By Jonathan Spicer and Maya Gebeily ISTANBUL/DAMASCUS (Reuters) - After 13 years of civil war, Syria's opposition militias sensed an opportunity to loosen President Bashar al-Assad's grip on power when, about six months ago, they communicated to Turkey plans for a major offensive and felt they had received its tacit approval, two sources with knowledge of the planning said. Launched barely two weeks ago, the operation's speedy success in achieving its initial goal - seizing Syria's second city, Aleppo - took almost everybody by surprise. From there, in a little more than a week, the rebel alliance reached Damascus and on Sunday put an end to five decades of Assad family rule. The lightning advance relied on an almost perfect alignment of stars for the forces opposed to Assad: his army was demoralised and exhausted; his main allies, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah, were severely weakened by conflict with Israel; and his other key military supporter, Russia, was distracted and losing interest. There was no way the rebels could go ahead without first notifying Turkey, which has been a main backer of the Syrian opposition from the war's earliest days, said the sources, a diplomat in the region and a member of the Syrian opposition. Turkey has troops on the ground in northwest Syria, and provides support to some of the rebels who were intending to take part, including the Syrian National Army (SNA) - though it considers the main faction in the alliance, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to be a terror group. The rebels' bold plan was the brainchild of HTS and its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, better known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the diplomat said. Because of his former ties to al Qaeda, Golani is designated as a terrorist by Washington, Europe and Turkey. However, over the past decade, HTS, previously known as the Nusra Front, has tried to moderate its image, while running a quasi-state centered on Idlib, where, experts say, it levied taxes on commercial activities and the population. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's government, which struck a deal with Russia in 2020 to de-escalate fighting in northwestern Syria, has long opposed such a major rebel offensive, fearing it would lead to a new wave of refugees crossing its border. However, the rebels sensed a stiffening of Ankara's stance towards Assad earlier this year, the sources said, after he rebuffed repeated overtures from Erdogan aimed at advancing a political solution to the military stalemate, which has left Syria divided between the regime and a patchwork of rebel groups with an array of foreign backers. The Syrian opposition source said the rebels had shown Turkey details of the planning, after Ankara's attempts to engage Assad had failed. The message was: "That other path hasn't worked for years - so try ours. You don't have to do anything, just don't intervene." Reuters was unable to determine the exact nature of the communications. Hadi Al-Bahra, head of the internationally-recognized Syrian opposition abroad, told Reuters last week that HTS and SNA had had "limited" planning together ahead of the operation and agreed to "achieve cooperation and not clash with each other". He added that Turkey's military saw what the armed groups were doing and discussing. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking in Doha on Sunday, said Erdogan’s effort in recent months to reach out to Assad failed and Turkey "knew something was coming". However, Turkey's deputy minister for foreign affairs, Nuh Yilmaz, told a conference on Middle Eastern affairs in Bahrain on Sunday that Ankara was not behind the offensive, and did not provide its consent, saying it was concerned about instability. Turkey's foreign and defence ministries did not respond directly to Reuters questions about an HTS-Ankara understanding about the Aleppo operation. In reply to questions about Turkey's awareness of battlefield preparations, a Turkish official told Reuters that the HTS "does not receive orders or direction from us (and) does not coordinate its operations with us either." The official said that "in that sense" it would not be correct to say that the operation in Aleppo was carried out with Turkey's approval or green light. Turkish intelligence agency MIT did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters was unable to reach a representative for HTS. VULNERABLE The rebels struck when Assad was at his most vulnerable. Distracted by wars elsewhere, his military allies Russia, Iran, and Lebanon's Hezbollah failed to mobilise the kind of decisive firepower that had propped him up for years. Syria's weak armed forces were unable to resist. A regime source told Reuters that tanks and planes were left with no fuel because of corruption and looting - an illustration of just how hollowed out the Syrian state had become. Over the past two years morale had severely eroded in the army, said the source, who requested anonymity because of fear of retribution. Aron Lund, a fellow at Century International, a Middle-East focused think-tank, said the HTS-led coalition was stronger and more coherent than any previous rebel force during the war, "and a lot of that is Abu Mohammed al-Golani’s doing". But, he said, the regime's weakness was the deciding factor. "After they lost Aleppo like that, regime forces never recovered and the more the rebels advanced, the weaker Assad’s army got," he said. The pace of the rebel advances, with Hama being captured on Dec. 5 and Homs falling on or around Sunday at the same time government forces lost Damascus, exceeded expectations. "There was a window of opportunity but no one expected the regime to crumble this fast. Everyone expected some fight," said Bassam Al-Kuwatli, president of the Syrian Liberal Party, a small opposition group, who is based outside Syria. A U.S. official said on condition of anonymity that while Washington had been aware of Turkey’s overall support for the rebels, it was not informed of any tacit Turkish approval for the Aleppo offensive. The White House National Security Council did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Turkey's role. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday said that Russia's abandonment of Assad led to his downfall, adding that Moscow never should have protected him in the first place and then lost interest because of a war in Ukraine that never should have started. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday noted his country's role in weakening Hezbollah, which sources told Reuters withdrew its remaining troops from Syria on Saturday. GAZA FALLOUT Sources familiar with Hezbollah deployments said the Iran-backed group, which propped up Assad early in the war, had already withdrawn many of its elite fighters from Syria over the last year to support the group as it waged hostilities with Israel - a conflict that spilled over from the Gaza war. Israel dealt Hezbollah heavy blows, particularly after launching an offensive in September, killing the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of its commanders and fighters. The rebel offensive in Syria began the same day as a ceasefire came into effect in the Lebanon conflict on Nov. 27. The sources familiar with Hezbollah said it did not want to engage in big battles in Syria as the group focused on starting a long road to recovery from the heavy blows. For the rebel alliance, the withdrawal of Hezbollah presented a valuable opportunity. "We just wanted a fair fight between us and the regime," the Syrian opposition source said. Assad's fall marks a major blow to Iranian influence in the Middle East, coming so swiftly after the killing of Nasrallah and the damage done by Israel to Hezbollah. Turkey, on the other hand, now appears to be Syria's most powerful external player, with troops on the ground and access to the rebel leaders. In addition to securing the return of Syrian refugees, Turkey's objectives include curbing the power of Syrian Kurdish groups that control wide areas of northeast Syria and are backed by the United States. Ankara deems them to be terrorists. As part of the initial offensive, the Turkey-backed SNA seized swathes of territory, including the city of Tel Refaat, from U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. On Sunday, a Turkish security source said the rebels entered the northern city of Manbij after pushing the Kurds back again. "Turkey is the biggest outside winner here. Erdogan turned out to be on the right - or at least winning - side of history here because his proxies in Syria won the day," said Birol Baskan, Turkey-based political scientist and former non-resident scholar at Middle East Institute. (Additional reporting by Laila Bassam in Beirut, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Matt Spetalnick in Washington in Ankara; Writing by Tom Perry; editing by Frank Jack Daniel)London's palace theatre has boarded up two entrances for the holidays because of recent damage. It started with a break-in last week while employees were working. A $1,000 keyboard was stolen and the broken door will take a thousand dollars to repair. This week the fire department was called three times in a 24-hour span to put out fires at the front doors. Staff have needed to clean regularly because of soot and smoke getting inside. They say it's been an ongoing struggle to keep the facility operating smoothly. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Here's what's open over the holidays in the Forest City CTVNews.ca Top Stories What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.' Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests. Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination. OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass Ottawa firefighters and local Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to a bizarre scene Tuesday morning along Highway 417, where a driver managed to wedge his vehicle under an overpass. U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada. Read Trudeau's Christmas message Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full. Two arrested in Egypt after attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the bottom of the sea Egyptian authorities have arrested two men for attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the bottom of the sea, the country’s interior ministry said in a Monday statement. Quebec fugitive gunned down leaving gym in Mexican resort town RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder. B.C. friends nab 'unbelievable' $1M lotto win just before Christmas Two friends from B.C's lower mainland are feeling particularly merry this December, after a single lottery ticket purchased from a small kiosk landed them instant millionaire status. Kitchener Why holiday shopping may feel a little different this year At around 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kitchener’s Fairview Park Mall, there were plenty of parking spots available. It’s a sign that maybe this year, the rush for last minute gifts is no more. What’s open and what’s closed over the holidays A detailed guide to what’s open and closed between Dec. 24 and New Year's Day. Police investigating after vandalization of Pride crosswalk in Waterloo Waterloo Regional Police are investigating after a Pride crosswalk was vandalized in Waterloo on Sunday. Barrie Live trackers await Santa Claus and his reindeer crew, special track underway in Simcoe County The spirit of Christmas is in the air as Santa Claus begins his lasting journey to deliver presents to children around the region. Owen Sound man claims $1M prize Owen Sound man finally claims winning ticket days before Christmas. No parking on Barrie streets on Christmas Eve Barrie crews will work tonight to clear the snow from its streets. Windsor WECHU warning of positive avian influenza cases The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is working to alert the public of the dangers of avian influenza after waterfowl in the area tested positive. Been to Detroit lately? Keep an eye out for these scam parking invoices The City of Detroit has issued a warning to motorists that scam texts are circulating asking for payment for unpaid parking invoices from the city. Chatham police aware of physical incident between two children going viral on social media The Chatham-Kent Police Service said it is aware of a video going viral on social media, showing a physical incident between two children in the area. Northern Ontario Indigenous family faced discrimination in North Bay, Ont., when they were kicked off transit bus Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal has awarded members of an Indigenous family in North Bay $15,000 each after it ruled they were victims of discrimination. Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway. U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada. Sault Ste. Marie Ontario First Nation challenging selection of underground nuclear waste site in court A First Nation in northern Ontario is challenging the selection of a nearby region as the site of a deep geological repository that will hold Canada's nuclear waste, arguing in a court filing that it should have had a say in the matter as the site falls "squarely" within its territory. Sault man arrested after security guard kicked in the head over the weekend, police say A 36-year-old Sault man was arrested Christmas Eve following an incident over the weekend. Norad crew waiting for Santa to fly over Canada as annual holiday track underway Departing from the North Pole while we were all sleeping, Santa Claus' journey around the world bringing presents and Christmas cheer for all of the good boys and girls who believe is underway. Ottawa OPP and Ottawa firefighters help remove vehicle wedged into Highway 417 overpass Ottawa firefighters and local Ontario Provincial Police officers were called to a bizarre scene Tuesday morning along Highway 417, where a driver managed to wedge his vehicle under an overpass. Ottawa driver gets double licence suspension after allegedly going 3 times the speed limit Ottawa police say a 54-year-old man is facing several charges after allegedly going more than three times the speed limit this weekend. Ottawa welcomes new Team Canada fans with citizenship ceremony ahead of the World Juniors Ottawa is welcoming the world as it hosts the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. But first, some new Team Canada fans were sworn in at a citizenship ceremony at the Canadian Tire Centre on Monday. Toronto Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not. Suspect charged after woman sexually assaulted by stranger at Keele Station: Toronto police Toronto police have arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a TTC subway station in the city’s west end. Woman seriously injured after stabbing in Moss Park: paramedics A stabbing in Toronto’s Moss Park neighbourhood Tuesday morning has left a woman with serious injuries as police search for a suspect. Montreal Snowfall means a white Christmas, but also traffic woes across southern Quebec roads A heavy snowfall has guaranteed much of Quebec a white Christmas, but it has also sent cars skidding off the province's roads during the busy holiday travel period. As governments try to solve housing crisis, modular homes emerge as potential solution With all three levels of governments looking to find ways to build more housing and faster, one Quebec builder says it has the solution. Quebec doing better job at retaining immigrants, Atlantic Canada still struggling Immigrants are increasingly choosing to stay in Quebec, according to a new report from Statistics Canada, but the same isn't true in the Atlantic region, which continues to lose newcomers to the rest of the country. Atlantic Two deaths in Truro ruled homicides: RCMP Police in Nova Scotia are investigating after two deaths in Truro, N.S., over the weekend have been ruled homicides. Snow forecast through Christmas Eve for parts of the Maritimes Parts of the Maritimes that were hit by a weekend snowstorm are in for more of the white stuff this Christmas Eve. 