Should AI be used to resurrect extinct species like the Neanderthal? | Mohammad HosseiniThis year’s Citizen of the West raised more than $100 million for charity (and trained the Broncos mascot)
WASHINGTON — A top White House official said Wednesday at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations were impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. FILE - The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, in Zhangjiakou, China, on Feb. 2, 2022. A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) Kiichiro Sato Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. People are also reading... The U.S. believes the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” US officials recommend encrypted messaging apps amid "Salt Typhoon" cyberattack, attributed to China, targeting AT&T, Verizon, and others. Straight Arrow News The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. FBI tells telecom firms to boost security following wide-ranging Chinese hacking campaign The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Trump's pick to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel was allegedly the target of cyberattack attempt by Iranian-backed hackers. Straight Arrow News Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online. 5 tips for protecting your phone while traveling abroad 5 tips for protecting your phone while traveling abroad Picture this: You're on vacation in a city abroad, exploring museums, tasting the local cuisine, and people-watching at cafés. Everything is going perfectly until you get a series of alerts on your phone. Someone is making fraudulent charges using your credit card, sending you into a panic. How could this have happened? Cyberattacks targeting travelers are nothing new. But as travel has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, so has the volume of hackers and cybercriminals preying upon tourists. Financial fraud is the most common form of cybercrime experienced by travelers, but surveillance via public Wi-Fi networks, social media hacking, and phishing scams are also common, according to a survey by ExpressVPN . Spokeo consulted cybersecurity sources and travel guides to determine some of the best ways to protect your phone while traveling, from using a VPN to managing secure passwords. Online attacks are not the only type of crime impacting travelers—physical theft of phones is also a threat. Phones have become such invaluable travel aids, housing our navigation tools, digital wallets, itineraries, and contacts, that having your phone stolen, lost, or compromised while abroad can be devastating. Meanwhile, traveling can make people uniquely vulnerable to both cyber and physical attacks due to common pitfalls like oversharing on social media and letting your guard down when it comes to taking risks online. Luckily, there are numerous precautions travelers can take to safeguard against cyberattacks and phone theft. TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP // Getty Images Use a VPN Hackers can—and do—target public Wi-Fi networks at cafés and hotels to gain access to your personal information or install malware onto your device, particularly on unsecured networks. Travelers are especially vulnerable to these types of cybersecurity breaches because they are often more reliant on public Wi-Fi than they would be in their home countries where they have more robust phone plans. This reliance on public, unsecured networks means travelers are more likely to use those networks to perform sensitive tasks like financial transfers, meaning hackers can easily gain access to banking information or other passwords. One easy way to safeguard yourself against these breaches is to use a virtual private network, or VPN, while traveling. VPNs are apps that encrypt your data and hide your location, preventing hackers from accessing personal information. An added bonus is that VPNs allow you to access websites that may be blocked or unavailable in the country you are visiting. To use a VPN, simply download a VPN app on your phone or computer, create an account, choose a server, and connect. Robert Nickelsberg // Getty Images Wear a cross-body bag or antitheft strap Pickpockets, scammers, and flagrant, snatch-your-phone-right-out-of-your-hand thieves can be found pretty much everywhere. In London, for instance, a staggering 91,000 phones were reported stolen to police in 2022 , breaking down to an average of 248 per day, according to the BBC. Whether you're visiting a crowded tourist attraction or just want peace of mind, travel experts advise taking precautions to make sure your phone isn't physically stolen or compromised while traveling. There are several antitheft options to choose from. If you want a bag that will protect your phone from theft, experts recommend looking for features like slash-resistant fabric, reinforced shoulder straps, hidden zippers that can be locked, and secure attachment points, like a cross-body strap or a sturdy clip. For tethers, look for those made of tear-resistant material with a reinforced clip or ring. Lauren DeCicca // Getty Images Back up your phone's data If your phone falls into the wrong hands, there's a good chance you won't be getting it back. Out of those 91,000 phones stolen in London in 2022, only 1,915 (or about 2%) were recovered. The good news is that you can take precautions to make the loss of your phone less devastating by backing up your data before you travel. With backed-up data, you can acquire a new device and still access your photos, contacts, messages, and passwords. Moreover, if you have "Find My Device" or "Find My Phone" enabled, you can remotely wipe your stolen phone's data so the thief cannot access it. It's safest to back up your data