online sport betting nigeria A multi-billion lawsuit investors brought against Facebook for the Cambridge Analytica data breach can proceed, as the Supreme Court just shot down Facebook’s appeal in a one-sentence ruling. Even if you remember the whole Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal from the first Trump Administration, where data from those dumb “personality quizzes” that many people were stupid enough to take was harvested to get Republicans elected, it is easy to forget that the scheme was originally intended to bolster Ted Cruz’s unsuccessful 2016 campaign for president. But when Trump got that year’s GOP nomination, the unscrupulously harvested data went to helping his campaign, though Facebook faced the music years later when their stock fell by $40 billion in one day in March 2018. (It has since recovered handsomely .) Investors sued over having not been notified of the impending risk, and that case has bounced between appeals courts since. Since Facebook/Meta has mind-boggling amounts of money to throw at problems like this, the social media company appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court. But CBS News reported that on Friday morning, the Supreme Court denied Facebook’s appeal . The denial came in a one-sentence opinion with no elaboration, merely stating, “The writ of certiorari is dismissed as improvidently granted.” At issue here is whether Facebook appropriately notified investors that there was an enormously costly security breach scandal in the pipeline. At the time, the company wrote in a ​​10-K filing that "security breaches and improper access to or disclosure of our data or user data, or other hacking and phishing attacks on our systems, could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business." The filing did not mention that the breach had actually happened, and that a financial reckoning was coming. The Supreme Court’s ruling is not necessarily a win for the investors, it just allows the investors’ case against Meta to go forward. For what it’s worth, the Biden administration had publicly sided with shareholders in the case, saying in a statement that "it is plainly misleading to characterize an adverse event that has already materialized as a merely hypothetical future risk." Related: Facebook Is Reportedly Receiving Mounds of Sensitive Health Data Via Third-Party Apps Without Your Knowledge [SFist] Image: This is a shot of the outside of the Supreme Court of the United States building (SCOTUS). (Getty Images)

I thought about whether to pen this article on the anniversary of the brutal massacre of 150 children and teachers at the army public school in Peshawar 10 years ago on this day. There is constant pain in Pakistan and everyday one thanks the Almighty we have survived another sunup and hope for a hopeful next day. Is this the life envisaged by the Creator for his flock? Or is this the life we have allowed to fester out of control. Taking stock 10 years after an event which shook the soul of Pakistan on that fateful morning in Peshawar, on 16 December 2014, what have we learned and changed since? The details of every minute of that day are etched in our DNA. Madmen took hostage the students of a school nestled in the security of a cantonment, surrounded by the most ‘secure’ apparatus ‘safeguarding’ all that is privileged and dear. What we witnessed was what happens when humans are dehumanized and radicalized by deprivation and provided all the tools to display the outcomes – over generations. All those families who lost so much that day cannot be consoled or provided an adequate explanation of how was that possible, inside a cantonment area. But they are fully aware, as is the rest of the nation, why it was possible. The mindset which believes this kind of violence is possible still roams without impunity Today 10 years later, the same government and regime has chosen to shut down all the schools across the nation, to commemorate the darkest day in our living memory. The government ‘notification’ did not explain to the schools as to why they were to remain closed, and also sent the notification the evening before Monday the 16th of December. In the middle of exams, all schools had to shut down. When the children and young adults ask “Why?”, what should we tell them? Will they ask? Will they know the answer without being told? In this silence we continue. In the 10 years since 150 children and their teachers were butchered by terrorists who came and went without a single obstacle, the government’s response has been no justice for the families of the victims and absolutely no actions to ensure that it does not repeat itself. Pakistan's 'Cargo Cult' Democracy Is The Problem, Not The Solution The closing down of schools is not only an inappropriate gesture but also indicates even more emphatically how little has changed; there is a danger it can happen again. The mindset which believes this kind of violence is possible still roams without impunity. Today the madrassas remain unregistered unregulated and tools of the permanent problem. Where in the world is it acceptable to so limit the public discourse around regulating those accused of child abuse, radicalization of minds and souls, legitimizing millions poor abandoned children to the fate of further isolation from a hopeful future? The argument that Pakistan will once again become a target of FATF is a deterrent or a motivational factor to attempt to register these unregulated training educational fora. Sadly, it is because we would like to see Pakistani citizens irrespective of social economic conditions access basic, healthy, sane education opportunities, where children are safe from unregulated predators and radicalizing generations on the pretext of peddlers of faith. What have we done since 16 December 2014? What steps have we taken to ensure that this kind of violence is never seen again? We saw the ‘release’ of TTP’s Ehsanullah Ehsan, responsible for the APS massacre in a bizarre unbelievable escape from prison. Was he an asset of the state? What has changed since 2014 to make Pakistanis believe we have learned any lesson from that tragedy? All I feel is a sinking feeling, rather than seeing schools staying open, so as to open the minds, hearts and souls of the future of Pakistan. All I see is that schools remain closed to mark the day when a school was made a site of butchery.Dear Eartha, how does climate change impact Santa’s holiday operations? If you haven’t heard, things aren’t looking so cool in Santa’s part of the world. In fact, the North Pole and the whole Arctic region is heating up — fast. For decades, scientists have understood that climate change is warming Earth’s icy north faster than the rest of the planet . This phenomenon is called “ Arctic amplification ,” and recent research shows just how quickly polar conditions are, well, amplifying. Data from the past 40 years show that Arctic temperatures are increasing four times the rate of the rest of the world . Whereas average global temperatures have increased about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1980s , temperatures above the Arctic circle have increased more than 5 degrees . Arctic on thin ice Why is the Arctic heating up faster than everywhere else? There are a number of factors , the most important of which is melting sea ice . As anyone who’s gotten a winter sunburn can attest, snow and ice reflect sunlight. This is called the albedo effect . But as ocean and air temperatures warm, the sea ice melts, exposing blue ocean waters . The darker ocean surface absorbs more heat from the sun, further increasing temperatures, and accelerating climate warming as a result. There is a long list of detrimental societal and ecosystem impacts caused by a changing arctic climate and these impacts extend well beyond the limits of the Arctic Circle . But what about Santa? Is the Arctic’s jolliest denizen immune to the dangers of a changing climate? Santa is a climate refugee Unfortunately, the North Pole is not located on land . Instead, it’s perched on sea ice. Rising temperatures mean that Arctic summers could be entirely ice free by the 2030s — Santa will have to relocate his workshop. He and his crew of elves won’t be alone; by 2050, as many as 1.2 billion people will be forced to leave their traditional homelands because of climate change . Adding to Santa’s woes, he’s going to have trouble finding reindeer to steer his sleigh. This year’s Arctic Report Card published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration showed that tundra caribou populations have declined 65% over the past few decades . Needless to say, climate change is going to wreak havoc on Santa’s worldwide gift-giving mission. No coal for you Santa’s origin story dates back over 1,500 years to Saint Nicholas, a monk living in modern-day Turkey. St. Nick’s fabled generosity inspired the tradition of Christmastime gift giving. So, it stands to reason that Santa’s compassion for children all over the world would lead him to ensure that – whether nestled in stockings or placed under trees – the presents he delivers don’t cause harm to people and planet. How might Santa adapt his gifting strategy in the face of a changing climate? While I’m not an official North Pole elf, here are a few thoughts: Whether naughty or nice, Santa surely believes we all deserve to live on a healthy planet. So, no matter how you celebrate, let us enter 2025 with this spirit in our hearts — empowered to create a better future for all of Earth’s creatures, both those at home and in the North Pole.

The Washington Post ‘s senior politics editor claims the newspaper removed him on Monday, and it remains unknown if he will stay with the publication. In a reported email, Dan Eggen said he was “crushed” by the news, the New York Post reported Thursday. The outlet continued: “I struggled with how to write this message since there is an element of begging to it that is not particularly attractive. But what the hey: I was informed Monday that I will be removed as senior politics editor at the end of the year. I will leave it to others to explain why,” the email said. ... His dismissal as politics editor comes as WaPo scrambles to come to grips with Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The report comes after the Washington Post ‘s editor-at-large Robert Kagan resigned from his job in October once the newspaper said it would not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris (D) in the presidential election that Trump later won, per Breitbart News. Breitbart News reported on October 30 that the Washington Post lost 250,000 subscribers after its decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. The paper’s owner, Jeff Bezos, wrote in an op-ed, “What presidential endorsements actually do is create a perception of bias. A perception of non-independence. Ending them is a principled decision, and it’s the right one.” Bezos, who founded Amazon, later offered Trump a “big congratulations” in a social media post after Trump won reelection. “Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory,” Bezos wrote. “No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing @realDonaldTrump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love,” he added. The Breitbart News piece also reported that “Bezos has several large contracts with the U.S. government.” It is interesting to note that the recent New York Post article said Bezos “reportedly wants to hire more conservative opinion writers.”THE NOTION of surveillance cameras hovering over Newcastle Ocean Baths (NOB) and Merewether Ocean Baths (MOB) might send a shiver down the spines of the privacy-obsessed, diehard defenders