American and European stock markets mostly rose on Wednesday after inflation data cemented expectations that the US Federal Reserve will trim interest rates next month. While the Dow fell slightly, the other two major US indices advanced, led by the tech-rich Nasdaq, which piled on almost two percent to close above 20,000 points for the first time. The consumer price index (CPI) rose to 2.7 percent last month from a year ago, up slightly from 2.6 percent in October. "With the CPI numbers broadly in line, it is likely that the Fed will not be derailed and will cut rates again next week," Jochen Stanzl, chief market analyst at CMC Markets. "The data is not a showstopper for the current bull run on Wall Street," he added. Ahead of the data, investors priced in an 86 percent chance the Fed will cut interest rates next week by a quarter percentage point. That rose to more than 98 percent after the CPI data was published. Stocks in Paris and Frankfurt rose ahead of the European Central Bank's own interest rate announcement on Thursday, with analysts expecting another cut as it seeks to boost eurozone growth. Investors are also eyeing political developments in France, where officials said President Emmanuel Macron aims to name a new prime minister "within 48 hours" as he seeks to end political deadlock following the ouster of Michel Barnier. In company news, shares in German retail giant Zalando shed more than four percent on Frankfurt's DAX index, after it acquired domestic rival About You in a deal worth around 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion). Shares in Zara owner Inditex slid more than six percent after a record quarterly profit for the group fell short of market estimates. Among US companies, Google parent Alphabet earned 5.5 percent as it announced the launch of Gemini 2.0, its most advanced artificial intelligence model to date. That added to gains after Google also announced Tuesday details of a breakthrough quantum chip. Shares in Shanghai rose but Hong Kong gave up an early rally to end in the red. Traders were keeping tabs on China to see if it will announce further measures to support its struggling economy as leaders were to gather Wednesday for a conference to hammer out next year's agenda. President Xi Jinping and other top leaders on Monday announced their first major shift in policy for more than a decade, saying they would "implement a more active fiscal policy and an appropriately relaxed" strategy. Those remarks sparked hopes for more interest rate cuts and the freeing up of more cash for lending. More from this section New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 44,148.56 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.8 percent at 6,084.19 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.8 percent at 20,034.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.3 percent at 8,301.62 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.4 percent at 7,423.40 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.3 percent at 20,399.16 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: FLAT at 39,372.23 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.8 percent at 20,155.05 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.3 percent at 3,432.49 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0498 from $1.0527 on Tuesday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2752 from $1.2771 Dollar/yen: UP at 152.40 yen from 151.95 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.31 from 82.42 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.8 percent at $73.52 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 2.4 percent at $70.29 per barrel burs-jmb/mlm
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks . Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn't improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. This will be the first time Purdy has missed a start because of an injury since taking over as the 49ers’ quarterback in December 2022. Brandon Allen will start in his place. The Niners (5-5) are currently in a three-way tie for second in the NFC West, a game behind first-place Arizona, and have little margin for error if they want to get back to the playoffs after making it to the Super Bowl last season. Purdy has completed 66% of his passes this season for 2,613 yards, 13 TDs, eight interceptions and a 95.9 passer rating that is down significantly from his league-leading mark of 113 in 2023. Allen has been mostly a backup since being drafted by Jacksonville in 2016. Allen last started a game in Week 18 of the 2021 season for Cincinnati and has thrown just three passes the last three seasons — including none since joining San Francisco in 2023. Joshua Dobbs will be the backup on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLMichigan Democratic Senator Erika Geiss of Taylor knows what it’s like to be a mom to a daughter battling a serious health issue, which is one reason why she’s sponsoring legislation to create a state-run program known as Family Leave Optimal Coverage (FLOC). It would provide employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid leave to use for bonding with a new child, a medical problem, caring for a chronically ill loved one, and more. Geiss hopes the legislation will pass the legislature in the lame-duck session and be sent to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. “Being able to have this policy that would provide up to 12 weeks for people when they need to take those longer periods of time would be a game changer for so many Michiganders,” Geiss said. Geiss said she’s been working on tackling this issue for years alongside the nonprofit Mothering Justice. “Everyone gets sick, but unfortunately, not everyone has time to get well.,” Mothering Justice Founding National Director Danielle Atkinson said. As part of the program, workers would be paid up to two-thirds of the state average weekly wage, which is now about $1,260. Opponents are concerned about the costs to employers and employees. “This will be paid for by not only a tax on employers but also a tax on employees. And we don’t believe there’s sufficient evidence to suggest that this is something all employees and all employers in Michigan are behind,” Michigan Chamber of Commerce Senior VP of Business Advocacy Wendy Block said. Michigan Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt said a one-size-fits-all family leave policy would lead the state in the wrong direction. “If you think the unemployment agency was tough to deal with, I can only imagine going to a state agency to get permission to take off. It’s going to be a disaster,” said Nesbitt. Only 13 states and the District of Columbia have passed paid family and medical leave laws.
