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mfk baccarat rouge Gaza Strip: Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 22 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said. Also on Sunday, Israeli authorities allowed Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the leader of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, to enter Gaza and celebrate a pre-Christmas Mass with members of the territory's small Christian community. A strike on a school housing displaced people in Gaza City killed at least eight people, including three children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Israeli military said it struck Hamas militants sheltering there. A strike on a home in the central city of Deir al-Balah late Saturday killed at least eight people, including three women and two children, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. Another six people were killed in separate strikes on Sunday, according to local hospitals. Israel has carried out daily strikes in Gaza more than 14 months into the war with Hamas. It says it only targets militants, accusing them of hiding among civilians, but the bombings frequently kill women and children. 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View Program Data Analysis Learn Power BI with Microsoft Fabric: Complete Course By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Israel and Hamas have recently appeared to draw closer to a ceasefire agreement that would include the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but several obstacles remain, and the long-running indirect talks have repeatedly stalled. Vatican envoy celebrates Mass with Gaza's Christians Dozens of worshippers gathered in the Holy Family Church in Gaza City as Pizzaballa and other clergy celebrated Mass. A Christmas tree was decorated with golden ornaments and twinkling white lights, and altar boys wearing red and white robes held candles. "For Christmas, we celebrate the light and we are wondering where the light is. This is one of the places where the light is," Pizzaballa said. The buzz of Israeli drones circling overhead, a sound that has grown ubiquitous across Gaza during the war, could be heard throughout the Mass. The rare visit to Gaza by the Latin Patriarch came a day after Pope Francis had again criticized Israel's actions in Gaza. Francis said Saturday that his envoy had been unable to enter the territory because of Israeli bombing. "Yesterday children have been bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war," Francis said during his annual Christmas greetings at the Vatican. The pope recently called for an investigation to determine if Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, a conclusion later reached by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The International Court of Justice is investigating genocide allegations brought against Israel by South Africa. Israel, which was founded as a refuge for Jews after the Nazi Holocaust, adamantly rejects such allegations. It says it has made great efforts to spare civilians and is only at war with Hamas, which it accuses of genocidal violence in the attack that ignited the war. War grinds on as winter sets in Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in a surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250. Around 100 hostages are still in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel's subsequent bombardment and ground invasion have killed over 45,000 people in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast as the cold, wet winter sets in. Israel has been carrying out a major operation in northern Gaza since early October, battling Hamas in the most isolated and heavily damaged part of the territory. Tens of thousands have fled as the military has ordered a complete evacuation and allowed almost no humanitarian aid to enter. The Israeli military body overseeing civilian affairs in Gaza, known as COGAT, said it had facilitated the evacuation of over 100 patients, caregivers and others from the Kamal Adwan Hospital and Al-Awda Hospital in the far north, which have struggled to function. COGAT said it had also facilitated the delivery of 5,000 liters of fuel and food packages to the hospitals. Palestinian security force member killed in West Bank In the volatile northern West Bank town of Jenin, militants shot and killed a member of the Palestinian security forces and wounded two others. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority launched a rare crackdown there earlier this month. A statement from the security forces blamed the shooting on "outlaws," without elaborating. The PA is internationally recognized but deeply unpopular among Palestinians, in part because it cooperates with Israel on security matters. Under interim peace agreements reached in the 1990s, the PA exercises limited authority in population centers in the West Bank. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Mideast War, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )The Texas Longhorns are taking on the Kentucky Wildcats for the second time in program history | Here's how their most recent meeting went

With organizations like AICEP spearheading efforts to expand Portugal’s footprint in international trade, it is clear that the nation is embracing a future deeply intertwined with the global economy. One of the most striking elements of Portugal’s internationalization strategy is its comprehensive approach. Through AICEP’s extensive network, spanning around fifty global markets with multiple offices in economic powerhouses like the U.S. and China, Portuguese entrepreneurs have access to invaluable resources. These include support for navigating complex international trade landscapes and finding new opportunities abroad. It is heartening to see a national strategy that not only focuses on large corporations but also extends its reach to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), helping them integrate into international value chains. The focus on sustainability and e-commerce further demonstrates Portugal’s forward-thinking approach. As the global economy increasingly prioritizes environmental and digital transformation, the country's initiatives—like the ESG PME Exporters program and the PRR-backed "Internationalization via E-Commerce" measure—equip businesses with tools to lead in these areas. It is fascinating to see how Portugal is