The Wall Street Journal was the first to confirm that major telecommunications companies including AT&T and Verizon were the target of a large scale cyberattack that was part of the “Salt Typhoon” campaign, which is backed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Hackers reportedly had access to the network for months or longer. “The meeting was an opportunity to hear from telecommunications sector executives on how the U.S. Government can partner with and support the private sector on hardening against sophisticated nation state attacks,” the White House officials said in a statement. The industry and U.S. officials alike have pointed out that while the CCP uses a whole-of-state approach in its cyberattacks against U.S. institutions, the targets are individual private entities, which do not have an intelligence sharing mechanism across the industry or with the government. The FBI and CISA believe that the CCP-backed hackers were after customer call records and private communications, targeting people involved in government and political activity, and evidence obtained by law enforcement via warrants. U.S. lawmakers and intelligence officials have sounded the alarm on several large-scale, CCP-backed cyberattack campaigns. Intelligence officials have also warned that the CCP-backed campaigns are “not consistent with traditional cyber espionage or intelligence gathering operations.” In the case of “Volt Typhoon,” officials believe hackers are prepositioning themselves on critical IT networks to monitor and disrupt in the event of conflicts.bet visa.com 。

Valladolid loses again and Getafe ends winless run in La LigaPHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It was an announcement that took the world by surprise: South Korea's president declaring a state of martial law. Within hours, he was forced to rescind that order, but not before chaos broke out. Among the people watching the drama unfold is a New Jersey lawmaker who has deep family ties to South Korea. READ MORE: South Korean state council passes resolution lifting martial law "My parents and me and my sister, we're the only part of our family that's in the United States. The rest of our family is back in Korea," said United States Senator-Elect Andy Kim (D - New Jersey). He received messages with headlines of the martial law declaration by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. It was something that, at first, he couldn't believe. "I could not imagine that there was a martial law declaration," said Kim who is the son of Korean immigrants. He was just as surprised as anyone on Tuesday. "It was surreal," said Kim. "It was really sad honestly when I started to understand what happened." SEE ALSO: South Korean president faces calls to resign after martial law lifted The sudden declaration opened the floodgates of protest and sent members of parliament scrambling to barricade themselves against soldiers as they voted against martial law. It forced Yoon to reverse course and rescind the order only about six hours after it was issued. One day later, Kim says, from what he understands, things in South Korea are still tense. "It seems like the threat of that martial law has subsided," said Kim, "but now there are continued questions about what comes next." "It has shaken the people," he said. Opposition leaders say Yoon's motivation in declaring martial law was political. Yoon is very unpopular in South Korea, which is a key U.S. ally. "I'm in regular touch with the White House. With the State Department, with senior leadership there," said Kim who has also reached out to his constituents who have loved ones in South Korea. U.S. officials say they were blindsided by the martial law declaration. There are now calls for Yoon to resign or be impeached. Kim thinks that at the heart of it all is a message on democracy. "You should not ever be able to go outside the bounds of democracy unless there's an absolute national security crisis of the utmost importance," said Kim. "To do something like this was just crazy, honestly."

Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopesNEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year,” Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Change your relationship with money Think about how you currently deal with finances — what’s good, what’s bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there’s shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it’s time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. Know your “why” When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it’s important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you’re saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. Budget, budget, budget “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. “Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year.” McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. Pay down outstanding debt “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. Take control of your credit card interest rate “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. Set realistic, practical goals When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma’s Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you’ll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. Don’t ‘flamingo’ or bury your head in the sand “You can’t manage what you can’t see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025,” said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that’s one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers’ credit scores. Automate savings, where possible Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Slow down Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams. A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Focus on financial wellness Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution,” said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. “Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. __ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com .Experience The New Punjabi Music Video Soulbond By Praanshu Vasudeva

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NoneThe Sacramento Kings continue to lose, and that means that the vultures for De’Aaron Fox may be multiplying. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported on “The Hoop Collective” podcast this week that the Houston Rockets are a team to watch regarding a potential trade for the Kings star Fox. MacMahon also notes that there have been talks about the Miami Heat getting involved (Fox was college teammates with Heat star Bam Adebayo) as well as the Los Angeles Lakers doing so (Fox is a Klutch Sports client). Additionally, MacMahon mentions the San Antonio Spurs as another team to watch for Fox, which had already been reported prior . The 27-year-old Fox is a rare homegrown Kings All-Star and is also their longest-tenured player. But the trade buzz has steadily increased in recent weeks, especially with Sacramento now sitting at a disappointing 13-18 (No. 12 in the West). Fox’s agent, Rich Paul, also reportedly met with Kings management recently to discuss the direction of the team. Averaging 26.2 points and 6.1 assists per game this season, Fox is under contract for $34.8 million this year and $37.1 million next year. That means it would be far easier for an asset-rich, non-luxury-tax team like the Spurs or Rockets to make a play for him rather than a high-payroll team such as the Heat or Lakers. In any case though, an interested team would also have to navigate around Fox’s trickier longer-term financial situation . H/T NBA Reddit This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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In a bid to boost agricultural extension service towards achieving national Food Security, the Federal College of Animal Health & Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, in collaboration with Kannon Royal Resources Limited, recently put together a training workshop on development of human capacity in agricultural extension services. In his opening remarks at the event held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Provost, FCAH&PT, Dr Adekoya Owosibo, encouraged agricultural extension workers in attendance to be more dedicated to their duties and obey all civil service rules and regulations. He spoke on importance of building capacity of extension workers for effective agricultural extension services, stating that every extension worker is a major stakeholder in agricultural value chain and food Security. According to him, “There must be synergy among researchers, extension agents, farmers and industries. Effective communication, team work, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and the use of information technology are very essential in agricultural extension services”. In his remarks, the Chairman of Kannon Royal Resources Limited, Raji Abdulrazak emphasised the benefits of training and re-training of agricultural extension workers in order to boost their morales and productivity. He suggested that there must be collaboration between agricultural extension agents, farmers, industries and researchers. He encouraged the extension workers to be more focused so as to achieve their mandate. The feed back from the workshop revealed that the participants benefitted immensely from the programme in areas of additional knowledge, practical experiences. Over 600 participants participated in the Workshop.