'Can I taste it?': Rare $55,000 bottle of spirits for sale in Moncton, N.B. A rare bottle of Scotch whisky is for sale in downtown Moncton, N.B., with a price tag reading $55,000. Winnipeg One person dead, another injured following Monday night house fire One person has died and another is in unstable condition following a house fire Monday evening. Winnipeg police investigating string of packages being stolen The Winnipeg Police Service is investigating a string of package thefts in the Transcona area. Colleen Bready's forecast: How conditions are shaping up for Santa's flight Mild conditions across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario should make for a smooth flight for Santa and his reindeer tonight. They will just have to watch out for fog patches overnight across the south. Calgary Three sent to hospital after Glenmore Trail crash Calgary police shut down Glenmore Trail overnight following a crash between a car and a crane truck. Person in critical condition after downtown Calgary fire A person was sent to hospital in life-threatening condition after a fire in downtown Calgary on Tuesday morning. Skier seriously injured in avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C. A skier was seriously injured after an avalanche near Revelstoke, B.C., over the weekend. Edmonton Edmonton apartment building boarded up after evacuation order from the city An Edmonton apartment building that was evacuated for safety reasons on Monday now sits boarded up. 1 charged after van stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday One person has been arrested after a van was stolen from Edmonton's Food Bank on Monday. Homelessness, rising property taxes major matters for Edmonton's mayor in 2024 Amarjeet Sohi looked back on the calendar year that's soon coming to a close with CTV News Edmonton, detailing recent challenges he and city council faced – typical year-end matters such as property taxes and finances – plus ongoing questions and efforts surrounding homelessness. Regina Sask. RCMP still searching for man suspected of small-town break-ins spanning years A man suspected of breaking into offices and small businesses across Saskatchewan over the past number of years has struck again – according to RCMP. 'A nice way to connect': Christmas card exchange between Sask. friends spans 60 years What started out as a little holiday fun between two Regina friends has turned into a tradition that now spans six decades. Dog lost in Saskatchewan during cross-country trip reunited with family A family moving from Ontario to Alberta in November had a scare when their family dog got loose during a stop in Dafoe, Sask. and ran away. Saskatoon 'People prop the doors open': Saskatoon resident concerned as people shelter in her stairwell With the number of homeless people in Saskatoon at an unprecedented high, it’s no surprise people are looking for places to warm up. Saskatoon-born comedian Brendan Flaherty returns to ask, 'what'd I miss?' As a Saskatoon-born comedian pursuing a career in the Six, Brendan Flaherty says he often hears the same question from friends back home. More drivers opt for personalized plates in Sask. — and behind every one there's a story You may have noticed a few more vanity plates on Saskatchewan roads in recent years, and every one of them comes with a personal story. Vancouver Homicide victim identified as 36-year-old man from Langley, B.C. Homicide investigators are identifying the victim of a suspected murder last year in Langley, B.C. B.C. friends nab 'unbelievable' $1M lotto win just before Christmas Two friends from B.C's lower mainland are feeling particularly merry this December, after a single lottery ticket purchased from a small kiosk landed them instant millionaire status. Storms to continue rolling through B.C.'s South Coast over Christmas Day The tempestuous weather that descended on southern B.C. Monday afternoon will linger for the next few days, with a storm forecast for Christmas Day. Vancouver Island Homicide victim identified as 36-year-old man from Langley, B.C. Homicide investigators are identifying the victim of a suspected murder last year in Langley, B.C. Year-end interview: B.C. Premier David Eby reflects on nail-biting 2024 election It was a year that saw David Eby elected B.C. premier for the first time, and lead his party to government for a third consecutive term. B.C. friends nab 'unbelievable' $1M lotto win just before Christmas Two friends from B.C's lower mainland are feeling particularly merry this December, after a single lottery ticket purchased from a small kiosk landed them instant millionaire status. Stay ConnectedAmorim warns Man United fans: 'Storm will come'
Published 5:30 pm Sunday, December 8, 2024 By Scooter Hobbs LSU won’t have to travel far for its bowl game and the Tigers will find a familiar face when they get to Houston. LSU was placed in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl for the New Year’s Eve game at NRG Stadium against Baylor. It will kick off at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Bears (8-4) are coached by Dave Aranda, who was LSU’s defensive coordinator for the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team. He took the Baylor job shortly after LSU completed that season unbeaten. Aranda and Baylor won the Big 12 championship in 2021, but he was very much on the hot seat after going 3-9 last year and starting this season 2-4 before Baylor finished on a six-game winning streak. The Tigers, also 8-4, at one point were ranked No. 8 in the country, but fell down the bowl season’s pecking order with a three-game losing streak. They recovered, however, to win their final two games against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. As always in the current climate, bowl opt-outs could play a factor in the game. LSU has had several non-starters announce they will enter the transfer portal, which opens Monday. Two others, left tackle Will Campbell and tight end Mason Taylor, have declared they’ll enter the NFL draft early. But neither has indicated whether they will play in the bowl game. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has not yet made a decision on the NFL, but said after the win over Oklahoma that he would play in the bowl game regardless. It will be LSU’s third trip to the Texas Bowl — with very different results thus far. Opt-outs were a major factor the last time LSU played in the Texas bowl following the 2021 season. The Tigers had an interim head coach in Brad Davis after the firing of Ed Orgeron and only 38 scholarship players available in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State. LSU used a converted backup wide receiver, Jontre Kirklin, at quarterback. LSU’s other Texas Bowl appearance was following the 2016 season when the Tigers won a very entertaining game, 56-27, over a Texas Tech team led by Patrick Mahomes. It was shortly after that game that LSU then under Les Miles, lost defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, which brought Aranda to Baton Rouge from Wisconsin. LSU leads the all-time series with Baylor 8-3, but two of the Tigers’ losses came in the only two bowl matchups between the schools. Baylor beat LSU 21-7 in the 1985 Liberty Bowl in Memphis and 14-7 in the 1963 Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston. Previous to the Liberty Bowl, the last meeting was a 31-10 LSU victory in Baton Rouge.
Whether you're on your way to work, on the school run or just going for a leisurely walk in the countryside, a good travel mug that keeps tea and coffee hot without leaking is a must. It can be surprisingly hard to find one that ticks all of the boxes, but shoppers may have found one at Ninja. The American kitchen tech brand known for its range of innovative and bill-slashing air fryers have recently released the Sip Perfect Travel Mug. It features a leak-proof lid and absorbs energy, creating the perfect drinkable temperature in minutes. Available in black, white and green, the mug features a design that keeps your drink warm on the inside but cool to the touch on the outside, so you won't risk burning your hands. The Ninja travel mug is normally priced by at £29.99 but shoppers can bag it with a discount of almost 88% by stacking two deals. READ MORE: READ MORE: In an early Boxing Day deal, Ninja has reduced the price of the Sip Perfect Travel Mug to just £19.99, offering a £10 saving. But if you make your purchase through this TopCashback link, you can get it for less than £4. That's because the site is offering new members a £15 sign-up bonus with a spend of £15 or more, as well as cashback, making it £3.66 after all the discounts have been applied. While the travel mug was only released in the UK this month, it already boasts a 4.6 star-review, reports the Wales Online. A pleased customer left a detailed review reading: "You can tell that this is a high quality travel cup. "It is very well made and is very sturdy. Even with a hot drink inside, the outside is still cool to the touch. It has a textured coating so it should not slip out of your hands. The Sip Perfect Travel Mug in white (Image: Ninja) "It is heavier than some, but I wouldn't let that put you off, as it is not overly so. 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The Sip Perfect Travel Mug in black (Image: Ninja) A third liked the mug but warned that it is heavy and difficult to open, writing: "If you are looking for an insulated mug, then this does the job. It keeps contents hot for a long time and you can sip them whenever you want. Decent size for a mug. Unfortunately, I find it a bit heavy so not for me. Otherwise it would get five stars. "It was also difficult to open at first. When I did get it open the ‘use and care guide’ was inside. One of the ‘caution’ guides says that if you can’t open the lid by hand, do not open and return to Ninja. Only read this after I struggled to open it." A fourth had an issue with the size of the mug, saying it is too big to fit inside their car's cup holders. The customer explained: "Initial thoughts were it’s an attractive and stylish travel mug. Drinking from the mug is easy and I liked the locking lid mechanism which felt