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SHOPPERS are racing to Home Bargains to snap up a nostalgic stocking filler that’s bringing back memories of the 90s. The £6 Jaffa Cakes dispensers have become a hit among fans of quirky gifts, with many comparing them to the a beloved Cadbury toy. 2 Shoppers are rushing to buy the £6 Jaffa Cakes Credit: Facebook 2 The Cadbury chocolate machines were a classic childhood treat in the 90s Credit: Cadbury The Jaffa Cakes dispenser, spotted by shopper Tracy and shared on Facebook, has sparked a frenzy of excitement. She wrote: “How cool are these Jaffa Cakes dispensers, only £5.99 from Home Bargains.” For those unfamiliar with the comparison, the original Cadbury chocolate machines were a classic childhood treat in the 90s. The mini machines dispensed bite-sized Cadbury chocolates at the press of a button, making them a fun and interactive way to enjoy sweets. Read more on Home Bargains POLAR BUY Shoppers split by £8 Polar Express pjs with some calling them ‘prison uniforms’ FLAMIN' HELL My 99p Home Bargains Christmas candle nearly set my home alight - bin yours They became a must-have toy of the era, cherished for their mix of novelty and functionality. Although the Cadbury machines are no longer widely available, fans haven’t forgotten. One Facebook user commented: “I’d rather the mini Cadbury chocolate machines were back on sale.” The Jaffa Cakes version appears to be scratching that nostalgic itch, with shoppers keen to track one down. Most read in Money TRUMP UP Donald Trump urged to invest 'fistful of dollars' in late mum's Scottish home LEAVING TOWN High street giant to shut branch as mystery surrounds shopping centre future SHAKE IT UP McDonald's is making a big change to menus in days and customers can't wait CHOC FULL Shoppers rush to buy Cadbury selection boxes at major supermarket for just £1 Another user cried: “I’m still looking for these—every store I go to has none lol.” Others are already adding it to their holiday wish lists, with one fan writing: “Want this. Please, SANTA!” Cadbury bombarded with people begging them to bring back childhood Xmas gift Cadbury has been bombarded with requests to bring back the childhood favourite this Christmas. Trying to get your hands on one of the machines now is a costly business. That's because they're being sold for upwards of £27 on auction sites such as eBay. Some of them are even reaching that price with bits missing, showing just how much people want them. And while you can buy the chocolates that go inside on other websites, they aren't from Cadbury, as they're no longer making them. Some shoppers admitted they were always desperate to get their hands on one of the machines for Christmas. "I asked for one of these nearly every year and I never got one," one sighed. "And now as an adult I can’t get one, what’s that all about?" Read more on the Scottish Sun FERRY WINDY Ferry stranded amid Storm Darragh as passengers stuck on ship for 12 hours HORROR BLAZE Huge fire erupts at Scots industrial estate as emergency crews race to scene "I begged, i got 1, my mum ate all the choc from it before xmas so it was useless," another added. "I so wanted one of those. I know they’re gimmicky but...." someone else laughed.ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has revealed the significant economic losses caused by opposition-led protests, ARY News reported. Muhammad Aurangzaib held a press conference as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is advancing towards Islamabad for its protest. He spoke about the serious economic damage caused by such demonstrations. Addressing the media, he stated that the daily financial damage from opposition-led lockdowns and protests exceeds Rs190 billion. He explained that disruptions caused by protests hinder tax collection, obstruct businesses, and negatively impact exports. Additional expenses are also incurred for maintaining law and order during such protests. The minister highlighted that the IT and telecommunications sectors face separate economic losses, with their closure affecting social dynamics and the digital economy. According to a detailed report by the Ministry of Finance, protests result in a daily GDP loss of Rs 144 billion. Export reductions cost Rs 26 billion daily, while direct foreign investment declines lead to an additional Rs 3 billion loss. Aurangzeb added that provinces bear additional losses, including Rs 26 billion daily in the agricultural sector and over Rs 20 billion in the industrial sector. Read More: Musadik Malik accuses PTI leadership of ‘blocking’ founder’s release The presser from FinMin came as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) advances towards Islamabad. Earlier, Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) leadership, claiming they are seemingly disinterested in securing the release of their founder, Imran Khan. Speaking at a news conference, Musadik Malik emphasised that solving public issues is the government’s priority, highlighting that government measures have led to a reduction in inflation, and the stock market is at its highest level in history. He added that the nation must unite against extremism, mentioning that people from Parachinar are sitting on the roads with the bodies of their loved ones, yet there has been no sign of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur going to help them. Musadik Malik also criticised Ali Amin Gandapur for trying to attack Punjab and Islamabad, adding, “What happened to his Do-or-Die rally today? There are voices everywhere saying ‘Arrest me, take me in.’ Where are all the senior PTI leaders? No rallies are visible in Punjab, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.”
