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The blue screen of death looms large in the cultural mishmash of modern tech-adept consumers. The screen is a simple prompt signaling to its user that the device cannot fix whatever error has befallen it on its own. The crash of a computer could be a sign your CPU is failing after years of hard use, but hardware failing or operating unexpectedly can often come from a cybersecurity breach, too. Cybercriminals make up a huge contingent of the overall volume of theft and illicit activity affecting individuals today. The FBI's 2023 Internet Crime Report noted losses totaling more than $12.5 billion in cybercrime complaints. The figures included a 22% increase in monetary losses and a 10% rise in the number of complaints made. Cybercrime is hard to quantify in many ways, though. Aggregated figures showcase the total damage it can do, but that says nothing about the personal loss a successful phishing attack or Social Security number theft brings to your life, finances, and more. The harsh reality is that many tools cybercriminals use to access sensitive information (and thereby steal identity documents, money, or other assets) are simple and therefore relatively easy to thwart. Sophisticated attacks are part of their playbook, but in many cases the easiest approach is the best approach. No matter where a cybercriminal lands on this scale, if you're targeted, these 10 mistakes can make their job a whole lot easier. Shoring up these areas can therefore help you defend yourself against incursion with far greater success. Gatekeeping your critical information with quality passwords is a key feature in any good cybersecurity regimen. Strong passwords that include capital letters, symbols, and broken up words — if any complete words at all — can help make it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to your credentials. This is a feature of internet usage that virtually everyone knows, and plenty of online systems force users to introduce these kinds of security measures into their profiles as they set up accounts. Even so, around 13% of Americans use the same password for every online account they set up, and 44% of users rarely change their passwords (although about a third of internet users engage in monthly refreshes). The revolving door of alarming statistics surrounding password strength and a lackadaisical approach to securing online resources is never ending. Failing to incorporate strength-building features into your passwords makes them immensely simple to crack, and opting not to change passwords until prompted is a great way to find yourself as the victim of a cyberattack. The worst thing you can do with password management, however, is the singular use phenomenon. If a criminal gains access to a single online resource you own, they can move from account to account, accessing potentially every online tool you manage. Credit card accounts, bank logins, and investment portfolios are just the start here. Software updates are a nuisance at the best of times. A study from Carnegie Mellon University published in 2020 found that while installing an update as soon as it's released is the most optimal decision for protecting your security, participants only installed security updates 54% of the time (and 65% of those updates were delayed). Plenty of reasons contribute to users' hesitancy to install security patches and other updates when they're released. For one thing, updates have come to represent little tweaks to the user experience (subtle font changes, moved features, and sizing adjustments, for instance) that make the device feel less familiar. Kaspersky found that more than half of respondents to its survey noted a preference to wait and see if issues are reported after an update is released, while 50% also admitted to hitting "remind me later" and simply forgetting about the task as a result of their busy lifestyle. No matter your reasoning, delaying a crucial security update leaves you vulnerable to attack. These installations help shore up found problem areas in the software of your phone, tablet, or computer (among other devices). Installing updates is a routine part of any digital tool's life cycle, and delaying or opting not to integrate updated software entirely is a great way to put yourself at risk. This is a simple practice that everyone can bring into their device management routine, and it's one that can make a big difference moving forward. Backing up your digital information may not sound terribly important. Your computer probably isn't going to fail today, tomorrow, or next year, but all hardware fails eventually — often years down the line, but sometimes far sooner. There's no predicting a hard drive's long term functionality, and once a computer bites the dust it will take a professional to extract the key pieces of data that you decided not to save elsewhere, assuming that they can actually access the drive at all — it's not always possible. Backing up your data allows you to rest assured that a failure in your system won't massively impact your present and future needs. In the same way that you save your work intermittently when writing a paper for class or strive to reach a checkpoint in a video game, a data backup functions as a waypoint for retaining access to your critical information. Having a data backup isn't just about eliminating failure issues, though. Beginning in May 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attacks locked users out of roughly 230,000 computers around the world, demanding payment in Bitcoin before owners could get access to their data again. It's unclear whether those who paid the ransom were granted access to their systems, but what is certain is that a compartmented backup of your computer would allow you to simply ignore these threats, albeit through gritted teeth and a healthy dose of anger over the loss of your device. Phishing threats are far more widespread, nuanced, and dangerous than you may expect. There's even a subset of phishing attacks