secure and safe. Size is good for taking on short journeys. "I put piping hot coffee into the mug and within five minutes, the liquid had cooled to a drinkable temperature. Unfortunately as a travel mug for me, it has a problem - it is too big for the cup holders in my Audi. I’m sure not all cup holders are equal, but this is a drawback." Alternatively, Amazon is selling a Thermos Stainless Travel Mug from £24.89. It is available in an array of colours, including black, copper, red and raspberry. If you prefer cold drinks, you can buy a large Stanley cup from Next for £45. How to claim your £12.99 Ninja travel mug To claim the new member bonus, new members of TopCashback need to sign up via this link Search for Ninja click ‘Get Cashback Now’ Shop and checkout as usual Cashback will then track and appear in your TopCashback account within seven working days of your purchaseChildren, pregnant women and people with mental health conditions will receive better support for alcohol and drug issues in a major funding boost. or signup to continue reading The $235 million package, expanding or establishing more than a dozen services, comes as policing, health and political leaders prepare to chart a new course for drug policy in NSW. Some $6.4 million across four years has been set aside to provide early intervention for 11 to 17-year-olds with moderate to severe substance use. The Cicada service, connected to Sydney's children's hospitals, links children and parents with pediatricians, nurses, social workers and other experts. Rates of underage drinking have been declining in recent decades but about one in every 11 underage teens engages in risky drinking at least once a month, according to . Funding will also be directed to programs targeting pregnant women, Aboriginal people, people with mental health conditions and people in the criminal justice system. They are among the most vulnerable groups that make up an estimated 1.4 million Australians with a substance abuse problem. The NSW government said the funding would significantly boost the alcohol and other drug workforce including those with Indigenous or lived experience backgrounds. "The programs we are investing in will ensure that people with complex needs receive wrap-around support and care to help people recover and rebuild their lives in the community," Health Minister Ryan Park said on Sunday. The new funding is drawn from $500 million set aside by the then-coalition government in 2022 in response to a major independent inquiry into the drug ice. About two-thirds of the newly announced package will be directed to government and non-government services in regional NSW. That's in addition to more than $30 million dedicated to support services in Murrumbidgee and northern NSW in early November during the regional swing of the state's landmark drug summit. The last and largest set of meetings will be held on Wednesday and Thursday in Sydney. Modelled on a week-long forum in 1999 that was the impetus for Australia's first supervised injecting room, the summit is bringing together experts, senior police, community leaders and MPs from across the political spectrum to build consensus for drug policy changes. Harm reduction advocates hope it can deliver health-focused reforms after recent inquiries delivered little more than incremental change. 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11 Essential Accessories Your iPhone Wants for the Holidays
Greene scores 18, Wagner takes down Maryland-Eastern Shore 63-61
Lottery player’s win causes Maryland grocery store to erupt in cheers. ‘Pretty lucky’Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flightsPrivate donations pour in for cash-strapped national parks
Boston Red Sox All-Star outfielder Jarren Duran had a spectacular year this past season, but the team has not raised any extension talks as the arbitration filing date nears. However, according to MLB insider Buster Olney , it’s not a problem. “I'd bet that changes around the arbitration filing date. Early in the offseason, there are other pressing matters -- staff vacancies, player acquisition. Extensions move to the front burner in January”. This past season, Duran slashed .285/.342/.492/.834, with 21 homers, and led the MLB with 48 doubles and 14 triples. He also led his team with 34 stolen bases. Duran’s current contract won’t end till 2029, when the outfielder will be 32-years-old. The Sox may not want to keep an older Duran, as older outfielders are less wanted than older infielders or pitchers. Duran doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to really slow down with age, and probably will be good into his thirties. Hopefully, by January the Red Sox lock him down for the rest of his career where he’s one of the best outfielders in the league. MORE SOX NEWS: Red Sox legend can't see $600 million dollar superstar signing with any other team than Boston MLB insider believes Red Sox could trade Gold Glove outfielder to Mariners Red Sox CEO confirms fans' hopes for the offseason, and the future NL Cy Young says he would've retired with Red Sox after 2024 season if he hadn't been traded Red Sox reportedly have inquired about superstar third baseman free agent
First 12-team CFP set: Oregon seeded No. 1, SMU edges Alabama for final spot