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No. 22 Texas A&M beats Texas Tech 72-67 in 1st meeting of former conference rivals since 2012
Jaipur, Dec 8 (PTI) Sapta Shakti Command organised a run to honour the Army veterans for their selfless service and patriotism, an official said on Sunday. Against the backdrop of a crisp winter morning, the run commenced at the Albert Hall with participants racing under the rising sun. The event brought together veterans, soldiers, NCC cadets, professional runners, para-athletes, citizens, specially abled children and organ transplant survivors, defence spokesperson Colonel Amitabh Sharma said. He said that the various categories of runs were flagged off by Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of Information Technology and Communication, Industries and Commerce, Government of Rajasthan, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Mrs. BarinderJit Kaur, Regional President AWWA, Lieutenant General Harbinder Singh Vandra, Chief of Staff, Sapta Shakti Command and Sandeep Bhatnagar, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India. Addressing the gathering, Colonel Rathore lauded the participants for their dedication and underscored the significance of honouring the nation’s Veterans. The presence of brand ambassadors like Asian Marathon Champion Sunita Godara, Sangeet Bishnoi, and para-athlete Colonel Anuj Bindra further energised the participants. The mega event included 21 Km, 10 Km, 05 Km timed runs and 03 Km non-timed runs. Prizes up to Rs 30 lakh were distributed to the winners of various categories, promoting fitness, encouraging participation and recognising exceptional performances. The event concluded with jubilant celebrations, echoing the spirit of unity and respect for the veterans. PTI AG HIG HIG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
Providence 60, Delaware 53Millions of seniors in the US will have to pay much more for Medicare starting January 1, 2025 – Everything is official
MotorTrend CEO Alex Wellen stated that 'EVs are inevitable', but the current market reflects a longer road to mainstream adoption. He noted that the rise of hybrids and range-extending powertrain tech will bridge the gap to full EVs going mainstream. The 2025 Ram 1500 won the MotorTrend Truck of the Year award due to its combination of a new powerful engine, comfortable interior, and performance capability. According to MotorTrend CEO Alex Wellen, 'The Ram 1500 was a clean kill and it was a little unexpected, to be honest with you... The engineering is excellent, the design is beautiful. It's a 40,000 car and goes 0 to 60mph in five seconds, and can tow over 10,000 pounds.' According to Wellen, tariffs would likely lead to increased costs for consumers and automakers in the short term, as the auto industry has a global supply chain that is not yet capable of adapting to domestic manufacturing and sales. However, in the long term, tariffs may help consumers and automakers by promoting domestic manufacturing. Yes, according to Wellen, 'a lot of those costs will likely get passed on to the customers and to the automakers' in the short term, suggesting that tariffs would lead to higher prices for trucks in the US market. Trucks are a major segment in the US automotive market, with new light truck sales and leases reaching 10.9 million in 2022, compared to 2.895 million passenger car sales in the same year, according to data from the Department of Transportation. The MotorTrend Truck of the Year wasn’t an EV like the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning. A gas-powered truck won top honors. MotorTrend ( WBD ), celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, selected the all-new Ram ( STLA ) 1500 pickup as its 2025 top truck of the year. A combination of a new powerful engine, comfortable interior, and performance capability made the Ram rise above its rivals, MotorTrend said. "The Ram 1500 was a clean kill and it was a little unexpected, to be honest with you,” MotorTrend CEO Alex Wellen told Yahoo Finance, alluding to strong competition from Ford, Chevrolet, and even EV rivals. “It is an internal combustion engine ... The engineering is excellent, the design is beautiful. It's a $40,000 car and goes 0 to 60mph in five seconds, and can tow over 10,000 pounds. It just was a real winner.” Trucks are not some niche automotive sector in the US; they are one of the top-selling classes of vehicles. Data from the Department of Transportation for 2022 (the most recent data) shows that new light truck sales and leases hit 10.9 million, whereas passenger cars hit only 2.895 million in sales. MotorTrend was quick to point out that electric rivals were breathing down Ram’s neck, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Tesla’s polarizing Cybertruck, which leads all EV pickups in sales this year. MotorTrend’s review team breaks down the pros and cons of those vehicles, but what is most apparent to Wellen is all of this year's selections — Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, and SUV of the Year — are gas-powered, not EVs. He said it reflects where we are in America right now. “We always say at MotorTrend that EVs are inevitable. I think it's just going to be a longer road than we thought,” Wellen said. The rise of hybrids and range-extending powertrain tech that Ram will bring next year will bridge the gap to full EVs going mainstream, he said. One important consideration that’s been a huge wild card in any auto and truck discussion are tariffs. President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to tariff all vehicles from Mexico, Canada, Europe, and elsewhere wouldn’t necessarily affect trucks yet, as most are built in the US, but if components from other countries are targeted, this would surely fall on the shoulders of consumers, Wellen said. “The goal [of tariffs] at the end of the day is to make us more reliant on our domestic manufacturing and sales, right, and to collect some money. But the auto industry has this global supply chain that is not really capable of doing that just yet,“ Wellen said. The consequences of tariffs will be felt both in the long term and in the near term, with differing effects, he added. “So long term, it may end up being something that really helps consumers and automakers. But short term, I think a lot of those costs will likely get passed on to the customers and to the automakers.” Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram . Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo FinanceThe World of Warcraft we know today is both intimately familiar and strikingly different from the game that launched two decades ago. This evolution, while sometimes jarring for long-time players, is entirely by design. Blizzard has consistently adapted WoW to changing player expectations, new technology, and evolving design philosophies. This article delves into the fascinating journey of World of Warcraft, exploring how it has managed to remain relevant while undergoing a constant metamorphosis. November 23, 2004, marked the dawn of a new era in online gaming . World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment’s ambitious MMORPG, invited players to explore the vast and enchanting world of Azeroth. What started as a relatively niche genre exploded in popularity, with WoW at its forefront. The game’s success stemmed from its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and accessibility. It took the existing formula of Everquest and refined it, creating an experience that captivated millions. Twenty years and ten expansions later, World of Warcraft has become a titan of the gaming industry. Yet, it’s also a game that has undergone a dramatic transformation. From the simplistic class design of vanilla WoW to the complex specializations of today, from the grounded world of early Azeroth to the cosmic adventures in the Shadowlands, the game has continually reinvented itself. This constant evolution is a key reason for its longevity, but it also raises questions about the game’s identity and its future. The Ever-Shifting Sands of Time: A Personal Journey I remember stepping into Azeroth for the first time back in 2005. The world felt massive, dangerous, and full of wonder. Simple tasks like traveling from Elwynn Forest to Westfall were an adventure in themselves. Fast forward to today, and the game feels vastly different. Flying mounts, instant teleportation, and streamlined leveling have shrunk the world and accelerated the pace of play. While I appreciate the convenience these changes offer, I sometimes miss the sense of scale and exploration that defined early WoW. This feeling of change is echoed throughout the community . Veteran players often reminisce about the “good old days” of vanilla WoW, while newer players embrace the modern game with its faster pace and greater accessibility. This dichotomy highlights the challenge faced by Blizzard: how do you cater to a diverse player base with vastly different experiences and expectations? Evolving Gameplay: From Grind to Glamour One of the most significant changes in WoW’s history has been the shift in gameplay focus. Early WoW was defined by its challenging leveling process, time-consuming raids, and emphasis on community building. The game demanded patience, dedication, and a willingness to collaborate with others. Modern WoW, while still retaining elements of its hardcore roots, has become more accessible and streamlined. Leveling is faster, raids are more forgiving, and many quality-of-life improvements have been implemented. This shift has broadened the game’s appeal, but it has also led to criticism from some players who feel that WoW has lost its “soul.” The Lore Explosion: From Warcraft to World of Warcraft World of Warcraft’s lore has undergone a dramatic expansion since its inception. The original game drew heavily from the established Warcraft universe, focusing on the conflict between the Horde and the Alliance. Over time, the narrative has grown increasingly complex, introducing new races, cosmic forces, and alternate realities. This expansion of lore has been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has enriched the game’s world and provided countless hours of engaging storytelling. On the other hand, it has also led to criticism that the narrative has become convoluted and unfocused. Some players feel that the game has strayed too far from its Warcraft roots, venturing into territory that feels alien and disconnected. The Role of Nostalgia: Classic WoW and the Quest for the Past The launch of World of Warcraft Classic in 2019 was a testament to the enduring appeal of the original game. Millions of players flocked back to experience Azeroth in its “pristine” state, reliving the challenges and triumphs of vanilla WoW. The success of Classic WoW highlights the powerful role nostalgia plays in gaming. It also demonstrates the enduring appeal of the core gameplay loop that defined early WoW. While modern WoW may offer more content and convenience, Classic WoW provides a unique experience that cannot be replicated. Looking Ahead: The Future of World of Warcraft As World of Warcraft enters its third decade, the question remains: what does the future hold for this iconic MMORPG? Blizzard has shown a willingness to adapt and evolve, but it must also balance this with preserving the core elements that define the game. The upcoming expansion, Dragonflight, offers a glimpse into the future of WoW. It promises a return to Azeroth, a focus on exploration and discovery, and a renewed emphasis on player agency. Whether this will be enough to satisfy the game’s diverse community remains to be seen. One thing is certain: World of Warcraft will continue to evolve. The game that exists twenty years from now will likely be just as unrecognizable to us today as the current game is to players of vanilla WoW. This constant evolution is both exciting and daunting, but it is also a testament to the enduring appeal of Azeroth and its inhabitants. World of Warcraft at 20 is a game that is both familiar and unrecognizable. It has undergone a remarkable transformation, adapting to changing times and player expectations. While this evolution has sometimes been controversial, it has also ensured the game’s longevity. As WoW enters its third decade, it remains a vibrant and dynamic world, full of adventure and possibility.
Syrians 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: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could 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. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. 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. 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.” 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. 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.None
Fox Sports analyst Terry Bradshaw isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But love him or hate him, few would argue he’s highly entertaining on-camera during “Fox NFL Sunday” broadcasts. The former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has had many cringeworthy moments this season, most notably he mistakenly thought colleague Rob Gronkowski was a temporary fill-in for fellow analyst Jimmy Johnson while he took some time off. Gronkowski is a full-time member of the “Fox NFL Sunday” crew and has been all season, and he reminded Bradshaw of such, prompting him to own up to his blunder. “Okay, I made a mistake,” Bradshaw said. “All right, I apologize Gronk, you know I love you.” Bradshaw has a mostly error-free pregame show, but once the early games hit halftime and Bradshaw was tasked with reading through the highlights and scores, that’s when things took a turn and Bradshaw’s countless gaffes became painfully apparent. The 76-year-old’s struggles prompted several fans on social media to call for him to consider calling it a career, much college football fans have been petitioning Lee Corso to step away from “College GameDay” on Saturdays. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images “Time for Terry Bradshaw to hang up his microphone, too many flubs. @FOXSports,” one fan wrote . “@NFLonCBS Please have mercy and remove Terry Bradshaw from the telecast, he tried reading the highlights off a sheet of paper and was confused stumbling over all his words. This is approaching Lee Corso territory on ESPN Gameday were he should be removed from television,” another proclaimed . “@NFLonFOX please get rid of Terry Bradshaw. He is the worst I have switched to watching CBS because of him,” a third fan chimed in . “@jessbensontv Fox NFL studio show needs you to do halftime highlights. Terry Bradshaw needs to hang em up,” one user remarked . “I feel like I asked this 7-8 years ago.... Terry Bradshaw INSISTS on doing all the halftime highlights, correct? Like, he walks if he doesn't get to do them? Nobody at FOX thinks this is the best thing to do, correct?” another commented . “Terry Bradshaw really