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) 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. In order for the previous tip on this list to work, "Find My Phone" must be turned on in advance, but remotely wiping your device isn't the only thing this feature allows you to do. The "Find My Phone" feature enables you to track your device, as long as it's turned on and not in airplane mode. This is particularly helpful if you misplaced your phone or left it somewhere since it can help you retrace your steps. While this feature won't show you the live location of a phone that has been turned off, it will show the phone's last known location. With "Find My Phone," you can also remotely lock your phone or enable "Lost Mode," which locks down the phone, suspends any in-phone payment methods, and displays contact information for returning the phone to you. If your phone was stolen, experts caution against taking matters into your own hands by chasing down the thief, since this could land you in a potentially dangerous situation and is unlikely to result in getting your phone back. 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. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.Lebanon is closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus, the General Security Directorate said Friday. The decision came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged a border crossing in northern Lebanon just days after it was reopened. Separately, Jordan’s interior minister said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. He spoke after Syrian opposition activists said insurgents had captured the main border crossing with Jordan, forcing the Syrian authorities to leave. Israel’s military said it planned to reinforce its positions in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and near the border with Syria. Israel said it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” Meanwhile, Syrian insurgents entered the central towns of Rastan and Talbiseh early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The breakthrough came a day after jihiadi-led opposition fighters captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest. In other developments, a Hamas official said international mediators have resumed negotiations with the Palestinian militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war is within reach. Israel's war against Hamas has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in October 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage . Israel’s blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,600 Palestinians , more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the Latest: Israeli strike kills at least 12 people and wounds 46 more in central Gaza DEIR AL-Balah, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike hit a residential building in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday evening, killing at least 12 people, including six children and four women, according to officials at Awda Hospital. The strike wounded at least 46 others, including 13 children and 12 women, and damaged several neighboring houses, the hospital said. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,600 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Israel says ‘thousands’ of food packs were delivered to besieged northern Gaza CAIRO — Israel said Friday that “thousands of food packages and sacks of flour” were delivered to the isolated northernmost reaches of Gaza, where hunger experts warn famine could be underway. The delivery would mark one of the first successful convoys to the area, which is besieged by Israeli troops that have mounted a fierce offensive in Gaza’s north since early October. COGAT, the Israeli military agency that controls the border crossings into Gaza, said the aid was delivered to the town of Beit Hanoun. Israeli authorities did not publicly say who delivered the aid, and did not provide details on the exact amount of aid involved. COGAT released photos of flatbed trucks driving past rubble, some carrying what appeared to be 25-kilogram (55 pound) sacks of aid and others with cargo covered under tarps. The U.N. has struggled to deliver aid to the area in recent weeks. Alia Zaki, a spokesperson for the World Food Program, told The Associated Press that nearly no food has entered the area for two months, and that the agency’s daily requests to enter the area have been denied by Israel. Of two missions that have been approved since Oct. 6, Zaki said, only two trucks of aid were delivered to a shelter that Israeli soldiers ordered to evacuate soon after and then burned. The situation in northern Gaza has prompted hunger experts to warn that famine is either near or may already be underway. Kurdish-led force in Syria says it has taken positions along Iraq border BEIRUT — A Kurdish-led force in Syria that's backed by the United States says it has taken positions along the border with Iraq, replacing Syrian government forces. The move by the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture areas on the west bank of the Euphrates River is likely to cut the land line that links Iran with the Mediterranean coast. The SDF said in a statement that its fighters were deployed in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour and west of the Euphrates for the safety of civilians. “Our primary objective is to protect our security and the security of our people,” it said about the deployment. SDF spokesman Farhad Shami told The Associated Press that their fighters are not in control of the Boukamal border crossing with Iraq. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said Iran-backed fighters have evacuated the border crossing point of Boukamal and the SDF is expected to control it later. The Boukamal border crossing has been a main supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, who had opened the corridor that links Iran with the Mediterranean in 2017. The developments come as jihadi-led insurgents in northwestern Syria have made stunning advances over the past week that have so far met little resistance from government troops. Many displaced Palestinians at an aid kitchen in southern Gaza leave empty-handed KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Crowds of displaced Palestinians, some carrying cooking pots and crying children, gathered at an aid kitchen in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Friday, but many left with nothing. “The food ran out,” said Adel Mohammad, who was hoping to get a meal of rice – the only food being served — for his children. “At night they wake up hungry.” After the kitchen shut down, children used their hands to scoop bits of rice left in large empty cooking pots. The World Food Program has warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is “nearing collapse as famine looms.” The U.N. agency says Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries, along with the breakdown of law and order in Gaza, has made it difficult for aid convoys to reach displaced Palestinians. Concerns are growing with the onset of another winter of war. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many displaced repeatedly by Israeli attacks, are living in tent camps, reliant on international aid. Experts have already warned of famine in northern Gaza, which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October. Lebanon closes all its land border crossings with Syria except one BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s General Security Directorate said Friday the country is closing all land border crossing with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus. The decision by the security agency in charge of border crossings came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged the Arida border crossing with Syria in north Lebanon, days after it was reopened. “Border crossings will be closed until further notice for the safety of travelers,” the agency said in a statement posted on X. It said that the only border crossing that will be kept open is Masnaa in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. Lebanon’s state news agency said Friday the airstrike on the Arida crossing caused heavy material damage and cut the road. The Israeli military said fighter jets attacked the border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, adding that they were used to transfer munitions for Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Syrian insurgents capture key crossing point on border with Jordan BEIRUT - Syrian opposition activists say insurgents have captured a main border crossing with Jordan forcing Syrian authorities to leave it. Shortly afterward, Jordan’s Interior Minister al-Frayeh said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. Opposition activists posted videos online showing people storming the border crossing with Jordan, which was in rebel hands until government forces regained control of it in 2018. Ahmad al-Masalmeh, an opposition activist based in France who covers events in southern Syria, told The Associated Press that local gunmen have captured the Naseeb crossing as well as several other areas in the southern province of Daraa where the uprising against President Bashar Assad began in March 2011. Syrian troops have evacuated checkpoints in several areas including the villages of Inkhil, Nawa and Jassem, he added. Israel reinforces troops in Golan Heights amid Syria tensions JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said on Friday that it planned to reinforce its forces stationed in the Golan Heights and near the border with Syria, where civil war has reignited between the government and rebel groups. The Israeli military said in a statement that it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” After 13 years of civil war, Syrian insurgents are gaining ground, first taking cities in the country’s north and on Friday entering cities in central Syria. It comes as rebel groups mount new challenges to Russia- and Iran-backed Syrian forces, including in Aleppo, the country’s largest city. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has intermittently struck areas in Syria seen as strongholds of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group it is at war with in Lebanon. The advances of the Syrian insurgents adds new instability on Israel’s northern border, two months after it invaded neighboring Lebanon. Israel’s defense minister and military chief of staff met to discuss the situation Thursday. Israeli media reported there is concern in the country’s security establishment that the rebels would advance until they reached the Golan Heights, territory occupied by Israel, gaining control of Syrian weapons stockpiles along the way. Writing in the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahoronoth Friday, veteran military correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai wrote that Israel may “prefer” to destroy the weapons storehouses so they won’t fall into the hands of the rebels. Israel seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war. Syria has constantly accused Israel of launching attacks against it from territory it occupies in the Golan Heights. Israel has frequently struck Syria over the years. Syrian insurgents enter 2 central towns, bringing them close to the city of Homs BEIRUT — Syrian insurgents entered two central towns early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The break into Rastan and Talbiseh came a day after opposition gunmen captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest, after the Syrian army said it withdrew to avoid fighting inside the city and spare the lives of civilians. The insurgents, led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have said that they will march to Homs and Damascus, President Bashar Assad’s seat of power. The city of Homs, parts of which were controlled by insurgents until 2014, is a major intersection point between the capital, Damascus, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus where Assad enjoys wide support. Homs province is Syria’s largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. Insurgents are now 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from Homs, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor. “The battle of Homs is the mother of all battles and will decide who will rule Syria,” said Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory’s chief. Iran says it conducted a successful space launch in a program long criticized by the West MANAMA, Bahrain — Iran said Friday it conducted a successful space launch, the latest for its program the West alleges improves Tehran’s ballistic missile technology. Iran conducted the launch using its Simorgh program , a satellite-carrying rocket that had had a series of failed launches, at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province. That’s the site of Iran’s civilian space program. The Simorgh carried what Iran described as an “orbital propulsion system,” as well as two research systems to a 400-kilometer (250-mile) orbit above the Earth. A system that could change the orbit of a spacecraft would allow Iran to geo-synchronize the orbits of its satellites. Tehran has long sought that ability. Iran also put the payload of the Simorgh at 300 kilograms (660 pounds), heavier than its previous successful launches. There was no immediate independent confirmation the launch was successful. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The announcement comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and as an uneasy ceasefire holds in Lebanon. Australian leader blames antisemitism for arson that extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue MELBOURNE, Australia — Arsonists extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue on Friday in what Australia’s prime minister condemned as an antisemitic attack on Australian values. The blaze in the Adass Israel Synagogue is an escalation in targeted attacks in Australia since the war began between Israel and Hamas last year. Cars and buildings have been vandalized and torched around Australia in protests inspired by the war. A witness who had come to the synagogue to pray saw two masked men spreading a liquid accelerant with brooms inside the building at 4:10 a.m., officials said. About 60 firefighters with 17 fire trucks responded to the blaze, which police said caused extensive damage. Investigators have yet to identify a motive, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blamed antisemitism. “This was a shocking incident to be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this,” Albanese told reporters. “To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism, is attacking the right that all Australians should have to practice their faith in peace and security,” he added. Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatus ISTANBUL — A Hamas official says international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States because of frustration over a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But there has been a “reactivation” of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel, according to Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political bureau who spoke with The Associated Press in Turkey on Thursday. Another official familiar with the talks confirmed the return of Qatari mediators. The official spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations with the media. Since the talks broke down, there have been significant shifts in the global and regional landscape. Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, and a ceasefire was declared last week between Israel and Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump is a staunch supporter of Israel, but Naim said he believes the incoming administration could “affect the situation positively” given that Trump had made halting wars in the region part of his campaign platform. Trump this week called for the release of all hostages held in Gaza by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, saying there would be “hell to pay” if that doesn’t happen. Attack near US base in eastern Syria may have wounded 3 service members, Pentagon says WASHINGTON -- Three U.S. service members were being evaluated for potential traumatic brain injuries following an attack near a base in eastern Syria this week, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday. Ryder said U.S. Central Command is still evaluating who was behind the attack near Mission Support Site Euphrates, which prompted the U.S. to conduct counter strikes on Tuesday. At the time, the Pentagon said rockets and mortars had landed in the vicinity of the base. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria to conduct missions to counter the Islamic Stage group. By Lolita Baldorlive baccarat online 。

Peru's leading winery and Pisco producer expands communications program in the US market NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viñas Queirolo , one of Peru's most historic and highly acclaimed wine estates, has announced Colangelo & Partners , a fine wine, spirits, and food-focused integrated communications agency, as its agency of record to develop and execute a strategic integrated communications program in 2024 and 2025. The partnership will focus on growing the reputation of Peru as a producer of exemplary wines and spirits while establishing Viñas Queirolo as a leader and reference point for the region. The history of Bodega Santiago Queirolo dates back to 1880, when Santiago Queirolo Raggio , a Genoese immigrant, arrived in Peru with his family to search for new opportunities. What started as a local, artisanal production of wines and Piscos for local consumption soon prospered into a full-fledged family business spanning generations and centuries. The second generation of the family, led by Santiago's children, consolidated operations, expanded production and strengthened the brand's presence in the local market. But it was the third generation, led by Santiago Queirolo Targarona and his brothers Jorge and Francisco, that brought much-needed transformation and modernization to the winery, driven by the ambitious vision to make Peruvian wines competitive on the international stage . "We are thrilled to partner with Colangelo & Partners to engage with American wine lovers and spirits enthusiasts by offering audiences a glimpse into the quality of Peruvian wine and Pisco," CEO Santiago Queirolo Targarona said. "For over 100 years, we have developed a deep understanding of Peru's terroirs and assembled the perfect team to interpret our vineyards in the bottle." While the highly skilled winemaker, Luis Gomez , and agriculture director, Jorge Queirolo , manage the portfolio of wines and Piscos sourced from the Ica Valley and Cañete Valley, the team has sought expertise from prominent Bordeaux enology consultants such as Jacques Blouin and c, both of which helped the family expand into Ica Valley and optimize winemaking technologies. Argentinean 'Winemaker of the Year' Alejandro Sejanovich also consults yearly with a highly qualified team of vineyard experts. Queirolo's nearly 2,000-acre expansion into the Ica Valley in 2003 helped establish ' Intipalka ', the estate's premium label, which translates to 'valley of the sun' in Quechua, the language spoken during the Inca empire and still used in the highlands of Peru . These high-altitude vineyards experience a desert-like climate with high diurnal ranges to produce wines with exceptional complexity and structure. Whether it's Queirolo's Intipalka flagships, Santiago Queirolo's entry-level wines that pair well with Peruvian dishes, or the distilled and unique Piscos that can be enjoyed neat or in creative cocktails, the estate is the world's window to Peru's classic beverages and quality potential. Carlos de Jesus , Partner and President of Colangelo & Partners Europe, expressed his excitement about the new partnership, "as a team of passionate wine lovers and category builders, we are thrilled to be working alongside the Queirolo family and the fine wines of Peru . While Peruvian wine is still an emerging category, the caliber of terroir- expressive wines coming from Viñas Queirolo is a testament to their expertise and hard work, and we are excited to be a part of their growth in the U.S. market." Intipalka and Santiago Queirolo wines and Piscos can be found nationwide, specifically at your local Total Wine & More. About Viñas Queirolo - www.santiagoqueirolo.com The history of Bodega Santiago Queirolo dates back to 1880, when Santiago Queirolo Raggio , a Genoese immigrant, arrived in Peru with his family from Italy in search of new opportunities. The family settled in the district of Magdalena Vieja, now known as Pueblo Libre, where Santiago began working with his passion for winemaking. Initially, Santiago produced wines and piscos in an artisanal way for local consumption, which quickly gained popularity among the community of the time. Over time, his small production became a prosperous business, marking the first steps of what would become a family tradition and one of the most emblematic wineries in Peru . Today, the winery controls estate vineyards in Ica Valley and Cañete Valley that are meticulously farmed by the third generation of Queirolo: Santiago, Jorge and Francisco. About Colangelo & Partners - www.colangelopr.com Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution and communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on 'closing the loop' between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer to maximize its communications programs' efficiency and deliver measurable results. Founded in 2006, Colangelo & Partners was honored as one of the year's top integrated communications firms at the 2013 Agency Elite Awards and for one of the best digital marketing campaigns at the 2014 Digital PR Awards. SOURCE Colangelo & Partners Public RelationsAs is the case every year, there was a fair bit of controversy after the College Football Playoff committee set the field for the first 12-team playoff on Sunday. One discussion amongst fans was the seeding of Penn State, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Penn State earned the No. 6 seed despite losing to Ohio State, which is the No. 8 seed. Between them sits Notre Dame at No. 7. On The Rich Eisen Show, College Football Playoff committee chair Warde Manuel broke down the thought process behind the seeding, saying that the committee favored the Nittany Lions for their performance against Oregon in the Big Ten Championship. He also pointed to the Buckeyes' loss to unranked Michigan and said Ohio State didn't have the chance to move ahead of Notre Dame since it didn't compete in a conference championship. "Ohio State had an unranked loss in their last game," Manuel said (1:30 mark). "And with the performance of Penn State's season as well as how they performed in the last game that they played, the committee, in terms of how we voted it, felt that Penn State was slightly higher ranked than Ohio State. Ohio State was not in the championship game, so they couldn't move ahead of Notre Dame and we just didn't feel that Penn State should move behind Ohio State." This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .

PAY ATTENTION TO ME! 'Oppenheimer' Actress Makes Up Brand New 'Gender Identity'Streamline Health® To Report Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Financial Performance

Giants owners face a decision on how to mollify frustrated fansOKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (AP) — A new study has found that systemic barriers to voting on tribal lands contribute to substantial disparities in Native American turnout, particularly for presidential elections. The study, released Tuesday by the Brennan Center for Justice, looked at 21 states with federally recognized tribal lands that have a population of at least 5,000 and where more than 20% of residents identify as American Indian or Alaska Native. Researchers found that between 2012 and 2022, voter participation in federal elections was 7 percentage points lower in midterms and 15 percentage points lower in presidential elections than among those living off tribal lands in the same states. Earlier studies show voter turnout for communities of color is higher in areas where their ethnic group is the majority, but the latest research found that turnout was the lowest on tribal lands that have a high concentration of Native Americans, the Brennan Center said. “There’s something more intensely happening in Native American communities on tribal land,” said Chelsea Jones, a researcher on the study. Jones said the study suggests some barriers may be insurmountable in predominately Native communities due to a lack of adequate polling places or access to early and mail-in ballots. Many residents on tribal lands have nontraditional addresses, meaning they don't have street names or house numbers, making mail-in voting even more difficult. As a result, many Native American voters rely on P.O. boxes, but the study notes that several jurisdictions will not mail ballots to P.O. boxes. Long distances to the polls that do exist on tribal lands and little to no public transportation creates additional hurdles for Native American voters. In far-flung Alaska Native villages, polling places sometimes simply don't open if there's no one available to run an election, and severe weather can make absentee voting unreliable, The Associated Press reported last month. “When you think about people who live on tribal lands having to go 30, 60, 100 miles (up to 160 kilometers) to cast a ballot, that is an extremely limiting predicament to be in," Jones said. "These are really, truly severe barriers.” Additionally, Jones said they found Native American voters were denied the ability to vote using their tribal IDs in several places, including in states where that is legally allowed. All of these roadblocks to the ballot can create a sense of distrust in the system, which could contribute to lower turnout, Jones said. The Brennan Center study also highlights on ongoing issue when it comes to understanding how or why Native Americans vote: a lack of good data. “There are immense data inequities when it comes to studying Native American communities, especially as it pertains to politics," Jones said. Native American communities are often overlooked when it comes to polling data and sometimes when they are included those studies do not reflect broader trends for Indigenous voters, said Stephanie Fryberg, the director of the Research for Indigenous Social Action & Equity Center, which studies systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous people. “Generally speaking, polling is not well positioned to do a good job for Indian Country,” said Fryberg, who is also a professor of psychology at Northwestern University. “There are ideas that are held up as the gold standard about how polling works that don’t work for Indian Country because of where we live, because of how difficult it is to connect to people in our community.” Fryberg, a member of the Tulalip Tribe in Washington State, was one of several Indigenous researchers who denounced a recent exit poll conducted by Edison Research that found 65% of Native American voters who participated said they voted for Donald Trump. The poll only surveyed 229 self-identified Native Americans, a sample size that she said is too small for an accurate reading, and none of the jurisdictions in the poll were on tribal lands. “Right there, you’re already eliminating a powerful perspective,” Fryberg said. The Indigenous Journalists Association labelled that polling data as “highly misleading and irresponsible,” saying it has led “to widespread misinformation.” In a statement to the Associated Press, Edison Research acknowledged that the polling size is small, but said the "goal of the survey is to represent the national electorate and to have enough data to also examine large demographic and geographic subgroups." The survey has a potential sampling margin of error of plus or minus 9%, according to the statement. “Based on all of these factors, this data point from our survey should not be taken as a definitive word on the American Indian vote,” the statement reads. Native Americans are not just part of an ethnic group, they also have political identities that come with being citizens of sovereign nations. Fryberg said allowing those surveyed to self-identify as Native Americans, without follow-up questions about tribal membership and specific Indigenous populations, means that data cannot accurately capture voting trends for those communities. Both Fryberg and Jones said that in order to create better data on and opportunities for Native Americans to vote, researchers and lawmakers would have to meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities. Jones said passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act, a bill that has stalled in Congress, would ensure equitable in-person voting options in every precinct on tribal lands. “This is not an issue that we see across the country,” Jones said. “It’s very specific to tribal lands. So we need provisions that address that uniquely.” Graham Lee Brewer is an Oklahoma City-based member of the AP's Race and Ethnicity team. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Shoppers ‘fall in love’ with Dollar Tree’s viral beauty item – it’s identical to Sephora but 94% cheaperUnamused 49ers GM: Cool it with Kyle Shanahan 'hot seat' talk

A NATIONAL Anthem singer at the New York Knicks game took on a heckler during her performance. The young singer was interrupted ahead of the clash between the Knicks and the Charlotte Hornets . The woman, named Liceli, started to sing the Star Spangled Banner when a fan started shouting during her performance. Instead of letting the heckler continue, she stopped singing and stared into the crowd. She quickly composed herself and went back to singing the anthem and got a massive roar of applause from the crowd. Even Knicks superstar Karl-Anthony Towns had a big smile on his face during the interaction. Read more on the NBA Fans loved to see the interaction between the singer and the heckler online too, and shared their thoughts on social media . "She finished that so well after, it was so great," one fan said. "Way to recover!" another fan said. "This is so awesome," a third fan said. Most read in Basketball "She killed it!!" a fourth fan said. "Glad! Don't be rude! That gal did a good job," a fifth fan said. After performing the national anthem, the singer posted a picture of herself on the court to her Instagram Story. "Umm n e ways... here I am!" she captioned the post. The Knicks went on to dismantle the Hornets after the national anthem performance. They won the game 125-101 to improve to a 14-8 record. Towns finished the game with 27 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 assists. Quarterfinals Tuesday 10 December - Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks, 7 pm ET Tuesday 10 December - Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder, 9.30 pm ET Wednesday 11 December - Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, 7 pm ET Wednesday 11 December - Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets, 9.30 pm ET Semifinals Saturday 14 December - SF1, 4.30pm ET (T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada) Saturday 14 December - SF2, 8.30pm ET (T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada) Final Tuesday 17 December, 8.30 pm ET (T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada) Josh Hart also had a big night, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. "OG was unbelievable. He and Mikal, they sort of got us going, their energy," head coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Josh [Hart] as well. KAT got going, and Jalen was Jalen. Read More on The US Sun "I thought they did a really good job. They set the tone in the second half, but we’ve got to be a 48-minute team, so they gave themselves stuff that they can look at." The Knicks have a four-game win streak going as they head into a matchup with the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

A local organization focused on addiction recovery is celebrating more than four decades of work in Ottawa and the thousands it helped along the way. On Sunday, the city declared Nov. 24 as Serenity Renewal for Families Day, named after the organization. Two nuns who were teachers started the addiction recovery centre in 1986 after they saw a gap in services that were needed for families. The centre provides counselling and programs dedicated to helping those with substance abuse issues along with their entire families, including children. Catherine, a woman who wished not to use her full name, shared her inspiring story of how the program helped change her life and how she is working to do the same for others. Feelings of isolation when dealing with addiction is something she understands well. "This time in my life I was in total crisis," Catherine said. "I felt judged by a lot of people in my life, and I was just in a place of despair." She says she struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, and it wasn't until she found the organization that she saw a way forward "The services they offered, it was unheard of to me," she said. "I didn't really know that something like what they were offering was available to me and I felt genuinely excited to get involved with their organization and have a chance at recovery." Catherine says the centre has a non-judgemental approach. She told the story of when she missed her first appointment, thinking she'd be cast aside, but found she was still welcomed. Today, she provides workshops with the organization to help others who need the same. Director Neil Leslie says its what makes the organization unique. "It gives ways for people to explore why it is they feel, act and react the way they do," he said. "It creates a safe space for not only for the person who's in recovery from addictions but also the family members surrounding them that are affected by their recovery." Donors and supporters all gathered on Sunday to mark the day. Leslie says the need for their services is growing and it wouldn't be possible without donors. "If it wasn't for them, we can't do what we're doing," he said. Catherine says she wants everyone to feel seen and heard the way she was. "You are valuable, you are a valuable human being," she tells people in recovery. "We want you to recover and the reason why I'm here doing these workshops with you is because I can share my real-life experiences." Ottawa Top Stories Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season Police lay more charges against pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Ottawa Ottawa addiction recovery organization celebrates 41 years Sandy Hill apartment building evacuated for high levels of carbon monoxide Indigenous boy donating hair to cancer patients, raising money for Kemptville hospital Hawkesbury, Ont. OPP officer charged with assault Mixed reaction from Ottawa business owners, customers on GST exemption Ottawa councillor violated Code of Conduct for daycare incident last summer, integrity commissioner concludes CTVNews.ca Top Stories Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday. ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14. 'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger. Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada. A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls. These royal residences are opening their doors this Christmas Not so long ago, if you wanted to spend Christmas with the royal family, the only way to get close was to press your nose up to the TV screen during the monarch’s Christmas speech. Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device. Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup Jannik Sinner clinched Italy’s second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season by beating Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor. Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live Atlantic ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14. Nova Scotia retirement community asks people to ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ The Berkeley retirement community is asking people to “Be a Santa to a Senior” by making a donation until December 9 at one of their four locations in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Man arrested in Saint John, N.B., for weapons offences Saint John Police Force in Saint John, N.B., arrested a 30-year-old man for weapons related offenses on Saturday. Toronto Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario? 'It's an optimistic space:' Inside Toronto's new drug withdrawal centre Joshua Orson sits on the edge of a bed in a bright, clean room, thinking about his journey from addict to health-care worker. Routes to avoid during the 120th Santa Claus Parade on Sunday The 120th Santa Claus Parade is back in Toronto on Sunday and will bring along some road closures. Montreal Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday. Two suspicious fires in Rawdon Provincial police (SQ) are investigating two suspicious fires on the same street within 24 hours in the municipality of Rawdon. Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining Taykwa Tagamou Nation, a Cree First Nation located within Treaty 9, has filed a statement of claim against the Province of Ontario and Newmont, a mining company that owns properties in Timmins. Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved. More carrots pulled from grocery store shelves in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced an expanded recall on carrots over risks of E. coli O121 contamination, according to a notice issued Friday. Windsor How a senior's efforts to craft hats for students knitted his community together A Windsor, Ont., man knitting hats for kids in need has inspired his neighbours to make sure more than just ears are staying warm. Increased police presence in Tecumseh Tecumseh will see more police around Ryegate Drive and Lemire Street, as per OPP. CPKC Holiday Train coming to Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex If you were hoping to see the CPKC Holiday Train this year, you’re in luck! The train is chugging through Canada and the U.S., stopping in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex on Monday. London World Champion Jennifer Ogg of London, Ont. among inductees in Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame When Jennifer Ogg signed up an Ironman race in Cozumel, Mex., she had no idea that months later, she’d get the call to be inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. Two displaced in $200,000 house fire The London Fire Department was on scene of a house fire in the city on Sunday. Three people in hospital due to collision Kitchener Kitchener auto repair shop hosts fundraiser for children with disabilities, joined by hockey legend Wendel Clark An auto repair shop based in Kitchener held a special fundraiser Saturday to help children and youth with physical disabilities, with former Maple Leafs captain Wendel Clark in attendance. Colleges and universities face job cuts, deficits amid international student cap Groups representing post-secondary institutions say this may just be the tip of the iceberg, as dramatic drops in international student enrolment exacerbate some schools' existing budget shortfalls. Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? Doctors and emergency rooms across Canada have said they are seeing an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly in children, but what about here in Ontario? Barrie Driver seriously injured after crashing into tree: OPP An overnight crash in Tiny Township is under investigation, where a car allegedly crashed into a tree and both occupants were taken to hospital. First snowfall hits region Simcoe Muskoka saw its first signs of snow of the season Sunday morning, with a mix of flurries and rain leading to worsening road conditions and police reporting multiple collisions. Local high school basketball team wins provincial championship The Maple Ridge Ravens girls’ basketball team won a gold medal at the Girls AAA OFSAA Championships this weekend in Brampton, defeating the Mother Teresa Spartans 46-42 in comeback fashion. Winnipeg Winnipeg postal workers still collecting letters to Santa amid ongoing strike Here's how Winnipeg families can still deliver their letters to Santa amid the ongoing Canada Post workers' strike. Have you seen Bostyn? Winnipeg police search for missing teenager Winnipeg police are asking the public to help find a 15-year-old girl who went missing Saturday afternoon. The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet. Calgary Festival of Lights kicks off 38th year as snow arrives just in time For a while there, Lions Festival of Lights chair Otto Silzer was worried there wouldn’t be any snow to decorate the light show. Snowfall warning lifted but flurries remain in Sunday forecast The snowfall warning for Calgary has been lifted after a Saturday snowstorm socked the city, but there are still flurries in the forecast for Sunday. Revival of Pospisil, power play fuels Flames to 4-3 shootout win over Wild A week ago, the Calgary Flames were winning despite Martin Pospisil's slump and the NHL club's weak power play. Edmonton Electric cars a 'hot commodity' in Alberta despite misconceptions Electric vehicles are off Alberta car lots, despite what experts say are some ongoing misconceptions about the technology. Podkolzin snaps scoring slump in Oilers win over Rangers Vasily Podkolzin vowed there's more to come after his first goal with the Edmonton Oilers. Podkolzin scored the game’s first goal and Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist for the Oilers in a 6-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday. Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023. Regina Regina slammed with second snowstorm inside a week Regina is digging itself out yet again – mere days after it was slammed with the first major snowfall of the season. Dinosaur discovery reveals more about ancient Saskatchewan Researchers from McGill University have discovered a first of its kind fossil specimen for Saskatchewan. Navy wife brings together local authors for inaugural book fair Sixteen local authors and book publishers gathered Saturday for the first ever Regina Bookwyrm’s Book Fair, organized by a Navy wife. Saskatoon Saskatoon schools will be closed Monday following heavy snowfall Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday due to heavy snowfall and hazardous road conditions. Saskatoon digs out from another snowfall Saskatoon residents are digging out from another major snowfall that blanketed the city overnight. 'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption Some local businesses say the federal government’s recent plan to pull back GST on several items is a positive initiative, but it should have been rolled out earlier in the holiday season. Vancouver Vancouver Police Board member resigns over social media posts A member of the Vancouver Police Board was asked to resign after social media posts surfaced that made her continued service on the oversight body “untenable,” according to the chair. Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device. Widow of Chinese businessman who was executed for murder can sell her Vancouver house, court rules A murder in China and a civil lawsuit in B.C. have been preventing the sale of multiple Vancouver homes, but one of them could soon hit the market after a court ruling. Vancouver Island BC Hydro says power almost fully restored after B.C. windstorms British Columbia's electric utility says it has restored power to almost all customers who suffered outages during the bomb cyclone earlier this week, but strong wind from a new storm has made repairs difficult in some areas. Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again There won't be a sitting of the British Columbia legislature this fall as originally planned. Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay ConnectedNoneAwkward national anthem moment before Knicks-Hornets as young singer is ‘disgracefully’ interruptedArticle content When gangs go Christmas shopping, they bring hammers, guns, bats and masks – sometimes they even drive around the mall in a stolen getaway car. You take your life in your hands now when going Christmas shopping at the mall. Walking around in a shopping mall is different than it used to be because you just never know when the bad guys will strike. Imagine what it must be like to work in a business within a mall – especially in a jewelry store. Sitting ducks. That’s what they are. It’s no longer a matter of will a swarming gang show up to wreak terror as they smash display cases and leave with expensive merchandise – it’s now a matter of when will they come. Markville Mall robbery at LukFuk jewellery just in !!! 😳 pic.twitter.com/WHLm5poXji Recommended Videos Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Don't have an account? Create Account It’s so ironic that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his failed government are putting out another list of guns they want to ban or take away from legal target shooters, collectors or hunters, and even offer some of them to Ukraine to use to kill fellow human beings in Russia, because they never seem to get the guns off the gangs who use them at will. Trudeau hasn’t yet offered any of the gang’s confiscated guns to Zelensky to fight Putin. Meanwhile, the biggest war being waged might very well be here in the Greater Toronto Area where violent crime is out of control while the government talks about investing in climate change and jets around the world in a massive pollution-emitting passenger jet. Another daylight swarm style robbery at Markville Mall Markville Mall, 5000 Hwy 7, Markham, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 Dec/04/2024 - 12:00pm Another daytime robbery this time at Markville mall. A swarm of about 8 people are seen smashing the display cases and stealing everything... pic.twitter.com/OGBCqpiULt Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again In just about every case involving violent criminals, suspects have already been arrested in previous criminal counts but have been released on bail or parole. In other words, whatever crime they committed out there is the fault of the government, a judge or a justice of the peace. They never own up it or pay any kind of price or even say they are sorry that they got it wrong. The system instead goes after a Metis grandmother organizing a protest or a Northern Ontario mayor who says no to the woke agenda. Canada throws the book at people like peaceful Tamara Lich or great grandfather Mayor Harold McQuaker. The real criminals, meanwhile, are not only given a pass but also encouragement. In fact, our system says sorry to them – and lets them go free as soon as possible, so they can get back at their passion. That same system that is so hard on those who are easy to rough up also loathes to pay the police, who not only catch these alleged criminals but catch them over and over and over again. Something that needs to be said again is what an outstanding job York Regional Police did in arresting may of the dozen or so alleged participants in the smash-and-grab robbery of a jewelry store in the Markdale Mall over the noon-hour on Wednesday. “Four suspects were quickly taken into custody. Two additional suspects were located hiding in the washroom of a nearby food establishment,” police said. “Investigators are currently seeking at least six additional male suspects, four of which were directly involved in the robbery and at least two acting as getaway drivers.” Four of the six they captured were under 18 and enjoy the protection of the law, which does not allow the public to learn through the media of just who they are. But since Remario Murdock and Trevone Ball-Barnes are both 19, they can be identified. They are charged with robbery with an offensive weapon, wearing a disguise with intent and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. The charges against all of them have not yet been tested in court. “At the time of the arrest, two 16-year-old males, a 15-year-old male and Trevone Ball-Barnes, 19, were out on release orders,” police said. And they will soon be out again. This happens everywhere now. Great work by our members, however this is another glaring example of why bail reform is urgently needed. Of the 16 individuals arrested in connection with these 7 seized crime guns, half were out on bail—despite clear risks to public safety. Our members are working tirelessly... https://t.co/OjRfxYhyRY Toronto Police posted a message Thursday on X explaining their officers had seized seven crime guns, laid 389 charges and arrested eight adults and eight youth suspects. The fact that eight of the accused were out on bail at the time prompted Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell to respond to the social media post. “Of the 16 individuals arrested in connection with these 7 seized crime guns, half were out on bail – despite clear risks to public safety,” he said. “Our members are working tirelessly.” If the system doesn’t care, why would criminals care? They don’t – and they will see you and your family in the mall. jwarmington@postmedia.com Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Paige Spiranac takes swing at ‘Hawk Tuah Girl’ over memecoin controversy 57 people charged after open-air drug market bust in Hamilton Sports radio icon Bob McCown stepping away from podcast for 'foreseeable future' Team Canada snub gives Maple Leafs' John Tavares some extra motivation Trudeau Liberals expand gun grab, adding 324 new models to ban list 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 © 2024 Toronto Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . You've reached the 20 article limit. You can manage saved articles in your account. and save up to 100 articles! Looks like you've reached your saved article limit! You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.

Srinagar, Nov 24: The law enforcement agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified surveillance of social media platforms to curtail anti-national propaganda and avert adverse fallout on the peace and stability in J&K. Greater Kashmir learnt from senior Police officials that around 150 social media handles were being closely monitored. These handles are suspected to be spreading extremist ideologies and fake news, all of which are under scrutiny as part of a comprehensive strategy against terrorism. According to officials, platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and X are being exploited to circulate anti-national propaganda, fake news, inflammatory videos, and manipulated images targeting youth. The use of encrypted messaging apps has made it challenging to trace and curb such activities. In the past, cybercrime units identified multiple pages promoting radical ideologies and glorifying militancy. The Police have blocked dozens of accounts and initiated legal action under the Information Technology Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Senior officials credit previous campaigns targeting social media propaganda for the significant reduction in local terror recruitment. “Building on this success, the ongoing crackdown aims to disrupt online networks that foster radicalisation and anti-national sentiment,” a senior officer of Cyber Police said. “Social media has become a potent tool for disseminating propaganda.” The officer said that they closely monitor such platforms where the narrative is taking shape, designed to incite violence or to glorify terrorism. “This is part of our proactive strategy in ensuring that such content does not influence impressionable minds,” he said. The senior officer said that the renewed focus on social media monitoring comes in the wake of significant achievements in reducing local recruitment to terror groups, besides stopping other anti-activities. “In recent years, our efforts to identify and act against individuals using social media for nefarious purposes have contributed to a substantial decline in terror recruitment,” the officer said. According to Police data, recruitment numbers have hit all-time lows as a testament to the success of such initiatives. To further strengthen monitoring, the Police in many places are cooperating with technology organisations and cyber experts to identify and blockade accounts associated with anti-national activities. “The support from social media platforms in flagging and removing objectionable content has been crucial,” Police said adding that their ultimate goal was not just to block such handles but to identify the individuals or groups operating them and bring them to justice. In addition to the surveillance activities, the Police have initiated community outreach programmes in an attempt to educate society on the threat posed by online radicalisation. “Youth-focused campaigns in schools, colleges, and community centres are being conducted to raise awareness on responsible social media use,” the officer said. The initiative has seen some early success, but Police officials acknowledge difficulties in handling the encrypted messaging apps and pseudonymous profiles of individuals spreading anti-national propaganda. “Together, we can ensure that J&K remains on the path of peace and development,” they said.

None

Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 LaLiga defeat at Athletic Bilbao as Kylian Mbappe missed from the penalty spot again. Alex Berenguer prodded the hosts ahead after 53 minutes before Mbappe – who failed to convert a Champions League penalty against Liverpool last week – sent his kick too close to Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. Jude Bellingham appeared to have rescued a point for Real after scoring for the fourth successive league game 12 minutes from time. 📸 PORTERAZO. JULEN, JULEN! JULEN JULEN! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/w260s6xo79 — Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024 But Federico Valverde’s mistake two minutes later gifted Gorka Guruzeta the winner in front of a delirious San Mames crowd. On a busy night of second-round Copa del Rey action, Villarreal suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Pontevedra while there were wins for Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano and Valencia. Fiorentina went out of the Coppa Italia to Empoli on penalties on an emotional night at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Viola were back in action after Edoardo Bove’s health scare forced their weekend league fixture with Inter Milan to be abandoned during the first half. Midfielder Bove collapsed on the pitch and required emergency medical treatment. He was taken to hospital but regained consciousness in intensive care. Esposito's penalty books Empoli's place in the next round 💪 #FiorentinaEmpoli pic.twitter.com/UUxghH9l6b — Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 4, 2024 Empoli led at half-time through Emmanuel Ekong’s fourth-minute opener before Moise Kean and Riccardo Sottil put Fiorentina ahead. Sebastiano Esposito struck 15 minutes from time to make it 2-2 and take the last-16 tie into extra time, Empoli eventually winning 4-3 on penalties. Benjamin Sesko opened the scoring and Luis Openda struck twice as RB Leipzig brushed aside Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in the German DFB Pokal. Second-half goals from Denis Vavro, Jonas Wind and Yannick Gerhardt saw Wolfsburg beat Hoffenheim 3-0. Cologne knocked out Hertha Berlin 2-1 after extra time with Dejan Ljubicic converting a penalty in the final seconds, while Augsburg prevailed 5-4 on penalties against Karlsruhe after a 2-2 draw.

NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of the people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO in a targeted killing on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, ran the insurance arm of the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. since 2021 and had worked at the company for 20 years. He previously led its Medicare and retirement businesses. As CEO, Thompson led a business that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at Pricewaterhouse Coopers and had little name recognition beyond the industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. Thompson’s few moments of public attention stood in contrast to his role in reshaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy, rather than focusing on treating them when they get sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. Story continues below video “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting when he was shot around 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown by a masked assailant who fled on foot, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. He said Thompson walked out of the hotel alone. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporter Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report. This story corrects the style of the company’s name to UnitedHealthcare.Steve Hansen said Friday it was "wonderful" to be reunited in Japan with former All Blacks coaching colleague Ian Foster, the pair having won the World Cup together. Hansen and Foster are preparing for their first season co-coaching club side Toyota Verblitz, rekindling a working relationship that saw them spend eight years together with the All Blacks. Foster served as Hansen's assistant when New Zealand lifted the World Cup in 2015, before taking over as head coach when Hansen left to join Toyota as director of rugby. Foster led the All Blacks to a narrow defeat to South Africa in last year's World Cup final before being replaced by Scott Robertson. Hansen and Foster are together again as they prepare for the start of the Japan Rugby League One season later this month, and Hansen said his colleague had made an "outstanding" start to the job. "It's been wonderful to be able to start our relationship back over again," said Hansen, who will continue as director of rugby while co-coaching with Foster. "We enjoy coaching together. He's someone I trust immensely, understands the game as good as anybody in world rugby." Foster endured a rocky build-up to last year's World Cup and Robertson was announced as his replacement before the tournament began. Foster refused to reapply for the job because he thought it should be handled after the World Cup and felt it was an unnecessary distraction. The 59-year-old said he was joining a "great organization" at Toyota, who finished seventh in last season's 12-team championship table. "It's been well led by Steve and the people in Toyota are really passionate," said Foster. "I've walked into an organization that is really determined to grow." Hansen said there would be "no role division" between him and Foster in the coaching box. "Within the team itself, he's the yin and I'm the yang, and sometimes I'm the yin and he's the yang," said Hansen. "That's how we've always operated."

NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M ) resulting from allegations that Macy's may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Macy's securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31645 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On November 25, 2024 , The New York Times published an article entitled "Macy's Discovers Employee Hid Millions in Delivery Expenses." This article stated that "Macy's said on Monday that an employee had "intentionally" misstated and hidden up to $154 million in delivery expenses over the past few years, forcing the retailer to delay a much-anticipated earnings report that Wall Street uses to gauge the strength of holiday shopping." On this news, the price of Macy's, Inc. stock fell 2.2% on November 25, 2024 . Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.Dean McCullough's tears have been sneered at by some celebrities who insisted he "wasn't scared" when he was asked to role-play a mummified body and get buried up to the thigh in sand while having meal-worms thrown into his make-shift "sarcophagus". There's been even worse to come for the tearful I'm A Celebrity contestant, who couldn't stand being submerged in sand, as he seemed to receive a very icy rebuttal from Ant McPartlin on tonight's episode. The BBC Radio 1 star, who was nominated for a further trial, exactly as fans had predicted, attempted to crack a joke to relieve the tension. Turning to Ant and Dec, he exclaimed: "Well, well, well. We need to stop meeting like this. I've told you I didn't want another date!" While Declan Donnelly gamely laughed along, Ant gave a blank stare in his direction instead. Fans took to social media to address the apparent snub, with one writing: "Ant hates Dean so much omg his face says it all." A second agreed: "Ant can’t stand Dean. you can tell." A third viewer chimed in: "Ant literally looks like he hates Dean." Meanwhile, poor Dean's attentions might be more focused on the horrors of the trial ahead, after being nominated for the terrifying Jack and the Screamstalk trial. Tulisa made an unsuccessful attempt to reassure him, insisting that the trial wouldn't necessarily be "critter-related". Fortunately for her, she's exempt for "medical reasons" - and the public voted Dean to take on the responsibility. The BBC star has already attracted negative attention for being too theatrical during previous trials, as some refuse to believe that he's scared. He screamed, cried and almost hyperventilated his way through the infamous sarcophagus trial, prompting Strictly pro Ola Jordan and fellow dance champ husband James Jordan to debate on Twitter whether he was "acting". Ola claimed: "I don’t believe one bit that he was scared of that #ImACeleb." James then shot back: "I’m sure he’s a lovely guy but needs to work on his acting skills massively otherwise he will come across a bit fake as he’s definitely trying to play the game." Dean, who recently opened up about his battle with "hidden homelessness" , opted out of the trial after just two stars, yelling the code-word, "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!" as he begged to be released. The decision made him less than popular with his hungry campmates, who'd been struggling alongside him in the jungle - and now fans are certain that Ant is acting frosty too.The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is dead at age 100

‘You’re wrong’ viral mum hits back at trolls after boasting about mountain of Christmas presents she buys her three kids

China probes Nvidia for 'violating' anti-monopoly law

Treysen Eaglestaff scores 19 as North Dakota cruises past Waldorf College 97-57California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites

Travel stocks are in the bargain bin. Is it time to buy?