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PHOENIX — Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly fired shots at officers, Phoenix police said. Phoenix police officers responded to an apartment complex near 70th Avenue and McDowell Road for a call for service. When they got to the scene, police officers heard multiple gunshots that "were believed to possibly have been fired in the direction of the officers," according to police. The suspect who is believed to have fired the shots was not located. No other details were provided. >> This story will be updated as additional information becomes available. Stay with 12News for the latest. You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV . 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account , or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. iTunes Google Play On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. On social media: Find us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube . Up to Speed Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson diagnosed with Alzheimer's, family confirms
Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding at least 7 BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Somalia says 24 people have died after 2 boats capsized in the Indian Ocean MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government says 24 people died after two boats capsized off the Madagascar coast in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said 46 people were rescued. Most of the passengers were young Somalis, and their intended destination remains unclear. Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. A delegation led by the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia is scheduled to travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to help survivors. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Sunday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast last week, killing two people. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani security officer says police have arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in Islamabad to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year. But he remains popular and his party says the cases against him are politically motivated. Police Sunday arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters in eastern Punjab province, a Khan stronghold. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off the capital with shipping containers. It also suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” Uruguay's once-dull election has become a dead heat in the presidential runoff MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans are heading to the polls to choose their next president. In Sunday's election, the candidates of the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition are locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote. It's a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou — overseeing the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation.TOMS River, N.J. (AP) — A U.S. senator has called for mysterious drones spotted flying over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” even as it remains unclear who owns them. “We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill. People in the New York region are also concerned that the drones may be sharing airspace with commercial airlines, he said, demanding more transparency from the Biden administration. The White House said Thursday that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said there were no reported sightings in any restricted airspace. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not uncovered any foreign involvement from coastal vessels. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said, echoing statements from the Pentagon and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. The drones appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. The FBI has been investigating and has asked residents to share any videos, photos or other information about the drones. On Wednesday, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said they are not U.S. military drones. The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once. The worry stems partly from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump ’s golf course in Bedminster. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said he was frustrated by the lack of transparency, saying it could help spread fear or misinformation. “We should know what’s going on over our skies,” he said Thursday. Fantasia, a Morris County Republican, was among several lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the sightings from the New York City area across New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. It is unknown at this time whether the sightings are related. Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, U.S. Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, say the military should shoot down the drones. Smith said a U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer briefed him on an incident over the weekend in which a dozen drones followed a motorized Coast Guard lifeboat “in close pursuit” near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County. Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Coast Guard Lt. Luke Pinneo on Wednesday told The Associated Press “that multiple low-altitude aircraft were observed in the vicinity of one of our vessels near Island Beach State Park.” ___ Associated Press reporters Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and reporter Darlene Superville and videojournalists Serkan Gurbuz and Nathan Ellgren in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. Related From Our Partner
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Ltd, a global leader in the tea industry, has officially acquired Sorwathe Ltd, one of Rwanda's oldest tea companies. This milestone was marked by a management handover ceremony at Sorwathe Ltd in Kinihira Sector, Rulindo District, Northern Province on December 5. According to company officials, the acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Sorwathe Ltd, promising new opportunities to strengthen and expand the legacy of excellence under the Chatterjee family leadership, who has over a century of experience in the global tea industry and that Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd brings a legacy of heritage, sustainability, and quality that perfectly aligns with Sorwathe’ s values. ALSO READ: Top six buyers of Rwanda's popular tea For 50 years, Sorwathe Ltd, under Wertheim’s family, has been a pioneer in Rwanda’s tea industry, cultivating the country's finest teas across 2,130 hectares in partnership with smallholder farmers. Dipankar Chatterjee, Chairman of Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, delivered a heartfelt