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iPhone hacked using Pegasus spyware from Israel’s NSO Group

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

By Jamie Tarabay | BloombergAn iPhone belonging to a staffer at a Washington-based civil society organization was hacked remotely with spyware created by Israel’s NSO Group.The hack was discovered last week and reported to Apple Inc., which moved quickly to investigate and patch the breach, according to John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher with Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto’s Munk School.NSO Group has been sanctioned by the US since 2021 due to its Pegasus hacking tool, which has been used by some governments to target journalists and dissidents beyond their borders. It is a so-called zero-click hack, in which the user doesn’t need to click on a link in order for malware to install software that can turn phones into real-time surveillance devices.“The gravity of the attack, which is a zero click, combined with the fact that it was being actively used in the wild against civil society makes it clear that this is the kind of thing that needs to be taken really seriously ...

Undercover operation catches Kaiser illegally dumping medical waste — from syringes to body fluids — and private health records

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

Kaiser’s health plan and foundation hospitals will pay $49 million to settle claims brought by the state Department of Justice and six county district attorneys that the healthcare giant illegally disposed of hazardous and medical waste and patient health information, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Friday.“The illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste puts the environment, workers, and the public at risk,” Bonta said. “As a healthcare provider, Kaiser should know that it has specific legal obligations to properly dispose of medical waste and safeguard patients’ medical information. I am pleased that Kaiser has been cooperative with my office and the district attorneys’ offices, and that it took immediate action to address the alleged violations.”The settlement is the result of undercover inspections conducted by the district attorneys’ offices of dumpsters from 16 different Kaiser facilities. During those inspections, the distric...

Nancy Pelosi says she'll seek House reelection in 2024, dismissing talk of retirement at age 83

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday that she will run for reelection to another term in Congress as Democrats work to win back the majority in 2024. Pelosi made the announcement before labor allies in the San Francisco area district she has represented for more than 35 years.“Now more than ever our City needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery,” Pelosi, 83, said in a tweet. “Our country needs America to show the world that our flag is still there, with liberty and justice for ALL. That is why I am running for reelection — and respectfully ask for your vote.”Pelosi’s decision comes with Republicans now in control of the House — but just narrowly, with a 222-212 majority and one vacancy. Democrats believe they have a chance to recapture the chamber as President Joe Biden runs for reelection to the White House.The Pelosi announcement quells any talk of retirement for the long-serving leader, who, with the honorific title of speaker e...

California lawmakers approve new taxes on guns & ammo

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will have the chance to approve an excise tax on firearms and ammunition after Assembly Bill 28 was passed by Democrats Thursday. If signed, an 11% tax from the sales of firearms, firearm precursor parts and ammunition would be imposed on dealers and manufacturers beginning July 1, 2024. Money received by the measure would be used to fund various gun violence prevention, education, research and investigation programs, AB 28 states.The bill was introduced by Democrat Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel of District 46. The district represents parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.“We’ve passed a lot of good gun safety laws. The data shows that we have a lower gun death rate here in California than we do in other states. But this was one of the big things that was still out there," Gabriel told CalMatters. For the past 10 years, lawmakers had unsuccessfully pursued sales or excise taxes on guns and ammunition but failed half a dozen times, some of which never ...

San Jose police enforcing DUI checkpoint tonight

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

(KRON) -- The San Jose Police Department will set up a DUI checkpoint on Friday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city. DUI checkpoint locations are chosen based on data showing high numbers of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by deterring drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel.During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. "The safety of our community is, and always will be, our mission," SJPD Lt. Scherry said. "Driving under the influence is still dangerous."It is illegal to drive if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of:0.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old.0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old.In addition to alcohol, San Jose police said drivers can become impaired from using marijuana, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Read directions and warning labels about driving or "operating heav...

All lanes on westbound Highway 92 blocked due to big rig crash

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

(KRON) -- A traffic collision involving a big rig has blocked all lanes on westbound Highway 92 Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. A severe traffic alert is in effect. The crash occurred west of Lower Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo County. Big changes to BART service schedule starting Monday Motorists are advised to expect delays, use alternate routes and avoid the area if possible.There is no estimated time for the roadway to reopen.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Woman suspected in stabbing fatally struck on Route 50 in Loudoun Co.

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

Route 50 in Loudoun County, Virginia, was closed to traffic in both directions as authorities investigated. (Courtesy 7News) Route 50 in Loudoun County, Virginia, was closed to traffic in both directions as authorities investigated. (Courtesy 7News) A woman suspected of a stabbing in Chantilly, Virginia, Friday morning was fatally struck by a vehicle while fleeing on foot, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said.The sheriff’s office said that a man was stabbed in the 42000 block of Pilgrim Square in the South Riding area about 9:48 a.m., and shortly after, the woman suspected in the stabbing was struck while on foot by a vehicle heading west on Route 50.The stabbing victim was transported to the hospi...

A person is shot and hurt at Lil Baby concert in Memphis. Police think it was premeditated, targeted

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — One person was shot and wounded at a Memphis concert headlined by rapper Lil Baby in what was believed to be a premeditated, targeted shooting, police said.The Memphis Police Department posted on social media that officers responded to a report of a shooting late Thursday at FedExForum. The 19,000-seat arena is home to the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis men’s basketball team.A male victim was taken to a hospital and was no longer in critical condition Friday, according to police, who said no other injuries were reported.Police said they were working to identify and find the shooter. They did not yet know how the shooter managed to bring a gun into the arena, which contracts with a private security company to screen people for weapons. Lil Baby was rushed off the stage when shots were fired, WREG-TV reported. Police said the concert was canceled and the building was evacuated.“I heard a pop,” Clarissa Johnson, who attended the concer...

Browns’ Denzel Ward is out of concussion protocol and will play in Sunday’s opener against Bengals

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns cornerback Denzel Ward cleared concussion protocol and will start Sunday’s season opener against Cincinnati, giving Cleveland’s secondary its best player as it tries to stop Joe Burrow and his trio of receivers.Ward had been sidelined with his fourth reported concussion in the NFL. The two-time Pro Bowl selection got hurt in an Aug. 26 exhibition in Cincinnati. He was limited to some individual drills earlier this week before practicing Friday.While the Browns will have Ward, they could be without starting safety Juan Thornhill, who is questionable with a calf injury.Cleveland signed Thornhill to a three-year, $21 million contract in March after he won a Super Bowl with Kansas City. Veteran Rodney McLeod would start if Thornhill can’t play.Ward’s return is important as the Browns get ready to face Burrow, who agreed to a five-year, $275 contract extension with the Bengals on Thursday. Although he’s only 1-4 in his career agains...

Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh may soon add another role to her resume: Olympic committee member

Published Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:12:34 GMT

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh was proposed Friday to be a member of the International Olympic Committee.Yeoh, who won an Academy Award for best actress this year for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” was among eight potential new members who will likely be approved by their soon-to-be colleagues at a meeting next month in Mumbai, India.The IOC currently has 99 invited members, including a selection of royalty, sports officials, former athletes and leaders from politics and industry. Their main role in the Olympic movement is confirming hosts for the Summer Games and Winter Games that were pre-selected by the IOC administration and executive board.Yeoh also has ties to the United Nations, twice representing her home country Malaysia at its General Assembly, and as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. development program.Her strongest connection to sports is through her husband, Jean Todt, the former boss of the Ferrari team in Formula On...