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A military vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces and seized by anti-government forces burns after it was hit by regime forces, in the Hama governorate, on December 7, 2024. Syria’s embattled government said on December 7 it was setting up a ring of steel around Damascus, state media reported, as rebels on a lightning advance said they were bearing down on the city. The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group which has headed the assault, told fighters to prepare to take Damascus, just over a week into a renewed offensive in the long-dormant conflict. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP) BEIRUT, Lebanon — A war monitor said late Saturday that Islamist-led rebels had entered the strategic city of Homs, on the way towards Damascus where Syria’s embattled government said it was setting up an impenetrable security cordon. The defence ministry denied rebels had entered Homs, describing the situation there as “safe and stable.” The capture of Homs, Syria’s third-largest city, would cut the seat of power in the capital Damascus from the Mediterranean coast, a key bastion of the Assad clan which has ruled Syria for the past five decades. Homs would be the third major city seized by the rebels who began their advance 10 days ago, reigniting a years-long war that had become largely dormant. “Rebel factions entered the city of Homs and took control of some neighbourhoods after the withdrawal of security forces and the army from their last positions in the city,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Commander Hassan Abdel Ghani, of the rebel alliance that launched the offensive, said on Telegram that “our forces have begun advancing into the city of Homs.” Syria’s defence ministry, however, said that news “about terrorists entering the city of Homs is unfounded.” The ministry said “armed forces are deployed around the city, positioned in strong defensive lines reinforced with various types of weapons.” Aron Lund, a fellow of the Century International think tank, has said that should the government of President Bashar al-Assad lose Homs, it wouldn’t mean the end of his rule, but “with no secure route from Damascus to the coast, I’d say it’s over as a credible state entity.” In Damascus, about 140 kilometres (85 miles) south of Homs, Interior Minister Mohammed al-Rahmoun told state television that “a very strong security and military cordon” was being established around the capital “and no one... can penetrate this defensive line that we, the armed forces, are building.” Earlier, Assad’s government denied the army had withdrawn from areas around Damascus. ‘Scared’ Rebel commander Ghani had said his forced had “begun the final phase of encircling the capital”. The leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group which heads the assault, told fighters to prepare to take the capital. “Damascus awaits you,” he said on Telegram, using his real name instead of his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. But the defence ministry insisted: “There is no truth to news claiming our armed forces... have withdrawn” from positions near Damascus. The Syrian army said that, in addition to the area around Damascus, it was reinforcing positions in the south, and operations against the rebels were beginning in the Hama, Homs and Daraa areas. AFP has been unable to independently verify some of the information provided by the government and the rebels, as its journalists cannot reach the areas around Damascus where the rebels say they are present. Residents of the capital described to AFP a state of panic as traffic jams clogged the city centre, people sought supplies and queued to withdraw money from ATMs. “The situation was not like this when I left my house this morning... suddenly everyone was scared,” said one woman, Rania. A few kilometres (miles) away, the mood was starkly different. In a Damascus suburb, witnesses said protesters toppled a statue of Assad’s father, the late president Hafez al-Assad. AFPTV images from Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city, showed abandoned tanks and other armoured vehicles, one of them on fire. Hama resident Kharfan Mansour said he was “happy with the liberation of Hama and the liberation of Syria from the Assad regime.” The president’s office denied reports Assad had left Damascus, saying he was “following up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital.” Soldiers ‘fled’ As government forces fall back, a war monitor and Abdel Ghani said rebels were within 20 kilometres (12 miles) of Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had ceded more key ground, losing control of all southern Daraa province, cradle of the 2011 uprising. The army said it was “redeploying and repositioning” in Daraa and another southern province, Sweida. The Britain-based Observatory said troops were also evacuating posts in Quneitra, near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. Jordan has urged its citizens to leave neighbouring Syria “as soon as possible” as have Assad ally Russia and the United States, which both keep troops in Syria. An AFP correspondent in Daraa saw local fighters guarding public property and civil institutions. In Sweida, a local fighter told AFP that after government forces withdrew “from their positions and headquarters, we are now securing and protecting vital facilities”. An Iraqi security source told AFP that Baghdad has allowed in hundreds of Syrian soldiers, who “fled the front lines” through the Al-Qaim border crossing. A second source put the figure at 2,000 troops, including officers. ‘Tired of war’ HTS is rooted in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda. Proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Western governments, it has sought to soften its image in recent years, and told minority groups living in areas they now control not to worry. Since the offensive began, at least 826 people, mostly combatants but also including 111 civilians, have been killed, the Observatory said. The United Nations said the violence has displaced 370,000 people. UN special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for “urgent political talks” to implement Security Council Resolution 2254 of 2015, which set out a roadmap for a negotiated settlement. US President-elect Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the United States should “not get involved”, after outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Friday for a “political solution to the conflict”, in a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. After Fidan and his Iranian and Russian counterparts discussed Syria in Qatar on Saturday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said they agreed on the initiation of “political dialogue between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups.” Russia’s Sergei Lavrov said it was “inadmissible” to allow a “terrorist group to take control” of Syrian territory. Moscow and Tehran have supported Assad’s government and army during the war, as has the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. A source close to Hezbollah said it had sent 2,000 fighters into Syria, to an area near the Lebanese border, “to defend its positions.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government backs some armed groups in northern Syria, said Saturday that Syria “is tired of war, blood and tears.”

