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Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay home

At least 179 people have been killed after a passenger plane skidded and crashed while trying to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The Boeing 737-800 Jeju Air flight crash-landed at an airport in South Korea on Sunday. Rescue team carry the body of a passenger at the site of a plane fire at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea [Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo] A total of 179 of the 181 people onboard the flight were killed, with just two survivors, both cabin staff, pulled from the burning wreckage. The plane landed at Muan International about 290km southwest of the capital Seoul. Video footage has been released of the plane seen skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall in a fiery explosion. Flight 2216 had been returning from Bangkok, Thailand with six crew and 175 passengers, many of them holidaymakers. Distraught families gathered in the airport’s arrival hall in tears, as they waited for bodies to be identified. Some of those killed have only been identifiable by their fingerprints. Maeng Gi-su, 78, told the BBC his nephew and his nephew’s two sons had been on the plane. It was the family’s first trip abroad, to mark the youngest son finishing his college entrance exams. “I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much,” he said. The passengers included 173 South Koreans and two Thai nationals. They were aged between 3 and 78, although most were in their 40s, 50s and 60s, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported. The National Fire Agency reported that the crash is believed to have been caused by “contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear” as the plane attempted to land at the airport. The South Korean government has declared seven days of national mourning over the plane crash. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been ordered to investigate if Thai passengers were on the plane and to provide “assistance immediately”, the prime minister said in a post on social media. Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers, which was set up in 2005, issued an apology for the crash, saying it would “do everything in our power in response to this accident. Author Recent Posts Former US President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100 - December 30, 2024 South Korea plane crash kills 179 in one of country’s worst aviation disasters - December 30, 2024 NZ:Hero mum dies saving daughter and nephew from rip at a Northland Beach - December 28, 2024 RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR Former US President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100 A Beautiful Christmas Message from His Highness the Head of State of Samoa St Joseph’s College Appoints New Principal LEAVE A REPLY

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NonePresident-elect Donald Trump takes the stage at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards on Thursday in Greenvale, N.Y. Heather Khalifa/Associated Press WASHINGTON — Donald Trump, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, said he can’t guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers, and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect’s interview also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning that “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: HEMS ON WHETHER TRADE PENALTIES COULD RAISE PROCES Trump has threatened broad trade penalties but said he didn’t believe economists’ predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. households won’t be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That’s a different approach from Trump’s typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are “going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. SUGGESTS RETRIBUTION WHILE CLAIMING NO INTEREST IN VENGEANCE The president-elect offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning the election, despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot of his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. He underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that.” (T he nation’s chief law enforcement officer is the U.S. attorney general, not the president.) At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it. ... So was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his second pick to be attorney general: “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump’s inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is reportedly considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” SWIFT ACTION ON IMMIGRATION IS COMING Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens – although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back” – suggesting he would send U.S. citizens “back” to the country of their parents’ birth. COMMITS TO NATO (WITH CONDITIONS), WAFFLES ON PUTIN Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance – “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” FED’S POWELL IS SAFE, BUT NOT FBI’S WRAY The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell’s term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any such assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump’s pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? ‘Somebody’ is the man that you’re talking about.” ABSOLUTE ON SOCIAL SECURITY, NOT SO MUCH ON ABORTION AND INSURANCE Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We’re not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said, adding that “we’re not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit, I mean, are – things do – things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts of a plan” to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. But he did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo, or how he could deliver on his promise to create “better health care for less money.” Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous

Police target ‘propaganda peddlers’ for maintaining peaceFair Isaac exec James Wehmann sells $8.3m in stockEU recalls ambassador from Niger amid dispute over allocation of aid money

Share Tweet Share Share Email Cryptocurrency isn’t just about investments anymore—it’s about solutions that reshape how we interact with the digital world. This weekend, three standout projects are making waves: Qubetics, VeChain, and Hedera. Whether it’s offering privacy-focused tools or powering global supply chains, these projects are leading the charge for blockchain innovation. Qubetics is pushing boundaries with its decentralised VPN (dVPN), a game-changing solution designed to prioritise security, privacy, and accessibility. With $4.6 million raised in its ongoing presale, Qubetics is already proving it has the community support to match its ambition. Meanwhile, VeChain continues to lead in real-world blockchain applications, and Hedera’s focus on enterprise-grade solutions sets it apart as a reliable choice for long-term growth. Let’s take a closer look at why these three projects are the best cryptos to buy this weekend. Qubetics: Redefining Privacy With dVPN Imagine browsing the web without worrying about being tracked or blocked by geographic restrictions. Qubetics’ decentralised VPN makes this a reality by combining blockchain technology with robust security features. Unlike traditional VPNs that rely on central servers, Qubetics’ dVPN is decentralised, offering end-to-end encryption, multi-hop routing, and tokenised incentives. Picture this: a journalist working remotely in a region with restricted internet access. With Qubetics’ dVPN, they can bypass censorship, ensuring secure and unrestricted communication. Or think about gamers frustrated by geo-blocked content. The dVPN unlocks access to servers worldwide without compromising speed or security. Qubetics’ presale numbers are equally impressive. With over 288 million $TICS tokens sold and $5 million raised, it’s clear this project is resonating with users. Priced at $0.0282 in the 11th presale stage, $TICS is set to increase by 10% this weekend. Analysts predict $TICS could hit $15 post-mainnet launch, making Qubetics not just a tech marvel but a strong investment opportunity. For more information, watch this video. VeChain: Powering Real-World Applications VeChain is a pioneer in bringing blockchain to real-world use cases, particularly in supply chain management. By providing transparent and immutable tracking systems, VeChain helps businesses ensure the authenticity and quality of their products. For instance, a pharmaceutical company can use VeChain to verify the origin and handling of sensitive medications, ensuring safety and compliance. The platform’s focus on sustainability also resonates with modern businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. VeChain’s consistent growth and practical applications make it a reliable choice for investors. While Qubetics introduces innovative privacy tools, VeChain continues to excel in providing blockchain solutions that solve real-world problems. Hedera: Enterprise-Grade Efficiency Hedera sets itself apart with its enterprise-grade blockchain platform designed for speed, scalability, and security. Its unique hashgraph consensus mechanism allows it to process thousands of transactions per second, making it a favourite for businesses needing high throughput and low latency. Hedera’s applications span industries, from finance to supply chains and even gaming. Imagine a major retail chain using Hedera to track transactions in real time, streamlining operations and reducing fraud. That’s the level of efficiency Hedera brings to the table. For investors, Hedera offers a combination of reliability and innovation. Its enterprise adoption ensures steady growth, making it a solid choice alongside Qubetics and VeChain. The Bottom Line The best cryptos to buy this weekend—Qubetics, VeChain, and Hedera—are redefining the blockchain landscape with their game-changing innovations. Qubetics takes the lead with its groundbreaking dVPN, offering unmatched privacy and security. Meanwhile, VeChain shines as the go-to solution for real-world blockchain applications, and Hedera sets the bar high with its enterprise-grade efficiency. As Qubetics’ $TICS presale heads for an imminent price jump, there’s no better moment to get in on the action. Whether it’s Qubetics’ visionary tech, VeChain’s real-world impact, or Hedera’s enterprise power, these projects showcase the best blockchain has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to be part of their future. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetic Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Failed to Join the Stellar Frenzy? This Best Crypto to Buy in December 2024 To Gain Huge Income Don’t Miss Out: BTFD Coin’s 29 Billion Token Sale, Neiro, and Act I: The AI Prophecy Lead the Best Meme Coin Presales This Week 4 Best Meme Coins to Invest in December 2024: Top Picks for Huge Returns CommentsMichail Antonio spoke to his West Ham team-mates via a video call from his hospital bed before they beat Wolves 2-1 on Monday night. Jarrod Bowen held Antonio’s number nine shirt aloft after scoring the winner in support of the Hammers striker, who is recovering after a horror car crash on Saturday. Boss Julen Lopetegui said: “He is not in his best moment but he kept his humour. It was a special moment for us. “I think we have a lot of reason to win matches but this was one reason more. He’s alive so we are happy.” MA9 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fXwtdSQWYE — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 9, 2024 West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9′ shirts while warming up and walking out before kick-off. The shirts will be signed by the players, including Antonio, and auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK. Tomas Soucek headed West Ham into the lead and held up nine fingers to a TV camera. The Czech midfielder told Sky Sports: “He’s been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. "He was here since I came and he's really my favourite" Tomáš Souček on dedicating his goal to Michail Antonio ❤️ pic.twitter.com/smNy26wmuX — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024 “I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.” Matt Doherty equalised for Wolves, and boss Gary O’Neil felt they should have had two penalties for fouls on Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, both of which were checked by VAR. But Bowen’s winner – O’Neil believed there was a foul in the build-up – condemned Wolves to a 10th defeat of the season and a third in a row. While under-pressure Lopetegui may have earned a stay of execution, O’Neil’s future as Wolves manager is now in serious doubt. “A lot of things went against us but ultimately we have not found a way to turn the game in our favour,” he said. “But the players showed they are still fighting for me, for the fans and the group. “Where does this leave me? In the same place I was. I’m aware of the noise. But if anyone expected this to be easy – I’m happy to be judged on results but it should be done in context. “Whenever this journey ends with Wolves I’ll be proud of it.” There was an acrimonious end to the match as captains Bowen and Mario Lemina scuffled after the final whistle, with the Wolves midfielder angrily shoving people including one of his own coaches, Shaun Derry. “I just went to shake his hand after the game,” Bowen said. “He didn’t want to shake my hand, two captains together just to say ‘well done’ after the game. “I know it’s difficult when you lose. I’ve been on the end of that situation.” O’Neil added: “Mario is calm now. He’s a passionate guy and something was said that upset him. “The instinct of the staff was to make sure he didn’t get into trouble, but he took some calming down.”Can Trump save TikTok? Here's where his cabinet picks stand on a TikTok ban.The Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State on Saturday held its party congresses and described it as very peaceful, despite a court order restraining the party from conducting any congress. The Guardian gathered that the congress was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of Security Service (DSS), and the police. Recall that a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice G.V. Obomanu, had on Wednesday given an order of interim injunction restraining the APC from conducting its congresses. The court explained that the order followed a suit filed by three aggrieved members of the party in the state, Okwudili Ndike, Peace Oganu, Samuel Uchegbule, and others, who said they paid for the forms to participate in the congress but were excluded from getting the forms. But a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of APC in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Jacobs Chimezie, confirmed that the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Tony Okocha, was at the venue of the APC Congress in Ikwerre LGA to monitor the process. According to the statement, which was backed with photo clips, Okocha arrived at the council after casting his vote in his LGA in Obio-Akpor. The statement noted that Okocha commended the peaceful conduct of the congress, congratulated those who were elected, and charged them to see their victory as a call for more work, loyalty, and dedication to the party. Okocha thanked the leaders of the party in Ikwerre LGA for coming out in large numbers to participate in the congress. The statement said party stakeholders from Ikwerre LGA who were present at the Local Government Congress included the State Publicity Secretary of APC Rivers State, Chibike Ikenga; former Member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Chidi Wihioka; Ezemoye Ezekiel Amadi; Dr. Anosike Joseph Orduwa; Emma Amadi; Dr. Steve Worgu; Chizi Nyeomasila; Obinna Ekem; Charles Wobodo; among others.

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad, but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country's public sector had come "to a complete and abrupt halt." Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad's brutal rule. The rebel alliance now in control of much of the country is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and promises representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. "It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty," the command said on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad's departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad's specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people still celebrated. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence, though in some areas small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons, security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. "Don't be afraid," one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. "Bashar Assad has fallen!" In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. "I haven't seen him for 13 years," he said. "I am going to go see whether he's alive." Jalali, the prime minister, sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. "We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth," he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. "We want to give everyone their rights," Haddad said outside the courthouse. "We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods." But a U.N. official said some government services were paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector "has just come to a complete and abrupt halt," said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies was put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. "This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation's capital," Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. "I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again."Syria's ousted president Bashar al-Assad and his family are in Moscow, a Kremlin source told Russian news agencies, hours after he fled the country as Islamist-led rebels entered Damascus. The announcement comes as Russia, a key Assad ally, called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the fast-changing situation on the ground in the war-torn country. "Assad and members of his family have arrived in Moscow," the source told the TASS and Ria Novosti news agencies. "Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds," he added. Asked whether Assad was confirmed to be in Moscow, a Western official said they believed that was likely the case and had no reason to doubt Moscow's claim. The Kremlin source also said the rebels who ousted Assad in a lightning offensive "guaranteed the security of Russian army bases and diplomatic institutions on Syria's territory." Russia, Assad's biggest backer along with Iran, holds a naval base in Tartus and a military airfield in Khmeimim. Moscow's forces became militarily involved in the Syrian conflict in 2015, providing support for Assad's forces to crush the opposition in the bloody civil war. "Russia has always been in favor of a political solution to the Syrian crisis. Our starting point is the need to resume negotiations under the auspices of the UN," the Kremlin source added. A Russian representative to the United Nations announced that Moscow had requested an emergency closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council on the situation in Syria for Monday afternoon. "The consequences (of the events in Syria) for this country and the whole region have not yet been measured," the official said on Telegram.ANSA MD De Souza a new SRC chairmanReport: Israel considering advancing further into Syria

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The Colorado Buffaloes are going bowling for the first time in the Deion Sanders era. Colorado announced Sunday it will play in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 in San Antonio. The Buffaloes will face BYU in a showdown between Big 12 teams during the holiday season: This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad, but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country's public sector came "to a complete and abrupt halt." Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad's brutal rule. The rebel alliance now in control of much of the country is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and promises representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. Syrian citizens stand on a government forces tank that was left on a street Monday as they celebrate in Damascus, Syria. "It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty," the command said on social media. People are also reading... Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. Syrians wait to cross into Syria from Turkey on Monday at the Oncupinar border gate near the town of Kilis, southern Turkey. In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad's departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad's specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people still celebrated. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence, though in some areas small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Syrian citizens celebrate Monday during the second day of the takeover of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria. Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons, security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. "Don't be afraid," one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. "Bashar Assad has fallen!" In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. "I haven't seen him for 13 years," he said. "I am going to go see whether he's alive." Jalali, the prime minister, sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. "We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth," he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation already improved from the day before. Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank Monday along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. "We want to give everyone their rights," Haddad said outside the courthouse. "We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods." But a U.N. official said some government services were paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector "has just come to a complete and abrupt halt," said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies was put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. "This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation's capital," Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. "I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again." World reacts to overthrow of Syria's Assad regime People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Members of the Syrian community in Finland wave a Syrian flag and celebrate in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 8, 2024. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Syrians wave opposition flags and give out sweets during a spontaneous rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Syrians celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria at a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Jonas Ekstroemer/TT News Agency via AP) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians wave Syrian opposition flags at a rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Syrians living in France gather on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians living in France hug during a rally on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

The Indiana vs. Notre Dame matchup in the first round of the College Football Playoff is the most expensive ticket on StubHub, but it's Tennessee vs. Ohio State that's selling the fastest. StubHub spokesperson Adam Budelli said Monday that the game being hosted in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 21 has sold 34% more tickets than the game in South Bend, Indiana, on Dec. 20. “The expanded college football playoffs are seeing early high demand, especially as we see new teams enter the competition for the first time,” Budelli said. StubHub lists tickets for sale from official event organizers, but most of its offerings are from the resale market. Here's the ticket marketplace's average CFP first-round prices as of Monday evening: 1. Indiana at Notre Dame — $733 2. Clemson at Texas — $518 3. Tennessee at Ohio State — $413 4. SMU at Penn State — $271 Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Authorities found Haddon, 76, dead in a second-floor bedroom on Friday morning after emergency dispatchers were notified about a person unconscious at the house in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania. A 76-year-old man police later identified as Walter J Blucas, of Erie, was hospitalised in critical condition. Responders detected a high level of carbon monoxide in the property and township police said on Saturday that investigators determined that “a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the carbon monoxide leak”. Two medics were taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide exposure and a police officer was treated at the scene. As a model, Haddon appeared on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Esquire in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the 1973 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She also appeared in about two dozen films from the 1970s to 1990s, according to IMDb, including 1994’s Bullets Over Broadway, starring John Cusack. Haddon left modelling after giving birth to her daughter, Ryan, in the mid-1970s, but then had to re-enter the workforce after her husband’s 1991 death. This time, she found the modelling industry far less friendly: “They said to me, ‘At 38, you’re not viable,'” Haddon told The New York Times in 2003. Working a menial job at an advertising agency, Haddon began reaching out to cosmetic companies, telling them there was a growing market to sell beauty products to aging baby boomers. She eventually landed a contract with Clairol, followed by Estee Lauder and then L’Oreal, for which she promoted the company’s anti-aging products for more than a decade. She also hosted beauty segments for CBS’s The Early Show. “I kept modelling, but in a different way,” she told The Times, “I became a spokesperson for my age.” In 2008, Haddon founded WomenOne, an organisation aimed at advancing educational opportunities for girls and women in marginalised communities, including Rwanda, Haiti and Jordan. Haddon was born in Toronto and began modelling as a teenager to pay for ballet classes – she began her career with the Canadian ballet company, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, according to her website. Haddon’s daughter, Ryan, said in a social media post that her mother was “everyone’s greatest champion. An inspiration to many”. “A pure heart. A rich inner life. Touching so many lives. A life well lived. Rest in Light, Mom,” she said.SALINAS, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scheid Vineyards Inc. (dba Scheid Family Wines) (OTC Markets: SVIN) announced today its financial results for the six months ended August 31, 2024 (second quarter of fiscal 2025). Scott Scheid , President and CEO, commented, "It continues to be a difficult time for the wine industry. Bulk wine prices remain depressed and the market for cased goods, which has been impacted by distributor and retailer destocking, continues to be challenging. As a company, we've made significant efforts to do more with less, highlighted by our second quarter results showing a decrease of 16% in sales and marketing expenses and a decrease of over 5% in G & A. These efforts are ongoing and I'm proud of our teams who work each day on finding opportunities for growth and ways to improve our business." Mr. Scheid continued, "We recently executed new forbearance agreements with our lenders extending through July 31, 2025 . The terms of these agreements include forbearing interest and principal payments on the Company's existing debt. In addition, under the agreement with our operating lender, the Company received an additional $5.0 million to strengthen our working capital base." Financial Results Total revenues decreased 6%, to $26.1 million for the six months ended August 31, 2024 , from $27.7 million in fiscal 2024. Cased goods sales decreased 6%, to $21.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2025, from $22.5 million in fiscal 2024, as the bottled wine business across the entire market slowed in the first few months of calendar 2024. The Company's bulk wine sales decreased 14%, to $1.8 million from $2.1 million , and winery processing and storage revenues remained flat at $1.5 million . Gross margins remained at 20% for each period. Sales and marketing expenses decreased 16%, to $4.8 million , from $5.7 million , and general and administrative expenses decreased 5%, to $3.5 million , from $3.7 million , as the Company continues its cost-cutting efforts. During the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company recognized revenue of $3.6 million from proceeds received from the dissolution of a winery processing agreement. In addition, the Company recognized a gain from the sale of non-vineyard land in the amount of $1.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Interest expense rose 150%, to $7.5 million , from $3.0 million , due to increases in interest rates as each of the Company's lenders are accruing interest at the default rate of an average of 14.3%. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased to $4.4 million , from a loss of $1.2 million , primarily from the sale of land and the proceeds from the contract dissolution. In total, the Company reported a net loss of $3.9 million for the six months ended August 31, 2024 , compared to a net loss of $4.8 million for the six months ended August 31, 2023 . About Scheid Family Wines Scheid Family Wines, a family-owned and operated wine company for over 50 years, is ranked among the top 25 largest wine producers in the United States . Based in Monterey County, California , Scheid is vertically integrated to bring high quality estate grown wines to the marketplace from its sustainably and organically certified vineyards and grower partners throughout the Central Coast. Scheid's innovative, luxury-level winery is 100% powered by renewable wind energy generated by a 400-foot-tall wind turbine, which also supplies energy to the local community. The Scheid Family Wines globally distributed brand portfolio includes Scheid Vineyards, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers, VDR (Very Dark Red), Grandeur (organically certified), Fog & Light, Metz Road, District 7, Ryder Estate, and HOXIE, a premium wine spritzer. Scheid Family Wines sells internationally to over 30 countries and is one of the largest producers of premium exclusive brands. Please visit www.scheidfamilywines.com and www.otcmarkets.com/stock/SVIN/quote for more information. SOURCE Scheid Family Wines