to a hard drive and not just the cloud. That way, if you have to wipe your device, you don't accidentally erase the backup, too. Mike_shots // Shutterstock Protect your passwords Strong passwords for important accounts help protect your information while you travel, but it's just a first step. The National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends creating long, unique, and complex passwords for every account and combining them with multifactor authentication to create maximum barriers to entry. If you're worried about remembering these passwords, password managers can be a vital tool for both creating and storing strong passwords. Password managers are apps that act as secure vaults for all your passwords. Some even come with a feature that allows you to temporarily delete sensitive passwords before you travel and then easily restore them once you return. Story editing by Mia Nakaji Monnier. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Spokeo and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. KT Stock photos // Shutterstock The business news you needMichail Antonio car crash: Everything we know as West Ham striker hospitalised
Is Google's Willow Processor A Threat To Bitcoin?NoneReality star Kim Kardashian suffered a major injury recently and was left requiring medical attention. The 44-year-old star has been forced to use crutches as she shared the news with her fans, reports ‘Mirror UK’. She shared a photo of her foot in a black medical boot and wrote, "F**. Broken my foot for the holidays”. As per ‘Mirror UK’, Kim didn't tell her followers how the incident happened, however, was busy celebrating her son's birthday. Saint, who she shares with ex Kanye West, turned nine and his famous mum issued a sweet message online. Kim said, “My birthday boy Saint turns 9 today. I was going through my photos and most of our pics are snuggling cuddling pics. I always wanna believe that my little man will be this snuggly forever! So cheers to one of my soulmates for being the sweetest boy. Happy birthday. I love you”. Just last week, Kim posted photos on her Instagram of herself rocking a skintight white outfit with red fishnet stockings and high heels. In the snap, Kim posed by a floor-length mirror, facing her back towards the camera and turning her head to pose. Her foot was clearly not broken in the photo, yet fans took issue with another aspect of the snap. Some followers accused the reality TV star of photoshopping her photo. Her reflection could be seen in the mirror next to her and fans claimed her bum looked different in the mirror. One user took a screen grab of the photo and shared it on Reddit, with them writing, "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. Oops! She forgot to photoshop the mirror. Reality photobombed her photoshop ph**kery”. They added: "The mirror doesn't lie”. The comment section was filled with people who shared their extreme dislike for the star. (Except for the headline, the copy is not edited by DNA staff, and is published from IANS) The DNA app is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Please download the app and share your feedback with us
Hinterland dorms to receive major upgrades – President Ali announcesTwo people on separate yachts participating in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race have died after they were each struck by a sail boom on the NSW coast. The first participant died just before midnight and the second before 2am, according to a NSW police statement. Police have not released the names of the yachts involved. The yachts jostle for position before the start of the Sydney to Hobart. Credit: Rhett Wyman / SMH The first yacht was struck by a sail boom about 11.50pm. Fellow crew members performed CPR, but they could not be revived. The yacht has altered course to Jervis Bay where it is expected to arrive about 7am. About two hours later, crew members from a second yacht were also hit by a sail boom. Officers from the Marine Area Command were informed of a second fatality in the race at 2.15am after crew members unsuccessfully performed CPR. A police vessel is escorting the second yacht to Batemans Bay. The estimated arrival time is approximately 7am. More to come Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Sydney to Hobart Tragedy Daniella Miletic is digital editor at The Age. She has been the paper's social affairs editor, food and wine writer, consumer affairs and a law and justice reporter. Email or tweet Daniella with your news tips. Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in National LoadingWhite House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign
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Libra - (23rd September to 22nd October) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, seek Balance and Harmony in All Areas Today offers Libras a chance to find balance in love, career, finances, and health. Prioritize harmony and thoughtful decision-making. Libras are encouraged to focus on achieving equilibrium across various aspects of life today. In relationships, aim for open communication. Professionally, weigh options before making decisions. Financially, consider savings opportunities. Health-wise, take steps to reduce stress and nurture well-being. Seeking balance and harmony will lead to a fulfilling day. Libra Love Horoscope Today Today is a great opportunity for Libras to focus on strengthening relationships. Whether you're single or partnered, open and honest communication can lead to deeper connections. If you're in a relationship, take some time to understand your partner’s perspective. Singles may find an interesting connection when least expected. Embrace this time to nurture existing bonds or explore new ones. Remember, patience and empathy go a long way in creating a harmonious love life. Libra Career Horoscope Today In your professional life, today is a perfect time to reflect on your career goals and assess your progress. Consider making adjustments to align with your long-term vision. Opportunities may arise that require careful evaluation, so take your time in making decisions. Collaboration with colleagues could bring about positive outcomes. Trust your instincts, but don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors if needed. Stay adaptable and open to new possibilities. Libra Money Horoscope Today Financially, it’s a good day to reassess your budget and find areas where you can save more effectively. Consider seeking professional advice if you’re thinking about investments or significant purchases. Being cautious and thoughtful with your spending will be beneficial in the long run. Look out for unexpected expenses and plan accordingly. This is a favorable time to strengthen your financial foundation and work towards long-term stability. Libra Health Horoscope Today Your health takes center stage today, Libra. It’s essential to listen to your body and address any areas of discomfort or stress. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga into your routine to maintain a balanced state of mind. Stay hydrated and ensure you’re getting enough rest to rejuvenate your energy levels. Focus on nourishing your body with healthy meals. Small changes in your daily habits can make a significant impact on your overall well-being. Libra Sign Attributes Strength: Idealist, socially presentable, Aesthetic, Charming, Artsy, Generous Weakness: Uncertain, Lazy, Non-interventionist Symbol: Scales Element: Air Body Part: Kidneys & Bladder Sign Ruler: Venus Lucky Day: Friday Lucky Color: Brown Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Stone: Diamond Libra Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Good compatibility: Aries, Libra Fair compatibility: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Less compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)Thames Water bid could see struggling firm split upHealth Canada says daily cannabis use hasn't changed much since legalization Health Canada says daily cannabis use has remained stable since it was legalized in 2018. Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press Dec 6, 2024 1:56 PM Dec 6, 2024 2:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message A woman smokes cannabis in a Toronto park on first day of legalization of cannabis across Canada on October 17, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Health Canada says daily cannabis use has remained stable since it was legalized in 2018. The federal agency released data from its annual survey on cannabis consumption Friday, showing approximately 25 per cent of respondents consumed cannabis daily, or almost daily. Overall, males were more likely to use cannabis daily or almost daily at 26 per cent compared to females at 21 per cent. Among teenagers, 20 per cent per cent reported daily or almost daily use in the last year, compared to 23 per cent in 2018. Fifty-six per cent of respondents consumed cannabis three days per month or less, compared to 55 per cent in 2018. The survey also found 72 per cent of people who reported consuming cannabis in the past 12 months bought it from a legal store or website, an increase from 37 per cent in 2019, as statistics were not available for the previous year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2024. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content. Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix Police believe the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO left NYC on a bus after the shooting Dec 6, 2024 2:01 PM Tech stocks help lift S&P/TSX Friday, U.S. stock markets mixed after jobs report Dec 6, 2024 1:50 PM BRP executive warns against overreaction to Trump tariff plan Dec 6, 2024 1:48 PM Featured Flyer
Tomasz Śmigla The second half of the year has not been an easy period for the semiconductor sector, as weakness across a range of end markets has led to rising channel inventories, weaker revenue and margins, and increased uncertainty about the recovery Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Ethereum (ETH) and Polygon (POL) Loyalists Are Betting Big on This $0.125 Token for January 2025 Profits
By JOSH DUBOW Josh Allen and Jameis Winston delivered signature performances in prime time that define their styles of play. Allen used his athleticism, creativity and a statistical quirk to become the first quarterback ever credited with a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game in Buffalo’s win over San Francisco. Winston showed off his propensity for big plays — and big blunders — when he became the first player ever to throw for at least 400 yards, four touchdowns and two pick-6s in the same game in a loss for Cleveland at Denver. It was a weekend of firsts for the two quarterbacks. It started on Dec. 1 when Allen took advantage of a peculiar rule of NFL stat-keeping to do something no quarterback had ever done. He threw a short pass to Amari Cooper, who was immediately wrapped up by two defenders. Allen alertly ran toward Cooper and signaled for the ball and Cooper obliged with a pitch. Allen then sprinted and dove in for a 7-yard touchdown on a pass he threw. That’s where the odd scoring comes in, with Cooper getting credit for a catch for minus-2 yards and Allen getting credit for 9 yards receiving, a receiving touchdown but no actual reception and a 7-yard TD pass. Allen became the second player this season to get credit for a receiving touchdown but no catch in a game, with Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs doing it following a lateral against Arizona in Week 3. It has happened only one other time in the Super Bowl era, with Allen Rice doing it in 1984 for Minnesota against Denver. Only three other players in NFL history got credit for a receiving touchdown on a pass they threw. with Marcus Mariota the most recent in the 2017 wild-card game for Tennessee against Kansas City when he caught his own deflected pass. Brad Johnson also scored when he caught his own deflected pass for Minnesota against Carolina in 1997, and Frank Ryan scored on a lateral for the Rams against Detroit in 1960. There was one other play where a player scored a TD following his own pass, according to Sportradar, with Roy Zimmerman doing it for the Eagles against the Giants in 1944 following a lateral. But under rules before 1950, Zimmerman was credited solely with a lateral touchdown. Allen later ran for a touchdown, becoming the seventh player in the Super Bowl era and first quarterback ever to get a passing, rushing and receiving TD in the same game. Winston, who created his own 30-30 club when he threw 33 TDs and 30 interceptions in 2019, had the kind of performance that has defined his high-risk, high-reward career. He threw for 497 yards with four TDs, three interceptions and two pick-6s. Winston became the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 400 yards and four TDs with two pick-6s. The Broncos had 171 yards on interception returns with the 668 yards combined on Winston’s passes setting an NFL record, according to OptaStats, topping the 664 by Vinny Testaverde for the Jets against Baltimore in 2000. Not that there was much doubt, but Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are headed back to the postseason for a 10th straight season — one shy of the longest streak ever, held by New England from 2009-19. The Chiefs are off to an 11-1 start in their bid to be the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls. Kansas City can clinch a ninth straight AFC West title with a win over the Chargers on Dec. 1. The Patriots are the only team with a longer streak, having won the division every year from 2009-19. Nine of the Chiefs’ 11 wins have come by seven points or fewer — one shy of the record set by the 1978 Houston Oilers. Kansas City’s plus-54 point differential is the worst of the 59 teams to start 11-1 or better. The Chiefs will be joined in the postseason again by the Buffalo Bills, who clinched their sixth straight playoff berth and fifth straight AFC East title. Their division-winning streak is tied for the seventh-longest streak ever, trailing only the Patriots and Chiefs, along with the Rams (1973-79), Pittsburgh (1974-79), Minnesota (1973-78) and Cleveland (1950-55). The Steelers have not clinched a playoff berth yet but are assured of not having a losing season for the record-tying 21st straight season. The only other team to do that was Dallas from 1965-85. Coach Mike Tomlin has been in charge for 18 of those seasons and has never finished with a losing record. The Chicago Bears are hoping to get the interim coach bump. Chicago fired Matt Eberflus after another late-game meltdown and promoted Thomas Brown to interim coach starting with a Dec. 8 game at San Francisco. Interim coaches have split their debuts this season, with Jeff Ulbrich losing his first game for the New York Jets and Darren Rizzi winning his debut for New Orleans. Over the last 10 seasons, teams have gotten a bump from changing coaches, with the interims going 13-11 in their first game. Those teams that fired coaches had posted a .284 winning percentage before the change. Eberflus’ tenure was one of the worst ever. He went 14-32 (.304) for the 13th-worst winning percentage ever among the 229 coaches with at least 45 games. He was at his worst in close games, with a 5-17 mark in games decided by seven points or fewer. The .227 winning percentage ranks last among the 221 coaches who have had at least 20 games decided by seven points or fewer. Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals keep scoring — and losing. The Bengals scored at least 33 points in a game for the sixth time this season on Dec. 1 but fell 44-38 to the Steelers. Cincinnati has lost four time this season when scoring 33 or more points, topping the 2017 Texans, 2002 Chiefs and 1985 Chargers for the most losses in a season when scoring that many points. Only eight quarterbacks other than Burrow have lost more than four starts in a career when their team scores at least 33 points, with former Dolphins QB Dan Marino’s eight the most. Burrow leads the NFL with 30 TD passes and 3,337 yards but the Bengals are only 4-8 thanks to a defense that has allowed 28.3 points per game. Powerful spotlights Wednesday night dance to the music on top of Jason Mills’ home at 74 Warren Road in Monmouth. The lights have prompted questions and speculation from residents miles away. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal MONMOUTH — It’s not unusual, some evenings, for people to pull to the side of the road, get out of their cars and just start dancing in the street in front of Jason Mills’ house on Warren Road. “We’ve had people out there singing at the top of their lungs, too,” says Mills, “and it’s just fun and funny. We really enjoy seeing people out there.” These spontaneous displays of singing and dancing aren’t the work of lunatics. They are among the many who stop in front of Mills’ house in the early evenings to enjoy the elaborate Christmas light show going on there. And when we say “elaborate,” we really mean it. We’re talking 18,000 LED lights flickering, flashing and kind of dancing along in exotic ways in sync with the music. We’re talking computer controlled projectors beaming images onto the windows, where exotic swirls of light move in every imaginable way. Every once in while, you’ll see the ghostly image of a guitarist jamming along to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Mills’ front door. The lights spin and throb and pulsate in such a wild variety of ways, it’s mesmerizing. The experience is almost psychedelic. It is, without question, hypnotic. Sheets of LED bulbs change with the music at Jason Mills’ home in Monmouth. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal And there are four moving spotlights atop Mills’ roof, as well. They shoot out beams of light and move every which way based on the music. The light dances playfully on whatever sky cover there happens to be that night, and people have reported seeing this phenomena as far away as Turner and Greene, Lewiston, Auburn and Poland, in some cases attributing it to UFOs or the northern lights. When it comes to his Christmas light show, Mills, an assistance chief with the Monmouth Fire Department, does not mess around. His show is carefully curated through computer software that allows him to adjust the timing of every bulb and get every flash and flicker in line with the beat of the holiday season songs on his playlist. This is not traditional Christmas decorating. The display is all encompassing. From the great spotlights on the roof to the animated Christmas trees and candy canes on the front lawn, Mills has used the latest in lighting technology to present one of the grandest displays one will find in the region. It’s a lot of work and none of it is cheap: The spotlights alone run about $1,000 apiece and the LED lights were at one time selling for about a buck a bulb. Yet, Mills has been doing this for years and his officially named Monmouth Lights show gets wilder with each new Christmas season. Jason Mills stands Wednesday night in front of his home at 74 Warren Road in Monmouth., where his ever-evolving light display is attracting people from across the region. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal “Inspiration for my light show came from a few places,” says Mills, in a way that is both modest and alive with childlike enthusiasm. “When I was a kid, my grandmother had an amazing Christmas light display every year and I see this as my way of carrying on that piece of her legacy. I am also a big fan of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and started going to their concerts around 20 years ago. The lighting at those concerts is a show of its own and, as a bit of a tech geek, it garnered my interest immediately. So in 2012 I started Monmouth Lights with a few strings of traditional Christmas lights and some controllers that I put together. I had a couple different songs each year and we would see a handful of cars each night stop by. We did that for three or four years before work got in the way.” Things went along at that tempo for a few years. Then Mills stepped things up a notch or three. “In 2019, we moved to our current house and I started looking into smart lighting options,” Mills says. “I built a few small controllers and played around with some LED strips before stumbling across some information about connecting them into a Christmas light show. That’s all it took to throw me back into the hobby and I started putting together a small show. We didn’t expect a lot of visitors, but that was 2020 and a lot of normal Christmas events and traditions weren’t happening that year, so we had more than we anticipated and we ended up causing a few traffic problems.” Mills lives on a pretty quiet stretch of Warren Road. In order for someone to cause traffic problems there, people would have to be coming from miles around to see the show. That’s exactly what happened, and the show draws even more interest these days now that it’s bigger and brighter and more intense than ever. Viewers watching the light show from their cars can tune their radios to 91.7 FM to hear the music while the lights dance. The closer Christmas gets, the more Christmas music is being added to the playlist. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal The popularity of Mills’ light show got a boost recently thanks to a bunch of threads on social media where people — including Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham — reported seeing lights in the sky in far-flung places like the wilds of Turner. Some folks thought it was Elon Musk’s Starlink they were seeing up there in the heavens. Others thought UFOs were making regular stops to the area. When it was finally sorted out, many made the drive out to lonely Warren Road to have an up-close look at Mills’ fancy display. By then, Mills already had a pretty good following. There is rarely a time between 4:30 and 9 p.m. that at least one vehicle isn’t stopped in front of his house to enjoy the show — which takes an amazing 22 minutes to cycle from start to finish before beginning all over again. Mills gets help from his wife and two daughters, both with the setup and the computer controls. “My oldest daughter is just in high school,” Mills says. “Now she’s kind of getting into computer programming and stuff, so she’s starting to learn how to program the songs so she can pick some of her favorites and make some light shows from them.” The light show at the Monmouth home of Jason Mills includes thousands of LED lights, projects, spotlights and even a collection box for families to drop off their letters to Santa. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal Mills adds new songs to the mix every week. Right now, there’s a little bit of everything in there, but as it gets closer to the holiday, Mills will switch over to Christmas music exclusively. He also gets a little help from Maine Equipment Rental, which partners with Mills and made it possible for him to work safely and with a little bit of a break on his own costs. Mills said he’s never considered asking for help from the public to pay for his setup. He does this for them and all he wants is for families viewing the show to have a good time. Families can drop off letters to Santa and watch the light show choreographed by computer to an ever-changing playlist of music. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal “We do this show for the community,” Mills says, “and there is never a charge to come and see it. We do have a Santa’s mailbox where families can drop their letters to Santa and we will get them to the North Pole. If they include a return address, we do our best to make sure they get a personal replay.” Some folks will leave donations in a box at the roadside, but Mills gives 100% of anything collected to local youth STEM and arts programs, including Monmouth VEX Robotics and the Monmouth Community Players’ kids program. The show runs nightly and Mills plans to keep the display going until the new year. Those who stop to take in the grand show can tune their radios to 91.7 FM to hear the music or they can download the PulseMesh app on their phones. In spite of the breathtaking magnitude of his light show, Mills doesn’t consider himself any kind of local king of Christmas displays. In fact, he says that some spectacular light shows at nearby homes — on Small Road and on Hallowell Road in Litchfield — make it so that the drive to the area is three times as special for those out to enjoy Christmas decorations in the area. You can find more information about Mills’ work at the Facebook group Monmouth Lights , but take it from us. This is the kind of Christmas decoration that has to be seen to be believed. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. 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Alberta working to get money’s worth on Turkish medication deal after two yearsMinistry of Education launches USpaceU.S. agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer saysLUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition.
Thanks to Friday evening's expansion draft, the Golden State Valkryies finally have a team. The WNBA’s 13th team picked the following players, all of whom were left unprotected by their previous squads. Related The first 8 players on that list were active in the WNBA last season, while the latter three are players that existing teams had rights to — but not players that were actively playing for WNBA teams in 2024. Here’s who won and who lost in the Golden State Valkyries expansion draft. Winners Natalie Nakase and Valkyries This one might be too obvious, but it has to be said. On all fronts, the Valkyries are in a great situation heading into the 2025 WNBA season. Not only do they have a reliable ownership group paired with one of the NBA’s most successful modern franchises (the Golden State Warriors), they now also have at least the skeleton of their 2025 roster, and it’s not a bad place to start. Veronica Burton, Temi Fangbenle, and Kayla Thornton are three highly effective defenders the Valkyries can build around while Carla Leite is an elite European prospect who could ultimately be a cornerstone of this roster if she decides to come to the WNBA. The Valkyries didn’t take on any massive contracts here, so they’re well-positioned to make a splash in free agency while also stocking up on rights to overseas talent. The mixture of veterans, like Thornton, and young players, like Kate Martin, also puts them in good position for next season. The Valkyries prioritized culture fits when assembling this roster, said head coach Natalie Nakase on ESPN. “We’re trying to build a very, very competitive culture,” said Nakase. “We’re going to play a fast pace, and obviously, we’re going to shoot some threes. That’s what we’re going to do.” The first-year head coach also outlined three non-negotiable characteristics she wanted all Valkyries players to have, and at first glance, players on the Valkyries’ inaugural roster reflect these characteristics. International basketball Right away, this is a very international roster. Of the 11 players that were selected, six were born outside of the U.S: Iliana Rupert (France), Carla Leite (France), Julie Vanloo (Belgium), Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy), Stephanie Talbot (Australia), Maria Conde (Spain). Three of the players selected by the Valkyries didn’t play in the WNBA last year to prioritize their overseas responsibilities: Rupert, Leite, and Conde. It’s unclear what their plans are for the coming season. Regardless, the Valkyries’ selections signal the growth of women’s basketball overseas. Kate Martin Martin was a good fit in, and reportedly very well-liked, in Las Vegas. But, at 24 years old and fresh off of her first season in the league, she’s still developing and is likely an even better fit on the Valkyries. “I’m really excited,” Martin said on ESPN moments after the news broke. “This league is all about opportunity and you just need one shot, right? I’m very thankful for the Aces and everything that I got to learn there, but I am really excited for this new beginning and to build something from the ground up with the Valkyries.” Related Losers Kayla Thornton Thornton was a veteran on a Liberty team that has a good chance at repeating next season. It was a good situation where she saw consistent bench minutes and seemed to be a strong culture fit. . @wnbagoldenstate have utilized their 2025 Expansion Draft pick to acquire the player contract of Kayla Thornton from the NY Liberty. Thank you, @KBT_5Blessed pic.twitter.com/76vWeSXMOZ Now, she’s headed to a brand-new organization that likely won’t contend in the near term. Thornton might