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PRESS RELEASE PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, the cybersecurity field faces a dual-edged sword of opportunities and threats. StrongDM's latest report, " The State of AI in Cybersecurity ," highlights the growing concerns and readiness of cybersecurity professionals to tackle AI-driven challenges. Based on a survey of 600 cybersecurity professionals, the report sheds light on pressing issues around AI regulation, perceived threats, defense confidence, and the future of the cybersecurity workforce. Key Findings from the Survey: A Call for Regulation Amid Rapid AI Growth: The report reveals that 76% of surveyed professionals support "heavy regulation" of AI to mitigate potential risks. However, 15% worry that excessive oversight could stifle innovation. This underscores a need for balanced regulations that ensure security while fostering technological advancement. Growing Concern Over AI-Powered Attacks: AI's potential to enable new attack vectors is top of mind for cybersecurity professionals, with 87% citing concern over AI-driven threats. Malware and data breaches emerged as the leading AI-powered concerns, with 33% and 30% of respondents, respectively, indicating their apprehension over these types of attacks. Confidence Levels Are Low, but Hope Persists: The report highlights a stark contrast in preparedness, as only 33% of respondents expressed being "very confident" in their current defenses against AI threats. Meanwhile, 46% felt "somewhat confident," and 17% admitted their organizations were not ready for AI-driven attacks. These findings emphasize an urgent call for stronger strategies and investments to bolster AI-specific defenses. Companies Playing Catch-Up: StrongDM's research found that 65% of respondents admitted their organizations are not fully prepared for AI-driven threats. While 32% of companies are actively investing in AI defenses, 48% say there's still much to be done to close the gap. AI's Mixed Impact on the Cybersecurity Workforce: Despite the concerns surrounding AI, two-thirds of cybersecurity professionals maintain an optimistic outlook on the technology's impact on their jobs. 40% believe AI will enhance job roles without replacing them, and 25% foresee the creation of new job opportunities. Nonetheless, 30% expressed fears of job replacement, showcasing the nuanced views professionals hold on AI's future role in the workforce. Complete Study Results: https://www.strongdm.com/blog/state-of-ai-in-cybersecurity-report Methodology The report is based on a survey conducted in October 2024, targeting 600 US-based cybersecurity professionals. The survey was completed online via Pollfish, and responses were random, voluntary, and completely anonymous. About StrongDM StrongDM is at the forefront of cybersecurity, specializing in Zero Trust Privileged Access Management (PAM). Our innovative solutions focus on continuous, policy-based controls that leverage actions and context to enhance enterprise security. StrongDM's technology scrutinizes each interaction in real time, preventing breaches before they occur and ensuring secure, frustration-free access across all platforms. Supported by leading investors, including GV, Sequoia Capital, True Ventures, and Anchor Capital, StrongDM operates across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, dedicated to setting new standards in cybersecurity and providing top-tier protection for today's digital enterprises. For more information, visit the StrongDM website .
The Mohali municipal corporation (MC) has told Punjab and Haryana high court that it has bioremediated 70% of legacy waste at the Phase-8B landfill site and the remaining 30% is to be cleared by September 2025. The MC Commissioner, T Benith, in an affidavit told Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) that bioremediation has been completed of 2.86 lakh tonnes of waste. There were two trommels working at the site and two more have been added. “..Machinery deployed for bioremediation is of the latest technology and skilled personnel are deployed for operating the plant. No fresh waste is being dumped at the site and the legacy waste will be remediated by September 2025,” the Mohali MC commissioner told HC. As per the corporation’s own estimates, a total of 4.13 lakh tonnes of waste is lying dumped at the site. The affidavit was submitted in proceedings during the hearing of a plea, pending since 2006, in which Mohali-based Resident Welfare Society PSIEC Housing had approached the HC, alleging non-treatment and ineffective processing of solid waste by the authorities, which had led to stench engulfing the Industrial Area Phase-8B and its surroundings. The case was disposed of in 2012 after authorities promised to take requisite steps. As nothing changed on ground, the residents approached the HC again in 2019 for revival of the plea. Since then, the court has been monitoring various steps taken by the authorities. Adversely affected Swachh rankings The legacy waste has adversely affected rankings of the city in nationwide Swachh Survekshan rankings. While it managed to climb 31 spots to secure the 82nd position among 446 cities with a population over 1 lakh in the 2023 rankings, the legacy waste remains an eyesore. Mohali scored 77% in waste generation vs processing, which means the city is yet to achieve complete processing of garbage collected. In 2022 Mohali was ranked 113. The civic body has also claimed that at present 100% door to door collection and 85% source segregation has been achieved in the city with 40,289 households and daily generation of around 100 metric tonnes (MT) of waste (40 MT wet and 60 MT mixed waste). Efforts are being made to complete 15% source segregation by organising awareness camps/cleanliness drives, which is likely to be 100% within six months, the affidavit says. Phase-8 site being monitored The court was also informed that a boundary wall has been constructed at the site and a gate erected to avoid illegal dumping. As many as 6 CCTV cameras have also been installed for monitoring the same. An effluent treatment plant (ETP) plant has also bene installed at the site for treatment of leachate. Besides this, to avoid any fire mishaps, firefighting equipment has been provided at the spot, the commissioner said. Detailing about long term plans, MC commissioner said tenders were invited in June for compressed biogas plant (CBG). However, no firms participated. Department of local bodies have informed that GAIL and HPCL have shown interest in setting up the CBG plant at Samgauli village in Derabassi. Regular meetings are taking place with the local bodies department to expedite setting up of the plant, he added. It was also informed that landfill site in Phase-8B is 80% filled up. GMADA chief administrator has been requested to provide new land for sanitary landfill site. The civic body has created a cell for monitoring solid waste management. The secretary, department of housing and urban development, has already constituted a district level committee in August to find suitable site for solid waste management, which would not be in the proximity to the thickly inhabited localities and areas where there is likelihood of colonisation taking place, the affidavit said.Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Florida Republican made the announcement Thursday. Gaetz’s withdrawal is a blow to Trump’s push to install steadfast loyalists in his incoming administration and the first sign that Trump could face resistance from members of his own party. Trump said in a social media post that Gaetz “did not want to be a distraction for the Administration.” Gaetz said “it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work" of the transition team. He added, “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle.”