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Blame it on the food and drink?HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. What happened at Enron? Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Key Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. Is Enron coming back? On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron's new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand's tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. What do former Enron employees think of the company’s return? Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70 Juan A. Lozano, The Associated Press
Monrovia, Liberia – With just hours until the much-anticipated 2024 Liberia Marathon, excitement is reaching a fever pitch as over 2,000 runners from more than 20 countries gear up to hit the streets of Monrovia on Sunday, November 24. This year’s event promises to be a milestone in Liberian sports and community spirit, cementing the Liberia Marathon as one of the nation’s most prestigious and international events. This year’s race is more inclusive and vibrant than ever. With women making up an impressive 30% of participants — a significant increase from 23% in 2022 and just 15% in 2021 — the 2024 marathon is a testament to the growing involvement of women in sports across Liberia. The event will feature a half marathon, a 10k foot race, and inspiring competitions for athletes in the 10k wheelchair and crutches categories. For the first time, hearing and vision-impaired athletes will also join the race, supported by guide runners from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), demonstrating the event’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. As the largest road race in the subregion, the Liberia Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a day of collective triumph, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together in pursuit of personal goals and shared dreams. Whether it’s a first-time runner crossing the finish line, a wheelchair athlete defying odds, or a guide runner helping a vision-impaired competitor navigate the course, every moment reflects the indomitable spirit of human perseverance. This extraordinary event would not be possible without the collaboration of key institutional partners. The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC), the Liberia National Police (LNP), and the AFL have joined forces to ensure the marathon runs smoothly and safely. Their inter-agency partnership exemplifies the power of collective effort in making such a large-scale event a reality, contributing to Liberia’s growing reputation as a hub for international sporting excellence. Such an ambitious and inclusive event wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of key institutional partners. The Liberia Marathon Organizing Committee has worked tirelessly alongside the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC), the Liberia National Police (LNP), and the AFL to bring this extraordinary event to life. Each of these agencies plays a critical role, from ensuring the safety and smooth flow of the race to providing logistical and moral support. Their collective effort exemplifies the strength of inter-agency partnerships in delivering impactful initiatives that benefit the nation as a whole. The Liberia Marathon’s history is as inspiring as the runners it attracts. Launched in 2011, the inaugural race set the foundation for what has become one of the most anticipated events in Liberia’s calendar. After a hiatus, the marathon made a triumphant return in 2022, with nearly 1,500 participants, a record number of women, and unforgettable moments from wheelchair and crutches-assisted athletes. The 2024 edition builds on that legacy, promising an even greater celebration of endurance, inclusivity, and international camaraderie. As the streets of Monrovia prepare to welcome runners, spectators, and supporters, the significance of the marathon extends far beyond the race itself. It is a showcase of Liberia’s resilience, vibrancy, and openness to the world. With over 20 nationalities represented, the event highlights the country’s growing stature as a hub for international sporting events, drawing attention to Liberia’s potential as a destination for global engagement. With its growing global appeal, commitment to inclusivity, and unparalleled community spirit, the 2024 Liberia Marathon is set to be a day for the history books. Whether you’re running, cheering from the sidelines, or watching from afar, this year’s race is bound to inspire pride in Liberia’s ability to bring people together through the universal language of sport. Here are the various race schedules: 7:00 AM - Half Marathon , commencing from Freeport (City Builders) to SKD Sports Complex 7:35 AM - 10k Wheelchair Race , commencing from JFK to SKD 7:40 AM 10k Crutches Race , commencing from JFK to SKD 8:00 AM 10K Footrace , commencing from JFK to SKDShould You Buy Super Micro Computer Stock After Its 1,480% Gain in 5 Years? Wall Street Has a Clear Answer for Investors.Synopsys Inc SNPS reported fourth-quarter financial results after the market close on Wednesday. Here’s a rundown of the report . Q4 Revenue: $1.64 billion, versus estimates of $1.63 billion Q4 Adjusted EPS: $3.40, versus estimates of $3.30 “The fourth quarter was a strong finish to a transformational year for Synopsys. We achieved record financial results while doubling down on our strategy with the sale of our Software Integrity business and the pending acquisition of Ansys,” said Sassine Ghazi , president and CEO of Synopsys. “Looking ahead, the AI-driven reinvention of compute is accelerating the pace, scale and complexity of technology R&D, which expands our opportunity to solve engineering challenges from silicon to systems.” Synopsys said its previously announced acquisition of Ansys is expected to close in the first half of 2025. The company is working cooperatively with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conclude the investigation and the staff’s review of Synopsys’ proposed remedies. Outlook: Synopsys expects first-quarter revenue to be in the range of $1.435 billion to $1.465 billion versus estimates of $1.643 billion, according to Benzinga Pro . The company sees first-quarter adjusted earnings between $2.77 and $2.82 per share versus estimates of $3.53 per share. Synopsys noted that its outlook reflects a change in the company’s fiscal year from a 52/53-week period ending on the Saturday nearest to Oct. 31 of each year to Oct. 31 of each year. As a result of this change, there will be 10 fewer days in the first half of fiscal year 2025. “In 2025, we expect to deliver double-digit revenue growth grounded in pragmatism given continued macro uncertainties and the impact of our fiscal year calendar change,” said Shelagh Glaser , CFO of Synopsys. SNPS Price Action: Synopsys shares were down 6.23% in after-hours, trading at $551.37 at the time of publication Wednesday, per Benzinga Pro . Read Next: ChargePoint Stock Rallies After Q3 Results: EPS In Line, Revenues Beat Photo: Courtesy of Synopsys. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Social Media Analytics Market to grow by USD 14.01 Billion (2024-2028), driven by data availability and complexity, with AI-powered market evolution report - TechnavioSwansea boss Luke Williams thought his side were second best for the majority of the contest despite earning a 2-1 win at Derby. The Swans stunned Pride Park into silence with less than two minutes on the clock when Zan Vipotnik sent a bullet past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Ronald slotted home his first of the season in the 14th minute. Cyrus Christie brought Tom Barkhuizen down inside the box and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing dispatched the resulting penalty to cut the deficit in half and, despite piling on the pressure, Derby succumbed to a second home defeat of the season. Williams told a press conference: “We started the game very well, we were good up until we scored the second goal then we lost the grip on the game and I thought Derby were the better team. “The next thing for us we have to be able to maintain that level throughout the game and we weren’t able to do that to be quite honest today. “They made it difficult, reacted very well after the second goal and didn’t go under, far from it.” Swansea leapfrogged their opponents into the top half of the table with their sixth win of the season and took three points back to south Wales following two last-minute defeats by Burnley and Leeds heading into the match. Williams added: “We’ve recently conceded late goals but they’re a very resilient group and we saw it out in the end. “We’ve dominated games a lot but probably failed to score when we’ve been that dominant and tonight we managed to score the goals when we were dominant. “We scored the goals at the right time today.” Derby had been unbeaten in their last three matches coming into this one but Paul Warne put defeat down to a poor start. He said: “We conceded two and didn’t get close enough, weren’t aggressive enough, not enough body contact and looked soft, that’s my fault. “Maybe I didn’t message it properly. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to shape and tactics but I thought that was what the difference was. “Credit Swansea for the win but after the 25 mins it looked like we would score. I really enjoyed it, that’s the truth. I had 70 minutes of a team giving everything, I don’t think we’ve had that many attempts in the Championship this season. “It’s a rude awakening, last year we would’ve won that 4-2.”
Lindsey Vonn takes another step in comeback at age 40, competes in a pair of downhills
The 13 office buildings in Richmond, B.C.’s Airport Executive Park – a business park located on 35 acres of green space – date back to a time when climate change and carbon footprints weren’t part of mainstream discussions and long-term environmental control programs. But as more companies set climate and sustainability targets, many are actively working toward reducing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions within their operations and supply chains. Fiera Real Estate Canada – the current owner of Richmond’s Airport Executive Park (AEP) – is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, partly through the installation of electric heat pumps that will replace its gas-fired heating systems, which date back to the 1980s and early 2000s. The company’s net-zero ambitions are emblematic of the significant commitments national building owners are making that will help Canada reach its target of net-zero building emissions by 2050. And while 25 years from today may seem like a long time, experts warn Canada isn’t making progress fast enough to achieve its goal. The clock began ticking in 2021 when the federal government adopted the , aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, with an interim target of GHG reductions hitting at least 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Released this year, the says there are more than 564,000 commercial and institutional buildings across the country, and because the majority are expected to still be in use in 2050, most will require extensive upgrades and retrofitting to reach Canada’s net-zero goal. “It’s hard to see how we’re going to achieve the interim standards for the building sector by 2030, and if we don’t reach them, the climb to 2050 is going to be a lot harder,” says Thomas Mueller, president and chief executive officer of the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC), which supports the building industry’s transition to green structures and sets national standards for zero-carbon buildings. Updated in July, the council’s focus on maintaining high energy efficiency in new buildings and reducing carbon emissions in older structures by replacing fossil-fuel-burning equipment. It estimates that Canada needs to convert at least 3 per cent of its buildings to net-zero emissions a year and invest billions in making buildings greener. A recent from CAGBC and the Delphi Group – a Canadian climate and sustainability consultancy – identifies the most-needed upgrades in buildings to be LED lighting, triple-glazed windows, roof insulation, high-efficiency ventilation systems, as well as computer control systems that reduce heating and cooling when rooms are not in use. These upgrades require major structural changes and are why most building owners are conducting feasibility studies and putting refits into their 10-year plans, says Tonya Lagrasta, vice-president and head of ESG at commercial real estate services company Colliers Canada. However, she says: “The price tags for things like window replacements can have owners of older buildings falling off their chairs.” The Pembina Institute, a clean-energy think tank, decarbonizing Canada’s commercial and residential building sector will require more than $400-billion in upgrades. It also concludes that more incentives must be put in place. Since grants are often difficult for governments to finance and administer, tax credits to stimulate investment are more practical, says Mr. Mueller. However, a challenge is that several provinces and cities have building codes that include specifications that vary from the federal standards. “It is a real hodgepodge of standards across the country and that is contributing to confusion,” says Terry Bergen, Victoria-based managing principal of RJC Engineers, a building science consultancy. For retrofits, there is also a misconception that high efficiency comes with higher operating costs. But recently, a lot of studies have been released that demonstrate a high return on investment by making these changes, says Duncan Rowe, a Toronto-based principal with RJC Engineers. At the same time, Mr. Rowe acknowledges that it’s not economical or ecologically practical to speed up the replacement of nearly-new equipment just to meet a standard. In other words, upgrades should be aligned with the life cycle of equipment. In the case of Airport Executive Park, the heating systems were several decades old and in need of replacement. While the newly installed systems are less than a year old, the expectation is that annual