relish the chance — the Valkyries are an exciting franchise that will be well-resourced from the jump, and she could very well have a bigger role in Golden State than she did in New York. But, if her goal was to add to her championship count, she was in a pretty good situation in New York. Connecticut Sun Veronica Burton is a substantial loss for a Sun team that enters an offseason of uncertainty. Burton was a more-than-serviceable back-up point guard — and a seamless fit on the Sun roster after she was acquired midseason. She was tasked with guarding opposing team’s top guards when in the ball game and provided starting guard DiJonai Carrington with much-needed relief. Connecticut likely had to make the difficult decision of protecting either Olivia Nelson-Ododa or Burton, and it appears that the Sun went with the former, potentially in anticipation of potentially losing a post player in free agency. Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Brionna Jones are all unrestricted free agents this summer, and Carrington is a restricted free agent. In an ideal world, the Sun would run it back with their backcourt trio of Ty Harris, Carrington, and Burton, but the Valkyries had other plans. As a result, Connecticut was one of the few teams to lose an impactful rotation player — and with so much offseason uncertainty, they weren’t in a great position to lose a key player. Indiana Fever Like Connecticut, Indiana lost out on a key player in the Valkyries expansion draft: Temi Fagbenle. The 32-year-old averaged 6.4 points on 50.9% shooting and 4.7 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game last season for Indiana. She often served as one of the team's most reliable rim runners and was a well-rounded and reliable defender. Trust in Fagbenle grew throughout the season; she even started Indiana’s final playoff game in place of NaLyssa Smith. Temi Fagbenle has been selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Expansion Draft. thank you, Temi ♥️ pic.twitter.com/rrpK2lQLpJ The Fever are well-positioned for the future, centered around a core comprised of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Fagbenle wasn’t going to make or break the roster. Still, she seemed to be a fixture of the locker room and ultimately established herself as one of Indiana’s most reliable bench players.After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer urged the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat called on the Department of Homeland Security Sunday to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer's calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn't offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don't appear to be a sign of foreign interference. "There's a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now," said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. "The answer 'We don't know' is not a good enough answer." President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: "Can this really be happening without our government's knowledge? I don't think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down." Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to "incapacitate" drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC's George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. "But we need those authorities expanded," he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don't appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. "We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter," Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It's not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas' office didn't immediately respond to questions about whether they've been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. "This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations," Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump's golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.
Amid the rapid growth of AI in legal technology, one professional is standing out for his pioneering work in regulatory compliance and SEC filings. Raj Sonani, Senior Product Manager for AI at LexisNexis, has emerged as a leading figure in developing tools that bring AI-driven precision and efficiency to legal professionals nationwide. Sonani’s work on Intelligize+ AI, especially the widely adopted AI Compare and AI Summarize features, has streamlined the complex field of SEC compliance, solidifying his reputation in legal tech both in the U.S. and internationally. “My goal has always been to make compliance simpler and more actionable,” Sonani explains. “There’s so much at stake in SEC filings, from financial accuracy to regulatory alignment. With AI, we’re not just enhancing productivity; we’re setting a new standard for precision in compliance.” Leading AI-Powered Transformations in Legal Tech Sonani’s AI-driven tools address some of the most pressing challenges facing compliance professionals today. AI Compare , one of his hallmark innovations, allows users to analyze SEC filings in a detailed side-by-side format, quickly identifying key similarities and differences. This feature has become an essential tool for compliance teams aiming to benchmark competitor filings, draft their own filings, and pre-empt potential SEC comments. By significantly reducing the time and errors associated with manual comparisons, AI Compare has reshaped best practices in SEC filings, reinforcing Sonani’s impact on the field. “With AI Compare, we’re enabling teams to do in minutes what used to take days. This level of efficiency has transformed how companies handle compliance,” says Sonani. “For high-stakes filings, that kind of speed and accuracy can make a huge difference.” The AI Summarize