News July 17, 2024
The US Supreme Court Kneecapped US Cyber Strategy
The Biden administration’s efforts to protect America’s vital infrastructure from hackers may have been dealt a significant blow by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. The court’s elimination of Chevron deference, which allowed agencies to interpret laws without judicial oversight, could lead to a surge in lawsuits challenging existing regulations aimed at securing critical infrastructure and cloud platforms. This development may also imperil the administration’s marquee cyber regulation, which requires critical infrastructure organizations to report cyberattacks within 72 hours and ransomware payments within 24 hours. The proposed rule has faced criticism from businesses and trade groups, who argue that it goes beyond what lawmakers intended, citing the Loper Bright ruling as a precedent for their concerns. With the Senate Homeland Security Committee chair also expressing reservations about the regulation’s clarity, its legal viability is now in question.
Paris Mayor Defies Poo Threats to Swim in Seine, and Prove a Point
On a radiant Wednesday in Paris, Mayor Anne Hidalgo embarked on an extraordinary journey, descending into the Seine River’s crystal-clear waters. As she donned her wetsuit and goggles, photographers and TV cameras captured the momentous occasion, showcasing the city’s commitment to river revitalization. This historic feat marks a significant milestone for Paris, where swimming in the Seine has been banned for over a century due to pollution concerns. The €1.4 billion clean-up operation is not solely focused on recreational activities but rather aims to safeguard the river as a source of drinking water and restore its natural habitats. By achieving this goal, the city hopes to demonstrate its dedication to environmental sustainability while also addressing public concerns about the project’s cost. As the Seine River undergoes transformation, it’s expected to become a thriving ecosystem, teeming with life, including the iconic Parisian catfish.
Pancreatic Cancer Turns Off a Key Gene in Order to Grow
Pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and deadly human diseases, has been found to silence a crucial gene in order to grow and spread, according to new research published in Gastro Hep Advances. The study reveals that pancreatic cancer triggers DNA methylation, a process where molecules attach to DNA and alter its reading, deactivating the HNF4A gene that promotes proper organ function. With this gene switched off, cancer cells can spread rapidly, leading to poor patient survival rates. The researchers analyzed tumor and healthy tissue samples, discovering that loss of HNF4A drives pancreatic cancer’s development and aggressiveness. This groundbreaking study could lead to the development of more effective treatment options for the disease, which is often detected only at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited.
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 17
The latest obsession is Connections, a word game from The New York Times that challenges players to find common threads between words. Each puzzle features 16 words, grouped into four categories with colors indicating difficulty levels. Players can rearrange the board to make connections easier, but be warned: incorrect guesses will count as mistakes. Today’s puzzle has categories like “Buildings Around Town”, “Hinder”, “Animal Group Names”, and “Starts of U.S Presidents”. With up to four mistakes allowed, players must think strategically to solve the puzzle before midnight when it resets. If you’re struggling, hints are available to help you along the way.
‘The Acolyte’s Sith Lord finale reveal raises one huge (and rather silly) question
As Osha and the Stranger depart their remote island hideaway in search of Mae and Sol, a skeletal hand emerges from the shadows, followed by a cloaked figure with glowing eyes. It’s clear that this is no ordinary being - it’s a Sith Lord, and fans are speculating that it might be Darth Plagueis, the wise and powerful Sith who will one day train Darth Sidious. But what brings him to the Stranger’s island? Is he hiding in plain sight, or has he been invited to stay by the enigmatic Stranger? The possibilities are endless, and we can’t help but wonder what kind of shenanigans Plagueis might be getting up to on this tropical getaway.