WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought,” roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump last year as well as inquiries into Biden and his son. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” The intended resignation was not unexpected considering that Trump had settled on Patel to be director and had repeatedly aired his ire at Wray, whom he appointed during his first term. But his departure is nonetheless a reflection of how Trump's norm-breaking style has reshaped Washington, with the president-elect yet again flouting tradition by moving to replace an FBI director well before his term was up and Wray resigning to avert a collision with the incoming administration. “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me," Wray said. “I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorized to discuss the private gathering by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice" and saying that Patel's confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again.” If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI's Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators," raising alarms that he might seek to wield the FBI's significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Trump's perceived enemies. Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to "a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one.” It's extremely rare for FBI directors to be ousted from their jobs before the completion of their 10-year terms, a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations. But Trump has done it twice, placing Wray in the job in 2017 after firing Director James Comey amid an investigation into ties between Russia and the Republican president’s campaign. Despite having appointed Wray, Trump had telegraphed his anger with the FBI director on multiple occasions throughout the years, including as recently as the past week. In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, Trump said, “I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home,” a reference to the FBI search of his Florida property , Mar-a-Lago, two years ago for classified documents from Trump’s first term as president. That search, and the recovery of boxes of sensitive government records, paved the way for one of two federal indictments against Trump. The case, and another one charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, have both been dismissed by the Justice Department special counsel that brought them in light of Trump's November victory. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray for having “served our country honorably and with integrity for decades.” He said: “Under Director Wray’s principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, protect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law.” Natalie Bara, the president of the FBI Agents Association, said in a statement that Wray had led the FBI “through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe. ” Throughout his seven years on the job, the self-professed "low-key, understated" Wray brought a workmanlike approach to the job, repeatedly preaching a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra to bureau personnel despite a steady drumbeat of attacks from Trump and his supporters. He also sought to avoid public conflict when possible with the Trump White House, distancing himself and his leadership team from the FBI's Russia investigation over errors that took place before he took office and announcing dozens of corrective actions meant to prevent the recurrence of the surveillance abuses that plagued the inquiry. But there were other instances when he memorably broke from Trump — he did not agree, for instance, with Trump’s characterization of the Russia investigation as a “witch hunt." He made known his displeasure when the White House blessed the declassification of materials related to the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide and contradicted a Trump talking point by stating that Ukraine had not interfered in the 2016 election. He repeatedly sought to keep the focus on the FBI's day-to-day work, using the bulk of his resignation announcement to praise the bureau's efforts in countering everything from violent crime and cyberattacks to Chinese espionage and terrorism. Yet as he leaves office at a time of heightened threats , much of the public focus has been on the politically sensitive investigations of his tenure. Besides the inquiries into Trump, the FBI in recent years also investigated Biden's handling of classified information as well as Biden's son Hunter for tax and gun violations. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father last week. A particular flashpoint came in August 2022, when FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago — an action officials defended as necessary given the boxes of documents that were being concealed at the Palm Beach property and the evidence of obstruction that the Justice Department said had been gathered. Trump railed against the FBI over that search and has kept up his criticism ever since. Trump was angered by Wray's comment at a congressional hearing that there was “some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel” that struck Trump's ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. The FBI later stated unequivocally that it was indeed a bullet. Before being named FBI director, Wray worked at a prestigious law firm, King & Spalding, where he represented former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during the “Bridgegate” scandal. He also led the Justice Department’s criminal division for a period during President George W. Bush’s administration.
NoneS&P/TSX composite closes up nearly 150 points on Monday, U.S. stock markets up
This was a difficult task – choose five stories out of the hundreds that I wrote this year, and explain why they were significant enough to be reported on Newswatch. I decided to narrow the search by looking only for stories that served as valuable lessons, reflected important social issues, or were uplifting in some way. In chronological order, here are five stories from 2023 that met at least one of those criteria. International student cap In January, Lakehead University and Confederation College officials were scrambling to sort out the potential impact of the new federal cap on international student permits. This is a crucial issue for both institutions, as they rely on students from overseas to maintain the enrolment required to continue providing programs. Foreign students pay considerably more tuition than Canadian students. In Thunder Bay, they also fill hundreds of jobs at local businesses. Thunder Bay's top dog In May, a dog trained in Thunder Bay gained international attention for the city by winning his category at the Westminster Dog Show , the most famous show of its kind in the world. The New York TImes singled out Frankie, a bull terrier owned by Sarah Byzewski, for special mention. She said she thought Frankie did well partly because of her personality, saying "she goes out there and has a great time." Near-shipwreck in the bay In June, a frightening incident on Lake Superior, just south of Thunder Bay, grabbed international headlines. A 13-foot-long crack that developed without warning in the hull of the Great Lakes vessel Michipicoten caused it to flood, and led to what a crew member described as 'a day of pure terror.' Fortunately, the ship was able to limp into Thunder Bay with no loss of life. Officials said the rupture was caused by stress, fatigue, or simply the vessel's age. Safe consumption axed In August, the province announced the forced closure of supervised drug consumption sites near daycare facilities or schools, including Path 525 on Simpson Street. The decision generated vigorous debate in the community. One advocate for the service described it as "a pretty devastating day in Thunder Bay in terms of harm reduction." The government said it would replace sites around Ontario with 19 new homelessness and recovery treatment hubs. Genetic connections In October, a Newswatch report described how members of a Thunder Bay family had learned through a DNA match that they had a huge extended family . "It changed my world 1,000 per cent," one of them said. A moving reunion took place in Quebec, and the family will be seeing each other on a regular basis going forward.Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row. He's converting their punishments to life imprisonment just weeks before Donald Trump, an outspoken proponent of expanding capital punishment, takes office. Biden says the commutations are consistent with a pause on executions put in place by his administration in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. Biden says he couldn't let a new administration resume executions. Trump has talked about subjecting drug dealers and human smugglers to the death penalty. A spokesperson for Trump said Biden's decision is “abhorrent" and a “slap in the face” to victims and their families. House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has accused Matt Gaetz of “regularly” paying for sex, including once with a 17-year-old girl, and purchasing and using illicit drugs as a member of Congress. The 37-page report was released Monday by the bipartisan panel after a nearly four-year investigation that helped sink his nomination for attorney general. The report includes explicit details of sex-filled parties and vacations that Gaetz took part in while representing Florida in the House. Congressional investigators concluded that he violated multiple state laws related to sexual misconduct while in office. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing and he filed a lawsuit Monday trying to block the report’s release. Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to murder and weapons charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of fatally shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney formally charged Luigi Mangione last week with multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Mangione's attorney complained during a brief hearing Monday that statements coming from New York’s mayor would make it tough for him to receive a fair trial. Mangione was shackled and seated in a Manhattan court when he leaned over to a microphone to enter his not guilty plea. Man faces murder charges in the death of a woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway A man is facing murder charges in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames. Police on Monday said the man, identified as 33-year-old Sebastian Zapeta, had been taken into custody as a person of interest in the case hours after the woman died. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Jeff Carter said he is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after he had been previously removed in 2018. Transit police apprehended the man hours after the fatal fire. Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leader Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has acknowledged killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July. Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement. In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh. He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland, the ice-covered semi-autonomous Danish territory. That's added to the list of allied countries he’s picking fights with, even before taking office on Jan. 20. Greenland insists it's not for sale and Trump's initial calls to purchase it in 2019 came to nothing. But his latest suggestion comes after the president-elect suggested the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal and that Canadians wanted their county to become the 51st U.S. state. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. Magdeburg mourns Christmas market attack victims as fears swirl of deeper German social divisions MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — Mourners are laying flowers near the scene of the deadly Christmas market attack as investigators puzzle over the motive of the suspect and his previous encounters with authorities are scrutinized. At the same time there are fears that the rampage could deepen divisions in German society. A church a short walk from the scene of the attack has become a central place of mourning since the suspect drove a car into the busy market on Friday evening and killed five people. Authorities have identified the suspect as a Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They say he doesn't fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. How faith communities can be welcoming of believers with disabilities this holiday season and beyond This holiday season, some religious congregations across the U.S. are holding events designed to be accommodating to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They range from a “Calm Christmas” in West Virginia to an inclusive Hanukkah in New Jersey. Many disabled people, advocates and families want more houses of worship to know that there are ways to fully incorporate and welcome people with these and other disabilities and their families — and not just during the holidays but year round. Tennessee and Auburn remain 1-2 in AP Top 25 poll featuring 10 SEC teams Tennessee and Auburn remained Nos. 1-2 atop The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll. They were the headliners among the Southeastern Conference's haul of 10 ranked teams. Iowa State, Duke and Alabama rounded out the top five. Kentucky had the week's biggest fall, sliding six spots to No. 10 after a loss to Ohio State. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Illinois and Baylor rejoined the poll after stints in the rankings earlier this season. They replaced Memphis, Dayton, Michigan and Clemson. The Big 12 and Big Ten were tied for second with five teams each in the AP Top 25.