speech, sharing his family's century-long history in the tea industry. He said: “Luxmi will endeavour to take Sorwathe to new heights, praising the garden's potential and existing reputation for producing high-quality tea.” He emphasized that Luxmi Tea’s goal is to produce quality teas in Rwanda and across the world. He touched on the global demand for quality tea, noting that there is a global shortage of high-quality tea, emphasizing the opportunity that Sorwathe has to fill this gap. Rudra Chatterjee, Chairman of Silverback Tea Company and Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd and The Honorary Consul for Rwanda in Eastern India, expressed his commitment to maintaining Sorwathe's tradition of producing high-quality teas while exploring opportunities for innovation and market expansion. He noted: “It is a company that has been run very well by the previous management, the Wertheim family, and we will build on that good work. Building not only on the quality of tea but also on the community for which the work of Sorwathe Foundation has been exemplary. Our team led by Nzeki Samuel Munyao will ensure that Sorwathe extends the value it creates for stakeholders. We take the privilege and the responsibility seriously.” Andrew Wertheim, Chairman of Tea Importers Inc. and former Chairman of Sorwathe, reflected on the company’s journey since its founding in 1975 by his father, Joe Wertheim. “His vision was to improve the lives of people in surrounding communities through tea. Over the years, we have seen tremendous achievements in community development, infrastructure, and education. This legacy is worth celebrating as we transition into a new chapter. We are confident that under the leadership of Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, given their experience both in India and in Rwanda, they'll be able to take Sorwathe to the next level and continue the success that has been made” His Excellency, The Indian High Commissioner to Rwanda, Mridu Pawan Das congratulated Rudra Chatterjee on taking over as the new leader of Sorwathé. The High Commissioner praised the Wertheim family's legacy, which spans over 50 years, and highlighted their contributions to the local community, including empowering 8,500 people. The High Commissioner also spoke about Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd's proud legacy, dating back to 1912, and its presence in Indian states, including Assam. He expressed his happiness to see Indian businesses contributing to the India-Rwanda relationship and empowering the people of Rwanda. He also appreciated the good relationship between India and the United States of America. The Charge De Affairs of the United States of America Embassy in Rwanda John Armiger delivered a heartfelt speech to celebrate nearly 50 years of excellence in Rwanda's tea industry, specifically honoring Sorwathe, a renowned tea estate. The ambassador praised the Wertheim family's visionary leadership, which has made Sorwathe Rwanda's largest single-producing tea factory. As Sorwathe transitions to new ownership under Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd of India. The speech expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between US and Rwandan businesses to drive economic growth and shared prosperity. Emery Rubagenga, Chairman of Sorwathe Ltd, pointed out that the company was the first in Rwanda to introduce Orthodox, organic, and pesticide-free green tea, ensuring both customer satisfaction and environmental sustainability. On behalf of the Board, I express my deep gratitude to our employees, partners, and customers for their unwavering support and dedication. As we embark on this journey with renewed focus and energy, we reaffirm our commitment to quality, innovation, and community development,” he said. “Together, with Government of Rwanda support through NAEB, along with the vision and expertise of our new investors, we are poised to shape a brighter future for Sorwathé and the communities we proudly serve,” he added. The Vice Mayor of Rulindo District in charge of social affairs, Theophile Mutagana highlighted Sorwathe's critical role in uplifting local communities. “The factory operates in seven sectors: Base, Tumba, Cyungo, Rukozo, Kinihira, Gisaro, and Buyoga. It collaborates with communities in these sectors, where some individuals sell tea through cooperatives, while others are employed by the company. This highlights the factory's significance, as it enables the community to afford health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), participate in the Ejo Heza savings scheme, and comply with other government policies,” he said. ALSO READ: Rwanda to directly export tea to Pakistani market According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), Rwanda’s tea industry has supported over 659 community projects since 2005, contributing significantly to rural development. These projects include schools, health centers, and water supply systems, underscoring the sector's role in improving livelihoods. Jean Nepo Nkurikiyinka, the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Federation of Rwanda Tea Growing Cooperatives, emphasized that today’s management transition marks a special day for farmers. The welfare of farmers depends on strong partnerships with stakeholders, and according to the testimonials shared, Sorwathe has been a crucial player in improving their well-being and that of cooperatives. The Chairman acknowledged Sorwathe’s significant contributions, highlighting how farmers’ children are now able to attend school, improving the overall well-being of their families. “As FERWACOTHE, we welcome the new management with a promise of collaboration and hope for continued success in uplifting the lives of farmers” David Knopp, Director of The Wood Foundation Africa, congratulated Andrew and his family on the successful exit and legacy of Sorwathe. He also welcomed Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd, the new owner, and praised their commitment to quality, integrity, and smallholder farmer development. Jotham Majyalibu, Chairman of the Rwanda Tea Association, welcomed guests to witness the transition of Sorwathe's management. He praised the new leadership for their vital role in the Rwanda Tea Industry and expressed hope that they will continue to make Rwanda proud, particularly in the production of quality teas and specialty teas. Atul Rastogi-Director Luxmi Tea Co. Pvt. Ltd appreciated the good work and great effort that has gone into making Sorwathe Ltd what it is today. He assured of the Company’s commitment to build on that legacy and move Sorwathe to greater heights for the benefit of all stakeholders. Nzeki Samuel Munyao, the CEO of Sorwathe Ltd thanked all those who were in attendance for joining them to celebrate the great legacy of Sorwathe Ltd and the management transition. He appreciated Veerendra Rawat, the Senior General Manager Sorwathe Ltd, Rahul Bedi the CFO Sorwathe Ltd and the entire team of Sorwathe Ltd for the good arrangement that made the celebrations a success. Claude Bizimana, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) commended the former management for its dedication, vision and the hard work that was paramount in shaping Sorwathe into a success story. He noted: “Sorwathe has contributed significantly to the agriculture sector in Rwanda and to the tea industry in particular. This strategic foresight and great commitment to quality and focus on sustainability have set an admirable benchmark for the entire industry. As we embrace this new leadership, I extend my warm welcome to the incoming leadership team and I'm confident that the expertise, energy and vision will propel it to even better heights.” Rwanda’s tea industry has grown steadily, with production increasing from 5,910 tonnes in 1980 to 40,003 tonnes by the financial year ending June 2024. The sector remains a vital contributor to Rwanda’s economy, with exports bringing in significant revenue and creating jobs for thousands of Rwandans. Sorwathe itself has over 2,400 workers. The event saw participation from many dignitaries including but not limited Company Directors, Leocadie Uwanyirigira, Chairman of ASSOPTHE, Innocent Ahoyankuye, the Secretary of the HOT Cooperative Board, Fidele Rwigema, Workers Representative Sorwathe, various bank representatives, among others.", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Frank Ntarindwa" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }
In a piece penned by Amy Reast for SWNJivf, Ross Watson, a 30 year old man who was an IVF miracle baby and spent 14 months as a frozen embryo, expresses his hope that the new Netflix film 'Joy' will "shine a spotlight" on the "magical" process of IVF. Ross, born on August 21, 1994, was a dream come "true" for his mother Carol Watson, 65, who had been told she would never be able to have children. Carol and her husband Alan, 71, invested $10,000 in IVF treatment in their pursuit of parenthood. Ross, their "miracle baby," was their last hope after being a frozen embryo for 14 months. Netflix is down: Streaming platform crashes globally leaving TV watchers in panic Squid Game winner claims Netflix still hasn't paid her out $4.5m 10 months after win With the upcoming release of the eagerly awaited Netflix film, Joy, Ross believes it will serve as "a testament to all families with their own IVF stories." The movie, set in the 1960s and 1970s, narrates the real-life story of the world's first in vitro fertilization baby Louise Brown. "We met a stranger who saved my little boy by donating her liver after unexpected rare diagnosis," reports the Mirror US . Ross, a PR manager hailing from Dudley, West Midlands, stated: "IVF is a topic that's particularly close to my heart." He further added, "But a film about it highlights that it wasn't always this way - it's important for people to know the history." Ross opened up, "My parents didn't talk a lot about what they went through when I was growing up. As a kid or a teen you don't have as much of an understanding of quite how special it is. But I've grown up and have developed a newfound appreciation for it. It's really magical that IVF can work and I hope the film will shine a spotlight on that." Born at Wordsley Hospital near Stourbridge, West Mids, Ross came into the world at 1 am on August 21, 1994. The magic of IVF isn't lost on one man who's particularly grateful for a film illuminating the procedure, as he expressed, "I was always fully aware of what my parents had gone through and I'll always be thankful." His gratitude extends to the lengths his parents went to bring him life, with him reflecting, "I'll also always be thankful for the time, energy and money that they went through to bring me into this world." Reflecting further on IVF's impact, he added, "As I've got older its given me a chance to reflect on how cool IVF actually is." Contemplating the process, he noted, "It's not until you think about it deeply that you realize how crazy it is." He's looking forward to seeing the film Joy, and his enthusiasm is matched by his mother, Carol, who remarked, "It's really amazing what science can do - and the fact Ross' embryo was frozen for 14 months." She is eager to see the film herself, confirming, "I'll definitely be watching."MARK Labbett was beaming as he spent a second day with his ex-wife, Katie. The couple, who married in 2014 but split in 2020 , have been treating their son, Lawrence, for a weekend in London. Navigating co-parenting like pros, Mark shared pictures from their two big days out, which started on Saturday with a trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford. Today, they shared another photo, showing off their shared transformations as Mark wrote on the pic: "Co-parenting in London part two - Natural History Museum. "Little Monster LOVED the T-Rex in a Christmas jumper." Both Mark, 58, and Katie , 31, looked unrecognisable from their time being married, having both lost weight and switching up their looks. Mark looked slender in a grey jumper and black trousers next to Katie, who cuddled up beside him in a black skirt and maroon jumper. The new pic comes a day after the family spent a day at Warner Bros Studios to take in the Harry Potter tour with their son. While keeping "Little Monster" Lawrence away from his social media, Mark and Katie snapped a selfie together which he shared on his Instagram Stories. Mark and Katie, who are also second cousins, were together for seven years, but split when their attempts at an open marriage failed. They first started speaking on Facebook in 2010, unaware of their familial connection. Mark, best known as The Beast on the ITV quiz show, later admitted that Covid lockdown had a detrimental effect on his mental health, and amplified the pair's 27-year age gap. Despite the break-up, they are yet to officially get divorced, though both have gone on to other relationships. Mark split from Hayley Palmer this year just a week after their one-year anniversary, with Hayley later claiming Mark had no intention of officially divorcing Katie. Speaking exclusively to The Sun about his break-up this week, Mark said: "She's [Hayley's] a lovely lady and I was very lucky to date her for a year, and as I said...it's me, I got old." "There's been no one since Hayley, I'm not saying there won't be another one. But I'm certainly not looking." Opening up about being content as a single man, Mark said: "I joke I am a shed man - a guy of a certain age that's quite content being in or out of a relationship - but loves to be spending time on their own. "It's primal, I think it goes all the way back to the hunter-gatherers where the man would go off a lot of time on their own. "To be fair it's not just men, there are people who actually like their own company."
Kennedy Center honors Coppola, the Grateful Dead, Raitt and Sandoval
Türkiye, Iran, Russia and five Arab countries on Saturday urged a political solution in Syria to stop military operations there and protect civilians. In a joint statement released by the countries' foreign ministers after they met in Doha, they said the crisis in Syria posed a threat to regional and international security. The call was also echoed by U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen. He called for urgent political talks in Geneva to implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, urging immediate action to address the ongoing crisis in Syria. "The situation is changing by the minute. So when I'm addressing you, things are changing inside of Syria,” Pedersen said at a press conference in the Qatari capital, where the two-day Doha Forum 2024 began on Saturday. Pedersen said he has held discussions with foreign ministers from Türkiye, Iran, and Russia, as well as officials from the U.S., France, U.K., Germany, and EU, and "I have called for urgent political talks in Geneva to implement Security Council Resolution 2254.” "I'm pleased to say that the ministers and all I'm talking to are backing this call. My hope is that I will be able to announce a date for this very soon,” he asserted. The special envoy stressed the importance of a new approach, saying, "The need for an orderly political transition has never been more urgent starting with the urgent formation of inclusive and credible transitional arrangements in Syria. For this we need an urgent serious process fundamentally different from what has gone on before.” He reiterated the need to reduce tensions, restore calm, avoid bloodshed, and protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. The two-day Doha Forum 2024 is being held in Doha with the theme "The Inevitability of Innovation." According to official estimates, over 4,500 participants from more than 150 countries are in attendance, including seven heads of state, seven prime ministers and 15 foreign ministers.Trump named as Time’s Person of the YearAmazon founder Jeff Bezos is set to marry his fiancée Lauren Sanchez in a lavish Aspen, Colorado wedding, which, according to Daily Mail, is likely to cost the American billionaire a whopping $600 million (equivalent to Rs 5096 crore). Since May 2023, the two have been dating. The Daily Mail exclusively reported that Bezos and Sanchez have booked a luxurious sushi restaurant called Matsuhisa in Aspen from December 26 to 27. According to reports, their wedding would be a spectacular party with a Winterland theme. According to the New York Post, the American billionaire is expected to wed Lauren Sanchez in a lavish $600 million wedding in Aspen, Colorado, on Saturday. Five-star hotels in Aspen have also been booked to house the guests who will be attending the wedding and private mansions have been secured for high-profile guests. The Amazon founder and CEO's lavish winter wonderland-themed wedding ceremony will be attended by a limited but star-studded guest list. Sources close to the couple reveal that the guest list will be an elite gathering of around 180 people, including many Hollywood celebrities and high-profile figures. According to Page Six, a number of celebrities and stars, including Queen Rania of Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Bill Gates, are expected to attend the extravagant wedding. According to reports, the party planners who will be in charge of planning the lavish celebration have agreed to keep the wedding gala's specifics confidential. Aspen planner Sarah Rose Attman told Express US that planners are likely to "cherry-pick" their favourite items from across the globe and bring them to Aspen for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding. Whether it's a Parisian dessert, a New York hairdresser, or their favourite band, the crew will make sure the couple's favourite things are in the city. Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos' to-be-wife is an American media personality who gained popularity as an entertainment journalist. She has served as an anchor on Fox 11 News at Ten and a guest host on The View. In addition to being the vice-chairperson of the Bezos Earth Fund and the owner of Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial video and production firm, Lauren Sanchez was included in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" issue in 2010. The pair have remained silent on their wedding plans. They have not publicly confirmed their wedding date yet either.