known as whaling because they target high value assets specifically (like corporate CEOs and senior executives or extremely wealthy individuals). In its simplest form, phishing involves unsolicited contact designed to extract some kind of sensitive data from you. You might receive a text from an unknown number or one disguised as a bank, a delivery company in your area, or a phone provider (sometimes these attacks are known as smishing ). Cybercriminals using phishing techniques are looking for a response. They might send you a link and seek to get respondents to click on it, taking them to a page of their own design that will try to capture card numbers or other sensitive details. Following these links can also expose you to secretive downloads that place malware on your system, giving the hacker access to your device. Phishing threats account for a huge volume of cybercrime today, it's the most common format and estimates suggest that 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent on a daily basis. The aim is to make off with login credentials and other details that can be used for more expansive criminal activity. By underestimating the sophistication and lengths that phishing attackers can and will go to, you make yourself vulnerable to their clandestine approaches. Part of the power that phishing has over victims is the enticing links they send. Perhaps it appears to be a juicy news story about some hot topic, or a call to action that threatens negative implications for your bank account or investment portfolio. Clicking on links that you don't fully understand or can't trust is a recipe for pain later on. Another key link feature to keep in mind is the difference between long and short links. Link shortening is a legitimate practice that helps tidy up URL components, but it can also be used to hide a malicious website in a seemingly safe and trustworthy link. The best practice for browsing the web is to always be suspicious of links that bring you anywhere you don't have a decent preconceived notion of. On the computer, if you hover your mouse over linked text it will show the link address down in the bottom corner of the browser. For instance, this article on our site about every major web browser will show up with a link beginning with the website's name. If for some reason it appeared to be directing you to a short link with just a few letters, you would be right to raise your ears a little. Taking care when following links, either in communications sent directly to you or on the internet, is a great way to ensure that you aren't exposing yourself unnecessarily to online threats. Working while on the go is a staple of the contemporary digital life, and public Wi-Fi is a big part of that. Whether you're a coffee shop writer or a sales executive who frequently flies or takes the train while compiling slides for your next presentation, working outside the office allows you to tap into inspiration wherever it might be found. However, there's a shady side to the realm of public Wi-Fi that users simply can't ignore. Because of its widespread rollout, internet users expect to see public networks in all manner of businesses, from McDonald's restaurants to department stores. Sophisticated cybercriminals prey on this expectation, and have been known to occasionally set up their own networks in coffee shops and other areas near a business that mirrors the basic layout of the commercial enterprise. If you sit down in Ted's Coffee House and see a Wi-Fi network called "Ted's Coffee," you'd be forgiven in simply assuming that the business set it up to give customers a nice additional feature. But you can't be sure that a scammer isn't behind the scenes, infecting every connected device with malware and creeping into the data contained within. If you are going to connect to a public network, try to only do so when the connection is encrypted or use a VPN to help create a bit of additional security for your system. More importantly, never use a public network to transmit sensitive data or log into an account that houses important files or information (especially if you're a single-password adherent!). Bringing news, information, and connection right to your fingertips and allowing you to pay for goods without carrying your wallet, the modern smartphone is a technical marvel. But all that technological goodness means nothing if it's not secured. While your home might sport a shared computer, the phones in your home are likely only serving individual people. You set up widgets and apps on your phone that adhere to your lifestyle needs and entertainment interests. Included in this layout is a bevy of personal applications and saved passwords that connect users seamlessly to things like their bank accounts, email folders, and workplace data. All kinds of important information is hidden within your mobile device. And if you don't secure the tool with a password, PIN code, or pattern passcode then it's ripe for the picking. If a criminal can lift your phone from a table, purse, or pocket, they have access to every bit of your sensitive data without having to do any additional work. Considering how much information is stored on cell phones today, it's no wonder why criminals target them so often. Using lock screen protection tools helps secure your personal information behind an additional wall that's typically quite difficult to crack. The webcam hack is a well-known trope in movies and television these days. Nobody will be surprised anymore to hear that hackers can gain access to a computer's camera and snoop on the activities of the person sitting in front of it (even if they don't think it's happening to them). That's why many computers built today introduce a rudimentary privacy screen into the camera's housing. Closing the physical door to the lens means that even if a hacker were able to break into your computer and turn your camera on, they won't be able see what's going on in your home. But a concrete barrier to viewing isn't the end all be all, far from it. video snooping isn't surprising, but some users might be shocked to find that even if the camera isn't actively transmitting video, it can still capture audio and send it elsewhere. Cybercriminals can therefore tap into the microphone of your computer and listen for key conversations. You might call out your credit card number to your partner when booking flights or share key insights into your life that make their way into security questions on your banking app (perhaps the name of your first pet). Disabling your microphone when it's not actively being used, and knowing that it can be accessed remotely by hackers in the first place will put you a step ahead when it comes to shoring up cybersecurity concerns in your digital life. Two-step verification is the process of layering up cybersecurity protection with practices that will (ideally) force you to use two separate devices to log into sensitive accounts. When signing in somewhere, the two-step process forces you to retrieve a code and plug it into the system. Often, this will be in the form of an email or text message, but using code generator tools can also play a role here. The basic premise holds that requiring access to another account or device in order to attain authorization to log in means that cybercriminals who have breached some aspect of your digital life (but crucially, not all of it) can't continue to weasel their way through your online accounts. Google notes that two-step verification procedures can eliminate "100% of automated bot attacks," while shoring up your protections across the board. Many people might opt to skip two-step verification tool because they add a hurdle to the process of logging in to sites and accounts that they frequent. It can be a hassle to always need to retrieve a code to get into your banking profile or log into a workplace email account. But the use of this system can massively reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime, and it's worth the extra step. Last but certainly no less pernicious, is the false belief that cybersecurity breaches and data insecurity on the whole is only an issue of large magnitude. You may think hackers only target large corporations to steal long lists of client information, but they also target thousands of consumers through phishing schemes to gain access to intimately personal and very important details. Small attacks happen every day, too, and can be just as damaging to you. If you're only on the lookout for big ticket items, you're bound to miss the smaller breaches that come your way and can inflict their own damage and pain. There's a tendency to think that only major breaches are worth protecting yourself against. In the personal sphere, this might be akin to the mindset that your bank account requires added security, by Facebook or Twitter profiles don't need this extra layer of protection. The reality is that our digital lives are messy, complicated, and overlapping. Information found in one corner of your digital identity can assist in the capture of resources elsewhere. You may have sent a picture of your credit card to a family member to use in buying something online, or shared a password in a direct message on Instagram with someone you were collaborating with. All your interactions add up, and a breach somewhere can easily transform into one that affects everything. Getting out of this mindset is critical for protecting your personal information.Donald Trump on Saturday sided with Elon Musk, a key supporter and billionaire tech CEO, in a public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the program for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his supporters. Trump’s remarks followed a series of social media posts from Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX , who vowed late Friday to go to “war” to defend the visa program for foreign tech workers. Trump, who moved to limit the visa’s use during his first presidency, told the New York Post on Saturday he was likewise in favor of the visa program. “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” he was quoted as saying. Musk, a naturalized US citizen born in South Africa, has held an H-1B visa, and his electric-car company Tesla obtained 724 of the visas this year. H-1B visas are typically for three-year periods, though holders can extend them or apply for green cards. The altercation was set off earlier this week by far-right activists who criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, to be an adviser on artificial intelligence, saying he would have influence on the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Musk’s tweet was directed at Trump’s supporters and immigration hard-liners who have increasingly pushed for the H-1B visa program to be scrapped amid a heated debate over immigration and the place of skilled immigrants and foreign workers brought into the country on work visas. On Friday, Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump confidante, critiqued “big tech oligarchs” for supporting the H-1B program and cast immigration as a threat to western civilization. In response, Musk and many other tech billionaires drew a line between what they view as legal immigration and illegal immigration. Trump has promised to deport all immigrants who are in the US illegally, deploy tariffs to help create more jobs for American citizens and severely restrict immigration. The visa issue highlights how tech leaders like Musk – who has taken an important role in the presidential transition, advising on key personnel and policy areas – are now drawing scrutiny from his base. The US tech industry relies on the government’s H-1B visa program to hire foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labor force that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens. Musk spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars helping Trump get elected in November. He has posted regularly this week about the lack of homegrown talent to fill all the needed positions within American tech companies.
With a new year ahead and the holiday fanfare behind, this is a great time to set money goals, especially if you recently spent a lot on gifts and travel and want to get your finances in shape. You’d be in good company, too — according to a January 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center, of the 30% of Americans who made at least one New Year’s resolution, 61% had a goal that was money-related. Right now, you may be highly motivated to solve every single one of your money issues in the next few months, but daily life is guaranteed to get in the way. Your financial to-do list, once so full of promise, can eventually get stuffed in the back of a drawer while you manage more pressing matters. The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions go unfulfilled. So how can you improve your odds of success? It comes down to accepting that you won’t have the time or energy to complete every task to perfection. Creating a system where you can prioritize, plan ahead and hold yourself accountable can help. Many start by setting a goal to trim frivolous costs, which can certainly be helpful, but there are other ways to make a big difference. Taylor Schult — a certified financial planner and founder of Define Financial, an advisory firm in San Diego — recommends starting with a few overlooked financial tasks. Freezing your credit is a quick, easy way to guard yourself against identity theft. It’s free to do, and you can temporarily lift the freeze when you’re applying for a loan or credit card. Schulte also suggests looking into umbrella insurance , which offers additional coverage beyond what your auto, homeowners and other insurance policies provide. This coverage can spare you from massive out-of-pocket costs in the event you get sued. Basic estate planning, including creating a will, is another thing to put high on your list. Putting off this task can create a major headache for your loved ones if something happens to you unexpectedly. “I know it’s a pain point and it’s often kicked down the road,” Schulte says. Paying attention to your spending is always important, but don’t neglect taking steps to protect your money, yourself and your loved ones. So many money goals are born out of social pressure. You “should” want to save up to own a home, even if you’re happily renting. You “should” sacrifice short-term needs and wants to stash away as much as possible for retirement, even though it leaves you feeling deprived. But money goals should be tied to the things that matter most to you. If they aren’t, you’ll quickly lose interest. “If you don’t know what goals to choose, go back to your values and have them guide the goals you set,” says Eric Roberge, a certified financial planner and founder of Beyond Your Hammock, a financial advisory firm in Boston. You can combine goal-setting with a little planning, so expenses are less likely to creep up on you throughout the year. Think about what expected costs will be coming up in the next six to 12 months, like recurring bills, vacations, anticipated home or car repairs, and other expenses. This approach allows you to set money aside each month to put toward planned costs, as well as longer-term goals. Forgetting your goals can be far too easy, so to make something stick, write it down . It can be as simple as a handwritten list you keep on the fridge, or online calendar reminders that will nudge you every so often. For time-sensitive goals, set deadlines. One tactic is to make multiple lists based on what you need to complete within the next week, month or three months. As time passes and you check off items, you can update the list. Enlist others’ help, too. Weekly or monthly household money meetings are useful if you’re completing financial tasks as a group. Or share your goals with a trusted friend or family member who can serve as an accountability partner. Looping in loved ones can help keep you on track. “We don’t mind letting ourselves down,” Schulte says. “But we hate to let other people down.” It’s easy to get stuck in decision-making mode when trying to pick a high-yield savings account, credit card or possible investments, but eventually, you need to make a good-enough choice . Taking action now can have more of a positive effect on your life than waiting until you’ve painstakingly considered each option. Roberge says that though he’d prefer to optimize every financial decision, he doesn’t because if he did, he wouldn’t get things done. “Everything in moderation is one of the things that I live by,” he says. “Going to extremes in any one thing, at the detriment of other things that are important, doesn’t work long-term.” More From NerdWallet Boost Your Credit Card Rewards This Holiday With a Few Extra Clicks Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step Should You Donate Your Points and Miles to Charity? Sara Rathner writes for NerdWallet. Email: srathner@nerdwallet.com . Twitter: @sarakrathner. The article Got Money Goals for the New Year? Stay on Track With These Tips originally appeared on NerdWallet.CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH FOR NCAA STUDENT-ATHLETES: LG ELECTRONICS CONCLUDES 3RD SEASON OF 'TRANSPARENT CONVERSATIONS' PODCAST
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AP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:20 p.m. ESTPortland and Falmouth took home gold footballs Saturday after posting state championship victories at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. In the Class A game, Portland quarterback Louis Thurston ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more to help the Bulldogs overpower Thornton Academy of Saco 35-14. The win avenged last year’s loss to the Trojans in the title game. Portland finished the season with a 10-2 record. Thornton, playing in its sixth consecutive Class A championship, finished 9-3. Trailing 7-6 in the third quarter, Portland’s offense ignited behind Thurston, who finished with 119 rushing yards on 13 carries and 126 passing yards, according to the Portland Press Herald . It started with an 81-yard touchdown run by Thurston. He then completed a pass for the 2-point PAT to give the Bulldogs a 14-7 lead. On Portland’s next possession, Thurston completed a 64-yard TD pass to Aidan McGowan. After Portland recovered an onside kick, Thurston tossed a TD pass to Cordell Jones to make it 28-7. The teams traded touchdowns to account for the final. Thornton Academy was led by Mauricio Sunderland, who had a 21-yard TD run and gained 115 yards. In the Class B game, Falmouth’s Indi Backman and Gio Guerrette ran for touchdowns and quarterback Tres Walker threw for a score to lead the Navigators to a 26-13 victory over Kennebunk. Falmouth finished the season 11-0 with the victory which marked its first state title. Defending state champion Kennebunk finished 10-1. Falmouth jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half only to see Kennebunk lineman Calvin Johnson intercept a Walker pass and return it 15 yards for a touchdown to pull the Rams within 14-6, according to Centralmaine.com Peter Kearns of Falmouth kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 17-6 at halftime. Kearns punctuated a Falmouth drive by kicking another 35-yard field goal to start the second half making it 20-6. Kennebunk’s Jaiden Homa returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown to pull the Rams within 20-13. But Falmouth countered when Guerrette scored on an 80-yard run to give the Navigators a 26-13 lead.The J. M. Smucker Company Announces Pricing for Cash Tender Offers
Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of US economy's health WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers stepped up their spending at retail stores last month, providing a boost to the economy in the early phases of the winter holiday shopping season. Retail sales rose 0.7% in November, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, a solid increase and higher than October’s 0.5% gain. The boost in spending underscores that the economy is still growing at a healthy pace even with higher interest rates, a trend that could cause the Federal Reserve to lower borrowing costs more slowly next year than they have previously signaled. Tuesday’s report arrives just a day before the Fed is set to announce its latest rate decision Wednesday. Americans end 2024 with grim economic outlook, but Republicans are optimistic for 2025: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that Democrats are feeling more pessimistic about the U.S. economy after Donald Trump's victory. Republicans, meanwhile, are still dour about the current state of the economy but hopeful that growth will be stronger next year when Trump returns to the White House as president. The latest survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research suggests that some Americans are evaluating the economy more by who holds political power than on what the underlying trends suggest. This was a persistent challenge for President Joe Biden and raises the possibility that Trump might also struggle to translate his economic ideas into political wins. Energy chief Granholm warns against 'unfettered exports' of liquefied natural gas WASHINGTON (AP) — Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says the incoming Trump administration should proceed cautiously as it considers proposals for new natural gas export terminals. Granholm warns that “unfettered exports” of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, could raise wholesale domestic prices by more than 30% and increase planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Granholm’s statement Tuesday came as the Energy Department released a long-awaited study on the environmental and economic impacts of natural gas exports, which have grown exponentially in the past decade. The analysis found that U.S. LNG shipments drive up domestic prices and could lead to higher global carbon emissions. Biden calls for ban on congressional stock trading WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has endorsed a ban on congressional stock trading in an interview that’s being released this week. It's the first time he's publicly backed the idea. He made the comments to Faiz Shakir, a political adviser for Sen. Bernie Sanders. Shakir interviewed the Democratic president for A More Perfect Union, a pro-labor advocacy and journalism organization. The Associated Press reviewed a video of the interview before its release. A bipartisan proposal to ban trading by members of Congress and their families has dozens of sponsors, but it has not received a vote. What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump? NEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. The tech list includes Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. Meanwhile, the list of what the executives may be hoping for includes an open path toward developing artificial intelligence, easier access to energy for data centers and an easing of antitrust enforcement. Trump sues Des Moines Register, pollster for 'election interference' after inaccurate poll President-elect Donald Trump is accusing the Des Moines Register newspaper and its pollster of “brazen election interference” for publishing a poll the weekend before the election that showed Democrat Kamala Harris was leading by three percentage points in the midwestern state. Pollster J. Ann Selzer's survey was considered a real surprise at the time — and Trump wound up winning Iowa by more than 13 points. The Register called the lawsuit meritless and said it stands by its reporting. It continues a campaign against the media by the president-elect, who this past weekend won a settlement in a defamation lawsuit against ABC. Federal Reserve is likely to slow its rate cuts with inflation pressures still elevated WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping for lower borrowing costs for homes, credit cards and cars may be disappointed after this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. The Fed’s policymakers are likely to signal fewer interest rate cuts next year than were previously expected. The officials are set to reduce their benchmark rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, by a quarter-point to about 4.3% when their meeting ends Wednesday. The problem is that while inflation has dropped far below its peak of 9.1% in mid-2022, it remains stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% target. Why is tech giant SoftBank investing over $100 billion in the US? BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son has joined President-elect Donald Trump in announcing plans by technology and telecoms giant SoftBank Group to invest $100 billion in projects in the United States. Trump said the investments would create 100,000 jobs over four years, twice what Son promised when he pledged $50 billion in U.S. investments in 2016. Son is known for making bold choices, sometimes paying big and sometimes not. SoftBank has investments in dozens of Silicon Valley startups, big companies like semiconductor maker Arm and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. The stock market rally and craze for AI has boosted the value of its assets, but some question if its investments will create that many jobs. Business owners should not forget anti-money laundering rule currently in legal limbo Small business owners should not forget about a rule that requires them to register with an agency called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1. The registration is part of the Corporate Transparency Act passed in 2021. Registering isn’t difficult, but if a small business owner is unaware of the requirement, they could be slapped with penalties of up to $10,000. For now, the rule is in legal limbo. On Dec. 3 a federal court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting enforcement of the rule. Stellantis pledges invest $2.1 million in Italian production in 2025 during talks with government MILAN (AP) — The Stellantis automaker has pledged to invest 2 billion euros or $2.1 billion in Italian production next year and spend another 6 billion euros or $6.3 billion in the supply chain. The head of European operations for the world's fifth-largest carmaker made the pledge during a meeting with Italian ministers, regional officials and unions following the forced resignation of former CEO Carlos Tavares earlier this month. The Italian government was seeking reassurances of Stellantis' commitment to Italy.
Anna Gross in London Your guide to what the 2024 US election means for Washington and the world Nigel Farage said on Tuesday that Elon Musk was giving “serious thought” to providing a donation to his Reform UK party, as it seeks to bolster ties with president-elect Donald Trump. Farage had a one-hour meeting with the technology billionaire and Reform UK’s new treasurer Nick Candy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Monday, the party said in a statement. “Money was discussed. We are in negotiations about whether he can help,” Farage said. “He is motivated enough by what’s going on in Britain to give serious thought to giving money.” Musk is set to co-lead a new so-called Department of Government Efficiency and appears to have become deeply involved in Trump’s transition team, holding meetings with world leaders. Former minister Peter Mandelson, who is in the running to become the next ambassador to the US, has previously urged the UK to use Farage to foster closer ties with Musk, in the face of the billionaire’s criticisms of Sir Keir Starmer’s government and concerns the X boss could undermine official diplomatic channels between the two nations. Musk, who also leads Tesla and SpaceX, denied a report earlier this month that he was preparing to give a $100mn donation to Farage’s party, though the meeting came after Candy promised to turbo-charge the organisation’s fundraising operations. Farage is trying to transform his political start-up — which won five seats in July’s general election — into a credible vehicle for power by building a ground campaign in areas where the party already has significant support. These include swaths of northern and eastern England, as well as Wales. The party came second in 98 seats at the UK election, of which 89 were won by Labour. The party now has more than 100,000 members, but bringing in more money from donors will be crucial to bolstering its electoral chances. “We learned a great deal about the Trump ground game and will have ongoing discussions on other areas,” Farage and Candy said in a joint statement. “We only have one more chance left to save the west and we can do great things together.” Candy, a former Tory donor, announced he was joining the party as treasurer last week, and vowed to give at least £1mn of his own money to Reform and raise “tens of millions” more. Recommended When Farage posted on X earlier this month that the party was “building a winning team to change British politics forever”, Musk responded: “When is the first electoral opportunity?” Farage is hoping Reform will make significant inroads at local elections in May when he believes it will be able to win several hundred council seats and at least one mayoralty. The party has been buoyed in recent weeks by several high-profile defections from the Conservative party, including former Tory MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns who will run to become mayor of Greater Lincolnshire; Tim Montgomerie, founder of the Conservative Home website; and Rael Braverman, the husband of former home secretary and sitting Tory MP Suella Braverman. Farage met Musk for the first time in October when he was introduced by Trump, and told the Financial Times that he was impressed by the Tesla chief’s “incredible knowledge” about the UK, “even on farmers and inheritance tax”. Elon Musk has been approached for comment.How to watch Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State: TV channel, streaming info
AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:50 p.m. ESTFull CircleThe Americas Trailer Previews Tom Hanks-Narrated Nature Docuseries
Clara Strack and Georgia Amoore each scored 21 points on Saturday to help No. 16 Kentucky beat visiting Western Kentucky 88-70 in Lexington. Teonni Key netted 15 points, Amelia Hassett paired nine points with 12 rebounds and Saniah Tyler scored 11 off the bench for the Wildcats (11-1), who won their fourth straight game. The Lady Toppers (9-3) got 18 points from Alexis Mead, 14 from Acacia Hayes, 11 from Destiny Salary and 10 from Josie Gilvin. Western Kentucky has lost three of five following a 7-0 start. Kentucky used a 9-0 run in the second quarter to take a double-digit lead that it held for the rest of the game. Strack bookended the surge with a layup and a 3-pointer that pushed the hosts ahead 36-22 with 1:01 remaining in the first half. The Wildcats' lead peaked at 23 points after Amoore scored five straight late in the fourth quarter to make it 88-65. Saturday marked the final nonconference game for both teams this season. Kentucky hosts Mississippi State to begin Southeastern Conference play on Thursday, while Western Kentucky starts its Conference USA slate by hosting Liberty the same night. --Field Level Media
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Costco is battling an anti-DEI wave with a stern rebuke to activist shareholders looking to end the warehouse retailer’s diversity ambitions. Walmart, John Deere, Tractor Supply and other companies are changing or walking away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. But Costco believes DEI helps its “treasure hunt” shopping atmosphere, and it is standing behind its efforts. Costco’s board of directors unanimously recommended that its shareholders vote against a proposal brought by a conservative think tank, the National Center for Public Policy Research, that would require Costco to evaluate and issue a report on the financial risks of maintaining its diversity and inclusion goals. The group criticized Costco for possible “illegal discrimination” against employees who are “white, Asian, male or straight.” The National Center for Public Policy Research did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment. Costco has a chief diversity officer and a supplier program that focuses on expanding with small and diverse businesses. It also donates to organizations like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that serve minorities and underrepresented groups. Costco said its DEI efforts help the company attract and retain a wide range of employees and improve merchandise and services in stores. Costco also said its members want to interact with a diverse employee base. “Among other things, a diverse group of employees helps bring originality and creativity to our merchandise offerings, promoting the ‘treasure hunt’ that our customers value,” Costco said in its proxy statement to investors. “We believe (and member feedback shows) that many of our members like to see themselves reflected in the people in our warehouses with whom they interact.” The board went further in its recommendation to vote against the proposal, saying the think tank is masking its true anti-diversity agenda under the guise of reducing risk. Costco said the NCPPR is inflicting burdens on companies with challenges to DEI and the organization’s broader agenda is to abolish diversity initiatives. “The proponent professes concern about legal and financial risks to the company and its shareholders associated with the diversity initiatives,” the company said. “The supporting statement demonstrates that it is the proponent and others that are responsible for inflicting burdens on companies with their challenges to longstanding diversity programs. The proponent’s broader agenda is not reducing risk for the company but abolition of diversity initiatives.” Costco released its proxy earlier this month, but the statement gained attention on social media this week. There’s no single definition of DEI, but it’s generally a mix of employee training, employee resource networks and recruiting practices to advance representation of people of different races, genders and classes, people with disabilities, veterans and others. The shareholder resolution contends that Costco’s DEI practices are potentially discriminatory. But Costco said its policies are legal and non-discriminatory. Costco, which pays some of the highest wages in retail and is considered a progressive employer, is backing DEI at a moment when such initiatives are under attack from right-wing activists, legal groups, conservative customers and President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Most companies are not abandoning DEI entirely, but some are modifying terminology from “DEI” to “inclusion” or “belonging” in an attempt to fend off pressure. Companies are also advertising their efforts less prominently than they were in 2020 and 2021.The United States is expected to announce that it will send 1.25 billion dollars (£1 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine, US officials said on Friday, as the Biden administration pushes to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on January 20. The large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the Hawk air defence system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defence officials acknowledged that the US Defence Department may not be able to send all of the remaining 5.6 billion dollars (£4.5 billion) in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. Mr Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, and spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many US and European leaders are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine and they worry that he will not provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The aid in the new package is in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine. This latest assistance would reduce the remaining amount to about 4.35 billion dollars (£3.46 billion). One senior defence official said that while the US will continue to provide weapons to Ukraine until January 20, there may well be funds remaining that will be available for the incoming Trump administration to spend. According to the Pentagon, there is also about 1.2 billion dollars (£0.9 billion) remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more. Officials have said the administration anticipates releasing all of that money before the end of the calendar year. If the new package is included, the US will have provided more than 64 billion dollars (£50.8 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.‘Loyal’ Beatrice & Eugenie’s concerns for dad Prince Andrew revealed as rota made to visit him at 30-bedroom Royal Lodge
OTTAWA — Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada’s hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country’s under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. “You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?” Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. “Is that how this works?” That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. “We’re certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. “We’ve got to be really careful.” Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. “We played really, really hard,” Anholt said in defending his players. “We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game.” Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year’s Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia’s net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. “Tough blow for the kid,” Anholt said. “The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed.” Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday’s ugly result in the nation’s capital. “We’re good,” said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. “Everyone’s lost a hockey game before.” But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. “Bit of a (crappy) feeling,” said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. “We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. “We’ll bounce back.” Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team’s overall roster construction. “We’re not really worried about it,” defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year’s team, said of the outside noise. “We know we didn’t play well.” Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there’s a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Great player,” Cowan said. “He finds ways.” Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. “Let’s not panic,” he said. “The world hasn’t fallen in. It’s hard, but we’ll learn from it.” It’s something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. “People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you,” said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. “Gotta keep doing you.” Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn’t getting 2024 vibes from this year’s group. “Not even in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We’ve just got to take care of business.” They get a first shot at redemption Sunday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian PressWomen must be given adequate space in politics and the freedom to express their opinions without falling victim to rumours or mob justice on social media, speakers said at an event yesterday. The event, titled "Unmasking Violence: Combating Misinformation, Disinformation, and Cyberbullying", was jointly organised by USAID and Dhaka Tribune as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign at the capital's Krishibid Institution Bangladesh Auditorium. Umama Fatema, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement, talked about the online harassment faced by female students and mothers who were at the forefront of recent mass protests. "They have been subjected to derogatory comments about their clothing, behaviour, and speech on social media. The political space is already underserved for women, and the politics of misinformation and rumours has made the situation worse," she said. Barrister Mitin Sanjana, a Supreme Court lawyer and researcher, criticised the inadequacies in Bangladesh's cyber security laws. "Girls are particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying, yet only one in 100 victims seek legal help. Often, police dismiss these cases as minor, while instances of victim-blaming and character assassination remain rampant, with no legal protection against such actions. The laws require urgent reform," she said. Sirazum Munira, former lead member of the Grassroot Network of the Youth Policy Forum, said 89 percent of cyberbullying victims in Bangladesh are aged between 18 and 30, with 73.4 percent not seeking legal action. She identified deepfake and generative AI technologies, lack of digital literacy, and insufficient fact-checking infrastructure as significant challenges. "Pornography, offensive messages, and derogatory statements dominate crimes against women," she added. Maliha Tabassum, faculty member of Bangladesh University of Professionals, pointed out that while urban youth are aware of AI, teens at the grassroot level lack digital literacy and often overlook online harassment, enabling perpetrators. "We need to raise awareness at the personal level," she urged. Poet and activist Ferdous Ara Rumi linked social media misuse to child marriage. "In villages, the threat of 'making it viral' is commonly used. Families, fearing social disgrace, often resort to child marriage to protect their reputation," she said. Troy Beckman, USAID's director of communications, said the youth should play a major role in addressing digital harassment. "Young people are the driving force for change in Bangladesh and must take action against this issue," he said. Reaz Ahmed, executive editor of Dhaka Tribune, said national progress depends on addressing the issues faced by women. "Following the July Revolution, tackling violence against women, particularly through combatting misinformation and disinformation, is essential," he said. The event called for stronger legislation, enhanced digital literacy, and collective action to ensure safer spaces for women both online and offline.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Princely Umanmielen's return to the Swamp ended with a police escort . Umanmielen, who spent three years at Florida before transferring to Ole Miss, left the stadium with a number of officers surrounding him. And the defensive end still tried to get at heckling fans. It started when Umanmielen left the sideline in the waning seconds of a 24-17 loss to the Gators . He was walking toward the visiting locker room when at least one fan yelled at him from the stands. Umanmielen clearly didn't like what he heard and made his way toward the seats. Officers quickly stepped in and escorted Umanmielen back toward the locker room. They then walked him directly to the team's waiting busses, but more fans were in the path and shouted at him again. Umanmielen turned and started toward the fans before officers stepped in and stopped him. It was the latest bit of oddness for Umanmielen, who wore an orange Gators ski mask through Ole Miss' practice facility late in the week. He finished the game with seven tackles, including a sack. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballTwo Red Sox received AL MVP votes for impressive 2024 showings | Sporting News
