A shoplifted Snoop Dogg toy. A shaming online post. And then a surpriseDonald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.
CLEVELAND (AP) — An injury-riddled season for Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is over. His days with Cleveland may have ended as well. Wills was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a lingering right knee injury that could lead to him undergoing another surgery. A first-round draft pick in 2020, Wills, who has been inconsistent when healthy, is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. The Browns (3-9) have just five games left, starting w ith a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) on Sunday. Wills is required to spend at least four games on IR, so it's safe to assume he won't play again in 2024. As for where he'll be next season, that's anyone's guess. Before bussing to Pittsburgh, the Browns also placed defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (ankle) on IR and signed wide receivers Michael Woods II and Kadarius Toney to the active roster from the practice squad. Wills was benched earlier this season in favor of second-year tackle Dawand Jones. Wills, who had surgery on his knee in December, also c aused a distraction by claiming he mad e a “business decision” to sit out a game because he was hurt and didn't think he could help the team. The Browns didn't give Wills a contract extension before this season, a sign they were likely moving on without him. Wills started 57 games in five seasons with Cleveland, which selected the former Alabama standout with the No. 10 overall pick in 2020. Wills has had flashes of being a productive player, but there have long been questions about his desire to play. Hurst got injured in Monday night's loss in Denver. He made two starts and appeared in eight games. ___ NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Tom Withers, The Associated PressBest THC Carts: Top Picks for Seasoned VapersCLEVELAND (AP) — An injury-riddled season for Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is over. His days with Cleveland may have ended as well. Wills was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a lingering right knee injury that could lead to him undergoing another surgery. A first-round draft pick in 2020, Wills, who has been inconsistent when healthy, is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. The Browns (3-9) have just five games left, starting w (9-3) on Sunday. Wills is required to spend at least four games on IR, so it’s safe to assume he won’t play again in 2024. As for where he’ll be next season, that’s anyone’s guess. Before bussing to Pittsburgh, the Browns also placed defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II (ankle) on IR and signed wide receivers Michael Woods II and Kadarius Toney to the active roster from the practice squad. Wills was benched earlier this season in favor of second-year tackle Dawand Jones. Wills, who had surgery on his knee in December, also c e a “business decision” to sit out a game because he was hurt and didn’t think he could help the team. The Browns didn’t give Wills a contract extension before this season, a sign they were likely moving on without him. Wills started 57 games in five seasons with Cleveland, which selected the former Alabama standout with the No. 10 overall pick in 2020. Wills has had flashes of being a productive player, but there have long been questions about his desire to play. Hurst got injured in Monday night’s loss in Denver. He made two starts and appeared in eight games. ___ NFL:
Although Queens (Reinas) is Switzerland’s entry for the International Feature Oscar this year, the movie is actually set in Peru and told in Spanish. Director and co-writer Klaudia Reynicke , who left her native Peru at the age of 10, says the film helped her reconnect with her roots after spending most of her life in Europe and the U.S. “I didn’t think it in a conscious way, but I had a need of going back to Peru and shooting something in Spanish,” she said during a panel at Deadline’s Contenders Film: International awards-season showcase. “Now that I have done it,” Reynicke added, “I can see that it was actually very important this reconnection, something has changed. I guess cinema allows this, right?” While Queens is not Reynicke’s own personal story, “it’s definitely very, very connected to it,” she said. The touching family drama — which also has comedic elements — is set in 1992 Peru as the country undergoes social and political upheaval. Single mother Elena is making plans to leave the country with her daughters Lucía and Aurora, but needs their predominantly absent father, Carlos, to sign papers to allow the daughters to cross a border. The girls, whom the well-intentioned but hapless Carlos calls “queens,” are at first skeptical of him. But they eventually warm to their father as the impending farewell from home and family draws ever nearer. RELATED: Contenders International — Deadline’s Complete Coverage This is Reynicke’s third feature, and premiered at Sundance before going on to win the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature in the Generation Kplus strand of Berlin. In Locarno, it won the Audience Award and took Best Screenplay at the Festival de Lima in Peru. Gonzalo Molina , who plays Carlos, describes the character as “a broken man” who thinks the only way to be forgiven “by these two lovely kids is calling them queens ... Carlos thinks that they are better in many ways than him.” He also “doesn’t know how to repair the damage, but he tries to make things a little better.” RELATED: Best International Feature Film Oscar Winners Through The Years: Photo Gallery Luana Vega , who plays Aurora, says she had to “search for these feelings” when playing “the resentment Aurora has ... Aurora has lived more of this not-present father and Lucía hasn’t, so I think that’s why she tries to take advantage of him.” And yet, the family does come together before parting ways, with Reynicke framing them as a unit. “When you feel that this group of people is becoming a family finally, and the camera embraces them, that’s when you know there is going to be a big separation,” she said. “But to me it’s not really a bad ending, it’s actually life. The family has gained in love and has gained in solidity.” Check back Monday for the panel video.
