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bet365 app download for android House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of 'regularly' 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 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. 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 said he couldn't allow a new administration to resume executions. Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20. The president-elect has talked subjecting drug dealers and human smugglers to the death penalty. Relief, defiance, anger: Families and advocates react to Biden's death row commutations COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims’ families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions are sharing a range of emotions, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences. Biden announced Monday he would convert the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they’d long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump, a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move as an assault to common decency. 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. Middle East latest: Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill at least 20 people, Palestinian medics say Palestinian medics say Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 20 people. One of the strikes overnight and into Monday hit a tent camp in the Muwasi area, an Israel-declared humanitarian zone, killing eight people, including two children. The Israeli military says it only strikes militants, accusing them of hiding among civilians. It said late Sunday that it had targeted a Hamas militant in the humanitarian zone. The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostage. Israel’s air and ground offensive has killed over 45,200 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. 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.PRATTVILLE, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge has ordered an Alabama city to allow an LGBTQ+ pride group to participate in the city's Christmas parade on Friday, after the mayor initially blocked the group from the annual event citing unspecified “safety concerns.” U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker Jr. ruled that the City of Prattville violated Prattville Pride's First Amendment right to free speech and 14th Amendment right to equal protection under the law when it banned the group from running a float in the annual Christmas parade one day before the event was set to take place. “The City removed Prattville Pride from the parade based on its belief that certain members of the public who oppose Prattville Pride, and what is stands for, would react in a disruptive way. But discrimination based on a message’s content 'cannot be tolerated under the First Amendment,' ” Huffaker wrote in his opinion. The ruling required the city to provide at least two police officers to escort the float throughout the parade. On Thursday, Prattville Pride requested additional security measures from law enforcement. In response, Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr released a statement banning the group from the parade altogether, citing “serious safety concerns.” Huffaker's ruling said that, leading up to the event, some community members “voiced vehement opposition” to the group's inclusion in the parade, but that “the City has presented no evidence of legitimate, true threats of physical violence.” Gillespie's office referred to a statement posted on the city's social media in response to a request for comment. “The City respects the ruling of the Court and will comply with its order. The safety of everyone involved with the parade is a priority,” city officials said in a statement on social media. Prattville Pride celebrated the ruling on social media. “The Christmas parade is a cherished holiday tradition, and we are excited to celebrate alongside our neighbors and friends in the spirit of love, joy, and unity," the group wrote. Prattville is a small city of about 40,000 people, just north of the capital of Montgomery.

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Just prior to Sunday’s Week 14 game between the New York Giants (2-11) and New Orleans Saints (5-8), a plane flew over MetLife Stadium towing a banner which read, “MR. MARA ENOUGH — PLZ FIX THIS DUMPSTER FIRE.” The Giants went onto to drop their eighth consecutive game, 14-11, in front of a sparse crowd. After the game, head coach Brian Daboll fielded a question about the plane that flew over the stadium before kickoff. #Giants HC Brian Daboll spoke about the plane that flew over MetLife Stadium before their game ( via @Giants ) pic.twitter.com/QHeOuG9SYo “I’d say, look, we’ve won two games,” Daboll said. “I’m not happy either.” Giants continue freefall with Week 14 loss to Saints Amid the disastrous campaign, one of the lone bright spots has been rookie wideout Malik Nabers , who has a realistic shot at topping 1,000 receiving yards with three different quarterbacks throwing him the football ( Daniel Jones , Tommy DeVito , Drew Lock ). Nabers has been open at times about his frustration as the losses have piled up and like Daboll, was asked to comment on the plane. Nabers learned of the plane flying over the stadium as he was questioned. "I didn't pay for the plane. I ain't got nothing to say." Malik Nabers was asked about the plane that flew over MetLife Stadium before the game: pic.twitter.com/LyKzW6RD0E “I didn’t pay for the plane,” Nabers said, via SNY Giants . “I ain’t got nothing to say.” New York is guaranteed to finish with a losing season for the seventh time in the last eight, and fans appear to have hit a breaking point, calling on team president John Mara to fix the on-field product. That could entail another change at the head coaching position, as Daboll is now 17-29-1 since taking over in 2022. This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.Wednesday, December 18, 2024 The future of search and travel discovery is undergoing a transformative shift, fueled by generative AI, hybrid models, and the evolving dominance of video platforms. As technology advances and consumer behavior adapts, how we discover information—and particularly how we plan and experience travel—is changing fundamentally. While Google search has dominated the information landscape for over two decades, emerging tools and interfaces now challenge the status quo, creating a complex but exciting evolution. As we stand at the crossroads of technology and travel, the solutions of today—large language models (LLMs), video content platforms, and hybrid search systems—may already represent the optimal state of search. However, challenges such as bias, hallucinations in AI outputs, and conflicts between entertainment and information persist, leading to innovative opportunities for a seamless, personalized travel discovery experience. The Current Landscape of Search and Travel Discovery For over 20 years, Google has reigned as the most intuitive way to find information. The platform’s mission statement—“organizing the world’s information and making it universally accessible”—has been delivered with incredible success. Google’s formula of providing credible third-party sources, ranked by algorithms, and monetized with unobtrusive ads has remained unrivaled. For travel, Google serves as both an informational and inspirational tool. Users can find everything from flight deals and destination guides to reviews and itineraries. Its seamless experience, paired with trusted sources, makes it the go-to platform. However, while Google works well, new models like AI-powered search and video discovery are beginning to capture more attention, particularly from younger generations. AI and Large Language Models: The Rise of Conversational Search Large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT have introduced a revolutionary new way to consume information. Trained on vast amounts of data, LLMs can deliver instant answers in a conversational format through text or voice, creating a more efficient alternative to traditional search engines. In the realm of travel discovery, LLMs are capable of: While still in their early stages, LLMs are filling gaps in traditional travel data sources. However, challenges persist, such as hallucinations (fabricated information) and cognitive bias. Hallucinations are expected to decrease over time, while cognitive bias—rooted in the human knowledge these models are trained on—will require ongoing adjustments. Despite these limitations, LLMs represent the future of search due to their adaptability and growing ability to provide trustworthy information. As companies like OpenAI and Google pursue broader goals of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), these models will increasingly dominate travel planning and discovery. Google: The Workhorse of Information, But For How Long? Google remains the cornerstone of search today, offering the flexibility to pick and choose sources. Its algorithm-driven approach prioritizes trust and credibility, essential for travel planning where reliability matters. However, compared to AI-driven search, Google can feel inefficient. Users must navigate multiple links, often clicking at random, which consumes time and effort. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are signaling a shift in preferences. Many consider text search too resource-heavy and are turning to video-first platforms like TikTok and YouTube for answers. While Google will likely remain relevant, it must evolve to compete with the efficiency and engagement of AI-powered tools and video platforms. Video Platforms: Inspiration and Conflict Video platforms are increasingly shaping how people discover travel destinations, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube leading the way. These platforms excel in delivering: However, video platforms face inherent challenges. Apps like TikTok prioritize engagement over accuracy, driven by algorithms designed to maximize watch time. This creates a conflict between viral entertainment content and factual, informative travel data. While videos succeed at inspiration, they often fall short as reliable sources of truth for travel planning. For travelers, the result is a fragmented experience—immersive but unreliable. Platforms like TikTok are not designed as information retrieval systems, yet they hold significant influence over travel trends and decisions. The Hybrid Model: Combining AI, Search, and Video The future of search for travel will likely combine the strengths of AI, traditional search engines, and video platforms into a seamless, hybrid model. Imagine a platform that: This hybrid approach could provide users with: Google and OpenAI are already moving in this direction. Google’s search tools are evolving to incorporate AI-driven insights, while ChatGPT’s “Search” feature integrates real-time information retrieval. The ultimate solution may feature a user experience (UX) resembling Google, enhanced with AI personalization and video integration. AI Agents: The Gatekeepers of Personalized Search As search technology evolves, AI agents will play a central role in personalizing travel discovery. These agents act as intermediaries, pre-processing data to deliver curated, de-biased information in the format users prefer. However, humans are inherently biased, and travelers may instruct AI agents to favor certain brands, influencers, or sources. This could perpetuate existing biases and limit discovery, creating a paradox where personalization conflicts with objectivity. The Role of AI-Generated Videos To address the shortcomings of video platforms, AI-generated videos may emerge as a solution. While controversial, synthetic videos created by AI using accurate, trusted data could fill the gap between inspiration and reliable information. By combining human-like visuals with factual data, these videos could deliver engaging yet accurate travel content. For instance, imagine asking an AI for a travel itinerary and receiving a video of a virtual guide showcasing destinations, activities, and tips based on your preferences. This technology may take another two years to become fully viable, but it presents a promising solution to the conflict between viral and informational content. Conclusion: The Future of Travel Search is Hybrid The evolution of search is redefining how travelers discover, plan, and experience the world. AI-driven tools, video platforms, and hybrid search models are merging to create faster, more personalized, and immersive solutions. While Google remains foundational, LLMs and video platforms are reshaping user expectations, particularly among younger generations. The hybrid future of travel discovery will balance inspiration, efficiency, and trust. AI agents will curate data, while synthetic videos may provide engaging and reliable content. As search technology continues to evolve, the ultimate goal will remain the same: helping travelers find the information they need—seamlessly and intuitively—to explore the world with confidence.

The federal government’s massive real estate footprint faces scrutiny as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy prepare to lead Donald Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, nicknamed DOGE . Their mandate to slash federal bureaucracy could reshape office markets nationwide. “The implications to the real estate industry in the U.S., now facing a pullback in federal demand, would be profound,” warned Brendan Wallace, CEO of Fifth Wall, in a CNBC interview last week. The federal government currently leases approximately 150 million square feet, costing $5 billion annually, with roughly half the leases cancelable within six months. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today. These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends While Washington D.C. would feel the heaviest impact from any federal space reduction, Wallace said the ripple effects would reach across the country. The timing proves particularly challenging for an office sector already grappling with existential questions about space demand. However, some industry experts see potential opportunities amid the disruption. “Having someone come in from outside who can understand everything technology can do may be an opportunity to save money without threatening the current workforce,” suggests David Dworkin, president of the National Housing Conference, to Housing Wire. See Also: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today! The initiative’s strict return-to-office mandate could trigger workforce changes. Musk and Ramaswamy’s Wall Street Journal op-ed embraces potential “voluntary terminations,” while simultaneously exploring options to monetize federal real estate assets through vehicles like REITs. Beyond office space, Wallace identifies AI’s emerging influence on real estate markets as another factor. “The real estate industry is just now grappling with some of these big questions not just about how AI is going to make our business more efficient, but how it’s going to fundamentally change the business of real estate itself,” he explains. Pat Cave, senior vice president at Enterprise Community Partners, argues against assuming negative outcomes. “I think the assumption that Trump is bad for housing is false,” he told Housing Wire, citing increased housing investments during Trump’s first term. Trending: During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% – 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses. The initiative’s exact impact remains unclear, though housing agencies already face staffing challenges. Jung Choi of the Urban Institute notes both HUD and Ginnie Mae operate understaffed, potentially complicating program implementation, particularly for natural disaster response. The potential privatization of government-sponsored enterprises adds another layer of uncertainty. “I mean, it wasn’t directly mentioned by Trump himself, but then [Mark] Calabria and other people did suggest that GSEs should be released from their conservatorship,” Choi said, pointing to possible shifts in housing finance policy under the new administration. As DOGE takes shape, its influence could extend beyond direct federal real estate holdings to shape broader market dynamics , from office demand patterns to housing policy implementation. Read Next: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things. Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate — This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today! © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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A version of this story originally ran Sept. 30, 2024. When Stacy Fox heard the news that Freehold Raceway — known as the oldest racing track in the country — was shutting down this December, she was crestfallen. “I literally cried because my whole childhood was at the track,” said Fox, 46, who now lives in Savannah, Georgia, but grew up in Browns Mills in Pemberton Township in Burlington County. Both of her parents worked at the Monmouth County track — her father was a head accountant there for more than 30 years, and her mother worked the simulcasting switchboard at night. Fox remembers driving to the raceway with her mother before her shift, and riding back home with her father, at the end of his work day. She often spent Sundays at the track, when her father would catch up on work. She knew dozens of people who worked at the raceway. Even decades later, she has vivid memories of the thrill of spending time there with her brother, the family’s two youngest siblings. They peeked into the track’s vault filled with money, walked through the cigar smoke-filled club, met the jockeys and stroked the horses. “My dad was a big part of that place,” Fox said of her father, who died in 2000. After she learned the raceway was closing, she visited the track one final time in October with her mother, when they traveled to New Jersey. Coincidentally, her parents’ anniversary falls on the track’s last day — Dec. 28. In September, officials announced the horse-racing track, which features harness racing, is ceasing all live racing and simulcasting operations at the end of the year. New Jersey’s other tracks — Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands — are not affected by the closure. “This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical importance of Freehold Raceway to the local community and the New Jersey horse racing industry,” Howard Bruno, the raceway’s general manager, said in the announcement. “Unfortunately, the operations of the racetrack cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward,” he said. “We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated employees, horsemen and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.” News of the closure prompted a flood of reactions and hundreds of comments on social media. Some people cheered the demise of horse racing at one more racetrack across the country, saying it was best for the horses. Others lamented the possibility of developers building on the site. Many were incredibly saddened by the impending shutdown, recalling fond days spent at the track in their childhood with family members and friends. After he retired, Bob Barlow's stepfather landed a job as an usher at the trackway because he enjoyed spending time at the track so much. Barlow's stepfather, Tracy Hall, is in a red jacket and pictured with a winning horse after a race. Provided by Bob Barlow Bob Barlow, who now lives in Connecticut, previously lived in East Windsor in Mercer County and would visit the track as a child with his stepfather, who loved watching the horses race and placing bets. Barlow said his stepfather, Tracy Hall, once won $800 from betting on the races in one day. Although Barlow doesn’t remember the horse’s name, he easily recalls the jockey’s name: Wilbur. “My stepfather winds up getting up, standing on top of the chair and screaming, ‘Come on Wilbur, come on Wilbur,’” said Barlow, 72. The horse won, and Hall was elated. “I literally thought he was going to pass out and have a heart attack,” Barlow said, “he was so excited.” When Hall retired from his security guard position at a research facility, he landed an usher job at the track, allowing him to get paid for something he enjoyed, Barlow said. If the track wasn’t busy, he could place his own bets. Occasionally, he would be invited onto the field after the race, when the winning horse — adorned with a bouquet of flowers around its neck — and its owner took photos. He was employee of the month in May 1995, and officials named a race after him, Barlow said. The track’s attendance declined in recent years. Carl Cito celebrated his 11th birthday at Freehold Raceway's restaurant, called the Renaissance Room, with his two grandfathers. Provided by Carl Cito Carl Cito, 26, would regularly visit the track with his two grandfathers — his mother’s father and his father’s father — starting when he was about 4, he said. His father trained and raced horses there, and although Cito still goes to the track now, he notices a difference in attendance. “Before me, it used to be super popular,” he said, referring to the time before he was born. Though he sees some younger people at the track today, it’s mostly an aging crowd. “My friends from the racetrack are mostly older than me,” Cito said. When the closure was announced, Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane blamed track officials for the shutdown. There has been declining interest in standardbred harness racing, despite the raceway’s “long and storied history” in the borough, he said in a statement at the time. Track officials didn’t try to reverse the trends, Kane previously said. Freehold is jointly owned by Penn Entertainment and Greenwood Racing. “Management seemed disinterested in promoting or marketing the venue and failed to capitalize on the advent of sports betting in New Jersey,” Kane previously said. “The facility had become shopworn and dated with little capital improvements to attract new customers,” Kane said. “Attempts to meet with management to discuss promotional opportunities, band nights, car shows and other event-based strategies designed to get new customers into the facility were rebuffed.” In September, Stephen Gallo, the borough’s business administrator, said the horses will be retained by their owners once the track shuts down. The borough, which doesn’t own any of the property involved, plans to authorize a redevelopment study to determine if the area meets the criteria for an “area in need of redevelopment.” That could lead to proposals for a new use for the land. But, the raceway could potentially remain a horse-racing track. The borough has been in communication with state Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, who represents the area, and is seeing if anyone is interested in continuing the raceway’s operations, Gallo previously said. “We have received several inquiries from parties interested in racing operations which we are following up on,” he previously said. Freehold Raceway is the nation’s oldest and fastest daytime half-mile harness racing track, according to its website . It first opened in 1853. It features live harness racing for trotters and pacers, and is open seven days and nights a week. It also hosts year-round thoroughbred and harness racing simulcasts from tracks throughout North America. Stacy Fox remembers growing up at Freehold Raceway — both of her parents worked at the track. She was given a mug that's branded with the track's name. Provided by Stacy Fox Fox, who was given a Freehold Raceway-branded mug years ago and has kept the keepsake, said the track is like a “security blanket” to her. Over the years, she spent many weekends and occasional evenings at the track. Its closure is “heartbreaking,” she said. But, “life goes on, the world changes, and things evolve,” Fox said. “And I guess it’s just time for it to close. I guess it’s just not what it once was.” “But, when it was, it was an amazing place,” she added. Stories by Brianna Kudisch Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com .It’s generally assumed that the intended targets of fishing lines and hooks are, well, fish. It wouldn’t occur to most of us that fishing tackle could impact an owl — especially not a fluffy-headed great horned owlet. But that’s exactly what happened at Novato’s Stafford Lake last spring. A park visitor noticed an injured owlet and reported the bird to the rangers. Ranger Reilani Peleti found an abnormal-looking owlet sitting on a picnic table. She called the Marin Humane officer on duty, who came out for a welfare check. The officer discovered that the owlet had fishing line wrapped around its legs, and he rushed the young bird to WildCare’s wildlife hospital. On intake, an exam and X-rays revealed shocking news: the owlet had ingested a fishing line and hook, and the hook was lodged in the owl’s heart and lung. WildCare’s veterinarian determined that this was an injury that, unfortunately, the owl could not survive. For the staff at Stafford Lake and the park visitor, the tragedy of the owlet left a lasting impression. They discovered that the owl’s nest was actually partially made of used fishing line and guessed that the owlet had likely swallowed the hook and become hopelessly entangled while still in the nest. They monitored the remaining owlets and the owl parents to make sure no other owls became entangled. They also took real action to prevent such a tragedy from happening again by installing two fishing line chutes along the lake’s shoreline, and another at the Black Point Boat Launch. Fishing chutes are L-shaped containers that make it easy to dispose of fishing line and render it inaccessible to wildlife. The effectiveness of this intervention can’t be overstated. “So far, the fishing line chutes have been filling up quickly and we have already seen a reduction in the amount of fishing line along our shoreline,” Peleti writes. “Our intention with the fishing line chutes was to not only clean up our shoreline of litter but also to help prevent other birds from using fishing line as a material for their nests.” This is fantastic news for wildlife. WildCare sees entanglement injuries every day in its wildlife hospital. Most days, WildCare’s medical team admits animals with their body parts tightly constricted in fishing line, string, netting — both soccer nets and garden netting — and even human hair. There are so many ways human detritus can endanger wildlife of all species. Human-made filaments are meant to be hard to break without cutting, and for an entangled animal with no tools, it’s virtually impossible to escape. You can make a real and tangible difference for wildlife by properly disposing of anything that could potentially present an entanglement hazard, including fishing line, string, netting and more. Tightly wrap the potential entanglement hazard and dispose of it in a closed garbage container. The proactive work by the park visitor and Peleti and her team to install and monitor the fishing line chutes has without a doubt saved many animals from suffering and death. Always properly dispose of fishing line, hooks and tackle, and, as long as it’s safe for you to do so, pick up improperly disposed-of line and throw it away safely in a chute or bin. Alison Hermance is the director of communications and marketing for WildCare. Marin Humane contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes your comments and questions. Visit marinhumane.org , find us on social media @marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.

By HALELUYA HADERO The emergence of generative artificial intelligence tools that allow people to efficiently produce novel and detailed online reviews with almost no work has put merchants , service providers and consumers in uncharted territory, watchdog groups and researchers say. Phony reviews have long plagued many popular consumer websites, such as Amazon and Yelp. They are typically traded on private social media groups between fake review brokers and businesses willing to pay. Sometimes, such reviews are initiated by businesses that offer customers incentives such as gift cards for positive feedback. But AI-infused text generation tools, popularized by OpenAI’s ChatGPT , enable fraudsters to produce reviews faster and in greater volume, according to tech industry experts. The deceptive practice, which is illegal in the U.S. , is carried out year-round but becomes a bigger problem for consumers during the holiday shopping season , when many people rely on reviews to help them purchase gifts. Fake reviews are found across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce, lodging and restaurants, to services such as home repairs, medical care and piano lessons. The Transparency Company, a tech company and watchdog group that uses software to detect fake reviews, said it started to see AI-generated reviews show up in large numbers in mid-2023 and they have multiplied ever since. For a report released this month, The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a “high degree of confidence” that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated. “It’s just a really, really good tool for these review scammers,” said Maury Blackman, an investor and advisor to tech startups, who reviewed The Transparency Company’s work and is set to lead the organization starting Jan. 1. In August, software company DoubleVerify said it was observing a “significant increase” in mobile phone and smart TV apps with reviews crafted by generative AI. The reviews often were used to deceive customers into installing apps that could hijack devices or run ads constantly, the company said. The following month, the Federal Trade Commission sued the company behind an AI writing tool and content generator called Rytr, accusing it of offering a service that could pollute the marketplace with fraudulent reviews. The FTC, which this year banned the sale or purchase of fake reviews, said some of Rytr’s subscribers used the tool to produce hundreds and perhaps thousands of reviews for garage door repair companies, sellers of “replica” designer handbags and other businesses. Max Spero, CEO of AI detection company Pangram Labs, said the software his company uses has detected with almost certainty that some AI-generated appraisals posted on Amazon bubbled up to the top of review search results because they were so detailed and appeared to be well thought-out. But determining what is fake or not can be challenging. External parties can fall short because they don’t have “access to data signals that indicate patterns of abuse,” Amazon has said. Pangram Labs has done detection for some prominent online sites, which Spero declined to name due to non-disclosure agreements. He said he evaluated Amazon and Yelp independently. Many of the AI-generated comments on Yelp appeared to be posted by individuals who were trying to publish enough reviews to earn an “Elite” badge, which is intended to let users know they should trust the content, Spero said. The badge provides access to exclusive events with local business owners. Fraudsters also want it so their Yelp profiles can look more realistic, said Kay Dean, a former federal criminal investigator who runs a watchdog group called Fake Review Watch. To be sure, just because a review is AI-generated doesn’t necessarily mean its fake. Some consumers might experiment with AI tools to generate content that reflects their genuine sentiments. Some non-native English speakers say they turn to AI to make sure they use accurate language in the reviews they write. “It can help with reviews (and) make it more informative if it comes out of good intentions,” said Michigan State University marketing professor Sherry He, who has researched fake reviews. She says tech platforms should focus on the behavioral patters of bad actors, which prominent platforms already do, instead of discouraging legitimate users from turning to AI tools. Prominent companies are developing policies for how AI-generated content fits into their systems for removing phony or abusive reviews. Some already employ algorithms and investigative teams to detect and take down fake reviews but are giving users some flexibility to use AI. Spokespeople for Amazon and Trustpilot, for example, said they would allow customers to post AI-assisted reviews as long as they reflect their genuine experience. Yelp has taken a more cautious approach, saying its guidelines require reviewers to write their own copy. “With the recent rise in consumer adoption of AI tools, Yelp has significantly invested in methods to better detect and mitigate such content on our platform,” the company said in a statement. The Coalition for Trusted Reviews, which Amazon, Trustpilot, employment review site Glassdoor, and travel sites Tripadvisor, Expedia and Booking.com launched last year, said that even though deceivers may put AI to illicit use, the technology also presents “an opportunity to push back against those who seek to use reviews to mislead others.” “By sharing best practice and raising standards, including developing advanced AI detection systems, we can protect consumers and maintain the integrity of online reviews,” the group said. The FTC’s rule banning fake reviews, which took effect in October, allows the agency to fine businesses and individuals who engage in the practice. Tech companies hosting such reviews are shielded from the penalty because they are not legally liable under U.S. law for the content that outsiders post on their platforms. Tech companies, including Amazon, Yelp and Google, have sued fake review brokers they accuse of peddling counterfeit reviews on their sites. The companies say their technology has blocked or removed a huge swath of suspect reviews and suspicious accounts. However, some experts say they could be doing more. “Their efforts thus far are not nearly enough,” said Dean of Fake Review Watch. “If these tech companies are so committed to eliminating review fraud on their platforms, why is it that I, one individual who works with no automation, can find hundreds or even thousands of fake reviews on any given day?” Consumers can try to spot fake reviews by watching out for a few possible warning signs , according to researchers. Overly enthusiastic or negative reviews are red flags. Jargon that repeats a product’s full name or model number is another potential giveaway. When it comes to AI, research conducted by Balázs Kovács, a Yale professor of organization behavior, has shown that people can’t tell the difference between AI-generated and human-written reviews. Some AI detectors may also be fooled by shorter texts, which are common in online reviews, the study said. However, there are some “AI tells” that online shoppers and service seekers should keep it mind. Panagram Labs says reviews written with AI are typically longer, highly structured and include “empty descriptors,” such as generic phrases and attributes. The writing also tends to include cliches like “the first thing that struck me” and “game-changer.”In Major League Baseball's much-anticipated Pitching Injury Report , the league spends most of the 62 pages breaking little new ground. This is by design. To address the game's rash of arm injuries with a sense of urgency, MLB couldn't undertake the years of research necessary to better explain where the sport has failed and where it must go. More than a solution, this is, quite literally, a call to arms. Over the last year, MLB officials talked with more than 200 people: pitching coaches, athletic trainers, former big leaguers -- really anyone who might offer a nugget of insight or wisdom. Alongside bringing some clarity to the issue, MLB endeavored to answer lingering questions. Did the pitch clock cause arm injuries to soar? (There is no evidence to suggest as much.) What about the lack of sticky stuff to give pitchers a better handle on the ball? (Still unclear, though with the amount of ink devoted to the importance of grip, logic suggests it could be a factor for some.) The larger issue is that arm injuries are a problem bigger than MLB. They exist in every crevice of the baseball universe, from college to youth baseball to the international game. This means fully dissecting the issue takes nuance and space better provided by a book, which I undertook a dozen years ago . Like the league, I came to no a-ha conclusion, beyond the brokenness inherent in a game fruitlessly trying to breed pitchers to do the very thing that gets arms hurt and the accompanying trajectory that portended trouble. In nearly a decade since The Arm was published, almost nothing has changed. In fact, arm injuries have gotten worse. This report is an adequate, if banal, first step. Sound the alarms from the top, and hope to pull the right levers so a decade from now the game, at all levels, looks different. At the very least, it's an acknowledgement that this is a matter worthy of the league's time and energy. And while MLB isn't explicit in its plans going forward, the main takeaways from the report are clear. 1. Early-season injuries have become especially worrisome to teams Editor's Picks 'Man, starting pitchers are getting PAID': Winter meetings show it's a good time to be an ace 4d Alden Gonzalez Passan: 12 teams to watch this MLB offseason -- and the perfect move for each 25d Jeff Passan Passan: Pitching injuries are out of control -- and it's time to take action 253d Jeff Passan In a memo sent to executives and team medical staff with the report Tuesday, MLB outlines the next phase of its research: "a detailed examination of offseason training regimens and early-season workloads." Injured-list placements between spring training and Opening Day have spiked precipitously in the last two years: nearly 100 in 2023 and more than 110 last year after never exceeding 80 over the previous five full seasons. And with spring training report dates less than two months away, how pitchers work in the offseason is at the forefront of clubs' minds. Professional pitchers now strive to show up at camps in Arizona and Florida looking near-ready to pitch in the big leagues. Over what should be their offseason, they use available technology to perfect current pitches and learn new ones, and, after a long season, rest insufficiently. Early in camp, they try to impress their team with the quality of their stuff -- valuing spring measurables over staying healthy for a full season. Spring-training workloads, in the meantime, have dipped, even as pitchers bypass using camp to build arm strength. "Although well-intentioned," the report says, "this trend of reduced spring training workloads has coincided with an increase in early-season and spring training injuries, which contributes to the conclusion of some experts that pitchers are exposed to a higher risk of injury because they are not prepared for the dramatic increase in workload and intensity when the season begins." Undertaking this sort of a study necessitates buy-in from players, trainers and teams. Years of data will be needed before any sort of conclusion -- and that is often the issue with the arm: Even data alone won't necessarily lead to a satisfying explanation. What makes the arm such a puzzle is that any number of things can ruin it. 2. MLB is now on the record saying the most significant causes of arm injuries are velocity, spin-chasing and maximum-effort pitching At this point, anyone familiar with how the arm works understands that the modern style of pitching is incompatible with arm health. Teams prize velocity and spin in the players they draft, promote and eventually keep on their rosters. If going deep into games led to better career outcomes, pitchers would adjust their behavior. It hasn't. So they don't. Everything starts with velocity. "Despite a direct correlation with injury risk," the report says, "average fastball velocity in MLB jumped from 91.3 mph in 2008 to 94.2 mph this year. Velocity has been pursued by pitchers because it is advantageous in achieving positive performance outcomes, can be quantified and acquired, and is valued by major league clubs. Private facilities that specialize in velocity-focused methods of training have grown in popularity." Juan Soto joins Mets -- for $765 million! Soto is headed across New York on the biggest deal in MLB history. Passan: Transformational moment » What it means for Mets, MLB » | Grading the deal » Inside story of how it happened » Further, the report says, the culprits of injury proliferation include "the emphasis on optimizing 'stuff' (a term referencing the composite movement characteristics of pitches, including horizontal and vertical break and spin rate) and the modern pitcher's focus on exerting maximum effort while pitching in both game and non-game situations." Partially at fault, the report posits, is that MLB teams' response to this has not been to change the behaviors antithetical to health but rather work around them. More teams have resigned themselves to arm injuries and instead sought roster depth, taking advantage of rules that allow them to churn their pitching staff. In each of the last four years, teams have averaged more than 32 pitchers used per season. In 2010 that number was 22.8, in 2000 22.5, in 1990 20 and in 1980 15.1. 3. Technology runs the game Never does the report explicitly ask what could join velocity, spin and max-effort pitching on the Mount Rushmore of Blown-Out Elbows, but it alludes implicitly and, at times, explicitly to technology's part. This is not to suggest tech in baseball is inherently bad; on the contrary, it has done wonders for the game. But one quote in particular, from an athletic trainer, accurately reflects the environments in which pitchers are being taught. "They'll turn around and look at the Edgertronic and TrackMan, and they're married to it," the athletic trainer said. "And they'll ask, 'Where was that? Am I tunneling?' I think it's deadly. You're challenging them on the mound to grip it, rip it. They come in and are asking, 'What's my carry?'" First, a few definitions. An Edgertronic camera takes super-slow-motion video and allows pitchers to see how their pitch grip relates to the spin they seek on a certain pitch. TrackMan is a radar system that tracks ball flight and measures velocity and spin. Tunneling is trying to create difficult swing decisions for hitters by releasing different types of pitches from the same point. And carry is a pure-backspin fastball that isn't pulled down by gravity as much as one even slightly off-axis, giving it the illusion of rising. To be a pitcher at almost any competitive level today means fluency in this language. This is what pitchers are taught. And because the technology provides accurate and objective numbers with which growth can be tracked, it is fully embraced by the next generation of pitchers. The consequences of this can damage pitchers who see TrackMan and Rapsodo data not as a tool but as their hammer. And who can blame them? When teams are interested in pitchers, the first thing they want to see is his data. With that being the case, of course pitchers are going to focus on juicing those numbers any way possible. It's just another case of misplaced incentives running amok. 4. The minor leagues do not prepare pitchers for the demands of the major leagues Twenty years ago, about 55% of major league starts and just over 50% of minor league starts came on five or fewer days' rest. In 2024, that had dropped to about one-third of starts in the big leagues and barely 10% in the minor leagues. The same trend applies to relief pitchers: Big league relievers pitch on back-to-back days around 16% of the time; in the minor leagues, it's closer to 2%. Want to know why the number of major league starts going at least five innings has dropped from 85% to 70% in the last two decades? Maybe it's because over the same period, minor league starts of that length have gone from around 70% to less than 40%. Jeff Passan's ultimate MLB offseason preview Starting with the best free agent in years, here are the players, teams and themes that will dominate the hot stove headlines. Jeff Passan » By and large, young players are no longer training -- or, better put, being trained -- to do what major league teams ask of them. One can't reasonably expect a pitcher to throw deep into games when they've trained to air it out for five innings. Going back-to-back is a physical test that far too many relievers fail because nobody bothered telling them it's an imperative skill for a big league bullpen arm. And at the same time, the starting pitcher has been deprioritized . With the emergence of a seemingly endless supply of high-velocity relief pitchers, starters' inability to go deep into games and the fear of the third-time-through-the-order penalty, the slow death of the starting pitcher has accelerated, much to the league's discontent. "Starting pitchers are no longer incentivized to establish their durability in games over the course of the championship season because clubs are more willing to rely on relief pitchers than ever before," the report says. "Instead, they now pursue max-effort performance over much more limited periods of time -- putting them at more substantial risk of future injury. These trends similarly raise questions about whether rule changes can be considered to make it more appealing for pitchers to prioritize durability over max-effort performance, in order to improve pitcher health." Perhaps the easiest rules changes the league can make are limiting moves back and forth between Triple-A and the big leagues and limiting the number of pitchers a team can roster, forcing starters to chase innings over stuff and strikeouts. The blowback would be strong -- from teams and players -- but when the league says modern pitching theory's outcomes have "a noticeable and detrimental impact on the quality of the game on the field," it's the sort of damning statement that tends to prompt change. 5. The danger of amateur trickle-down Perhaps the most damning graphic in the report comes on page 33. It covers 11 years of pitchers at the Perfect Game National Showcase, at which the largest company in youth baseball invites the best high school juniors in the country to play in front of an endless supply of talent evaluators. In 2014, five pitchers threw at least 95 mph. Same in 2015. Over the next three years, it was seven, six, three and eight. In 2020, it doubled to 16. Since then, the report says, it has more than doubled again, to 36. High school players are simply doing what will get them recruited to college, where they'll simply do what gets them drafted, where they'll simply do what gets them promoted. Everything filters down from the big leagues. Kids aren't using TrackMan and Rapsodo if big leaguers don't. Compound that with the encouragement by travel-ball operators to participate in year-round play via showcases, the adoption of misguided weighted-ball programs from people ill-suited to properly monitor such training tools and the straight-up ignoring of PitchSmart guidelines recommended by a panel of medical experts, and far too often, players are coming into MLB systems already broken. Twenty years ago, less than 5% of drafted pitchers had reconstructive surgery on their pitching elbow's ulnar collateral ligament, typically known as Tommy John surgery. Now, it's more than one-third. "The risks of arm injury due to overuse largely have been ignored in favor of year-round travel baseball and showcases (a longstanding concern with amateur baseball that experts view as only worsening in recent years)," the report says. "Indeed, high-level amateur players perform year-round with intense pitching schedules that put them at greater risk of future injury. Although some suggest that current youth and amateur development models may be primarily responsible for an increase in pitcher injuries across all levels, we conclude that improving pitcher health requires both adjusting professional incentives and implementing changes to amateur baseball so that appropriate training and performance practices trickle down to the amateur level." MLB execs predict free agency, trades We surveyed the sport for answers on big free agents and top trade candidates. Offseason survey » The report, which generally skimps on recommendations in favor of additional research, does no such thing with youth baseball. It recommends closing loopholes in PitchSmart guidelines, enforcing standards on participating tournaments and leagues, and increasing education. Even more, it suggests blackout periods that prevent professional scouts from evaluating players and allowing them proper rest and recovery during the offseason. This is where the baseball universe must converge. All the stakeholders. For the sake of the kids. For the sake of the game. Solving arm injuries won't ever come in one fell swoop. With so many pathologies, answers are built, not found. And though it will take years to see progress, it's vital for MLB's report to be just the beginning, not a standalone effort that stops where it started.

Genetic testing, which has expanded in recent years with advances in technology and the development of consumer products, is on a path to widespread acceptance in the U.S., researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found. The popularity of ancestry research and rising numbers of clinical referrals are helping drive that trend, according to the study published in Frontiers in Genetics . "Genetic testing is an increasingly valuable tool for identifying a wide range of medical risks, including cancer, heart disease , neurogenetic conditions, prenatal diagnoses, and more," said study leader Sukh Makhnoon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health and the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern. "While the portfolio of accurate, affordable tests has expanded in recent years, growth in awareness among both individuals and the medical community has been incremental. Our study demonstrates that genetic testing may finally be reaching mainstream acceptance." Using data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey, UTSW researchers found that 81% of Americans are aware of genetic testing and 40% have undergone at least one test, up from 75% awareness and 19% usage in 2020. Among 6,252 respondents, awareness was highest for ancestry testing (72%), followed by testing for specific diseases (55%), prenatal genetic carrier testing (37%), and personal trait testing (25%). Of the 4,403 respondents who answered the question on whether they had used a test, ancestry tests (23%) were most common, ahead of specific disease risk (16%), prenatal carrier (8%), and personal trait (6%). Researchers also found that racial and ethnic disparities in the use of genetic tests are narrowing, further suggesting improved acceptance. For example, Black (37%) and Asian (29%) respondents were almost as likely as white participants (39%) to have undergone at least one genetic test. The involvement of genetic counselors, however, remains limited. Only 10% of all clinical genetic tests were ordered by genetic counselors, who are trained to provide relevant information and support to patients. Two-thirds of disease tests, which require the involvement of a health care professional, were ordered by physicians other than genetic counselors. "While those providers obviously recognize the benefits of testing, they may not have the training to successfully help patients understand and adapt to the medical or psychosocial consequences of genetic information," Dr. Makhnoon said. "Our findings suggest that the medical community should emphasize the importance of continued genetic education for health care providers to strengthen their skills in supporting patients before and after testing—and better manage ongoing care once results are known." The study builds on the growing body of research related to public health genetics and its benefits in identifying disease risk. "This is a fairly new field of research, but one that is growing rapidly in importance due to technological advancements and the possibility of unlocking new pathways to patient care," Dr. Makhnoon said. "We are committed to continuing our efforts to enhancing the understanding of genetics through future research." More information: Sukh Makhnoon et al, Awareness, use, motivations and methods of accessing genetic testing in 2022 in the United States, Frontiers in Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1462831