J Telemarketing Expands Health Care Services With The Launch Of Med Alert Campaign In The USSAN DIEGO , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CreateAI Holdings Inc., formerly TuSimple Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS: TSPH) ("CreateAI" or the "Company"), a global artificial intelligence technology company, today announced shareholder voting results for its annual meeting of stockholders held on December 20, 2024 (the "Annual Meeting"). As of October 28, 2024 , the record date for the Annual Meeting, there were a total of 232,618,399 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, comprised of 208,618,399 shares of Class A Common Stock (each with one vote per share) and 24,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock (each with ten votes per share). At the Annual Meeting, holders of 207,347,538 shares of common stock, representing 423,347,538 votes, entitled to vote at the meeting were represented in person or by proxy and, therefore, a quorum constituted of the majority of the voting power of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting was present. The following is a brief description of each matter voted upon at the 2024 Annual Meeting and the numbers of votes cast for, withheld, or against, the number of abstentions, and the number of broker non-votes with respect to each other, as applicable. 1. Election of six nominees to serve on the Board of Directors (the "Board") for a term which will expire at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, or, if Proposal Two is adopted, to hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders in accordance with the class of director to which each nominee will be assigned. The following six directors were elected by the votes as indicated below. For Withheld Broker Non-Votes Cheng Lu 208,949,915 164,765,019 1 49,632,604 Mo Chen 208,946,146 164,768,788 1 49,632,604 James Lu 209,109,928 164,605,006 1 49,632,604 Zhen Tao 209,158,316 164,556,618 1 49,632,604 Albert Schultz 348,895,019 1 24,819,915 49,632,604 Jianan Hao 209,021,652 164,693,282 1 49,632,604 The totals above include the 240,000,000 votes represented by the Class B shares of Common Stock. 12,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock (representing 120,000,00 votes) were voted "FOR" and 12,000,000 shares of Class B Common stock (representing 120,000,00 votes) were voted "WITHHELD" for each of the Directors other than Albert Schultz . All shares of Class B Common Stock were voted "FOR" the election of Albert Schultz . Excluding the 240,000,000 votes from the 24,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock from the totals above, the 183,347,538 shares of Class A Common Stock were voted as indicated below. For Withheld Broker Non-Votes Cheng Lu 88,949,915 44,765,019 49,632,604 Mo Chen 88,946,146 44,768,788 49,632,604 James Lu 89,109,928 44,605,006 49,632,604 Zhen Tao 89,158,316 44,556,618 49,632,604 Albert Schultz 108,895,019 24,819,915 49,632,604 Jianan Hao 89,021,652 44,693,282 49,632,604 2. Amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to classify the Board of Directors into three classes, with directors in each class to serve staggered three-year terms. Pursuant to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Proposal Two must receive the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, since directors representing two-thirds (2/3) of the total number of authorized directors have already approved. The amendment was not approved 2 by the votes as indicated below: For Against 1 Abstain Broker Non-Votes 208,955,668 164,659,652 99,614 49,632,604 Because Proposal Two was not approved, the six directors elected pursuant to Proposal One will serve on the Board for a term which will expire at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. 3. Ratification of the appointment of UHY LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 . The selection was ratified by the votes as indicated below: For Against 1 Abstain Broker Non-Votes 255,504,371 155,923,768 11,919,399 - Note 1: Includes 120,000,000 votes of the 12,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock held by White Marble LLC and White Marble International Limited (together, the "White Marble Entities") controlled by Dr. Xiaodi Hou . Note 2: The White Marble Entities have filed an action in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking a declaratory judgment that the voting agreement between White Marble and Mo Chen is invalid and White Marble, not Mo Chen , controls the vote. White Marble LLC v. Chen , C.A. No. 2024-1208-PAF (Del. Ch.) On December 13, 2024 , the Court entered an order that allows the Company to hold the vote on Proposal Two, and ordered that if Proposal Two is not approved at the Annual Meeting but the Court determines in the Action that Mo Chen , not the White Marble Entities, control how the White Marble Entities' Shares are voted, then the White Marble Entities' shares shall be deemed to have been voted in favor of Proposal Two at the Annual Meeting and that such vote shall stand. The vote totals above include the votes of the shares held by the White Marble Entities as voted by the White Marble Entities. If the shares held by the White Marble entities reflected in the totals above are deemed to have been voted in favor of Proposal Two, the Proposal will have passed. Accordingly, if the Court rules in Mo Chen's favor, Proposal Two will be deemed to have passed and the Company would be permitted to amend its Certificate of Incorporation to implement Proposal Two and each of the directors elected pursuant to Proposal One will serve on the Board until the annual meeting of stockholders in accordance with the class of director to which each nominee is assigned. About CreateAI CreateAI (formerly TuSimple) is a global artificial intelligence company with offices in US, China , and Japan . The company is pioneering the future of digital entertainment content production, seamlessly blending cutting-edge generative AI technology with the creativity of world-class talent. Our mission is to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in digital storytelling by developing immersive, captivating, and visually stunning experiences that resonate with audiences on a global scale. Investor Relations Contact: ICR for CreateAI CreateAI.IR@icrinc.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/createai-announces-results-of-2024-annual-meeting-of-stockholders-302338618.html SOURCE CreateAI Holdings IncDefense fund established by supporters of suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione tops $100,000
CV Sciences, Inc. CVSI a hemp-focused wellness company announced on Thursday it's acquiring Extract Labs, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of premium cannabinoid products including gummies, topicals and tinctures. What Happened The company noted that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Extract Labs for the following considerations: cash payment of $400,000, less the amount of certain holdbacks and adjustments; and the issuance of shares of CV Sciences’ common stock valued at $1 million based on the sixty-day volume weighted average price of CV Sciences’ common stock. Additionally, under the deal, Extract Labs sellers will be eligible to receive up to $600,000 of additional shares of CV Sciences’ common stock if Extract Labs satisfies certain revenue targets during the first year following the closing date. Read Also: CV Sciences Q3: Revenue Stable Amid New Launches, Financing Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter here . If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out. Why It Matters Extract Labs' branded products are sold through a range of sales channels from business-to-business (B2B) to business-to-consumer (B2C). Moreover, Extract Labs, which is GMP-certified and FDA-registered, has operational flexibility that allows for low to large minimum order quantity production runs, making the use of capital and the ability to increase speed to market for new product development more efficient. CV Sciences says it expects the transaction will create the opportunity to increase its sales to current and new clients. "The acquisition synergies are expected to increase our revenue and customer base, allow us to leverage our key assets, optimize operations and processes, and drive long-term growth and shareholder value," said CEO Joseph Dowling . "Extract Labs is a stand-alone profitable business and our plan is to increase its existing revenue base and further leverage its existing capacity." What's Next The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of 2025, subject to customary conditions precedent. The company also plans to in-source production of certain of its key products. "We are planning to in-source the manufacturing of select +PlusCBD branded products providing an opportunity for meaningful cost savings. Extract Labs manufacturing capability will provide us with greater control over our supply chain and accelerate our new product development cycle,” Dowling said. CVSI Price Action CV Sciences' shares traded 9.09% lower at $0.04 per share after the market close on Thursday afternoon. Read Next: Hemp-Focused CV Sciences Reports Flat Revenue And Over 8% YoY Increase In Gross Profit In Q2 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Under fire from congressional Republicans about one of the darkest moments of Joe Biden’s presidency, Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the administration’s handling of the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, saying Democrats struggled to make the best of a bad pullout deal struck by Donald Trump. Blinken testified Wednesday before the Republican-led House Foreign Affairs Committee, facing questions and angry criticism from lawmakers for the final time in office. The top U.S. diplomat was expected to leave for the Middle East in the afternoon, but the back-and-forth with members, specifically Republicans who admonished the chaotic withdrawal as his defining legacy, delayed his departure. RELATED STORY | House GOP report blames Biden-Harris for chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan Blinken said much of the blame for the sudden collapse of Afghanistan's U.S.-allied government and the chaotic August 2021 evacuation of Americans that followed rested with a withdrawal deal President Trump had reached with the Taliban in 2020 before leaving office. “To the extent President Biden faced a choice, it was between ending the war or escalating it,” Blinken told lawmakers. “Had he not followed through on his predecessor’s commitment, attacks on our forces and allies would have resumed and the Taliban’s assault on the country’s major cities would have commenced.” But McCaul and other Republican lawmakers portrayed Blinken and the Biden administration as ill-prepared and disengaged as the disaster grew, and intent on minimizing mounting evidence that the Taliban would complete a takeover of the country before the last U.S. troops departed. “This catastrophic event was the beginning of a failed foreign policy that lit the world on fire,” McCaul, a Texas Republican, said. He urged Blinken to take “accountability for the disastrous withdrawal.” It was clear “it was going to be a disaster,” said Florida Republican Rep. Brian Mast, who will take over as chairman of the committee in the next Congress. RELATED STORY | Where asylum seekers stand, 2 years after the war in Afghanistan The hearing came at the end of Blinken's diplomatic service under Biden, with six weeks left before Trump takes office, and at the end of McCaul's time leading the Foreign Affairs committee. It served as a capstone to nearly four years of animosity between the two over the end of America's longest war. “For my part, I’ve been determined to learn the lessons from this experience, not only to learn them, but to act on them,” Blinken said. He added, “We’ve made the State Department stronger and better able to respond to crises than it was when we found it, or it was during the Afghan evacuation.” There was little new ground broken on the U.S. withdrawal, after years of blame-trading between Republicans and Democrats. Blinken pointed Wednesday to the planned 2026 release of a government-appointed Afghanistan war commission's review as the best prospect of an independent full report on the disastrous events of the summer of 2021. The 20-year U.S. military occupation of Afghanistan succeeded in routing the al-Qaida militants responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, whom Afghanistan's fundamentalist Taliban militants had allowed a home. But as the U.S. began its pullout, as set by Trump's deal and carried out by Biden, Taliban fighters routed the U.S.-allied government and military, capturing control of the country within months. An extremist group's bombing at the Kabul airport killed 13 U.S. service members and nearly 200 Afghans as Americans, Afghan allies and others thronged the airport in hopes of seats on the last U.S. military-run flights out. Blinken testified Wednesday that all of the “hundreds” of Americans and dual citizens stranded by the sudden scramble from Afghanistan have now been able to leave, if they have chosen. RELATED STORY | Biden review of chaotic Afghan withdrawal blames Trump He opened his appearance before the committee by turning to families of U.S. forces killed in the withdrawal and expressing condolences. Protesters repeatedly interrupted his comments, crying out “scum” and “genocide,” before security cleared the room of them. Blinken denied Republican charges that he and others ignored warnings from lower-ranking administration officials that the U.S. withdrawal would go badly wrong, and that the U.S. had to move faster on getting out Americans and the Afghans who had worked for and allied with them. “We anticipated that Kabul would remain in the hands of the Afghan government” through the end of the year, Blinken said. “This unfolded more quickly than we anticipated including in the intelligence community.” “Waiting until the last minute is not executing a plan,” McCaul said. Blinken's testimony came months after House Republicans issued a scathing report on their investigation into the withdrawal, blaming the disastrous end on Biden’s administration. They played down Trump's role in the failures even though he had signed the withdrawal deal with the Taliban. Previous investigations and analyses by a government-appointed special investigator for Afghanistan and some private policy groups have pointed to a systemic failure spanning the last four presidential administrations and concluded that Biden and Trump share the heaviest blame.
Using Z-Joule’s POOL.FM, SEA-LNG has undertaken analysis based on a modelled mid-sized, 14,000 TEU container vessel. This analysis is in the form of both a single vessel and also an eight-vessel fleet operating the Rotterdam – Singapore trade route over the period 2025 to 2040. The full white paper is available for download here. The analysis focuses on the LNG, methanol, and ammonia fuel pathways and compares their compliance costs against the default of using VLSFO (very low sulphur fuel oil). The analysis uses the specifications for main and auxiliary engines published by the main marine engine manufacturers MAN ES, Wärtsilä and WinDG. The study indicates that LNG, methanol, and ammonia dual-fuel engine technologies can reduce compliance costs compared with VLSFO, with LNG dual-fuel vessels providing a significantly lower cost compliance solution. The basis for this is that the LNG pathway offers immediate greenhouse gas reductions now and in the future compared with the other fuel choices. The use of LNG also dramatically reduces SOx, NOx and Particulate Matter (PM), thereby avoiding the use of relatively expensive MGO (marine gas oil) for ECA (Emission Control Area) compliance. In terms of fleet operations, for an eight-vessel fleet with two alternatively fuelled “balancing vessels,” the overall cost of compliance with LNG will be between $5 million and $17 million per annum lower than other alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia. Further, as FuelEU Maritime is implemented from 2025 onwards, fleet operators using ammonia and methanol dual-fuel vessels are likely to need significant quantities of expensive green fuels in an effort to avoid very high penalty charges. SEA-LNG COO Steve Esau Credit: SEA-LNG Commenting on the analysis, Steve Esau, Chief Operating Officer at SEA-LNG, said, “It’s our mission to provide objective data and analysis to support owners and operators in decision-making at this critical juncture for shipping. As greenhouse gas emissions become subject to increasingly stringent regulation, the industry needs cost-effective solutions to meet its decarbonisation goals. Today, this study clearly illustrates that the LNG pathway is a cost-effective way to meet regulatory compliance targets now and in the future.” Fernando Alvarez, Founder of Z-Joule, said, “Intuition and simple rules of thumb are no longer sufficient when developing optimal regulatory compliance strategies. Sophisticated decision-support tools are needed to model the complex interaction between recent and forthcoming regulations, vessel operations, and commercial drivers. Z-Joule’s software provides the industry with a robust platform to explore and optimise their decarbonisation journey. ”POOL.FM is a fuel-agnostic model which utilises an advanced optimisation algorithm to determine the optimal fuel mix, pooling strategy, and target speed for each vessel in a fleet (or vessel pool). The regulations currently modelled include CII, ECAs, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and Onshore Power Supply (OPS) mandates. Functionality to model possible IMO Market Based Measures (MBM)s is already in place and will be refined as more details about the forthcoming regulations emerge.” Source: SEA-LNGMelinda French Gates plans to match $1M in GivingTuesday gifts to groups that support women
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"This Is A Bloodsport For Them" - Lara Logan Exposes "The Age Of Information Warfare"
ALBANY 93, PUERTO RICO-MAYAGUEZ 50
The cyberattack on Rhode Island’s RIBridges system underscores significant security challenges faced by public assistance programs. It revealed critical vulnerabilities in handling sensitive data, vendor management, system maintenance, and public trust. RIBridges manages applications for Rhode Island’s public assistance programs, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The attackers behind the breach claimed to have possession of approximately one terabyte of data and demanded a ransom to prevent its release. The breach followed a by the Beeck Center for Social Impact that found identity proofing requirements for online public benefits applications systems had increased only slightly in 2024. The study found that while some states have adopted innovative practices, challenges remain in achieving effective digital identity management, including security. The office of Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said in a statement that there is a “high probability” that highly sensitive personal information was stolen. In Fiscal Year 2023, the state’s Medicaid program had more than 389,000 people, the SNAP benefits program had more than 140,000 users, and HealthSource RI, the official healthcare portal for the state of Rhode Island, had more than 30,000. Rob Fitzgerald, field CISO of Blue Mantis, told GoLocal the attack “is potentially devastating.” State officials are urging anyone who applied for benefits through RIBridges since 2016 to change their passwords and monitor their bank accounts for suspicious charges. The governor’s office said, “Households that may have had personal information compromised will receive a letter by mail from the state that explains how to access free credit monitoring.” The Rhode Island State Department of Administration said in an , “As a best practice, customers should change any common or reused passwords to a new strong, and unique one. Using a safe and secure password manager is the most effective way to reduce the risks of password misuse. Customers can also call their bank to ask what steps may be taken related to the security of their bank account.” On December 13, RIBridges was taken offline following the cyberattack. Governor McKee reported that data including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and certain banking information may have been accessed. On December 5, Rhode Island’s vendor, Deloitte, informed state officials of a potential cyberattack on the RIBridges system. At that time, it was unclear if any sensitive information was compromised. On December 10, Deloitte received a screenshot from the attackers displaying file folders, indicating a serious breach. The following day, Deloitte assessed a high probability that the compromised folders contained personally identifiable information from RIBridges. On December 13, after discovering malicious code within the system, the state directed Deloitte to shut down RIBridges to mitigate the threat. On Saturday, December 14, the governor’s office , “After consultation with our state IT department, Deloitte immediately implemented additional security measures and started to assess the threat. It was important, for security reasons, to keep this knowledge internal until we could secure the RIBridges system. At the same time, our team began an investigation into what data may have been compromised, and how a possible attack was able to occur.” Governor McKee’s office added that “to the best of our knowledge, any individual who has received or applied for health coverage and/or health and human services programs or benefits could be impacted by this leak.” The programs and benefits managed through the RIBridges system include but are not limited to Medicaid, SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Child Care Assistance Program, Health coverage purchased through HealthSource RI, Rhode Island Works, Long-Term Services and Supports, and the General Public Assistance Program. State Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer Brian Tardiff clarified that the incident was not a ransomware attack but rather what he described as “more of an extortion-type activity” by the cybercriminal group that was behind the attack. With RIBridges offline, residents are unable to access the online portal or mobile app for applying to public benefits programs, including HealthSource RI, the state’s healthcare marketplace, which was in the midst of the open enrollment period and ends January 31, 2025. In response, the state has made paper applications available and plans to establish a call center to assist affected individuals. This incident is not the first challenge associated with the RIBridges system, officially known as the Unified Health Infrastructure Project (UHIP). It was launched in 2016 as a centralized platform to streamline access to public assistance programs. Designed to integrate multiple services, the system aimed to modernize the state’s approach to managing social services. However, its history is marked by technical failures, mismanagement, and security vulnerabilities that have undermined its effectiveness and public trust. RIBridges was developed by Deloitte under a contract initially valued at $105 million but which ballooned over time to exceed $600 million. From the outset, the project faced significant challenges. Federal agencies, including the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, had warned Rhode Island before the system’s launch that it was not ready for deployment. Despite these warnings, the Providence Journal documented how RIBridges proceeded despite clear operational risks, leading to immediate and widespread problems. The launch resulted in significant disruptions to benefits distribution, with thousands of residents experiencing delays in receiving critical assistance. Backlogs soared, with more than 20,000 cases piling up due to system malfunctions. All of this was widely reported, including by state officials during public hearings. The system’s technical issues were compounded by governance failures and a lack of rigorous testing. RIBridges struggled with basic functionality, such as accurately processing applications, calculating benefits, and integrating data from multiple sources. These operational failures prompted a federal investigation that resulted in millions of dollars in penalties for the state, as well as public criticism of then-Governor Gina Raimondo’s administration. The state was forced to hire additional staff and consultants to address the backlog and repair the system, further increasing costs. Over time, many of the initial operational issues were addressed, but concerns about the system’s security emerged. As a central repository for sensitive personal data, including financial information and health records, RIBridges became a potential target for cyberattacks. Security audits revealed vulnerabilities in the system’s defenses, though details of these findings were often not made public due to their sensitive nature. The recent cyberattack has brought these longstanding concerns to the forefront. Cybercriminals exploited weaknesses in RIBridges to access sensitive data. The attackers bypassed existing security measures, inserted malicious code, and obtained unauthorized access. The breach exposed flaws in the system’s technical defenses and highlighted issues with its oversight and vendor management. The breach marked the most significant security incident in the system’s storied history and underscored the risks associated with relying on centralized, highly integrated platforms for public assistance. Public assistance systems like RIBridges manage extensive amounts of personally identifiable information. Centralizing such sensitive data makes these systems an attractive target for cybercriminals. The breach demonstrated the risks inherent in storing data in centralized databases, emphasizing the need for advanced encryption, routine penetration testing, and compartmentalized data storage to limit potential exposure. Critics had argued that the system’s history of technical and governance failures made it ill-equipped to handle modern cybersecurity threats, despite its critical role in serving vulnerable populations. RIBridges has thus come to symbolize both the promise and pitfalls of large-scale government technology projects. While its goals of modernization and efficiency were ambitious, its troubled history reveals the challenges of implementing such systems without sufficient planning, testing, and investment in robust security measures. The attack also highlighted the importance of vendor oversight. RIBridges was developed and managed by a third-party contractor, which identified the breach but faced delays in fully understanding its implications. This reliance on external contractors for critical infrastructure illustrates the risks of insufficient security measures among third-party providers and the need for governments to ensure that all vendors meet rigorous cybersecurity standards through continuous audits and stringent evaluations. Additionally, the incident revealed the consequences of delayed detection and response. Although the breach began on or before December 5, the full extent of the data compromise became apparent only several days later. This delay demonstrates the need for real-time monitoring systems, automated alerts, and well-prepared incident response plans that can swiftly contain and mitigate threats. The disruption caused by the attack extended beyond data security. With RIBridges offline, residents were unable to access critical services like SNAP and Medicaid during a crucial period, leaving vulnerable populations without essential support. The widespread impact of such disruptions highlights the need for governments to develop robust continuity and disaster recovery plans to ensure the availability of vital services even during cybersecurity crises. Unlike traditional ransomware attacks, RIBridges breach involved extortion, with attackers threatening to release stolen data, which reflects a broader trend in cybercrime where the focus shifts from locking systems to leveraging sensitive data for financial gain. Counteracting these tactics involve strategies such as data loss prevention and zero-trust architectures to prevent data exfiltration and mitigate the impact of such incidents. Finally, the attack raises concerns about public trust. Repeated issues with RIBridges have undermined confidence in the system. The breach further strained this trust, especially among residents who rely on the platform for essential services. Transparent communication, swift remediation, and steps to protect affected individuals, such as credit monitoring, are crucial in rebuilding trust. The Rhode Island cyberattack is a stark reminder of the risks facing public assistance systems. As digitization increases, these systems must adopt robust cybersecurity measures, proactive risk management, and continuous monitoring to protect the data and services relied upon by vulnerable populations. The incident highlights the urgency for governments to prioritize security in systems designed to support public welfare. | | | | | | | |Sysco LABS recently launched its Quality Engineering Nexus series, hosting two insightful sessions. The Sysco LABS Quality Engineering Nexus was developed as a knowledge sharing platform to enhance the standards of quality engineering in the Sri Lankan tech industry. The inaugural event explored the “State of Quality Engineering in 2024”, featuring expert talks by Sysco Senior Director – Global Quality Engineering, DevOps and Site Reliability Engineering Dilhan Manawadu, Sysco LABS Associate Director – Quality Engineering Ranil Weerasinghe, and Associate Quality Engineering Manager Ganuka Yasantha. The event concluded with a panel discussion which included insights from industry leaders; Wiley Global Technology Director – Software Engineering Kovida Guruge and Pearson Lanka Director – Software Engineering Kaveendra Perera along with the session’s other speakers. The second session focused on Testing Platforms and Internal Developer Platforms (IDPs) and their role in enhancing testing productivity. Keynote speaker, Sysco LABS Senior Software Architect – Application Technology Asanka Vithanage delivered live demos and case studies, providing actionable insights into building and utilising IDPs effectively.
Accomplished Leader Brings Expertise in Finance and Tribal Governance SAN DIEGO , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Indigenized Energy, a Native-led organization building sustainable solar energy systems with Tribes nationwide, has announced the appointment of Lorilee J. Morsette , MS, THRP as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Morsette previously served as President of National Accounts for Tribal Markets at Mutual of America Financial Group and led HR operations for nearly 600 employees at the Nisqually Indian Tribe in Olympia, Washington . As COO, Morsette will oversee program delivery, finance, human resources, technology, and will ensure operational excellence. The newly created COO role is integral to scaling the organization's impact in 2025 and beyond. In April, Indigenized Energy, along with its partners the MHA Nation-Three Affiliated Tribes and the Tribal Renewal Energy Coalition, were awarded $135.5M in Solar for All funding by the EPA. A Suquamish and Chippewa-Cree from Rocky Boy, Montana , Morsette brings a visionary approach informed by the historical challenges faced by Indian Country. Morsette said, "Joining Indigenized Energy allows me to combine my expertise in financial services with my deep commitment to advancing opportunities for Native Americans. Our community's strength lies in our autonomy, and Indigenized Energy stands as a beacon of hope towards that goal. Together, we are Native-led, driven by our shared values, and contributing to a future where all voices and spirits thrive." Morsette's leadership adds depth to Indigenized Energy's executive team, which already excels in solar technology and tribal relations. Her presence is a milestone for Native women in leadership: women hold only 15% of C-suite roles in the finance sector and 18% in the solar industry, with Native American women representing a fraction of these figures. Cody Two Bears, Founder and CEO of Indigenized Energy said, "If we wrote a COO job description that called for expertise in corporate finance, management, Tribal governance, and values that align seamlessly with our own, and then looked for a Native American woman, we never would have found that. We cast a wider net and fortunately, connected with Lorilee at a time when she was open to a bold new leadership opportunity. Her appointment is a testament to the right timing and shared vision. I have no doubt." About Indigenized Energy With a mission focused on developing innovative and practical energy solutions, Indigenized Energy endeavors to support tribal autonomy, economic development, and environmental stewardship through clean energy initiatives. Indigenized Energy is registered as a charitable corporation in North Dakota and is a fiscally sponsored project of Mission Edge San Diego, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in San Diego. Our Federal Tax ID # 27-2938491. https://www.4indigenized.energy/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indigenized-energy-names-lorilee-j-morsette-as-chief-operating-officer-302334331.html SOURCE Indigenized Energy
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