needs to stop with these highlights - he’s made like 9 mistakes in 20 seconds,” declared another user . Related: Terry Bradshaw’s Daughter Has Savage 1-Word Message for Kamala Harris Related: Terry Bradshaw Proposes Dallas Cowboys Trade Idea That’ll Ruffle Some FeathersIt’s been a rocky year for relations between the Jewish community and Toronto’s municipal government following the Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel—which led to an ongoing regional war in the Middle East and repeated anti-Israel demonstrations and attacks on Jewish institutions in Canada. Local and nationwide organizations have urged their elected representatives to demonstrate stronger leadership in condemning antisemitism in Toronto. But the responses they report receiving remain largely lukewarm. Mayor Olivia Chow’s absence at the Oct. 7, 2024, memorial event organized by UJA Federation of Greater Toronto—attended by multiple federal parliamentarians, Ontario premier Doug Ford and other provincial lawmakers, along with several city councillors—amplified the perception that the mayor’s support is lacking. It’s a thread of criticism that started over a year ago when the mayor’s office posted remarks attributed to Chow a few hours after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, which were publicly posted and quickly deleted twice on social media before a final version was settled upon. My earlier tweets on this have been deleted because of the harm and confusion they caused. — Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) October 8, 2023 Chow’s handling of her no-show at the memorial did nothing to improve the Jewish community’s confidence in her support, already seen as inconsistent. The office of the mayor offered three separate reasons for her absence, including not having received the invitation. Then came a TV news interview where Chow said “it doesn’t matter” why she missed the commemoration, but she ultimately apologized to the Jewish community. A petition urging Chow to resign for neglecting the Jewish community gathered more than 12,000 signatures during that period. 'I should have been there': Toronto mayor says she regrets not being at Oct. 7 vigil https://t.co/u2xeRK3zvS — CP24 (@CP24) October 13, 2024 The imbroglio over the memorial exemplifies the disappointment many Jewish Torontonians associate with Chow. The sense of insult and political calculus linked to Chow has permeated, despite her apology. Jewish advocacy groups say the community wants to see more leadership from Chow on condemning antisemitism when it shows up in displays of Hamas headbands, or a Hezbollah flag. Toronto police arrested two people on public incitement of hatred charges following a protest in late September where they continued to display the flag of Hezbollah despite officers’ warnings. Chow also skipped the Walk with Israel in early June, which drew an estimated 50,000 people. That same weekend, Chow enthusiastically attended the annual Grilled Cheese Festival in Etobicoke—an appearance publicized a few days later with some extra-cheesy puns. Toronto the gouda! 🧀 I had a feta-stic time at the Grilled Cheese Festival this weekend with @CllrAmberMorley in Etobicoke. Always grate to brie with so many out enjoying their neighbourhoods. It makes our city a cheddar place to live. I mean, better—better place to live. pic.twitter.com/9dX1I0Yjod — Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) June 12, 2024 Later in June, Chow marched in the annual Pride parade (which she has regularly attended throughout her four-decade political career), but did not comment when a demonstration over sponsors’ Israeli investments led the parade procession to be halted prematurely—with some of participants and crowds still lining Yonge Street. Some fences mended with mayor The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), which called out Chow’s no-show at the Oct. 7 memorial, met with the mayor, her chief of staff Michal Hay, and a UJA executive, at Chow’s office in October. Michelle Stock, CIJA’s vice-president for Ontario, says she told Chow she wants her to take a tougher, more vocal posture in denouncing antisemitism. The mayor needs to show up more consistently for the Jewish community, says Stock—regardless of perceived political support for Israel. Chow has appeared at a number of major events, including UJA’s emergency rally on Oct. 9, 2023, and a gathering of support following the first of two early Saturday morning gunfire incidents—which took place in May and October outside the empty Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School in North York. Politicians, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Solicitior-General Michael Kerzner, Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Toronto city councillor James Pasternak speak at a rally, May 27, 2024 after a Chabad girls’ school was shot the previous Shabbat. Stock maintains that “[Chow] needs to be clear... the Jewish community in Toronto are her constituents. We are taxpayers... we have a right to have law and order, to have safety in our streets, and feel that we can be openly Jewish and not feel like you have to hide that.” Stock says she’d like to see Chow speak up unequivocally and that the mayor “needs to continue to show presence in the community” and “acknowledge the experience of the Jewish [community] in Toronto,” including demonstrations taking to Jewish neighbourhoods. CIJA’s vice-president for Ontario adds that by not standing with the Jewish community, Chow, who campaigned on diversity and inclusion in her mayoral campaign, is creating the opposite effect. “Hateful chants in [the] streets... terrorist flags at these protests, people dressing up like Hamas... those are unacceptable behaviours, and by her not going out and publicly denouncing these things and being very clear that she doesn’t want to see these things in her street—and taking that leadership position—she’s countering what her brand is about: diversity and inclusion. “She’s emboldening... more division in her city rather than bringing people together to find the common ground... the shared values we all have as Torontonians.” It was an honour to join @thethmuseum this evening for the start of Holocaust Education Week. In the present, we must continue to fight against antisemitism and the fear and terror that feed fascism. Check out events all week: https://t.co/YMRA2zjk1M pic.twitter.com/OcLkb3K7dw — Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) November 5, 2024 Despite the Oct. 7 memorial letdown, Stock gives Chow credit for attending the Toronto Holocaust Museum one month later for a tour and discussion on contemporary antisemitism. Social media postings claimed the mayor made a hasty exit partway through the program—a falsehood amplified by independent downtown MP Kevin Vuong without a subsequent correction or apology—but Stock confirms that Chow participated in the entire event as scheduled. “People had an opportunity to voice their concerns with her about what was going on in Toronto, and she gave people a lot of airtime.” Bubble bill defeated at council It’s not simply that Chow has not appeared consistently at Jewish community events, but that raucous anti-Israel protests have gone on throughout the city, which make some Jews feel protesters have gotten a free pass. ‘Bubble zone’ legislation which would have prevented protests near religious institutions was introduced to city council in October 2023—but councillors narrowly voted down the bylaw the following May, instead asking the city manager to devise an action plan and refer it to the police. (Similar legislation has been passed in municipalities near Toronto, including Vaughan and Brampton.) ‘Keeping Toronto Safe from Hate’ came to the police board as a draft proposal in September. Following a unanimous Oct. 12 vote on a motion by Chow—one year after council adopted an initial motion of the same name around anti-hate measures—the city’s website launched a resource page for the initiative. Toronto’s greatest strength is its diversity. If you call Toronto home, you are welcome here. There is space for you. There is no place for Islamophobia, antisemitism or hate. Learn more about what the City is doing to stop hate and build peace at https://t.co/JlIRhk2YqD pic.twitter.com/9OaURrUBLe — City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) February 27, 2024 The plan covers six categories: infrastructure, legislation, community safety and funding, public education and awareness, incident management and response, and increased collaboration between the City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service. The plan does not propose new municipal departments or entities, and instead draws on the city’s existing diversity, equity, inclusion, and community safety efforts, and policies “promoting respectful conduct, inclusion and an environment free from hate.” In a statement from Chow’s office to The CJN, the mayor noted her support for the Jewish community included affirming a council motion in June from uptown York Centre city councillor James Pasternak—one of four of Toronto’s elected municipal politicians who is Jewish, along with Josh Matlow, Dianne Saxe and newcomer Rachel Chernos Lin—which was called “Fostering Belonging, Community and Inclusion, and Combating Hate in Toronto.” The city committed to relaunch its anti-hate public education campaigns displayed on city-owned bus shelters and benches, maximize safety on city streets through urban design, explore additional city funding for gathering spaces, and direct city staff to review the graffiti management plan to ensure there is a rapid response to hate graffiti. Stickers affixed to the backs of City of Toronto street signs near Ossington Avenue in Toronto’s west end, earlier in 2024. (Credit: Jonathan Rothman) Chow also signed a declaration from multifaith coalition Rally for Humanity, which Pasternak introduced at the most recent monthly meeting of city council. Chow told The CJN in a statement she is committed to the safety and well being of Toronto’s Jewish community. “There is no place for antisemitism in our city—full stop.” This month, the police board passed a long-term hiring plan designed to boost the number of officers. “This plan is responsive to the needs of Torontonians, including members of the Jewish community who have felt unsafe in our city over the last year,” wrote Chow, saying she’ll work with other levels of government to fund the plan. Budget chief Shelley Carroll, a councillor and member of the police board, confirmed in a written response that the Jewish community was among those helping to “shape [the city’s] priorities” during pre-budget consultations that ended Oct. 31. Speaking to The CJN last month, Pasternak—whose riding has a significant Jewish population—called bubble legislation an important step. But leadership and law enforcement are the key issues, he says. “Our big problem is we are not getting universal condemnation and the strong law enforcement aspect that we need to stop... these hateful mobs. One of the most severe consequences [of those] since Oct. 7 is that they have left the city very vulnerable when it comes to law and order. “From the Jewish community point of view, we want to see [TPS] get the resources they need to keep our city safe, to keep our community safe.” Pasternak thanked community leaders when he introduced the declaration at council on Nov. 13, saying “government alone cannot do all the things necessary to keep the city liveable, safe and free from hate, and one of high purpose, through social cohesion.” He told The CJN that protest bubble zones are a “crucial part of keeping our faith-based institutions safe” by creating spaces protesters cannot access. But his colleague Josh Matlow of the midtown St. Paul’s riding–where the Jewish population is also significant— says that “community safety zones,” or bubble zones, and similar measures do not resolve the challenges the city’s Jewish community is facing, which Matlow says are too important for “symbolic gestures... that don’t mean, or achieve, anything.” The initial bylaw was too broadly worded to be enforceable, he said. “It didn’t focus in on the real problem, which is when members of the Jewish community are being harassed and intimidated by protesters. “In many cases before Oct. 7, and certainly since, there’s been a heightened level of insecurity in Toronto’s Jewish community when it comes to their safety. Jewish Torontonians want to feel “that the city and the police are doing everything they can to keep them safe,” said Matlow, including protecting Jewish spaces like schools, synagogues, and community centres, and enforcing existing laws. “It’s really important that whenever any one of our communities is subject to hate and harassment and intimidation, whether that be Black, LGBTQ2S+, Asian, Muslim, or Jewish community, that leaders take a stand and make it very clear we don’t accept that... we stand with the community that’s being victimized. “And what I hear from the Jewish community is that far too often they feel that they’re not treated that way.” The new action plan is taking important steps, he says, with improved coordination between police and the city. “The police have come a long way, and I think they’ve adapted their approach, working with the city. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I think that things have come a long way.” the “yes” vote prevented (and was against) the request for bubble zones. It supported a do nothing approach to the mayhem in our city. https://t.co/wVvKBTF6gD pic.twitter.com/78SC398DvA — James Pasternak (@PasternakTO) May 24, 2024 Josh Matlow, meanwhile, continues to caution that the focus on places of worship—including several prominent Jewish institutions in his own ward—won’t entirely address the issue. “The evidence has shown us that the vast majority of incidents where Jews in our city have been harassed, have been intimidated, have actually not been at synagogues,” he said. “It’s, sadly, almost everywhere else: it’s been in parks... it’s been at Jewish-owned businesses. “The reality is there’s no such thing as a safety [zone] in real life. What we need to do is actually address the surge in antisemitic incidents throughout our city... and that’s not as simple as suggesting that we’re going to create some magic safety bubble.” The view from downtown streets For some Jewish residents, there’s a sense that their local councillors have been ineffective in denouncing antisemitism, especially when it shows up as violent and anti-Israel images and graffiti. Joanna Salit, who lives in the west-end riding of Davenport, where Alejandra Bravo is the city councillor, started a WhatsApp group for concerned residents, saying the graffiti on the streets that is violently anti-Israel makes her and others unsafe. Salit initially met with Bravo in August, followed by another meeting in late September where she was joined by about 20 other concerned members of the Davenport group. Posters and graffiti the community has found threatening and offensive include one recent flyer seen near Oakwood Collegiate, featuring ‘Resistance’ language alongside caricatures of women bearing assault rifles. A poster in Davenport, in the west end of Toronto, seen near a high school in the district. (Submitted to The CJN) Salit says she’s tried to get Bravo to make public statements addressing harmful messages littering the area. Toronto Police Service launched a web form for reporting hate-motivated graffiti in November last yearin the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks—and, in March 2024, TPS statistics showed 342 hate related graffiti occurrences. In a statement to The CJN, Bravo wrote that her office directs residents who report graffiti and posters to refer to the city’s process for removal under existing bylaws, and that TPS investigates reports of hate propaganda and hate-related incidents. “Individual city councillors and their offices do not have the authority to direct bylaw enforcement or police enforcement activities,” she wrote. “While views within Davenport and Toronto may diverge on global events, one thing is clear to me: Antisemitism is a scourge, and it is unacceptable. Hate speech and intimidation of any kind are unacceptable. I unequivocally condemn the recent occurrences of bomb threats, gunshots, and vandalism at Jewish institutions including synagogues and schools.” Bravo also commented after an online video showed an antisemitic rant outside a mechanic’s garage on Geary Avenue. She recently denounced the attack on a mother outside the Chabad of Midtown pre-school—an affiliated location recently opened in her ward—which police are still investigating. My statement on the recent assault outside of a Chabad of Midtown child care centre. pic.twitter.com/r22fc5urLq — Alejandra Bravo (@BravoDavenport) November 15, 2024 “Antisemitic hatred and violence is abhorrent and unacceptable in our communities,” Bravo posted on Nov. 15, after the attack. Salit has emailed Bravo and Chow photos of the posters that call for “resistance” with assault rifles, and says she wants to see a strong stance against those, too. “She [Bravo] really needs to be standing up for all constituents,” said Salit. “And say that Jew hatred in Davenport is not OK.” Sarah Margles is a Davenport resident who attended the meeting at City Hall with Bravo, and says the failure in leadership she sees shows the need to establish and uphold common values in the city. She says her city councillor’s office sent a warm reply to her offer to further discuss subjects like antisemitism on the left wing of the political spectrum, though Bravo’s office has not yet taken her up on the offer. Margles’ sense is that what’s playing out in Davenport is part of a wider dynamic. “The environment is so polarized, and not just on this issue,” she said. “Jews here are feeling scared... feeling attacked because of what’s happening over there. That’s not cool. It’s also true about the experience of Muslims and Arabs and Palestinians who are feeling attacked here by Jews and the pro-Israel movement, and they’re also feeling attacked here because of what’s happening there. And that’s also not cool.” City of Toronto officials, she says, are “also just dealing with rats and power outages... the real city things.” Responses to posters, stickers, and graffiti in Toronto’s west end, including in Davenport, in 2023 and 2024 (Jonathan Rothman photos) When elected officials see signs around that say “resistance at all costs” with images “with a bunch of women holding guns,” they see that with different eyes than the Jewish community does, she said. “The city needs a comprehensive way to look at ‘How do we deal with international clashes that blow up in our city even though the actual things are happening elsewhere, but the sentiment and the emotions and the fear and the anger are exploding here?’” Margles says there’s a lack of leadership in taking that on. “I don’t see them being clear about ‘Here’s what needs to happen in Toronto. We need to figure out how to not take our frustrations out on each other [if we are] upset about what’s happening around the world.” On some of the posters and graffiti on Toronto , exchanges of duelling counter-narratives between ideological opponents lead to erasing the previous message and replacing it with a response, be it to posters, stickers, handbills, or graffiti, including in Davenport, in the year-plus since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and ensuing war. (Jonathan Rothman photos) Along with standing against antisemitism, and Islamophobia, she says, there’s often disagreement on the line between political advocacy and discrimination. “We’re going to have to figure out how to carve those lines around ‘When is political advocacy tipping into discrimination or harassment of any group?’ And those policies need to be developed robustly and they need to be applied equitably to everyone.”