of the invisible life. Login or signup to continue reading But CCTV at both ocean baths isn't about Big Brother or faceless technocrats sticking their nosey beaks into our seaside sanctuaries. It is about common sense, but it's also a tale of two Hunter councils - Newcastle and Lake Macquarie - and how those councils choose to respond to a few straightforward questions about CCTV. What is at stake here isn't a right to anonymity while baring arms in a public space, but the safety, security, and sanctity of the very places the community holds dear. What happens when a brawl breaks out? Or when a tourist's backpack vanishes with passports and cash? Or when perverts pervert? Or when, as was reported on the social media page of Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths on December 16, a set of car keys, and subsequently the car they unlocked, were stolen. I asked the City of Newcastle (CN) and Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) three questions: (1) how many CCTV cameras have been installed by council and the locations of these cameras; (2) what policy council has regarding the installation and use of CCTV; and, (3) if I may have a copy of that policy? The response from a CN spokesperson was: "All NSW Councils are subject to State Government guidelines regarding CCTV, which states that 'CCTV can be effective in reducing crime if it is part of a broader crime prevention and community safety strategy. CCTV is not recommended as an isolated response to addressing crime in public spaces'." "City of Newcastle notes that while CCTV may assist NSW Police with prosecution, it does not prevent acts of theft or vandalism and its unregulated use at recreational facilities poses issues around privacy and cost. CCTV monitoring and evidence management for police investigations divert resources from core duties and ongoing technological upgrades are required at cost to councils. Therefore, it is not City of Newcastle's intent to install CCTV at either the Newcastle or Merewether Ocean Baths at this stage. Patrons can bring their own locks and use the lockers in the changerooms located at both ocean baths if they are concerned about the safety of their valuables. If you are a victim of crime, please contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000." I still don't know, and neither do you, if CN does, or does not, have CCTV. Perhaps the existing CCTV at Foreshore Park facing the new, under-construction amenities block was disconnected, as it may have been viewed by CN as an isolated response to crime prevention. Lord mayor Ross Kerridge told me he wanted to revisit CN's position on CCTV in the first quarter of 2025 and would seek community engagement around the matter. In contrast to CN's response, a LMCC spokesperson gave me a copy of their CCTV policy, which answered my questions and acknowledged that LMCC has "more than 50 CCTV cameras across the LGA, mostly installed for site security, monitoring of illegal rubbish dumping sites (these are temporary and are moved around as needed) or internally/at entranceways for building and visitor security (such as at our libraries, pools and cultural facilities). Council has CCTV cameras deployed to address antisocial behaviour at four sites across the city, at Charlestown, Toronto and Windale". I'm not advocating the placement of cameras at NOB and MOB on every light post and seagull perch. Recorded footage doesn't need to feed into some shadowy database to be analysed by artificial intelligence for signs of insurrection. Keep it local, keep it simple. Transparency is key; let the community know where the cameras are, what they're for, and how the footage will be used. CCTV is no silver bullet, but a way of saying "we see you," both to those who would do harm and to those who simply want to swim, and breathe the salty air without looking over their shoulders, or being told the only option when a crime occurs is to call CrimeStoppers. CCTV at our ocean baths is not about losing our freedom; it's about protecting it, one frame at a time. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. 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Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has rebuffed the opportunity to be a head coach in each of the last two hiring cycles, and he has done nothing to hurt his stock in 2024. He is again expected to be one of the hottest HC candidates in the upcoming cycle, though he will remain highly selective about his destination. Given the Bears’ abundance of salary cap space, skill position talent and the presence of talented rookie-contract QB Caleb Williams , it is easy to see why they believe their HC post is the most desirable among those that are expected to be available in 2025. Bill Belichick, before he made the surprising decision to join the college ranks, reportedly shared that view . The attractiveness of the job in a vacuum is one thing, but a November report suggested that Johnson may steer clear of the Bears due to perceived organizational dysfunction. However, subsequent reports noted that Johnson may indeed consider the Chicago gig , and today, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network said that the 38-year-old offensive guru is “intrigued” by the position and is willing to listen to the Bears’ pitch. As we had previously heard that Johnson is not going to interview simply for the sake of interviewing, any summit he conducts with Bears brass would seemingly indicate that he is prepared to accept the job if offered. While the Bears have been said to be prioritizing a “leader of men” type of head coach over a candidate with a specific background, Johnson’s reputation as an offensive mastermind is not only in keeping with the trend in today’s HC searches, but it would be especially beneficial to a team looking to unlock the potential of a blue