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Spencer Knight made 20 saves, Mackie Samoskevich scored with less than a second left in the second period, and the Florida Panthers got four goals in the third to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-0 on Saturday and complete a two-day sweep. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues and Adam Boqvist also scored for Florida, which won 6-3 at Carolina on Friday. The Panthers have won three straight — that streak following a stretch of six losses in seven games for the Stanley Cup champions. It was Knight's fourth career shutout, his first since Nov. 9, 2022 — also at home against Carolina. Spencer Martin made 23 saves on 28 shots for the Hurricanes, who have dropped four of their last six games (2-3-1). It was Martin's fourth consecutive start for Carolina. Hurricanes: This was the first time all season that the Hurricanes failed to get a point in the game immediately following a loss. Carolina was 4-0-1 after a defeat entering Saturday. Panthers: A big day for Samoskevich — his alma mater on Saturday, that game ending just before the Florida-Carolina game started. The Panthers are 5-0-0 when he scores this season. Sam Reinhart had each of the four most recent Florida goals at 19:59, before Samoskevich got his Saturday. The Panthers scored two goals 11 seconds apart in the third to make it 5-0, and Yaniv Perets replaced Martin in the Hurricanes' net with 8:12 remaining. It was the second NHL appearance for Perets, who came on once in relief for Carolina last season. Ekblad's goal was his first in a span of 1,045 regular-season shifts since Feb. 20. Carolina starts a two-game homestand Tuesday against Seattle. Florida goes to Pittsburgh to start a two-game trip on Tuesday. AP NHL:Wall Street mostly upbeat on GM's decision to pull the plug on Cruise
( MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare and General Supervisor of the Comprehensive health Insurance Project, Ahmed El-Sobky, met with Ronald Lavatar, CEO of the International Hospital Federation. The Authority held its fifth annual forum under the slogan“Towards Globalization in Providing Healthcare Services” to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the official launch of the comprehensive health insurance system. El-Sobky discussed with Lavatar ways to enhance cooperation to support the development of healthcare systems in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region, in line with the directions of the political leadership in Egypt. Lavatar also handed El-Sobky the Gold Award Certificate in Health Sustainability, Awareness, and Social Responsibility after the Authority won it in appreciation of its distinguished efforts in the fields of sustainability and healthcare. Preparations for the upcoming meetings of the International Hospital Federation, scheduled in India at the end of February 2025, were also a topic of discussion between the two sides. Dr. El-Sobky expressed his aspiration to host the 49th International Hospital Federation Forum in Egypt in 2026, stressing that Egypt has become a leading destination in the fields of healthcare at the regional and global levels. In the context of future cooperation, El-Sobky stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation with the Federation to continue developing treatment services, transferring advanced expertise, and employing modern technology and artificial intelligence to achieve the best global practices. He also mentioned enhancing cooperation with the Federation and the Geneva Center for Sustainability in Switzerland to support sustainability initiatives in healthcare and enhance innovation. He emphasized the Authority's keenness to partner with global health institutions to develop the health system. For his part, Ronald Lavatar expressed his happiness to participate in the Authority's fifth annual forum, stressing his aspiration for many visits to Egypt and the Authority's health facilities in the coming periods to deepen joint cooperation. Lavatar commended the swift progress in Egypt's healthcare sector, emphasizing that the General Authority for Healthcare has established a benchmark for managing and operating health facilities in accordance with the most stringent international standards. MENAFN30112024000153011029ID1108942206 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.Knight stops 20 shots, Florida rolls past Carolina 6-0 for 2nd win over 'Canes in as many days
BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of and , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels’ moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria’s border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad’s status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. The insurgents’ march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists.” The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar’s top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.President-elect Donald Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration next month, according to a report. The invitation came in early November after Trump’s election victory, CBS News reported Thursday. The revelation comes a month after Trump promised to impose hefty tariffs on China. Transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the Chinese leader had been invited during an appearance on Fox & Friends Thursday morning. This invitation was an example of Trump “creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors too,” she said. When asked if he had accepted or declined the invitation, Leavitt said: “To be determined.” She didn’t name other world leaders who were invited or planned to attend. But, she added: “Foreign leaders are lining up to talk to Donald Trump right now.” Trump recently spoke with Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago , had a “great call” with the president of Mexico , and got the “full presidential celebration” when visiting France for the reopening Notre Dame in Paris , and met with Italy’s prime minister, she said. Last month Trump threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on imported goods from Mexico and Canada as well as an additional 10 percent tariffs on goods from China. These three countries represent the U.S.’s top trading partners. “Drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico, at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last month. “Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America.” In response, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in the U.S. wrote on X: “China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature. No one will win a trade war or a tariff war.” In the aftermath of Trump’s election victory, some experts have been warning about how tariffs could impact consumers and could lead to inflation. Over the summer, a group of Nobel prize winners wrote a letter warning about Trump’s economic plans, saying his policies could have a “ destabilizing effect .” An analysis into how Trump’s proposed tariffs could impact US consumers and businesses, conducted by the think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics, concluded: “The only certainty is that new tariffs will be costly for the United States.” The president-elect said Sunday on NBC News that he can’t promise that tariffs won’t hurt Americans’ wallets. “I can’t guarantee anything,” Trump said. “I can’t guarantee tomorrow.” He added that he doesn’t “believe” experts’ warnings about the risk of tariffs and instead insisted that they will “make us rich.”
Ransomware attack on software supplier disrupts operations for Starbucks and other retailersIn their fifth Europa League match of 2024-25, Portuguese side Braga will host Bundesliga team Hoffenheim at Estadio Municipal de Braga on Thursday. The Portuguese side are 26th in the Europa League table with four points and drew 1-1 with Elfsborg on November 7, while their opponents drew 2-2 with Lyon on the same date and are 19th with five points. © Imago Braga were dominant in the first half against Elfsborg considering they accumulated 66% possession and created two big chances in the opening 45 minutes, but though they eventually took the lead 67th minute, Elfsborg managed to net an equaliser in the 84th minute. While boss Carlos Carvalhal will be disappointed by the draw, he will at least take comfort from the fact his team are only behind 24th-placed Elfsborg, who occupy the final round of 16 playoff spot, due to goal difference. Carvalhal's side are currently fifth in the Primeira Liga with 20 points from 11 games, and their record of 19 goals scored and 11 conceded makes them the division's fourth best offensive and joint fifth best defensive club. The Archbishops have won one, drawn one and lost one of their three most recent matches, and have failed to achieve victory in any of their past three outings in the Europa League. Braga's home record has been strong in recent weeks, with the Portuguese side having triumphed in six of their last nine fixtures at Estadio Municipal de Braga. © Imago Opponents Hoffenheim come into the clash off the back of a thrilling 4-3 win against RB Leipzig on November 23, a match in which they trailed 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1 but scored a winner in the 87th minute. The result will have been particularly welcomed by manager Christian Ilzer given his team's game against Die Roten Bullen was his first in charge of the club. Die Kraichgauer are 13th in the Bundesliga with 12 points after 11 matchweeks, and the victory against third-placed Leipzig was just their third in the top flight. Hoffenheim are unbeaten in their last three games having drawn two and won one, and have achieved victory in one, drawn two and been defeated in one of their past four Europa League fixtures. Ilzer will have to hope he can turn around his team's fortunes on the road considering they are winless in their last seven outings away from home, drawing four and losing three. In fact, Hoffenheim have lost 12, drawn six and won just three of their past 21 away fixtures. © Imago Braga's only confirmed injury absentee is midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar, who will not make an appearance until early next month, so perhaps Carvalhal will select a double pivot consisting of Vitor Carvalho and Joao Moutinho . In defence, Braga are almost certain to persist with a back three, and centre-backs Joao Ferreira , Paulo Oliveira and Bright Arrey-Mbi are candidates to start. As for Hoffenheim, they will be without a number of players including defenders Christopher Lenz , Florian Grillitsch and Ozan Kabak . In their absence, expect Pavel Kaderabek , Arthur Chaves , Stanley N'Soki and Alexander Prass to be chosen to protect goalkeeper Oliver Baumann . Midfielders Grischa Promel and Finn Becker will also miss out, and this could mean Anton Stach and Tom Bischof partner each other again in the centre of the pitch, just as they did against Leipzig. Adam Hlozek , Andrej Kramaric , Mergim Berisha and Haris Tabakovic may start in attack considering forwards Ihlas Bebou , Marius Bulter and Max Moerstedt are not scheduled to return until later in December. Braga possible starting lineup: Hornicek; Ferreira, Oliveira, Arrey-Mbi; Fernandes, Carvalho, Moutinho, Martinez; Horta, Gharbi, Fernandez Hoffenheim possible starting lineup: Baumann; Kaderabek, Chaves, N'Soki, Prass; Stach, Bischof; Hlozek, Kramaric, Berisha; Tabakovic Given Braga have been strong at home, it is difficult to see them succumbing to defeat on Thursday, and the hosts will feel they can target the visitors' vulnerable defence. However, Hoffenheim will be full of confidence following their win last time out and it would not be surprising if they managed to earn a point. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .
Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate
BEIRUT: Syria’s embattled government said Saturday it was setting up a ring of steel around Damascus, state media reported, as rebels on a lightning advance said they were bearing down on the city. Syria’s presidency also denied reports that President Bashar Al-Assad had left Damascus, saying he was “following up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital”. “There is a very strong security and military cordon on the far edges of Damascus and its countryside, and no one... can penetrate this defensive line that we, the armed forces, are building,” Interior Minister Mohammed Al-Rahmoun told state television from the capital. Earlier, Assad’s government denied that the army had withdrawn from areas around Damascus. “Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital,” said rebel commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive. The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group which has headed the assault, told fighters to prepare to take the seat of Assad’s government, just over a week into a renewed offensive in the long-dormant conflict. “Damascus awaits you,” said HTS’ Ahmed Al-Sharaa in a statement on Telegram, using his real name instead of his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed Al-Jolani. Syria’s defense ministry said army forces were “present in all areas of the Damascus countryside”. “There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces... have withdrawn” from positions near Damascus, it said. In a Damascus suburb on Saturday, witnesses said protesters toppled a statue of the late president Hafez Al-Assad, who handed Syria’s rule to his son. Similar scenes were witnessed in images shared by local media in the southern city of Daraa and in online footage verified by AFP from Hama, north of the capital. In Hama, an AFP photographer saw residents set fire to a giant poster of President Assad on the facade of city hall. “The rebels entered Hama, it was a great joy for us — something we had been waiting for since 2011,” said resident Maymouna Jawad, of the year Assad’s crackdown on democracy protests escalated into civil war. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government backs armed groups in north Syria and has sent ground forces across the border numerous times since 2016, said on Saturday that Syria “is tired of war, blood and tears”. “Our wish is for our neighbor, Syria, to find the peace and tranquility it has been dreaming of for 13 years.” US President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States should “not get involved” in the situation in Syria where fast-moving rebel forces say they have begun to encircle the capital Damascus. “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Trump said in his post that Russia, “with the loss there of over 600,000 soldiers, seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria, a country they have protected for years”. “But now they are, like possibly Assad himself, being forced out, and it may actually be the best thing that can happen to them. There was never much of a benefit in Syria for Russia.” The HTS leader said in a CNN interview published on Friday that “the goal of the revolution remains the overthrow of this regime”. As government forces fall back in the face of the offensive gathering even more momentum, a war monitor and Abdel Ghani said rebels were within 20 kilometers of Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had ceded more key ground, losing control of all of southern Daraa province, cradle of the 2011 uprising. The army said it was “redeploying and repositioning” in Daraa and another southern province, Sweida. The Britain-based Observatory said troops were also evacuating posts in Quneitra, near the Zionist-annexed Golan Heights where the Zionist entity said it was boosting its troop presence. Jordan has urged its citizens to leave neighboring Syria “as soon as possible”, as have Assad ally Russia and the United States, which both keep troops in Syria. After the HTS-led rebels seized Aleppo and Hama earlier in their offensive since Nov 27, Daraa was taken by local armed groups, the Observatory said. An AFP correspondent in Daraa saw local fighters guarding public property and civil institutions on Saturday. In Sweida city, a local fighter told AFP that after government forces had withdrawn “from their positions and headquarters, we are now securing and protecting vital facilities”. “We must remain vigilant to avoid descending into chaos, as chaos will harm everyone.” In the central Homs area, a key stepping stone to Damascus, the Observatory said government forces had brought “large reinforcements” and stopped the rebel advance. By Friday, the government was also pulling troops out of Deir Ezzor in the east, with Kurdish-led forces saying they had moved in. An Iraqi security source told AFP that Baghdad has allowed in hundreds of Syrian soldiers who “fled the front lines” and entered through the Al-Qaim border crossing, the Syrian side of which is in Deir Ezzor province. A second source put the figure at 2,000 troops, including officers. HTS is rooted in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda. Proscribed as a terrorist organization by Western governments, it has sought to soften its image in recent years. As the Islamist rebels seize more territory, they have sought to reassure minority groups living in areas now under their control. “We ask that all sects be reassured... for the era of sectarianism and tyranny has gone away forever,” said Abdel Ghani. Since the offensive began last week, at least 826 people, mostly combatants but also including 111 civilians, have been killed, according to the Observatory. The United Nations said the violence has displaced 370,000 people. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a “political solution to the conflict”, his spokesperson said Friday, in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Fidan his Iranian and Russian counterparts discussed Syria in Qatar on Saturday. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the parties agreed on the initiation of “political dialogue between the Syrian government and the legitimate opposition groups”. Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov said it was “inadmissible” to allow a “terrorist group to take control” of Syrian territory. Moscow and Tehran have supported Assad’s government and army during the war, as has Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. A source close to the group said Hezbollah had sent 2,000 fighters into Syria, to an area near the Lebanese border, “to defend its positions”. – Agencies
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PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped and rebuilt Notre Dame Cathedral. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” Macron said at the reopening ceremony. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” to Parisians, France and the world. Macron spoke in front of 1,500 guests invited to celebrate the restoration of Paris’ 12th-century cathedral which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2019. They included world leaders like President-elect Donald Trump , U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, resounded for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Macron's political woes The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to embattled Macron, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. The French president, who has called Notre Dame's reopening “a jolt of hope,” will address the gathering. He had hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership. Macron's presidency now faces its gravest crisis after the government's collapse this week in a historic no-confidence vote that toppled Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The vote followed months of political gridlock after snap elections in June. Calls are now growing louder from opposition forces for Macron to resign. But he vowed Thursday to remain in office until the end of his term in 2027, and said he'll name a new prime minister within days. As France struggles with economic woes and social unrest, Notre Dame's rebirth celebrations form a stark contrast. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. ___ Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Thomas Adamson And John Leicester, The Associated PressPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nick Dorn's 21 points helped Elon defeat Navy 69-63 on Saturday night. Dorn shot 6 of 15 from the field, including 6 for 13 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 4 from the line for the Phoenix (4-3). TK Simpkins scored 20 points while shooting 6 for 14 (4 for 7 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line and added six rebounds. TJ Simpkins had 15 points and shot 4 of 11 from the field, including 0 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 7 for 10 from the line. The Midshipmen (3-5) were led by Austin Benigni, who recorded 18 points. Sam Krist added 12 points and two steals for Navy. Cam Cole also recorded 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
During a recent appearance on The View, former US President Bill Clinton actually discussed the possibility of US President Joe Biden preemptively pardoning his wife named Hillary Clinton amidst threats of further investigations from US President- elect Donald Trump ally Kash Patel , reported Daily Beast. According to Daily Beast, Bill Clinton eventually emphasized on the fact that Hillary Clinton did nothing wrong at all regarding the email controversy while noting that the State Department of Donald Trump actually found no evidence of her sending classified emails from her personal device. He also expressed his severe skepticism about the need for a pardon while suggesting that any accusations made by Kash Patel would likely be fabricated. Also Read: This is why Olivia Wilde received death threats while portraying a character in medical drama series ‘House’ While he was open to discussing the matter with US President Joe Biden, at the same time, Bill Clinton stated that he would prefer not to give any sort of public advice on the use of pardon power while calling it a personal decision, asserted Daily Beast. 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This conversation comes at a time when political tensions are actually high specifically with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to office in the month of January and thus the implications of such a pardon could eventually hugely influence public perception and the political landscape as investigations loom. Also Read : As the Eras tour ended, here's what Taylor Swift has lined up next FAQs: What was the recent discussion done by Bill Clinton in an appearance on The View? During a recent appearance on The View, former US President Bill Clinton actually discussed the possibility of US President Joe Biden preemptively pardoning his wife named Hillary Clinton amidst threats of further investigations from US President- elect Donald Trump ally Kash Patel. What did Bill Clinton put an emphasis on while talking about pardoning Hillary Clinton by US President Joe Biden? Bill Clinton eventually emphasized on the fact that Hillary Clinton did nothing wrong at all regarding the email controversy while noting that the State Department of Donald Trump actually found no evidence of her sending classified emails from her personal device. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )