Are Black Friday Discounts Actually Worth It?Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire to end nearly 14 months of fighting JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli warplanes meanwhile carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. What to know about ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah A ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders. The truce that is set to take effect early Wednesday raised hopes and renewed difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities But the deal does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since Hamas militants attacked southern Israel last October. Trump vows tariffs over immigration. What the numbers say about border crossings, drugs and crime. WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is threatening tariffs on Mexico and Canada as he seeks to portray them as responsible for illegal immigration and drug smuggling. Over its tenure, the Biden administration has struggled with growing numbers of migrants arriving at the southern border. But this year, the number of people crossing the border without documents has actually been falling. That's due in part to stricter enforcement by Mexican authorities as well as asylum restrictions announced earlier this year by the Biden administration. When it comes to fentanyl smuggling, much of the deadly supply comes from Mexico though statistics show more than 86% of those sentenced for fentanyl trafficking crimes in the 12 months ending September 2023 were U.S. citizens. AP finds that a Pentagon-funded study on extremism in the military relied on old data Early this year, Pete Hegseth told a Fox News audience a new, Pentagon-funded study proved that the number of military service members and veterans involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection did not indicate a wider problem in the armed forces. Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick to head the Department of Defense, wasn’t alone. The Wall Street Journal’s opinion page highlighted the same report as evidence that extremists in military communities were “phantoms” created by a “false media narrative.” The X account for Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee posted that the study showed the focus on extremism in the military was a “witch hunt.” But The Associated Press has found that the study relied on old data, misleading analyses and ignored evidence that pointed to the opposite conclusion. How Trump's bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith move to abandon two federal cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats Trump was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump's political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victory NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Brazil’s Bolsonaro planned and participated in a 2022 coup plot, unsealed police report says SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was fully aware of and actively participated in a coup plot to remain in office after his defeat in the 2022 election, according to a Federal Police report that has been unsealed. Brazil’s Federal Police last Thursday formally accused Bolsonaro and 36 other people of attempting a coup. They sent their 884-page report to the Supreme Court, which lifted the seal. Bolsonaro called a meeting in December 2022, during which he presented a draft decree to the commanders of the three divisions of the armed forces, that would have declared the vote fraudulent, to justify a possible military intervention. Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The proposal, which would not be finalized until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, could cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. It would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some people have labeled them miracle drugs. New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants People with HIV who need a kidney or liver transplant will be able to receive an organ from a donor with HIV. That's according to a new rule announced Tuesday by U.S. health officials. Previously, such transplants could be done only as part of research studies. The new rule takes effect Wednesday. It's expected to shorten the wait for organs for all, regardless of HIV status, by increasing the pool of available organs. The practice is supported by a decade of research, during which 500 transplants of kidneys and livers from HIV-positive donors have been done in the U.S. Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision.

Nagpur: As the sun dipped below the horizon, a crisp December breeze swept through the city, carrying with it the clink of glasses, dazzling live music, and the tantalising aroma of sizzling delicacies marking the inauguration of the 11th Nagpur Wine and Food Festival on Saturday. Organised by the Nagpur Wine Club and Tranquillo in association with The Times of India and Maharashtra Times, the event was also supported by Ushakal and Money Yields, which transformed a quaint corner of the city into a vibrant tapestry of flavours, laughter, and camaraderie. Under twinkling lights, wine enthusiasts swirled ruby reds and golden whites in delicate glasses, while food stalls bustled with activity, serving hot, comforting fare that perfectly complemented the chilly winds. It wasn't just the taste of fine wines or the zing of freshly prepared food that drew the crowd — it was the celebration of life itself, bringing together young groups, couples, and even elderly pairs, their shared joy filling the air like a favourite melody. For many, this festival is a much-anticipated tradition. Air Force Officer Rahul Rai, a three-year attendee, beamed with enthusiasm. "It's really one of its kind. Every year, we wait for the event. The event is just fantastic and should continue its legacy for years purely for the sake of Nagpurkars." Another attendee, Snehal Parekar, said, "I have been coming to this event for the past 10 years along with my husband. It has been an awesome experience so far, and I would not miss it for anything else. There are many activities to engage with the public, such as this grape stomping event, group dancing, and more." With each sip and every bite, the festival promised more than indulgence — it offered an experience, one that spoke of Nagpur's growing love for the finer things and its knack for hosting a warm, unforgettable soirée. What made the event truly special was its diverse audience. Youngsters mingled in groups, couples enjoyed romantic moments, and middle-aged and older patrons relished the experience, some in pairs and others in larger social circles. Vinod Rajput, a regular for over seven years, admired the festival's growth while pointing out a challenge. "The fest is very well managed. It's gaining popularity every year, and I think even this space has started falling short as the public demand keeps on increasing every year," he said. Anu Srita, attending the festival for the first time, shared her excitement, "This was a truly unique experience for me. The atmosphere is delightful, and the variety of wines offered at each stall is impressive. I'm already looking forward to coming here again next year." Adding to the chorus of praise was another loyal visitor, Roshan Sumbhate, a regular attendee for the past 7-8 years, who said, "The location changes over the years have been positive, matching the growing enthusiasm for the event. The atmosphere and overall environment are perfectly tailored to meet the public's expectations." The event featured live music that set the mood, with soulful melodies complementing the vibrant buzz of conversations. As glasses clinked and plates emptied, the festival served as a celebration of not just culinary and oenological delights but also of community spirit. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Vuk Saric/E+ via Getty Images Overall, I have done quite well over the long run. My "landlord approach" to REIT investing has allowed me to materially outperform the REIT sector averages ( VNQ ) by being selective: But I could have If you want full access to our Portfolio and all our current Top Picks, feel free to join us at High Yield Landlord for a 2-week free trial. We are the largest and best-rated real estate investor community on Seeking Alpha with 2,000+ members on board and a 4.9 /5 rating from 500+ reviews: You won't be charged a penny during the free trial, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Start Your 2-Week Free Trial Today! Jussi Askola is the President of Leonberg Capital, a value-oriented investment boutique that consults hedge funds, family offices, and private equity firms on REIT investing. He has authored award-winning academic papers on REIT investing, has passed all three CFA exams, and has built relationships with many top REIT executives. High Yield Landlord Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ADC; EPRT either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.A Walmart employee took to social media to warn women about a disturbing trend: IV drug users cleaning their needles in toilet paper rolls within the retailer's public bathrooms. Devan, known as @601devan on TikTok, posted a video from his car while wearing the blue Walmart vest. His public service announcement warned female customers: "If you use public bathrooms, stop what you're doing, and listen to this," he said. "You're gonna see why." He urged viewers to inspect toilet paper dispensers and the rolls themselves before using them, citing the risk of contamination from IV drug users and their needles. Devan accompanied his message with a photo of a toilet paper roll, riddled with red holes that resembled bloodstains along the side. "This is exactly what I'm talking about," he said, gesturing towards the photo on the screen. "This is from needle using junkies going into the bathroom, taking that cover that's over it off, sticking their needles in there and cleaning their needles." He explained that while not all rolls will have visible blood spots, customers should still check for pin-like holes. He emphasised that needles don't always remain bloody after use. "For all my ladies out there, you have no choice but to use toilet paper, so I suggest check your toilet paper before you sit down to use the bathroom, or just bring wipes of your own," he added. Despite informing his followers that he had only personally encountered drug-contaminated toilet paper a couple of times, thousands of viewers expressed a newfound fear of public restrooms in the comments. "I will go without wiping if it takes," one person wrote. "Never even knew this." "Thanks for the advice!! This is crazy!! How scary simple things like toilet paper can be a hazard," another said. "Omg! I was just thinking about what could be in the toilet paper because everything else is poison! And now this comes up. Thanks for the warning!" said another. The horrifying claims come amid reports of an increasingly apparent substance abuse crisis in the United States. Amidst the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan, the New York Post reported sightings of people with a substance use disorder as early as 11 AM, slumped in a drug-induced haze with needles piercing their veins. The report further added that people with an addiction have also begun injecting drugs on subways during the rush-hour morning commute. In another viral video from September, Dane Jones, a self-proclaimed "social media watchdog," warned his followers about the devastating effects of coming into contact with drug-contaminated blood from bathroom toilet paper. "If you are using this toilet paper to clean yourself, all it takes is one tiny drop of blood to enter your system," Jones warned, offering amateur medical advice about avoiding HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B or C infections. "If you do see a toilet paper roll that looks [bloodstained] in a public restroom, notify the staff immediately to have it replaced and stay as far away as you can from it," he continued. While Jones, certainly not a medical professional, isn't entirely wrong. According to the US Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) and Prevention, it can survive in a drop of blood or bodily fluid or even on a dry surface for weeks and still potentially cause infection. The hepatitis C virus, specifically, can survive on environmental surfaces at room temperature for up to four days. Now it is still important to note how these diseases actually spread. According to HIV.gov , Hepatitis B and C can spread through: HIV transmission requires direct contact with specific bodily fluids from an infected person with a detectable viral load, according to HIV.org . These fluids are: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus enters the body through mucous membranes, open wounds, or injections. Effective treatment can suppress HIV to undetectable levels, preventing transmission through sex.

The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answersDrake lawsuits blame Big Tech for the L he took from Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical beatdownNone

The hippie-inspired countercultural clothing and paraphernalia store shuttered its standalone store on Ripley Street, but remains open for now at the Southlake Mall, where a liquidation sale is running through January. Green Fields is selling its large elephant and rhino sculptures that have long stood sentry outside its spot at 2235 Ripley St. The rhino is listed on Facebook Marketplace for $2,900 and the elephant for $3,900. Buyers have to bring their own trailer or truck to move the 12-foot-tall rhino or the even taller elephant. The rhino and elephant were local landmarks that were often featured in roadside attraction guides. They stood right across the street from the giant balloon-clutching hobo statue outside the Rueben's Restaurant hot dog joint, creating a makeshift Route 66-like sculpture park along one of Lake Station's busiest roads. The store, long commonly known as a head shop before dispensaries dotted a growing number of states, sold clothing, tie-die T-shirts, glassware, incense and other paraphernalia. Green Fields previously had a third location in Milwaukee, but suffered when smoke shops popped up all over Northwest Indiana, and after the rise in popularity of cannabis edibles diminished the demand for glassware that had long been one of its more popular products. Green Fields also stocked hand-woven bags, hemp backpacks, Ecuadorian wool sweaters, evil eye bracelets, dream catchers, Grateful Dead blankets and other countercultural items. Founder and owner Shawn Hutchens originally sold hippie clothing, wall hangings, tapestries, crystals and other items on the Indiana University Northwest campus, the Lake County Fair and other places around the Region before opening a booth in the Woodmar Mall in Hammond three decades ago. He decided while following the Grateful Dead on tour one summer that he wanted to work for himself. He traveled all over the world to source products for the store, which was long popular with young consumers but which faced more and more competition over the years. Anyone looking to pay one last visit can still visit the Green Fields on first floor of the Southlake Mall at U.S. 30 and Mississippi Street by Interstate 65 by the end of January. It's located in a prominent spot by the JC Penney entrance.Jurors end 1st day of deliberations without a verdict in the YSL gang and racketeering trial

Love Island USA’s Miguel Harichi Shares Why He Calls Leah Kateb ‘My Wife’The states that saw the most active attacks against election certification two years ago certified the results of this year’s races without controversy this week, prompting the Arizona secretary of state to proclaim that “election denialism” is a thing of the past. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * The states that saw the most active attacks against election certification two years ago certified the results of this year’s races without controversy this week, prompting the Arizona secretary of state to proclaim that “election denialism” is a thing of the past. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? The states that saw the most active attacks against election certification two years ago certified the results of this year’s races without controversy this week, prompting the Arizona secretary of state to proclaim that “election denialism” is a thing of the past. Others said they weren’t so sure. Certification proceeded normally this year in part because Donald Trump won the presidential race, quieting his supporters after he had spent the campaign making unsubstantiated claims that he could lose only through widespread cheating. The statewide certification votes Tuesday in Nevada and New Mexico follow a vote Monday to certify the results in Arizona. In all three states, the certification process was tumultuous during the 2022 midterms when Democrats won most statewide offices. Those controversies followed attempts by Trump and his allies to halt or challenge certification in Michigan, Georgia and other battleground states in 2020, disrupting what until then had been a routine administrative process. This year, some who have been the most vocal in questioning the integrity of elections have instead been celebrating Trump’s victory. “The results are being accepted in the manner that they are, in part, because those who have been eroding trust or casting doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections have a result they feel good about,” said David Levine, a former local election official in Idaho who now advises on election administration issues. “Hopefully we can get back to a place where Americans can feel confident in the results even if it’s one they disagree with.” On Tuesday, Nevada and New Mexico certified their statewide results with little discussion. During Monday’s certification in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes reflected on the lack of controversy this year. “I think the age of election denialism, for all intents and purposes, is dead,” he said. Sitting next to Fontes, state Attorney General Kris Mayes, a fellow Democrat, said she was more skeptical. Her Republican opponent in 2022 spent two years challenging his loss. “Do I think election denialism is dead? No, I don’t,” she said. “We’ll see over the next couple of election cycles what happens, but I don’t think we’re there yet.” Public confidence in elections has dropped since Trump challenged his loss in 2020 and made false claims of widespread fraud, particularly among Republicans. Some Republicans began targeting the certification process, when local and state boards certify the results after local election officials provide them with the final tally of votes. A firestorm erupted in Georgia over the summer when the state election board, with a new pro-Trump majority, attempted to politicize the certification process with changes later blocked by the courts. While certification battles did not surface after the Nov. 5 election, a vocal segment within the Republican Party remains deeply skeptical of election processes, particularly of the availability of mail ballots and the use of ballot scanners to tally votes. During a forum Monday on the social platform X led by the group Cause of America, the group’s director expressed doubt about voting equipment. Shawn Smith, who also is a retired Air Force colonel, argued the certification process suppresses legitimate concerns and goes against “the sovereignty of the people.” Although not as widespread as four years ago, this sentiment did surface sporadically at the local level this month. In Washoe County, Nevada, which includes Reno and voted narrowly for Vice President Kamala Harris, the vote to certify the results was 3-1 with one abstention. Commissioner Jeanne Herman has consistently voted against certification and did not make a public comment about her vote this year. Commissioner Mike Clark, a staunch Trump supporter who had also previously voted against certification, said he would abstain and left before the vote. “I am not an election denier and clearly the person I wanted to win, won this state,” Clark said before leaving the meeting. “However, that does not mean that all the protocols were followed and that we can truly certify the election.” Such skepticism, whether in Nevada or elsewhere, leaves the door open to certification disputes during future elections. The questioning of election results isn’t limited to Republicans. Even though Harris quickly conceded after losing all seven presidential battleground states, online posts among her supporters continue to raise concerns about her loss. One Reddit community that has amassed 23,000 members features a steady drumbeat of Democrats scrutinizing a result they can’t believe is real. Some posting in the group have issued calls to contact Harris and her running mate to ask them to demand a recount or otherwise object to the outcome. Among the battlegrounds, Michigan was among those where Trump and his allies pressed to halt certification of the 2020 election for Democrat Joe Biden amid false claims of fraud and manipulation. Two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers who initially opposed certification eventually relented. The state board of canvassers eventually voted to certify, even after one Republican member abstained. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. This year, the state board voted unanimously on Nov. 22 in favor of certifying and praised the state’s election workers. In Georgia, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified his state’s results on Nov. 22. Four years ago, the Republican state official was facing immense pressure from Trump and his allies to investigate their unsubstantiated claims of fraud. Also certifying results Tuesday, and doing so unanimously, was the state Board of Elections in North Carolina. It was the only presidential battleground state won by Trump in 2020 — and the only one where he and his allies didn’t make claims of fraud. ___ Cassidy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ken Ritter in Las Vegas, Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report. Advertisement AdvertisementOn April 1, four years ago, piqued by the incessant jokes in the village at his expense, Bandu Barve decided he’d had enough. It was time for him to turn ‘smart’. His dead granny’s voice rang in his ears — “Read the papers, Bandya, they tell you all.” So, off went Bandu to the stash of newspapers on his father’s desk. As luck would have it, the first paper Bandu got his hands on was The Hindu businessline . The stock recos, in particular, had him in thrall. Soon, Bandu metamorphosed into an ace investor and trader. These days, Bandu picks five stocks each Sunday, which he believes will be blockbusters over the next week. Here’s your chance to match step with Bandu. Guess the stock that will give the best return by next Friday (BSE prices). By this Wednesday noon, mail us your pick and its expected price rise to bandublockbuster@gmail.com with your name, mobile number and address. One lucky winner will get a prize of ₹2,000. To know the winner selection process, please click: https://tinyurl.com/Bandu-selection Bandu’s picks CESC Angel One BLS International Jindal Saw Cyient Last week’s winner: Kalyan Banerjee Last week’s winning stock: Lloyds Metals & Energy Closing price (Nov 29): ₹1,040.50 Closing price (Dec 06): ₹1,050.95 Return: 1 per cent Comments

DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians gathered Friday in Damascus' historic main mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, while giant crowds celebrated in the capital's largest square and across the country. The gatherings were a major symbolic moment for the dramatic change of power in Syria, nearly a week after insurgents swept into Damascus, ousting the Assad-led state that had ruled the country for a half century with an iron grip. It came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with allies around the region looking to shape the transition, calling for an “inclusive and non-sectarian” interim government. Blinken arrived in Iraq on a previously unannounced stop after talks in Jordan and Turkey — which backs some of the Syrian insurgent factions. So far, U.S. officials have not talked of direct meetings with Syria's new rulers. The main insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has been working to establish security and start a political transition after seizing Damascus early Sunday. The group has tried to reassure a public both stunned by Assad's fall and concerned over extremist jihadis among the rebels. The insurgents' leadership says it has broken with its extremist past, though HTS is still labeled a terrorist group by the United States and European countries. HTS's leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, appeared in a video message Friday congratulating “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” “I invite them to head to the squares to show their happiness without shooting bullets and scaring people,” he said. “And then after we will work to build this country and as I said in the beginning, we will be victorious by the help of God.” Huge crowds, including some insurgents, packed Damascus' historic Umayyad Mosque in the capital's old city, many waving the rebel opposition flag — with its three red stars — which has swiftly replaced the Assad-era flag with with its two green stars. According to Arab TV stations, the Friday sermon was delivered by Mohammed al-Bashir, the interim prime minister installed by HTS this week. The scene resonated on multiple levels. The mosque, one of the world's oldest dating back some 1,200 years, is a beloved symbol of Syria, and sermons there like all mosque sermons across Syria had been tightly controlled under Assad's rule. Also, in the early days of the anti-government uprising in 2011, protesters would leave Friday prayers to march in rallies against Assad — before he launched a brutal crackdown that turned the uprising into a long and bloody civil war. “I didn’t step foot in Umayyad Mosque since 2011," because of the tight security controls around it, said one worshipper, Ibrahim al-Araby. “Since 11 or 12 years, I haven’t been this happy.” Another worshipper, Khair Taha, said there was “fear and trepidation for what’s to come — but there is also a lot of hope that now we have a say and we can try to build.” Blocks away in Damascus' biggest roundabout, named Umayyad Square, thousands gathered, including many families with small children — a sign of how, so far at least, the country's transformation has not seen violent instability. “Unified Syria to build Syria,” the crowd chanted. Some shouted slurs against Assad and his late father, calling them pigs, an insult that would have previously led to offenders being hauled off to one of the feared detention centers of Assad’s security forces. One man in the crowd, 51-year-old Khaled Abu Chahine — originally from the southern province of Daraa, where the 2011 uprising first erupted — said he hoped for “freedom and coexistence between all Syrians, Alawites, Sunnis, Shiites and Druze.” The interim prime minister, al-Bashir, had been the head of a de facto administration created by HTS in Idlib, the opposition's enclave in northwest Syria. The rebels had been bottled up in Idlib for years before fighters broke out in a shock offensive and marched across Syria in 10 days. Similar scenes of jubilation took place in major cities across Syria, including in Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Raqqa. Al-Sharaa, HTS' leader, has promised to bring a pluralistic government to Syria, seeking to dispel fears among many Syrians — especially its many minority communities — that the insurgents will bring a hard-line, extremist rule. Another key factor will be winning international recognition for a new government in Syria, a country where multiple foreign powers have their hands in the mix. The Sunni Arab insurgents who overthrew Assad did so with vital help from Turkey, a longtime foe of the U.S.-backed Kurds . Turkey controls a strip of Syrian territory along the shared border and backs an insurgent faction uneasily allied to HTS — and is deeply opposed to any gains by Syria's Kurds. The U.S. has troops in eastern Syria to combat remnants of the Islamic State group and supports Kurdish-led fighters who rule most of the east. Since Assad's fall, Israel has bombed sites all over Syria, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands, and has seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, calling it a buffer zone. After talks with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Blinken said there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the U.S. on what they would like to see in Syria. That starts with an "interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said. Fidan said the priority was “establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant” — referring to the Islamic State group and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Ankara considers the PKK within Turkey's borders a terrorist group — as it does the Kurdish-backed forces in Syria backed by the U.S. A U.S. official said that in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fidan both told Blinken that Kurdish attacks on Turkish positions would have to be responded to. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic talks. The U.S. has been trying to limit such incidents in recent days and had helped organize an agreement to prevent confrontations around the northern Syrian town of Manbij, which was taken by Turkey-backed opposition fighters from the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces earlier this week. In Baghdad, Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, saying both countries wanted to ensure the Islamic State group — also known by its Arabic acronym Daesh — doesn't exploit Syria's transition to re-emerge. “Having put Daesh back in its box, we can’t let it out, and we’re determined to make sure that that doesn’t happen," Blinken said. The U.S. official who briefed reporters said that Blinken had impressed upon al-Sudani the importance of Iraq exercising its full sovereignty over its territory and airspace to stop Iran from transporting weapons and equipment to Syria, either for Assad supporters or onward to the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Lee reported from Ankara, Turkey. Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara contributed to this report.

Cass County Sheriff’s Office mourns sudden death of lieutenant who served 21 yearsLuka Doncic moves into 7th place on NBA's triple-double list with the 79th of his career