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Max Stock Limited: Immediate report of changes to interested party holdingsNEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Jose D. Hernandez was suspended for next year's Arizona Complex League season on Wednesday following a positive test for boldenone and nandrolone under baseball's minor league drug program. The 21-year-old Hernandez hit .302 with four homers and 21 RBIs in 26 games this year for the ACL Dodgers. The Venezuelan agreed to a contract with the Dodgers in 2019 that included a $10,000 signing bonus. Twenty players have been suspended this year for positive drug tests, including nine under the minor league program and nine under the new program for minor league players assigned outside the United States and Canada. Two players have been suspended this year under the major league drug program. Noelvi Marté , a 22-year-old infielder who was considered Cincinnati's top prospect, missed the first 80 games following a positive test for boldenone. Toronto infielder Orelvis Martínez was suspended for 80 games on June 23 following a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug clomiphene, an announcement made two days after his major league debut . AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love played interception-free football for the first time this season during a home rout of the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Packers' Thanksgiving night home clash with the Miami Dolphins offers a chance to be equally efficient. Just don't expect Love to scale back his approach in the meeting of playoff contenders. ADVERTISEMENT "I definitely am a guy who always wants those big plays, want to put that pressure on the defense and take some of those shots," Love said. Love threw for a season-low 163 yards on 13-of-23 passing to go with two touchdowns against the 49ers. Still, with Josh Jacobs (26 carries, 106 yards, three touchdowns) wreaking havoc in the running game, Love found opportunities to strike a balance. "Those are the lessons that I had to learn last year and I'll continue to learn: just when the right time (is) to take those shots," he said. "If guys get a step or we're in the right coverage versus just finding those completions. Because these check-downs and just finding those completions turn into big plays, as well, sometimes." Green Bay (8-3) is third in the rugged NFC North but holds a two-game lead in the loss column for the No. 6 seed in the conference playoff race. Winners of three straight, the Dolphins (5-6) are 1 1/2 games behind the Denver Broncos for the seventh seed in the AFC. "I think this is an awesome opportunity," Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. "Being able to play Thursday night football, prime time on Thanksgiving." Tagovailoa continues to surge since returning from injured reserve in Week 8. With four touchdown passes during a 34-15 home win against the New England Patriots on Sunday, he has 11 TDs through the air against just one interception in his five games back. ADVERTISEMENT Tagovailoa dismissed the notion that chilly temperatures in Green Bay on Thursday could be enough to cool him. The Hawaiian-born signal-caller is 0-7 when the temperature is 40 degrees or lower. "To me, it's just a mindset," he said. "That's really all there is." Added Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver: "I've never lost a game and thought, 'Guys, it was too cold outside.'" Miami boasts a versatile set of playmakers for Green Bay to defend. Running back De'Von Achane also is active in the passing game, as he made two touchdown receptions against New England. Among the Dolphins' receivers, wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and tight end Jonnu Smith each have at least 41 receptions and 535 yards. The three have combined for nine TDs. Green Bay is hoping for another jolt from second-year linebacker Lukas Van Ness, whose strip-sack against the 49ers was the big play he said he needed for his confidence. It led to Jacobs' third TD. "I told myself I'm going to get off the ball, use my God-given abilities and just get in the backfield and make a play," Van Ness said. "So I think that's what I've wanted to do all year. I just need to continue that." ADVERTISEMENT The Dolphins said Wednesday that Hill, who has dealt with wrist and personal issues this week, does not have an injury designation and will play against the Packers. Cornerback Kendall Fuller (concussion) and linebackers Tyus Bowser (knee/calf) and Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring) have been ruled out, and offensive tackle Terron Armstead (knee) is questionable. The Packers ruled out wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) after they did not practice all week. Tight end John FitzPatrick (back), linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (ankle) and offensive lineman Josh Myers (pectoral) were listed as questionable. Miami leads the all-time series 10-6, but Green Bay has won five of the past six matchups. The teams' most recent meeting also came on a holiday, with the visiting Packers prevailing 26-20 on Christmas Day 2022. Green Bay won each of its previous November home games against Miami, in 2002 and 2018. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
Global Drone Command Vehicle Market to Witness Significant Growth Amidst Increased Military and Surveillance Applications | Valuates Reports 12-08-2024 07:24 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Valuates Reports Drone Command Vehicle Market The drone command vehicle is a vehicle that communicates and commands through drones. It is well used in police law enforcement, environmental protection supervision, power inspection, post-disaster rescue, etc. The global Drone Command Vehicle market was valued at US$ million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of % during the forecast period 2024-2030. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-6I15870/Global_Drone_Command_Vehicle_Market_Research_Report_2023 Major Trends in the Drone Command Vehicle Market: 1.Increased Demand for Surveillance and Defense Applications: The rising need for real-time surveillance in defense, military, and law enforcement sectors is driving the growth of drone command vehicles. These vehicles provide mobile control stations for drones, allowing seamless operations for monitoring and tactical missions. 2.Integration of AI and Automation: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation into drone command vehicles is enhancing operational efficiency. AI-driven features like autonomous flight control, data processing, and real-time decision-making are becoming key components of these vehicles. 3.Advancements in Communication Systems: Modern drone command vehicles are equipped with advanced communication technologies, enabling secure, high-speed data transmission between drones and ground control stations. This ensures effective and uninterrupted command over extended ranges. 4.Growth in Commercial Applications: While defense remains a dominant sector, commercial industries like logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection are increasingly adopting drone command vehicles for tasks like delivery, crop monitoring, and surveying, leading to a diversified market. 5.Government Initiatives and Regulations: Governments across the globe are pushing for innovations in drone technology, including command vehicles, to strengthen national security and disaster management capabilities. Regulations governing the use of drones are becoming more refined, creating opportunities for the market. Major Challenges in the Drone Command Vehicle Market: 1.Regulatory and Airspace Restrictions: Stringent regulations on drone flights, especially in restricted airspaces or urban areas, pose significant challenges for drone command vehicle operators. Adhering to these regulations while maintaining operational efficiency is often difficult. 2.High Initial Costs: Drone command vehicles are expensive to develop and deploy, particularly when equipped with advanced AI, communication systems, and high-performance drones. This can make it challenging for smaller companies or organizations to adopt the technology. Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-6I15870/Global_Drone_Command_Vehicle_Market_Research_Report_2023 By Type •Small Command Vehicle •Medium Command Vehicle •Large Command Vehicle By Application •Public Safety •Emergency Rescue •Electric Power Inspection •Ecological Energy •Others Key Companies MBF Industries, FLYMOTION, Draxxon, Frontline Communications, Venari, Saxon, Accelerated Media Technologies, Jiangling Automobile Group, Chengdu Hermes Technology, BEIJING C.Z.B.F, CHENGDU TIMESTECH, Honeycomb Aerospace Technologies, Chengli Special Purpose Vehicl, GDU-Tech, HYTERA COMMUNICATIONS View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-6I15870/global-drone-command-vehicle Please reach us at sales@valuates.com Address: Valuates, 4th Floor, Balaraj's Arcade, Whitefield Main road, Bangalore 560066 Valuates offers an extensive collection of market research reports that helps companies to take intelligent strategical decisions based on current and forecasted Market trends. This release was published on openPR.Intel, UnitedHealth And Rocket Lab Are Among Top 11 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Dec 2-Dec 6): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?
Pedro escaped punishment after swinging an arm at Bees substitute substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk without making contact. VAR reviewed the second-half incident but deemed there was no violent conduct. Frank and Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler disagreed about the decision. “As I understand the rules, you can’t swing your arm to try to hit someone,” said Frank. “If you hit them or not, it’s a red, that’s the way I understand the rules.” Frank spoke to the match officials, including referee Andy Madley, about the flashpoint at full-time. “They haven’t seen the situation yet, not on TV afterwards,” said Frank. “To be fair to him, I think the angle can be tricky so that’s why you’ve got VAR.” Asked about Frank’s assessment, Hurzeler replied: “Interesting opinion. I see it completely different. “For me, it’s not a red card. He tried to get free from a person.” Brighton were booed off after their winless run was stretched to six top-flight games. Albion dominated for large periods and hit the woodwork inside four minutes through Julio Enciso. Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken made some important saves before being forced off injured in the 36th minute, albeit his replacement Hakon Valdimarsson was rarely tested on his Premier League debut. The Seagulls remain 10th ahead of Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, with Brentford a position and two points below moving towards their New Year’s Day showdown with Arsenal. Hurzeler thought the jeers at full-time were unfair. “The team doesn’t deserve that because in all the games we had in the last weeks they were all good, they were all intense, they were all where we thought we deserved more” said the German, whose team have lost to Fulham and Crystal Palace and drawn with Southampton, Leicester and West Ham in recent matches. “We try to work hard to satisfy our supporters, we try to give them what they deserve, we try to make them proud. “But the Premier League is tough. We know there will be (tough) periods we have to go through, especially with this young squad. “We try to stick together, find the positive and keep on going.” Brentford, who remain without a top-flight away win this term, had an early Yoane Wissa finish ruled out for offside following VAR intervention but barely threatened, despite an improved second-half showing. Frank, who is awaiting news on Flekken and defender Ben Mee, who also left the field injured, said: “I thought it was a fair point. “Brighton were better in the first half, no big, clearcut chances, and I thought we were better second half. “Overall, I’m happy with the performance, especially the way we defended. “We haven’t had too many clean sheets this season, so in that context I thought it was very impressive against a good Brighton team. “We know we have a lot of players out – we get two more injuries during the game. “The way the players showed their mentality and character and dug in was hugely impressive.”
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NEW YORK — Talaysia Cooper scored 19 of her 23 points in the second half to help Tennessee beat No. 17 Iowa 78-68 on Saturday night in the inaugural Women's Champions Classic. Her jumper with 3:04 left in the fourth gave the Lady Vols (7-0) a 68-67 lead and sparked a 12-1 run to close the game away. Cooper scored four straight in the spurt including one off a steal on the inbounds with 1:23 left to seal the victory. Lucy Olsen scored 23 points for Iowa (8-1), which committed a season-high 30 turnovers. No. 2 UConn routed 22nd-ranked Louisville 85-52 in the second game of the doubleheader. It was a matchup of two first-year head coaches at their schools. Jan Jensen took over for Lisa Bluder, who retired in the offseason after leading Iowa to two straight national championship games. Jensen, who was an assistant at Iowa for the previous 24 years, was the first coach in school history to begin her career 8-0. Kim Caldwell came to Tennessee after a successful stint at Marshall and before that at Division II Glenville State. She brought her fast-paced pressing style to Tennessee as well as her hockey line changes. The Lady Vols constantly sub players in and out every minute or two to keep them fresh. Iowa struggled against the frantic pace and committed 18 of its turnovers in the first half as the game was tied at 35 at the break. Neither team could build much of a lead in the second half until Cooper sparked the game-changing run in the final few minutes. Chamique Holdsclaw, Diamond DeShields, Rickea Jackson, Andraya Carter and Sue Bird were all in attendance at Barclays Center, sitting courtside along with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. This was the first meeting between the storied programs since 1993 when Pat Summitt and C. Vivian Stringer were coaching the schools. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter TodayBrock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury
A baby Jesus figurine stolen from a Colorado nativity scene was returned, along with an apology note, less than a week before Christmas . The figurine was reported as stolen on Dec. 15 from a nativity scene managed by a local management company on Old Town Square in Fort Collins, Colorado, just outside of Denver, a Fort Collins Police Service spokesperson told USA TODAY. The figurine was dropped off anonymously at a Fort Collins fire station four days later on Dec. 19. The figurine was dropped off with a handwritten note that read: "I am really sorry. I made a dumb mistake in the moment. It won't happen again." No further information had been obtained about the person who swiped the figurine, the police services spokesperson told USA TODAY. Fort Collins Police Services asked residents to identify an individual running off with the figurine in a photo shared to social media on Dec. 17. "The Grinch tried to ruin Christmas by stealing the baby Jesus from the Old Town Square nativity scene," the post read. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com .Share Tweet Share Share Email Introduction Finding a solid YouTube to MP4 converter is basic. Many users convert YouTube videos to MP4 format for different reasons. They might want to watch videos offline. Share content with others. They also might want to include videos in personal projects. The MP4 format is broadly used because it is consistent with most devices. What is YouTube to MP4 Conversion? YouTube to MP4 conversion includes changing YouTube videos into MP4 files. This process permits users to download and save videos for offline viewing. The MP4 format is broadly used due to its high quality and compatibility with different devices. Converting YouTube videos to MP4 has a few benefits. Users can watch videos without an internet connection. They can moreover share videos effectively with others. MP4 files are too small in size compared to other video formats, making them simpler to store. There are common use cases for YouTube to MP4 conversion. People often use this strategy to make backups of their favorite videos. Content makers may moreover convert videos for editing purposes. Moreover, educators can use MP4 videos in their presentations and lessons. YouTube to MP4 conversion is a flexible tool for many users. Top 3 YouTube to MP4 Converters 1. 4K Video Downloader This converter offers high-quality video output. It has a fast conversion speed. It is efficient for large files. The interface is user-friendly. The interface is ideal for beginners. Key features include batch conversion and basic video editing tools. It is available in both free and paid versions. The paid version offers advanced features. Users highly rate this converter for its reliability and performance. 2. TubeMP4.net This YouTube to MP4 converter is a popular choice because of its excellent video quality. It boasts a quick conversion process, saving users valuable time, and the interface is straightforward to navigate. Additional features include the ability to trim and merge videos. The converter is free to use. A premium version is available for those seeking extra functionalities. Users appreciate its simplicity and effectiveness. 3. Clip Converter This converter stands out for its high-resolution video output. It has a rapid conversion rate, ensuring efficiency. The user interface is intuitive. The interface caters to all skill levels. Notable features include batch conversion and subtitle addition. It is available for free. This tool gives you an option to upgrade to more advanced features. Users commend its ease of use and consistent performance. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a YouTube to MP4 Converter 1. Quality of Converted Video Look for converters that maintain the original quality of the video. Poor-quality conversion can ruin your viewing experience. High-resolution output is essential for clarity and detail. 2. Speed of Conversion Fast conversion times save you a lot of waiting. Slow converters can be frustrating, especially with large files. Choose a tool that processes videos quickly and efficiently. 3. User-Friendliness The converter should be easy to use. A simple and intuitive interface is significant. You should be able to navigate the tool without needing a tutorial. 4. Additional Features Some converters offer batch conversion. It allows you to convert multiple videos at once. This can save time if you have a lot of videos to convert. Some converters also have many editing tools. 5. Cost Many free converters are available. They might come with limitations. Paid converters often offer better quality and more features. Assess whether the extra cost is worth it for your needs. 6. Safety Ensure the converter is safe to use and free from malware. Download tools from reputable sources to avoid security risks. Check user reviews and ratings for insights into the software’s safety. 7. Compatibility Check if the converter is compatible with your device’s operating system. Some converters work only on Windows or Mac. Make sure it supports the format and resolution you need. 8. Customer Support Reliable customer support can be a lifesaver. If you encounter issues, good support can resolve them quickly. Look for converters that offer comprehensive help resources and responsive support teams. Comparison Table Here’s a comparison table that highlights the key features, pros, and cons of the top 3 YouTube to MP4 converters: Feature 4K Video Downloader Wave.video Clip Converter Quality of Output High resolution Excellent video quality High-resolution output Speed of Conversion Fast Quick Rapid User-Friendliness Very user-friendly Straightforward interface Intuitive interface Batch Conversion Yes No Yes Editing Tools Basic editing tools available Trim and merge videos Add subtitles Cost Free and Paid versions Free and Premium versions Free with optional upgrades Safety Safe and reliable Safe and effective Safe and efficient Compatibility Windows, Mac, Linux Web-based, supports all OS Windows, Mac, Linux Customer Support Responsive support Good customer service Reliable support Conclusion Converting YouTube videos to MP4 is the best tool for many users. High-quality, quick, and user-friendly converters like 4K Video Downloader, Wave.video, and Clip Converter offer different highlights to meet different needs. Evaluating variables like video quality, speed, interface, extra highlights, cost, and security is fundamental for making an educated choice. Whether you need videos for offline viewing, sharing, or personal projects, these converters provide reliable options. Always consider your specific requirements and choose a converter that aligns with them. Related Items: MP4 Converters , YouTube Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Unlocking YouTube Success with Strategic Promotion How Can You Exclude Kids Channels from YouTube Campaigns? Three steps for quickly generating a quick summary from YouTube videos using AI Comments
"I’m hearing from residents across the city of Boston who are getting mail once a week, if not once a month," U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said.Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January
College football | Corsairs drop season finale, still secure home bowl game next monthDAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday, Russian media reported, hours after a stunning rebel advance took over the capital of Damascus and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . The Russian agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source on Assad and his family being given asylum in Moscow, his longtime ally and protector. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but contacted the Kremlin for comment. RIA also said Moscow had received guarantees from Syrian insurgents of the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria. Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday, and Syrians have been pouring into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . The swiftly moving events have raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. Russia has requested an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council discuss the situation in Syria, Russia’s first deputy permanent representative to the U.N., Dmitry Polyansky, posted on Telegram. Joyful crowds gathered in squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. Others gleefully ransacked the presidential palace and residence after Assad and other top officials vanished. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance, leads the biggest rebel faction and is poised to chart the country's future. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the sprawling Umayyad Mosque and called Assad's fall “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he told hundreds of people that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and still split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in some remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement early Sunday saying Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They called on people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state.” The rebels later announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. The rebels said they freed people held at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . A video circulating online purported to show rebels breaking open cell doors and freeing dozens of female prisoners, many of whom appeared shocked. At least one small child was seen among them. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam Masr. "I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi later appeared on state TV and sought to reassure Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did," he added. Damascus residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Revelers filled Umayyad Square, where the Defense Ministry is located. Some waved the three-starred Syrian flag that predates the Assad government and was adopted by the revolutionaries. Elsewhere, many parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed. Soldiers and police left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Videos showed families wandering the presidential palace, some carrying stacks of plates and other household items. “It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up," said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in Damascus with “love.” At the Justice Ministry, where rebels stood guard, Judge Khitam Haddad said they were protecting documents from the chaos. Outside, some residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad. The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage. Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, which was historically pro-government, wrote: “We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements, saying it “only carried out the instructions.” A statement from the Alawite sect that has formed the core of Assad's base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video shared on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office and to the Four Seasons hotel on Sunday. Anwar Gargash said Assad's destination at this point is a “footnote in history,” comparing it to the long exile of German Kaiser Wilhelm II after World War I. The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, which provided crucial support to Assad throughout the uprising, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts. The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its allies, already weakened by conflict with Israel . Iran, which had strongly backed him throughout the civil war, said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel's military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions. 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, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall occupy more territory. The rebels are led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS , which has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Nations. Al-Golani, has sought to recast the group as a moderate and tolerant force. “Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians," said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group. "But he and the rebels now face a formidable challenge ahead.” The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday. They included Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground," including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Sarah El Deeb and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, contributed.Unleashing the Gaming Beast in Windows 11! Discover the Future of Gameplay
Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January
Washington, Dec 8 (AP) The sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is forcing the Biden administration and the incoming Trump team to confront intensifying questions about the possibility of greater conflicts across the Middle East. President-elect Donald Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled his country, which his family had ruled for decades, because close ally Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer.” Those comments on Trump's social media platform came a day after he used another post to decry the possibility of the US intervening militarily in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT." The Biden administration had no intention of intervening, according to President Joe Biden's national security adviser. Biden was meeting with his national security team at the White House on Sunday. He was expected to make public comments later in the day. The US has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Assad's fall adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts, including Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and its fragile cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump, who takes office January 20, 2025, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and Russia's war in Ukraine, noting that Assad's allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now.” The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The Biden administration has designated the group as a terrorist organisation and says it has links to al-Qaida, although Hayat Tahrir al-Sham says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida. Vice President-elect JD Vance, a veteran of the US-led war in Iraq, wrote on own social media Sunday to express scepticism about the insurgents. “Many of the rebels' are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they've moderated. Time will tell,” he said, using another acronym for the group. Trump has suggested that Assad's ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022. Trump wrote that Putin's government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and the Republican called for an immediate cease-fire, a day after meeting in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders. Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict.” “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria's minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said. “Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record to include Assad's horrific crimes, Russia's indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS," he added. Shapiro, however, was careful not to directly say Assad had been deposed by the insurgents. “If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime,” he said. As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing US journalist Austin Tice renewed calls to find him. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we're waiting for Austin,” Tice's mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. "We know that when he comes out, he's going to be fairly dazed & he's going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus, amid intensification of what became a civil war stretching more than a decade. (AP) GSP (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)By MICHAEL R. SISAK and CEDAR ATTANASIO, The Associated Press NEW YORK — Police appear to not know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. They know he ambushed Thompson at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday as the executive arrived at the Hilton for his company’s annual investor conference, using a 9 mm pistol that resembled the guns farmers use to put down animals without causing a loud noise. They know ammunition found near Thompson’s body bore the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose,” mimicking a phrase used by insurance industry critics. The fact that the shooter knew UnitedHealthcare group was holding a conference at the hotel and what route Thompson might take to get there suggested that he could possibly be a disgruntled employee or client, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Police divers were seen searching a pond in Central Park, where the killer fled after the shooting. Officers have been scouring the park for days for any possible clues and found his backpack there Friday. They didn’t immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be tested and analyzed. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of the backpack, or on the results of the search in the pond, saying no updates were planned. Investigators have urged patience, saying the process of logging evidence that stands up in court isn’t as quick as it looks like on TV. Hundreds of detectives are combing through video recordings and social media, vetting tips from the public and interviewing people who might have information, including Thompson’s family and coworkers and the shooter’s randomly assigned roommates at the Manhattan hostel where he stayed. Investigators caught a break when they came across security camera images of an unguarded moment at the hostel in which he briefly showed his face. Retracing the gunman’s steps using surveillance video, police say, it appears he left the city by bus soon after the shooting outside the New York Hilton Midtown. He was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, Kenny said. With the high-profile search expanding across state lines, the FBI announced late Friday that it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, adding to a reward of up to $10,000 that the NYPD has offered. Police say they believe the suspect acted alone. Police distributed the images to news outlets and on social media but so far haven’t been able to ID him using facial recognition — possibly because of the angle of the images or limitations on how the NYPD is allowed to use that technology, Kenny said. Late Saturday, police released two additional photos of the suspected shooter that appeared to be from a camera mounted inside a taxi. The first shows him outside the vehicle and the second shows him looking through the partition between the back seat and the front of the cab. In both, his face is partially obscured by a blue, medical-style mask.None