Sibu Hospital’s shift to cashless payments sparks concernsPlayers must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
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Advertisement Jaguar defended its rebranding campaign after online critics roasted a promotional video. Jaguar's boss said the rebranding message was lost "in a blaze of intolerance." The campaign, featuring models and no cars, faced criticism for being "woke." Jaguar's managing director is defending the British luxury carmaker's new rebranding campaign — calling out some of its online critics for their "vile hatred" and "intolerance." In an interview with the Financial Times , Rawdon Glover said the campaign's intended message was lost "in a blaze of intolerance" and that the controversial promotional video was not meant to be a "woke" statement, as some critics have argued. Related Video How did Tesla's bulletproof Cybertruck become so expensive and so delayed? The video, which featured sleek models in brightly colored clothes, didn't feature any cars — notable, the critics said, for a car brand. Copy nothing. #Jaguar pic.twitter.com/BfVhc3l09B — Jaguar (@Jaguar) November 19, 2024 The backlash began earlier this week after Jag unveiled a new brand strategy ahead of its all-electric vehicle launch , which is expected sometime in 2026. As part of the rebrand, the iconic 90-year-old company — a favorite of British royalty and prime ministers — debuted a modernized typeface for its logo, a new leaping jaguar mark, and a video ad that showed models doing things like painting a wall, holding a sledgehammer, and gathering in a pink desert without any cars in sight. Advertisement The video generated a rash of criticism on social media with some right-leaning personalities accusing the company of abandoning its history and leaning into "woke" politics. Glover told the FT he was disappointed by "the level of vile hatred and intolerance" that the video garnered online, particularly against the models it featured, adding that the campaign had received overall "positive" buzz. He said Jag's intent was to be different from other automakers. Advertisement "If we play in the same way that everybody else does, we'll just get drowned out. So we shouldn't turn up like an auto brand," Glover said in the interview. "We need to re-establish our brand and at a completely different price point so we need to act differently," he said. "We wanted to move away from traditional automotive stereotypes." British carmaker Jaguar released a redesigned logo this week. Jaguar As part of the brand's new elevated positioning, the newly announced Jags are expected to be significantly more upmarket than the ones that are being phased out, Car and Driver previously reported, citing a Range Rover from the brand's corporate cousin that costs around $400,000 as where the brand wants to be. (Most 2024 Jaguar models have list prices of around $50,000 to $80,000.) Advertisement Jaguar, which is part of the Jaguar Land Rover group and is owned by India's Tata Motors, announced earlier this fall that it would end production of all its current models this year before debuting its new all-electric lineup. Meanwhile, high-profile critics of this week's rebranding video — which has already been viewed nearly 160 million times on X — included Tesla CEO Elon Musk , influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate, and conservative personality Ian Miles Cheong. In response to the video posted on X by Jaguar, Musk wrote : "Do you sell cars?" And Nick Freitas, a Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates, replied to Jaguar on X : "Well ... we know where the advertising team for Bud Light went," referring to the backlash to a Bud Light ad in 2023 that featured a transgender influencer. Advertisement Jaguar's revamped makers mark, the leaping jaguar. Jaguar Some critics said they would boycott the brand based on their assumption that it had gone "woke," while others, including some marketing professionals, mocked the video as confusing and stylistically outdated. Related stories Jaguar said it would announce more details about its new branding strategy in December, though it's not clear if that will include specifics about any of its forthcoming electric vehicles. Without commenting specifically on the backlash, Jaguar said in a statement to Business Insider: "The brand reveal is only the first step in this exciting new era, and we look forward to sharing more on Jaguar's transformation in the coming days and weeks."
Role of education in eradicating illiteracy stressedThe Minnesota Vikings entered week 14 of the NFL season with a lot to lose and everything to prove. Yes, the Vikings are one of the hottest teams in the league and facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have been falling apart in recent weeks, and came in on a three-game losing streak. But still, it was Kirk Cousins’ first appearance in U.S. Bank Stadium since leaving for a multi-year payday in Atlanta. Playoff implications? This game had them. The Falcons are trying to stay afloat atop the NFC South, arguably the worst division in football. For Minnesota, a loss would mostly eliminate them from contention in the NFC North, after the Detroit Lions moved to 12-1 on the season, Thursday night. A gaudy win/loss record is great, but if you finish second in your division, the best seed you can get for the playoffs is No. 5. What we learned about the Minnesota Vikings in 42-21 route vs Atlanta Falcons We don’t have to worry about any of that, though. Because Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings did things against the Atlanta Falcons that their doubters have been calling for all season. It started with a fully rehabilitated Sam Darnold throwing for five touchdown passes (all to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson), as Kirk Cousins watched from the opposing sideline and simultaneously crumbled down the stretch. And in the 4th quarter, the Vikings finally showed their finishing skills, something they’ve failed to do for much of the season. You want to talk about one-score games? Too bad, because the Falcons couldn’t even keep this one within two scores, thanks to a last minute defensive stop that held the final score at 42-21, their third-largest margin of victory in 2024 and their first three-score win since week three (34-7 vs HOU). Sam Darnold’s best NFL game ever Look, this isn’t really an argument. All it takes is a quick look at the stats to tell you this was Sam Darnold’s best ever performance as an NFL quarterback. His statline is enormous... 22-of-28 (78.6%) | 347 Yards | 12.4 YPC | 5 Touchdowns | 0 Interceptions. Sam Darnold finished 22-of-28 for 347 yards & 5 TDs against the Falcons, including 292 yards & 4 TDs on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds. Darnold currently leads the NFL in completions (180), yards (2,635), and TDs (23) on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds this season. Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/vMqBlxtTtG It’s the first time Darnold has ever thrown for five touchdowns, during his professional career. Only two other times in his career has Sam ever thrown for four touchdowns in one game. It was also a career high in passing yards. His previous was 341, which he did once as a rookie, and once in relief last season for the San Francisco 49ers. Oh, and his 157.9 QB Rating is his highest ever... by nearly 30 points. His previous high also came with the Vikings, a week 8 Thursday night loss vs the LA Rams, where Sam posted a 128.7. Yes, he got a little help from his friends, who apparently range from Justin Jefferson to Jordan Addison ... and maybe even the football gods. But for the most part, this was Darnold taking yet another step in his development under Kevin O’Connell & Co’s multi-step recovery plan for struggling quarterbacks who have been ruined by previous stops in the league. Calm, cool and collected. Sam Darnold hits @JJettas2 DEEEEEP for 6. : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/FsQMTn2d4z Sam Darnold for MVP I don’t usually do this, but today, it feels right. Not only was week 14 of the 2024 NFL season vs the Atlanta Falcons Sam Darnold’s best game ever, it probably gets him back into the top-five for NFL MVP odds. But most importantly for the former USC star and his family, he put more hypothetical cash into his future bank account. If you think Sam Darnold would make Baker Mayfield or Geno Smith money ($25-$35 million per season for three or more years), as has been suggested multiple times this week, then what do you think he will make as a finalist for NFL MVP, up next to Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow? Seem crazy? Well, it will be difficult to climb over those two frontrunners, who both have over 29 touchdowns and 5 or less interceptions, to go with ~3,000 yards or more passing. Jackson also has 678 yards and 3 TDs on the ground. But after today’s game, Sam Darnold is up to 3,299 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, which should place him top five in yards, touchdowns and air yards per attempt, at around 8.5 yards, when the dust settles on week 14. By the QB numbers, Sam should be top four in MVP odds this week, in a second tier with Jared Goff, behind Burrow and Jackson. So he may not be an NFL MVP favorite quite yet, but he has absolutely pushed himself into the conversation, after today’s performance. 3!!! : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/mRjaEZ1iS3 Minnesota Vikings learning how to close This takeaway is right up there with Sam Darnold’s performance, when it comes to expectations that NFL pundits, and even Minnesota Vikings fans, have for this 2024 squad. Yes, they were already 10-2, prior to Sunday’s victory. But it was an inability to close and a propensity to let lesser teams hang around, that has cost the Vikings, when it comes to everyone’s 2025 Super Bowl prediction. As the division rival Lions rip teams apart, week-after-week, Minnesota has mostly skirted by most of their opponents. Not this afternoon. Not vs the Atlanta Falcons. After being outgained 257 to 119 in total yards during the first half, the Vikings offense found its rhythm in the second half, going off for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns (three by air, one by ground). On defense, the numbers don’t look great. Brian Flores’ group gave up 496 total yards to the Falcons, who actually outgained the Vikings’ total of 433. But when it counted, Minnesota’s defense made plays, intercepting Kirk Cousins twice in big moments. Our former QB has now thrown 8 interceptions and 0 touchdowns in his last four games. Kirk Cousins has 0 touchdowns and 8 interceptions over the last 4 games. You drafted Michael Penix Jr. for this moment, make the switch Falcons. pic.twitter.com/tUWI6lTgOY The Vikings won the turnover battle 3-0, held the Falcons on two of their three 4th down attempts and outscored the Atlanta Falcons 28-11 in the second half. Sure, they didn’t start as fast as they wanted, but they held a 14-10 lead at half, and put together one of the better 60-minute performances of the 2024 season, so far. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.CONCORD, N.H. -- School district officials who punished two parents for wearing pink wristbands marked “XX” during a soccer game featuring a transgender player defended their decision Friday at a hearing on whether they can take similar action while they are being sued. Kyle Fellers and Anthony Foote were banned from school grounds after the September game by officials who viewed the wristbands as intimidation or harassment of a transgender player. They later sued the Bow school district, and while the no-trespass orders have since expired, a judge is deciding whether the plaintiffs should be allowed to wear the wristbands and carry signs at upcoming school events, including basketball games, swim meets and a music concert, while the case proceeds. Both men testified Thursday that they didn’t intend to harass or otherwise target a transgender player on the opposing team, and their attorneys have argued they did nothing more than silently express their support for reserving girls’ sports for those born female. But school officials testified Friday that they had reason to believe the men wouldn’t stop there. Superintendent Marcy Kelley and Bow High School Athletic Director Michael Desiletes described receiving strongly-worded emails from Foote in which he called himself a “real leader” who was prepared to take action and seeing his social media posts urging others to attend the game. In the days leading up to the game, another parent told school officials she overheard others talk about showing up to the game wearing dresses and heckling the transgender player. “When we suspect there’s some sort of threat ... we don’t wait for it to happen,” Kelley said, comparing it to the way school officials wouldn’t wait until a fight broke out between two students to intervene if they got wind of it beforehand. Kelley also pushed back on the idea that the plaintiffs were simply expressing support for their daughters and their teammates in general, noting that they chose the one game involving a transgender player to begin wearing the wristbands. “This was organized and targeted,” she said. “If we were to allow harassment, we’re liable.” The transgender player in question, Parker Tirrell, and another student athlete are challenging the state law that bans transgender athletes in grades 5 to 12 from teams that align with their gender identity. A federal judge ruled in their case that they can play sports during the ongoing lawsuit that seeks to overturn the law. Gov. Chris Sununu, who signed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act into law in July, has said it “ensures fairness and safety in women’s sports by maintaining integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions.” About half of states have adopted similar measures.
Blade Air Mobility's chief accounting officer sells $45,225 in stockIsraeli tanks enter Syria for first time in 50 yearsSyrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s rule as he called for peace and the protection of civilians. “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said. He said the U.K. was focused on a political solution to restore peace and stability. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention.” The Foreign Ministry statement issued Sunday marked Iran’s first official reaction to the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, who it had strongly backed through nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad’s government was a close ally of Iran that served as a crucial conduit between it and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The rebels who toppled Assad view Iran as a hostile foreign influence, and the abandoned Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked as they entered the city. The Foreign Ministry statement said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. “It is expected that the wise and farsighted relations of the two nations will continue based on mutual ties and interests,” the statement said. TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. MASNAA, Lebanon — At Lebanon’s Masnaa crossing into Syria, the mood was festive Sunday with some local Lebanese residents handing out congratulatory sweets to Syrians lined up to return to their country. Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading to Syria to join his wife and four children, said while the future in Syria is still uncertain, “anything is better than Bashar.” He said he expected some chaos initially but that eventually the situation would settle down. “Look at Aleppo now,” he said, referring to the first major city taken over by opposition forces more than a week ago, where life has continued more or less as normal. Abdel-Latif, a construction worker, said he is also hoping that there will now be plentiful work in Syria to rebuild. Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to Damascus, said, “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for. “You feel yourself psychologically free - you can express yourself,” he said. “The country is free and the barriers have been broken down.” Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well-organized and take care of their country. It’s a new phase.” DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest. MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed Sunday that Bashar Assad had left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully.” In a post on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, the ministry said Moscow had not directly participated in these talks. It also said it has been following the “dramatic events” in Syria “with extreme concern." It also said Russian troops stationed in Syria have been put on high alert and that as of early afternoon Sunday, there was “no serious threat” to the security of Russia’s military bases there. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.
Ray'Sean Taylor, Ring Malith lead SIU Edwardsville over Ball State 82-69With a new year ahead and the holiday fanfare behind, this is a great time to set money goals, especially if you recently spent a lot on gifts and travel and want to get your finances in shape. You’d be in good company, too — according to a January 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center, of the 30% of Americans who made at least one New Year’s resolution, 61% had a goal that was money-related. Right now, you may be highly motivated to solve every single one of your money issues in the next few months, but daily life is guaranteed to get in the way. Your financial to-do list, once so full of promise, can eventually get stuffed in the back of a drawer while you manage more pressing matters. The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions go unfulfilled. So how can you improve your odds of success? It comes down to accepting that you won’t have the time or energy to complete every task to perfection. Creating a system where you can prioritize, plan ahead and hold yourself accountable can help. Many start by setting a goal to trim frivolous costs, which can certainly be helpful, but there are other ways to make a big difference. Taylor Schult — a certified financial planner and founder of Define Financial, an advisory firm in San Diego — recommends starting with a few overlooked financial tasks. Freezing your credit is a quick, easy way to guard yourself against identity theft. It’s free to do, and you can temporarily lift the freeze when you’re applying for a loan or credit card. Schulte also suggests looking into umbrella insurance , which offers additional coverage beyond what your auto, homeowners and other insurance policies provide. This coverage can spare you from massive out-of-pocket costs in the event you get sued. Basic estate planning, including creating a will, is another thing to put high on your list. Putting off this task can create a major headache for your loved ones if something happens to you unexpectedly. “I know it’s a pain point and it’s often kicked down the road,” Schulte says. Paying attention to your spending is always important, but don’t neglect taking steps to protect your money, yourself and your loved ones. So many money goals are born out of social pressure. You “should” want to save up to own a home, even if you’re happily renting. You “should” sacrifice short-term needs and wants to stash away as much as possible for retirement, even though it leaves you feeling deprived. But money goals should be tied to the things that matter most to you. If they aren’t, you’ll quickly lose interest. “If you don’t know what goals to choose, go back to your values and have them guide the goals you set,” says Eric Roberge, a certified financial planner and founder of Beyond Your Hammock, a financial advisory firm in Boston. You can combine goal-setting with a little planning, so expenses are less likely to creep up on you throughout the year. Think about what expected costs will be coming up in the next six to 12 months, like recurring bills, vacations, anticipated home or car repairs, and other expenses. This approach allows you to set money aside each month to put toward planned costs, as well as longer-term goals. Forgetting your goals can be far too easy, so to make something stick, write it down . It can be as simple as a handwritten list you keep on the fridge, or online calendar reminders that will nudge you every so often. For time-sensitive goals, set deadlines. One tactic is to make multiple lists based on what you need to complete within the next week, month or three months. As time passes and you check off items, you can update the list. Enlist others’ help, too. Weekly or monthly household money meetings are useful if you’re completing financial tasks as a group. Or share your goals with a trusted friend or family member who can serve as an accountability partner. Looping in loved ones can help keep you on track. “We don’t mind letting ourselves down,” Schulte says. “But we hate to let other people down.” It’s easy to get stuck in decision-making mode when trying to pick a high-yield savings account, credit card or possible investments, but eventually, you need to make a good-enough choice . Taking action now can have more of a positive effect on your life than waiting until you’ve painstakingly considered each option. Roberge says that though he’d prefer to optimize every financial decision, he doesn’t because if he did, he wouldn’t get things done. “Everything in moderation is one of the things that I live by,” he says. “Going to extremes in any one thing, at the detriment of other things that are important, doesn’t work long-term.” More From NerdWallet Sara Rathner writes for NerdWallet. Email: srathner@nerdwallet.com . Twitter: @sarakrathner. The article Got Money Goals for the New Year? Stay on Track With These Tips originally appeared on NerdWallet.
A perfect camera may capture wonderful moments for the budding newcomer and the advanced professional. Here is a list of the best cameras of 2025—the blend of performance with features to meet various requirements with prices therein defined: 1. Sony Alpha 1 Price: $6,500 50.1 MP full-frame sensor 30 fps continuous shooting 8K video recording Real-time eye autofocus for humans and animals Sony Alpha 1 is a futuristic camera built for professionals requiring high resolution and fast response time. The new autofocus system is excellent, providing 92% accuracy in tracking moving subjects, which is excellent for sports or wildlife photography. 2. Canon EOS R5 Mark II Price: $4,200 45 MP full-frame sensor Advanced Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus 8K RAW video recording Built-in AI-based stabilization Canon's latest offering targets creators who can deliver stills and video and switch back and forth if needed. Professional analysts say the R5 Mark II has a 20% improved dynamic range over its predecessor. 3. Nikon Z8 Price: $3,999 45.7 MP stacked CMOS sensor 20 fps RAW burst shooting 493-point autofocus system Weather-sealed body Nikon Z8 packs several professional features into a smaller and more compact unit that caters to enthusiasts who are stepping up their digital photography. The camera's incredible ruggedness and fast-tight focusing speed have placed it on the pedestal for traveling photographers. 4. Fujifilm X-T5 Price: $1,799 40.2 MP APS-C sensor 15 fps mechanical shutter Film simulation modes Compact and lightweight design Fujifilm's X-T5 is a dream come true for those into vintage and street photography. Its advanced film simulation modes based on old-school styles have made it one of the most sought-after cameras. 5. Olympus OM SYSTEM OM-1 Price: $2,200 20.4 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor 50 MP handheld high-res shot mode Weatherproof build 120 fps burst mode Compact and versatile, the OM-1 is for adventurers and macro-photography devotees alike. With a whopping 85% of travelers preferring lightweight cameras, Olympus delivers portability without compromising quality . Why These Cameras are on Our Radar Cameras in 2025 will feature groundbreaking technologies of AI-powered autofocus , 8K video, and extended dynamic ranges to meet the dynamic still image and moving image requirements of the ever-changing nature of photography today. This list has something for everyone, from landscape to portrait to action shooting. Enter 2025 with the perfect camera tailored to your style and vision. Whether you’re capturing beautiful family photos or building a professional portfolio, one of these options will set a new standard for outstanding photography.
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Mumbai: Kerala Minister of Law, Industries and Coir P Rajeev said that public welfare and the state’s green development will remain the government’s top priority while attracting private investment and clarified that there were no restrictions on working with the Adani Group in future. Talking to reporters, Rajeev said the Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Seaport near its capital Thiruvananthapuram will go ahead as planned, ruling out any rethink in the backdrop of proceedings against the Adani group in the US. Expressing the government’s objective of promoting green projects, the minister said there is no bar on investment from any private investor, including the Adani Group, but clarified that the Left government was firm about not allowing the privatisation of water and electricity distribution. Rajeev said the government is committed to creating jobs and for that private investment would be encouraged as earlier. However, no special sops would be offered at the cost of losing revenue, he said. While Rajeev praised the Adani Group’s Vizhinjam port project, he reiterated the Left government’s opposition to a group company operating domestic and international terminals of Thiruvananthapuram airport. Outlining knowledge-based industries as the government’s priority, the minister highlighted that workers’ protests in the state were below the national average and the state’s worker safety track record was also impressive. Rajeev said the state government has been pushing for a digital revolution in the state and was keen to become the first fully digitally literate state. Showcasing the state’s literate and productive workforce, the Minister invited private investment claiming that the high wage levels in the state may appear to be a little unattractive but these come with the assurance of high productivity of workers. In the last three years, Kerala has received Rs 46,000 crore worth of investment even as the government maintains its focus on high-tech and knowledge-based industries. Processing of spices, robotics and manufacturing of medical devices have been the special areas of investment. In over two years, the state government has been able to generate seven lakh new jobs in small enterprises. –IANS rch/dan
Truck wreaks havoc hitting building and cars
Tulisa is reportedly back in Manchester following her I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! exit. The 36-year-old N-Dubz singer was third to be voted off the ITV1 jungle reality show last week. Normally, it is tradition for those who have been eliminated to remain in Australia in a hotel until after the final. But, according to The Sun , Tulisa has already flown back to the UK and used "a private terminal so as not to be seen by paparazzi". Howling at this, Tulisa’s mate was clearly sat off camera throughout this interview cracking up💀 #imaceleb pic.twitter.com/d6L3l2wNwa Despite suggestions that she had fallen out with her friends that she had put in charge of her social media, insiders have now claimed that she left Australia over struggles with her mental health. A source told the outlet: "Tulisa was pretty miffed and utterly baffled by the suggestion she had fallen out with Michelle – they are as close as ever. "They have flown back to the UK together and have been laughing about all the speculation.' "The truth of the matter is that Tulisa was struggling with her mental health, which is what she told fans. "She wanted to be back at home, with her close friends and home comforts, and after a meeting with ITV, it was agreed by all parties that this would be the best thing for her. Recommended reading: I'm a Celebrity viewers slam ITV for 'ruining' series ahead of Celebrity Cyclone How much is Coleen Rooney being paid for appearing on I'm a Celebrity 2024? How much is GK Barry being paid for appearing on I'm a Celebrity 2024? "It's nothing more than that, despite what people are saying." The former X Factor judge quickly deleted all traces of her time in the jungle from her social media after leaving. Her exit followed that of Loose Women star Jane Moore and radio host Dean McCullough, whilst the final four is now made up of WAG Coleen Rooney, McFly singer Danny Jones, Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse and Rev Richard Coles. I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! concludes on Sunday, December 8 at 9pm ITV1, STV and ITVX.