripping bad teams in good weather of late, and the Packers offer neither. 20. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (vs. ARI): Darnold might be sucked into more of a defensive-minded matchup at home with Murray. 21. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (at NO): Stafford should also see the running game and defense being much more effective on the road. 22. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (at NYJ): It is a revenge game, but he needs help from the running game and defense to win on the road in weather. 23. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (at DET): Don't chase the points from the home game vs. the Vikings given the Lions' defense is getting better every week, and this is a tough, short-week road game. DOMINATE YOUR NFL PICKS POOL Sign up for free ATS and straight up picks advice on NFL pick'em with PoolGenius Fantasy Football Week 13 Start 'Em: Running backs Regular starts Stronger starts 24. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at CAR): Irving should smash on the road as a rising rookie. 25. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (vs. IND): He should rebound with more regular volume in an even or positive game script. 26. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at CAR): He should be deployed with Irving as their preferred dynamic duo (forget about Sean Tucker). 27. Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers (at CIN): Warren should find some room to rumble often on the outside. 28. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (at DEN): Chubb should stay hot with a big workload to take pressure off the passing game. 29. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (at CIN): Harris should get a solid workload with a good chance for a short TD. Week 13 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE Stock Watch | Sleepers | Busts DFS Picks Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (at NE, $6,900 on DraftKings, $7,900 on FanDuel): Taylor has downright stunk of late because of not getting enough volume in the 1-2 punch of bad matchups and negative game scripts. Here's being mainstream contrarian by saying he's needed a spot like this to get well, and he has a strong history vs. the Patriots' defense. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (vs. ARI, $6,500 on DraftKings, $7,700 on FanDuel): He looked great vs. the Bears coming on strong late in the season again, and he can rip into the Cardinals' shaky run defense at home. Fantasy Football Week 13 Sit 'Em: Running backs Weaker starts 30. J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (if he plays, at ATL): This matchup is really tough, and that knee is a concern on a short week. 31. Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (vs. TEN): The Titans just shut down Mixon, so you can't trust him with an injury. 32. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. LV): You cannot be sure of his post-injury touches with Hunt playing so well if he finally returns. 33. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. HOU): You can't go here against this run defense, not knowing his workload running or receiving. 34. Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders (at KC): Whoever's the healthiest Raiders back should be avoided in this brutal Black Friday matchup. 35. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. CLE): He probably will randomly go off this week... or not. This also goes for trying to play Audric Estime... or Jaleel McLaughlin. Fantasy Football Week 13 Start 'Em: Wide receivers Regular starts Stronger starts 32. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, New Orleans Saints (vs. LAR): He should be busy stretching the field as their default No.1. wide receiver. 33. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans (at WAS): All he does is make big plays and score for Will Levis. 34. Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers (at ATL): Johnston should get in on the fun as he and McConkey can rip the Falcons' cornerbacks. 35. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (vs. SF): Shakir can destroy them in the slot often. 36. Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. ARI): He's hot for Darnold, and the USC-USC connection continues. 37. DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. LV): He should hop into the end zone once on Black Friday. 38. Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills (vs. SF): He should return and also do well outside. 39. Tank Dell, Houston Texans (at JAX): He should deliver here as the passing game has a much-needed bounce-back. Week 13 WAIVER WIRE ADVICE Full Waiver Wire Recommendations | How to Spend FAAB | Top Waiver Targets DFS picks Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (vs. LAC, $6,500 on DraftKings, $7,300 on FanDuel): London's size and strength can give the Chargers some problems all over the field as Cousins peppers him with high-leverage volume in what can be a high-scoring affair. Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. HOU, $5,500 on DraftKings, $6,700 on FanDuel): Thomas should dominate targets after the bye and is playable regardless of the quarterback because the Texans will have trouble slowing him down through a lot of key targets. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (at NE), $5,200 on DraftKings, $6,600 on FanDuel): Josh Downs is hurting and is iffy for the game, and Pittman resurfaced for a big game at the right time vs. the Lions. Fantasy Football Week 13 Sit 'Em: Wide receivers Weaker starts 40. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (vs. CHI): That big outside play won't be coming in this spot. 41. Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (at BUF): He's hard to trust anymore, especially with an iffy QB sitch and a bad matchup on the road. 42. Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns (at DEN): This goes for all their wide receivers against Pat Surtain and the Broncos. 43. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (at GB): Don't chase the randomness of last week given his previous usage. 44. Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears (at DET): Not in the slot vs. these guys. 45. Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (at DET): Only Moore is playable here. 46. Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (at KC): See Waddle, Jaylen. 47. DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (vs. IND): This is actually tougher for him inside than for the tight ends and outside wideouts. Fantasy Football Week 13 Start 'Em: Tight ends Must starts Stronger starts 11. Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins (at GB): He's been very consistent of late and is an integral part of the adjusted passing game. 12. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. IND): He has gone off before against them and has a solid floor in the matchup. 13. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (at CIN): He's made a case to be busier for Wilson, and it happens in a great matchup. 14. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (at BAL): He should make several plays in what should be an offensive explosion for the visitors. 15. Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers (at ATL): He can get the job done with Herbert, going back and forth with Cousins and Pitts. 16. Luke Schoonmaker, Dallas Cowboys (vs. NYG): The numbers say no, but he is a key part of the offense with Jake Ferguson out and Rush has good chemistry with him. DFS pick Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (at CIN, $3,500 on DraftKings, $5,100 on FanDuel): Muth came to life with a few more big plays vs. the Browns, and the Bengals have been very giving to the tight end position. Expect Wilson to look more his way playing off the deep threat of Pickens for good ROI. Fantasy Football Week 13 Sit 'Em: Tight ends Weaker starts 17. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (at PHI): He should be quieted with the Eagles' inside coverage rolling. 18. Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (vs. MIA): He scored last week, but not much else happened, so no. 19. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (vs. CHI): He's just not getting the looks from last season. 20. Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (if he plays, vs. SF): Fred Warner is a tough draw, and we'll see about the knee. 21. Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (at DET): Nyet on Kmet again because the Lions are nasty on tight ends. 22. Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (vs. TEN): The Titans are tough everywhere on receivers such as this. Fantasy Football Week 13 Start 'Em: Defense/special teams Stronger starts 9. Los Angeles Rams (at NO): They should return to making more plays on the road while not facing the Eagles. 10. Dallas Cowboys (vs. NYG): They get Tommy DeVito to go after at home on a short week. 11. New York Giants (at DAL): Their defense is built well to handle the compressed offense around Cooper Rush. 12. Buffalo Bills (vs. SF): The 49ers face a tough road night game with Brock Purdy uncertain to go. 13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at CAR): The Panthers should make enough mistakes to make this a worthy back-end D. 14. Seattle Seahawks (at NYJ): They crushed the Cardinals at home last week, and they can take advantage of some Jets dysfunction. DFS pick Los Angeles Rams (at NO), $2,700 on DraftKings, $4,500 on FanDuel): The Eagles' result will have many shying away, but the Saints on the road is a different story as the sacks and takeaways can happen to make them viable vs. Derek Carr. Fantasy Football Week 13 Sit 'Em: Defenses Weaker starts 15. Los Angeles Chargers (at ATL): You can't go here in a game that should have plenty of passing and points. 16. Arizona Cardinals (at MIN): The Cardinals aren't good on the road defensively, either. 17. Cleveland Browns (at DEN): Not with the way Nix and the Broncos' offense is performing at home. 18. Miami Dolphins (at GB) : Love can turn it over, but the Dolphins also can get run over. 19. Philadelphia Eagles (at BAL): Find a big pivot this week vs. Lamar. 20. New York Jets (vs. SEA): They're not trustworthy against better offenses. Get more of Sporting News NFL writer Vinnie Iyer's Week 13 fantasy football advice by subscribing to the Locked On Fantasy Football podcast .The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressing support for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, although they reflect world opinion. Israel has faced growing international criticism over its conduct in Gaza as it fights Hamas militants, especially when it comes to humanitarian aid for desperate people in the besieged and heavily destroyed territory. Israeli airstrikes in northern and central Gaza killed at least 33 people overnight and into Wednesday, Palestinian medical officials said. Hospital records show one Israeli strike in northern Gaza killed 19 people in a home, including a family of eight — four children, their parents and two grandparents. The Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas militant in the vicinity of the hospital, part of a blistering offensive in Gaza’s isolated and heavily destroyed north . The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people, including children and older adults. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials. They say women and children make up more than half the dead but do not distinguish between fighters and civilians in their count. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the latest: JERUSALEM — Israeli hospital officials say a young boy is fighting for his life after a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank. An Israeli bus came under fire from a suspected Palestinian attacker late Wednesday, the military said, and Israeli forces are searching for the shooter. Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem says at least three people were wounded in the shooting, which took place just outside the city in an area near major Israeli settlements. The hospital says the boy, who is about 10, is in grave condition. It says two other people, ages 24 and 55, were also hurt. UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backing the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban . The votes in the 193-nation world body were 158-9 with 13 abstentions to demand a ceasefire now and 159-9 with 11 abstentions to support the agency known as UNRWA. The votes culminated two days of speeches overwhelmingly calling for an end to the 14-month war between Israel and the militant Hamas group . General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they reflect world opinion. There are no vetoes in the assembly. Israel and its close ally, the United States, were in a tiny minority speaking and voting against the resolutions. BEIRUT — Israeli forces withdrew from a strategic town in southern Lebanon and handed it back to the Lebanese army in coordination with U.N. peacekeepers, the two militaries said Wednesday, marking an important test of the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants. It appeared to be Israel's first pullout from a Lebanese border town captured during this fall’s ground invasion, and comes as part of the initial phase of the ceasefire. The Lebanese army said Wednesday it has deployed units to five positions around the town of Khiam coinciding with the Israeli army’s withdrawal. Israel's military confirmed this was the first town it has turned over to the Lebanese army under the truce, which — if it endures — would end nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has said the truce deal gives it the right to use military force against perceived ceasefire violations. Israel has launched near-daily strikes, mostly in southern Lebanon, that have killed at least 28 people and wounded 25 others since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27. Still, the shaky truce appears to be holding. Five people were killed Wednesday by at least three Israeli strikes in different towns in the southern municipality of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency said. The Lebanese army warned civilians to stay out of Khiam until it can clear the area of any unexploded munitions. The strategic hilltop town, located less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the border with Israel, saw some of the most intense fighting during the war. Thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war returned home two weeks ago after a ceasefire took hold , driving cars stacked with personal belongings and defying warnings from Lebanese and Israeli troops to avoid some areas. WASHINGTON — All Russian naval ships that were docked at the Syrian port of Tartus have left and it appears Moscow is now looking for a new base along the coast now that its key ally, Bashar Assad, has been ousted a ruler of Syria, a U.S. official said. It’s not clear where the ships will go, but Russia may seek a new port on the Mediterranean Sea along the African shoreline, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss U.S. assessments. The official did not say how many vessels Russia had in Syria at the time Assad was overthrown. Moscow has dedicated the bulk of its military assets to the war in Ukraine. Asked about Tartus on Wednesday, Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said that the U.S. is seeing some Russian forces and naval vessels leaving Syria. “They just had one of their key political allies, ousted,” said Singh. “We’re seeing Russia consolidate assets.” — By Lolita C. Baldor UNITED NATIONS – The Palestinians are urging United Nations member countries to vote in favor of resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and supporting the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees, which Israel has moved to ban in Palestinian territories. The Palestinian mission to the United Nations issued the urgent appeal to the 193 U.N. member nations ahead of Wednesday afternoon’s votes on the resolutions in the General Assembly, whose members have has been listening to two days of speeches overwhelmingly supporting the measures. Israel and close ally the United States have spoken against the resolutions. The Palestinians and their supporters went to the General Assembly after the U.S. vetoed a Security Council resolution last month demanding an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza. It was supported by the 14 other Security Councilmember nations, but the U.S. objected because the resolution did not include a link to an immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The General Assembly resolution being voted on Wednesday mirrors the Security Council language: It “demands an immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire to be respected by all parties, and further reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” Unlike the Security Council, there are no vetoes in the General Assembly. But while council resolutions are legally binding, assembly resolutions are not, though they do reflect world opinion. The second resolution being voted on supports the mandate of the U.N. agency caring for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA which was established by the General Assembly in 1949. It “deplores” legislation adopted by Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Oct. 28 banning UNRWA’s activities in the Palestinian territories, which takes effect in 90 days. It calls on the Israeli government “to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and uphold its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza Strip.” JERUSALEM — Israel has lifted restrictions on public gatherings and outdoor activities in areas near the Lebanese border in the northern Golan Heights, two weeks after a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The army’s Home Front Command said it was changing its public safety guidelines to “full activity” from “partial activity.” Israel had tightened restrictions on Nov. 25, reflecting concerns that fighting could intensify ahead of any possible cease-fire between Israel and Lebanese militants. The truce went into effect on Nov. 27. In recent days, Israeli tanks and troops have advanced out of Israeli-held territory in the Golan Heights and pushed into a buffer zone inside Syria — a move Israel said it took to prevent attacks on its citizens. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. BEIRUT - Syria-based Palestinian factions have formed a unified delegation to meet with the country's new rebel-led authorities. The factions said in a statement after their meeting Wednesday at the Palestinian Embassy that they stand by the side of the Syrian people. The factions condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Syria over the past few days that have destroyed much of the assets of the Syrian army. The factions decided to form a joint committee to run the affairs of Palestinians in Syria as well as to be in contact with the new insurgent-led transitional government, following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live in Syria, many of them refugees, and the factions that have been based in Damascus were close to Assad’s government. Hamas was based in Syria until it left in 2012 a year after the county's civil war began. PRETORIA, South Africa — The United Nations chief says the fall of Syria’s authoritarian government has brought hope to the troubled Middle East, and pledged the global body’s support to the country's new leaders to ensure a smooth transition. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that the U.N. wants to see “an inclusive political process in which the rights of all minorities will be fully respected, and paving the way towards a united sovereign Syria, with its territorial integrity fully re-established.” The jihadi-led Syrian rebels took control of the capital Damascus after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving many areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. A Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed force also controls large parts of northeastern Syria. Guterres said he fully trusts the people of Syria to be able “to choose their own destiny”. “I think it is our duty to do everything to support the different Syrian leaders in order to make sure that they come together and are able to guarantee a smooth transition, an inclusive transition in which all Syrians can feel that they belong," Guterres said. “The alternative does not make any sense.” Guterres is in South Africa to discuss the country’s role as it takes over the G20 presidency, among other issues. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike in central Gaza Strip killed four people and injured 16 others Wednesday, health officials said. Those killed and injured were taken to Awda Hospital after the strike hit a house in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, according to the press center at the hospital. Since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October last year, at least 44,805 people have been killed and 106,257 others have been injured, according to the latest update by the Gaza Health ministry. BEIRUT — The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East was in Lebanon on Wednesday meeting with the head of the Lebanese army. In the wake of shocking overthrow of the government in neighboring Syria, the two military leaders discussed the security situation in Lebanon, a statement from the country's army said. U.S. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, who leads U.S. Central Command, met with the head of the Lebanese army Gen. Joseph Aoun to discuss ongoing American support for the implementation of the U.S.-and French-brokered ceasefire agreement, which ended more than a year of war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israel has said the truce deal gives it the right to use military force against perceived ceasefire violations. Israel has launched near-daily strikes, mostly in southern Lebanon, that have killed at least 28 people and wounded 25 others since the ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27. Still, the shaky truce appears to be holding. Five people were killed Wednesday by at least three Israeli strikes in different towns in the southern municipality of Bint Jbeil, Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state news agency said. On Tuesday, Kurilla was in eastern Syria visiting U.S. military bases and meeting with members of a Kurdish-led Syrian force that is backed by the U.S. He was assessing what CENTCOM described as efforts to counter a resurgence of the Islamic State group. He also visited Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials on regional security and counter-IS operations. DAMASCUS — With the fall of Damascus, security forces of the deposed Bashar Assad government and staff withdrew from the Damascus International airport, grounding flights and stranding passengers. The airport has not been functional since. Now, security members of the rebel alliance in control of Syria have taken control of the airport, hoping to restore security, a sense of confidence, and the legitimacy needed to restart flights out of the capital, and from one of the country’s three international airports. “Damascus international airport is the heart of the city because it is the gateway for international delegations and missions,” Omar al-Shami, a security official with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the faction that led the shock offensive that led to the fall of Assad, told The Associated Press, calling it "the passage for Syria to breathe.” Al-Shami said security was restored at the international airport nearly 12 hours after the fall of Damascus. The factions entered the capital before dawn, and security members of the rebel alliance took charge before sunset on Sunday. He said he hoped the airport would be operational in less than a week. On Wednesday, a handful of engineers were inspecting four planes that were on the tarmac. Cleaning staff were removing broken furniture, glass windows, and trash from ransacking by looters following the fall of Damascus. The attack, reportedly by mobs and looters from the neighboring areas, left parts of the airport halls destroyed, with smashed furniture and merchandise. “There was a lot damage in the airport’s equipment and facilities in 90% of the sections,” Anis Fallouh, the head of the airport, told the AP. Fallouh said the operations to clean up the airport aim to convince international airlines to resume their flights to Damascus. “Soon in the coming days, flights will resume when we reopen air traffic to Syria and inform countries that Damascus airport is operational. We may start with domestic or test flights to ensure that everything in the airport is operational and avoid any mistakes. Then we can resume international flights.” Engineers were inspecting the four planes on the tarmac, from two Syrian airlines. Some administrative staff were visiting the airport as the new administrators of Damascus work to convince state officials to return to their posts. “We are on the Airbus 320, the technical team. Because of the security vacuum that happened on Sunday, some ill-intentioned people tried to cause damage but thank God the plane is fine — the body, the engines and its systems. Some things are missing and we are trying to fix that,” said Bassam Radi, the engineer in charge of maintenance, said. BERLIN — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday addressed Berlin's reservations but also willingness to work the Syrian militant group in control of Damascus, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. “Nobody overlooks the origins of HTS in the al-Qaeda ideology. It is therefore clear that we will measure HTS by its actions,” Baerbock told reporters in Berlin. “Any cooperation presupposes that ethnic and religious minorities are protected, women’s rights are respected and acts of revenge are prevented.” She said that “whether we like it or not, the HTS militia ... is one of the decisive actors for the future of Syria.” “Together with our partners, we are therefore looking for an adequate way of dealing with HTS, with whom many have had no direct contact for good reasons,” she added. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the insurgent leader also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicted himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike near the southern Lebanese town of Bin Jbeil killed one person and wounded another, the state news agency reported. National News Agency said Wednesday’s airstrike hit a home. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israeli military. More than a dozen people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since a ceasefire went into effect on Nov. 27, ending the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war. WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to the Middle East this week on his 12th visit since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but his first since the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad . Assad's departure has sparked new fears of instability in the region now wracked by three conflicts despite a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. Blinken will travel to Jordan and Turkey on Thursday and Friday for talks expected to focus largely on Syria but also touch on long-elusive hopes for a deal to end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the territory since October 2023. The State Department said Blinken would meet Jordanian officials, including King Abdullah II, in the port of Aqaba on Thursday before flying to Ankara for meetings with Turkish officials Friday. Other stops in the region are also possible, officials said. Blinken “will reiterate the United States’ support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition to an accountable and representative government,” department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. BEIRUT — Insurgents have set on fire the tomb of Syria’s former President Hafez Assad in his hometown in the northwest, a war monitor and a local journalist said Wednesday. Hafez Assad had ruled Syria for 30 years until his death in 2000, when his son, Bashar, succeeded him. Both ruled Syria with an iron fist and were blamed for crackdowns that left tens of thousands dead, mainly in the central city of Hama in 1982, and in much of the country since the civil war in 2011. Bashar Assad was ousted over the weekend and fled to Russia where he was given political asylum. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syrian journalist Qusay Noor told The Associated Press that the tomb was set on fire Wednesday in the town of Qardaha in Latakia province. JERUSALEM — The United Nations is asking donors for over $4 billion to fund humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories, most of it earmarked for war-ravaged Gaza. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also called for the “lifting all impediments to the entry of aid” in its appeal issued Wednesday. U.N. agencies say aid operations in Gaza are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames the U.N. for not distributing it within the territory. The appeal for 2025 includes $3.6 billion for Gaza and about $450 million for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has destroyed vast areas of the besieged territory and displaced around 90% of its population of 2.3 million. Many have been displaced multiple times and are now crammed into squalid tent camps with little in the way of food or other essentials. Most of the population relies on international aid. JERUSALEM — The president of Paraguay addressed the Israeli parliament Wednesday ahead of the reopening of the country’s embassy in Jerusalem. The decision to reopen the embassy in Jerusalem and recognize the city as the capital of Israel is a diplomatic win for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and puts Paraguay in a small group of countries that have taken the move. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in 1967 but it wasn't recognized by the international community, and most countries run their embassies out of Tel Aviv. “Without Jerusalem, the land of Israel is a body without a soul,” President Santiago Peña said in a speech to the Knesset. “So I say here today that without an embassy in Jerusalem, diplomatic relations with Israel do not have a real heart.” He said he hoped the move would inspire other countries to do the same. The embassy is set to open Thursday. Pena’s move was welcomed by Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, along with other Israeli leaders. “Tomorrow we will inaugurate together the embassy of Paraguay in our eternal capital, and that will happen not for the first time, but for the second time,” Netanyahu said. Paraguay had an embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, under Former President Horacio Cartes. That embassy was moved back to Tel Aviv by Cartes’ successor, Mario Abdo Benitez, prompting Israel to close its embassy in Asuncion. Israel reopened its embassy in September. MOSCOW — Russia said Wednesday it has maintained contacts with the new authorities in Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “we are monitoring most closely what is happening in Syria.” “We, of course, maintain contacts with those who are currently controlling the situation in Syria,” Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. “This is necessary because our bases are located there, our diplomatic mission is located there and, of course, the issue related to ensuring the security of these facilities is extremely important and of primary significance.” Peskov wouldn’t give details of those contacts, saying only that Russia has contacted “those who are controlling the situation on the ground.” He wouldn’t give the number of Russian troops in Syria. Asked to comment about Israel’s seizure of a buffer zone on the border with Syria, Peskov called them destabilizing. “The strikes and actions in the Golan Heights area, in the buffer zone area, are unlikely to help stabilize the situation in an already destabilized Syria,” he said. Russia has granted political asylum to ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad and his family after they fled rebels who seized Damascus over the weekend. TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the recent events in Syria, including the fall of its government, were part of a joint plan by the United States and Israel. “There should be no doubt that what has happened in Syria is the result of a joint American and Zionist plan," Khamenei said in a speech in Tehran on Wednesday that was broadcast on state TV. “We have evidence, and this evidence leaves no room for doubt.” The Supreme leader added: “A neighboring state of Syria has played a clear role in this matter, and it continues to do so. Everyone can see this.” Khamenei also rejected speculation by analysts who have said that Iran will be weakened by the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government. “Those ignorant analysts are unaware of the meaning of resistance. They think that if resistance weakens, Islamic Iran will also weaken. But I say, with the help and power of God — by the will of Almighty Allah — Iran is powerful and it will become even more powerful," he said.
The King is scheduled to attend the show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday which will see Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish present a musical number from their new show The Devil Wears Prada – based on the 2006 Oscar-nominated film. Cast members Vanessa Williams, who plays Miranda Priestly, and Matt Henry, who stars as art director Nigel, were among those posing on the red carpet ahead of the performance which showcases an original score by Sir Elton. The variety show will also see debuts from British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor with her hit track Murder On The Dancefloor while Eurovision winner Nemo is also featured on the bill. Also posing on the carpet were US magicians and comedy duo Penn and Teller, whose performance marks their 50th anniversary. Comedy will come from Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor, writer and comic Scott Bennett, Scottish comedian Larry Dean and political comic Matt Forde – who posed on the red carpet with a crutch after undergoing surgery for cancer on his spine. Among the arrivals was TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who will make an appearance in this year’s show with her Change And Check Choir led by Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow. The choir, made up of women from across the UK who detected their breast cancer through Kelly’s campaign, will perform Love Is All Around, which is being re-released to raise awareness of breast cancer early detection. It comes hours after Camilla insisted the “show must go on” after pulling out of attending the performance on Friday evening as doctors advised that she should prioritise rest. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest. “With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.” A royal source said the Queen was “naturally disappointed to miss the evening’s entertainments and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved, but is a great believer that ‘the show must go on'”. “She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon,” the source added. The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December. Money raised from the show will go to help people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity launching an initiative to help those with mental health issues this year.
NEWS BRIEF The US government unsealed charges yesterday against a Chinese national who allegedly broke into approximately 81,000 of Sophos firewall devices around the world in 2020. Guan Tianfeng, also known as gbigmao and gxiaomao, was charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Tianfeng has also been accused of developing and testing a zero-day security vulnerability used to conduct the Sophos attacks. The zero-day vulnerability in question is tracked as CVE-2020-12271 and has a CVSS score of 9.8, a critical SQL injection flaw that could allow a threat actor to achieve remote code execution (RCE). A federal arrest warrant was issued for Tianfeng in the US District Court, Northern District of Indiana, Hammond Division, and it is believed that he is currently residing in Sichuan Province, China. The Rewards for Justice Program through the US Department of State is offering an award of up to $10 million for information on Tianfeng and the offices he worked out of, Sichuan Silence Technology Company Ltd., as well as associated individuals and their malicious activity. "The defendant and his conspirators compromised tens of thousands of firewalls and then continued to hold at risk these devices, which protect computers in the United States and around the world," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew Olsen, in a press release . "The Department of Justice will hold accountable those who contribute to the dangerous ecosystem of China-based enabling companies that carry out indiscriminate hacks on behalf of their sponsors and undermine global cybersecurity." Any tips or information can be made with the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or tips.fbi.gov . Skilled writer and editor covering cybersecurity for Dark Reading.Titans QB Mason Rudolph gets another chance at starting, this time against the JagsNz’s Finest Punk 'N’ Rollers, The D4 Announce Aotearoa Summer Tour Feb/march 2025
Transgender Miss Nevada Suggests Capitol Hill Restroom Battle Is About Protecting Trans People from 'Trans-Attracted' RepublicansAP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:39 p.m. EST
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of 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 and fellow entrepreneur 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 , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of 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 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 , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, , 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 , 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.” 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 , 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” , 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 , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app 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 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.
Searching for hidden medieval stories from the island of the SagasIt might be cold outside, but soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is heating up fans’ Instagram feeds for Christmas . “Merry Christmas, everyone!” Ronaldo, 39, captioned a new post on Tuesday, December 24. The athlete was shirtless in the image, showing off his chiseled physique while standing outside in the snow. Ronaldo stood on a deck, which was adorned with holiday-themed twinkle lights. It’s unclear exactly where Ronaldo is celebrating the end of the year, but his girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez , previously shared a glimpse of their family vacation in Laponia, Finland. Ronaldo’s thirst trap comes one day after he shared a photo of himself riding a snowmobile with one of his kids. Both the soccer star and his child were bundled up with face masks and helmets but threw their thumbs up at the camera. Ronaldo is a father of five : Cristiano Jr., 14, Alana, 8, twins Eva Maria and Mateo, 7, Bella, 2. Two of Ronaldo’s children — Eva Marie and Mateo — were born via surrogate. Rodriguez, 30, gave birth to Alana and Bella, the younger of whom had a twin brother named Ángel who died after birth. A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) Ronaldo and Rodriguez, who have been together since 2016, announced the death of their baby boy in an April 2022 Instagram statement. “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away,” the couple wrote via Instagram at the time. “It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.” You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News They added, “We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.” While Ronaldo is not shy when it comes to sharing his kids via social media, the athlete has spoken candidly about choosing not to identify the mother of his eldest son, Cristiano Jr. “People speculate I was with this girl or another, or there was a surrogate mother,” he said during a November 2015 interview. “When Cristiano is going to grow up, I am always going to say the truth to him because he deserves it, because he is my son, but I am not going to say because people want me to say.”Even with technology taking over much of our day-to-day lives, board games still offer quality entertainment that can’t be beaten. Of course, the popular board games of today are a far cry from the games your parents grew up playing. Board games are perfect for encouraging your family to work together or for bringing your group of friends around the table for an evening. If you’d like to start up a weekly game night, let this helpful list of the most popular board games be your guide. Utter Nonsense Ages 8+ This game will have every player rolling in stitches with each ridiculous phrase that’s uttered. Combine crazy accents and hilarious phrases to impress the Nonsense Judge and win the round. The player with the highest number of wins ultimately wins the game, but the true fun of this card game is listening to your fellow players trying to say some of the most entertaining phrases of all time. This game is perfect for game nights or parties. Speak Out Ages 8+ This hilarious game is perfect if you have teenagers or are hosting a party with all adults. To play, you insert a mouthpiece that alters the sound of your speech, making every word sound silly. Set the timer and read one of the phrases on the cards and try to help your teammate guess what you’re saying. Speak Out easily provides hours of fun that even grandparents will love. Escape Room in a Box Ages 13+ What’s the next best thing to trying to break out of a room? Escape Room in a Box, of course. This thrilling, immersive game involves solving 2D and 3D puzzles in order to prevent a mad scientist from turning you and your friends or family into werewolves. Work together to escape your fate and use Amazon Alexa to enhance the experience. Codenames Ages 14+ This fun strategy game is perfect for anyone with teenagers. Form two teams and select a spymaster on each team. Using clues, spymasters try to help their teammates find all 25 of the agents they’re in contact with, hopefully without selecting the other team’s agents or running into the deadly assassin. This innovative game offers a challenging and rewarding time working together. Harry Potter Clue Ages 9+ Excite your kids on game night with this modern twist on a classic. Play as six recognizable Hogwarts characters — Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny or Neville — to solve the mystery behind a fellow student’s disappearance. It’s up to you to figure out who attacked the student, what bewitching spell they used and where it occurred. Watch out for the Dark Mark, moving staircases and secret passages as you travel along in this magical family game. Pandemic Ages 8+ If you’ve ever wanted to save humanity from a deadly outbreak, you’ll love spending an hour playing Pandemic. You and your teammates must fight to contain four deadly diseases threatening the human race. Players must learn to work with their teammates to control outbreak hotspots and treat diseases. Win the game by curing all diseases without wiping out humanity first. Catan Ages 10+ This tactical 60-minute game will push your imagination to its limits as you embark on a journey across Catan. Acquire crucial resources as you travel, build roads, buildings, and cities, and be wary of the ruthless robber and other players halting you on your own road. Through careful trading and clever decisions, you can lead your travelers to victory in this role-playing game of limitless possibilities. Play again and again. Every game is different. Ticket to Ride Ages 8+ Train lovers will enjoy this innovative board game which has won numerous awards. This cross-country train adventure game mimics the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days. Collect train cars and claim railways across the country. Players earn the most points by establishing long train routes and connecting distant cities. Each game takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and every adventure is different. 5 Second Rule Ages 10+ This quick-paced game gives each player five seconds to name items on a certain topic. Although the topics are objectively easy —“Name 3 Mountains,” “Name 3 Types of Hats” or “Name 3 Super Heroes,” the pressure of the time crunch is likely to put you on edge. Race the clock and remain composed to win this game. You can even make up your own topics if you prefer. Half the fun is just hearing what other people blurt out, whether it’s relevant to the topic or not. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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