Is a phone for your kid on the holiday shopping list? Read this firstThe clock may have finally wound down for TikTok after a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled on Friday that Congress has the power to ban the popular social media app if it fails to shed its Chinese ownership. The judges dismissed the First Amendment challenge that was brought by TikTok and many of its highest-profile users, who argued the ban was unconstitutional. "The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States. Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary's ability to gather data on people in the United States," wrote Judge Douglas Ginsburg. Sell-or-Ban—No Other Option The sell-or-ban law was signed by President Joe Biden in April, after receiving bipartisan support from lawmakers—including many who received classified briefings from the U.S. intelligence community. Critics of Friday's ruling were quick to call for the Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals ruling. "This law threatens the free speech rights of our client and millions of other Americans who use TikTok to share and hear political ideas," said Jacob Huebert, president of the Liberty Justice Center, which filed a lawsuit to challenge the TikTok ban in June. "To protect their rights, we'll ask the court to stay its decision until we seek Supreme Court review and receive a final decision," Huerbert added. Not Over Until It's Over While the company has until January 19, 2025, to either be sold or be banned—there are still possible lifelines available for TikTok. "One is the Supreme Court, which doesn't have to accept the case but could," explained social media analyst Greg Sterling, co-founder of Near Media. It is a long shot, as the high court may opt not to hear the case. Yet, even if the case is heard, it doesn't mean SCOTUS would rule in favor of TikTok, especially as lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum have pushed for the ban. "It's unlikely to say that the First Amendment outweighs U.S. national security interests, especially in the wake of the recent Chinese 'Salt Typhoon' hacking incident ," said Sterling, who added the other lifeline could come from the incoming administration. During his first term, President-elect Donald Trump had actually tried to ban TikTok, only to see the Biden administration overturn it. It is possible the same could play out again, just with the roles reversed. Trump has said he no longer supports a ban . "Although the ban is scheduled to take effect before he's inaugurated, Trump could push Congress to repeal the ban," added Sterling. "It's not clear whether that would be successful because of divisions within the Republican Party on TikTok." Are The Security Concerns Valid? Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have warned of the potential danger that the app presents as it could share user data with China, yet, some critics of the law say TikTok is just part of a much larger and more serious issue of how social media companies have access to the personal data of users. "The U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on TikTok highlights critical issues in mobile app security, API vulnerabilities, and the overarching role of big technology companies in app ecosystems dominated by Apple and Google," said Ted Morocco, CEO of cybersecurity provider Approov. "While the TikTok ban focuses on national security risks due to foreign ownership, the conversation must expand to address systemic flaws in app distribution and privacy regulation," Morocco added. "The lack of a federal data privacy framework in the U.S. exacerbates the issue, allowing platform owners to set their opaque policies." The cybersecurity expert added that the current policies enable practices that prioritize profit over user protection, including permissive data harvesting and inadequate penalties for privacy violations. "A clear, enforceable policy would mitigate these risks, especially for minors, who are disproportionately targeted by app-based surveillance and manipulative algorithms," explained Morocco, who said similar scrutiny should apply to all apps, regardless of their origin. TikTok's ban is largely justified by concerns over data flowing to a foreign adversary, even as American companies don't operate all that differently in how they gather customer data. "U.S.-based companies like Meta and Amazon have also faced allegations of privacy abuses," said Morocco. "A robust framework would ensure equal accountability and provide mechanisms for imposing meaningful penalties globally." TikTok's case simply serves as a microcosm of broader issues within cybersecurity, and how users are largely oblivious to how their data may be used. This ruling could address some national security concerns, but Morocco said a more comprehensive and transparent approach is needed to tackle the structural problems of app ecosystems. "Only by prioritizing security, transparency, and accountability, can the U.S. safeguard its citizens," he continued. Where Does This Leave TikTok Users? There is now less than a month and a half until TikTok could be banned in the U.S., and those who have large followings may need to look to other platforms . "If TikTok is shut down, which would be highly disruptive for many creators and users, Instagram is the most likely place that both groups would turn," said Sterling. "Instagram Reels is essentially a TikTok clone. But they could move to other networks as well. Bluesky is a possibility but I would be surprised if people moved over there vs. Instagram."go go gold casino game real money 。

Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are not available for the San Francisco 49ers when they enter Green Bay with designs on finding their finishing kick on Sunday afternoon. Purdy is out with a right shoulder injury and won't leave the sideline at Lambeau Field, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, when he also declared Bosa out and confirmed journeyman Brandon Allen would make his 10th career start at quarterback. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said the 49ers are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy's long-term prognosis. Allen's last NFL start on the road was with the Bengals at the Ravens in 2020. Allen completed 6 of 21 passes for 48 yards with two interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 0.0 in a 38--3 loss. "It's definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game," Allen said Friday. "And obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that, but for time being, it is an opportunity for me." Purdy took the practice field Thursday with the intent to participate. His shoulder tightened significantly, and the 49ers ushered him off the field to meet with trainers. Purdy beat the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at San Francisco in January, but Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. A victory against the visiting 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Packers' playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat. Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don't shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown. San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. "That's what you've got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "What you could have done differently in that game. ... Just knowing that's the team that knocked us out, we're definitely hungry for this game." Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week's 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith's 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play. Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground. A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay. While they're dealing with plenty of not-so-good news on the injury front, the 49ers do anticipate the return of other contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks. "Very excited," Kittle said. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure." Allen was a three-year starter at Arkansas but has been a journeyman backup since entering the NFL in 2016 as the 201st overall pick of the Jaguars. Shanahan and LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called "dream team" staff in Washington that also included Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris; and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays. Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises. But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other's play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points. Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They'll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit. That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late. Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week's 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love's go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play. Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a "big part" of the attack. "He's a guy who's got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it's not like those were easy plays he was making," LaFleur said. "He was making tough, contested catches." San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece. Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay. The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1. --Field Level MediaDecember 5, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread by University of Portsmouth European native oyster ecosystems have been classified as a "collapsed" species, after an assessment of historical and ecological data revealed it has faced extreme decimation. The mollusk species has surpassed critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Ecosystems , the world's most comprehensive information source on global extinction risk, further highlighting the importance of restoration initiatives across Europe. The evaluation was led by international conservation charity ZSL and the University of Edinburgh, and supported by researchers across Europe including from the University of Portsmouth. During the analysis, scientists revealed that thriving oyster reef ecosystems are nothing like those seen in European seas today. Newly compiled historical data shows these complex three-dimensional oyster reefs once grew to the size of a football pitch and collectively covered an area of more than 1.7 million hectares, an area larger than Greater London. Healthy oyster reefs are vital habitats for many species and have a huge impact on the environment around them. They provide food for people, stabilize shorelines, cycle nutrients, and filter water—a single adult oyster filters up to 200 liters of water daily. Current definitions of the habitat specify a handful of oysters on the seafloor as their defining feature compared to their historical vibrancy. Therefore, a lack of an ecologically meaningful baseline and accurate definition has hampered current efforts to restore reef ecosystems. The ecosystem red listing, while it delivers bad news about the habitat's current status, should serve as a catalyst for greater ambition in ecosystem recovery. Professor Joanne Preston from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences and co-founder of the Native Oyster Network UK & Ireland, said, "With the collapse of the native oyster ecosystem across Europe, we've also lost an enormous filtration engine in the NE Atlantic due to oysters' role in filtering seawater and removing nutrients. Possibly even more stark is the loss of biodiversity that preyed or lived on these reefs and the organisms that inhabited them." Professor Preston co-founded the Native Oyster Network UK in 2017, a joint venture between the University of Portsmouth and the Zoological Society of London, to encourage a national approach and scale of oyster habitat restoration. There are currently 18 native oyster restoration projects underway across the U.K. and Ireland, all of which are members of the network which collaborates closely with the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA), a sister network supporting restoration efforts across Europe. Alison Debney, ZSL Conservation Lead, Wetland Ecosystem Restoration and co-founder of the Native Oyster Network UK & Ireland added, "The ecosystem has been lost from living memory, and the benefits it provided have only just been realized now as it is almost too late. The stark contrast between the modern-day flat seabed and historical data must act as a wake-up call for action to restore the once-thriving marine environments." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . Primarily due to historical overexploitation compounded by poor water quality and disease, the seafloor is now a flat, barren expanse of sediment with low diversity. European oyster reef habitats are now so scattered and degraded that, except for a few locations such as Norway and Sweden, oysters are largely found in isolation or in tiny clumps. In Europe, most oyster populations exist in densities of less than one individual per square meter. Where they are found grouped together, these oyster clumps cover less than 0.1ha. Marcos Valderrábano, Program Manager Red List of Ecosystems, IUCN said, "This IUCN Red List of Ecosystems assessment of Europe's native oyster reefs has revealed the true scale of what we have lost. But it also points to solutions." "By applying the Red List of Ecosystems criteria, we can reveal the severity of ecosystem degradation, and prioritize restoration efforts. This assessment serves as a wake-up call to protect and restore ecosystems that are not only vital to biodiversity but also provide invaluable services to people and the planet." Restoration of native oyster reefs and other coastal habitats can have multiple benefits, including boosting local economies through job creation, increasing the security of coastal livelihoods by improving fish and shellfish stocks, and boosting the tourism and recreation industries. The decline of European Native Oyster ecosystems highlights a crucial moment for marine biodiversity. Human activities have drastically altered these habitats, leading to isolated oyster populations. Restoration efforts must recognize oysters' ecological importance and adopt a holistic approach to revitalizing marine environments. Provided by University of Portsmouth

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Horizon Bancorp's executive VP Secor sells $349,707 in stockThe gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled New York City by bus, police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. Here's the latest: The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer made sure to wear a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras that have aided authorities piecing together his movements and his identity. A law enforcement official said Friday that new surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before he ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . The gunman’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday’s killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack . ▶ Read more about the search for the gunman In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was walking to when he was fatally shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized. “It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services, which is based in the greater Seattle area. Some firms respond by beefing up security. For example, tech companies routinely require everyone attending a major event, such as Apple’s annual unveiling of the next iPhone or a shareholder meeting, to go through airport-style security checkpoints before entering. Others forgo in-person meetings with shareholders. ▶ Read more about how companies protect their leaders Those images include New York’s subway system, a law enforcement official said. In establishments where the person was captured on camera, he always appeared to pay with cash, the official said. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. — Mike Balsamo Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm that serves 1.5 million customers in 12 states, said it’s temporarily closing all six locations. The firm has offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota, and employs about 3,000 people. Employees will work from home, Medica spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Friday. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees,” a statement from Medica said. “Although we have received no specific threats related to our campuses, our office buildings will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Bury also said biographical information on the company’s executives was taken down from its website as a precaution. The insurer cited the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in its announcement about the Dec. 12 event. “All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a news release. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.” Centene Corp. has grown in recent years to become the largest insurer in Medicaid, the state- and federally funded program that covers care for people with low incomes. Insurers manage Medicaid coverage for states, and Centene has more than 13 million people enrolled in that coverage. The insurance company also said it’s focused on ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. “While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place,” the company said. But he said Friday that he’s confident police will arrest the shooter. “We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice,” Adams said on TV station WPIX. Later, it removed their names and biographies entirely. Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, a law enforcement official said. Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. Experts say today’s political, economic and technological climate is only going to make the job of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them even more difficult, experts say. Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for what’s being said about the company, its employees and its leadership to uncover risks. ▶ Read more about the steps companies take to protect their leadership Police said Thursday they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper from a trash can near the scene of the ambush and think the suspect bought them from a Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The items were being tested by the city’s medical examiner.Meta Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend

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How to Watch the NBA Today, December 7 Published 4:22 pm Friday, December 6, 2024 By Data Skrive The NBA’s seven-game card on Saturday is sure to please. The contests include the Memphis Grizzlies versus the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. If you’re searching for live coverage of Saturday’s NBA play, we have you covered. Take a look at the links below. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get access to games, live and on-demand, and more for the entire season and offseason. Watch the NBA Today – December 7 Watch ESPN originals, The Last Dance and more NBA content on ESPN+. Use our link to sign up for ESPN+ or the Disney bundle. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

Money Research Collective’s editorial team solely created this content. Opinions are their own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear. Many featured companies advertise with us. How we make money . By Kat Tretina MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE December 5, 2024 China is a powerful force to be reckoned with. According to Safeguard Global, the country has the second largest economy based on its gross domestic product, which stands at $14.7 trillion in 2024. China’s role as an economic powerhouse is particularly evident through the lens of the global gold market, in which the nation plays a substantial role. China is the largest producer of gold in the world, and there is also significant demand within the country for gold jewelry and other products, which drives consumption. What’s driving China’s role in the gold market ? There are several factors, including cultural traditions, manufacturing needs and concerns about investments. China’s history with gold China has a long relationship with gold . Its use in the country dates back to the Han dynasty as early as 206 BC, and it’s since been used as currency, for making jewelry and even as part of worship. In 1978, when China re-entered the international economy and resumed trade with other countries, the gold market shifted. China transformed into an industrial powerhouse, and gold played a major role; along with jewelry, gold is frequently used in the creation of electronics, medical devices and in the automotive industry. In 1983, China allowed its citizens to own gold — private gold ownership was previously prohibited — and it created the Shanghai Gold Exchange, major milestones for the gold industry. Those changes began China’s transition to a gold superpower, as the government accumulated its gold reserves and gold mining within the country accelerated. China and gold: its impact today China is a huge presence in the gold market for both production and consumption: China is responsible for about 11% of global gold production, making it the largest producer of gold in the world. In fact, since it overtook South Africa for the lead in 2007, it has dominated the gold production market. According to Mining Technology, there are over 1,300 gold mines in the world, and China operates 117 of them. In 2023, China produced 370 tons of gold. To put that in perspective, that’s more than double the gold production of the U.S. The five largest mines in the country include: Gold is an important part of China’s economy, particularly in the manufacturing industry. China’s chief exports are electronics, machinery and vehicles — all segments that require gold. The Central Bank of China has been buying gold to bolster its reserves, moving its reserves away from traditional assets like U.S. Treasury debt. Its accumulation of gold has helped drive the price of gold . In China, gold was traditionally a common gift, particularly for brides, new parents and for the Lunar New Year, which helped drive its jewelry market. However, as the country has become richer and its citizens more wealthy, purchasing gold for personal use or investments is increasingly common as a status symbol. Right now, China is facing some issues with deflation , meaning prices across the economy have dropped. Combined with a volatile stock market and difficult real estate market, gold can be an appealing alternative for investors . Gold as an investment is particularly popular among young adults interested in alternative assets. Gone are the days when investors needed thousands of dollars or Chinese Yuan to purchase gold; today, Chinese investors can buy “gold beans” — as the name implies, small nuggets of gold — that cost less than $100 per bean. Gold beans have gone viral on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, and mainstream jewelry stores have addressed the trend by selling gold beans in glass jars in their stores. In fact, Chinese consumers between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely to purchase pure gold than any other age group, according to a report by the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group. The increased demand for gold as an investment — and the availability of smaller, more accessible gold for investing — played a major role in China’s gold rush, with gold premiums reaching a then-all-time high in 2023. Outlook for China’s gold market Although the gold industry in China is still booming, there are some signs it’s cooling down. Record-high gold prices may have affected consumers, as gold jewelry sales dropped significantly in October 2024. China saw a slight decrease in gold production; for the first three quarters of 2024, its total production dropped by -1.17%. If gold prices remain high, that could continue the downward trend of jewelry sales, but it could increase the demand for gold for investments. How China’s gold market can affect you Because of China’s significant presence in the gold industry, many economists believe that gold prices and demand are affected not by the economy, but by Chinese investors themselves. With so many Chinese investors and consumers purchasing gold, it has markedly increased demand for the precious metal, which subsequently drives up prices. If you’re looking to invest in gold , China’s gold industry and its outlook is encouraging. However, it’s always important to diversify your portfolio so your investments aren’t concentrated in a single asset class. If you do invest in precious metals, investing in traditional securities — such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds or ETFs — can give you a well-rounded portfolio.