energy cost savings for all the property’s buildings will be as much as 50 per cent. In the long term, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is an interim step toward a goal of being fully net-zero energy – producing as much clean energy as consumed with on-site clean and renewable sources, such as solar, wind or geothermal, Ms. Lagrasta says. Net-zero energy is achievable because technology is advancing, says Mr. Rowe. For instance, solar technology is becoming affordable and can be efficient at powering some buildings, but it needs the right conditions. If a building owner has a large roof area, solar is a practical solution, though it won’t be sufficient for an office tower with a small roof. However, there are also developments in photovoltaic glass that can turn windows into power sources, Mr. Rowe says. Ultimately, economics – not politics – will persuade building owners to invest in green technology, Ms. Lagrasta says. A study by Colliers found tenants are willing to pay a premium of an average of 8 per cent to be in a building with a high sustainability rating. “Building owners value their assets and political winds come and go. But it will become harder to attract and retain tenants in an older building that is falling behind the curve,” Ms. Lagrasta says.Affinity Bancshares director Roberts sells $15,114 in stock
U.S. President Joe Biden is set to unveil a significant $600 million investment in Angola's Lobito rail corridor during his forthcoming visit, according to inside sources. The fund will support various projects in solar energy, critical minerals, and telecommunications along the corridor. This announcement marks a historic moment as President Biden becomes the first U.S. president to visit Angola, as well as making his inaugural trip to Sub-Saharan Africa in his presidential capacity. The financial infusion underlines the U.S. commitment to bolster infrastructure and technological advancement in the region, aiming to enhance economic growth and connectivity. (With inputs from agencies.)BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; and Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar, contributed to this report.AP News Summary at 6:33 p.m. EST
NoneMoving forward, investors during the 1980s found futures contracts efficient and adaptable to a host of “financial futures,” such as currencies, stock index futures, interest rate futures and now, with trepidation, bitcoin futures. The December bitcoin blew to a high of 102,725 on Wednesday and remained over 100,000 as of Friday morning. Many analysts attributed the explosion to President-elect Trump’ s nomination of Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins is known to be friendly to the crypto currency markets. Low ag prices cause layoffs One of largest food companies in the world, which buys and processes grain and livestock from U.S. farmers and ranchers, announced this week that it is laying off approximately 8,000 workers. Cargill, which operates throughout the world, recently released quarterly results of $160 billion in revenue, down from $177 billion last year. Good crop yields have increased supply and lowered prices, which reduced potential profits for the company. Fears of U.S. tariffs targeting imports could also reduce their profitability. Not so much climate change The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly referred to as COP29, took place this November in Baku, Azerbaijan. Critics noted that the host country is a major oil and gas producer as well as an authoritarian country noted for its poor human rights record. Many observers concluded that the results of the conference were weak and ineffective in the fight to reduce carbon emissions. Unlike previous COP conferences, COP29 did not mention any push to phase out fossil fuel. In fact, over 1,500 fossil fuel lobbyists were reported to have attended the conference. Funding issues for future climate change initiatives were considered to be far short of needed revenues and favoring wealthy nations while leaving the have-not nations behind looking down the road. CME midday prices: Price per bushel: January soybeans, $9.95; March corn, $4.40; March wheat, $5.57. December livestock per 100 pounds: cattle, $187.20; hogs $83.25. Metals per troy ounce: February gold, $2,656; March silver, $31.50; March copper, $4.19 per pound. Crude oil per barrel, $67.40. December Euro Currency $1.0550. December S&P is 6,093. December bitcoin futures are trading at $102,440.
Tectonic Therapeutic to Host KOL Event on the Unmet Need in Group 2 PH-HFpEF and TX45 as a Potential Treatment on Thursday, December 12, 2024