Popular social network TikTok did not receive a reprieve from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and it is still facing a ban that is set to be enacted in January, reports The Wall Street Journal . TikTok and several of the social network's users challenged an April bill that is forcing Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok . The bill provided ByteDance with a nine-month period to sell TikTok to a company outside of China, and if the sale doesn't happen, TikTok won't be able to be distributed in the United States. TikTok claimed that the bill was unconstitutional because it infringes on free speech, but the court rejected that claim. While the ban is set to go into effect in January, TikTok is likely to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking an emergency stay. From there, the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the case. If TikTok is banned, Google, Apple, and other app distributors will not be able to provide the app for download, nor offer updates to the app. Internet hosting services will also be blocked from supporting the app, giving U.S. users no way to download it. TikTok users will, however, be able to keep using the app so long as it functions. ByteDance does not plan to sell TikTok, and even if the company complied and did so, China would need to approve the sale. The Chinese government has made it clear that it will firmly oppose any sale of the TikTok app. ByteDance says that it would be impossible to give the TikTok source code to a new owner because it would take years for new engineers to become familiar enough with it to perform routine maintenance. U.S. lawmakers want TikTok sold to a non-China company over concerns that the Chinese government could force ByteDance to hand over data from users in the United States, and there have also been suggestions that China could use TikTok to spread political propaganda. Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.Gaming Industry Visionary Bonnie Ross Joins Duolingo Board of Directors
STANFORD, Calif. — Andrew Luck is returning to Stanford in hopes of turning around a struggling football program that he once helped become a national power. Athletic director Bernard Muir announced Saturday that Luck has been hired as the general manager of the Stanford football team, tasked with overseeing all aspects of the program that just finished a 3-9 season under coach Troy Taylor. “I am a product of this university, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck said. “I believe deeply in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to help drive our program back to the top. Coach Taylor has the team pointed in the right direction, and I cannot wait to work with him, the staff, and the best, brightest, and toughest football players in the world.” Luck has kept a low profile since his surprise retirement from the NFL at age 29 when he announced in August 2019 that he was leaving the Indianapolis Colts and pro football. People are also reading... Cardinal alum Andrew Luck, left, watches a Feb. 2 game between Stanford and Southern California on Feb. 2 in Stanford, Calif. Josie Lepe, AP File In his new role, Luck will work with Taylor on recruiting and roster management, and with athletic department and university leadership on fundraising, alumni relations, sponsorships, student-athlete support and stadium experience. “Andrew’s credentials as a student-athlete speak for themselves, and in addition to his legacy of excellence, he also brings a deep understanding of the college football landscape and community, and an unparalleled passion for Stanford football,” Muir said. “I could not think of a person better qualified to guide our football program through a continuously evolving landscape, and I am thrilled that Andrew has agreed to join our team. This change represents a very different way of operating our program and competing in an evolving college football landscape.” Luck was one of the players who helped elevate Stanford into a West Coast powerhouse for several years. He helped end a seven-year bowl drought in his first season as starting quarterback in 2009 under coach Jim Harbaugh and led the Cardinal to back-to-back BCS bowl berths his final two seasons, when he was the Heisman Trophy runner-up both seasons. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck throws a pass during the first quarter of a Nov. 27, 2010 game against Oregon State in Stanford, Calif. Paul Sakuma, AP File That was part of a seven-year stretch in which Stanford posted the fourth-best record in the nation at 76-18 and qualified for five BCS bowl berths under Harbaugh and David Shaw. But the Cardinal have struggled for success in recent years and haven't won more than four games in a season since 2018. Stanford just finished its fourth straight 3-9 campaign in Taylor's second season since replacing Shaw. The Cardinal are the only power conference team to lose at least nine games in each of the past four seasons. Luck graduated from Stanford with a bachelor’s degree in architectural design and returned after retiring from the NFL to get his master’s degree in education in 2023. He was picked No. 1 overall by Indianapolis in the 2012 draft and made four Pro Bowls and was AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2018 in his brief but successful NFL career. Who rules the sidelines? A look at the 10 winningest NFL coaches Who rules the sidelines? A look at the 10 winningest NFL coaches Before the 2023 National Football League season started, it seemed inevitable that Bill Belichick would end his career as the winningest head coach in league history. He had won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and 298 regular-season games, plus 31 playoff games, across his career. Then the 2023 season happened. Belichick's Patriots finished 4-13, the franchise's worst record since 1992. At the end of the year, Belichick and New England owner Robert Kraft agreed to part ways. And now, during the 2024 season, Belichick is on the sideline. He's 26 wins from the #1 spot, a mark he'd reach in little more than two seasons if he maintained his .647 career winning percentage. Will he ascend the summit? It's hard to tell. Belichick would be 73 if he graced the sidelines next season—meaning he'd need to coach until at least 75 to break the all-time mark. Only one other NFL coach has ever helmed a team at age 73: Romeo Crennel in 2020 for the Houston Texans. With Belichick's pursuit of history stalled, it's worth glancing at the legends who have reached the pinnacle of coaching success. Who else stands among the 10 winningest coaches in NFL history? Stacker ranked the coaches with the most all-time regular-season wins using data from Pro Football Reference . These coaches have combined for 36 league championships, which represents 31.6% of all championships won throughout the history of pro football. To learn who made the list, keep reading. You may also like: Ranking the biggest NFL Draft busts of the last 30 years Bettmann/Contributor // Getty Images #10. Dan Reeves - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1981-2003 - Record: 190-165-2 - Winning percentage: .535 - Championships: 0 Dan Reeves reached the Super Bowl four times—thrice with the Denver Broncos and once with the Atlanta Falcons—but never won the NFL's crown jewel. Still, he racked up nearly 200 wins across his 23-year career, including a stint in charge of the New York Giants, with whom he won Coach of the Year in 1993. In all his tenures, he quickly built contenders—the three clubs he coached were a combined 17-31 the year before Reeves joined and 28-20 in his first year. However, his career ended on a sour note as he was fired from a 3-10 Falcons team after Week 14 in 2003. Bettmann/Contributor // Getty Images #9. Chuck Noll - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1969-91 - Record: 193-148-1 - Winning percentage: .566 - Championships: 4 Chuck Noll's Pittsburgh Steelers were synonymous with success in the 1970s. Behind his defense, known as the Steel Curtain, and offensive stars, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Lynn Swann, Noll led the squad to four Super Bowl victories from 1974 to 1979. Noll's Steelers remain the lone team to win four Super Bowls in six years, though Andy Reid and Kansas City could equal that mark if they win the Lombardi Trophy this season. Noll was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, two years after retiring. His legacy of coaching success has carried on in Pittsburgh—the club has had only two coaches (Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin) since Noll retired. Focus on Sport // Getty Images #8. Marty Schottenheimer - Seasons coached: 21 - Years active: 1984-98, 2001-06 - Record: 200-126-1 - Winning percentage: .613 - Championships: 0 As head coach of Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego, Marty Schottenheimer proved a successful leader during the regular season. Notably, he was named Coach of the Year after turning around his 4-12 Chargers team to a 12-4 record in 2004. His teams, however, struggled during the playoffs. Schottheimer went 5-13 in the postseason, and he never made it past the conference championship round. As such, the Pennsylvania-born skipper is the winningest NFL coach never to win a league championship. Focus on Sport // Getty Images #7. Paul Brown - Seasons coached: 25 - Years active: 1946-62, '68-75 - Record: 213-104-9 - Winning percentage: .672 - Championships: 7 The only coach on this list to pilot a college team, Paul Brown, reached the pro ranks after a three-year stint at Ohio State and two years with the Navy during World War II. He guided the Cleveland Browns—named after Brown, their first coach—to four straight titles in the fledgling All-America Football Conference. After the league folded, the ballclub moved to the NFL in 1950, and Cleveland continued its winning ways, with Brown leading the team to championships in '50, '54, and '55. He was fired in 1963 but returned in 1968 as the co-founder and coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. His other notable accomplishments include helping to invent the face mask and breaking pro football's color barrier . Bettmann/Contributor // Getty Images #6. Curly Lambeau - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1921-53 - Record: 226-132-22 - Winning percentage: .631 - Championships: 6 An early stalwart of the NFL, Curly Lambeau spent 29 years helming the Green Bay Packers before wrapping up his coaching career with two-year stints with the Chicago Cardinals and Washington. His Packers won titles across three decades, including the league's first three-peat from 1929-31. Notably, he experienced only one losing season during his first 27 years with Green Bay, cementing his legacy of consistent success. Born in Green Bay, Lambeau co-founded the Packers and played halfback on the team from 1919-29. He was elected to the Hall of Fame as a coach and owner in 1963, two years before his death. You may also like: Countries with the most active NFL players Bettmann/Contributor // Getty Images #5. Tom Landry - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1960-88 - Record: 250-162-6 - Winning percentage: .607 - Championships: 2 The first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry held the position for his entire 29-year tenure as an NFL coach. The Cowboys were especially dominant in the 1970s when they made five Super Bowls and won the big game twice. Landry was known for coaching strong all-around squads and a unit that earned the nickname the "Doomsday Defense." Between 1966 and 1985, Landry and his Cowboys enjoyed 20 straight seasons with a winning record. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990. Focus on Sport // Getty Images #3. Bill Belichick - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1991-95, 2000-23 - Record: 302-165 - Winning percentage: .647 - Championships: 6 The most successful head coach of the 21st century, Bill Belichick first coached the Cleveland Browns before taking over the New England Patriots in 2000. With the Pats, Belichick combined with quarterback Tom Brady to win six Super Bowls in 18 years. Belichick and New England split after last season when the Patriots went 4-13—the worst record of Belichick's career. His name has swirled around potential coaching openings , but nothing has come of it. Belichick has remained in the media spotlight with his regular slot on the "Monday Night Football" ManningCast. Tom Pennington // Getty Images #2. George Halas - Seasons coached: 40 - Years active: 1920-29, '33-42, '46-55, '58-67 - Record: 318-148-31 - Winning percentage: .682 - Championships: 6 George Halas was the founder and longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and coached the team across four separate stints. Nicknamed "Papa Bear," he built the ballclub into one of the NFL's premier franchises behind players such as Bronko Nagurski and Sid Luckman. Halas also played for the team, competing as a player-coach in the 1920s. The first coach to study opponents via game film, he was once a baseball player and even made 12 appearances as a member of the New York Yankees in 1919. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963 as both a coach and owner. Bettmann/Contributor // Getty Images #1. Don Shula - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1963-95 - Record: 328-156-6 - Winning percentage: .677 - Championships: 2 The winningest head coach in NFL history is Don Shula, who first coached the Baltimore Colts (losing Super Bowl III to Joe Namath and the New York Jets) for seven years before leading the Miami Dolphins for 26 seasons. With the Fins, Shula won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, a run that included a 17-0 season—the only perfect campaign in NFL history. He also coached quarterback great Dan Marino in the 1980s and '90s, but the pair made it to a Super Bowl just once. Shula was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. You may also like: The 5 biggest upsets of the 2023-24 NFL regular season Bettmann/Contributor // Getty Images #4. Andy Reid - Seasons coached: 26 - Years active: 1999-present - Record: 267-145-1 - Winning percentage: .648 - Championships: 3 The only active coach in the top 10, Andy Reid has posted successful runs with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City. After reaching the Super Bowl once in 14 years with the Eagles, Reid ratcheted things up with K.C., winning three titles since 2019. As back-to-back defending champions, Reid and Co. are looking this season to become the first franchise to three-peat in the Super Bowl era and the third to do so in NFL history after the Packers of 1929-31 and '65-67. Time will tell if Reid and his offensive wizardry can lead Kansas City to that feat. Jamie Squire // Getty Images Be the first to know
“Collect photographs of inscriptions” is an objective you’ll get in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle as part of “The Stolen Cat Mummy.” These are the four Strange Inscriptions that were marked on Crescenzo’s Map . Our Indiana Jones and the Great Circle guide will show you how to photograph the inscriptions and where to find all four Strange Inscriptions. Table of Contents How to take photos of Strange Inscriptions Where to find the Strange Inscriptions Strange Inscription 1 location Strange Inscription 2 location Strange Inscription 3 location Strange Inscription 4 location How to take photos of Strange Inscriptions Finding the inscriptions scattered around the Vatican is one thing, but actually getting the picture Indy wants is a whole other challenge. When you get close to an inscription (or any photo-worthy scene), you’ll see a camera icon pop up in the upper left corner of your screen. Pressing up on the D-pad equips your camera, and then holding the left trigger brings it to your eye. From there, you just have to frame the photo the way the game wants. Luckily, you’ve got a guide. Unluckily, the game doesn’t explain that guide. When you’re looking through the viewfinder, you’ll see two sets of brackets: one thin and solid white, and the other fuzzy. Your goal is to get them both lined up. If the fuzzy brackets are inside of the solid ones, that means your subject is too small and you need to either get closer or zoom in. If they’re outside, that means the subject is too big and you need to back up or zoom out. Once you get the brackets aligned, you’ll get a take picture prompt on the screen. Where to find the Strange Inscriptions With the camera in hand, Indy’s map will change to include the rough locations of all four of the strange inscriptions you’re looking for. The numbers in the image above correspond to the descriptions below. Strange Inscription 1 location Once you buy the camera from Ernesto, leave the post office and take a right. Follow the road through the big doors to the next courtyard. Head through the second door on the right — it’s got a gate you can push through. Inside, you’ll see some hedges that are being trimmed. Head all the way to the back of this area and look to the right to find the first Strange Inscription . Strange Inscription 2 location Head back out of the hedge area and take a right (heading west). Go through the doors to return to Belvedere Courtyard . Straight ahead of you, there’ll be a fountain. Loop around to the right side of the fountain to find the next Strange Inscription . In our experience, this one is the trickiest to get framed correctly. You’ll probably have to zoom way in, and then take a couple of steps back to get it lined up. Strange Inscription 3 location From the fountain, head to the south end of Belvedere Courtyard. The Blackshirts are building a stage of some sort there. Head to the right side of the stage and sneak around to the back. Use your whip to climb to the top of the scaffolding. When you reach the balcony, turn to the right and follow it over to find Strange Inscription 3 . Strange Inscription 4 location Turn around from Strange Inscription 3 and head to the far side of the balcony. There’s a Blackguard to deal with — if he’s sitting on the railing, you can always just click the right thumbstick to push him off (it’s super satisfying). Use your whip to climb the scaffolding. At the top, turn to the right to find an open window. Hop into the hallway there — this is where you’ll find the “House of God” mystery — and continue out a window on the other side. This will bring you to the Borgia Courtyards . Turn right to find more scaffolding to climb. Climb that, and the final Strange Inscription will be a little to the left. For more Indiana Jones and the Great Circle guides, here’s how to solve the “ House of God ” and Sacred Wounds puzzles. Guides Indiana Jones and the Great Circle guides PC PlayStation Xbox Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
1. An electric heated mattress pad you better believe will become their most-used item this winter — who wouldn't want to feel like a freshly toasted marshmallow??? It comes with a memory timer and 10 heat settings, ideal for when they doze off while in their cozy bubble, and it boasts dual settings so if they have a partner they can *each* set their side of the bed to the perfect temp. Promising review: "I like all the things about this bed warmer. I had one in the past and got rid of it because we could feel the wires as we laid on them. Not this one. It works well. Just need to figure out what number setting I want. I also really like the timer setting since I often freeze as I go to sleep and then boil half way through the night. But not anymore!! :)" — Fairmaiden Get it from Amazon for $55.96+ (available in twin–California king sizing). 2. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" — aka an absolute essential for achieving peak comfort goals in their living room. It features a spot to hold a remote, two mugs, and two additional beverages. They honestly may never want to leave their couch again. Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review: "This thing is great! I’m home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch under a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc close by even with dogs running around . It’s a little more expensive than I would have liked but it works and I love it so money well spent!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in eight styles). 