sport betting casino

Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and RussiaAyla Reynolds’ disappearance still a mystery 13 years later

For decades, power protected Alan Jones. Now he’s facing his own reckoning

The NBA got viewers for Christmas, even while going up against NFL games. The NBA's five-game Christmas lineup was the league's most-watched in five years, with the games averaging about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, the league said Thursday based on Nielsen's preliminary numbers. It's an 84% rise over the NBA's Christmas numbers from 2023. The Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors — a game pitting Olympic teammates LeBron James and Stephen Curry — averaged 7.76 million viewers and peaked with about 8.32 million viewers toward the end of the contest, the league said. Those numbers represent the most-watched NBA regular season game in five years. “I love the NFL,” James said in his televised postgame interview Wednesday night. “But Christmas is our day.” The NBA said all five Christmas games on its schedule — San Antonio at New York in Victor Wembanyama's holiday debut, Minnesota at Dallas, Philadelphia at Boston, Denver at Phoenix and Lakers-Warriors — saw year-over-year viewership increases. Wednesday's numbers pushed NBA viewership for the season across ESPN platforms to up 4% over last season. The league also saw more than 500 million video views on its social media platforms Wednesday, a new record. For the NBA, those are all good signs amid cries that NBA viewership is hurting. “Ratings are down a bit at beginning of the season. But cable television viewership is down double digits so far this year versus last year," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “You know, we’re almost at the inflection point where people are watching more programing on streaming than they are on traditional television. And it’s a reason why for our new television deals, which we enter into next year, every game is going to be available on a streaming service.” Part of that new package of television deals that the NBA is entering into next season also increases the number of regular season games broadcast on television from 15 to 75. AP NBA: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NBAPITTSBURGH, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ConnectOnCall.com, LLC ("ConnectOnCall") recently announced that it suffered from a cybersecurity incident on May 12, 2024, which impacted the personal information of approximately 900,000 people. The information potentially impacted in the data breach includes information shared in communications between patients and their healthcare providers such as names and phone numbers, and may have also included medical record numbers, dates of birth, information related to health conditions, treatments, or prescriptions, and Social Security Numbers. 1 Lynch Carpenter, LLP is investigating claims against ConnectOnCall related to this data breach. If you received a data breach notification from ConnectOnCall, you may be entitled to compensation. If you have received a notification from ConnectOnCAll which states that your information was impacted, please call Patrick Donathen at (412) 322-9243, email him at patrick@lcllp.com , or fill out our contact form at www.lynchcarpenter.com/contact . About Lynch Carpenter Lynch Carpenter is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois. Our firm has represented millions of clients in data privacy matters for more than a decade and has earned national acclaim for complex litigation for plaintiffs across the country. To learn more, please visit www.lynchcarpenter.com . 1 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211221827/en/ConnectOnCall.com-LLC-Provides-Notice-of-Data-Security-Incident . CONTACT Patrick Donathen COMPANY Lynch Carpenter LLP PHONE (412) 322-9243 EMAIL patrick@lcllp.com WEB lynchcarpenter.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

The NBA got viewers for Christmas, even while going up against NFL games. The NBA's five-game Christmas lineup was the league's most-watched in five years, with the games averaging about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, the league said Thursday based on Nielsen's preliminary numbers. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global barite market size is estimated to grow by USD 353.88 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.25% during the forecast period. Increase in oil and gas drilling activities is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising use of barite in middle Eastern oil and gas industry. However, volatility in oil and gas prices poses a challenge. Key market players include Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd., BARIT MADEN TURK A.S., Barium and Chemicals Inc., CIMBAR Performance Minerals, CSGLOBAL, Dev International, Guizhou Red Star Development Co. Ltd., IBC Ltd., Mil Spec Industries Corp., Milwhite Inc., Newpark Resources Inc., Sachtleben Minerals GmbH and Co. KG, Schlumberger Ltd., Sojitz Corp., SVA S.r.l., The Cary Co., Emprada Mines And Minerals LLC, J and H Minerals Pvt. Ltd., PVS global trade Pvt. Ltd., and Vishnu Chemicals Ltd, Ashapura Group; Demeter O&G Supplies Sdn Bhd; Excalibur Minerals Corp.; International Earth Products LLC; P & S Barite Mining Co., Ltd.; PVS Chemicals; SLB; The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Powder and Lumps), End-user (Drilling mud, Chemical manufacturing, Paints and coatings, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America), Application. Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key companies profiled Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd., BARIT MADEN TURK A.S., Barium and Chemicals Inc., CIMBAR Performance Minerals, CSGLOBAL, Dev International, Guizhou Red Star Development Co. Ltd., IBC Ltd., Mil Spec Industries Corp., Milwhite Inc., Newpark Resources Inc., Sachtleben Minerals GmbH and Co. KG, Schlumberger Ltd., Sojitz Corp., SVA S.r.l., The Cary Co., Emprada Mines And Minerals LLC, J and H Minerals Pvt. Ltd., PVS global trade Pvt. Ltd., and Vishnu Chemicals Ltd, Ashapura Group; Demeter O&G Supplies Sdn Bhd; Excalibur Minerals Corp.; International Earth Products LLC; P & S Barite Mining Co., Ltd.; PVS Chemicals; SLB; The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd The Barite mining market is experiencing significant growth due to its extensive applications in various industries. One of the major sectors driving this demand is the Plastics industry, where Barite is used as a weighting agent in the production of plastic products, especially those based on petroleum. With increasing energy demand and the expansion of the Plastics industry, the market for Barite is expected to grow. Barite is also widely used as a radiation-proof material in structures shielding against gamma rays and X-rays. In the Oil & Gas industry, Barite is used as a drilling mud additive, improving the drilling process's efficiency. As a filler in paints and coatings, Barite enhances product quality and durability. In the Industrial sector, Barite is used in rubber products, cable cars, submarines, and ballast tanks for weight and stability. The Fine chemical market, particularly the Powder segment, is another significant consumer of Barite, used in the production of Barium sulfate, a key ingredient in X-ray machines, shielding panels, CT scans, and diagnostic tests. Barite is also used as a filler agent in the Paints industry, Coatings industry, and Cement industry. With the growing demand for white paint applications, the market for Barite is expected to expand. The Mining sector, including Oil & Gas and Mining, uses Barite for various purposes, such as in oil drilling, sedimentary rock analysis, and as a substitute for Calcite, Silica sand, or Celestite. Barite's versatility and wide range of applications make it an essential mineral in numerous industries, from the Plastics industry to the Oil & Gas sector and beyond. Despite its numerous applications, the Barite mining market faces challenges such as increasing competition from Barite substitutes like Nano-silica grains and the environmental impact of mining, including the carbon footprint. However, with ongoing research and development, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Barite suppliers play a crucial role in meeting the market's demand for this versatile mineral. USP Barite, with its high purity levels, is in high demand in various industries, including the Pharmaceutical industry for the production of Iodine and tablets/capsules. In summary, the Barite mining market is experiencing growth due to its extensive applications in various industries, including the Plastics industry, Oil & Gas sector, and the Industrial sector. Despite challenges, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by increasing energy demand and the expanding applications of Barite in various industries. The Middle East, home to significant oil and gas producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Iraq, witnessed growth in the barite market in 2021. Saudi Arabia, a major exporter of oil and gas globally, saw an increase in completed projects in its oil and gas sector due to substantial investments. This boosted the country's upstream and downstream capabilities, enabling it to reap benefits from cost-effective contracts and engineering services. In 2021, Saudi Arabia's oil industry, the largest contributor to its GDP, experienced in projects, driving the demand for barite in the region. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! . The Barite mining market faces challenges from the increasing use of plastic and petroleum-based products, which have a larger carbon footprint compared to barite. However, barite's unique properties as a radiation-proof material make it essential in various industries. In the energy sector, barite is used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for oil and gas exploration. In the industrial sector, barite is used as a filler in various applications such as automotive soundproofing material, brake linings, and X-ray machines. Barite suppliers face competition from substitutes like calcite and silica sand. The fine chemical market, particularly the powder segment, is a significant consumer of barium sulfate, the primary component of barite. The paints and coatings industry uses barite as a filler agent, while the rubber industry uses it for hydrostatic pressure applications. The demand for barite in radiation shielding applications, such as shielding panels in X-ray machines and CT scans, is expected to grow due to the increasing use of diagnostic medical tests. The USP barite market is driven by the demand for iodine in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of tablets and capsules. The prices of oil and gas, the primary consumers of barite in the drilling industry, impact the barite market. Barite is also used in various applications in the cement, cosmetics, and diagnostic medical tests industries. The mining of barite involves challenges such as the extraction of barite from sedimentary rock and the transportation of heavy barite ore using cable cars, submarines, and ballast tanks. The oil & gas industry's shift towards tight oil resources and the use of nano-silica grains as barite substitutes pose additional challenges to the barite mining market. . The price of crude oil significantly impacts the financial performance of upstream oil and gas companies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average price of crude oil rose from USD8/bbl to USD81.80/bbl between 2020 and 2022, reducing its discount to the North Sea Dated to its lowest level since March 2022 at USD12.20/bbl. However, in April 2020, the benchmark price for US crude oil briefly turned negative due to the global economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and an oil market collapse. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that global oil demand decreased by 25% year-over-year (y-o-y) in April 2020, primarily due to a significant decline in domestic and international transport operations. These fluctuations in oil prices and demand can significantly impact the profitability of companies in the oil and gas industry. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This barite market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Powder- The global barite market is experiencing notable growth, particularly in the barite powder segment. Barite powder, derived from the mineral barite or barium sulfate (BaSO4), is commonly used as a filler in various industries such as paints, plastics, and engine compartments for sound reduction. In the construction industry, it serves as a substitute for sand, enhancing the mechanical performance of concrete. Barite powder production surpassed 7.5 million metric tons in 2022. The oil and gas industry remains a significant consumer, while improvements in its use in the construction sector contribute to market expansion. Emprada Mines and Minerals Private, based in India, is among the providers of barite powder in various grades, catering to diverse applications. The powder's unique properties, including radiation shielding capabilities and improved mechanical strengths like compressive, flexural, splitting tensile, and modulus of elasticity, make it a valuable addition to various industries. These factors underpin the positive growth trajectory of the global barite powder market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The Barite Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for barite in various industries, particularly in the Plastics and Petroleum-based products sectors. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulfate, is widely used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for the oil and gas industry. In the Plastics industry, barite is used as an industrial filler in the production of plastic products, reducing their carbon footprint by improving density and reducing the need for additional raw materials. The Powder segment of the Barite Market is expected to dominate due to its wide application in various industries, including the production of radiation-proof structures for shielding against gamma rays and X-rays. The Barite Mining Market is expected to grow due to the increasing energy demand and the need for drilling mud in the oil and gas industry. Other significant applications of barite include use in the Fine Chemical Market, as a filler in rubber, and as a hydrostatic pressure agent in brake linings. The Barite market is witnessing significant growth due to its extensive applications in various industries, particularly in the production of Plastic and Petroleum-based products. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulfate, is widely used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for Oil & Gas industry to enhance drilling efficiency. It also finds extensive usage in Radiation-proof structures as a radiation shielding material against Gamma rays and X-rays. In the Plastics industry, it acts as an industrial filler, reducing the carbon footprint by improving the density and durability of the final product. The Powder segment holds a major share in the market due to its wide applications in various industries, including the Fine chemical market, Paints and coatings, Textiles, and Rubber. Barite is also used in Hydrostatic pressure testing as a replacement for water and sand. In the Energy sector, it is used in the production of Nuclear fuel, Cable cars, Submarines, and Ballast tanks. In the Medical industry, it is used in X-ray machines, Shielding panels, CT scans, Diagnostic tests, Tablets, and Capsules. Barite is also used in the production of White paint applications, Adhesive industry, and Rubber industry. The demand for Barite is driven by the increasing Energy demand, Natural gas resources, Sedimentary rock, Lead, Zinc, Silver, and Oil prices. Barite suppliers are exploring new opportunities in Nano silica, Celestite, and Barite substitutes like Nano-silica grains to cater to the evolving market trends. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: SOURCE Technavio MENAFN13122024003732001241ID1108991700 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.India’s former PM Manmohan Singh dies aged 92

Runner's World: Top RBs take flight when Ravens entertain EaglesFILE PHOTO: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro leaves his home following a search operation, in Brasilia, Brazil May 3, 2023. REUTERS/Adriano Machado/File Photo FILE PHOTO: Prosecutor Paulo Gonet, then nominee of Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to be the next Attorney General, attends a session of the committee of the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship at the Federal Senate, in Brasilia, Brazil, December 13, 2023. REUTERS/Adriano Machado/File Photo BRASILIA - Brazil's top public prosecutor is not likely to issue any indictments until next year for former President Jair Bolsonaro, members of his government and military officers who allegedly planned a coup after his 2022 election defeat, four sources told Reuters. That is because General Prosecutor Paulo Gonet is planning to merge three Federal Police investigations into Bolsonaro's actions against Brazil's democratic system and produce one single global indictment against him, they said. On Thursday, Federal Police formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 others of the crimes of attempted coup d'état, violent abolition of the democratic state of law and participation in a criminal organization. The 884-page report was handed to the Supreme Court, which will send it to Gonet next week. Bolsonaro plotted to overturn his 2022 election defeat, along with dozens of ex-ministers and senior aides, including active duty military officers, in a conspiracy that included plans for assassinations, the police said. The police report capped a nearly two-year investigation into Bolsonaro's role in the election-denying movement that culminated in riots by his supporters that swept Brasilia, the capital, in January 2023, just a week after his rival, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, took office. Gonet is expected to take time to carefully analyze the documents of the three investigations that propose indicting dozens of people. "Gonet is very technical. In addition to the investigation itself, there is all the legal basis for the indictments to be analyzed. This will take time," a source with knowledge of the situation said. Another source close to the prosecutor said the criminal indictments should come down "all at once" and that it would be a solid case. A fourth source at the prosecutor's office, known as the PGR in Portuguese, said he expects that to happen only in 2025. Federal police finished two separate criminal probes of Bolsonaro and his associates earlier this year formally accusing them of tampering with COVID-19 vaccination cards while in office and of embezzling jewelry gifted by the Saudi government. Brazilian court cases can take years to reach final judgment and even then they are subject to appeals and reversals. Even as his legal woes have mounted, Bolsonaro remains the central figure of a right-wing movement driving Brazilian politics for the past six years. His party is the largest in the lower house of Congress and made strides in municipal elections last month. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowHack On Self: How’d My Day Go?Following are reactions from around the world to events in Syria. Syrian rebels ousted President Bashar Assad and seized control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing him to flee and ending his family's decades of rule after more than 13 years of civil war in a seismic moment for the Middle East. European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen "The cruel Assad dictatorship has collapsed. This historic change in the region offers opportunities but is not without risks. Europe is ready to support safeguarding national unity and rebuilding a Syrian state that protects all minorities." EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas "The end of Assad's dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development. It also shows the weakness of Assad's backers, Russia and Iran." "Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners, in Syria and in the region." European Parliament President Roberta Metsola "The dictator has fallen. It is clear that Bashar al-Assad's brutal 24-year rule of Syria is over as his regime lies in tatters. This is a critical period for the region and for the millions of Syrians who want a free, stable and secure future. What happens in the next hours and days matters." Iran Foreign Ministry The ministry said in statement Iran respects Syria's unity and national sovereignty and called for "the swift end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist actions, and the commencement of national dialog" with all sectors of Syrian society. Tehran said it would continue to support international mechanisms for pursuing the political process, adding that long-standing and friendly relations between the Iranian and Syrian nations are expected to continue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu The fall of Assad, a major link in the Iranian axis, is an historic day and a direct result of blows dealt to Hezbollah and Iran by Israel, Netanyahu said. "We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border," he added. U.S. President Joe Biden "President Biden and his team are closely monitoring the extraordinary events in Syria and staying in constant touch with regional partners," the White House said in a statement. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump "Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was not interested in protecting him any longer," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success." Russian Foreign Ministry The ministry said in a statement, Syrian President Bashar Assad has left office and departed the country after giving orders for there be a peaceful handover of power. The ministry did not say where Assad was now and said Russia has not taken part in the talks around his departure. It said Russia's military bases in Syria had been put on a state of high alert, but that there was no serious threat to them at the current time. Moscow is in touch with all Syrian opposition groups and urges all sides to refrain from violence. Iraqi government spokesperson Iraqi government spokesperson Bassem Al-Awadi said Iraq was closely following developments and reaffirmed the importance of not interfering in the internal affairs of Syria or supporting one party in favor of another. Jordan's King Abdullah King Abdullah said Jordan respected the choices of the Syrian people. He urged the avoidance of any conflict in Syria that might lead to chaos and stressed the need to protect the security of his country's northern neighbor, according to a statement published by the Royal Hashemite Court. French President Emmanuel Macron "The barbaric state has fallen. Finally. I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I wish them peace, freedom and unity," Macron said in a post on X social media. "France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East." U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer "The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure." "Our focus is now on ensuring a political solution prevails, and peace and stability is restored." "We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days." Qatar Foreign Ministry Qatar's foreign ministry renewed its call to end the crisis in Syria along the lines of the 2015 U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254 which laid out the steps for a ceasefire and political transition. The foreign ministry said it is following developments in Syria with interest and called for the preservation of the unity of the state. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has been communicating with all regional actors on Syria and is determined to do what is possible to avoid a chaotic outcome for the country, a Saudi official told Reuters. "We have been in contact with all actors in the region. We are in constant communication with Turkey and every stakeholder involved," the official said, adding that the kingdom was not aware of Bashar Assad's whereabouts. Foreign Ministry of Egypt Egypt has called on all parties in Syria to preserve the capabilities of the state and national institutions, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. The foreign ministry affirmed its support for the Syrian people and the country's sovereignty and unity. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Syria has reached a stage where the Syrian people will shape the future of their own country, today there is hope, Fidan said in a news conference in Doha. The Syrian people cannot do this alone. Turkey attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity. A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively, there should be no desire for revenge. Turkey calls on all actors to act with prudence and to be watchful. Terrorist organizations must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation. Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and safety in Syria. The new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbors, it should eliminate threats. Any extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) cannot be considered a legitimate counterpart in Syria. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha "Assad has fallen. This is how it has always been and will always be for dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him. The main goal now is to restore security in Syria and effectively protect its people from violence." Konstantin Kosachyov, Russian Lawmaker Syrians will have to cope with a full-scale civil war alone, deputy chairman of Russia's upper house of parliament Konstantin Kosachyov said, the Interfax news agency reported. Afghanistan Taliban Administration's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Afghanistan congratulates the leadership of the movement and the people of Syria on the recent developments, which have resulted in the removal of key factors contributing to conflict & instability." "The capital, Damascus, has come under control of Syrian people under the leadership of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and we express hope that the remaining phases of the revolution will be managed effectively to establish a peaceful, unified, & stable governance system." Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro "The United States will continue to maintain its presence in eastern Syria and will take measures necessary to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State," Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro told the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain. Shapiro called on all parties to protect civilians, particularly minorities, and respect international norms. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock "It is impossible to say exactly what is happening in Syria now. But one thing is clear: for millions of people in Syria, the end of Assad means the first big sigh of relief after an eternity of atrocities committed by the Assad regime." "Assad has murdered, tortured and used poison gas against his own people. He must finally be held accountable for this. "The country must not now fall into the hands of other radicals — regardless of the guise. We therefore call on the parties to the conflict to live up to their responsibility for all Syrians. This includes the comprehensive protection of ethnic and religious minorities such as Kurds, Alawites or Christians and an inclusive political process that creates a balance between the groups." German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz "Bashar al Assad has brutally oppressed his own people, has countless lives on his conscience and has driven numerous people to flee Syria, many of whom have also come to Germany. The Syrian people have experienced appalling suffering. The end of Assad's rule over Syria is therefore good news. "What matters now is that law and order are quickly restored in Syria. All religious communities, all minorities must enjoy protection now and in the future." Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani "We are calling for a peaceful handover between the fallen regime and the new reality, so for a peaceful rather than military transition. It seems to me that at the moment things are going in this direction," Tajani said in a press conference. U.N. special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen Special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen underscores the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians that stable and inclusive transitional arrangements are put in place, a statement said. He urged all Syrians to prioritize dialog, unity, and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights as they seek to rebuild their society, adding he stands ready to support the Syrian people in their journey toward a stable and inclusive future. "Today marks a watershed moment in Syria’s history — a nation that has endured nearly 14 years of relentless suffering and unspeakable loss... This dark chapter has left deep scars, but today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one— one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians." U.N. Aid Chief Tom Fletcher "Events in Syria moving at remarkable pace. More than [a] decade of conflict has displaced millions. Now many more are in danger. We will respond wherever, whenever, however we can to support people in need, including reception centers —food, water, fuel, tents, blankets."

Liverpool beat holders Real Madrid with Aston Villa denied win against JuventusThe top five moments of 2024Sex Therapist Thinks Lacey Chabert's Hot Frosty Will Help Boost Netflix-And-Chilling During Holidays, But I Think A Different Movie Will Get More Stockings Stuffed

So ends one of the wildest weeks in recent memory for the Nebraska football program. The one-week overlap of high school recruiting, transfer portal entries, coaching changes and bowl game decisions meant there were highs and lows for Nebraska fans to go through — but the program’s leader wasn’t bothered by the departures and changes that hit the Huskers. “If we have good players and we have good coaches, then people are gonna come try to get them,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said on Wednesday. “If no one’s trying to take our players, it means we’re in trouble.” With news to break down in each of those areas, let’s drop into coverage: Nebraska’s defensive coaching staff will look much different in 2025 compared to 2024, but Rhule is hopeful that the defense itself won’t change much. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault Shoplifting investigation leads to arrest for possession of controlled substance Nebraska football signing day preview: Potential flips and a 5-star up for grabs At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Gage County Sheriff's Office helps catch Fairbury suspect Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win Mother to Mother supporting families At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Beatrice company seeks to break China's stranglehold on rare-earth minerals Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City Holiday Lighted Parade happening Saturday P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Beatrice Regional Orchestra to perform Sunday Clarissa Ruh Defensive coordinator Tony White is off to Florida State and has taken defensive line coach Terrance Knighton with him, a major blow to a Nebraska defense that ranked inside the top 20 nationally each of the last two seasons. Knighton was one of Rhule’s best hires for his initial Nebraska coaching staff. The defensive line, presumed to be a question mark in 2023, instead became a strength of the team. Players like Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher reached new heights under Knighton’s coaching, while several young Huskers also made an impact up front. There’s plenty of returning talent in the defensive line room even after some roster turnover, but NU’s next defensive line coach will have big expectations to continue Knighton’s good work at the position. As for White, he implemented his 3-3-5 scheme to great success a year ago, but Nebraska lined up slightly differently this fall with a four-man rush utilized far more often than in 2023. He’ll be a good fit at Florida State, while Nebraska has turned to John Butler in the interim to lead its defense. There’s no doubting Butler’s pedigree as a former NFL defensive mind, and his influence showed up in the way the Nebraska defense operated this season. Whether it’s Butler or an external hire who leads the Nebraska defense next season, continuity on that side of the ball is the expectation. “The defense isn’t going to change, but the offense is going to be better,” Rhule said. That optimism is underscored by the return of Dana Holgorsen as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator. Having brought in his own wide receivers coach, Daikiel Shorts Jr., Holgorsen will begin transforming the Nebraska offense this spring after the team’s bowl game. Nebraska signed a 20-player recruiting class on Wednesday that is loaded with talent across the board. While recruits can still sign with teams in February, expect Nebraska to be finished along the recruiting trail — and that means it’s time to take stock of the players in its 2025 recruiting class. Here are five of those signees who should impact the long-term future of the Husker football team. First up is linebacker Dawson Merritt. The highest-ranked signee in NU’s 2025 class was an Alabama commit for a reason, and it’s because the pass-rushing potential he shows. Set to be an off-ball linebacker and hybrid edge rusher at Nebraska, Merritt is the type of player who can make an impact early in his collegiate career. If he reaches his long-term potential, Merritt should be an NFL prospect when he leaves Nebraska. Nebraska also landed a top playmaking prospect in wide receiver Cortez Mills. Another wide receiver recruit, Isaiah Mozee, will provide an impact — but Mills is the all-around prospect who could dominate targets in a year or two’s time. The fast, athletic pass-catcher knows how to run himself open against coverage and excels at winning in one-on-one situations. Quarterback Dylan Raiola will like playing with Mills. In the secondary, cornerback Bryson Webber should be a starter down the road. His status as a former wide receiver gives him the ball skills Nebraska is after the spot, and Webber’s long, athletic frame will help him against opposing wide receivers. He may not be a day-one starter at cornerback, but Webber will make the position his own in the years which follow. Another explosive playmaker on offense is running back Jamarion Parker. Having signed alongside Bishop Neumann’s Conor Booth, Parker could be the lightning to Booth’s thunder as a one-two running back punch in the years which follow. A big-play threat and tough runner, Parker is an all-around talent who Nebraska and Holgorsen will find a way to utilize. The final pick is linebacker Christian Jones. Hard-nosed, athletic inside linebackers are hard to come by, but Jones is one of the rare few who could have a future at the position. He’s a top athlete who could push for playing time early in his career. For those interested, here are the five players I identified from NU’s 2024 class one year ago: Dylan Raiola, Carter Nelson, Willis McGahee IV, Mario Buford and Grant Brix. While Jacory Barney Jr. is a notable miss from that list, all but Brix played in at least 10 games and had an impact as freshmen. Nebraska’s transfer portal entrants have begun trickling out, and there will be many more which follow as a result of the 105-player roster limit teams must abide with next season. Many of the toughest departures to stomach have come on defense, where a veteran-heavy group will look much different in terms of its personnel next season. Defensive lineman Jimari Butler, a two-year starter at the position, has decided to move on. So have linebackers Mikai Gbayor and Stefon Thompson — who might’ve been starters next season — and rising young defenders Princewill Umanmielen, James Williams and Kai Wallin. Williams, Wallin and Umanmielen were all impactful defenders for Nebraska this fall, but their status as pass-rushing specialists still left room for improvement as all-around defenders. Butler and Gbayor, however, would’ve been pegged as no-doubt veteran starters, so their choice to move on will impact NU’s defensive strength. No entry was more surprising than that of running back Emmett Johnson, a player who emerged as NU’s top rusher late in the 2024 season. The up-and-down nature of Johnson’s Nebraska career — he showed flashes down the stretch in 2023 and was hardly utilized this fall prior to Holgorsen taking over — may have impacted his decision to seek out a new opportunity. Nebraska’s transfer portal targets will become clearer in the coming days, but one player has already stated his interest in the Huskers. Fresno State linebacker Phoenix Jackson, a multi-year starter at the position, announced on social media that Auburn, Indiana, Nebraska and SMU are the four teams he’s considering transferring to. Prior to learning its bowl opponent, Nebraska had a light week of practice before things get intense later this month. The Huskers practiced on Tuesday and Thursday last week with its veterans sitting out as younger players got reps in front of their coaches instead. Rhule said he expects Nebraska to practice from Tuesday to Thursday this week, with another day on Saturday during which the Huskers could bring transfer portal visitors to campus. “Being in bowl practice right now is exactly what this team needs, exactly what we need moving forward,” Rhule said. “I saw guys practice (Tuesday) and look like I haven’t seen them look all year.” After his firing at Nebraska, former head coach Scott Frost didn’t need to rush into his next coaching job, instead waiting for a situation and school that made sense for him. While it didn’t work out in Lincoln, there’s no denying the success Frost had at UCF. The in-state talent around the school and Frost’s offense made for a great fit, even if he only had two seasons to show it. The Knights are no longer in the AAC, though, instead having moved to a new-look Big 12 which has the makings of a difficult conference. It’s a good fit for Frost, but there’ll still be an element of pressure for him to deliver results and show that he can rebuild the program once again. Get local news delivered to your inbox!For decades, power protected Alan Jones. Now he’s facing his own reckoning

F35 warplane parts manufacturer picketed

NoneJERUSALEM — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen on Thursday targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports, while the World Health Organization's director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, asserting they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel's military didn't immediately respond to questions about Tedros' post but issued a statement saying it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The strikes, carried out over 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad's regime and others learned" as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also has targeted the Houthis in recent days. The U.N. has noted that the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones have been shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting Monday in response to an Israeli request that the council condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them weapons. 5 journalists are killed in Gaza Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said all were militants posing as reporters. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The journalists were working for local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. Islamic Jihad is a smaller and more extreme ally of Hamas and took part in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel that ignited the war. Israel's military identified four of the men as combat propagandists and said that intelligence, including a list of Islamic Jihad operatives found by soldiers in Gaza, had confirmed that all five were affiliated with the group. Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups operate political, media and charitable operations in addition to their armed wings. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. Sobbing young men attended the funeral. The bodies were wrapped in shrouds, with blue press vests draped over them. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel has banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network and accused six of its Gaza reporters of being militants. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. The toll continues to mount in Gaza Separately, Israel's military said a 35-year-old reserve soldier was killed during fighting in central Gaza. A total of 389 soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the start of the ground operation. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Israel's air and ground offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities have been women and children, but doesn't say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and hunger and driven around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter. Also Thursday, people mourned eight Palestinians killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said that it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Copyright 2024 NPR

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . DELAND, Fla. (AP) — Tyler Johnson scored seven of his 26 points in overtime to lead Mercer to an 89-83 victory over Stetson on Sunday. Johnson had five rebounds and three steals for the Bears (5-4). Alex Holt added 23 points and seven rebounds. Ahmad Robinson scored 16. Robinson made the first of two free throws with 1 second left to force overtime tied at 73. The Hatters (1-8) were led in scoring by Jordan Wood, who finished with 23 points and two blocks. Josh Massey added 22 points and eight rebounds. Mehki also had 14 points and six assists. The Hatters extended their losing streak to eight in a row. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .There are certain that I believe have very long growth runways. If they keep growing like they have, they might even become ASX companies. ight, I expect the of two businesses in particular will grow by billions of dollars in the coming years. They are both now multi-billion-dollar companies, but their scaling suggests that they could be much larger by 2030 and beyond. Of course, it takes time for plans to come to fruition. But are exceptional opportunities for long-term returns. Tuas Ltd ( ) Tuas is one of the most compelling, non-tech businesses on the ASX worth over $2 billion, in my view. The company operates as a telco in Singapore and has rapidly gained market share – it now has more than 10% of the Singapore mobile market, according to Tuas. In its for the first three months of FY25, Tuas revealed that its active mobile subscribers had grown by approximately 27% year over year to 1.1 million. It also advised that in the first quarter of FY25, it made $35.5 million in revenue, $16.1 million in operating profit (EBITDA) ture profitability. Adding more revenue will help it grow its scale and margins. I also think it's appealing that the business is growing its fibre broadband customer base, which reached more than 10,000 active subscribers at the end of November 2024. It already has a client base of more than 1 million people to market its broadband to. In FY25, Tuas is targeting continued mobile growth, with "product uplifts and ongoing network quality upgrades", and new mobile segments. The business also wants to achieve positive full-year net profit. The investment team at Wilson Asset Management believes that Tuas may eventually enter Malaysia or Indonesia, which both have a bigger population than Singapore. Lovisa Holdings Ltd ( ) Lovisa is the other ASX growth share I want to tell you about. It sells affordable jewellery to a target market of younger shoppers globally. It truly is a global company, with at least one store in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, the UAE, the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. The ASX share is regularly entering new markets, expanding its growth runway. Three of the latest countries it has expanded into are three franchise markets: the Ivory Coast, the Republic of Congo and Panama. At the end of FY24, the business had 900 stores worldwide. By the AGM update, it had 927 stores. I think there is easy scope for Lovisa to reach 2,000 stores in the next several years. This could add significant scale benefits, including a helpful boost to operating profit ( ) margin. The company's store rollout strategy is definitely helping sales, despite the challenging retail environment. In the first 20 weeks of FY25, total sales were up 10% year over year, assisted by comparable store sales growth of 1%. If the store count, total sales and net profit keep rising, I believe Lovisa could become a much larger business in the next 10 years.