chip prospect like Williams. And, despite turning down what was generally regarded as a similarly appealing post with the Commanders in the 2024 hiring period, Johnson reiterated that he wants to take a team’s top job at some point. “I think there’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made out of and push the limits and see if he’s got what it takes,” Johnson said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press . “And so yeah, there’s a fire there. Now, when that time is? I don’t know when that’ll be, but there’s certainly a fire there.” When asked specifically about Williams, Johnson was complimentary but conceded that he had not really studied the rookie’s tape. “Listen, it’s been difficult to sit down and just study every throw but plenty of crossover tape over the course of the year and there’s no question this guy’s talented,” Johnson said. “I remember standing on the sideline last game and just you can hear the ball whistle by you. He’s got quite a fastball and has some creativity to him, can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well. Like I said, I haven’t really dove in and can tell you much more beyond that, but he’s been impressive from afar.” Whether Johnson finally decides to move on from Detroit will be perhaps the top question when it comes to the 2025 HC carousel. If he does, it sounds as if the Bears will be firmly in the mix. Interestingly, Johnson – a UNC alum – was not contacted by the school to discuss its head coaching vacancy, as Birkett notes in a separate piece. Of course, that job went to Belichick , who will continue his legendary career as the Tar Heels’ skipper. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.Is Outlook down? Thousands of Microsoft 365 users report outage issues

Crosslink Capital sells $1.47 million in Weave Communications stock

After a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, amid fears it could bring about a strategic shift in the country. Calin Georgescu was in pole position with almost 23 percent after the first round of voting, a political earthquake in the country of 19 million people that has so far resisted nationalist appeals that have gained traction in Hungary and Slovakia. His victory ahead of centre-right mayor Elena Lasconi -- who scored 19.18 percent -- ended the hopes of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to compete for the presidency in the December runoff. After coming third at 19.15, Ciolacu said his Social Democratic Party (PSD) won't challenge the narrow result, and announced his resignation as party leader. Experts say the far right's surprise success could affect the parliamentary elections later this week, and even influence the chances of forming a future government. In the runoff ballot on December 8, Lasconi will face Georgescu, a NATO critic who in the past expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Georgescu's popularity surged ahead of the vote with a viral TikTok campaign calling for an end to aid for Ukraine, which shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Romania. In a first reaction on his YouTube channel, the 62-year-old independent candidate insisted "there is no East or West", stressing that neutrality was "absolutely necessary". "I am not an extremist, I am not a fascist -- I am a Romanian who loves his country," he said in reference to media reports that "tried to portray" him in a wrongful way. For his rival Lasconi, the upcoming runoff represents "an existential battle", "a historic confrontation" between those who wish to "preserve Romania's young democracy" and those who want to "return to the Russian sphere of influence". "We must not allow anger to throw us back into the past," she said to thunderous applause from her supporters, vowing to stand up for Europe and NATO. The political earthquake comes amid soaring inflation and mounting fears of Romania being potentially dragged into Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine, as the country has emerged as a key player on the alliance's eastern flank. In Sunday's vote, another far-right contender, AUR party leader George Simion, secured nearly 14 percent. Already pounding the campaign trail for this week's parliamentary elections, Simion said Romania now has "the chance to have a sovereign government and a sovereign president". Overall, the far right won more than a third of all votes in Sunday's presidential ballot. "The far right is by far the big winner of this election," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP, predicting a possible "contagion effect" in the parliamentary vote. Extremist forces and Lasconi's centre-right party now have "wind in their sails", sociologist Gelu Duminica said, though "it remains to be seen if they know how to capitalise" on it. The PSD, which has shaped the country's politics for more than three decades, has never before been eliminated in the first round of a presidential election. The National Liberal Party (PNL) party, with whom the PSD currently governs, also suffered a defeat. While many expressed their disbelief over the poll in the streets of the capital Bucharest, others were enthused. Maria Chis, 70, said she was surprised by Georgescu's lead in the first round but had been impressed after watching his TikTok videos. "He seems a man of integrity, serious and patriotic. He inspires seriousness. I think only someone like him can bring change," said the pensioner, who was planning to vote for him in the second round. Alex Tudose, the owner of a construction company, was gloomy. "There is sorrow, disappointment, that after so many years in Euro-Atlantic structures we voted for a pro-Russian by over 20 percent," the 42-year-old said. "There is clearly a strong fragmentation both in society and in the political class, and I think we saw that yesterday," he said. ani-anb-kym/sbk