3. A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book , which is a newer edition of the fan favorite Reverse Coloring Book — perfect for anyone who is tired of coloring *inside* the lines and needs more of a challenge — in this scenario they'll be the one to draw the lines around the colors on the page! Basically, instead of adding the color to these, you draw lines to create images within the colors. Fun! Pair it with these fabulous black fine point pens for $9.99 on Amazon to complete the gift. Promising review : "Kendra Norton’s beautiful art books, Reverse Coloring books, have changed my world! My whole life I thought I was not creative and therefore had zero artistic ability. Now this has become my favorite form of artistic expression. I turn on music and/or an audiobook and allow myself to go for an adventure outside of my mind, beyond my mind, if you will. T his has become my favorite way to process through difficult emotions and experiences I’m working through ." — K. DeWitt Get it from Amazon for $8.29 . 4. A "flaming" humidifier to impress anyone who cherishes nothing more than cozy cottagecore vibes, soothing aromatherapy, and sleeping amongst delightfully hydrated air. Promising review : "I like how this diffuser kind of looks like a mini fireplace and it’s perfect for winter. I also like how long the water of this diffuser lasts — I always add my favorite essential oil in it when I go to sleep every night without worrying it will run out of water. I used to have insomnia and it helped me to sleep through the night with my relaxing essential oil scent, and it also worked as a humidifier." — Benny Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two colors). 5. A small lamp with the ability to rotate 180 degrees — it'll quickly become the *~light of their life~*. It has 16 color settings to choose from so they'll always be able to match the lighting to their mood and it has a remote control so they can mix it up without getting out of bed. Promising review : "I was really happy to find that the quality of this light exceeded my expectations. I’ve used it to create a calm ambience in my room with the orange setting, as well as, added fun lighting to a karaoke party with the blue setting. It has a weighty base and a reasonably long cord. You can also rotate and adjust the angle. Both lights run at the same time too." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors). 6. A quilted chenille floor pillow for anyone who has always dreamt about having their very own reading nook — this will help bring their fantasy to life without having to renovate their entire home. Plus *how lovely* do they look when stacked like in the review photo above!? Gorgeous! Promising review: "This comes just as pictured and described. It is comfortable and looks luxurious. It's great for floor seating." — AKhan Get it from Amazon for $38.49+ (available in seven colors). 7. A teak bath caddy to give them one more reason to fill the tub to the brim and soak for hours while listening to LoFi beats. Promising review: "Well made, pretty tray that fits all the way across my tub. Has a support for book or iPad which is great." — Jolene Saiz Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two styles). 8. And a mod bath pillow , a must-have for anyone who desperately needs to soak the stress of their day away (ahem, me) before hittin' the hay. Promising review: "This has a lot of cushion for your back and neck. I had no issues with sticking it to the tub. The best part is the hook which allows it to dry out well. In this time of working at home, I need a nice tub to help relax." — Danielle Piacentini Get it from Amazon for $33.99 . 9. An attachable Stanley cup snack bowl that'll take their favorite drinking vessel to the next level — a drinking and snacking vessel! Fill it with cookies, chips, fruit, candy... whatever! Once they've stocked it up they won't have to leave their bedroom until morning. Psst — lots of reviewers say this fits their Stanley cup *and* the cheaper alternative versions of it, like this $29.99 Simple Modern tumbler . Promising review : "Was I influenced by TikTok? Yes... but was it worth it? Also, yes! It fits so well on my Stanley and is secure over the handle. It fits quite a bit and has been perfect for me as I work from home. It doesn’t make drinking difficult and has been great at helping me snack throughout the day." — emily Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors). 10. A star string canopy that'll make every night feel like date night as they cuddle up with their loved one *underneath the stars* before heading off to sleep and by sleep I mean to watch too many episodes of Big Brother . Promising review: "This product is great. And beautiful! It was a nice touch to a surprise anniversary date ." — Juan Rodriguez Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in six styles). 11. A foot heater for anyone with perpetually cold tootsies — fire this bad boy up, turn on The Great British Baking Show , and enjoy the warmth you’re guaranteed to feel from head-to-toe (literally). Promising review: "I love this product. It's well built, nice neutral colors to blend into my carpet, so it's not an eyesore wherever I have it sitting. The fuzziness lends a cozy feel to it, as well. It offers a heat or no-heat setting and two directions for the shiatsu-style massagers to work on your heels. The inside is roomy enough that you can even turn your feet on their side to get an extra massage there as well. It's a gentle yet deep massage, so it's great for days when you've been standing for hours or walking on your feet a lot. I would recommend to anyone looking for a nice foot massager." — Gardener Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in two colors). 12. A Pura 4 smart fragrance diffuser they can use to effortlessly infuse their house with a scent that *smells like home* and can be customized with an app on their phone. The strength and duration of the fragrance can be set (wow!) and it'll store two scents at a time for whenever they want to change up the vibes. Promising review: "I ended up giving this to a friend and she and her wife love it! I gave them a Christmas scent to go with it and now they have purchased some refills on their own!" — Penny E. Get it from Pura for $34.99 and shop all the fragrance options . 13. A cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter with a flexible neck to light every candle in the house to create the *perfect* ambiance without the concern of run out of lighter fluid. Promising review: "I cook outside, and lighting a fire during wet and windy weather was a real pain. This lighter was a game changer! As long as the material is dry, this lighter will light regularly, consistently, and easily. Plus, it’s rechargeable! Love it!" — Sandra Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors and as a two-pack). 14. And a "Comfort Zone" candle that smells of coffee, cedarwood and that perfect moment when you return home to your happy place after an extremely long day — any homebody will have this on their holiday wish list (and if they don't yet, they should!) Promising review: "I am a marketing guru and love clever ideas. The candles did not disappoint, they smell great and the packaging/shipping is beautiful. Such a fun idea for friend and colleague gifts. I will definitely order them again." — Anonymous Get it from Anecdote Candles for $14+ (available in three sizes) or on Amazon for $26 . 15. Or a floral-inspired dimmable candle-warmer lamp they can safely use to bring the scent of their favorite candle to their room (no flames necessary). An added bonus — the candle will last waaaaay longer since it's not actually burning down! Promising review: "I bought this on a whim, and I’m hooked. I love the timer and dimmer features. So far, the lamp works great. It doesn’t put out a lot of heat and I love that you can adjust the light. This is now going to be my go-to gift. " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $29.98 (available in 10 styles). 16. Or a set of remote-controlled flameless candles so they can set up the cozy corner of their dreams without worrying about starting a not-so-cozy fire. 😅 Each candle requires 3 AAA batteries . Promising review: "I bought one set and loved them so much I bought two more sets. They're the most realistic looking fake candles I've bought so far. The 'flame' up close obviously doesn't look real but from afar with the flicker setting on, you almost can't tell these aren't real. They also put out a decent amount of light for being fake. Gives my living room a very cozy feel which is what I wanted. Remote works great as well. " — suckerforcats Get a set of three from Amazon for $25.99 (available in five styles). 17. A homebody sticker for my fellow '90s girlies who have *never* felt more at home than squatting in that all-too-memorable yellow playhouse with the pink door and light green shutters. IYKYK, my friends. SpunkeeMonkeeStudio is a small business! This sticker is waterproof so it can happily live on your water bottle! Promising review: "I had one of these!! 111/10 nostalgia core." — aria isnt here anymore Get it from SpunkeeMonkeeStudio on Etsy for $4.25 . 18. Murdle, Volume 1 , a compilation of murder mystery–themed logic puzzles that are reminiscent of the ever-popular Wordle game. This version will encourage your pal to use powers of deduction and a variety of clues to solve the mysteries throughout the book. Sherlock Holmes, who? There are 100 puzzles total, and four different levels of difficulty to tackle —each puzzle features a logic grid to help you solve it! Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun, but the characters, storylines and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes but this one will keep me busy for a while!" — Liz Gately Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . If you want to keep the fun going you can *also* snag Murdle: Volume 2 and Murdle: Volume 3 for more puzzling. 