Eastman Chemical SVP sells $386,273 in stockLINCOLN — Young men, start your engines. Rev ‘em up, too. You’re the 2025 Nebraska football recruiting class — 20 strong — and probably should have been the story of NU’s Signing Day press conference. But you were at least the third story, and maybe fourth, behind the coaches who left, the ex-Huskers who hit the transfer portal and perhaps the players your school might take from the transfer portal. When you started high school, back in 2021, there was still some pageantry around this day, in late December though it may have been. Now, first week of December, you’re practically a doctor’s appointment squeezed into a Wednesday afternoon. You’re rookies in a sea of perpetual free agents. Most of you are enrolling early and that’s a good thing; the quicker you learn the playbook and hit the weight room, the better chance you’ll have to impress coaches. Coach Matt Rhule thinks you’ll succeed in that effort, as well. He likes you guys. For a couple of you, Dawson Merritt and Cortez Mills, he and his staff kept going back to the well again and again to flip you from Alabama and Oklahoma, respectively. How often does Nebraska beat those two schools for any recruit? This could be one of the strongest Husker recruiting classes in years. “We’ve got some guys who can come in and play early,” Rhule said, “because this class is going to have to come in and play early.” Hear that? He means it. Rhule has playing time to offer. For the 2025 team to win big, some of you have to step into major roles. On defense, so many seniors exhausted their eligibility, and so many other guys hit the transfer portal, that the coaches will be choosing between, say, sophomores, redshirt freshmen and, well, you. On offense, your coordinator is Dana Holgorsen, and he surely doesn’t care how old you are. At the skill spots, he’ll play whoever competes the best. Of course, he also said on NU’s in-house Signing Day special that he’s bringing “20 or 30” transfers in for visits and selecting the best from that pool. Maybe Holgo’s exaggerating. Do you want to test him? So you need to impress these guys. In an era of revenue sharing, NIL and unlimited transfers, you might get two spring camps to develop on a roster before you’re asked to be a key contributor. Three, maybe, if you’re a quarterback or a raw offensive tackle. After that, you’re a revenue-sharing dollar figure on a spreadsheet that might be replaced by another rookie — or transfer. Yeah, it is cutthroat. This isn’t 1986. Or even 2006, perhaps the golden age of the prep recruiting era, when the recruiting sites got big, the all-star games got max publicity, ESPN had a big blowout special in early February and drama practically dragged into the start of the next spring camp. It was hard to transfer back then even once, particularly if the coach wanted to block your release or you didn’t have a redshirt season to sit out one year of eligibility. In 2006, if seven guys left in December, before a bowl game, it was a mass exodus — cause for concern at the health of the program. In 2024, seven guys leaving is called “Monday and Tuesday.” And here you are in the midst of the chaos, not knowing for sure what the college football system will look like in 2025, much less 2027. You probably wouldn’t have teed it up this way. But here’s your swing. Over the next nine months, you’d be wise to make an impression. Good thing you can, Dawson Merritt. Nebraska needs a versatile edge rusher who can drop into coverage, and Princewill Umanmielen, athletic as he may be, did not quite develop into that guy before hitting the transfer portal. Ditto, Christian Jones. You looked the part at linebacker for years leading the state’s best defense, and Mikai Gbayor just hit the transfer portal. Can you step into a role quickly? Same for you, Jamarion Parker. At running back, you can turn an eight-yard run into an 80-yarder, and that’s a skill Nebraska sorely needs. Malcolm Simpson and Kade Pietrzak, you’ve seen this program is unafraid to plug a freshman defensive lineman into a game. Your frames seem sturdy enough to play. Cortez Mills and Isaiah Mozee, you’re four-star receivers who flashed electric run-after-the-catch skills in high school. Bring those to campus like Jacory Barney did, and you might play as much as Jacory Barney has. TJ Lateef, you’re a quarterback and may have to wait your turn behind Dylan Raiola, but you’ll likely be doing so as Raiola’s backup, given Rhule’s openness to moving Heinrich Haarberg to different spots. Some of you need time with the nutrition and weight staffs — 18-year-old tackles rarely walk into a program ready to block 23-year-olds — but those guys are the exception at every school. Most of you will play, or transfer, by this rule: When you’re getting compensated more than anyone 10 years ago could have imagined, the standards for keeping that salary rapidly change. You’re a recruiting class full of promise and opportunity. You’ll face a heap of the other thing, too, though. “There’s bunch of these guys we expect to play,” Rhule said. “You don’t want to put that on the guys until they get here, but I want them to have the expectation.” Even if you don’t, the coaches will. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Qatar Insurance Group and Ooredoo Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Ooredoo Group Digital Ecosystem Conference held recently. The MoU, signed by Salem al-Mannai, CEO of Qatar Insurance Group, and Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, CEO of Ooredoo Group, underscores the importance of the strategic collaboration aimed at harnessing the combined strengths of both companies to develop and offer innovative, customer-centric insurance solutions, revolutionising the way insurance and telecommunications services are delivered. The partnership between Qatar Insurance Group and Ooredoo Group will facilitate transformative changes within the insurance and telecommunications sectors, further solidifying their positions as leaders in their respective fields. The collaboration will integrate QIC’s expertise in risk management with Ooredoo’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure to create seamless insurance solutions that will set a new standard in service delivery. By combining real-time data, mobile connectivity, and personalised insurance products, the partnership will offer cyber insurance products (SME and personal), microinsurance products, SME products, smartphone and gadget protect products, mandatory visitor insurance in combination with Ooredoo SIM cards, and commercial insurance products for their respective group entities. “We are excited to embark on this strategic partnership with Ooredoo, which reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge insurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. “By leveraging Ooredoo’s digital capabilities, we can offer our clients a more seamless and efficient experience, whether it’s through faster claims processing, personalised coverage options, or enhanced customer service. This collaboration represents a new era of innovation; a significant step toward transforming how we serve our customers in a rapidly changing world,” said al-Mannai. Fakhroo said: “Our collaboration with QIC represents the convergence of two industries - insurance and telecommunications - working together to offer innovative solutions that are deeply aligned with the needs of today’s digital world. “By combining our expertise, we aim to set a new benchmark for service delivery, offering customers more comprehensive, connected, and personalised experiences as we navigate this exciting era of transformation together.” The partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between industries that are essential to the modern economy. By harnessing QIC’s deep expertise in insurance and Ooredoo’s telecommunications infrastructure, the two companies are committed to creating a more connected, efficient world. Together, they will help businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital age while enhancing the overall customer experience. As part of the strategic collaboration, the two companies will roll out a comprehensive cyber insurance offering. The product will protect individuals and businesses from a variety of online threats, including cyber-attacks, cyber extortion threats, identity theft, credit card fraud, phishing & theft of funds, smart devices & wearables, and online shopping fraud. Fakhroo said: “This collaboration addresses the growing digital risks our customers face daily. By introducing robust cyber insurance products, we’re empowering individuals and businesses to confidently manage the challenges of the digital age. We aim to not only provide a safety net but also to lead the way in creating smarter, more secure digital ecosystems for everyone.” Al-Mannai said: “With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing reliance on digital platforms, businesses are becoming more susceptible to cyberattacks, which can result in substantial financial losses, reputational harm, and operational disturbances. “To mitigate these risks, there is a growing demand for cyber insurance, a specialised product designed to shield businesses from the financial repercussions of cyber incidents. Cyber insurance is crucial, especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, forming an essential part of a comprehensive risk management strategy that ensures businesses can respond to and recover from cyber incidents effectively.” He also said: “As individuals increasingly engage in online banking, shopping, and social networking, the risk of personal data breaches and identity theft escalates. Cyber insurance for individuals can offer coverage for expenses related to identity restoration, legal consultations, and potential losses from fraudulent transactions. “Having this form of insurance provides not only financial protection but also peace of mind, knowing there is a structured response plan to manage the aftermath of a cyber incident. As cyber threats grow more pervasive, individuals must consider cyber insurance an essential aspect of their digital security strategy to protect their digital identities and personal assets effectively.” In addition to enhancing the customer experience, the collaboration is designed to drive growth for both companies. By combining their expertise, QIC and Ooredoo can tap into new markets, explore additional revenue streams, and develop further solutions that respond to the needs of the digital economy. While the initial focus will be on the Qatari market, both companies have ambitious plans for regional expansion, with a view of extending their offering to other markets they operate in such as Oman, Kuwait, and beyond. Al-Mannai added: “The partnership is poised to make a significant impact on the insurance and telecommunications sectors, setting the stage for continued innovation and growth across the region.” Related Story QNL backs initiative to preserve Palestinian, Lebanese heritage Qatar Charity distributes food baskets to orphans in SudanA 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says

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