feature provides an equally groundbreaking solution. By offering concise, section-specific summaries of complex regulatory documents, AI Summarize enables faster decision-making, allowing legal professionals to gain insights into critical sections like risk factors and financial statements without reading through entire filings. This has proven invaluable in time-sensitive compliance scenarios, earning Sonani recognition as a thought leader who is pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in legal technology. “AI Summarize is really about clarity,” Sonani reflects. “In legal tech, clarity is key to compliance. Summarizing complex documents into essential points gives professionals the focus they need to make informed decisions faster.” Education and Early Career: Building a Foundation for Innovation Sonani’s career trajectory has uniquely positioned him as an expert in legal tech—where he develops targeted solutions to address the complex needs of legal, compliance, and policy professionals. His academic foundation, which includes an MBA from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Lakehead University, combines business acumen with a deep understanding of legal frameworks, an ideal combination for tackling legal, regulatory and compliance complexities through technology. Complementing this legal expertise is his technical grounding with an MS in Computing and Data Science and a BS in Technology Management, which allow him to develop sophisticated tech products using AI, LLM, and Machine Learning. Building on this foundation, Sonani’s professional journey has been defined by a commitment to creating technology-driven solutions that streamline workflows, enhance accuracy, and improve regulatory adherence for legal professionals. His roles as legal counsel specializing in technology transactions and as an IT Contracts Manager at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories provided him with direct insight into the needs and challenges faced by transactional attorneys, while his data science work at Service Canada offered hands-on experience in developing tech solutions to tackle policy and compliance issues. These experiences have allowed him to focus his work on advancing legal tech solutions that are tailored to the unique demands of legal professionals. Advancing Compliance for Economic Integrity Sonani’s work in AI-driven compliance tools is not only revolutionizing the legal tech landscape but also contributing to the broader stability and transparency of the financial markets in the US. By empowering legal teams to achieve accurate, timely SEC compliance, his innovations help companies avoid costly errors and regulatory issues, ultimately supporting investor confidence and market integrity. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and corporate filings grow more complex, Sonani’s tools are becoming essential for companies navigating the intricate U.S. regulatory environment. His contributions, therefore, have implications that extend beyond individual corporations, bolstering the compliance framework that underpins a healthy and stable global economy. “Effective compliance is foundational to market trust,” Sonani explains. “When companies can confidently meet regulatory standards, it strengthens the entire financial ecosystem—a goal I’m proud to contribute to through my work.” National and International Impact in Compliance Sonani’s influence extends beyond the U.S. market. Given the international reach of SEC standards, tools like AI Compare and AI Summarize are gaining traction globally, inspiring compliance teams in other jurisdictions to adopt similar AI-driven methodologies. His ability to bridge legal expertise with advanced AI has brought new visibility to legal tech solutions, making Sonani one of the few professionals capable of transforming compliance practices on such a scale. Industry leaders in legal technology have taken note of Sonani’s unique contributions. His work has not only earned him recognition within the field but has also set benchmarks that many regard as the new gold standard in AI-powered compliance, legal practice, and policy analysis. From global law firms to major corporations, Sonani’s tools are enabling teams to navigate compliance with unprecedented accuracy, cementing his status as a top-tier professional in legal technology. “Compliance is complex, especially with the regulatory demands in today’s global economy,” Sonani notes. “Through AI, I’m aiming to empower legal teams to meet these demands efficiently, accurately, and proactively.” Recognized Leader in AI for Legal Tech Sonani’s achievements have distinguished him as a forward-thinking innovator, known for his ability to tackle complex compliance issues with practical, AI-driven solutions. His work has been lauded by industry peers, establishing him as a prominent voice in the field. Beyond LexisNexis, Sonani has led other AI-driven projects, such as developing secure AI systems for Microsoft and building a market research automation platform for M&A at Cohen Tauber Spievack & Wagner, further cementing his role as a leader in AI application across various industries. “At every step, I’ve aimed to bridge AI and legal tech in a way that delivers real, measurable value,” Sonani reflects. “Seeing my work recognized and widely adopted is incredibly rewarding, and it drives me to keep pushing forward.” Through his innovative work, Raj Sonani is not only advancing AI’s role in compliance but is also setting new benchmarks in legal technology. His commitment to simplifying complex regulatory processes has made him a transformative figure in the field, recognized for bringing clarity and efficiency to SEC compliance on a national and international level.
