Video shows 'avalanche' of sea lions tumbles into waters near Monterey HarborSAN DIEGO , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins LLP informs investors that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD ) securities between February 23, 2024 and August 7, 2024 . WBD is a global media and entertainment company that provides a portfolio of content, brands, and franchises across television, film, streaming, and gaming outlets. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr. , or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBA) Misled Investors Regarding its Financial and Business Prospects According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that: (i) WBD's sports rights negotiations with the NBA were causing, or were likely to cause, the Company to significantly reevaluate its business and goodwill; (ii) WBD's goodwill in its Networks segment had significantly deteriorated as a result of the difference between its market capitalization and book value, continued softness in certain U.S. advertising markets, and uncertainty related to affiliate and sports rights renewals, including with the NBA; (iii) the foregoing significantly increased the likelihood of WBD incurring billions of dollars in goodwill impairment charges; (iv) accordingly, defendants had overstated WBD's overall business and financial prospects; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Plaintiff alleges that on August 7, 2024 , WBD issued a press release announcing its second quarter 2024 financial results. Among other items, WBD reported disappointing revenue of $9.71 billion , representing a 6.3% year-over-year decrease and missing consensus estimates by $360 million ; as well as a net loss of approximately $10 billion because of a $9.1 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge from its Networks segment and $2.1 billion in other one-time accounting effects. WBD disclosed that the goodwill impairment charge was "triggered in response to the difference between market capitalization and book value, continued softness in the U.S. linear advertising market, and uncertainty related to affiliate and sports rights renewals, including the NBA." On this news, WBD's stock price fell $0.69 per share, or 8.95%, to close at $7.02 per share on August 8, 2024 . What Now : You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 24, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP : Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. SOURCE Robbins LLP
Published 5:46 pm Monday, November 25, 2024 By Data Skrive The Arizona State Sun Devils versus the Kentucky Wildcats is one of four games on the college basketball schedule on Tuesday that has a ranked team in play. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.
Meghan Markle breaks silence on 'new adventure' amid professional separation from Harry
The Pittsburgh Steelers take on what is typically an unenviable task -- traveling on a short week for a Thursday night primetime game. However, a few things are playing in Pittsburgh's favor as Week 12 of the NFL regular season kicks off. Namely, the "trip" to Cleveland is a little more than two hours by road and when the Steelers arrive there, they'll be facing a backup quarterback at the helm of a massively underwhelming 2-8 Browns team. The Steelers (8-2) are coming off a huge win over Baltimore to stay atop the AFC North. And Pittsburgh is beginning to set its sights on potential home-field advantage come playoff time. ODDS AND TRENDS The Steelers are a consensus 3.5-point favorite. That includes at BetRivers, where they have been backed by 80 percent of the spread-line money. Pittsburgh's -195 moneyline to simply win the game has been even more popular, drawing 95 percent of all money wagered. The Browns enter Thursday night having failed to cover the spread in nine of their past 12 games. Meanwhile, the Steelers have covered the spread in every game during their five-game win streak. The 37.0 total points line has seen the Over backed by 65 percent of the money and 70 percent of the total bets. Each of Cleveland's past eight November home games has gone under the total points line. PROP PICKS --Steelers WR George Pickens Over 50 Receiving Yards (-195 at DraftKings): Russell Wilson has thrown six touchdowns in the four games since he took over as the starting quarterback. Two of those have gone to Pickens, who has at least 74 receiving yards in each of those games. There is some concern that Pittsburgh gains a big early lead and turns to a run-heavy attack, but Wilson throws an excellent deep ball and that plays into Pickens' strength. This is the most popular player prop at the book. --Steelers RB Najee Harris Anytime TD (+100 at BetRivers): That potential for a run-heavy approach should benefit Harris, who found the sledding tough against Baltimore with 63 yards on the ground. He was also held out of the end zone for the second time in three games. Keep in mind that Cleveland has allowed only three touchdowns on the ground all season, but the Browns have allowed 12 through the air. Harris has a trio of scores on the ground and receiving through 10 games. KEY STAT The Browns have won the first quarter in five consecutive home games against the Steelers. THE NEWS The Steelers have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday. Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception. Meanwhile, Cleveland continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games. Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2). "It's precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It's the simple things," Winston said. "This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They're going to line up and say, 'Give us your best, we're going to give you our best.'" Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries. INJURY REPORT The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session. Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and was ruled out by the Steelers along with cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring). THEY SAID IT Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special, but he also doesn't want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself. "I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run)," said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. "I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all. "I think that it's not really even just the week, it's just the day, it's just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I've been on, is the moment -- it's never too far away. It's right here, right now. And you're just locked into that." PREDICTION Divisional road games on short weeks typically shape up as a daunting task. That's not the case for the Steelers, who will be hyper-focused to put this one out of reach early before enjoying 10 days ahead of a trip to Cleveland. With a second game against the Browns before a huge game at Philadelphia, this is not an under-manned opponent Pittsburgh will look past. --Steelers 27, Browns 19 --Field Level Media
While enjoying winter temperatures, visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima can immerse in a charming Isan-style town surrounded by lush mountain ranges and beautiful flower fields as part of Jim Thompson Farm 2024: Isan Calling, which runs from Dec 7 until Jan 1. Situated in Pak Thong Chai district, the massive 600 rai farm has collaborated with 19 prominent artists from the Isan, Northern and Central regions to create a creative art space that brings together distinctive Isan traditions and modern elements. It will be filled with a wide range of entertaining leisure activities, art installations and cultural performances. Long regarded as a favourite photo backdrop, the "Vibrant Flower Fields" allows visitors to get lost in the vast stretch of the cosmos and native Isan blooms. As trees become living sculptures, "Art On Farm" celebrates the allure of Isan culture and nature by showcasing a selection of striking art installations by 19 well-known artists from Thailand and abroad. Next to the rice fields, the "Joyful Music Stage" will serve as a major entertainment venue, where molam artists such as Bo Dam Lam Sing and Wiang Na Naruemon will bring authentic Isan spirit to a laid-back farm setting. Meanwhile, the "Lam Loke - The World Of Molam" exhibition will immerse visitors in Isan culture through traditional music and performances. A historic 32-seat bus, which was used to transport Jim Thompson's textile workers, is transformed into a mobile art gallery for the "Molam Bus" exhibition to showcase the artistry of molam across the country. Also, the "Rice Is Life" exhibition will feature 50 unique rice varieties and traditional farming methods, a towering 14m rice castle, traditional rice mills and innovative rice-based products. On weekends, visitors can join rice tasting workshops and observe local processing techniques. For more details, visit facebook.com/JimThompsonFarmTour. Jim Thompson Farm Jim Thompson FarmDonald Trump Jr. gets a fact check dressing down from Pete Buttigieg – and Musk appears to approve
TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baqaei announced on Sunday that a meeting of deputy foreign ministers from Iran, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom is scheduled for Friday, December 9. The discussions will focus on a wide array of bilateral, regional, and international issues, he said. Baqaei emphasized Iran's commitment to fostering interaction and cooperation with other nations, grounded in principles of dignity, wisdom, and expediency. He described the upcoming talks as a continuation of “fruitful” discussions that took place during the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York. "The meeting is part of our ongoing dialogue with these European countries," Baqaei stated. "We aim to address various topics, including pressing regional matters such as Palestine and Lebanon, as well as issues related to our nuclear program." A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also reacted to the news, telling Iranian media that London aims to “reduce tensions” regarding Iran's nuclear issue through various diplomatic channels. The announcement comes as ties between Iran and Europe have been deteriorating in the past years. Tehran has been criticizing the European trio for failing to uphold their commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a 2015 nuclear deal that has been in shambles for the past seven years after Washington unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reinstated sanctions against Iran. Britain, France, and Germany despite remaining as official signatories to the pact have failed to take the sting out of U.S. sanctions. Europe has even come up with its own sanctions against Iran, with its most recent bans targeting Iranian air and shipping lines. The sanctions have been imposed under the pretext of Iranian weapon supplies to Russia, a claim Iran has repeatedly denied and asked Europe to provide evidence for. Ties between Tehran and Europe took a new hit on Friday when an anti-Iran resolution drafted by E3 was passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors. The resolution condemns Iran for “insufficient cooperation” with the IAEA under the JCPOA without addressing the West’s complete shunning of the deal. The resumption of talks on Iran's nuclear program—stalled since 2022—is particularly important, as the "snapback" mechanism in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, allowing the re-imposition of UN sanctions against Iran, is nearing expiration. Europe is expected to activate the snapback and reinstate UN sanctions against Iran if dissension over the West’s noncompliance with the deal is not resolved. It is believed that Iran would leave the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if Europe goes that route. The Iranian public is increasingly demanding the abandonment of the NPT and a reassessment of the nation's nuclear doctrine, fueled by growing skepticism toward the West's commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.No confirmation yet of reported whale strike by BC Ferries
Matt Gaetz is now giving pep talks and holiday wishes on Cameo
Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets is as cloudy as it has ever been before. That's what happens when the team sits at a dismal 3-8 record and has already fired the general manager and head coach that the quarterback seemingly saved when their jobs were up for debate after the 2023 season. Making matters even more interesting has been multiple reports from different media circles stating Rodgers' reluctance to return to the Jets following the 2024 season. Whether it be through retirement, or by release, it had appeared the four-time NFL MVP's time in New York was coming to a close. © Brad Penner-Imagn Images At last, that's what was originally thought. Speaking on the Pat McAfee show, Rodgers offered a completely different thought process compared to what had been previously reported. Not only did the 41-year-old suggest he could play next season, but that he would be more than happy to return to the Jets. "I've really enjoyed my time in New York," Rodgers said. "Obviously we haven't had the success we've all wanted to have, but I've made some great friendships on the team. I've enjoyed living in Jersey. I've enjoyed time in the city, I've enjoyed getting to know the fans, & I came here to win here, so I'm not jumping off ship." These reports started last week with The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Zack Rosenblatt detailing what exactly went wrong with the Jets this year. Rodgers and owner Woody Johnson were key names in the piece with their own share of blame for the struggles the team has gone for. But while Russini and Rosenblatt have plenty of sources to discuss the status of what could happen with New York's starting quarterback, Rodgers made it clear they didn't come specifically from his camp. "I don't talk to that person" Rodgers explained citing Russini's article specifically. "There's obviously people she talks with, but when it comes to me, my circle is really small. I'm not talking to people who are talking to people like that. At best it's a 3rd game of telephone with me." Related: Inside The Jets 'Big Lie' About Aaron Rodgers So here we are. A quarterback who wants you to believe exactly what he is saying compared to multiple national media pundits who have stated the Jets and Rodgers are heading for a split. Who exactly is to believe here? It's important to remember that while Russini and Rosenblatt reported first regarding the unlikelihood of Rodgers returning to the Jets, they were not the only ones either. For so many different reporters to detail similar stories to what The Athletic first wrote is a sign that there might be some truth to those initial reports. That doesn't mean Rodgers' is wrong either, though. New York will be under new management this offseason. If a new general manager doesn't want to deal with Rodgers, he could very well move on from him. And just because there's some frustration with the lack of stability going on around the organization doesn't mean he's ok with leaving the team after this year. At the end of the day, the truth of these reports won't be fully known until the completion of the 2024 season and the hiring of the key front office roles for the Jets. Related: Spiraling Jets Reveal Playing Time Plan For Aaron RodgersThousands of Syrians gathered in Damascus’ main square and a historic mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since former President Bashar Assad was overthrown , a major symbolic moment for the country’s dramatic change of power. The rebels are now working to establish security and start a political transition after seizing the capital on Sunday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Friday, pressing ahead with efforts to unify Middle East nations in support of a peaceful political transition in Syria. It’s part of Blinken’s 12th trip to the Mideast since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year in Gaza but his first after Assad was ousted. The U.S. is also making a renewed push for an ceasefire in Gaza, where the war has plunged more than 2 million Palestinians into a severe humanitarian crisis. Israel’s war against Hamas has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The October 2023 attack by Hamas in southern Israel that sparked the war killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and around 250 others were taken hostage. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here's the latest: WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has transported out of Syria an American who disappeared seven months ago into former President Bashar Assad’s notorious prison system and was among the thousands released this week by rebels, a U.S. official said Friday. Travis Timmerman was flown out of Syria on a U.S. military helicopter, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing operation. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Timmerman said he was released Monday morning alongside a young Syrian man and 70 female prisoners, some of whom had their children with them. He had been held separately from Syrian and other Arab prisoners and said he didn’t know of any other Americans held in the facility. — By Lolita C. Baldor THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A Dutch court on Friday rejected a bid from human rights groups to block weapons exports to Israel and trading with the occupied territories, after finding there were sufficient checks already in place to comply with international law. The ten organizations told The Hague District Court last month that they thought the Netherlands was in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention, drawn up following World War II, by continuing to sell weapons to Israel more than a year into the conflict in Gaza. “The government uses my own tax money, that I pay, to kill my own family. I’ve lost 18 members of my own family,” Ahmed Abofoul, a legal adviser for the pro-Palestinian organization Al-Haq, one of the groups involved in the lawsuit, told the court during a hearing in November . The court ruling said that “it is not up to the interim relief judge to order the state to reconsider government policy. That is primarily a political responsibility.” Lawyers for the government argued it wasn’t up to a judge to decide foreign policy for the Netherlands. The activist groups pointed to several emergency orders from another court, the International Court of Justice, as confirming the obligation to stop weapons sales. In January, the top U.N. court said it was plausible Palestinians were being deprived of some rights protected under the Genocide Convention. The coalition said it will review the court’s ruling and is considering an appeal. CAIRO — Israeli attacks in and around a hospital in northern Gaza wounded three medical staff overnight into Friday and caused damage to the isolated medical facility, according to its director. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya said Israeli quadcopter drones carrying explosives deliberately targeted the emergency and reception area of Kamal Adwan Hospital, where one doctor was wounded for a third time. Abu Safiya said “relentless” drone and artillery strikes throughout the night exploded “alarmingly close” to the hospital, heavily damaging nearby buildings and destroying most of the water tanks on the hospital’s roof and blowing out doors and windows. Kamal Adwan Hospital in the town of Beit Lahiya has been hit multiple times over the past two months since Israel launched a fierce military operation against Hamas in northern Gaza. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the strikes. “We demand international protection for the hospital and its staff,” Abu Safiya said in a statement released via the U.K.-based aid group Medical Aid for Palestinians, “as well as the entry of delegations with surgical expertise, medical supplies, and essential medications to ensure we can adequately serve the people we are treating.” Abu Safiya said there were 72 wounded patients at the hospital, one of the few medical facilities left in northern Gaza. He said he expected Israeli forces would allow a World Health Organization aid convoy to bring supplies to the hospital on Friday or Saturday, as well as a team of doctors from Indonesia. Israel has allowed almost no humanitarian or medical aid to enter the three besieged communities in northern Gaza — Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and the urban Jabaliya refugee camp — and ordered tens of thousands to flee to nearby Gaza City. Israeli officials have said the three communities are mostly deserted, but the United Nations humanitarian office said Tuesday it believes around 65,000 to 75,000 people are still there, with little access to food, water, electricity or health care. Experts have warned that the north may be experiencing famine . BAGHDAD — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced stop in Iraq on Friday on his latest visit to the Middle East aimed at stabilizing the situation in Syria to prevent further regional turmoil. Blinken met in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani as part of the hastily arranged trip, his 12th to the region since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but his first since the weekend ouster of Syrian strongman Bashar Assad. Blinken has already been to Jordan and Turkey on his current tour and will return to Jordan for urgent meetings on Saturday with Arab foreign ministers to try to unify support for an inclusive post-Assad transition that does not allow the Islamic State group to take advantage of the political vacuum in Syria and secures suspected chemical weapons stocks. In Baghdad, Blinken “will underscore U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership and to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty,” the State Department said. “He will also discuss regional security opportunities and challenges, as well as enduring U.S. support for engagement with all communities in Syria to establish an inclusive transition,” it said in a statement. His trip comes as the Biden administration winds down with just over a month left before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has been highly critical of Biden’s approach to the Middle East and skeptical of the U.S. military presence in both Iraq and Syria. The U.S. and Iraq agreed in September to wrap up U.S.-led military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq next year, although Assad’s ouster and the potential for the group taking advantage of a political vacuum in Syria could complicate the timing of the withdrawal, according to American officials. DAMASCUS — The kingdom of Bahrain sent a message Friday to Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It said Bahrain is “fully prepared to consult with you continuously and to provide support in regional and international organizations to achieve what is in the interest of the brotherly Syrian people.” It added, “We look forward to Syria regaining its authentic role in the Arab League.” Bahrain is the current head of the Arab summit. Syria was readmitted to the Arab League last year after 12 years of ostracization. It is still unclear how the international community will deal officially with the new interim government in Syria. JERUSALEM - Israel’s defense minister told troops to prepare to remain through the winter months on the peak of Mount Hermon, Syria’s highest point, located in a swath of southern Syria that Israeli troops moved into after the fall of Damascus to insurgents. The comments by Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled that the military will extend its occupation of the zone along the border, which Israel says it seized to create a buffer zone. In a statement Friday, Katz said that holding the peak was of major importance for Israel’s security and that it would be necessary to build facilities there to sustain troops through the winter. The summit of Mount Hermon, the highest peak on the eastern Mediterranean coast at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet), gives a commanding view over the plains of southern Syria. It also positions Israeli troops about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the center of Damascus. The mount is divided between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Lebanon and Syria. Only the United States recognizes Israel’s control of the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israeli troops would remain in the zone until another force across the border in Syria could guarantee security. Israeli troops moved into the zone -– set as a demilitarized area inside Syrian territory under truce deals that ended the 1973 Mideast war -- after the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell last weekend. ANKARA, Turkey -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. “There’s broad agreement on what we would like to see going forward, starting with the interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said in joint statements with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The insurgent groups that toppled Assad in Syria have not made clear their policy or stance on Israel, whose military in recent days has bombed sites all over the country, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands. Blinken also said it was crucial to keep the Islamic State group under control. “We also discussed the imperative of continuing the efforts to keep ISIS down. Our countries worked very hard and gave a lot over many years to ensure the elimination of the territorial caliphate of ISIS to ensure that that threat doesn’t rear its head again,” Blinken said. The Turkish foreign minister said the two discussed ways of establishing prosperity in Syria and ending terrorism in the country. “Our priority is establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant,” Fidan said, in a reference to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party. Blinken said: “We’re very focused on Syria, very focused on the opportunity that now is before us and before the Syrian people to move from out from under the shackles of Bashar al-Assad to a different and better future for the Syrian people, one that the Syrian people decide for themselves.” Blinken and Fidan said they had also discussed a ceasefire for Gaza. “We’ve seen in the last couple of weeks more encouraging signs that (a ceasefire) is possible,” Blinken said. Blinken, who is making his 12th trip to the Mideast since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but first since the weekend ouster of Assad, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan late Thursday. The outgoing Biden administration is particularly concerned that a power vacuum in Syria could exacerbate already heightened tensions in the region, which is already wracked by multiple conflicts, and create conditions for the Islamic State group to regain territory and influence. Later Friday, Blinken is to return to Jordan for meetings on Saturday with Arab foreign ministers and senior officials from the European Union, the Arab League and the United Nations. ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey has appointed a temporary charge d’affaires to reopen its embassy in Syria, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported. The Turkish Embassy in Damascus had suspended operations in 2012 due to the escalating security problems during the Syrian civil war and embassy staff and their families were recalled to Turkey. The Anadolu Agency said late Thursday that Turkey appointed Burhan Koroglu, its ambassador in Mauritania, to the post. UNITED NATIONS- – Two U.N. aid convoys were violently attacked in Gaza, making it virtually impossible for humanitarian agencies to operate without putting staff and civilians at risk, the U.N. food agency says. On Wednesday, a 70-truck convoy from Kerem Shalom was waiting for personnel to safeguard the food and other aid destined for central Gaza when there were reported attacks by Israeli forces in the nearby humanitarian zone, the U.N. World Food Program said Thursday. More than 50 people are now estimated to have died in the attacks, including civilians and local security personnel who had been expected to ensure the convoy’s safety, WFP said. The Rome-based agency said the convoy was forced to proceed from Kerem Shalom to central Gaza without any security arrangements, using the Philadelphi corridor, an Israeli-controlled route that had been recently approved and successfully utilized twice. On the way, WFP said, conflict and insecurity led to a loss of communication with the convoy for more than 12 hours. ”Eventually, the trucks were found but all food and aid supplies were looted,” the U.N. agency said. In a second incident, Israeli soldiers approached a WFP convoy moving out of the Kissufim crossing into central Gaza, fired warning shots, conducted extensive security checks, and temporarily detained drivers and staff, the agency said. “As the trucks were delayed, four out of the five trucks were lost to violent armed looting,” WFP said. UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations chief has a message for Israel: Stop the attacks on Syria. Secretary-General António Guterres is particularly concerned about several hundred Israeli airstrikes on several Syrian locations and stresses “the urgent need to de-escalate violence on all fronts throughout the country," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Thursday. The Israeli military said Tuesday it carried out more than 350 strikes in Syria over the previous 48 hours, hitting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country to stop them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also acknowledged pushing into a buffer zone inside Syria following last week’s overthrow of President Bashar Assad. The buffer zone was established after Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1973 war. Dujarric said Guterres condemns all actions violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two countries that remain in force. And the U.N. chief calls on the parties to uphold the agreement and end “all unauthorized presence in the area of separation” and refrain from any action undermining the ceasefire and stability in the Golan Heights, the spokesman said.
The Lake County Human Trafficking Task Force recently received an additional $700,000 grant to aid in its work of prosecuting traffickers and providing aid to victims. The grant money will be allocated over the next three years to support the task force’s ongoing mission to fight labor and sex trafficking. The money is a renewal of a prior grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The task force is co-led by the State’s Attorney’s Office and A Safe Place, which provides services for domestic abuse victims. Police and social service agencies also collaborate on the task force, which was formed in 2022. Before the task force existed, A Safe Place identified many survivors of trafficking, but there were no active prosecutions. Less than 50 trafficking cases were reported in Illinois between 2021-23, according to local prosecutors. Now there are 20 investigations in Lake County, and five cases have been charged. “The data shows that trafficking is a vastly under-reported crime, and that it is one of the reasons why it is so dangerous,” State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said. “Such exploitation of the individual is one of the most damaging and calculated crimes in our system. “These renewed grant funds give us the resources we need to conduct these intensive investigations and to build prosecutions in complex cases,” he said. “Make no mistake, traffickers in Lake County will be investigated and incarcerated for these crimes that exploit others.” Aggravated battery A suspect is facing burglary and other charges after he smashed a glass door to enter a gaming café and scuffled with Lake County sheriff’s deputies, authorities said. Gilberto Mojarro-Garcia, 36, who has no permanent address, was charged with criminal damage to property and government property, and aggravated battery to a peace officer. The sheriff’s office said officers responded to an alarm at around 1:15 a.m. Sunday at the café in the 34500 block of U.S. Route 45 in Third Lake. After discovering the smashed door, officers found blood inside that likely came from cuts sustained by the intruder. During a search of the area, police encountered Mojarro-Garcia, who police said had fresh cuts and blood on his clothing. Officers also found a damaged cash register nearby. After reviewing security footage that police said showed him breaking into the café, police arrested Mojarro-Garcia. While in a squad car, he became combative and began kicking the door, and then the officer who tried to restrain him. The officer was not hurt. At the jail, personnel had to pepper-spray Mojarro-Garcia after he again became combative, police said. Porn charges A North Chicago man has been charged with uploading child pornography, Lake County authorities said. Angel Oseguera Lopez, 24, of the 1000 block of McAlister Avenue, was charged after police recently conducted a search warrant at his home. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tipped local authorities that someone was uploading illicit images using a mobile app from the McAlister address. Police obtained a warrant, conducted a search and found an electronic device with hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. Lopez was charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography.These people are living to serve others in Central Florida | Commentary