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Artificial Intelligence 101: Using AI to find a job or even make moneyAndrew met the individual through “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”, a statement from his office said. The businessman – known only as H6 – lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. He brought a case to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) after then-home secretary Suella Braverman said he should be excluded from the UK in March 2023. H6 was described as a “close confidante” of The Duke. Judges were told that in a briefing for the home secretary in July 2023, officials claimed H6 had been in a position to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials “that could be leveraged for political interference purposes”. They also said that H6 had downplayed his relationship with the Chinese state, which combined with his relationship with Andrew, 64, represented a threat to national security. A statement from Andrew’s office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty’s Government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. “The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. “He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.” At a hearing in July, the specialist tribunal heard that the businessman was told by an adviser to Andrew that he could act on the duke’s behalf when dealing with potential investors in China, and that H6 had been invited to Andrew’s birthday party in 2020. A letter referencing the birthday party from the adviser, Dominic Hampshire, was discovered on H6’s devices when he was stopped at a port in November 2021. In a ruling on Thursday, Mr Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith and Sir Stewart Eldon, dismissed the challenge.Upstart Holdings Stock Surges After Needham Upgrade: Retail Sentiment Soars
In the world of gaming, the latest release of Spider-Man 2 for PC has become one of the hottest topics, particularly due to the impressive technology driving its groundbreaking graphics and gameplay. With the much-anticipated sequel, developers have pushed the envelope on what gamers can expect in terms of visual fidelity and immersive experiences. Meeting the Minimum To even swing through the bustling streets of New York as Spider-Man, players will need a machine that meets the minimum requirements. These include a decent mid-range processor and graphics card: an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen equivalent paired with an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD RX 580, ensuring the game performs smoothly at 1080p resolution. A minimum of 8GB RAM and Windows 10 support are also essential. Recommended for Realism For those wishing to experience the full beauty of Spider-Man 2’s detailed open world, the recommended specifications are more demanding. An Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 5 processor combined with an NVIDIA RTX 2060 or AMD RX 5700 graphics card will allow for ray-tracing and high frame rates at 1440p, providing an almost cinematic feel. Boosting RAM to 16GB and running on Windows 11 will further enhance performance. Future-Proof Gaming Reflecting the trend towards hyper-realism in gaming, developers have ensured that Spider-Man 2 remains a benchmark for future titles. With the growing capabilities of new hardware, Spider-Man 2 on PC provides gamers an early peek at the future of digital entertainment. The Rise of Spider-Man 2: Setting New Standards in PC Gaming In the fast-evolving world of gaming, “Spider-Man 2” for PC has quickly ascended as a prominent title, renowned for its exceptional graphics and immersive gameplay. As enthusiasts dive into its captivating rendition of New York City, new developments and insights surrounding the game continue to capture attention beyond its initial release. Comprehensive Features and Use Cases “Spider-Man 2” pushes PC gaming boundaries through its use of advanced graphical technologies such as ray-tracing, which brings unprecedented realism to the bustling streets of its open world. The game’s dynamic weather system and day-night cycle further enhance the immersive experience, allowing players to engage in a universe that feels both authentic and vivid. The integration of these features ensures that players are not just spectators but active participants in Spider-Man’s heroic journey. The Ups and Downs: Pros and Cons Pros: – Striking Visuals: The game’s use of cutting-edge technology delivers stunning graphics that elevate gameplay to new heights. – Immersive Experience: Advanced rendering and dynamic environments create a deeply engaging gaming environment. – Optimized for Future Hardware: “Spider-Man 2” is designed to leverage current and upcoming technological advances, ensuring its lasting appeal. Cons: – High Hardware Demands: The game’s high-end requirements may limit accessibility for players without robust systems. – Windows 11 Preference: While it supports Windows 10, the optimal experience is delivered on Windows 11, requiring potential OS upgrades. Market Insights and Predictions The buzz surrounding “Spider-Man 2” signifies a broader trend towards gaming experiences that prioritize realism and immersion. This is indicative of a market increasingly favoring titles that fully exploit the capabilities of next-gen hardware. As gaming technology advances, we can predict a sustained emphasis on enhancing sensory realism, interactivity, and storytelling in future game designs. Pricing and Availability While the game’s phenomenal features may imply a premium price point, developers have sought to balance accessibility with quality. “Spider-Man 2” is competitively priced, aligning with industry standards for AAA titles, which typically range from $50 to $70. Regular updates and potential addition of DLC content further enhance its value proposition for gamers. Security Concerns and Compatibility As with any major gaming release, maintaining robust security measures to protect players’ data is crucial. Developers have ensured that “Spider-Man 2” employs comprehensive security protocols to safeguard users against potential threats. Moreover, while compatibility issues may arise due to the game’s preference for high-spec systems, patches and updates are anticipated to address most performance challenges, broadening the game’s accessibility over time. For more insights and the latest developments in gaming technology, visit the official PlayStation website .Two charged in connection with Iran-backed drone strike that killed 3 US troops in the Middle EastPrivate medical colleges barred from charging next year’s fees Committee warns private medical colleges of strict action if they fail to comply with directives ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Health has directed private medical colleges across the country to cease collecting next year’s fees from students until the issue of medical and dental colleges’ fee structures is resolved. The decision was made during a meeting on Friday, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan. The directive comes amidst allegations of exorbitant fees charged by private medical colleges, prompting inquiries by two high-level committees—one constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the other by the Senate sub-committee. The sub-committee took action after learning that some private institutions had started issuing fee vouchers despite ongoing investigations. The committee also warned private medical colleges of strict action, including revocation of registrations, if they fail to comply with directives. The matter is expected to be deliberated in the next Senate sub-committee meeting. The sub-committee chairperson, Senator Palwasha Khan, highlighted the staggering increase in medical college fees over recent years. “Some institutions have raised annual fees from Rs800,000 in 2018 to over Rs 3 million in 2023-24, which is a blatant exploitation of students and their families. Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has failed to regulate these colleges and has instead facilitated their unjust practices,” Senator Khan lamented. Registrar PMDC, Dr Shaista Faisal, informed the committee that the council is authorised to regulate fee structures under the PMDC Act, 2023. She noted that the earlier attempts to regulate fees were not legally enforceable, but the 2023 Act now empowers the council to act decisively. In 2012, PMDC capped annual fees for private medical colleges at Rs500,000 with a 5 per cent annual increase, but this regulation was disregarded by many institutions. Dr Shaista Faisal acknowledged the failure of PMDC to act in recent years and assured the committee that directives would be issued after consulting PMDC President Prof. Rizwan Taj. Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan questioned PMDC’s performance since the enactment of the 2023 Act, demanding details of steps taken to regulate private medical colleges. PMDC officials could not provide a satisfactory response, leading to further criticism. Special Secretary National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Mirza Nasiruddin Mashud, informed the committee that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had formed a high-level committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to examine the reason for fees charged by private medical colleges. Senator Palwasha Khan appealed to the public to submit grievances against private medical colleges. “We will keep the identities of complainants confidential, and any unjust fees by these institutions will be reimbursed,” she assured. The sub-committee directed PMDC to scrutinise audit reports of private medical colleges and to investigate allegations of unjustified fee hikes. Furthermore, private medical colleges were ordered to refrain from collecting fees for the next academic year until the matter is resolved. Parents and students affected by unjust fees can submit their grievances at Room No. 2, Parking Area, C-Block, Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, G-5 Islamabad, or by calling 051-9223955.
ARCHIE Goodwin reaffirmed his reputation as one of the signings of the A-League season with a decisive role in Adelaide’s 4-0 hammering of defending champions Central Coast in Gosford on Friday night. Born and bred in Newcastle, Goodwin debuted for the Jets as a 16-year-old and played 44 games in their top side over the course of four seasons, scoring six goals and earning selection for the Young Socceroos. Frustrated with his lack of game time last season, Goodwin rejected a contract extension at the Jets and instead gambled on a move to Adelaide, where he has gone from strength to strength. After opening his account with a matchwinner off the bench against Brisbane recently, Archie Goodwin led Adelaide’s charge. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images Goodwin has been starting upfront for Adelaide and he gave another glimpse of his finishing abilities in the 13th minute of Friday night’s clash. Winning the ball in the middle of the pitch, the 20-year-old laid off, sprinted upfield, and was perfectly positioned to pounce on a pinpoint cross from midfielder Austin Ayoubi. Adelaide doubled their lead four minutes into the second half when Zach Clough created space, whipped in a cross and Panagiotis Kikianis finished from close range. Goodwin was the architect of Adelaide’s third goal in the 50th minute when he stole possession, drew the defence and passed to Clough, who centred for Stefan Mauk to tap in. Adelaide substitute Yaya Dukuly made it 4-0 in the 73rd minute with a cracking strike, which he celebrated with a spectacular backflip. ADELAIDE ADVANCING After a lean 2023-24 campaign in which they finished eighth - seven points adrift of the top six - Adelaide are clearly intent on making amends. While Auckland are deservedly earning rave reviews after winning their first six games, the Reds have without fuss or fanfare loomed up in their rear-view mirror. United has jumped up from their 2023-24 campaign. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images Their win against the Mariners lifted Adelaide into outright second position on the points table, one point behind Auckland, who play Melbourne City on Sunday. In the process, Adelaide have scored 17 goals in seven games. No rival team has put it in the net as often. Carl Veart’s men have won five of their past six fixtures in the process and appear to be warming to their task. SPANIARD A STAYER Spanish midfielder Isaias Sanchez created a piece of club history for Adelaide when he appeared in his 239th A-League game. That took him past the club record held by former goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, and Adelaide celebrated the occasion in style with a dominant win. The 37-year-old is expected to retire at the end of this season but will be hoping to become the first Adelaide player to go past the 250-game milestone. Where to now for the Mariners? Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images CHAMPIONS STUMPED The two-time champions are unlikely to panic at this early point in proceedings. It was only last season, after all, that they lost their first four games and recovered to win the grand final. But there must be some concern mounting for Mariners coach Mark Jackson about his team’s lack of firepower upfront. Central Coast have scored only five goals in seven games thus far. They need more from their strike force if they hope to challenge for an unprecedented hat-trick of titles. SEVENTH HEAVEN The result ended a lean few years for Adelaide in Gosford. The Reds had returned empty-handed in their previous six visits to the Central Coast. More Coverage ANALYSIS: Adelaide’s star striker leading the ALW stats game Erin Smith Slater: Will the real Sydney FC please stand up? Robbie Slater and Marco Monteverde Originally published as A-League news: Archie Goodwin is proving to be a of the season, leading United’s charge A-League Don't miss out on the headlines from A-League. Followed categories will be added to My News. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Football ‘Too much’ of a gap for Sydney’s liking Sydney FC’s mixed start to the A-League season has one Sky Blues star calling for his team to ‘relax’ and ‘focus’. Read more A-League ANALYSIS: Adelaide’s star striker leading the ALW stats game Adelaide United’s Fiona Worts is having a blinder of a season in her return to ALW. But it isn’t just her record in front of the goal that makes her so impressive. SEE ALL THE STATS HERE Read more
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By STEVE LEBLANC, ERIC TUCKER and TARA COPP BOSTON (AP) — Two men, including a dual Iranian American citizen, have been arrested on charges that they exported sensitive technology to Iran that was used in a drone attack in Jordan that killed three American troops early this year and injured dozens of other service members, the Justice Department said Monday. The pair were arrested after FBI specialists who analyzed the drone traced the navigation system to an Iranian company operated by one of the defendants, who relied on technology funneled from the U.S. by his alleged co-conspirator, officials said. “We often cite hypothetical risk when we talk about the dangers of American technology getting into dangerous hands,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy, the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts. “Unfortunately, in this situation, we are not speculating.” The defendants were identified as Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, who prosecutors say works at a Massachusetts-based semiconductor company, and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, who was arrested Monday in Italy as the Justice Department seeks his extradition to Massachusetts. Prosecutors allege that Abedininajafabadi, who also uses the surname Adedini and operates an Iranian company that manufactures navigation systems for drones, has connections to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. They allege that he conspired with Sadeghi to circumvent American export control laws, including through a front company in Switzerland, and procure sensitive technology into Iran. Both men are charged with export control violations, and Abedini separately faces charges of conspiring to provide material support to Iran. A lawyer for Sadeghi, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was arrested Monday in Massachusetts, did not immediately return an email seeking comment. U.S. officials blamed the January attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that includes Kataib Hezbollah. Three Georgia soldiers — Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Sgt. Breonna Moffett of Savannah and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders of Waycross — were killed in the Jan. 28 drone attack on a U.S. outpost in northeastern Jordan called Tower 22. In the attack, the one-way attack drone may have been mistaken for a U.S. drone that was expected to return back to the logistics base about the same time and was not shot down. Instead, it crashed into living quarters, killing the three soldiers and injuring more than 40. Tower 22 held about 350 U.S. military personnel at the time. It is strategically located between Jordan and Syria, only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Iraqi border, and in the months just after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and Israel’s blistering response in Gaza, Iranian-backed militias intensified their attacks on U.S. military locations in the region. Following the attack, the U.S. launched a huge counterstrike against 85 sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Iranian-backed militia and bolstered Tower 22’s defenses. ____ Tucker and Copp reported from Washington.Federal response to mysterious drone sightings draws bipartisan criticism
Bill Belichick didn't wait around for a call that he might not get from an NFL team. With no guarantees that another opportunity might come his way — only the Atlanta Falcons interviewed Belichick last offseason — and unsure whether he could find the right fit in the NFL, the 72-year-old future Hall of Fame coach decided to go back to school. Belichick took his eight Super Bowl rings to North Carolina on a mission to build a college program the way he constructed two dynasties during 24 seasons with the New England Patriots. It starts with doing things his way. The Patriot Way is legendary. Perhaps it'll translate into the Tar Heel way. That's to be determined. But Belichick is back doing what he loves: coaching. And, he's going to run the show with his guys around him. An NFL team giving Belichick full control the way he had in New England seemed unlikely. People are also reading... Success at North Carolina could change that thinking. For now, Belichick's quest to break Don Shula's all-time record for most wins in the NFL is on hold. He's 15 victories short but the buyout clause in his college contract — a $10 million fee if done before June 2025 and $1 million after that date — leaves the window open for a return to the league. If Belichick stays in college or retires without returning to the NFL, his legacy is already cemented. Winning at North Carolina will only enhance his reputation. Losing won't impact his NFL resume. "He's one of the all-time great coaches. What he's done for the NFL and the game, we all know where he'll end up — in the Hall of Fame with a gold jacket," Dallas Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said Wednesday shortly before Belichick agreed on a five-year deal with North Carolina that pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary annually with up to $3.5 million in bonuses per year. Belichick has his detractors. There's no denying he couldn't win without Tom Brady. He was 29-39 and had no playoff wins without No. 12 in his final four seasons with the Patriots. Critics have labeled him a cheater because of the Spygate and Deflategate scandals. He overlooked Aaron Hernandez's issues. He was tough on players, even alienating Brady in the end and letting him walk him away in free agency in 2020 only to see him lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl in his first season there. But Belichick instilled in players the importance of doing their job and presided over an unprecedented two-decade run of dominance that withstood changing times, free agency, salary-cap restrictions and much more. Brady has always maintained how important Belichick was for his career, giving him credit for helping him become one of the best players in sports. Now, Belichick is onto Chapel Hill in a surprise twist after he spent most of the NFL season reinventing himself as an entertaining and engaging analyst. Belichick is a football genius and his knowledge came across on television. But he also displayed a fun personality, trading quips with the Mannings and cracking jokes with Pat McAffee. "College kind of came to me this year," Belichick said at his introductory news conference. "I didn't necessarily go and seek it out. I had many coaches, probably a couple dozen coaches, talk to me and say, 'Can we come down and talk to you about these things?' Let's call it the salary cap of pro football relative to college football. The headsets, the green dot, the two-minute warning, the tablets on the sideline. Those were all rules changes this year for college football that were either or the same or similar to what we had in the NFL. These coaches said, 'Hey coach can we talk to you about how you did this? How you did that? How did you use this?'. "As those conversations started and then the personnel conversations started relative to salary cap and how you spend whatever the allotment of money you have. I'd say that started to make me a lot more aware of it because the first thing I would have to do is learn about it. .... As you learn different things about different programs you start to put it all together. There is some common threads and there's some variables." How will he do as a college coach? Nobody knows yet. Three of Belichick's former players were skeptical before he took the job. "There's a lot of things he can do, and obviously he's tremendous, and even showing his personality. But getting out there on the recruiting trail and dealing with all these college kids, that would be ..." Brady said before trailing off during a conversation on Fox's NFL pregame show last Sunday. Fellow former Patriots Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman also wondered the same. "Can you imagine NIL, and all that nonsense?" Gronkowski said. Edelman added: "Can you imagine Bill on a couch recruiting an 18-year-old?" But Belichick doesn't have to recruit kids on visits. These are new times in college sports. The NIL has dramatically changed the landscape. Plus, Belichick's name is enough. Just like Deion Sanders at Colorado. "I think it could be great for this game, honestly, if he can find a way to make college football more like this in terms of what's being asked of the coaches, the recruiting staff, the personnel, the NIL, and all those different things," Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Cohen said. "If he can make it a little bit less demanding on some of the coaches and create a great atmosphere and have success, I think it's great for our game. It's pretty cool to see, actually." Time for Belichick to do his job. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Quest Partners LLC increased its holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ( NYSE:HE – Free Report ) by 126.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,983 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 4,453 shares during the period. Quest Partners LLC’s holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries were worth $77,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 1.5% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,059,244 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $124,638,000 after purchasing an additional 160,815 shares in the last quarter. Seven Grand Managers LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $4,888,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 23.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 638,156 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $5,756,000 after acquiring an additional 120,208 shares in the last quarter. Fernwood Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 82.8% during the 3rd quarter. Fernwood Investment Management LLC now owns 133,175 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $1,289,000 after acquiring an additional 60,335 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Diversified Trust Co purchased a new position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries in the second quarter valued at $372,000. 59.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Friday, October 4th. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries from $11.00 to $10.00 and set an “in-line” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries from $14.00 to $11.50 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Monday, September 30th. Hawaiian Electric Industries Price Performance Shares of HE stock opened at $10.41 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.79 billion, a P/E ratio of -0.88 and a beta of 0.53. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $10.12 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $11.16. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. has a one year low of $7.61 and a one year high of $18.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a current ratio of 0.18 and a quick ratio of 0.18. Hawaiian Electric Industries ( NYSE:HE – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 8th. The utilities provider reported $0.46 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.53 by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $983.38 million for the quarter. Hawaiian Electric Industries had a positive return on equity of 11.12% and a negative net margin of 35.38%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.37 EPS. About Hawaiian Electric Industries ( Free Report ) Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility businesses in the United States. It operates in three segments: Electric Utility, Bank, and Other. The Electric Utility segment engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Read More Five stocks we like better than Hawaiian Electric Industries Which Wall Street Analysts are the Most Accurate? The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing Top Stocks Investing in 5G Technology 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 Do Real Estate Investment Trusts Deserve a Place in Your Portfolio? FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ( NYSE:HE – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Making a clarification regarding the title “Dr.”appearing before the name of Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara on the Parliament website, parliamentary officials yesterday said the title “Dr.” before the Minister’s name was a result of an error in entering the relevant data by the parliament staff. Parliament’s Legislative Services Director and Acting Communication Director Jayalath Perera issuing a statement said “I would like to emphasise the following points in relation to reports published in the media regarding the title ‘Dr.’ mentioned before the name of Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, in the directory of Members of Parliament on the Parliament website. “It is important to note that Harshana Nanayakkara has not indicated holding a doctoral degree in the information provided to Parliament. The appearance of “Dr.” before the Minister’s name was a result of an error in entering the relevant data. Accordingly, steps have been taken to rectify this mistake. “I express my deepest regret for the inconvenience caused to Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, in this regard”. Also, the process of re-checking and updating the information of all Members of Parliament on the parliament website is currently underway”.
One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 30 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy advanced technology to identify and track drones back to their landing spots. That is according to briefings from his office. Federal authorities have said that the drones do not appear to be linked to foreign governments. West Africa regional bloc approves exit timeline for 3 coup-hit member states ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has approved an exit timeline for three coup-hit nations. It comes after a nearly yearlong process of mediation to avert the unprecedented disintegration of the grouping. The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said in a statement: “The authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period." In a first in the 15-nation bloc’s nearly 50 years of existence, the military juntas of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced in January that they decided to leave ECOWAS. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.