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NoneSyrian rebel groups said on Sunday that they have begun entering the capital, Damascus, without any sign of army deployments. "We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners, releasing their chains, and announcing the end of the era of injustice in Sednaya prison," they added. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad boarded a plane and left Damascus for an unknown destination on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters. All flights at Damascus International Airport have been suspended, and staff have been evacuated, AP reported. The rebel fighters announced they had gained full control of the key city of Homs early on Sunday. The leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said their control of Homs marked a "historic event that will distinguish between truth and falsehood." Homs lies about 140 kilometers north of the capital and is the third major city seized by the rebel groups, who began their advance on November 27, reigniting a years-long war that had become largely dormant. Existential threat to Assad government The fall of Homs and the threat to the capital pose an immediate existential danger to the Assad government. Special commentator Song Xiaojun told China Media Group that once Homs is captured, the key port cities on the Mediterranean coast, such as Latakia and Tartus, will be cut off from Damascus, preventing the Syrian government from receiving supplies from the coastal region. Noting that Latakia is the stronghold of Assad's Alawite sect in Syria and also the location of Assad's hometown, Song said that the loss of Homs will put enormous psychological pressure on the Syrian government. Homs' capture is also a powerful symbol of the rebel movement's dramatic comeback in the 13-year-old conflict. Swathes of Homs were destroyed by grueling siege warfare between the rebels and the army years ago. The fighting wore down the insurgents, who were ultimately forced out. The pace of events has stunned Arab capitals and raised fears of a new wave of regional instability. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Türkiye and Russia issued a joint statement calling the crisis a dangerous development and urging a political solution. The United Nations said the violence has displaced 370,000 people. UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for "urgent political talks" to implement a 2015 Security Council resolution that outlined a roadmap for a negotiated settlement. Allies' role in supporting Assad Assad has long relied on allies to subdue the rebels. Russian warplanes conducted bombing raids, while Iran sent allied forces, including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, to reinforce the Syrian military and storm insurgent strongholds. But Russia has been focused on its conflict with Ukraine since 2022, and Hezbollah has suffered significant losses in its own conflict with Israel, which has greatly limited its ability, or that of Iran, to bolster Assad. Now, with Homs captured by rebel groups, Russia's military presence in Syria has been significantly impacted, said Song, who explained that Russia's military forces in Syria are mainly concentrated in Latakia and Tartus, while Homs serves as an important passage to and from these two locations. Song added that Russia faces a difficult decision: If its ground forces are insufficient, the heavy equipment at these military bases may need to be withdrawn early to avoid heavy losses, such as bombing oil depots or damaging aircraft and ships. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. should "not get involved," after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Friday for a "political solution to the conflict" in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. After Fidan and his Iranian and Russian counterparts discussed Syria in Qatar on Saturday, Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, said they agreed on initiating political dialogue between the Syrian government and rebel groups. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it was "inadmissible" to allow a "terrorist group to take control" of Syrian territory. (With input from agencies)
Mutual of America Capital Management LLC cut its stake in Ryder System, Inc. ( NYSE:R – Free Report ) by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 23,394 shares of the transportation company’s stock after selling 1,701 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC’s holdings in Ryder System were worth $3,411,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of R. Natixis Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Ryder System by 15.2% in the 3rd quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 102,756 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $14,982,000 after buying an additional 13,586 shares during the last quarter. KBC Group NV boosted its stake in Ryder System by 21.9% in the 3rd quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 1,232 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $180,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in Ryder System during the 3rd quarter valued at about $396,000. Sigma Planning Corp bought a new stake in Ryder System during the 3rd quarter valued at about $208,000. Finally, Atria Investments Inc raised its holdings in Ryder System by 3.5% in the third quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 3,759 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $548,000 after buying an additional 126 shares during the last quarter. 87.47% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth R has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Ryder System from $148.00 to $144.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 25th. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on Ryder System from $140.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Ryder System from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $140.57. Ryder System Price Performance NYSE R opened at $165.72 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.50 and a beta of 1.28. Ryder System, Inc. has a 1-year low of $105.09 and a 1-year high of $170.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.17, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.74. The business’s fifty day moving average price is $150.57 and its 200-day moving average price is $136.42. Ryder System ( NYSE:R – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The transportation company reported $3.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.39 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $3.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.29 billion. Ryder System had a return on equity of 16.78% and a net margin of 3.83%. Ryder System’s revenue was up 8.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.58 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Ryder System, Inc. will post 12.01 earnings per share for the current year. Ryder System Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 20th. Investors of record on Monday, November 18th will be given a dividend of $0.81 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 18th. This represents a $3.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.96%. Ryder System’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.31%. Insider Buying and Selling at Ryder System In other news, insider Thomas M. Havens sold 4,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.44, for a total transaction of $629,760.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 20,504 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,228,149.76. The trade was a 16.32 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . 5.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Ryder System Profile ( Free Report ) Ryder System, Inc operates as a logistics and transportation company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), Supply Chain Solutions (SCS), and Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS). The FMS segment offers full-service leasing and leasing with flexible maintenance options; commercial vehicle rental services; and contract or transactional maintenance services of trucks, tractors, and trailers; access to diesel fuel; and fuel planning and tax reporting, cards, and monitoring services, and centralized billing, as well as sells used vehicles through its retail sales centers and www.ryder.com/used-trucks website, as well as digital and technology support services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding R? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ryder System, Inc. ( NYSE:R – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Ryder System Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ryder System and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .The best game in Australian football right now is played in New Zealand
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A Chinese film set during the Covid-19 pandemic won the top prizes in Taiwan's prestigious Golden Horse Awards, which saw the highest number of entries from China in recent years despite political tensions. Beijing banned its entertainers from joining Golden Horse -- dubbed the Chinese-language "Oscars" -- in 2019 after a Taiwanese director voiced support for the island's independence in an acceptance speech in 2018. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, which the Taipei government rejects, and Chinese A-listers and big commercial productions have largely avoided the event ever since. Despite the sensitivity of the awards, more than 200 Chinese films entered this year's competition, which Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said was the highest number in "recent years". Acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye was awarded best director late Saturday night for his docu-drama "An Unfinished Film", which was also named best picture. Lou was absent from the ceremony but his wife Ma Yingli read his acceptance speech, describing the film set during China's lockdown of Wuhan in the earliest stages of the pandemic as "the most special directing job I have ever done". Chinese actor Zhang Zhiyong, who also did not attend the awards, won best actor for his performance in Chinese director Geng Jun's same-sex drama "Bel Ami". Hong Kong's Chung Suet-ying was named best actress for her role in "The Way We Talk", which is about the deaf community. Neither "Bel Ami" nor "An Unfinished Film" has been released in China. Ahead of the awards, MAC spokesman Liang Wen-chieh told reporters that these films "may not be able to be screened in mainland China, but they still hope to have a free platform to participate and express themselves". "We welcome (them) very much," he said. After several years absence, Chinese stars began trickling back to the awards in Taipei last year, with actress Hu Ling the first to grace the red carpet since the ban. On Saturday, Geng Jun and some of his cast were among the few Chinese entertainers to join stars and filmmakers from around the region, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, on the red carpet. While Geng missed out on best director and best picture, his film "Bel Ami" won the awards for best cinematography and best film editing. Despite political tensions, Golden Horse remained a stage for independent Chinese films that have no distribution space on the mainland, Taiwanese film critic Wonder Weng told AFP. "This spirit remains unchanged. I think the Golden Horse Awards have always insisted on being the benchmark" that is open to all subjects, said Weng, who is a board member of Taiwan Film Critics Society. Weng said "An Unfinished Film" by Lou, who has previously taken on forbidden subjects such as gay sex and the 1989 Tiananmen protests, was "a work of conscience". Lou's latest offering is about a film crew trying to resume shooting a movie during the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan, as the city was placed in an unprecedented lockdown. "Lou put images that are banned or blocked into his work and reminds us that there is a director who is willing to preserve historical images for us to see... and let us know there is a different voice," Weng said. aw/amj/dhcCOPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. The stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn, the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack on a cold but sunny day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote on X. “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, Vonn wound up 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’"A recent report by Durham County Council revealed the housing register in County Durham has increased from 7,686 active applicants in 2020 to 10,999 in 2024 - a rise of approximately 30 per cent. Waiting times for social houses have also grown significantly with fewer lets available. The sudden rise is thought to be due to the cost-of-living crisis. As tenancies and communities have become more sustainable, the number of lets (or turnover of social housing) has significantly decreased in recent years, meaning longer waiting times for those on the register. Before Covid, the waiting list was even higher. The register had approximately 10,000 applicants in 2017 and as many as 17,500 in 2011; however, pre-Covid, there was a much higher number of lets and turnover of stock so waiting times for housing were shorter. Now, Durham County Council is proposing a comprehensive review of the process to ensure housing is allocated consistently and fairly to those in the greatest housing need. Currently, a choice-based allocations scheme allocates social housing to people on the housing register, as part of the Durham Key Options partnership. Councillor James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said it is time to review the policy. The Conservative member said: “A rising cost of living and a significant fall in the number of houses available to let has, unfortunately, led to more people waiting for housing. Since 2020, the number of people on the register has increased by around 30 per cent so it is vital that we review the policy to be able to provide the right support to those who need it. Recommended reading: Subscribe to The Northern Echo now. “We hope that by working together we can adapt the allocations policy to allow people to access the right type of social housing, and in the right place. This will help to not only meet their needs but also prevent the wider issue of homelessness.” Housing providers, professionals, key stakeholders and members of the public will be given an opportunity to take part in a consultation on the changes. They will be asked about: the criteria to access the housing register, better use of social housing stock, local lettings policies, the priority of homelessness cases, the priority of medical and domestic abuse cases, and monitoring and service standards. Council cabinet members are due to agree to the allocations policy review and approve a public consultation at a meeting next Wednesday (December 4).
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Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 ATLANTA (AP) — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent more than a year in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife Rosalynn then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said he died peacefully Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’ PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — The 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, James Earl Carter Jr., died Sunday at the age of 100. His life ended where it began, in Plains, Georgia. He left and returned to the tiny town many times as he climbed to the nation’s highest office and lost it after four tumultuous years. Carter spent the next 40 years setting new standards for what a former president can do. Carter wrote nearly a decade ago that he found all the phases of his life challenging but also successful and enjoyable. The Democrat's principled but pragmatic approach defied American political labels, especially the idea that one-term presidents are failures. The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is dead at age 100 Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. He left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Jimmy Carter: A brief bio Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at his home in Plains, Georgia. His death comes more than a year after the former president entered hospice care. He was 100 years old. Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. Officials said all but two of the 181 people on board were killed Sunday in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The 737-800 operated by Jeju Air plane arrived from Bangkok and crashed while attempting to land in the town of Muan, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding across the airstrip at high speed, evidently with its landing gear still closed. Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east HOUSTON (AP) — A strong storm system is threatening to whip up tornadoes in parts of the U.S. Southeast, a day after severe weather claimed at least two lives as twisters touched down in Texas and Mississippi. Strong storms moving eastward Sunday are expected to continue producing gusty, damaging winds, hail and tornadoes through Sunday. That is according to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira. So far, the line of severe weather has led to about 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, Pereira said, but those reports remain unconfirmed until surveys of damage are completed. Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday and that he was recovering. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading the new authority in Syria, made the remarks in an interview Sunday. That's according to the Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya. It comes almost a month after a lightning insurgency led by HTS overthrew President Bashar Assad’s decades-long rule, ending the country’s uprising-turned civil war that started back in 2011. A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives. The baby's father says the 20-day-old child was found with his head as “cold as ice” Sunday morning in their tent. The baby’s twin brother was moved to the intensive care unit of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Their father says the twins were born one month premature and spent just a day in hospital, which like other Gaza health centers has been overwhelmed and only partially functions. Musk causes uproar for backing Germany's far-right party ahead of key elections BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD.
Gaetz investigation divides Ethics Committee, shining light on reportSyria's former President Bashar al-Assad is in Moscow with his family after Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds, a Kremlin source told Russian news agencies, and a deal has been done to ensure the safety of Russian military bases. or signup to continue reading Russia's Foreign Ministry said earlier that Assad had left Syria and given orders for a peaceful transfer of power, after rebel fighters raced into Damascus unopposed on Sunday, ending nearly six decades of his family's iron-fisted rule. "Syrian President Assad of Syria and members of his family have arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds," the privately-owned Interfax news agency and state media quoted the unnamed Kremlin source as saying. Interfax cited the same Kremlin source as saying Russia favoured a political solution to the crisis in Syria, where Moscow supported Assad during the long civil war. The source said negotiations should be resumed under the auspices of the United Nations. Syrian opposition leaders had agreed to guarantee the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions in Syria, the source told news agencies. But some Russian war bloggers said the situation around the bases was extremely tense and the source did not say how long the security guarantee lasted. Moscow, a staunch backer of Assad whom it intervened to help in 2015 in its biggest Middle East foray since the Soviet collapse, is scrambling to salvage its position. Its geopolitical clout in the wider region and two strategically-important military bases in Syria are on the line. A deal to secure Russia's Hmeimim air base in Syria's Latakia province and its naval facility at Tartous on the coast would come as a relief to Moscow. The Tartous facility is Russia's only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, and Moscow has used Syria as a staging post to fly its military contractors in and out of Africa. Losing Tartous would be a serious blow to Russia's ability to project power in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa, say Western military analysts. Influential Russian war blogger "Rybar", who is close to the Russian Defence Ministry and has over 1.3 million followers on his Telegram channel, said the situation around the bases was a serious cause for concern whatever Moscow's official line. "Russia's military presence in the Middle East region hangs by a thread," Rybar said. "What anyone decided in high offices is absolutely irrelevant on the ground," he added, suggesting Russian forces at the bases had not taken the initiative to defend their positions in the absence of orders from Moscow. Russian warships had left Tartous and taken up position off the coast for security reasons, the Hmeimim airbase had effectively been cut off after rebels took control of a nearby town, Kurdish forces had started to block Russian facilities beyond the Euphrates, and Russian positions at an oil facility in Homs had been blocked, Rybar said. Earlier on Sunday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement the two military facilities had been put on a state of high alert, but played down any immediate risk. "There is currently no serious threat to their security," the ministry said as it announced Assad's departure from office and from Syria. The Foreign Ministry said Moscow was alarmed by events in Syria. "We urge all parties involved to refrain from the use of violence and to resolve all issues of governance through political means," it said. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement
Biggest illegal streamers of Premier League matches revealed – is your club among the worst offenders?
Georgia loses QB Carson Beck (arm) during SEC title gameTHE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) announced a total disbursement of P137.6 billion in benefit claims from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2024. This represents a 37.7 percent increase compared to the P99.9 billion disbursed during the same period last year, according to the media release it sent to SunStar Cebu on Friday, Nov. 22. The state health insurer credited this improvement to its accelerated claims processing, with an average turnaround time (TAT) of just 25 days, which is significantly faster than the 60 day limit prescribed under Republic Act (RA) 10606, or an Act Amending RA 7875, also known as the National Health Insurance Act of 1995. Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., Philhealth president and chief executive officer, emphasized the impact of the improved payment system. “The steady flow of payments and accelerated processing time are part of our commitment to provide timely and efficient support to our health care partners. The reduced turnaround time has been commended by partner hospitals around the country,” he said. He said the quicker TAT has been instrumental in helping hospitals maintain liquidity, pay health workers’ salaries, secure medical supplies and enhance facilities, ultimately resulting in better services for members. Dr. Jose Santiago Jr., president of the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA), commended the changes. “There have been many changes in recent months regarding Philhealth’s payments to hospitals. They have been personally visiting hospitals in different regions to reconcile and identify issues. As a result, negative issues between Philhealth and hospitals have been decreasing, and a better relationship between Philhealth and PHA is being established. We can feel the change,” said Santiago in Tagalog. Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (Phapi) president, echoed his sentiments, and acknowledged Philhealth’s efforts. PhilHealth is also exploring technology-driven solutions to further enhance claims processing. Ledesma revealed that a study on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been completed, which could significantly reduce processing times. “We are confident that with the support of our healthcare partners, this will happen in the very near future,” he said. To sustain the momentum, Ledesma urged healthcare facilities to ensure the proper filing of claims by investing in trained personnel and adhering to prescribed filing standards. Common issues, such as incomplete documents, discrepancies and late filings, lead to claims being returned or denied, he said. Claims are returned to the hospitals because of discrepancies in entries; incomplete, inconsistent or unreadable documents; and improperly completed claim forms. On the other hand, claims are denied payment due to late filing, re-filing, non-compensable cases and confinement during which the hospital has accreditation issues. Philhealth has also ramped up outreach efforts to educate hospitals on updated claims policies and requirements, conducting reconciliation activities to address issues. These initiatives, validated by PHA and Phapi leaders, aim to minimize the incidence of rejected or returned claims while promoting transparency and accountability. “Philhealth is governed by pertinent laws and state auditing rules to ensure that every peso is spent prudently and transparently,” Ledesma said. He assured the public that Philhealth remains committed to ensuring its funds are used responsibly for the benefit of the Filipino people. The agency’s reforms have not only improved its relationship with healthcare partners but have also laid the groundwork for sustained collaboration, fostering trust and efficiency in the health sector. / CAVThe Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers agreed on a massive trade to send wing defender Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to Los Angeles. In exchange, the Nets land guard D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks. Read more: Lakers Land Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in Blockbuster Deal With Nets NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported the news on social media. BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed on a trade sending D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V175zGtmKW Many will focus on the Lakers aspect of this trade but this is a very good deal for the Nets as well. Brooklyn has long been trying to trade Finney-Smith and his team-friendly contract made things easy here. Landing Russell again gives the Nets a true point guard to work with. However, it seems that he may not be on the team for long. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, Russell could become a buyout candidate after this deal. Brooklyn is in full tank mode and having Russell on the team could complicate those plans. Expect D'Angelo Russell to be a prime buyout candidate after being traded to the Nets. But for now, Russell returns to Brooklyn, a place where he made his only All-Star team in 2019. Russell fit in very well with the Nets at the time, helping the young squad get to the postseason. Russell was originally traded to the Nets by the Lakers ahead of the 2018-2019 season. It was the deal that sent the draft pick of Kyle Kuzma to Los Angeles. If Russell remains with the Nets, despite the buyout rumors, he could help his stock for his upcoming free agency. Russell is scheduled to enter the open market this offseason after picking up his player option with the Lakers last summer. Lewis could be a surprise addition to this deal for Brooklyn. The former second-round draft pick has shown some flashes of offensive brilliance and the Lakers were high on him at first. If he could develop into a piece for the Nets, this return for Finney-Smith and Milton could be even better than first thought. And the three second-round draft picks that the Lakers moved in the deal provide Brooklyn with more ammo going forward. All in all, this move seems like a win for both sides, which is rare for any trade. But the two organizations have been talking about a possible deal for years and they finally made it happen. More news: Kings Guard Sends Direct Message to Fans Following Mike Brown Dismissal For more on the Nets and the NBA at large, check out Newsweek Sports .The genesis of wool coats adorned with fur collars traces back centuries, with influences spanning various cultures and climates. Historically, these garments were not just a fashion statement but also a utilitarian necessity for braving the brisk, chill winds that accompanied both harsh rural environs and urban streetscapes during the colder months. The concept of melding wool with fur finds its roots in traditional European and Asian garments. In Medieval Europe, nobles and royalty favored fur-lined cloaks for their warmth and status symbolism. As trade routes expanded, exotic furs became available, elevating these garments to aspirational luxury. By the 19th century, the wool coat with fur collar began to morph into a stylish outerwear staple. The Industrial Revolution and advances in textile production made it possible for more men to access these once-elite fashion items. During these periods, longer wool overcoats, often tailored to perfection, featured plush fur lapels that signified affluence and high social standing. These coats exuded a kind of stately elegance, often found gracing gentlemen as they strolled down London’s foggy streets or attended the opera. The early 20th century saw these coats become synonymous with the glamour and grandeur of the Jazz Age. The fur-trimmed coats were draped over the shoulders of debonair icons like Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart in cinema, cementing their place in the pantheon of timeless menswear. The stylistic approach to these garments has remained remarkably consistent, thanks to their classic lines and versatile appeal. Traditionally, the coat’s silhouette was gently tailored, providing a flattering but not overly restrictive fit. Paired with well-polished brogues or oxfords and a well-knotted scarf, these coats exuded unspoken elegance. In contemporary fashion, the wool coat with a fur collar still holds court in the modern man’s winter wardrobe. Design adaptations have allowed for slimmer cuts and innovative textiles, but the fundamental allure of this combination remains steadfast. The charm of the wool coat with a fur collar lies in its seamless ability to transcend fleeting trends, maintaining a perpetual aura of sophistication. It’s a sartorial nod to the past, effortlessly styled for today’s world. An ode to tradition, forever refreshed. When we speak of innovative textiles in the realm of wool, we’re referring to advancements in the treatment, blending, and weaving of fibers to enhance durability, warmth, and comfort. While wool originates from the fleece of sheep (and other animals like alpacas or cashmere goats), modern technology allows for the creation of wool blends that incorporate synthetic fibers. These blends can provide stretch, water resistance, or added softness. Think of it as the haute cuisine of fabrics—carefully curated to elevate the classic wool experience. Currently, popular lengths for wool coats with fur collars span from mid-thigh to knee-length. These lengths provide a flattering silhouette while ensuring practicality. Full-length options communicate classic elegance, making a statement that stands the test of time. As for the cut, today’s styles maintain tailored lines, often with a slight taper at the waist to accentuate a masculine V-shape. Look for details like structured shoulders and neat button closures for that quintessential bespoke feel. Historically fur sourced from animals like mink, fox, or sable, modern times have seen increased interest in sustainable and ethical practices. Faux fur alternatives have become remarkably sophisticated, offering the luxurious look and feel of traditional fur without the ethical concerns. Regarding the fur collar, size should complement the coat’s overall silhouette and the wearer’s personal style. An oversized collar can make a bold statement but at the same time can overwhelm if not proportioned correctly. A well-balanced choice is a medium-sized collar that offers warmth and elegance without tipping into ostentation. The key is subtlety—let your personality shine, not just the collar. As always, timeless shades remain perennial favorites. Charcoal gray, deep navy, and rich camel are consistently on-trend, offering versatility and sophistication. These colors age gracefully, much like a fine wine. For those with a daring streak, a deep forest green or a muted burgundy can add a splash of contemporary flair without risking timeless appeal. In crafting a look that remains distinguished and effortlessly stylish, focus on quality materials and impeccable tailoring. For a formal occasion, your wool coat can shine in all its grandeur. Transitioning the coat to everyday wear requires a nuanced blend of style and comfort. For an everyday, casual look, particularly if you’re aiming for a smart-casual vibe, for example, the white trainers can provide a fresh, contemporary contrast to the classic nature of the coat. But it always depends on the context. Opt for sleek, minimal designs rather than anything too chunky or sporty. Keep them impeccably clean to maintain that polished edge. A fine wool or cashmere scarf in a solid neutral or subdued pattern complements the coat without overshadowing the collar. Styles like the Parisian knot can offer warmth while remaining relatively unobtrusive. And avoid overly bright or bulky scarves. Muted colors like dove gray or soft camel often blend seamlessly. Remember, the key is balance. Let your coat express its artful design, while each accessory plays a supportive rather than competitive role.