positioning itself as a hub for sustainable and digital business practices, fostering innovation while addressing global challenges like climate change. Events like the Millennium Portugal Exporter 2024 showcase how Portugal actively promotes its businesses on the global stage. With over 120 exhibitors, fourteen embassies, and representatives from key export sectors, the event creates a dynamic environment for networking and collaboration. The inclusion of workshops, thematic discussions, and sector-specific spaces ensures that businesses gain practical insights and tools for expanding internationally. What stood out to me is the event's effort to decentralize this year, moving to Santa Maria da Feira, thereby reaching companies that may not have previously engaged with such initiatives. The emphasis on Portugal’s export-oriented sectors, such as agro-food, textiles, metalwork, and tourism, reveals the country’s strategic focus on leveraging its strengths. These industries, often considered traditional, are evolving to align with modern global demands, integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices. This shift not only boosts their competitiveness but also solidifies Portugal’s reputation as a dependable trade partner on the international stage. The data speaks volumes: exports of goods and services now account for roughly 50% of Portugal’s GDP, and foreign direct investment (FDI) constitutes around 70% of the economy. These numbers reflect a nation deeply integrated into global trade networks. However, this success does not come without challenges. As the global economy faces uncertainties and fragmented trade dynamics, Portugal’s focus on diversifying markets and fostering innovation becomes even more critical. What resonates most is the commitment to long-term goals. By encouraging the production of high-value goods and the incorporation of innovative technology, Portugal is not just reacting to current global trends but actively shaping its future role in the world economy. Initiatives to strengthen intellectual property protection and align policies with global standards further highlight this initiative-taking mindset. In a world where global connections are more vital than ever, Portugal’s example serves as an inspiring model of how a relatively small country can achieve noteworthy influence through strategic internationalization. It is a story of ambition, resilience, and the belief that local talent, when supported by the right structures, can thrive on the global stage. Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A state attorney in Florida told his staff he can't legally help his elected replacement take over his seat because Gov. Ron DeSantis had already suspended the Democrat from the office, according to an internal email obtained by The Associated Press. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A state attorney in Florida told his staff he can't legally help his elected replacement take over his seat because Gov. Ron DeSantis had already suspended the Democrat from the office, according to an internal email obtained by The Associated Press. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A state attorney in Florida told his staff he can’t legally help his elected replacement take over his seat because Gov. Ron DeSantis had already suspended the Democrat from the office, according to an internal email obtained by The Associated Press. An executive order issued by DeSantis in 2023 suspending then-State Attorney Monique Worrell from office is still in effect, argued state attorney Andrew Bain in a message sent to staff on Monday. The governor appointed Bain to the 9th Judicial Circuit to replace Worrell, who beat him in last month’s election to retake the Orlando metro area’s top prosecutor’s office. “While I accept the results of the election and wish to do everything I can to ensure the Office is successful going forward, I do not yet feel I can assist her in that transition,” Bain wrote. Worrell’s new term is slated to begin Jan. 7, 2025. She is one of two elected state attorneys, both Democrats, who DeSantis has removed from office. DeSantis said Worrell failed to prosecute minors and didn’t seek mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes, putting her central Florida district in danger. She disputed his criticism as false and politically driven. DeSantis and other Republicans across the U.S. have called Democratic prosecutors’ decisions into question. Bain said in the email shared with the AP that Worrell’s suspension must be resolved by either another executive order by DeSantis or a decision by the Florida Senate, which reviews the cases of elected officials suspended from office. “Without one of these things, I do not feel I can lawfully assist in a transition to an individual whose lawful suspension was affirmed by the Florida Supreme Court,” Bain wrote. “We are living through an unprecedented legal event without clear answers.” Representatives for Bain did not respond to phone and email inquiries from the AP. A statement posted to the state attorney’s website Monday appeared to contradict Bain’s message to staff. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “The state attorney is ready and willing to ensure a smooth transition,” reads a message released by the agency’s public information office. “The state attorney’s term ends Jan. 6, 2025, and he will no longer be in office. Ms. Worrell’s term will begin Jan. 7, 2025. It is the intent of the state attorney to enforce the will of the people.” Worrell criticized Bain’s statements as a “betrayal of democratic principles” and argued that the executive order suspending her expired with the 2024 election. “No executive order, no political maneuver, and certainly no personal grievance can override the will of the people,” Worrell said in a statement. “Any delay in the transition process is a direct affront to the very people this office serves.” A spokesperson for DeSantis pointed to the statement released by the state attorney’s public information office and didn’t respond to other questions from the AP. ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Advertisement Advertisement

Gun found on suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO matches shell casings at scene, police say ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — New York City’s police commissioner says the gun found on the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO matches shell casings found at the crime scene. Commissioner Jessica Tisch also said Wednesday that lab results matched suspect Luigi Mangione’s prints to a water bottle and a snack bar wrapper found near the scene of the killing. Police had said earlier that they believed the gunman bought the items at a nearby coffee shop while awaiting his target. Mangione is jailed in Pennsylvania on weapon and forgery charges, but he also has been charged in New York with murder in Brian Thompson's death. His lawyer has noted that Mangione is presumed innocent. Authorities are scrutinizing evidence and the suspect’s experiences with the health care industry. Arguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer a glimpse into an unusual American moment Memes and online posts in support of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who's charged with killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO, have mushroomed online. Some cast Mangione as a hero. That's too far, says Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a rising Democrat who was almost the Democratic vice presidential nominee this year. CEO Brian Thompson's death touched off off these ripples. They offer a glimpse into how so many different aspects of 21st-century life can be surreally connected, from public violence to politics, from health care to humor, or attempts at it. FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in January WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray says he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January. The announcement Wednesday comes a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the position. His impending resignation will bring him three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations. Trump applauded the news Wednesday, saying it will end the weaponization of what he called the “Department of Injustice.” Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. The Trump and Biden teams insist they're working hand in glove on foreign crises WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump doesn’t think much of Joe Biden’s foreign policy record. He frequently casts the outgoing Democratic president as a feckless leader who shredded American credibility around the world during his four-year term. But the Trump and Biden national security teams have come to an understanding that they have no choice but to work together as conflicts in Gaza, Syria and Ukraine have left a significant swath of the world on a knife’s edge. It’s fuzzy how much common ground Biden and Trump’s teams have found as they navigate crises that threaten to cause more global upheaval as Trump prepares to settle back into the White House. Syrians flock to morgues looking for loved ones who perished in Assad's prisons DAMASCUS (AP) — Many bodies have been found in Syrian detention centers and prisons since President Bashar al-Assad's government fell. Now Syrians around the world are circulating images of the corpses in hopes that they will see slain loved ones whose fate had been a mystery. At the morgue visited by The Associated Press on Wednesday in Damascus, families flocked to a wall where some of the pictures were pinned in a haunting gallery of the dead. Relatives desperately scanned the images for a recognizable face. Some of the prisoners died just weeks ago. Others perished months earlier. US warns Russia may be ready to use new lethal missile against Ukraine again in 'coming days' WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says Russia could launch its lethal new intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine again soon. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh cited a U.S. intelligence assessment in telling reporters on Wednesday that an attack could come “in the coming days.” She says the U.S. does not consider the Oreshnik missile a game changer on the battlefield. But that Russia is using the weapon to intimidate Ukraine as both sides wrestle for an advantage that will give them leverage in any negotiations to end the war. The Russian Defense Ministry also is warning it may retaliate against Kyiv for an attack on a military base in the Rostov region in southern Russia on Wednesday. Israeli strikes on Gaza kill at least 33 including children, Palestinian medics say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medical officials say Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 33 people. One of the strikes hit a home where displaced people were sheltering in the isolated north, killing 19. A separate strike outside nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital killed a woman and her two children, and another strike in central Gaza killed at least seven people. Israel's military says it tries to avoid harming civilians and accuses militants of hiding among them, putting their lives in danger. Local health officials say Israel’s retaliatory offensive after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 has killed over 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Hannah Kobayashi, missing Hawaii woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search, is found safe LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe. That’s according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Kobayashi vanished last month in Los Angeles. The missing Hawaii woman's disappearance prompted a massive search and a missing persons investigation. It was not immediately clear where she was found, but police previously said she had voluntarily crossed the border into Mexico. The LAPD said Wednesday the department will wrap up its investigation. Kobayashi's family reported her missing to law enforcement on Nov. 11 after relatives received “strange and cryptic, just alarming” text messages. Kobayashi’s mother and sister said they are “grateful” she has been found safe. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly? ZURICH (AP) — Saudi Arabia scored a major win in its campaign to attract major sports events to the kingdom when it was formally appointed as the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday. Still, many questions remain about the tournament. Key issues include during which part of the year to stage the tournament, where to play the games, whether alcohol will be allowed at all and how to protect workers rights in the massive construction projects required to host the World Cup.

Russia uses ElevenLabs' AI-generated voices to undermine Western support for Ukraine

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Holiday in the Plaza draws cheer on Lewiston’s Lisbon StreetWe'll stand a Reform candidate in EVERY Holyrood constituency in 2026, vows Farage

Robotics and programming workshop inspires y oung innovators . BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of Digiplus Interactive Corp, gave the students Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, a significant boost in their robotics and programming aspirations by organizing a workshop that will develop their skills and deepen their knowledge in the robotics and programming field. Held last November, celebrating Children’s Month, the training brought together elementary to senior high school students from Dr. Vicente F. Gustillo Memorial National High School, Sped High School, Cadiz West Elementary School I and II, Cadiz East Elementary School I and II, Caduha-An National High School, Villacin National High School, Tiglawigan National High School, Sped Training Center and, DepEd Cadiz offering them hands-on experience in building and programming robots. An estimated 4,853 students will benefit from the robotics and programming initiatives to be implemented at the different schools led by the students who took part in the initial seminar. “At BingoPlus Foundation, we believe in empowering the youth with skills that prepare them for the future. By providing access to robotics and programming training, we’re sparking their curiosity and equipping them with tools to innovate and lead in a technology-driven world,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation. Roxan Cosico, founder of the Robotics and Programming Guild of the Philippines, led the robotics discussion, providing participants with the skills to create robots and program them for specific tasks. In addition to students, 213 teachers also gained valuable knowledge to guide future generations. Aside from the robotics and programming training, the city also received robotics kits which will be housed at the Cadiz Public Library, one of the adopted PLUS centers of BingoPlus Foundation. Going the Extra Mile for Youth BingoPlus Foundation’s initiatives reached further, providing 50 students from the Carol-an IP Community in Kabankalan with tablets to enhance their learning experience. Meanwhile, 60 scholars attended the second session of the FutureSmart Leadership Assembly last November 30 at the DigiPlus headquarters. The session, titled The Power of Habits, focused on helping students develop positive routines to improve academic and personal growth. With a hybrid format, the assembly brought together scholars onsite and virtually, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and actionable plans for success. Holistic Support for Health and Welfare BingoPlus Foundation also extended aid to children’s health and basic needs. In Kalaklan, Olongapo, 350 kids received free medical checkups, vitamins, and essential medicines. Additionally, orphans at Saint Rita Orphanage in Parañaque City were provided with food and baby essentials, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the nation’s youth through education, health, and care. Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.

Sen. Joni Ernst wants to hear from Hegseth on sex assault in the military and women in combatAussie beauty queen turned boxer Avril Mathie reveals the VERY surprising effect breast reduction surgery has had on her fighting Avril Mathie is back in the gym after undergoing operation The Aussie boxing star boasts an 8-1-1 professional record By ED CARRUTHERS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 23:24, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 23:26, 11 December 2024 e-mail 17 shares View comments Aussie boxer Avril Mathie has opened up on the impact breast-reduction surgery has had on her fighting technique. The 37-year-old began boxing in 2012 and currently boasts a fight record of 8-1-1. Back in February 2023, Mathie challenged for the vacant IBF inter-continental super bantamweight title against Ramla Ali but suffered the first professional defeat of her career at Madison Square Garden. The Australian boxer, who had also won the prestigious Miss Swimsuit USA International crown in 2014, recently revealed that she had undergone surgery to remove her breast implants. Having now recovered, she has returned to the gym and has spoken out on how her 'biomechanics are working differently' 'Today was my first day punching anything in more than two months (since before the explant surgery), and for the first time d ever in my boxing life, my forearms can actually defend both my chin and body simultaneously, and I will be able to throw straight punches longer and faster now that the implants are not in the way forcing my elbows out,' she wrote in a caption alongside a video of herself punching a bag during training. Avril Mathie has opened up on the changes a breast reduction procedure has had on her boxing technique Mathie has returned to training after undergoing the surgery, and claimed her 'boxing biomechanics were working differently' She took to Instagram to speak out on the changes to her body, claiming she'd be back to her best in 'a few weeks' 'But old habits die hard, so here I’m doing reps on reps to teach my elbows their new position and I think we’re going to be here on the basics for a while,' she said adding a 'laughing-face' emoji. 'But give me a few weeks and my boxing is about to be tight.' Mathie was due to fight Ebanie Bridges back in 2023 following her defeat by Ali but was forced to pull out of the fight due to an injury. She was replaced by Miyo Yoshida who went on to defeat Bridges in what was considered a big upset. Mathie, meanwhile, elaborated change in the biomechanics of her body, claiming that she feels like boxing might now be 'easier'. 'My elbows can now touch my chest at the same time as my hands can protect my face for the first time in my life,' she said on a Q&A published on her YouTube channel . 'I've always had a stopping block in the way, so it was always a choice between: "Do I want my hands protecting my ribs or protecting my face?" Coaches were always yelling at me.' She added: 'I feel like my life as a boxer is about to get a lot easier and more opportunities.' Mathie has previously opened up on getting the implants when she was 19 but opted to remove them upon the advice of her doctor. Mathie says her recovery from surgery hasn't been easy - but she's very happy she had it done View this post on Instagram A post shared by AVRIL (@avrilmathie) Mathie (pictured right) explained that following her recovery she now 'feels great' 'Basically, I got them when I was 19 because I was, I guess brainwashed into thinking by the culture that I grew up in that I was out of proportion. 'I was super self-conscious. It's not like I was one of those girls that was like: "Oh my god look at my boobs. I have boobs now," or like wearing revealing tops.' But during the YouTube video, Mathie revealed the reasoning behind why she opted to remove her implants. 'When I saw girls posting on social media on their choice to remove, most of these girls were doing it because of breast implant illness - which I didn't necessarily think I have,' she said. 'Because of this information, it prompted me to do a bit of research.' She went to go and get hers checked before her doctor had advised her that while it wasn't an emergency, 'given a time or an opportunity she should consider removing or replacing them'. Mathie also explained that the recovery had been 'really brutal and I wasn't really prepared for it.' But despite that, she said she now 'feels great'. Share or comment on this article: Aussie beauty queen turned boxer Avril Mathie reveals the VERY surprising effect breast reduction surgery has had on her fighting e-mail 17 shares Add comment

Opposition fighters are closing in on Syria’s capital in a swiftly developing crisis that has taken much of the world by surprise. Syria's army has abandoned key cities in the west and south with little resistance. Nervous residents in Damascus describe security forces on the streets. The state news agency has been forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad has left the country. Who are these opposition fighters ? If they enter Damascus after taking two of Syria’s largest cities , what then? Here’s a look at the stunning reversal of fortune for Assad and his government in just the past 10 days, and what might lie ahead as Syria’s 13-year civil war reignites . This is the first time that opposition forces have reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when the country’s troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The approaching fighters are led by the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , or HTS, along with an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Both have been entrenched in the northwest. They launched the shock offensive on Nov. 27 with gunmen capturing Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, and the central city of Hama, the fourth largest. The HTS has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. But the group said in recent years it cut ties with al-Qaida, and experts say HTS has sought to remake itself in recent years by focusing on promoting civilian government in their territory as well as military action. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an exclusive interview Thursday from Syria that the aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assad’s government. The HTS and Syrian National Army have been allies at times and rivals at times, and their aims might diverge. The Turkish-backed militias also have an interest in creating a buffer zone near the Turkish border to keep away Kurdish militants at odds with Ankara. Turkey has been a main backer of the fighters seeking to overthrow Assad but more recently has urged reconciliation, and Turkish officials have strongly rejected claims of any involvement in the current offensive. Whether the HTS and the Syrian National Army will work together if they succeed in overthrowing Assad or turn on each other again is a major question. While the flash offensive against Syria’s government began in the north, armed opposition groups have also mobilized elsewhere. The southern areas of Sweida and Daraa have both been taken locally. Sweida is the heartland of Syria’s Druze religious minority and had been the site of regular anti-government protests even after Assad seemingly consolidated his control over the area. Daraa is a Sunni Muslim area that was widely seen as the cradle of the uprising against Assad’s rule that erupted in 2011. Daraa was recaptured by Syrian government troops in 2018, but rebels remained in some areas. In recent years, Daraa was in a state of uneasy quiet under a Russian-mediated ceasefire deal. And much of Syria's east is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group backed by the United States that in the past has clashed with most other armed groups in the country. Syria’s government now controls just four of 14 provincial capitals. Much depends on Assad’s next moves and his forces' will to fight. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces have started carrying out the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Syrian troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs. If that city is captured, the link would be cut between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where he enjoys wide support. “Homs to the coastal cities will be a very huge red line politically and socially. Politically, if this line is crossed, then we are talking about the end of the entire Syria, the one that we knew in the past,” said a Damascus resident, Anas Joudeh. Assad appears to be largely on his own as allies Russia and Iran are distracted by other conflicts and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah has been weakened by its war with Israel, now under a fragile ceasefire. The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, is calling for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition,” saying the situation is changing by the minute. He met with foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran on the sidelines of the Doha Summit. President-elect Donald Trump in his first extensive comments on the developments in Syria said the besieged Assad didn’t deserve U.S. support to stay in power. “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” Trump posted on social media.MUNICH (AP) — Harry Kane is the quickest player to score 50 goals in the Bundesliga after scoring a hat trick on his 43rd appearance on Friday. Kane’s three goals – including two penalties – gave Bayern a 3-0 win over Augsburg , stretching the Bavarian powerhouse’s lead to eight points ahead of the rest of the 11th round. Kane scored 36 goals in 32 league appearances last season, his first for Bayern after joining from Tottenham. It was also the first season since 2012 that Bayern failed to win the title, as Bayer Leverkusen went undefeated to snap Bayern's winning run. As well as 14 league goals this season, Kane has scored five in the Champions League and one in the German Cup. Against Augsburg, he had to be patient as Augsburg goalkeeper Nediljko Labrović and his defenders stood firm. “It was somehow typical Harry Kane,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said. “It was close in the first half, close, close, close, and then it happens, I think three goals in 15 minutes. Of course, he can do that. But for such a player, I have to say, he had a lot of chances that he could maybe make more of. Then, in an instant, everything is perfect and he can score many goals.” AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach power the Canadiens to a 3-2 shootout win over the Ducks2024 is going to be seen as a positive year for European dividend stocks, but only in absolute terms. The Morningstar Europe High Dividend Equity category index, the Morningstar DM Eur Div Yld >2.5% NR, is up 9.5% in euros for the year (through Dec. 16), but lags the regional index, the Morningstar Europe NR, which is up 10.4%. The European dividend index also lags well behind its U.S. counterpart, the Morningstar US High Div Yld NR, which is up a hefty 25.0%. European Dividend Companies Less Profitable Than US Counterparts... The explanation for this difference in performance is to be found in the weight of the technology sector in both indexes: in the American index, technology stocks account for 15% compared to just 1% in the European index. That said, looking at this yield comparison, one might think that it better to invest in high-dividend US companies than in European companies. But that is investing in the rearview mirror. It is important to look at valuations going forward. And in that direction, European stocks clearly compete with US stocks. ... But Pay Higher Dividends and are Less Expensive In terms of dividend yield, European companies also outperform US companies. The Morningstar High Dividend Yield Index has a dividend yield of 2.63% (as of the end of November) while the Morningstar DM Eur Div Yld >2.5% NR EUR Index has a dividend yield of 4.95%. In terms of valuation, European dividend companies are significantly more attractive than US dividend companies. The Morningstar US High Dividend Yield index trades at a Price/Fair Value of 0.98 (as of the end of November) versus 0.68 for the European index. Cheap European Stocks That Have Increased Dividends Among the large European companies that pay high dividends, there is a select group of stocks that have increased their dividends sharply in 2024 and are also undervalued. The stocks in this select group, shown in the accompanying table, have a dividend yield of more than 3%, have increased... Fernando Luque

Erik Pratt scores 20 as Milwaukee defeats North Central College 92-57Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion