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Big movers on D-Street: What should investors do with Star Cement, Suzlon and JSW Infrastructure?The announcement of the collaboration between G.E.M., "Black Myth: Wukong," and the cola brand has generated significant buzz and anticipation among fans of the game and the singer. With its bold aesthetic choices, innovative marketing strategies, and seamless integration of traditional and contemporary elements, this collaboration sets a new standard for promotional campaigns in the gaming industry.Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Rising Star Women Leaders of Banking for 2024 NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2024 with significant influence on the global economy, relies on adaptable, strategic leaders to navigate its complexities. As the industry adapts to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer needs, success requires not just resilience but also a keen ability to drive innovation and lead through transformation. As determined leaders, this year's honorees are poised to lead banking into a new era. Among them is Chardai Johnson, Commercial Banking Director and Team Lead of BMO US, a leading North American bank. Johnson is an experienced banker and financial professional who provides strategies and solutions for middle-market companies with revenues exceeding $20 million. We also honor Jessica Broughton, Director of Financial Institutions Coverage (FIC) at BNP Paribas, the European Union's leading bank and key player in international banking. Broughton's mandate within FIC is to help develop cohesive transversal coverage of complex... Women We AdmireThe prospect of the U.S. pulling out of NATO has raised concerns about the future of transatlantic security and defense cooperation. NATO, established in 1949, has been a cornerstone of Western security and has played a vital role in promoting peace and stability in Europe for decades. The alliance's collective defense clause, enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty, states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, binding member countries to come to each other's defense.
Center-Back: Jan Vertonghen (Benfica)
In conclusion, the news of Chris Evans' return as Captain America in "Avengers 5" is a cause for celebration among Marvel fans, as it heralds the comeback of a beloved hero and the continuation of an epic saga. With Evans' charismatic presence and undeniable talent, the MCU is set to soar to new heights of excitement and adventure in the upcoming installment. Stay tuned for more updates as the Avengers assemble once again to save the world from imminent threats.Klubnik's 3 TD passes, DT Page's pick-6 lead No. 17 Clemson to 51-14 win over The Citadel
This Crypto Is Redefining Finance and Outpacing DOGE and SHIBArsenal closed the gap to league leaders Liverpool to seven points and consigned Ruben Amorim to a first defeat as Manchester United manager with a 2-0 win over the Portuguese’s side in north London. Two set-piece goals in the second half were the difference, Jurrien Timber flicking home Declan Rice’s corner to break the deadlock and William Saliba bundling over the line after Thomas Partey headed another corner back across a packed six-yard box. Amorim’s United went close through Matthijs de Ligt’s header but struggled to make inroads against an Arsenal defence which was missing both Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori. Here are three talking points from the match... Arsenal’s set-pieces the difference yet again “Set piece again, ole ole,” was the unusual chant around the Emirates during yet another big occasion when Arsenal’s prowess from dead-balls was the difference. Even without Gabriel, who has comfortably been their biggest threat from set-pieces this season, United simply could not cope with the hosts' quality from corners. Arsenal's new routine of grouping players at either post was hugely effective, with Timber’s opener a carbon copy of Gabriel’s goal which broke the deadlock in the 5-2 win over West Ham at the weekend. Saliba knew relatively little about his goal after Partey headed Bukayo Saka's corner back across the box, but it was a result of the panic Arsenal inspired in the United box from every dead ball. Mikel Arteta ’s side have now scored 22 goals from set pieces since the start of last season, and Partey and Mikel Merino squandered fine chances to add to that tally here. Throughout the first half, Arsenal struggled to establish their rhythm against a well-organised opponent, but Arteta’s side always have a way of scoring in cagey games. Arsenal increasingly feel in a league of their own from dead-balls in the Premier League this season, giving them an aura that led to jitters in the United box every time either Saka or Rice stood over the ball in the corner. Credit must go, again, to both Arteta and his set-piece coach Nicolas Jover for setting the standard for the rest of the league to try to match. With the top-flight more compact than ever, particularly after Liverpool dropped points, Arsenal’s quality from dead balls could prove decisive this season. Amorim’s organised United show promise United are too big a club to take much solace from a two-goal defeat but there were some reasons for encouragement for the new head coach. United struggled with Arsenal’s intensity after the break, and were fortunate not to concede further goals, but Amorim could still point to set-pieces as the only difference between the two sides in the end. In the first half, United frustrated Arsenal with an disciplined display, Amorim setting up with a back five out of possession and four midfielders who pressed smartly and held their positions. Rasmus Hojlund worked hard as an outlet up top, occasionally threatening to get in behind. United were canny at slowing the game down, fouling and being fouled while taking their time to build out from the back. It was not exactly pretty but it was a start, and a clear improvement of Erik ten Hag’s infamous ‘doughnut’ that was so easy for a side like Arsenal to play through. If it were not for a brilliant David Raya save to claw out De Ligt’s header from Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick at 1-0, United may have snatched a leveller and made more of a fist of the second half. Arsenal showed Amorim and his players the levels they must reach, but United at least feel like a club with a solid base to build from once again. Arsenal hitting their stride Arsenal’s wobble in late October and November now feels like a distant memory another impressive result, which made it four wins on the bounce since the November international break. Arteta’s side are building momentum at the right time going into the hectic festive period, and they increasingly feel like the hard-to-beat side of the second half of last season again. They found a new level in the second half here, with Rice, Saliba, Timber and Jakub Kiwior, who was impressive in standing in for Gabriel, helping to overpower the visitors. Arteta can take particular pride that his side ground out a big result without Calafiori and Gabriel, as Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko deputised well. The question is whether Arsenal will have enough to reel in Liverpool but the Reds’ 3-3 draw at Newcastle should give the Gunners some hope, and ensured the gap is a little narrower going into their derby against Fulham at the weekend.
The Hawkeye system, known for its precision and real-time analysis capabilities, has become an indispensable tool in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game. By tracking the trajectory of the ball with unparalleled accuracy, the system minimizes human error and guarantees impartial judgment in crucial moments of a match. This level of transparency and accountability has not only enhanced the spectator experience but also safeguarded the credibility of competitions at all levels.None
Heinrich Haarberg will continue to venture away from being a full-time quarterback, and it’s created an opening for Nebraska to pursue another arm out of the transfer portal. The NU coaching staff has “made a commitment to Heinrich that we would let him explore some other positions,” Matt Rhule said Wednesday. Haarberg was the Huskers’ starting quarterback for most of 2023 and has played sporadically this season. He relieved Dylan Raiola when he was injured against UCLA and has added a wrinkle to Nebraska’s offense as an occasional running threat and gadget player. It leaves the Huskers’ quarterback room in flux with freshman Daniel Kaelin entering the portal and Jalyn Gramstad’s future uncertain. Four-star prospect TJ Lateef will soon join the team and an already-young position group. “If we need to get a third guy to be in that room, then we would do it,” Rhule said. “We probably will, and Heinrich obviously gives us some flexibility.” People are also reading... Rhule works through roster trim In recent days, players have walked into Matt Rhule’s office, asking for help with the next stage of their football careers. Parents have texted him as they try to guide their kids through an unprecedented time in college sports. Next season, football rosters will be limited to 105 players. Nebraska, equipped with a robust walk-on program, will have to trim its roster. “We’ve got (general manager) Sean Padden in there making tapes for kids,” Rhule said. “I hate that. I hate that.” The evolution into a new era has already begun. Jimari Butler, James Williams and Princewill Umanmielen are among players planning to enter the transfer portal when it opens. With 20 new recruits joining the program, there are still lots dominoes left to fall over the offseason. “I tried to warn everyone there would be a lot of attrition and a lot of scary attrition, but it’s all part of what has to happen right now,” Rhule said. “I think as we move forward it’ll be a little bit more normalized ... but I’m just telling you this is like nothing we’ve ever seen before. It’s just completely different this year than it was.” Photos: Nebraska football vs. Iowa on Black Friday — Nov. 29 Nebraska players, including Jacob Hood (center), turn to wave during the "Hawkeye Wave" on Friday in Iowa City. Nebraska assistant coach Garret McGuire looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska assistant coach Marcus Satterfield looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska fan Zachary Roth of Omaha dances in the cold during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with an official during the Iowa game on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks is tackled by Iowa's TJ Hall on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Kamari Moulton (center) is tackled by Nebraska's MJ Sherman (left) and Elijah Jeudy, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Carter Nelson (center) is tackled by Iowa's Deontae Craig (right) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Quinn Schulte (left) tackles Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Thomas Fidone picks up a pass against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl reacts after missing a field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola runs with the ball against Iowa on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (left) rips the ball away from Iowa's Jarriett Buie on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Nebraska defense stops Iowa on fourth down on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks picks up a pass next to Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson escapes a tackle by Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell tries to break a tackle from Iowa's Jay Higgins (left) and Koen Entringer (4), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson fumbles under pressure from Iowa's Sebastian Castro (top) and TJ Hall (bottom), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Luke Elkin (left) and Ty Nissen carry Heroes Game trophy after defeating Nebraska on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) kicks a game-winning field goal through the arms of Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) and Nash Hutmacher (0) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores a touchdown against Iowa in the second quarter, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola carries the ball against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Deontae Craig (bottom) pressures Nebraska's Dylan Raiola, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl (right) celebrates his field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor tips a pass by Iowa's Jackson Stratton on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Deontae Craig (left) and Aaron Graves (right) pressure Nebraska's Dylan Raiola on at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (left) talks with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz before the game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Jesse Divis of David City, 17, braves the cold before the Nebraska game at Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Upon arrival, the police conducted a thorough investigation of the scene, ruling out any signs of forced entry or struggle. Preliminary reports suggest that the woman may have succumbed to natural causes, with further forensic analysis pending to determine the exact cause of death.The story of this missing woman, whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, gripped the nation as details of her unexpected return came to light. Many were shocked by the revelation that she had been living with Zhang for over a decade, completely unbeknownst to her family and friends. Questions arose about how such a situation could have unfolded and why she did not seek help or make her presence known earlier.
Edmonton zoo elephant Lucy gets medical OK as she approaches 50th birthdayEdmonton zoo elephant Lucy gets medical OK as she approaches 50th birthday
Alberta minister wants to see $100B in data centre infrastructure in next five yearsBeyond his sartorial choices, White Dew's influence extends beyond the realm of fashion. With his social media presence and engaging content, he has created a community of like-minded individuals who share his passion for outdoor exploration and self-expression. Through his collaborations with Salomon, White Dew has been able to promote a message of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the importance of connecting with nature.Oklahoma State announces Doug Meacham as offensive coordinator
Despite their best efforts, the cold proved to be relentless. The frosty air seemed to seep into every crevice, testing the farmers' resolve and the small potatoes' endurance. Yet, as the days passed and the temperatures continued to plummet, a sense of unity and purpose emerged among the farmers. They banded together, exchanging tips and tricks on how to best protect their small potatoes from the icy grip of winter.
Manchester United’s decision to put up the cost of all members’ match tickets to £66 for the remainder of the season has been labelled “offensive” by the club’s leading supporters’ group. Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) revealed the club had informed the fans forum that changes to certain ticket policies will take effect immediately “and that this price will apply for kids and over-65s as well as adults”. The news comes as the club confirmed the cost of paying off former manager Erik ten Hag and his staff was £10.4million, while a release clause to bring in new head coach Ruben Amorim and his staff amounted to £11m. The figures were part of a longer version of the club’s first-quarter accounts which were released to the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday. United and Everton fans are set to stage a protest against ticket prices ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday. Supporters are being asked to gather next to the trinity statue outside Old Trafford to support the Football Supporters’ Association’s ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ campaign. As well as increasing prices generally, fans are unhappy about the removal of concession tickets for certain groups. An MUST statement read: “Suffice it to say that the idea that the fans must pay their ‘fair share’ for the club’s excesses and/or mismanagement — and above all, the Glazers’ lack of investment over two decades — is offensive. “We fans have done everything we have been asked. We have cheered the players on even in the face of substandard performance. “We have objected to this action in the strongest possible terms, both for the action itself and the complete lack of consultation, which is a step backward based on the process we had agreed with the club before INEOS’ arrival. “Over the coming days MUST will be seeking urgent discussions with the club to get them to listen to fans’ concern at this policy. “United fans have sucked up a lot. We will not be silent on this and we need to be prepared to resist any attempts to further drive up ticket prices.” Supporters’ group The 1958 said along with United and Everton, both Liverpool and Manchester City supporters will also display an FSA banner ahead of their match on Sunday. “With 19 out of 20 Premier League clubs increasing ticket prices this season, FC58, Everton, Liverpool and City supporters will display the FSA banner to raise awareness that any future season ticket price increases, removal of concessions, and treating match-going supporters as an easy target to make quick revenues will not be tolerated,” the fans’ group said. “With the discussions around the rebuild or redevelopment of Old Trafford, we need to send a message to the club that we are laser focused on keeping football affordable and looking after our loyal, match-going fan base. “Manchester United have announced that they will be selling tickets to members for the remainder of the season at a minimum of £66 irrespective of if you are under 16, youth, OAP or disabled, which is a clear exploitation of the loyal fan base and their first move towards dynamic pricing.” We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.DAMASCUS (AP) — Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad , gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule. The newly installed interim prime minister delivered the sermon at the Umayyad Mosque, declaring that a new era of “freedom, dignity and justice” was dawning for Syria. The gatherings illustrated the dramatic changes that have swept over Syria less than a week after insurgents marched into Damascus and toppled Assad. Amid the jubilation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies around the region and called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian” interim government. Blinken arrived in Iraq on a previously unannounced stop after talks in Jordan and Turkey, which backs some of the Syrian insurgent factions. So far, U.S. officials have not talked of direct meetings with Syria's new rulers. The main insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has worked to establish security and start a political transition after seizing Damascus early Sunday. The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad's fall and concerned about extremist jihadis among the rebels. Insurgent leaders say the group has broken with its extremist past, though HTS is still labeled a terrorist group by the United States and European countries. HTS's leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, appeared in a video message Friday congratulating “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” “I invite them to head to the squares to show their happiness without shooting bullets and scaring people,” he said. “And then after, we will work to build this country, and as I said in the beginning, we will be victorious by the help of God.” Huge crowds, including some insurgents, packed the historic Umayyad Mosque in the capital's old city, many waving the rebel opposition flag — with its three red stars — which has swiftly replaced the Assad-era flag with with its two green stars. Syrian state television reported that the sermon was delivered by Mohammed al-Bashir, the interim prime minister installed by HTS this week. The scene resonated on multiple levels. The mosque, one of the world's oldest dating back some 1,200 years, is a beloved symbol of Syria, and sermons there like all mosque sermons across Syria were tightly controlled under Assad's rule. Also, in the early days of the anti-government uprising in 2011, protesters would leave Friday prayers to march in rallies against Assad before he launched a brutal crackdown that turned the uprising into a long and bloody civil war. “I didn’t step foot in Umayyad Mosque since 2011," because of the tight security controls around it, said one worshipper, Ibrahim al-Araby. “Since 11 or 12 years, I haven’t been this happy.” Another worshipper, Khair Taha, said there was “fear and trepidation for what’s to come. But there is also a lot of hope that now we have a say and we can try to build.” Blocks away in Damascus' biggest roundabout, named Umayyad Square, thousands gathered, including many families with small children — a sign of how, so far at least, the country's transformation has not caused violent instability. “Unified Syria to build Syria,” the crowd chanted. Some shouted slurs against Assad and his late father, calling them pigs, an insult that would have previously led to offenders being hauled off to one of the feared detention centers of Assad’s security forces. One man in the crowd, 51-year-old Khaled Abu Chahine — originally from the southern province of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising first erupted — said he hoped for “freedom and coexistence between all Syrians, Alawites, Sunnis, Shiites and Druze.” The interim prime minister, al-Bashir, had been the head of a de facto administration created by HTS in Idlib, the opposition's enclave in northwest Syria. The rebels were bottled up in Idlib for years before fighters broke out in a shock offensive and marched across Syria in 10 days. Similar scenes of joy unfolded in other major cities, including in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Raqqa. Al-Sharaa, HTS' leader, has promised to bring a pluralistic government to Syria, seeking to dispel fears among many Syrians — especially its many minority communities — that the insurgents will impose a hard-line, extremist rule. Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix. The Sunni Arab insurgents who overthrew Assad did so with vital help from Turkey, a longtime foe of the U.S.-backed Kurds . Turkey controls a strip of Syrian territory along the shared border and backs an insurgent faction uneasily allied to HTS — and is deeply opposed to any gains by Syria's Kurds. In other developments, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey’s Embassy in Damascus would reopen Saturday for the first time since 2012, when it closed due to the Syrian civil war. The U.S. has troops in eastern Syria to combat remnants of the Islamic State group and supports Kurdish-led fighters who rule most of the east. Since Assad's fall, Israel has bombed sites all over Syria, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands. It has also seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, calling it a buffer zone. After talks with Fidan, Blinken said there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the U.S. on what they would like to see in Syria. That starts with an "interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said. Fidan said the priority was “establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant” — referring to the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Ankara considers the PKK within Turkey's borders a terrorist group, as it does the Kurdish-backed forces in Syria backed by the U.S. A U.S. official said that in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fidan both told Blinken that Kurdish attacks on Turkish positions would require a response. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks. The U.S. has been trying to limit such incidents in recent days and had helped organize an agreement to prevent confrontations around the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which was taken by Turkey-backed opposition fighters from the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces earlier this week. In Baghdad, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, saying both countries wanted to ensure the Islamic State group — also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh — doesn't exploit Syria's transition to re-emerge. “Having put Daesh back in its box, we can’t let it out, and we’re determined to make sure that that doesn’t happen," Blinken said. The U.S. official who briefed reporters said that Blinken had impressed upon al-Sudani the importance of Iraq exercising its full sovereignty over its territory and airspace to stop Iran from transporting weapons and equipment to Syria, either for Assad supporters or onward to the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Lee reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed to this report.DAMASCUS (AP) — Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad , gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule. The newly installed interim prime minister delivered the sermon at the Umayyad Mosque, declaring that a new era of “freedom, dignity and justice” was dawning for Syria. The gatherings illustrated the dramatic changes that have swept over Syria less than a week after insurgents marched into Damascus and toppled Assad. Amid the jubilation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies around the region and called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian” interim government. Blinken arrived in Iraq on a previously unannounced stop after talks in Jordan and Turkey, which backs some of the Syrian insurgent factions. So far, U.S. officials have not talked of direct meetings with Syria's new rulers. The main insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has worked to establish security and start a political transition after seizing Damascus early Sunday. The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad's fall and concerned about extremist jihadis among the rebels. Insurgent leaders say the group has broken with its extremist past, though HTS is still labeled a terrorist group by the United States and European countries. HTS's leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, appeared in a video message Friday congratulating “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” “I invite them to head to the squares to show their happiness without shooting bullets and scaring people,” he said. “And then after, we will work to build this country, and as I said in the beginning, we will be victorious by the help of God.” Huge crowds, including some insurgents, packed the historic Umayyad Mosque in the capital's old city, many waving the rebel opposition flag — with its three red stars — which has swiftly replaced the Assad-era flag with with its two green stars. Syrian state television reported that the sermon was delivered by Mohammed al-Bashir, the interim prime minister installed by HTS this week. The scene resonated on multiple levels. The mosque, one of the world's oldest dating back some 1,200 years, is a beloved symbol of Syria, and sermons there like all mosque sermons across Syria were tightly controlled under Assad's rule. Also, in the early days of the anti-government uprising in 2011, protesters would leave Friday prayers to march in rallies against Assad before he launched a brutal crackdown that turned the uprising into a long and bloody civil war. “I didn’t step foot in Umayyad Mosque since 2011," because of the tight security controls around it, said one worshipper, Ibrahim al-Araby. “Since 11 or 12 years, I haven’t been this happy.” Another worshipper, Khair Taha, said there was “fear and trepidation for what’s to come. But there is also a lot of hope that now we have a say and we can try to build.” Blocks away in Damascus' biggest roundabout, named Umayyad Square, thousands gathered, including many families with small children — a sign of how, so far at least, the country's transformation has not caused violent instability. “Unified Syria to build Syria,” the crowd chanted. Some shouted slurs against Assad and his late father, calling them pigs, an insult that would have previously led to offenders being hauled off to one of the feared detention centers of Assad’s security forces. One man in the crowd, 51-year-old Khaled Abu Chahine — originally from the southern province of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising first erupted — said he hoped for “freedom and coexistence between all Syrians, Alawites, Sunnis, Shiites and Druze.” The interim prime minister, al-Bashir, had been the head of a de facto administration created by HTS in Idlib, the opposition's enclave in northwest Syria. The rebels were bottled up in Idlib for years before fighters broke out in a shock offensive and marched across Syria in 10 days. Similar scenes of joy unfolded in other major cities, including in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Raqqa. Al-Sharaa, HTS' leader, has promised to bring a pluralistic government to Syria, seeking to dispel fears among many Syrians — especially its many minority communities — that the insurgents will impose a hard-line, extremist rule. Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix. The Sunni Arab insurgents who overthrew Assad did so with vital help from Turkey, a longtime foe of the U.S.-backed Kurds . Turkey controls a strip of Syrian territory along the shared border and backs an insurgent faction uneasily allied to HTS — and is deeply opposed to any gains by Syria's Kurds. In other developments, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey’s Embassy in Damascus would reopen Saturday for the first time since 2012, when it closed due to the Syrian civil war. The U.S. has troops in eastern Syria to combat remnants of the Islamic State group and supports Kurdish-led fighters who rule most of the east. Since Assad's fall, Israel has bombed sites all over Syria, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands. It has also seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, calling it a buffer zone. After talks with Fidan, Blinken said there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the U.S. on what they would like to see in Syria. That starts with an "interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said. Fidan said the priority was “establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant” — referring to the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Ankara considers the PKK within Turkey's borders a terrorist group, as it does the Kurdish-backed forces in Syria backed by the U.S. A U.S. official said that in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fidan both told Blinken that Kurdish attacks on Turkish positions would require a response. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks. The U.S. has been trying to limit such incidents in recent days and had helped organize an agreement to prevent confrontations around the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which was taken by Turkey-backed opposition fighters from the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces earlier this week. In Baghdad, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, saying both countries wanted to ensure the Islamic State group — also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh — doesn't exploit Syria's transition to re-emerge. “Having put Daesh back in its box, we can’t let it out, and we’re determined to make sure that that doesn’t happen," Blinken said. The U.S. official who briefed reporters said that Blinken had impressed upon al-Sudani the importance of Iraq exercising its full sovereignty over its territory and airspace to stop Iran from transporting weapons and equipment to Syria, either for Assad supporters or onward to the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Lee reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed to this report.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on editor-in-chief Weaver, whose leadership and vision have shaped the newspaper's direction over the past year. Rumors have been circulating about Weaver's impending departure, with some sources suggesting that he may be considering other opportunities in the industry. However, in a recent statement to the staff, Weaver confirmed that he will be staying on at least until January to ensure a smooth transition and to support Wilcox during this challenging period.
The highly anticipated arrival of Sora, the latest AI-powered innovation from tech giant OpenAI, has been met with a dose of skepticism as the company unexpectedly poured cold water on the excitement surrounding its launch. Promising to revolutionize the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning, Sora's debut was supposed to mark a significant leap forward in the field. However, OpenAI's recent announcement has left many wondering if the hype was premature.A Denver City Council committee on Wednesday advanced in the city, despite strong objections from the industry and retailers that sell e-cigarettes and vapes. The council’s voted 6-1 to move the ban on for consideration at the full council. The final vote would be the second attempt to pass a flavored tobacco ban in the last three years. The measure would ban nearly every kind of flavored tobacco and nicotine product from being sold within the city’s borders, including menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigarettes and vapes. The goal, according to the ordinance’s sponsors, is to protect the health of young people. Retailers — including Phil Guerin, the owner of vape shop Myxed Up Creations, which has a Denver location — argued the ban would punish law-abiding business owners who do not sell to underage customers and would deprive the city of millions in sales tax revenues. Colorado law sets the minimum age for tobacco products at 21. The proposed ordinance was , but its progress was delayed through November while sponsors met with industry representatives and incorporated feedback. The updated ordinance discussed Wednesday exempts flavored tobacco smoked out of hookah pipes, a common practice in Middle Eastern and North African cultures. The ordinance, including the hookah exemption, closely mirrors the progress of a similar ban that the council passed in 2021. Then-Mayor Michael Hancock , arguing that Denver acting alone — while surrounding municipalities continued to allow sales of flavored products — would not keep tobacco out of the hands of kids. His successor, Mike Johnston, has affirmed his support for the flavor ban if it passes. A public hearing is possible later this month before the full body votes on the measure.
Overall, the Central Political Bureau Meeting on December 9th underscored the importance of stabilizing the real estate market as a key priority for economic policy. By implementing a series of targeted measures that promote stability, sustainability, and inclusivity in the property sector, policymakers aim to create a more resilient and balanced real estate market that supports long-term economic growth. The outcomes of the meeting are expected to provide guidance for future policy decisions that will shape the trajectory of the real estate market in the coming years.
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