In a significant achievement for China's space program, two astronauts have completed a record-breaking spacewalk of over nine hours, as announced by China's Manned Space Agency. This milestone took place outside the Tiangong space station and surpassed the previous record set by NASA. Meanwhile, a remarkable discovery in Peru's Amazon has caught the attention of the global scientific community. An 'amphibious mouse' and 26 other new species were found during a 2022 expedition spearheaded by Conservation International. The revelations include a diversity of creatures such as a spiny mouse and various species of fish, amphibians, and butterflies, indicating Peru's rich and unexplored biodiversity. (With inputs from agencies.)

Kingswood Capital Management Acquires IDX, a Leading Provider of Data Breach Response Services and Digital Privacy ProtectionMaking the grade: Canada unveils world junior roster featuring plenty of youth

BALTIMORE (AP) — Wayne Bristol Jr. scored 21 points as Hampton beat Loyola (MD) 76-68 on Saturday. Bristol added 10 rebounds for the Pirates (7-5, 1-0 Coastal Athletic Association). Etienne Strothers shot 4 for 10 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line to add 14 points. Richard Goods had 13 points and shot 2 of 3 from the field and 9 for 10 from the line. The Greyhounds (5-5) were led in scoring by Milos Ilic, who finished with 22 points and eight rebounds. Jordan Stiemke added 12 points for Loyola. Jacob Theodosiou also had nine points. Hampton took the lead with 7:30 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 32-26 at halftime, with Goods racking up nine points. Hampton outscored Loyola (MD) in the second half by two points, with Bristol scoring a team-high 13 points after the break. These two teams both play Saturday. Hampton hosts Howard and Loyola visits DePaul. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Choose from this curated list of five premium stainless steel water bottles that quench your thirst with style. The sleek Sens Life HYDRA METALLIC goes with a modern lifestyle; then the fun Mad Over Print Rolling Panda Sipper has been thoughtfully designed for kids and kids at heart. Embrace tradition and health with The Better Home Copper Sipper or get gym-ready with the versatile STRAUSS Gym Shaker Bottle. If blanket temperature control is what you need, your best choice is the Homestic Heart Vacuum Insulated Bottle. Each array of features and aesthetics ensures that hydration feels effortless and fashionable for all occasions. Stay hydrated with these stainless steel sipper bottles that are ultimate thirst-quenching companions. Environmentally safe, sturdy, and quite sleek - these bottles promise to satisfy and quench thirst and keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Be it hiking in the woods, climbing a mountain, or just commuting to work, these bottles come in handy. They feature double wall insulation, spill-proof lids, and ergonomic designs, which perfectly enhance any adventure. Let's delve into the top 5 sipper steel bottles that will make you think about how you survived till now without them! 1. Sens Life HYDRA METALLIC (SIPPER) Image Source: Marvelof.com Order Now The Sens Life HYDRA METALLIC sipper is a stylish water bottle, perfect for casual and professional use. Made from high-quality materials, this bottle is built to be both durable and convenient. Key Features: 2. Mad Over Print Rolling Panda Sipper Image Source: Marvelof.com Order Now Fun and functionality are combined in the Mad Over Print Rolling Panda Sipper. This is a fun and quirky sipper that's suitable for both young children as well as adults. Key Features: 3. The Better Home Copper Water Bottle with Sipper Image Source: Marvelof.com Order Now Those who value both health and tradition would appreciate The Better Home Copper Water Bottle. Combining the advantages of copper with contemporary sipper technology, this bottle is a perfect example. Key Features: 4. STRAUSS Stainless Steel Water Bottle Image Source: Marvelof.com Order Now Key Features: 5. Homestic Heart Home Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle Image Source: Marvelof.com Order Now When it comes to keeping beverages cold, the Homestic Heart Home Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle is a great option. For a prolonged duration, this bottle can keep drinks hot or cold. Key Features: These sipper bottles offer a range of benefits and drawbacks. From health benefits to functionalities and fashionable designs, there is a range of bottles that cater to all types of users. While each has its share of minor imperfections, these cons outweigh these general advantages and make them excellent options for hydration on the go. Choose your preferred lifestyle and maintain a refreshing drink. Disclaimer: The above mentioned article is a sponsored feature. This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.Formula 1 has confirmed that it has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors to add an 11th team to the grid for 2026, with the new outfit likely to be branded as Cadillac. The chance of the GM bid joining the grid appeared to be dead in the water just months ago after initially being led by Andretti Global but has now accelerated to being a fully-fledged team for the