GREELEY, Colo. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ALLO Fiber is pleased to announce its fiber broadband network build of the City of Boulder, CO. ALLO anticipates construction to begin in the spring of 2025 in city rights-of-way and easements. This fiber connection will enable world-class internet, broadband, cybersecurity, managed services, telephone, and video services for residents and businesses. City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde said, "We are thrilled to work with ALLO to bring affordable and reliable high-speed internet to every corner of Boulder. This partnership will provide significant benefits to our community. From empowering students and small businesses, to supporting remote work and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age." ALLO was founded in 2003, and over the last 21 years has expanded its fiber footprint to reach over one million in population, with a goal to end the digital divide. ALLO maintains a commitment to offering local, hassle-free products and services to the 48 communities it serves. ALLO Colorado General Manager Bob Beiersdorf stated, "We are extremely pleased to be building a world-class fiber to the premises (FTTP) network in Boulder . The opportunity to offer multi-gig, symmetrical speeds to residents, businesses, government, and the education community with consistent network reliability opens the door to immense possibilities for the city. Partnering with the City of Boulder is paramount in providing equitable services to its residents and that spirit of partnership has been exceptional to date." The fiber network will feature up to 10 Gigabit speeds for residents and up to 100 Gigabit speeds for businesses, providing equal upload and download speeds optimized by ALLO's world-class Wi-Fi 7 routers. Boulder residents, businesses of all sizes, and governmental entities will be supported by ALLO's fiber-rich network, which delivers active and passive solutions without installation fees or restrictive contracts. Internet, data transport, cloud connectivity, video, voice, next-generation firewalls, cybersecurity, and phone systems are included in ALLO's comprehensive communications, entertainment, and business products and services. Boulder is ALLO's eleventh market in Colorado . ALLO currently has customers in Breckenridge , Brighton , Brush , Eaton , Erie , Evans , Fort Morgan , Greeley , Hudson , and Kersey . Visit AlloFiber.com/ Boulder and AlloFiber.com/careers for more information. About ALLO Communications ALLO Communications, a leader in providing fiber-optic services, has been dedicated to delivering world-class communications and entertainment services since 2003. With a commitment to building Gigabit communities, ALLO serves over 50 communities across Nebraska , Colorado , Arizona , Missouri , Iowa , and Kansas . ALLO is known for reliable fiber networks and customized technology solutions that support businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit AlloFiber.com. Tanna Hanna Vice President of Marketing [email protected] 308-633-7815 SOURCE ALLO CommunicationsPolice Warn Public About WhatsApp Hack Scam

has made a bold choice for NASA's new leader. Trump announced in a Truth Social post on Wednesday that his is Jared Isaacman — a CEO, fighter-jet pilot, and two-time SpaceX astronaut. Isaacman is not exactly a traditional pick. For one, he would be the first billionaire to lead the agency. More importantly, though, he's on the cutting edge of the new , where private companies are becoming the biggest actors in space. Some past NASA administrators were former NASA astronauts. Others were former executives from the aerospace industry. Many were politicians — including Trump's last NASA chief, Jim Bridenstine, and the . Isaacman is none of those things. He has, however, flown to space in a conducted the first-ever commercial spacewalk in a brand-new SpaceX spacesuit, and plans to fly on future missions with the company — aboard its Starship mega-rocket, no less. The nomination, which still has to be confirmed by the Senate, suggests that Trump wants to shake things up at NASA. "He certainly has the potential to be a disruptor," Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut and commander who now works in consulting, told Business Insider. "I think it's a great pick. It's much better than just status quo — another retiring member of Congress." It's also another signal that Trump might make a big push to put the next humans on the moon, and even . Speeding up the road to Mars Isaacman's enthusiasm for space exploration isn't his only bona fide. He also has a businessman's mindset and a close relationship with . The two share the goal of getting humans to Mars. Chiao hopes Isaacman can speed up the process. Indeed, in a post on X accepting the nomination, Isaacman wrote that NASA would help make humanity "a true spacefaring civilization." "Americans will walk on the Moon and Mars and in doing so, we will make life better here on Earth," he added. NASA is already working on it. The Artemis program began as the last Trump administration's iteration of a multi-president effort to send humans to deep space again. Artemis aims to for the first time in over 50 years, and eventually to use the moon as a jumping-off point to send people to Mars. However, Artemis is years behind schedule and billions over budget, largely due to technical and programmatic challenges with the giant Space Launch System that NASA is building for moon missions. Many industry commentators see SLS as a waste of government funds, when NASA could instead lean on commercial heavy-lift rockets like Starship. "Frankly, we have been at the status quo of this exploration program in one form or another over the last several presidents since 2004," Chiao said, "and we're not even close to launching the first astronaut on a new vehicle." In fact, NASA just for its first crewed Artemis mission, set to fly around the moon using SLS. On Thursday the agency delayed the mission by another seven months, to April 2026, citing issues with the system's Orion spaceship. That's the slow-moving status quo that Trump might aim to shake up. To that end, efficiency may be a top priority for Isaacman. That could mean reassessing Artemis entirely or cutting back some of NASA's centers and facilities nationwide, according to Abhi Tripathi, a former NASA engineer and SpaceX mission director who now leads mission operations at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Lab. "I definitely think SLS will be on the chopping board," Tripathi told BI. First, though, Isaacman will have to go through Congress. "He is going to ruffle a lot of feathers," Chiao said. Pushing through Congress Congress can be a formidable wall for anyone trying to revolutionize NASA. In places like Alabama and Southern California, a status quo NASA fuels the work of legacy aerospace contractors like Boeing and Northrop Grumman. "The majority of members of Congress want jobs in their district, and they look at the space program primarily through that lens," Tripathi said. Plus, he added, "the lobbying arms of all of those big contractors will be basically camped outside their congressional representative's office, asking them to thwart any big plans that would change the status quo greatly." It'll all come to a head when the Trump White House makes its budget proposal. That's when Congress will approve or deny any cuts or reprioritizations that Trump and his NASA Administrator try to make. If Trump wants to put boots on Mars fast, he'll have to convince individual Congress members to push those changes through. "I think Jared is a very smart and capable individual," Tripathi said, "but his ability to wield power will completely depend upon how much his president will back him up." Read the original article on