19. A " Grievance Journal ," aka a "burn book for the discerning misanthrope" that your friend with the darkest humor will find especially cathartic thanks to 52 prompts to express irritations over what's bothering them the most. Promising review : "Bought this intending to gift it to a friend but ended up getting really into the prompts and decided to keep it for myself. WOW, what an awesome way to vent and articulate the negativity you're feeling by actually forcing yourself to form coherent thoughts around your emotions. Cheaper and more effective than therapy, buying several more for friends and fam. " — Alex Get it from Amazon for $27.99 . If your recipient wants something a little less grim, check out this Burn After Writing book with a similar but lighter sentiment. 20. A chunky knit chenille blanket to bury themselves under because it's simply that time of year — it comes in so many colors you'll absolutely be able to snag one that matches their room's vibe. It's also hypoallergenic *and* machine washable! Samiah Luxe is a small business! Promising review: "Love this look. Makes the room look & feel cozy. But then the blanket ACTUALLY is cozy! Super soft. Heavy. Warm. Worth the money." — Tracy W. Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). 21. Or a wearable blanket for anyone who typically wraps their throw blanket around their shoulders and wanders the house like a ghost. They can skip that entire step and slip this version right over their head then proceed with their meandering. Promising review: "I bought this to live in when in my college dorm and now I never want to leave my college dorm. But that means it's GOOD!! I totally slept in it last night and it's perfect for rolling out of bed when it's 40 degrees outside, which makes the floors cold. My feet may be cold, but the rest of me sure isn't! 😀👍" — Eden Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in kids and adults sizes and 28 styles). 22. A Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas cross stitch kit so they can *~live like Jack and Sally if you want~* or at the very least add them into their home decor. This beginner's kit comes with thread, printed fabric, needle, step-by-step instructions, and a 3-inch plastic hoop, Get it from Amazon for $6.99 . 23. A new cookbook from Prue Leith (yes, the famed The Great British Bake Off judge!) filled with a variety of exciting recipes — perfect for someone who enjoys unwinding by cooking (and even better for their roommate who gets to eat all the stress-fueled cooking). Get it from Amazon for $32.45 . 24. A heated eye massager complete with five different massage modes and Bluetooth music so you can fully indulge and relax while relieving pain from eye strain and headaches. Promising review : "I saw this product on one of Amazon’s must-have TikTok videos and I knew I had to get it. It was so worth it — even though price may seem higher compared to other sellers, this is for sure a good investment piece. The quality is top notch, the strap that goes around your head is comfortable, and most importantly, the duration of each mode is long enough that it doesn’t interrupt your rest. I work a 12-hour night shift as a nurse and this technology has helped me get through the night easily. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in four colors). 25. A mason jar cold brew maker, a must-have for your homebody-BFF who'll really appreciate not having to wait in line at a crowded coffee shop. Reviewers absolutely love this version and also use it to brew their favorite iced teas. Cheers! County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar–style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories. Promising review: "This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!" — Jo Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and colors). 26. A subscription to Book of the Month for any bibliophile who hates having to actually speak to someone in a store about what they should read next and would much rather have their next fave novel delivered to their door. I was gifted a BOTM subscription many years ago and I've stayed loyal since! It's the only subscription service I've kept up with and gifted to different people. Each month your gift recipient will be permitted to choose from a selection of books (and more recently, audiobooks!), all of which are different genres. Then the book they select will be delivered to their door. Half of my beautifully color coordinated bookcase is filled with books from BOTM and I couldn't be happier! Get three months from Book of the Month for $59.99 . 27. A bookmark book tracker that'll motivate them to actually settle down and read the novel their book club decided on for this month. After they finish a book they can add the title into the spine on the bookmark and color it in — adorable. Britishbookart is a small business based in the UK that sells paintings of literary characters, like Belle from Beauty and the Beast (my personal fave) and Arya from Game of Thrones , as well as reading trackers and bookmarks. I bought two for my cousins during the holidays and the both were so excited to get started reading/coloring! Get it from britishbookart on Etsy for $3.42 . 28. And a genius amber reading light to attach directly to their novel, so even if their partner wants to hit the hay they can stay up as late as they want without disturbing them as they dive deeper and deeper into The New York Times bestseller their friends have all been raving about. Promising review: "This is a fantastic light! I use it every evening to continue reading while my son sleeps, it does not wake him or impede my sleep after I’m ready to go to bed. Great product." — Brian Masters Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 29. A pack of six aromatherapy shower steamers they can add into their morning rinse for the days they'd love to indulge in a lavish bubble bath but, sadly, have to head right out the door (and fast!) Promising review : "These are the best shower steamers I've ever tried. Usually, they aren't strong enough, or they melt too quickly to even enjoy. They are also bigger than what you can buy at the store. One lasted my entire shower and still smelled amazing even after I was done. These are the best shower steamers, hands down. I would definitely buy these again." — Krista Get it from Amazon for $16.99 . 30. An "Awakened Artifacts" puzzle from the TikTok-famous Magic Puzzle Company for your happiest-at-home friend, perfect for helping them unwind after a day filled with unpleasantries. There are over 50 hidden Easter eggs in this journey of an activity (including a hidden twist at the end!) that'll delight and amaze anyone who works on it. Promising review: "Bought this as soon as I got the email that it dropped on Amazon! Love this series and will continue to purchase them. Was it the most challenging puzzle? No, but that didn't take away from the fun of putting it together. Great artwork, wacky pieces, two posters, you just can't go wrong with a magic puzzle!" — Jennifer Lawton Get it from Amazon for $22.99 . This is one of 14 puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company , so there's lots of other ~puzzling~ possibilities once this one's finished! 31. Espresso Martini Instant Cocktail Tea Bags that can be used to take *~tini time~* to the next level with minimal effort (and for wayyyy cheaper than a bar that's filled to the brim with humans...no thanks). All they'll need to do is steep the bag in cold water and a spirit of their choice (vodka is recommended, but it can also be made as mocktails) until the majority of the bag dissolves. Cheers to that and to being able to drink at home in their pajamas! SAYSO is a small business! Promising review: "Initially thought these would need to steep in hot water, but they work in cold water. I like to let them steep around 10 minutes. Quick and delicious cocktails! I’ve tried all flavors but Old Fashioned and that’s next. These are fantastic for cocktail lovers that camp. No heavy mixers to carry." — AnneF Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six other cocktails and in a variety pack). 32. Fuzzy slippers with a lil' coquette vibe to 'em that'll make your pal feel feel oh-so pretty while they kick back, relax, and let the world know they're taking a much-needed break. Promising review: "Love them. My cousin had them so I had to have them. Super cozy and super cute." — lauren Get it from Amazon for $17.98 (available in women's sizes 5.5–10 and six styles). 33. Cadbury Drinking Chocolate for anyone who knows the best way to commemorate the return of winter weather is by toasting it with a mug of full-body-warming cocoa. Promising review: "We drink this almost nightly and we do it year-round. When I die, cremate me and put me in a Cadbury Drinking Chocolate tin." — Majombaszo Get it from Amazon for $12 . 34. Or a holiday gift set from Blue Bottle Coffee complete with their winter blend and a mug that just screams "I'm happy and cozy at home with my caffeine." The coffee blend includes 10 oz of whole bean coffee featuring tasting notes of dark chocolate, molasses, and blackberry. The mug is simple, sturdy, holds 12oz and was beautifully crafted in Japan. My husband purchased this set for himself (wish he would've told me for the holidays, but I digress) so I can confirm the mug really is quite lovely. Perfect for someone who appreciates the simpler, but finer, things in life. Get it from Blue Bottle Coffee for $54 . 35. And a mug warmer because when it's cold outside there is nothing better than being able to wrap your hands around a hot bev — this lil' gadget won't take up much room at all and will ensure that their drink remains the perfect temperature. Promising review: "It's so nice to work on the computer and reach for the coffee ☕️ and it's still hot or warm, your choice. Great buy." — Chip Wood Get it from Amazon for $19.98 . 36. A flexible universal tablet stand , in case they have roommates and simply don't feel like hanging out with them to watch TV every night. This handy dandy gadget will ensure they can continue to watch episodes of The Bear hands-free and human-free. Tablift is a small business created by Scott Blevins after he had trouble finding a tablet stand for his bed. This is compatible with Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and most other tablets (but you may have to remove the case in some cases). Promising review : "I wondered how the flexible legs might be. The problem I envisioned was that the legs would deflect as I used the support — nope! Not at all! It's flexible AND stable in just the right way. The legs twist in a wide variety of positions and the STAY where I put them. I use it for reading in bed at night mostly but have also used it's on the couch while watching TV. Ideal in each instance. Great job!" — R. Steven Cooper Get it from Amazon for $49.95 . 37. Microwaveable hugging sloths filled with soothing lavender — who better to spend a cold wintry night with?! The pair breaks apart so they can share the love with their roommate when they're having a rough day. 🥹 My sister bought my son a Golden Retriever Warmies plush before he was born and it's recently become a staple in his collection of "crib friends." It smells incredible and is so soothing for bedtime. I love that they're weighted but not *too* heavy that I'd be worried to let him snuggle with it overnight. Promising review: "I have a sloth obsession so I'm adding these to my collection! Perfect size and absolutely adorable! Not sure I'll use them for warming, but I have other Warmies for that purpose!!" — Heather W. Get it from Warmies for $29.99 or Amazon for $26.95 . 38. And a subscription to Hallmark+ you might want to go ahead and send over to them right now — a 10/10 gift for your pal who would be over the moon to have an excuse to hunker down and indulge in a marathon of lovey-dovey holiday movies. One of my all time greatest guilty pleasures is watching a concerning number of Hallmark Christmas movies from the moment the clock strikes 12 on November 1st through the end of the winter (if I'm being honest). As someone who got rid of cable years ago, I used to have to jump through hoops to get my fix. Now that Hallmark+ exists I was able to get a lovely little subscription (they range from three months to a year) and enjoy my favorite seasonal treat, hassle-free. Get a 3-month subscription from Hallmark+ for $23.97 . Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Orphans Care Centre (Dreama) and Al Nahda Primary School for Girls organised the event ‘Al Nahda for Palestine’ in collaboration with the Palestinian School, coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Qatar Foundation for Social Work acting CEO Khalid Mohammed al-Kuwari, Palestine ambassador Fayez Majed, Dreama executive director Sheikha Najla bint Ahmed al-Thani, Palestinian School director Dr Yahya al-Agha and officials of the Palestinian embassy were present. The ceremony opened with a welcome speech by Al Nahda Primary School for Girls director Munira al-Mannai. She emphasised the school’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and national causes that reflect shared values and principles. “The Palestinian cause is not merely a political issue; it is a symbol of truth and justice. Supporting it is a duty that strengthens our sense of belonging and instils in future generations the values of solidarity and unity. We are committed to serving as a platform for these noble messages.” Sheikha Najla al-Thani said: “Our participation in the ‘Al Nahda for Palestine’ event stems from our belief in the importance of standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people and supporting their just cause. This collaboration between Dreama and Al Nahda School reflects a shared commitment to social responsibility and fosters the values of compassion and belonging in future generations. Through this event, we aim to instil resilience in our children and reaffirm our unwavering connection to the Palestinian cause. Palestine will always remain alive in our hearts. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Al Nahda Primary School for their cooperation in making this event a success.” The programme featured several activities, including the recitation of the Qatari and Palestinian national anthems, a presentation on the Palestinian issue, a segment titled ‘Voices from Palestine’, a short play entitled ‘Dreams Under Siege’, and the performance of a Palestinian chant. The programme concluded with a tour of the Palestinian exhibition, which showcased traditional crafts and cultural artifacts. The ceremony was well-received by attendees, who praised the organisers for highlighting the Palestinian cause and promoting the values of solidarity and unity with the Palestinian people, a statement added. Related Story Student-painted canvases to be showcased at Al Ghorrah festival Qatar joins Global Coalition for Digital Safety
By LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump taps his attorney Alina Habba to serve as counselor to the president But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.Oscar Health COO Steven Wolin sells $353,955 in stockTXNM Energy and Public Service Company of New Mexico Declare Quarterly Dividends ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of TXNM Energy TXNM today voted to increase the company's annual dividend payment by $0.08 , a 5.2% increase, to an indicated annual rate of $1.63 per share of common stock. The board has declared the resulting quarterly stock dividend of $0.4075 per share, payable February 14, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business January 31, 2025 . Also today, the Board of Directors of Public Service Company of New Mexico , wholly owned subsidiary of TXNM Energy, declared the regular quarterly dividend of $1.145 per share on the 4.58 percent series of cumulative preferred stock. The preferred stock dividend is payable January 15, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business December 31, 2024 . Background: TXNM Energy TXNM , an energy holding company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico , delivers energy to more than 800,000 homes and businesses across Texas and New Mexico through its regulated utilities, TNMP and PNM. For more information, visit the company's website at www.TXNMEnergy.com . Contacts: Analysts Media Lisa Goodman Corporate Communications (505) 241-2160 (505) 241-2743 Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Statements made in this news release for TXNM Energy, Inc. ("TXNM"), Public Service Company of New Mexico ("PNM"), or Texas-New Mexico Power Company ("TNMP") (collectively, the "Company") that relate to future events or expectations, projections, estimates, intentions, goals, targets, and strategies, including the unaudited financial results and earnings guidance, are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and estimates and apply only as of the date of this report. TXNM, PNM, and TNMP assume no obligation to update this information. Because actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, TXNM, PNM, and TNMP caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. TXNM's, PNM's, and TNMP's business, financial condition, cash flow, and operating results are influenced by many factors, which are often beyond their control, that can cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of risk factors and other important factors affecting forward-looking statements, please see the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q filings and the information included in the Company's Forms 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which factors are specifically incorporated by reference herein. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/txnm-energy-increases-common-dividend-302321617.html SOURCE TXNM Energy, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
3 recipes to help you through the busy holiday seasonRon Roberts Founder and CEO of Roberts Retirement Group, Interviewed on the Influential Entrepreneur Podcast Discussing Social Security Planning for Retirement 12-03-2024 10:42 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Authority Press Wire Image: https://authoritypresswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ron-removebg-preview.png Ron Roberts discusses social security planning for retirement Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-ron-roberts-founder-and-ceo-of-roberts-retirement-group-discussing-social-security-planning-for-retirement/ Ron Roberts, founder and CEO of Roberts Retirement Group, discusses the critical topic of social security planning for retirement. He explores the common misconceptions surrounding social security, emphasizing that it is just one piece of the retirement puzzle. Ron shares insights on how he begins conversations with clients about their retirement intentions, particularly focusing on those who plan to retire early at age 62. He highlights the implications of taking social security benefits at this age and the potential to work part-time while receiving benefits. Social Security planning is a vital component of retirement strategy that requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. In a recent podcast episode featuring Ron Roberts, founder and CEO of Roberts Retirement Group, several key considerations were discussed that individuals must take into account when planning for Social Security benefits. One of the primary factors influencing Social Security planning is the age at which an individual intends to retire. The options typically range from early retirement at age 62 to full retirement age, which is 66 or 67, depending on the year of birth. * Early Retirement: If a person chooses to retire at 62, they can begin receiving Social Security benefits, but this is considered early retirement. It is important to note that if they continue to work and earn above a certain threshold (approximately $20,000), their benefits will be reduced. Specifically, for every $2 earned over this limit, $1 is deducted from their Social Security benefits. * Full Retirement Age: For those who reach full retirement age, they can work without any reduction in benefits. This age varies based on birth year, with individuals born before 1960 typically reaching full retirement age at 66, while those born in 1960 or later reach it at 67. * Delaying Benefits : Individuals also have the option to delay their benefits until age 70, which can result in an 8% increase in their monthly benefits for each year they wait. This strategy can be particularly beneficial for those who do not need immediate income and have a longer life expectancy. Another critical aspect of Social Security planning is understanding one's income needs during retirement. Some individuals may require immediate income to cover living expenses, while others may have sufficient resources to delay claiming benefits. * Immediate Income: For those who need income right away, starting Social Security benefits as soon as possible may be the best option. * Deferring Benefits: Conversely, if individuals can afford to wait, deferring benefits can lead to a higher monthly income later, which can be advantageous for long-term financial stability. Ron also explained: " Family health history plays a significant role in determining the optimal strategy for claiming Social Security benefits. Individuals with a family history of longevity may choose to delay benefits to maximize their payouts, while those with a shorter life expectancy might opt to claim earlier." For example, if a client has a family history of living into their 80s or 90s, it may be wise to defer benefits to take advantage of the increased payouts. Additionally, personal health status and any existing medical conditions should be factored into the decision-making process. Individuals who are in poor health may prefer to claim benefits earlier to ensure they receive the funds while they are still able to enjoy them. Video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZNuddePawE?rel=0&modestbranding=0&rel=0&showinfo=1&controls=1&autohide=2&showinfo=0?ecver=2 Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZNuddePawE About Ron Roberts Ron was born in Burbank California and grew up in the Mojave Desert. Being the first of six children born to deaf parents, he learned responsibility at an early age. His commitment to family and faith is unwavering. It's the essence of who he is and the foundation of his business success. Living for a higher purpose and caring for others has always been Ron's focus. After high school, he joined the United States Coast Guard where he learned about hard work, discipline, and duty. He enjoyed serving his country and helping to keep people safe. He grew in experience through training, education, and travel. He developed a love for the sea and enjoys boating and sailing with friends and family. After completing his time with the Coast Guard, Ron served on a mission for the deaf in Chicago for his church. While there, he formed the first deaf scout troop in Chicago for the Boy Scouts of America. Returning from Chicago, Ron attended college in Stockton, California where he met his wife, Julie. They were married in the spring of 1984. In 1991, Ron and Julie moved to Amador County where they enjoyed raising their four daughters in a close knit community. Ron's hobbies include reading, boating, sports, and traveling with his family. Ron also volunteered at a private school where he taught history and American Sign Language. Family, faith, and community are the most important things that define Ron. Ron's chosen vocation as a Retirement Planning Professional allows him to use his experience, his gifts, and his love for family to help people in a very special way. Ron has been in the retirement planning industry since 1990. Founded in 2002, Roberts Retirement has grown over the years to serve families in northern California and around the country. Ron has served as President of the California Estate Planning Counsel and continues to mentor other retirement planning professionals all across the United States. He is constantly educating himself on the most up-to-date investment strategies and changes in the financial industry. Ron is recognized as a leader in the industry, is a sought-after speaker, and has been featured in Senior Market Advisor Magazine Learn more: https://www.robertsretirement.com/ Recent Interviews and News * Ron Roberts discusses highlights of longevity planning for retirement: Ron Roberts Founder & CEO of Roberts Retirement Group, Interviewed on the Influential Entrepreneur Podcast Discussing Longevity Planning for Retirement - Authority Press Wire [ https://authoritypresswire.com/ron-roberts-founder-ceo-of-roberts-retirement-group-interviewed-on-the-influential-entrepreneur-podcast-discussing-longevity-planning-for-retirement/ ] Media Contact Company Name: Marketing Huddle, LLC Contact Person: Mike Saunders, MBA Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=ron-roberts-founder-and-ceo-of-roberts-retirement-group-interviewed-on-the-influential-entrepreneur-podcast-discussing-social-security-planning-for-retirement ] Phone: 7202323112 Country: United States Website: https://www.AuthorityPositioningCoach.com This release was published on openPR.
PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain failed to score in Ligue 1 for the first time this season as the reigning champion was denied by outstanding goalkeeping from Auxerre's Donovan Léon in a 0-0 draw on Friday. Léon's string of superb saves thwarted PSG’s attacking stars. After a fairly even first 45 minutes, PSG camped in the Auxerre half but could not find a way past León, who made memorable stops from Gonçalo Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Kang-In Lee, Désiré Nonka-Maho and Randal Kolo Muani. Vitinha saw one curling shot come back off the bar. PSG had 25 shots to Auxerre’s six and 15 corners to Auxerre’s three but the home side still could have stolen all three points, as PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make a smart stop from Hamed Traorè. PSG remained eight points clear on top of Ligue 1. Auxerre was eighth. Canadian striker Jonathan David scored two and made another as Lille brushed past Brest 3-1 to extend its unbeaten run to 10 games in Ligue 1. The last time Lille lost to Brest at home was in 1989 and that long run never looked likely to fall as David turned in a man-of-the-match performance at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. He put Lille ahead from the penalty spot after nine minutes and he got away from his marker and crossed for Hákon Haraladsson to clip home a second just before halftime. Ludovic Ajorque got one back for Brest early in the second half but David restored Lille’s two-goal cushion when he pounced on a loose ball to slide home his team’s third. David’s goals took his season total to 17 in 23 games. They were his 10th and 11th in the league and lift him to the top of the Ligue 1 goal-scoring chart. Marseille was second ahead of Lille and Monaco on goal difference. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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Lara Trump stepping down as RNC co-chair and addressing speculation about Florida Senate seatNoneOscar Health COO Steven Wolin sells $353,955 in stockREDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 9, 2024-- C3.ai, Inc. (“C3 AI,” “C3,” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AI), the Enterprise AI application software company, today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended October 31, 2024. “We had an outstanding quarter with strong top- and bottom-line performance to mark our seventh consecutive quarter of accelerating revenue growth,” said Thomas M. Siebel, Chairman and CEO, C3 AI. “It is difficult to overstate the potential of the Microsoft–C3 AI strategic alliance,” said Siebel. “By establishing C3 AI as a preferred AI application provider on Azure and creating a Microsoft-scale go-to-market engine, we’re making it easy for businesses to adopt and deploy C3 AI applications. This is an inflection point for Enterprise AI, driving growth.” Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights Microsoft Azure Strategic Alliance Partner Network C3 AI reinforced its leadership in Enterprise AI, strengthened by a thriving partner ecosystem to accelerate Enterprise AI adoption. Business Highlights C3 AI had continuing momentum with significant Federal and commercial successes and strengthened strategic partnerships. Federal Momentum Federal business demonstrated strong execution, securing key wins and expansions across multiple agencies. C3 Generative AI C3 AI further strengthens its competitive edge in generative AI, affirming its market leadership. Financial Outlook: The Company’s guidance includes GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. The following table summarizes C3 AI’s guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and full-year fiscal 2025: (in millions) Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Guidance Full Year Fiscal 2025 Guidance Total revenue $95.5 - $100.5 $378.0 - $398.0 Non-GAAP loss from operations $(38.6) - $(46.6) $(105.0) - $(135.0) A reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures to corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty regarding, and the potential variability of, expenses that may be incurred in the future. Stock-based compensation expense-related charges, including employer payroll tax-related items on employee stock transactions, are impacted by the timing of employee stock transactions, the future fair market value of our common stock, and our future hiring and retention needs, all of which are difficult to predict and subject to constant change. We have provided a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures in the financial statement tables for our historical non-GAAP results included in this press release. Our fiscal year ends April 30, and numbers are rounded for presentation purposes. Conference Call Details What: C3 AI Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results Conference Call When: Monday, December 9, 2024 Time: 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET Participant Registration: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI383ae1e1c80b4221a65de6c2c2baf582 (live) Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/xf8dudjw (live and replay) Investor Presentation Details An investor presentation providing additional information and analysis can be found at our investor relations page at ir.c3.ai . Statement Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company reports the following non-GAAP financial measures, which have not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally for financial and operational decision-making purposes and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read only in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. We encourage investors to carefully consider our results under GAAP, as well as our supplemental non-GAAP information and the reconciliation between these presentations, to more fully understand our business. Please see the tables included at the end of this release for the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. Other Information Professional Services Revenue Our professional services revenue includes service fees and prioritized engineering services. Service fees include revenue from services such as consulting, training, and paid implementation services. For service fees, revenue is typically recognized over time as the services are performed. Prioritized engineering services are undertaken when a customer requests that we accelerate the design, development, and delivery of software features and functions that are planned in our future product roadmap. When we agree to this, we negotiate an agreed upon fee to accelerate the development of the software. When the software feature is delivered, it becomes integrated to our core product offering, is available to all subscribers of the underlying software product, and enhances the operation of that product going forward. Such prioritized engineering services result in production-level computer software – compiled code that enhances the functionality of our production products – which is available for our customers to use over the life of their software licenses. Per Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Prioritized engineering services revenue is recognized as professional services over the period in which the software development is completed. Total professional services revenue consists of: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 (in thousands) (in thousands) Prioritized engineering services $ 9,661 $ 4,852 $ 20,310 $ 13,100 Service fees 3,515 1,928 6,623 4,690 Total professional services revenue $ 13,176 $ 6,780 $ 26,933 $ 17,790 Use of Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our market leadership position, anticipated benefits from our partnerships, financial outlook, our sales and customer opportunity pipeline including our industry diversification, the expected benefits of our offerings (including the potential benefits of our C3 Generative AI offerings), and our business strategies, plans, and objectives for future operations. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including our history of losses and ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future, our historic dependence on a limited number of existing customers that account for a substantial portion of our revenue, our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers, market awareness and acceptance of enterprise AI solutions in general and our products in particular, the length and unpredictability of our sales cycles and the time and expense required for our sales efforts. Some of these risks are described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended July 31, 2024 and, when available, October 31, 2024, although new and unanticipated risks may arise. The future events and trends discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, achievements, or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will occur. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations. About C3.ai, Inc. C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:AI) is the Enterprise AI application software company. C3 AI delivers a family of fully integrated products including the C3 AI Platform, an end-to-end platform for developing, deploying, and operating enterprise AI applications, C3 AI applications, a portfolio of industry-specific SaaS enterprise AI applications that enable the digital transformation of organizations globally, and C3 Generative AI, a suite of domain-specific generative AI offerings for the enterprise. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended October Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2024 2023 2024 2023 Revenue Subscription (1) $ 81,162 $ 66,449 $ 154,618 $ 127,801 Professional services (2) 13,176 6,780 26,933 17,790 Total revenue 94,338 73,229 181,551 145,591 Cost of revenue Subscription 35,038 30,937 68,330 61,371 Professional services 1,460 1,179 3,215 2,558 Total cost of revenue 36,498 32,116 71,545 63,929 Gross profit 57,840 41,113 110,006 81,662 Operating expenses Sales and marketing (3) 55,643 49,895 107,768 93,780 Research and development 55,715 50,399 108,642 101,267 General and administrative 21,770 20,215 41,470 40,104 Total operating expenses 133,128 120,509 257,880 235,151 Loss from operations (75,288 ) (79,396 ) (147,874 ) (153,489 ) Interest income 9,560 10,480 19,563 20,602 Other income (expense), net 13 (638 ) 41 (877 ) Loss before provision for income taxes (65,715 ) (69,554 ) (128,270 ) (133,764 ) Provision for income taxes 257 226 529 374 Net loss $ (65,972 ) $ (69,780 ) $ (128,799 ) $ (134,138 ) Net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (0.52 ) $ (0.59 ) $ (1.02 ) $ (1.15 ) Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders, basic and diluted 127,870 118,656 126,434 117,125 (1) Including related party revenue of $10,581 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (2) Including related party revenue of $5,804 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (3) Including related party sales and marketing expense of $810 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. C3.AI, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except for share and per share data) (Unaudited) October 31, 2024 April 30, 2024 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,274 $ 167,146 Marketable securities 609,100 583,221 Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $486 and $359 as of October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2024, respectively 159,987 130,064 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 27,458 23,963 Total current assets 917,819 904,394 Property and equipment, net 84,198 88,631 Goodwill 625 625 Other assets, non-current 43,647 44,575 Total assets $ 1,046,289 $ 1,038,225 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 20,611 $ 11,316 Accrued compensation and employee benefits 41,755 44,263 Deferred revenue, current 35,663 37,230 Accrued and other current liabilities 23,979 9,526 Total current liabilities 122,008 102,335 Deferred revenue, non-current 127 1,732 Other long-term liabilities 65,193 60,805 Total liabilities 187,328 164,872 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity Class A common stock 125 120 Class B common stock 3 3 Additional paid-in capital 2,077,044 1,963,726 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 521 (563 ) Accumulated deficit (1,218,732 ) (1,089,933 ) Total stockholders’ equity 858,961 873,353 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,046,289 $ 1,038,225 C3.AI, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited) Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (128,799 ) $ (134,138 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities Depreciation and amortization 6,092 6,220 Non-cash operating lease cost 203 454 Stock-based compensation expense 111,721 104,049 Accretion of discounts on marketable securities (7,618 ) (8,755 ) Other 418 — Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable (1) (30,051 ) (8,567 ) Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets (2) (1,993 ) (665 ) Accounts payable (3) 9,294 (2,918 ) Accrued compensation and employee benefits (4,815 ) (2,551 ) Operating lease liabilities (1,215 ) 7,804 Other liabilities (4) 19,284 1,709 Deferred revenue (5) (3,172 ) (7,296 ) Net cash used in operating activities (30,651 ) (44,654 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (1,739 ) (16,631 ) Capitalized software development costs — (2,750 ) Purchases of marketable securities (365,926 ) (489,871 ) Maturities and sales of marketable securities 348,750 412,554 Net cash used in investing activities (18,915 ) (96,698 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock under employee stock purchase plan 5,009 5,055 Proceeds from exercise of Class A common stock options 4,472 10,163 Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (5,787 ) (9,686 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 3,694 5,532 Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (45,872 ) (135,820 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 179,712 297,395 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 133,840 $ 161,575 Cash and cash equivalents $ 121,274 $ 149,009 Restricted cash included in other assets 12,566 12,566 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 133,840 $ 161,575 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information—cash paid for income taxes $ 534 $ 281 Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities: Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 117 $ 7,293 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations (including remeasurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities due to changes in the timing of receipt of lease incentives) $ 1,345 $ 778 Vesting of early exercised stock options $ 216 $ 294 (1) Including changes in related party balances of $12,444 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (2) Including changes in related party balances of $(810) for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (3) Including changes in related party balances of $248 for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (4) Including changes in related party balances of $(2,448) for the six months ended October 31, 2023. (5) Including changes in related party balances of $(46) for the six months ended October 31, 2023. C3.AI, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (In thousands, except percentages) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Reconciliation of GAAP gross profit to non-GAAP gross profit: Gross profit on a GAAP basis $ 57,840 $ 41,113 $ 110,006 $ 81,662 Stock-based compensation expense (1) 8,311 8,993 16,719 17,509 Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation (2) 171 297 527 838 Gross profit on a non-GAAP basis $ 66,322 $ 50,403 $ 127,252 $ 100,009 Gross margin on a GAAP basis 61 % 56 % 61 % 56 % Gross margin on a non-GAAP basis 70 % 69 % 70 % 69 % Reconciliation of GAAP loss from operations to non-GAAP loss from operations: Loss from operations on a GAAP basis $ (75,288 ) $ (79,396 ) $ (147,874 ) $ (153,489 ) Stock-based compensation expense (1) 57,038 53,169 111,721 104,049 Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation (2) 1,090 1,274 2,362 3,774 Loss from operations on a non-GAAP basis $ (17,160 ) $ (24,953 ) $ (33,791 ) $ (45,666 ) Reconciliation of GAAP net loss per share to non-GAAP net loss per share: Net loss on a GAAP basis $ (65,972 ) $ (69,780 ) $ (128,799 ) $ (134,138 ) Stock-based compensation expense (1) 57,038 53,169 111,721 104,049 Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation (2) 1,090 1,274 2,362 3,774 Net loss on a non-GAAP basis $ (7,844 ) $ (15,337 ) $ (14,716 ) $ (26,315 ) GAAP net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common shareholders, basic and diluted $ (0.52 ) $ (0.59 ) $ (1.02 ) $ (1.15 ) Non-GAAP net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common shareholders, basic and diluted $ (0.06 ) $ (0.13 ) $ (0.12 ) $ (0.22 ) Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders, basic and diluted 127,870 118,656 126,434 117,125 (1) Stock-based compensation expense for gross profits and gross margin includes costs of subscription and cost of professional services as follows. Stock-based compensation expense for loss from operations includes total stock-based compensation expense as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cost of subscription $ 7,827 $ 8,514 $ 15,521 $ 16,570 Cost of professional services 484 479 1,198 939 Sales and marketing 20,802 18,226 39,635 35,005 Research and development 17,999 16,685 36,430 33,718 General and administrative 9,926 9,265 18,937 17,817 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 57,038 $ 53,169 $ 111,721 $ 104,049 (2) Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation for gross profits and gross margin includes costs of subscription and cost of professional services as follows. Employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation for loss from operations includes total employer payroll tax expense related to employee stock-based compensation as follows: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Cost of subscription $ 163 $ 282 $ 489 $ 791 Cost of professional services 8 15 38 47 Sales and marketing 450 463 922 1,468 Research and development 231 415 595 1,232 General and administrative 238 99 318 236 Total employer payroll tax expense $ 1,090 $ 1,274 $ 2,362 $ 3,774 Reconciliation of free cash flow to the GAAP measure of net cash used in operating activities: The following table below provides a reconciliation of free cash flow to the GAAP measure of net cash used in operating activities for the periods presented: Three Months Ended October 31, Six Months Ended October 31, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net cash used in operating activities $ (38,693 ) $ (48,590 ) $ (30,651 ) $ (44,654 ) Less: Purchases of property and equipment (815 ) (5,293 ) (1,739 ) (16,631 ) Capitalized software development costs — (1,250 ) — (2,750 ) Free cash flow $ (39,508 ) $ (55,133 ) $ (32,390 ) $ (64,035 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $ 22,635 $ (11,898 ) $ (18,915 ) $ (96,698 ) Net cash provided by financing activities $ 3,512 $ 3,055 $ 3,694 $ 5,532 View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209723558/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact ir@c3.aiC3 AI Public Relations Edelman Lisa Kennedy (415) 914-8336 pr@c3.ai KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: C3.ai Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/09/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/09/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241209723558/en
Meet Vision8's Newest Talent KAIYIJose Ibarra was last week sentenced to life in prison for murdering Laken Riley, 22, in February. He attacked the college student while she was jogging on the University of Georgia campus, in southeast USA . Her sister Lauren Phillips, now a University of Georgia student herself, walks the grounds of her dream school in fear. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today “I cannot walk around my own college campus because I am terrified of people like Jose Ibarra,” she said tearfully in court as her sister’s killer looked on. Riley went for a run in broad daylight. She texted her mother to let her know what she was doing. She used her cell phone to share her location with trusted friends. And she used her phone’s SOS feature to call for help when she was being attacked. Many women who use these tools to keep themselves safe would say Riley did everything right. And there’s a growing arsenal of products aimed at enhancing safety and protecting peace of mind. Apps such as Find My Friends, or the runner’s app Strava, allow people to share their locations with friends. Some ride-share apps offer users the option to share their route with a third party. Personal safety alarms that can fit in a pocket or on a keychain are advertised with sleek designs and eye-catching colours. Shoe insoles and backpacks are being sold with GPS trackers attached. Phones, watches and other devices can make emergency calls with the push of a button. But, as tragic cases like Riley’s continue to emerge, many people are taking a closer look at the role technology can play in keeping people safe, along with the vulnerabilities it can create. In addition to the safety technology that people intentionally adopt, almost every person with a smartphone leaves a digital trail that be incredibly valuable in holding bad actors to account. Investigators were able to use location data from both Riley’s and her attacker’s phones to trace their movements the day of Riley’s death. The data placed the two in close proximity at the time of her killing, according to court testimony. Data from Riley’s smartwatch revealed the moment her heart stopped. “In today’s world, there’s an expectation by a jury that there will be some kind of digital evidence,” said Jane Anderson, a senior attorney advisor with AEquitas, a nonprofit that workshops prosecution practices related to gender-based violence and human trafficking. That digital evidence can be especially important in cases of domestic violence or sexual assault, where there are rarely eyewitnesses present. For example, prosecutors can use cell phone or location data to corroborate details of a victim’s account and bolster their credibility in the eyes of a jury, Anderson said. “You should believe this victim because she told you this, and I corroborated it. She told you this, and I corroborated it,” Anderson said. “And then she told you that he sexually assaulted her — and while I don’t necessarily have a surveillance camera on the sexual assault, you can then also believe that part of the disclosure because she was so believable in the rest of the disclosure.” In the absence of eyewitnesses, video, cell phone and location data were a central part of the 2023 murder case against Alex Murdaugh, who was sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh. In the case against Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, investigators were able to use location data to determine his cell phone was near the scene where the students were killed. And this year, Richard Allen was convicted of murdering two teenagers in Delphi, Indiana, in 2017, after investigators examined evidence linking him to the crime, including a video recorded on one of the victim’s phones that appeared to capture their attacker. “In many cases, that type of technology — sadly, what it does is allow an investigation. It tells you where somebody is, where they were last known to be, perhaps ongoing location data, if the offender then takes that phone and continues to use it,” Anderson said. “It’s an investigative tool but, in and of itself, it’s not going to keep you safe. “The other side of that coin for almost every type of digital device is how it can be misused.” Advocates for victims and survivors of gender-based violence say technology can be a powerful safety tool. But people need to be aware of the ways it can leave them vulnerable to harm — and how to close those gaps. The National Network to End Domestic Violence created the Safety Net Project to educate survivors and advocates about tech safety and privacy. “As the world is getting more and more tech-savvy, there are products and devices that can be really helpful for our safety and our convenience,” the group’s CEO Stephanie Love-Patterson said. “We just have to be cognisant of the fact that there are individuals, unfortunately, who seek to use those very things to cause harm.” Often, a person who intends to cause harm knows their victim and has access to their technology devices, she noted. If that person is tech-savvy, they can break into or monitor those devices for information about their victim’s location or communications. “Technology leaves a footprint, and one of the things that we talk often about in our Safety Net Project is how to erase or decrease that footprint — and it involves a lot,” Love-Patterson said. That’s where technology education comes into play. The Safety Net project encourages people to do their research and make a plan when it comes to their own safety, including only sharing location information with trusted people, changing passwords often and documenting threats or suspicious incidents. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour can also go a long way in helping the people around you — even those you don’t know, Love-Patterson noted. The day that Riley was killed, a UGA graduate student reported a person who peered into and tried to open the front door of her apartment. Surveillance video corroborated the student’s account, and cell phone location data linked Riley’s killer to the incident. Earlier this week, that student sat in a Georgia courtroom and testified in the trial that ultimately resulted in the killer’s life-sentence.
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