The 2025 CES in the United States is about to unveil a brand-new chapter in the future intelligent home gardening LAS VEGAS , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UBHOME, a sub-brand of UBTECH Robotics, announced an intelligent service robot in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The Robotic Mower M10 is a revolutionary smart lawn mower announced at the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States . This product is powered by the Qualcomm® RB1 Robotics Platform, showcases UBHOME's rich experience in robot research and development, and focuses on solving the pain points of traditional lawn-mowing equipment, providing users with a worry-free and labor-saving smart gardening experience, and creates a new model of gardening intelligence. User-Oriented: The All-New Convenience Brought by the Smart Lawn Mower to Life The Robotic Mower M10 is not only a high performance tool but also an upgrade of the smart lifestyle. In response to the pain points of users when using traditional lawn-mowing equipment, this product offers a series of practical functions, bringing brand-new convenience to home gardening: Wireless and Borderless Mowing : There is no need for cumbersome boundary wire installation anymore. The device relies on accurate environmental perception and navigation technology to independently plan the work area, allowing users to use it right out of the box, saving installation time and energy. Automatic Mowing, Saving Time and Effort : The device can automatically complete the lawn mowing work according to the preset schedule or real-time instructions, enabling users to manage the lawn care through delegation to the mower. Wide Coverage and Stable Signal : It supports a large-scale signal connection of up to 130,000 square meters. Even for extremely large courtyards , stable operation can be ensured, and there is no need to worry about signal loss. Real-time Online, in-control Anytime : Through APP remote control and real-time monitoring, users can adjust the mowing plan or check the device status at any time, managing the courtyard work as they like. The combination of these functions not only greatly simplifies the complexity of mowing work but also liberates users from repetitive physical labor, allowing them to focus on enjoying the wonderful moments of life. UBHOME: In-depth Layout in Smart Home UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics that focuses on providing smart solutions for families. As a world-leading robot enterprise, UBTECH, with its strong R&D strength and technological accumulation, has successfully launched Walker, China's first commercial bipedal human-sized humanoid robot. The launch of the Robotic Mower M10 by UBHOME this time is an important step in its layout in the smart home field. Relying on UBTECH's technological accumulation in robots and its in-depth understanding of user needs, the Robotic Mower M10 achieves the best mowing effect through environmental recognition and dynamic adjustment. Whether it is complex terrain, steep slopes, or high requirements for fine mowing, it can perform perfectly, demonstrating its excellent technical capabilities and brand commitment. Powered by Qualcomm Technologies, Facilitating Intelligent Upgrading As a global leader in wireless technology and edge intelligence, Qualcomm Technologies provides cutting-edge technical support for the Robotic Mower M10, including intelligent edge computing platforms, dynamic path planning, and environmental perception technologies. These technologies ensure that the device can operate efficiently in various environments, providing users with a precise and efficient smart experience. The Robotic Mower M10 utilizes the Qualcomm RB1 Robotics Platform to ensure the superior operation of the Robotic Mower M10 in large-scale courtyards, laying a solid foundation for realizing smart life. Industry Significance and Trend: Promoting the Development of Gardening Intelligence With the continuous increase in the demand for home intelligence, the market for smart gardening equipment is in a period of rapid development. As a typical representative of this trend, the smart lawn mower not only meets consumers' pursuit of a convenient lifestyle but also provides a direction for the transformation of the gardening industry from tool manufacturing to smart services. The product released by UBHOME not only fills the gap in the high-performance lawn-mowing equipment market but also sets a new industry benchmark. Through the multiple advantages of wireless , real-time connection, and fully automated operation, it endows home gardening with new value, making users no longer regard mowing as a burden but feel the convenience and fun brought by technology. Innovation Hand in Hand, Co-creating Smart Life The collaboration between UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies showcases a strong collaboration of technology and innovation. Both parties are committed to bringing more convenient and efficient life experiences to consumers through technological innovation. At the 2025 CES, UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies will showcase the innovative functions and application scenarios of this Robotic Mower M10. About UBHOME UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics, focusing on providing smart solutions for families. UBTECH is a world-leading robot enterprise dedicated to the research and development and application of artificial intelligence and robot technology and has successfully served more than 900 enterprise-level customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Media Contact Information For more information, please contact: UBHOME Brand Team: mbu-sales@ubtrobot.com Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ubhome-collaborates-with-qualcomm-to-release-the-smart-lawn-mower-co-creating-a-new-era-of-smart-life-302339211.html SOURCE UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
The Carter administration era opened the floodgates to Miami. President Jimmy Carter’s name is indelibly tied to one of the largest sea exoduses in history, one that shaped Miami for years to come and arguably played a part in his reelection defeat: the Mariel boatlift. Between April and October of 1980, about 125,000 Cubans came to South Florida in boats from Havana’s Port of Mariel, provoking political backlash for Carter, who, in a speech that May, said America would “continue to provide an open heart and open arms to refugees seeking freedom.” His foreign policy left a profound impression in a city where thousands of Cuban, Haitian and Nicaraguan refugees fled from countries that his administration struggled to steer toward democracy — with little success. Carter died on Sunday. He was 100 years old. His years in office were marked by mass migration to the shores of South Florida , the rise of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua and human rights and constitutional crises elsewhere. Almost half a century later, the failure of the Carter administration to advance democracies in the hemisphere remains a challenge for U.S. policy. “Carter’s record in Latin America was mixed,” said Eric Farnsworth, a former State Department and White House official who leads the Washington office of the Council of the Americas and the Americas Society. “He had some real successes. He was the first to meaningfully put human rights at the center of policy in Latin America. The main challenge is that he seemed to misunderstand the true nature of violent dictatorships. He thought that by engagement and diplomacy, somebody like Fidel Castro might be convinced to change the path of the Cuban dictatorship.” At the beginning of his presidency, in June 1977, Carter, the one-time peanut farmer from Georgia who campaigned on reorienting U.S. foreign policy following the end of the Vietnam War, vowed to put human rights and non-intervention principles at the center while working toward detente with the Soviet Union. But the approach was immediately put to the test by the realities of Latin America and the Caribbean, as the region turned into a Cold War playground, with Cuba playing a central role, and other nations in the hemisphere found themselves rocked by political instability, armed conflicts and repressive dictatorships. Carter would go on to have significant accomplishments in the hemisphere, like the treaty to transfer control of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panamanian authorities. Because he put human rights at the center of his diplomacy, experts also credit him for launching countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil, all under right-wing dictatorships, on a path toward democratization. But without a regional policy framework, his administration was left to react to a series of crises whose ramifications are still being felt today in South Florida. And “by trying to put human rights at the center of policy in the Western Hemisphere, somehow, the United States ended up being soft on some of the worst human rights abusers in the hemisphere,” Farnsworth said. “Maybe the lesson to be taken there is that human rights can be abused by the left as well as the right,” he added. Engagement with Cuba Despite tensions with Cuba, Carter wanted to lift the U.S. embargo on the island and improve human rights conditions there. He was unable to achieve either, despite his best intentions. Instead, Carter was forced to deal with a mass exodus from Cuba skillfully exploited by Fidel Castro, which many observers believe contributed to his 1980 loss of the presidency against Ronald Reagan, whose landslide victory marked the first time since 1932 that an incumbent president was denied reelection. Early in his presidency, Carter had engaged in direct talks with Castro. In 1978, he was interested in normalizing relations and opening a U.S. Interest Office that could work as a diplomatic mission in Havana. His administration also worked with a group of Cuban Americans who established a dialogue with Castro that resulted in the release of more than 3,000 political prisoners and the reestablishment of family travel. But talks on normalization eventually failed when Castro refused to withdraw his forces fighting in Angola during the African nation’s civil war. The release of Castro’s political prisoners marked an important achievement for Carter’s foreign policies, but it was shortly overshadowed by one of the largest sea migration events in modern U.S. history — the Mariel boatlift. After years of isolation, economic scarcity and lack of political freedoms, discontent spread in Cuba. When a group of Cubans entered the Peruvian embassy in Havana seeking asylum, Castro saw an opportunity to get rid of critics while creating another problem for Carter, whose administration would now face immigration challenges at home. Castro forced exiles in South Florida who had rented boats to pick up their relatives on the island to take other passengers, mostly men, who were criminals or mental health patients. While less than 3,000 migrants were deemed inadmissible by U.S. immigration authorities, the narrative about Mariel and criminal refugees became entangled with national politics and anti-immigrant sentiments. Eventually, the handling of the Mariel boatlift, along with a worsening economy, an energy crisis and the Iranian hostage crisis, became one of the factors that led to Carter’s defeat at the polls. On top of the 125,000 Cubans that came to South Florida, about 25,000 Haitians also arrived in boats in South Florida fleeing the Duvalier dictatorship at home. Declassified State Department documents show that if he had been reelected, Carter intended to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba. Over the years, he remained an advocate of lifting sanctions but also pushed for human rights and democracy in Cuba. In 2002, he traveled to the island, called for free elections and brought attention to the Varela Project, a plebiscite initiative led by the opposition leader Oswaldo Payá. The visit played out in ways Carter could not foresee. Granted by Castro the unprecedented opportunity to give a speech, televised live nationwide from the University of Havana, Carter spoke of democracy, civil liberties, political prisoners and the Varela Project. He even mentioned the claims disputes over confiscations of U.S. properties after Castro took power in 1959. Many Cubans, especially the younger generation, had never heard of many of the issues before, even less on state television, nor had they seen a foreign leader openly calling Castro