season after next. Editor's Picks Why F1 rejected Andretti bid to join the grid for 2025, 2026 299d Laurence Edmondson Andretti could join F1 grid as GM team 3d Associated Press F1 had initially rejected an Andretti-GM bid and closed the door on that specific proposal until 2028. The sport has had 10 teams on the grid since 2017, and that looked likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future. But in an announcement on Monday, F1 said it had "maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024." F1 said GM has "achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac." GM has also made a commitment to enter as a single engine supplier at a later time, according to the F1 news release, although it will need a customer deal with an existing manufacturer for its debut season in 2026 and likely for 2027 too. F1 teams had been lukewarm about the original bid led by Michael Andretti, son of 1978 world champion Mario. Michael Andretti had angered F1 teams and the sport's owner, Liberty Media, by calling the sport "greedy" for blocking his attempts to join the grid. He stepped away from his leadership role at Andretti Global last month. While opposed to the Andretti side of the bid, F1 was very open to the idea of bringing a manufacturer of General Motors' size and stature to the grid, especially if it would commit to building its own engines in future. The entry of a team branded Cadillac would be another huge boost for the sport as its popularity continues to boom in the U.S. It remains to be seen whether the team will bring an American driver, but it now means there are two additional spots on the grid for emerging and existing talent. The American team will be based in a UK factory near Silverstone racetrack that Andretti Global started work on earlier this year. Greg Maffei, the outgoing CEO and president of Liberty Media, said: "With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the U.S., we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026." Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, added: "As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It's an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we're committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level."

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Voters dejected by the presidential election results need to find a way to give back and remain involved, Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Clinton presidential library. The former president urged audience members in a packed theater to remain engaged and find ways to communicate with those they disagree with despite a divisive political time. The two spoke about a month after former President Donald Trump’s win over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election. “We’re just passing through, and we all need to just calm down and do something that builds people up instead of tears them down,” Bill Clinton said. Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state who was defeated by Trump in the 2016 election, said she understands the next couple of years are going to be challenging for voters who don’t agree with the decisions being made. “In addition to staying involved and staying aware, it’s important to find something that makes you feel good about the day because if you’re in a constant state of agitation about our political situation, it is really going to shorten your life,” she said. The Clintons spoke during a panel discussion with journalist Laura Ling, who the former president helped free in 2009 when she was detained in North Korea with another journalist. The event was held as part of a weekend of activities marking the of the Clinton Presidential Library’s opening in Little Rock. The library is preparing to of its exhibits and an expansion that will include Hillary Clinton’s personal archives. Hillary Clinton said part of the goal is to modernize the facility and expand it to make it a more open, inviting place for people for convene and make connections. When asked about advice he would give for people disappointed by the election results, Bill Clinton said people need to continue working toward bringing people together and improving others’ lives. “If that’s the way you keep score, then you ought to be trying to run up the score,” he said. “Not lamenting the fact that somebody else is winning a different game because they keep score a different way.” “And in addition, figure out what we can do to win again,” Hillary Clinton added, eliciting cheers. The program featured a panel discussion with cast members of the hit NBC show “The West Wing” and former Clinton White House staffers. The weekend amounted to a reunion of former Clinton White House staffers, supporters and close friends, including former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and adviser James Carville. McAuliffe said he and Carville ate Friday at Doe’s Eat Place, a downtown restaurant that was popular with Clinton aides and reporters during Clinton’s 1992 White House run. He said he viewed the library and its planned expansion as important for the future. “This is not only about the past, but it’s more importantly about the future,” McAuliffe said. “We just went through a very tough election, and people are all saying we’ve got to get back to the Clinton model.” Andrew Demillo, The Associated PressSANTA CLARA — The 49ers suffered a tough 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on "Thursday Night Football," but no one on the team was more frustrated than Deebo Samuel. After the wide receiver made a flurry of social media posts about wanting to get the ball more, coach Kyle Shanahan delivered a game plan that heavily involved Samuel. But one play in particular, a drop that could have been a touchdown or at least moved the team into the red zone, passed through Samuel’s hands. > Watch NBC Bay Area News 📺 Streaming free 24/7 “Real, very frustrating,” Samuel said. “At the end of the day, catch that ball, there’s nothing there but end zone. I got to catch that rock.” The drop led to a 49ers field goal, which were the last points San Francisco would score. Three consecutive field goals by the Rams would lead to a six-point lead and a win. “Just like seeing the moment, came across the middle and saw nothing but the end zone," Samuel continued. "At the end of the day, got to load the ball and go score.” Samuel shared that the weather at Levi's Stadium did not impact the game enough to cause issues with the offense. Expecting the rain, the plan was to lean heavily on the run game. The All-Pro shouldered the loss on account of his own mistakes. Before speaking to the media, tight end George Kittle sat with Samuel at his locker and offered his teammate words of encouragement after the loss. “George is George,” Samuel said. “He said, ‘I’ve seen you make that play a million times. Don’t let it eat you up.’ But I feel like [if] I make that play, we win the game.” The 49ers have an extended 10-day break before they travel to Miami to play the Dolphins in Week 16, but even a win in Florida won't do much to help their very slim playoff chances. Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast

NoneClintons urge voters agitated by today's politics to remain involved in public serviceBOONE, N.C. (AP) — South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains has been hired as head coach at Appalachian State and will receive a five-year contract, athletic director Doug Gillin announced Saturday. The 44-year-old Loggains replaces Shawn Clark, who was fired Monday after the Mountaineers finished 5-6 for their first losing season since 2013. Loggains was South Carolina's offensive coordinator for two seasons and an assistant at Arkansas, his alma mater, for two seasons before that. He spent 16 years in the NFL as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Tennessee, Cleveland, Chicago, Miami and the New York Jets. “He brings experience as a leader and play-caller at the highest levels of professional and college football," Gillin said. "He is a great recruiter and believes strongly in building relationships. He is aligned with our core values of academic integrity, competitive excellence, social responsibility and world-class experience. This is a great day for App State.” Loggains' offense at South Carolina featured LaNorris Sellers, one of the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks, and running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders. Sellers and Sanders led the Southeastern Conference's third-ranked rushing offense. Loggains spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons as Arkansas' tight ends coach, and he worked with Sam Darnold, Jay Cutler, Mitchell Trubisky, Brian Hoyer and Vince Young during his time in the NFL. The Mountaineers, the preseason favorites in the Sun Belt Conference's East Division, tied for fifth with a 3-5 record in league play. App State was 40-24 under Clark, but the Mountaineers have failed to reach a bowl game two of the past three seasons. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballPegasystems stock soars to 52-week high of $91.58

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MTV, Fox News stars abound as Trump taps television for CabinetMinnesota utility regulators on Thursday unanimously approved what would be the state’s first carbon dioxide pipeline, stretching 28 rural miles from an ethanol plant near Fergus Falls to the North Dakota border. The decision is the latest victory for Summit Carbon Solutions for its plan to capture planet-warming gases from 57 ethanol plants, transport them through a sprawling network of Midwestern pipelines and bury the carbon in North Dakota. The “Midwest Carbon Express” has sparked contentious debate in Minnesota over whether this type of carbon capture is actually a benefit for the climate — or worth the health and safety risks of a rupture. Summit says the project will help ethanol plants earn premium prices in California’s regulated fuel markets by slashing carbon emissions, and possibly open a Midwest market for lower-carbon aviation fuel made of ethanol. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) voted 5-0 to grant Summit a route permit. In exchange, the company must start construction in North Dakota before it can build the Minnesota pipeline, among other conditions. “It’s a new concept, we get that,” said Republican commissioner John Tuma. “We’re going to have to try some new things. Some of them will be successful, some of them are going to fail. If we’re really truly about reducing carbon and meeting our 2040 goal, we gotta look at all things.” The PUC’s vote Thursday marks a continuing turnaround for the five-state, $8.9 billion system, which once looked to be in doubt. On Thursday, regulators in North Dakota are considering crucial underground storage permits for Summit , one month after approving the company’s route there. Iowa also approved Summit this year. Still, Summit faces a more uncertain future for a critical stretch of its project through South Dakota, where the company in November reapplied for permission with an altered route after being rejected by the state in 2023. Tuma also said Republicans under incoming President Donald Trump could eliminate federal tax credits for carbon capture that are important to the project’s viability. Still, Trump’s choice for Interior Secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, supports the Summit project. To hedge against the possibility the project is abandoned, the PUC required Summit to create a fund to “protect against the failure to complete construction and fund decommissioning.” Summit wants to build a carbon capture facility at the Green Plains ethanol plant near Fergus Falls that collects the gas produced by fermenting ethanol, and then compress, dehydrate and cool it for transport. The four-inch carbon steel pipeline would carry about 524 metric tons of carbon dioxide per day. A typical car emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency . Summit is also planning a much longer pipeline through southern Minnesota to reach ethanol plants there. The company has had to navigate complex politics to reach this point. In other states, it faces opposition from some conservatives over the potential use of eminent domain along the route. That’s not an issue in Minnesota, because Summit can’t invoke eminent domain under state law. The company has voluntary easements for 89% length of its path in Minnesota. Summit still needs to strike deals with seven landowners. Summit has support from some Democrats, Republicans and climate action groups who believe carbon capture is essential to slashing emissions from transportation fuels, as well as those who want the construction and operation jobs from the project such as labor unions. The Minnesota project would create about 200 construction jobs. An environmental impact statement published by the Minnesota Department of Commerce said the pipeline would still benefit the climate if it captures even 40% of emissions from the ethanol plant. At 10%, the project would be a net polluter. Yet the pipeline faced local opposition from several environmental nonprofits who argue Summit’s project would push farmers to grow more corn, leading to more emissions and other issues like water pollution. They also fear the captured carbon would be used for oil production. “We have serious concerns that these broader emissions outweigh the amount of carbon that’s captured and sequestered here,” said Abigail Hencheck, an attorney for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. Summit attorney Christina Brusven said Thursday that using carbon for oil production is possible elsewhere. The pipeline would be a common carrier that can’t choose to deny shippers based on how the gas would be used, she said. Still, Brusven said Summit has a contract with the Green Plains to permanently sequester the carbon transported along this 28-mile route. Nearby landowners were among those who have raised concerns about the potential health hazard of any leak from the pipeline. Project skeptics note that a carbon pipeline rupture in 2020 in Mississippi sent 45 people to the hospital and forced the evacuation of 200 people. A rupture can be explosive, and carbon dioxide is toxic at high levels. In response to that disaster, federal regulators are strengthening pipeline safety rules. The environmental nonprofit CURE argued companies pitching new pipelines should wait until that process is finished before moving ahead. The state’s environmental assessment notes the pipeline that ruptured in Mississippi was six times larger than what would be built in Minnesota. Summit says it will exceed current pipeline standards, is following federal recommendations after the Mississippi failure and would have to follow any new rules. A state contractor modeled a potential rupture, finding it could be life-threatening to people at a maximum of 617 feet away under a worst-case scenario, a distance of roughly two football fields. There are eight homes and one business within that distance of the approved route. The permit requires Summit to buy carbon dioxide detectors for nearby homes if people want them, as well as to pay for training local emergency preparedness, and to conduct a public safety awareness campaign. Tuma said environmental groups wanted to make the vote a broader debate about ethanol use in Minnesota rather than focus on how the law applies to this pipeline. The legislature has subsidized these plants and even exempted some from certain environmental regulations, he said. “Is it 100% sequestering every piece of carbon that hits that ethanol plant in Northern Minnesota? No,” Tuma said. “But it is ... a net benefit.” ©2024 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit startribune.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC