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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Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs.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Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it.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 Aleppo and Hama , 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 advances in the past week 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 Hayat Tahrir al-Sham 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. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . 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 Trump on Saturday posted 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. 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, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani 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 central city of Hama , 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. 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.
How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 11/27/2024NASA says ‘High risk’ Goddard project had unrealistic launch scheduleWe are well-positioned to grow via key market opportunities at the forefront of global healthcare, including the incoming U.S. administration's aim to "Make America Healthy Again" by tackling chronic disease. Commercial and Community Care-Delivery: Continued expansion with market-leading employer, provider and payvider innovation partners Growth of GLP-1s: Engagement expertise provides unique ability to facilitate sustainable health outcomes and demonstrable ROI to GLP-1 sponsors Rise of Health AI: Unique data sets and capabilities will enrich and accelerate progress of next-gen clinical discovery platforms TORONTO , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Newtopia Inc. (" Newtopia " or the " Company ") NEWU NEWUF , a tech-enabled whole health platform creating sustainable habits that prevent, slow and reverse chronic disease, today announced its third quarter 2024 financial results, operational highlights and filing of its financial statements. These results pertain to the three months ended September 30, 2024 . All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights: Revenue of $1.0 million Opex reduction of 16% New partnership with US supplemental payvider positions Newtopia for profitability in 2025 "As we have for eleven years, Newtopia continues to prove our unique ability to produce industry-leading patient engagement and to cultivate healthy habits that can prevent, slow and reverse chronic metabolic disease", said Jeff Ruby , Newtopia Founder and CEO. "Most recently, we reported nine-month outcomes from our ongoing trial with Arkansas -based Heartland Whole Health Institute, in which we delivered Newtopia's best-ever engagement rates and weight loss outcomes in both provider and employer environments." "This quarter we also further strengthened our underlying operations, and evolved our offerings to respond to emerging industry opportunities and value-based needs, including the incoming US administration's desire to 'Make America Healthy Again' by tackling chronic disease – something we do better than anyone else in the market", continued Ruby. "Building on the strength of this progress we continue to pursue three significant opportunities to accelerate Newtopia growth in the final quarter of the year and into 2025: (1) expanding our key innovation partnerships with providers, employers and provincial payers, including a new relationship with a US Supplemental Payvider covering millions of employee lives; (2) combining Newtopia's proven habit change platform with GLP-1 drugs for obesity and type 2 diabetes; and (3) partnering with health AI and clinical discovery innovators to improve our collective ability to deliver best in breed outcomes that prevent, reverse and slow chronic disease", Ruby concluded. Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $1.0 million compared to $2.4 million in the prior-year period. This decrease is driven by the loss of a client effective June 2024 , in addition to a structural incentive change with an existing client which the Company is actively working to offset. Gross profit for the third quarter was $0.3 million , or 34% of revenue. Gross profit consists of revenue less direct expenses, including the cost of Welcome Kits and labor costs associated with the Company's frontline health coaching team. Adjusted operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024 , totaled $1.3 million , compared to $1.6 million in the prior-year period. The Company posted an adjusted operating loss of $987 thousand , compared to a gain of $21 thousand in the prior-year period. Given the new partnership with a US payvider, Newtopia anticipates returning to profitable growth in the near future. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call November 27 at 5 p.m. eastern time to discuss the third quarter 2024 results in further detail. To access the conference call, please dial (800) 717-1738 (U.S.) or (646) 307-1865 (International) 10 minutes prior to the start time and reference Conference ID number 15026. The call will also be available via live webcast on the investor relations portion of the Company's website located at investor.newtopia.com . A replay of the conference call will be available through December 18, 2024 , which can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 (U.S.) or (412) 317-6671 (International) and entering the passcode 11157569. The webcast will also be archived on the Company's website. About Newtopia Newtopia is a personalized whole health platform helping people create positive lifelong habits that prevent, slow, or reverse chronic disease while reducing healthcare costs. The platform leverages genetic, social and behavioral insights to create individualized prevention programs with a focus on metabolic disease, diabetes, mental health challenges, hypertension, weight management and musculoskeletal disorders. With a person-centered approach that combines virtual care, digital tools, connected devices and actionable data science, Newtopia delivers sustainable clinical and financial outcomes. Newtopia serves some of the largest nationwide employers and health plans and is currently listed in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange NEWU and is quoted in the US on the OTCQB ® Venture Market NEWUF . To learn more, visit newtopia.com , LinkedIn or X . Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, and forward looking statements, within the meaning of applicable United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflects management's expectations regarding Newtopia's future growth, results from operations (including, without limitation, future production and capital expenditures), performance (both operational and financial) and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "predicts", "projects", "targets", "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipate" or "does not anticipate", "believe", "intend" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward- looking information. Such statements reflect Newtopia's current views and intentions with respect to future events, based on information available to Newtopia, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. While forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and analyses that Newtopia believes are reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee and are based on a number of estimates and assumptions management believes to be relevant and reasonable, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet Newtopia's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of Newtopia to differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the "risk factors" that could cause actual results to differ materially from Newtopia's forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation: the termination of contracts by clients, risks related to COVID-19 including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters- in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and other general economic, market and business conditions and factors, including the risk factors discussed or referred to in Newtopia's disclosure documents, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca including Newtopia's final long form prospectus dated March 30, 2020 . For more information on these risks please see the "Risk Factors" in Newtopia's final long-form prospectus dated March 30, 2020 . Should any factor affect Newtopia in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Newtopia does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release, and Newtopia undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Key Financial Measures and Schedule of Non-GAAP Reconciliations Unaudited Gross Profit Information- including amortization Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Revenue 986,116 2,434,606 4,369,086 7,440,297 Cost of revenue (651,969) (1,040,988) (2,359,758) (3,501,663) Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 2,009,328 3,938,634 Gross profit margin 34 % 57 % 46 % 53 % Reconciliation of Total Operating Expenses to Adjusted Operating Expenses Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Total expenses 1,978,493 2,164,039 6,038,822 7,313,195 Add (Subtract) Share-based compensation (54,851) (158,584) (195,941) (466,887) Depreciation of property and equipment (483) (1,386) (1,953) (4,965) Debenture interest and accretion expense (300,997) (246,556) (844,321) (593,979) Interest on promissory note (2,000) - (2,000) - Interest on lease obligations - (5,221) - (26,784) Finance charges (256,482) (145,024) (496,171) (376,990) Amortization of deferred finance charges (44,984) (39,710) (130,884) (107,500) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 2,094 17,302 32,843 (36,791) (Loss) Gain on settlement of related party payable - 3,111 (9,797) 10,314 Adjusted operating expenses 1,320,790 1,579,015 4,390,598 5,700,657 Unaudited Adjusted Operating Loss Three Months Ended Sep 30, Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 $ $ $ $ Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 2,009,328 3,938,634 Add back amortization of intangible asset - 206,509 - 619,537 Adjusted gross profit 334,147 1,600,127 2,009,328 4,558,171 Adjusted operating expenses (1,320,790) (1,579,015) (4,390,598) (5,700,657) Adjusted operating loss (986,643) 21,112 (2,381,270) (1,142,486) Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) September 30, December 31, 2024 2023 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash 10,200 387,339 Trade and other receivables 381,061 1,400,959 Contract assets - 259,072 Prepaid expenses and deposits 137,226 101,043 Inventories 91,654 115,232 Deferred costs 41,979 64,583 662,120 2,328,228 Property and equipment 2,712 4,665 664,832 2,332,893 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables 2,415,716 1,825,356 Credit facility 4,865,674 4,767,006 Promissory note 200,000 - Contract Liability 48,746 - Deferred revenue - 48,185 Debentures 5,735,672 3,723,530 13,265,808 10,364,077 Debentures - 1,387,476 13,265,808 11,751,553 Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) Common shares 49,754,858 49,404,596 Contributed surplus 14,648,104 14,151,188 Deficit (77,003,938) (72,974,444) (12,600,976) (9,418,660) 664,832 2,332,893 Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2024 2023 $ $ Revenue 986,116 2,434,606 Cost revenue 651,969 1,040,988 Gross profit 334,147 1,393,618 Operating expenses Technology and development 366,732 446,504 Sales and marketing 163,261 317,544 General and administrative 790,797 814,967 Share-based compensation 54,851 158,584 Depreciation of property and equipment 483 1,386 1,376,124 1,738,985 Other expenses (income) Interest on lease obligations - 5,221 Debenture interest and accretion expense 300,997 246,556 Interest on promissory note 2,000 - Finance charges 256,482 145,024 Foreign exchange (gain) loss (2,094) (17,302) (Gain) Loss on settlement of related party payable - (3,111) Amortization of deferred finance charges 44,984 39,710 602,369 425,054 Net loss and comprehensive loss (1,644,346) (770,421) Loss per share Basic and diluted loss per share (0.01) (0.01) Weighted average number of shares outstanding Basic and diluted 173,265,303 153,829,313 Newtopia Inc. Condensed Interim Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 (Expressed in Canadian Dollars) 2024 2023 $ $ Cash flows used in operating activities Net loss and comprehensive loss (4,029,494) (3,374,561) Items not involving cash Depreciation of property and equipment 1,953 4,965 Amortization of intangible asset - 619,537 Amortization of deferred finance charge 130,884 107,500 Debenture interest and accretion expense 624,661 353,530 Interest on promissory note 2,000 - Interest on lease obligations - 26,784 Debt modification - 8,956 Credit facility interest 130,466 - Share-based compensation 195,941 466,887 (Gain) Loss on settlement of related party payable 9,797 (10,314) (2,933,792) (1,796,716) Change in non-cash working capital Trade and other receivables 1,019,898 (216,987) Prepaid expenses and deposits (36,183) (33,712) Inventories 23,578 208,151 Trade and other payables 442,895 (502,016) Deferred revenue (48,185) - Contract asset/liability 307,818 174,670 (1,223,971) (2,166,610) Cash flows used in investing activities Purchase of property and equipment - (2,548) - (2,548) Cash flows from financing activities Credit facility withdrawals (3,726,407) 4,706,984 Credit facility repayments 3,825,080 (5,167,679) Credit facility financing costs (93,280) (117,260) Promissory note 200,000 - Repayment of lease obligation - (464,998) Proceeds from private placement issuance of Units, net of costs 641,440 1,467,295 Proceeds from issuance of debenture units, net of costs - 1,746,201 Repayment of debentures - (30,000) proceeds from exercise of warrants - 258,299 846,833 2,398,842 (Decrease) Increase in cash (377,139) 229,684 Cash, beginning of period 387,339 345,950 Cash, end of period 10,200 575,634 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newtopia-reports-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-302317816.html SOURCE Newtopia Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Getting blown out at Green Bay following another squandered late lead the previous week against Seattle has quickly turned the San Francisco 49ers from a Super Bowl contender into a team just fighting to get back to the playoffs. If San Francisco doesn't get healthy and eliminate the errors that led to Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Packers, the focus will turn from playoff permutations to what offseason changes are necessary. “I think everyone understands completely outside and inside what the situation is,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. “That’s why the Seattle game was so tough of a loss and that’s why last night was even worse. We know what we got ahead of us. We know exactly what the playoff situation is. That is what it is. But really, all that matters is this week when you do need to go on a run and put a lot of wins to even think of that.” The task doesn't get any easier as the Niners (5-6) get set to play at Buffalo on Sunday night. The 49ers are hoping to get injured stars Brock Purdy , Nick Bosa and Trent Williams back for that game, but their presence alone won't fix everything that went wrong on Sunday . The defense got repeatedly gashed early and put San Francisco in a 17-0 hole before the offense even generated a first down. The running game never got going as Christian McCaffrey has looked nothing like the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year in his three games back from Achilles tendinitis. And whenever the Niners appeared to do something right, a penalty came back to haunt them. It added up to the most lopsided loss for San Francisco since the 2018 season, before Shanahan had turned the Niners into perennial contenders. “It’s probably one of the worst ones I’ve been a part of,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “It is embarrassing. You’ve got to take it on the chin, take it like a man and move on.” Despite the doom and gloom, the 49ers are only one game behind Seattle and Arizona in the NFC West standings with six games to go. But San Francisco already has three division losses and a difficult schedule featuring games against the Bills this week and Detroit in Week 17. “My optimism is not broken by any means,” tight end George Kittle said. “We still have a lot of very talented players. We will get some guys back and I still have full trust in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to make plays. I have no worry about that. But definitely an uphill grind. We'll see what we’re made of, which I’m looking forward to.” Red-zone passes to Kittle. Backup QB Brandon Allen connected on a 3-yard TD pass to Kittle late in the second quarter for San Francisco's only TD. Kittle leads the NFL with eight touchdown catches in the red zone, which is tied with Vernon Davis (2013) for the most in a season for a Niners player since 2000. Kittle was the only consistent part of the San Francisco offense with six catches for 82 yards. Avoiding penalties. San Francisco had nine penalties for 77 yards and they were costly and sloppy. The Niners had 12 men on the field on defense on back-to-back plays, three false starts, a pass interference in the end zone and three penalties on special teams, including a holding on Eric Saubert that negated an 87-yard kickoff return by Deebo Samuel to open the second half. Rookie Dominick Puni had three penalties after being penalized just once in the first 10 games. DE Leonard Floyd. There were few positive performances on defense, but Floyd had both of the team's sacks. Run defense. San Francisco allowed 169 yards rushing, including 87 in the first quarter for the team's second-worst performance in the opening quarter since 1991. The Niners missed 19 tackles, according to Pro Football Focus, as Josh Jacobs gained 83 of his 106 yards rushing after contact. Purdy took part in a light throwing session without pain on Monday and Shanahan is hopeful he can return to practice Wednesday after missing the Green Bay game with a shoulder injury. ... Bosa (hip, oblique) and Williams (ankle) also could return this week after sitting out Sunday. ... LG Aaron Banks, DT Jordan Elliott and WR Jacob Cowing all in the concussion protocol. ... RG Dominick Puni (shoulder) and CB Deommodore Lenoir (knee) underwent MRIs on Monday and the team is waiting for results. ... CB Renardo Green (neck) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) are day to day. 11 — The Niners generated only 11 first downs, tied for the fewest in any game in eight seasons under Shanahan. They also had 11 in the 2022 NFC title game loss at Philadelphia when Purdy hurt his elbow and in Week 2 against Seattle in Shanahan's first season in 2017. The 49ers visit Buffalo on Sunday night. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLBlack Friday is fast approaching, and shoppers are gearing up. The National Retail Federation expects more than 183 million people to shop over the weekend spanning Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday this year. But fraudsters are preparing for Black Friday too, looking for opportunities to steal your money or personal information. Before you dive into holiday shopping, learn how to spot common scams and protect yourself. Fraudsters commonly send phishing emails and text messages impersonating delivery services or popular retailers like Amazon. These messages, which typically claim there’s an issue with processing or delivering the order, may request payment information or include malicious links. A message might say something like, “Part of your address is missing. Please click on this link to complete the address,” says Raj Dasgupta, senior director of global advisory at BioCatch, a fraud prevention firm. If you get a similar message when you’re not expecting a package, that should raise doubts, Dasgupta says. But even if you have ordered something, don’t overlook warning signs. It's unusual for delivery services to hold up packages or seek payment, because shipping costs are almost always charged to the shipper, not the receiver, says Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at the nonprofit National Cybersecurity Alliance. Avoid clicking on links in texts or emails, and don’t share personal or payment details. To verify whether an order update is genuine, “go back to your original order on the site,” Steinhauer says. You can log in and check the order status and reach out to customer service directly if there's a problem, he says. When shopping online, carefully scrutinize sellers and products to avoid winding up with counterfeit items — or nothing at all. Sponsored ads on social media sites and search engines aren’t always vetted enough, Steinhauer says, which means you may come across scams. Fraudsters buy Google ads for popular search terms like “Black Friday deals” or desirable products, such as exercise equipment, Dasgupta says. When people click on these ads, they might land on a “sophisticated-looking fake website” that mimics a well-known site, such as Macy’s, or on a made-up company’s page, he says. Shoppers never receive the product they’re attempting to purchase, or they get an inferior product. Ignore “sponsored” links, and read URLs closely. There will usually be “something off,” Steinhauer says, such as a slight misspelling or dashes in the website name that aren’t normally there. “The best thing is to go to the legitimate website or app that you know is the right one, and just shop there,” he says. Watch for third-party seller scams on legitimate websites, too. Some companies, such as Walmart and Target, allow outside vendors to sell merchandise through their platforms — and the reliability can vary. Reading seller reviews before you buy can help you avoid bad actors. Be wary of sellers who ask for gift cards or peer-to-peer payments . If a service like Venmo or Cash App is the only payment method accepted, that’s an immediate red flag, Dasgupta says. And if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. A QR code, or quick response code, is a barcode that usually leads to a website when scanned with a smartphone camera. “Quishing” is when scammers create QR codes that link to fraudulent websites or install malware on devices. These codes may show up on parking meters, in mysterious packages delivered to your physical address or in your email inbox. For example, a scammer posing as your bank might email you a code and instruct you to update your login credentials. Email services often filter out known malicious links or domains and send them to your spam folder, Steinhauer says, but a QR code can get past these filters because it’s an image. Don't scan codes you receive unexpectedly, and closely inspect QR codes in public places for signs of tampering. Heed the advice above, and follow these additional steps to guard against fraudsters. More Black Friday content from NerdWallet Lauren Schwahn writes for NerdWallet. Email: lschwahn@nerdwallet.com . Twitter: @lauren_schwahn. The article Holiday Shoppers Beware: 3 Traps to Avoid as Scammers Prepare originally appeared on NerdWallet. Get local news delivered to your inbox!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 Aleppo and Hama , 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 advances in the past week 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 Hayat Tahrir al-Sham 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. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . 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 Trump on Saturday posted 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. 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, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani 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 central city of Hama , 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. 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.
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By Baba Martins Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended his Christmas felicitations to the Christian community. Atiku in his Christmas message signed by Mr Paul Ibe, his spokesman called for sacrifices, unity and Love among Nigerians. He also laid the blame of the prevailing hardship in the country on the lack of leadership. Atiku implored Nigerians to embrace a life of love and unity, drawing inspiration from the joyous spirit of the Christmas season. How to choose the right car insurance plan for your lifestyle and driving habits Soludo cancels monarch election in Anambra community He urged citizens to be guided by compassion and selflessness, encouraging them to cherish the significance of Christmas as a time for reflection and togetherness. Atiku reminded Nigerians, particularly Christians, “to express gratitude for the arrival of the Christmas season despite the many challenges and hardships confronting the nation.” “It is a blessing that we can once again celebrate the events leading to the birth of Christ, despite the adversity we face,” he stated. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last elections, however, accused the current political leaders of not making the necessary sacrifices for the nation’s collective good and condemned the lack of leadership, “which has resulted in widespread suffering and preventable deaths across the country.” Atiku appealed to Nigerians to remain united, embrace one another with love, and confront the root cause of their struggles – poor leadership. “With love and unity, there is no obstacle too great to overcome. Let us, therefore, come together to share love and joy with all people of goodwill,” he said. Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Atiku Christmas l Sacrifices UnityLewis scores 18 as Toledo knocks off Defiance 111-49
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NoneLuke Williams feels Swansea ‘lost grip’ on game despite sealing victory at Derby
How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 11/27/2024The Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock when Zan Vipotnik sent a bullet past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Ronald slotted home his first of the season in the 14th minute. Cyrus Christie brought Tom Barkhuizen down inside the box and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit in half and, despite piling on the pressure, Derby succumbed to a second home defeat of the season. Williams told a press conference: “We started the game very well, we were good up until we scored the second goal then we lost the grip on the game and I thought Derby were the better team. “The next thing for us we have to be able to maintain that level throughout the game and we weren’t able to do that to be quite honest today. “They made it difficult, reacted very well after the second goal and didn’t go under, far from it.” Swansea leapfrogged their opponents into the top half of the table with their sixth win of the season and took three points back to south Wales following two last-minute defeats by Burnley and Leeds heading into the match. Williams added: “We’ve recently conceded late goals but they’re a very resilient group and we saw it out in the end. “We’ve dominated games a lot but probably failed to score when we’ve been that dominant and tonight we managed to score the goals when we were dominant. “We scored the goals at the right time today.” Derby had been unbeaten in their last three matches coming into this one but Paul Warne put defeat down to a poor start. He said: “We conceded two and didn’t get close enough, weren’t aggressive enough, not enough body contact and looked soft, that’s my fault. “Maybe I didn’t message it properly. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to shape and tactics but I thought that was what the difference was. “Credit Swansea for the win but after the 25 mins it looked like we would score. I really enjoyed it, that’s the truth. I had 70 minutes of a team giving everything, I don’t think we’ve had that many attempts in the Championship this season. “It’s a rude awakening, last year we would’ve won that 4-2.”
After three years, is finally back. The South Korean thriller is returning this December with seven new episodes packed full of stressful, murderous children’s games that will make you question your own morality. Created, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, “Squid Game” first premiered in September of 2021. The dystopian thriller quickly became a hit, jumping to the top of Netflix’s internal charts to become its most-watched series of all time. The series was renewed in the summer of 2022 before it won six Primetime Emmys. Now it’s officially back with a whole new cast of characters and a slew of new challenges to give you nightmares. Wondering when you can watch new episodes? Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch “Squid Game” Season 2 on Netflix. This new installment of the South Korean thriller will premiere on Dec. 26, the day after Christmas. All episodes will be available that day. The second season of “Squid Game” will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 26 at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT. Altogether, there will be seven hourlong episodes in this new season. Previously, Season 1 had nine episodes. The third and final season of the series will premiere in 2025. It’s unknown how many episodes will be in this upcoming installment, but we know that Season 3 was filmed at the same time as Season 2. It’s expected that this upcoming season will pick up right after the events of the second season. The post appeared first on .