to allow for a democratic transition. Viewers were stunned. But while Carter’s words resonated among many, they made Castro even more determined to prevent the plebiscite proposal from posing a risk to his rule. Less than a year later, Castro imprisoned 75 dissidents, many directly involved in the Varela Project. Rise of the Sandinistas Similarly, Carter’s efforts to push the Anastasio Somoza regime to improve its human-rights record and prevent a socialist revolution in Nicaragua failed. When Carter came to office, Nicaragua was already mired in conflict. Somoza’s rule was being challenged by a Marxist guerrilla group supported by Cuba, the Sandinista National Liberation Front. After one of its attacks, Somoza ordered a fierce crackdown, and Carter cut off aid to Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan ruler lifted the state of siege to restart the flow of U.S.. aid, but the Sandinistas took the opportunity to launch new attacks. Various attempts by Carter to seek a mediated solution to the conflict collapsed. When Somoza refused such plan in January 1979, Carter ended military assistance to the Nicaragua National Guard. The Sandinistas took power just a few months later under the leadership of Ortega and quickly declared a state of emergency, abolished the constitution and began confiscating private property. Tens of thousands of Nicaraguans fled to South Florida. Many years later, in 2006, Carter was in Nicaragua to monitor elections in which Ortega was set to win the presidential elections. At the time, Carter told Reuters that he thought Ortega had changed. “His demeanor, his approach and his public statements are radically different from what I knew in the ‘80s,” Carter told Reuters. Ortega is still in power as the head of one of the most repressive regimes in the hemisphere. Haiti and human rights In Haiti, Carter faced a dilemma he had wrestled with several times: He wanted to support friendly governments but found their resistance to peace and democracy challenging his push on human rights. When Carter came into office, he inherited a U.S. ally in Haiti, President-for-Life Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier, the son of the country’s former dictator, Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier. The Carter administration continued to provide assistance and Haiti was receiving about $41 million despite its sordid human rights record. That support led to increased criticism of U.S. policy as critics of the Duvalier regime accused it of exploiting the aid to tighten its hold on the country. They also pointed out that Haitians were increasingly fleeing on boats only to be turned away by the U.S. and denied legal status if they made it onto land. Eventually, Haitian refugees found reprieve under the Carter administration. They were treated the same as Cubans and considered refugees with the establishment of the Cuban-Haitian Entrant Program in June 1980. The program granted temporary status and access to asylum processing and assistance to fleeing Cubans and Haitians. A different world? Despite the setbacks during Carter’s presidency, Andrew Young, the administration’s ambassador to the United Nations, believes that had Carter won a second term, the world would be a far different place. A few months into the job, Young arrived in Haiti with a list of political prisoners given to him by Haitians and others and asked for a private meeting with the young Haitian dictator, who was then 26 years old. “I went back to his office, took this list out of my pocket, and said, ‘I don’t know who’s on here, but friends of mine say that these people have been unjustly convicted,” Young said. “I said there are many other places in the world that are far worse than Haiti. But they don’t get the publicity you get because they’re not as close to the United States,” Young added. “I said it would really do Haiti good, and it would help me and the people in jail if you could find a way to do whatever you think is right.” On Sept. 21, 1977, months after the visit, 106 Haitian political prisoners were released, including Robert “Boby” Duval, a well-known soccer player who told the Miami Herald in 2008 that Carter saved him from death after he had spent eight months imprisoned on the grounds of the presidential palace where prisoners were being hogtied, beaten and tortured. While his record in Latin America and the Caribbean has detractors, few question Carter’s values and intentions. His time in office coincided with a difficult time in history, in some ways bearing similarity with current international affairs. Scrutiny over his legacy might help to get some answers for today’s world. “Carter, I believe his heart was truly in the right place,” Farnsworth said. “He truly wanted to make peace. ... He wanted to reevaluate the traditional U.S. posture in the region, trying to reduce the tensions of the Cold War. Those are laudatory goals. But the question is, did that desire, at some point, overwhelm the ugly reality of what was possible in the region at the time? I think that’s the question that historians will have to answer.” ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Ajit Pawar defeats nephew by 1 lakh-plus votes in Baramati, wins battle against uncleI'm A Celeb lets slip result as fans spot trial leak after Ant and Dec warning
THE shock departure of heart-throb dancer Giovanni Pernice left Strictly Come Dancing with a vacancy for a “smouldering womanising hunk” in urgent need of filling. But luckily, Beeb producers catering to women of a certain age did not have to travel to Italy to find a replacement — they just had a short drive down the A13 to Essex. Pete Wicks, the heavily-tattooed former bad boy of reality show The Only Way Is Essex, has been billed “the new Giovanni” by Strictly bosses — and it is not because of his dance moves. Indeed, Gio 2.0 Pete, who at 36 is just two years older than his counterpart, has become a huge hit with middle-aged female viewers. He is the new “bit of rough” they can gawp at on a Saturday night — and he has certainly been up for the task. From gyrating in tight pink PVC trousers to thrusting his schlong in a George Of The Jungle leopard-print outfit and choosing risqué songs, like Right Said Fred’s I’m Too Sexy, Pete has been hamming it up. A show insider said: “Strictly have turned Pete into the new Giovanni, there’s no doubt about that. It’s been quite deliberate. “Women are swooning over him and it’s keeping him in the competition, week after week. “It wouldn’t be wrong to say many viewers had no idea who Pete was before this series. They certainly do now. “With their matching brooding looks, tanned, rugged features , chiselled physiques and muscles on display, Pete has been a like-for-like swap for Gio. “He has even amassed an entirely new fanbase. Plus there are no dark tales of bad behaviour or bullying.” Strictly bosses, who consist of mostly women, have been clever in moulding Pete into Giovanni and they share many parallels — even when it comes to their romances. Pete currently has an on-off relationship with Irish Love Island beauty Maura Higgins, a contestant on the new series of I’m A Celebrity , who also happens to be Gio’s ex after the pair dated in 2021. He also had a relationship with former Towie co-star Jess Wright, who Giovanni dated in 2018. Plus, Pete is growing increasingly close to his current dance partner Jowita Przystal , 30, who was linked to Gio last year. Of course, when Giovanni stepped down earlier this year — amid the bullying investigation into his treatment of former dance partner and actress Amanda Abbington , 50 — the biggest outcries came from his army of middle-aged female fans. Amanda became the target of trolls and even received death threats. As with Giovanni in previous series, Pete’s outfits have certainly been the most eye-catching out of all the male stars’. Namely, the barely-there leopard-print outfit for his samba routine in Movie Week, which made a lasting impression on judge Craig Revel Horwood, and last weekend’s Cha Cha costume, featuring the tightest (hot pink) PVC trousers the dance series has ever seen. He even appealed to acid-tongued Craig with a fake tattoo of the judge’s face on his body and proudly flashing his abs to the cameras. Those who know Pete well will appreciate he has stepped out of his comfort zone to embrace his risqué fashion choices, which has pleased show bosses. The insider added: “Pete made it clear he’s up for anything. He would never have dreamed of wearing outfits such as these previously “He knows he’s not the best dancer, but is well aware voters appreciate a trier. “Bosses have deliberately assigned Pete as this year’s hunk in Giovanni’s absence and want to dress him as sexy as possible. “He would never have dreamed of wearing outfits such as these previously, but Pete’s just got on with it — no questions asked. “Albeit he does joke he’s been made to look outrageous at times, but that’s just part of his ‘moody’ character. “He knows what he’s doing.” Pete’s signing to Strictly came as a surprise to those in the industry. He has only ever been associated with reality shows, which is usually a Strictly no-no, and has no real previous connection to the BBC. But his likeness to the controversial Italian and willingness to step out of his comfort zone secured his place on the show. And his progression to the latter stages of the competition should not come as a surprise to those who follow Pete outside of Strictly. His association with I’m A Celebrity 2023 winner Sam Thompson, who he met on E4 show Celebs Go Dating, has been a career booster of epic proportions. The best friends’ Staying Relevant podcast is so popular that they sold out a UK tour, and their TikTok videos bag millions of viewers. And it is their vocal young fanbase, who voted in their droves to secure Sam’s jungle win, coupled with Pete’s newfound love from middle-aged Strictly fans, which has kept him away from the dreaded dance-off. Pete’s chemistry with his dance partner Jowita is also a contributing factor to their success. The pair have sparked romance rumours, with one source saying: “Pete loves Jowita, he has the utmost respect for her.” Whether it is enough to secure him a spot in the final remains to be seen, but he has certainly made his mark on the hearts of millions. BLIND comedian Chris McCausland has revealed he calls pro partner Dianne Buswell “Nicole Kidman”. The 47-year-old said that he and Australian dancer Dianne, 35, are always swamped by fans when they are seen in public, leading him to compare the experience to socialising with another famous Aussie red-head – Hollywood actress Nicole, 57. Speaking on the Graham Norton Show about popping out with Dianne for lunch, he said: “It has got to the point that, for two months, I have been saying, ‘Come on Nicole, let’s go get some spaghetti bolognese’.” MONTELL Douglas has joked that pro partner Johannes Radebe’s bum is too big for PVC trousers like the ones worn by Pete Wicks. The 38-year-old, aka Fire on BBC’s Gladiators, said she would love to see him in skin-tight bottoms like the pink ones fans believe helped save Pete on last week’s show. It came after Montell and Johannes, 37, inset, ended up in the dance-off while Pete and Jowita Przystal sailed through as fans swooned over his revealing strides. Asked if she and Johannes need a pair of pink pants to win extra votes, Montell said: “They’re not going to fit Johannes’s behind. But we all want to see it though, right? “We would pay to see that! I would, I would just stand there and watch.” Meanwhile, the former Team GB athlete said she has dropped two dress sizes training for up to ten hours a day. She added: “I’m shredded and I’m 38 years old. I haven’t looked like this since I was 20, before my first Olympic Games. “I’ve dropped two dress sizes. I’ve lost a stone – it’s wild. It’s changed my whole physique. “Even the Gladiators have mentioned it and said, ‘Oh, my gosh, you look insane’. “Legend was like, ‘Mate, you look shredded’. It’s a different body type. But it’s been nice because I still feel really strong. “Usually, if you would lose that muscle tone and mass as a Gladiator, you would feel it. But I still feel like I could take someone on right now. “I will be going back to the gym after Strictly.”
Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.
Luke's Extra Points: Rahmir Johnson's clutch run, and Dylan Raiola pushes right buttonsWhat We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 Route of FalconsCINCINNATI (AP) — Simas Lukosius scored 18 points, Aziz Bandaogo added 17 and Dillon Mitchell 14 to lead No. 14 Cincinnati to an 84-67 victory over Howard on Sunday. Cincinnati (7-1) led by four points after one half and came out firing in the second, hitting three straight baskets to extend its lead to 10 points. The Bearcats outscored Howard Bison (3-6) 48-35 in the second half to seal the win and rebound from Tuesday's eight-point loss to Villanova. Blake Harper had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Marcus Dockery added 14 points for Howard. Howard: The Bison lost for the sixth time in nine games. Howard's dynamic scoring guard tandem of Dockery and Harper accounted for more than half of the team's scoring. Cincinnati: Lukosius led the Bearcats in scoring with 7-for-10 shooting overall and 3-for-6 sniping from long distance. Cincinnati third-year guard Dan Skillings Jr. returned to the court for the first time since the Bearcats season-opener on Nov. 4. Skillings missed the previous six games with a knee injury sustained in the opener. He played 14 minutes and had two points, three rebounds and three assists. The Bearcats outrebounded Howard 37-23 overall and 14-5 on the offensive glass. Howard hosts Virginia-Lynchburg on Wednesday, while Cincinnati hosts Xavier on Saturday.
Andhra Cricket Association announces Rs 25L cash award for Nitish ReddyJon Coupal: New laws coming in the new year Californians need to know aboutSault native Ken Warmington is living his professional dream in the food industry as the co-owner/operator of Maple Leaf Meats. However, he’s living the dream far away from Canada — the Land of the Maple Leaf — operating a popular food truck and selling his original barbecue sauce in Australia. He sells burgers, ribs and chicken wings from his food truck with wife Angela in Yarraville, seven miles from Melbourne. “They’re the best chicken wings in Melbourne," Warmington said in an interview with SooToday, while visiting relatives and friends in the Sault for Christmas. "We do about 1.7 tonnes of chicken wings a year. We can do 105 burgers in an hour at our top speed." The Warmingtons also make, bottle and sell their Maple Leaf Meats sauces in three flavours — Tomato Sauce, Backyard BBQ Sauce and Maple BBQ Sauce — from a factory in the Melbourne area. The maple syrup is imported from Canada. “We make our sauces from scratch," Warmington said. "We’ve gotten a bit of a cult following. The sauce is all natural. It’s very flavourful, done the right way with no nasties. It’s just a great product. It’s not sweet, it’s savoury. It’s not spicy, it’s peppery." Production of the sauces is done in an environmentally-conscious way, he emphasized. “We make a point of using glass bottles instead of plastic bottles and we want to use solar panels for our factory,” Warmington said. Sales of Maple Leaf Meats sauces have been good. Warmington envisions moving away from the food truck side of the food industry and concentrating on getting his sauces sold through Australian supermarket chains as well as Amazon. “I have a passion for the quality we put out and it’s about the good feedback that we get. That’s what drives me every day. I have a lot of interests but cooks are a different bunch and I'm one of them. I’m passionate about food and it drives me,” Warmington said. Though now a success in the food industry, Warmington has had an interesting life story with several career changes. A Korah Collegiate graduate, he moved away from the Sault at the age of 19 to attend Montreal’s Dawson Institute of Photography. As a photographer he produced portraits of clients and took shots of live bands. His introduction to the food industry came when he began working as a waiter at Montreal's Dundees Bar and Grill to supplement his income. Moving away from photography, Warmington worked hard and became manager of both Dundees locations in Montreal within months. “I got really passionate about food. There were some great guys who worked there and taught me what I needed to know about steak. I loved watching the cooks in that kitchen. I loved the excitement of the kitchen.” While involved in restaurant management, Warmington also developed an interest in aviation. “A friend of mine took me up on a flight and from there my passion shifted to flying planes. I got my pilot’s license and then I worked as an apprentice aircraft mechanic working on planes.” Working in two careers — the restaurant industry and aviation — took a toll on his health. “I burnt myself out and in the process developed Type 1 diabetes," he recalled. "I was down to 44 kilos (97 pounds). It was a devastating blow. I had to stop everything. I came back to the Sault for a period and recovered for a few weeks. I began using insulin. It was a very challenging time." Not content to stay still for long, Warmington found yet another interest and began working for Optimal Robotics, an information technology firm that produces self-checkout systems for retailers. “I was training engineers how to repair and maintain them. I travelled to every state in the U.S. and it was fantastic," Warmington said. As an Optimal Robotics employee, Warmington attended a trade show in Australia in 2003. “They signed us up for a three-month contract to work with Coles, the second largest supermarket chain in Australia," Warmington said. "I worked in Melbourne and Sydney. I got really excited about Melbourne. When I landed in Melbourne I knew I was never going back to Montreal.” He soon traded white Canadian snow for white Australian beach sand. “Australians are very, very similar to Canadians. The accent may be considerably different but they’re very patient, accepting and supportive. You feel it the second you get there,” Warmington said. His return to the food industry came when he met his wife Angela. Interestingly, Angela wanted to get into the restaurant business. “We searched and searched for a restaurant to buy but the market at the time was exceptional in terms of cost. People wanted a million dollars for a cafe. But this little food truck, a 1976 Volkswagen, came around Melbourne. I had a conversation with the owner and I was sold on it,” Warmington said. He purchased the food truck and Maple Leaf Meats was born in 2016. “It’s been wonderful,” Warmington said, stating he loves the coziness of serving regular customers from his truck. “It’s like a bartender who has that engagement with customers. They like their regular customers. It becomes a community. It’s remarkably gratifying to serve them food and talk with them.” Warmington’s business survived exceptionally severe COVID-19 lockdown conditions enforced by Australia’s government. “Melbourne had probably the worst lockdowns in the world. You couldn’t move five kilometres from your house. People would dob you if you left your house. But we were considered an essential service and we left the house to operate the food truck. We were very successful during COVID, trading about two kilometres from our house. We had the food delivered to our houses. We prepared it at home and we still operated the food truck.” Warmington is now in his early 50s and has lived in Australia for 20 years. But will the Sault always be home? “Yes, always," he said. "Funny enough I miss the cold in winter. The other day it was minus 18 and it was sunny. It was brilliant. To me it was a perfect winter day. I don’t like the slushy days but I do miss the cold. I’m nostalgic about it. When you come back to Sault Ste. Marie it’s still the same. I love it and I enjoy visiting the Sault.” More information on Maple Leaf Meats and its sauces can be found on the company’s website .
Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: Russian news agency reporting that Assad has arrived in Moscow Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. Arab League condemns Israel for seizing territory in Golan Heights CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” United Nations secretary-general marks the ‘fall of the dictatorial regime’ in Syria UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” Top Ukraine diplomat says Assad is a ‘dictator’ who relied on Russia to prop up his rule KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Israeli military issues warning to residents of five villages in southern Syria JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. Head of Syria’s biggest rebel faction in first appearance since Assad’s fall calls it “a victory to the Islamic nation.” BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. British Prime Minister welcomes end of Assad's rule, calls for protection of civilians LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s rule as he called for peace and the protection of civilians. “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said. He said the U.K. was focused on a political solution to restore peace and stability. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. Many Jordanian people welcome the fall of Assad's regime AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” The International Committee of the Red Cross calls for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” Iraqi government supports efforts seeking to open a dialogue for Syria's future BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. Yemen's leader welcomes the fall of Syria's government CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. Families wander through the presidential palace in Damascus, taking pictures DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” Iran, which had closely backed Assad, says Syrians should decide country’s future TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention.” The Foreign Ministry statement issued Sunday marked Iran’s first official reaction to the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, who it had strongly backed through nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad’s government was a close ally of Iran that served as a crucial conduit between it and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The rebels who toppled Assad view Iran as a hostile foreign influence, and the abandoned Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked as they entered the city. The Foreign Ministry statement said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. “It is expected that the wise and farsighted relations of the two nations will continue based on mutual ties and interests,” the statement said. Netanyahu says Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights after Syrian unrest TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. Syrians cross over from Lebanon, facing an uncertain future but hopeful for change MASNAA, Lebanon — At Lebanon’s Masnaa crossing into Syria, the mood was festive Sunday with some local Lebanese residents handing out congratulatory sweets to Syrians lined up to return to their country. Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading to Syria to join his wife and four children, said while the future in Syria is still uncertain, “anything is better than Bashar.” He said he expected some chaos initially but that eventually the situation would settle down. “Look at Aleppo now,” he said, referring to the first major city taken over by opposition forces more than a week ago, where life has continued more or less as normal. Abdel-Latif, a construction worker, said he is also hoping that there will now be plentiful work in Syria to rebuild. Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to Damascus, said, “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for. “You feel yourself psychologically free - you can express yourself,” he said. “The country is free and the barriers have been broken down.” Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well-organized and take care of their country. It’s a new phase.” Airstrikes reported in the area of the Mezzeh military airport DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest. Russia claims Assad left Syria after giving instructions to transfer power peacefully MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed Sunday that Bashar Assad had left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully.” In a post on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, the ministry said Moscow had not directly participated in these talks. It also said it has been following the “dramatic events” in Syria “with extreme concern." It also said Russian troops stationed in Syria have been put on high alert and that as of early afternoon Sunday, there was “no serious threat” to the security of Russia’s military bases there. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.
A tremendous ‘blow’ to Ángela Aguilar and Christian Nodal! Cazzu reappears stronger than ever (VIDEO)None
Clean energy investors have endured yet another torrid year as traders continue shunning the alternative energy sector. The solar sector, in particular, highlights the negative sentiment pervading renewable energy investing: According to a by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. is on track to add close to 40 gigawatts of solar energy capacity in 2024--more than double last year’s tally and more than triple what was added in 2022. The solar sector is clearly booming, yet solar stocks have badly underperformed, with the sector’s popular benchmark, (NYSEARCA:TAN), having returned -35.3% YTD vs. 24.3% by the . The upcoming Trump presidency is considered bearish for renewable energy investing. For years, Trump has never hidden his disdain for clean energy, repeatedly lambasting Biden’s historic (IRA), describing it as the “biggest tax hike in history”. Trump has pledged to rescind any “unspent” funds under the IRA after he ascends to the Oval Office. However, there are some pockets within the renewable energy universe that are looking quite promising. Here are 3 renewable energy stocks that outperformed in the current year and could do it again in 2025. (NASDAQ:WAVE) is a wave energy company that develops wave energy conversion (WEC) technology that converts ocean and sea waves into clean electricity. WAVE shares have been surging after the company from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its wave energy project at the Port of Los Angeles in California. The company will install eight wave energy floaters on the piles of an existing concrete wharf structure on the east side of the port's Municipal Pier One. According to Eco Wave, securing the final permit marks the completion of two key milestones in its agreement with (NYSE:SHEL) which is expected to boost the company's revenues in Q4 2024. Related: European Gas Prices Soar as Putin Says a New Ukraine Transit Deal Is Unlikely Europe is the global leader in blue energy, with of global investments in ocean energy over the last decade flowing into the continent. That’s great news for Eco Wave Power because the company is well-established in the region. Indeed, the company’s first operational wave energy plant was developed in Gibraltar with EU funding. Eco Wave Power is currently developing a 20 MW wave energy project in Porto, Portugal as part of the country’s plan to generate 85% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Eco Wave Power established a subsidiary in Portugal in 2020 and kicked off the licensing process. In March 2024, the company to start construction and committed to completing the project within two years. One of the newer companies in the space, (NYSE:GEV) was incorporated in 2023 after being spun off from (NYSE:GE). This Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company deals in energy equipment manufacturing and services. GE Vernova operates under Power, Wind, and Electrification segments. The company is well-positioned to profit from sustained growth trends as a supplier of power generation assets. Two weeks ago, GE Vernova for FY 2024 revenues and free cash flow, and also raised guidance for 2025 revenues, free cash flow and adjusted EBITDA margin. The company now sees FY 2024 revenues trending towards the higher end of guidance of $34B-$35B; adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.5%-6.0%, narrowed from its previous outlook for 5%-7%; and free cash flow trending towards higher end of $1.3B-$1.7B guidance. For FY 2025, GE Vernova has forecasts revenue in the range of $36B-$$37B, up from prior guidance of mid-single digit growth implying revenues of $35B-$37B; adjusted EBITDA margin of high-single digits and free cash flow of $2B-$2.5B, up from $1.2B-$1.8B previously. " ," GE Vernova CFO Ken Parks said. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is one of the largest manufacturers of electric vehicles on the planet. TSLA stock is trading close to an all-time high with the strong bullish vibe being driven by the view that the Elon Musk-led company will benefit from a Trump Administration that will be friendly to the process of securing autonomous vehicle approvals as it looks to grow the robotaxi fleet rapidly over the next two years. However, Wall Street is more cautious about the shares, assigning TSLA a Hold rating and an average price target of only $259.66, considerably lower than the current price of $421.44. Some bears have pointed out that a similar monster rally in 2021 was followed by a drop of more than 70% over the next 18 months.