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wow888 login register philippines The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern.Gaza aid groups express concern after US asked for famine warning retraction

An Israeli airstrike flattened a multistory building in central Gaza, killing at least 25 people and wounding dozens more, according to Palestinian medical officials, after strikes Thursday across the Gaza Strip killed at least 28 others. The latest deadly strike hit the urban just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters in Jerusalem that the recent ceasefire in Lebanon has helped clear the way for a potential deal to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the deadly strike in Nuseirat. Israel says it is trying to eliminate Hamas, which led the attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked . The Israeli military says Hamas militants hide among Gaza’s civilian population. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine in some of the hardest-hit parts of the territory. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 250 others were taken hostage. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here's the latest: DAMASCUS, Syria — Mohammad Salim Alkhateb, an official with the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces — an internationally backed group of the opposition in exile — said his group wants to see a transitional government formed via a United Nations-backed process in the wake of Bashar Assad ouster. It is not yet clear if Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group now in control of Syria, will pursue such a process. The insurgents have said an interim government headed by Mohammad al-Bashir, who is also the head of the “salvation government” of HTS in its former stronghold in northern Syria, will oversee the country until March but have not made clear how the transition to a new, fully empowered government would take place. “The transitional governing body should be formed in Geneva to have international legitimacy,” said Alkhateb, who is now in Damascus. “The transitional governing body, whatever its form, whether it is the ‘salvation government’ or any other, what matters is that it has international recognition.” Alkhateb said that the unexpectedly rapid fall of Damascus and departure of Assad after opposition forces launched their offensive had created confusion and a governance vacuum. A day before the insurgents pushed into Damascus, diplomats from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Iran and Russia met in Qatar to discuss the situation in Syria. Alkhateb said that they had discussed a scenario in which the rebels would halt their advance, keeping the territory they had captured so far in the north — including Syria’s largest city, Aleppo — and the opposition and Assad’s government would go to Geneva for talks on a political settlement to the conflict. However, he noted, “there were no Syrians in that meeting.” Assad fled to Russia before the rebel forces arrived in Damascus but has not officially announced his resignation, which is “why we are living in a vacuum rather than a political transition,” Alkhateb said. He added that creating a professional army should be a priority of the transitional government. “We do not want a civilian who was trained during the revolution to carry military weapons to become the military,” he said. Israel bombed hundreds of military sites in Syria this week in a wave of airstrikes that destroyed “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the in neighboring Syria was necessary to keep the weapons from being used against Israel following the Syrian government’s . WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karine Jean-Peirre says Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for 12 years, “is a top priority for this president.” During a briefing with reporters on Thursday, Jean-Pierre said of Tice, “There is no indication that he is not alive. There’s also no indication about his location or condition.” “What our goal is, is to bring him home. And so, we hope certainly that he is alive and, as we have stated many times before, we are talking through this with the Turks and we want to do everything we can to bring him home,” she said. BEIRUT — Amnesty International said Thursday that four Israeli airstrikes between September and October that killed at least 49 civilians in Lebanon “must be investigated as war crimes.” The rights organization said in a new report that the four strikes targeted homes in the Bekaa Valley, northern and eastern Lebanon, and municipal offices in the south. “These four attacks are emblematic of Israel’s shocking disregard for civilian lives in Lebanon and their willingness to flout international law,” said Amnesty International’s Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns. The rights group said this report was part of its ongoing investigation into violations of the laws of war in Lebanon. Amnesty International investigated four Israeli airstrikes, including one on Sept. 29 in al-Ain that killed all nine members of the same family. On Oct. 21, a strike in Baalbek city in eastern Lebanon killed six members of the same family. Another on Oct. 14 in the village of Aitou in northern Lebanon killed 23 displaced people, including a 5-month-old baby. A fragment from the attack site in Aitou was identified by an Amnesty weapons expert as likely part of a Mk-80 series aerial bomb, weighing at least 500 pounds. These munitions are primarily supplied to Israel by the United States, Amnesty said. The fourth strike Amnesty investigated was the strike that hit the municipal headquarters in Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 16, killing 11 civilians including the mayor. “The air strike took place without warning, just as the municipality’s crisis unit was meeting to coordinate deliveries of aid, including food, water and medicine, to residents and internally displaced people who had fled bombardment in other parts of southern Lebanon,” Amnesty said. The rights group said it interviewed survivors and witnesses, examined evidence, and found no military targets near the sites of the four strikes. The Israeli military gave no warnings and did not respond to Amnesty’s inquiries, the group said. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli airstrike hit the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least 25 Palestinians and wounding dozens more, Palestinian medics said, just hours after President Joe Biden’s national security adviser to end the war in Gaza. Photos from the scene of the blast that circulated on social media showed a completely collapsed building with people walking through its mangled and charred remains, smoke rising from piles of belongings strewn over the rubble. Officials at two hospitals in the Gaza Strip, al-Awda Hospital in the north and al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, reported they received a combined total of 25 bodies from an Israeli strike on a multistory residential building in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp. Palestinian medics also reported that over 40 people, most of them children, were receiving treatment at the two hospitals. The al-Aqsa Hospital said that the Israeli attack also damaged several nearby houses in Nuseirat. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the deadly strike. Israel is trying to eliminate Hamas, which led the attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked . The Israeli military says Hamas militants hide among Gaza’s civilian population. Israel’s war against Hamas has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames U.N. agencies for not distributing it. The U.N. says Israeli restrictions, and the breakdown of law and order after Israel repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, make it extremely difficult to operate in the territory. UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. food agency is trying to deal with massive needs in Syria not only from escalating war-related food insecurity and an upsurge in displaced people fleeing Lebanon but also the dramatically new environment following the ouster of Bashar Assad, a senior U.N. official says. “It’s a triple crisis and the needs are going to be massive,” said Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Program, in an interview with The Associated Press late Wednesday. The WFP estimated that 3 million people in Syria were “acutely food insecure” and very hungry. However, that estimate was made before the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon pushed many Syrian refugees back to their home country, plus the instability caused by the overthrow of Assad. Due to funding cuts, the WFP had been targeting only 2 million of those people, he said. Because WFP has been working in Syria during the 13-year civil war, he said, it has pre-positioned food in the country. It has 500 staff in seven offices nationwide and has operated across conflict lines, across borders, and with all different parties, he said. Skau said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group now in control of Syria, has promised to provide security for WFP warehouses. Humanitarian aid supplies had been looted at U.N. warehouses in the disorder after Assad fell. “We’re not really up and running in Damascus because of the continued kind of uncertainty there,” he said. WFP initially thought of relocating non-essential staff but the situation in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, has been “quite calm and orderly," he said. In the short term, Skau said, “what we’re seeing is that markets are disrupted, the value of the currency dropped dramatically, food prices are going up, transport lines don’t work,” and it’s unclear who will stamp required papers for imports and exports. This means that a bigger humanitarian response is needed initially, he said, but in the next phase, the U,N. will be looking at contributing to Syria’s recovery, and ultimately the country will need reconstruction. Skau said he expects a new funding appeal for Syria and urged donors to be generous. JERUSALEM — President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters in Jerusalem on Thursday that Israel’s ceasefire in Lebanon has helped clear the way for another deal to end the war in Gaza. He plans to travel next to Qatar and Egypt — key mediators in the ceasefire talks — as the Biden administration makes a final push on negotiations before Donald Trump is inaugurated. Sullivan said “Hamas’ posture at the negotiating table did adapt” after Israel decimated the leadership of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon and reached a ceasefire there. “We believe it puts us in a position to close this negotiation,” he said. Sullivan dismissed speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was waiting for Trump to take office to finalize a deal. He the U.S. believes there are three American hostages still alive in Gaza, but it’s hard to know for sure. He also said “the balance of power in the Middle East has changed significantly” since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, especially with the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, a key ally of Hezbollah and Iran. “We are now faced with a dramatically reshaped Middle East in which Israel is stronger, Iran is weaker, its proxies decimated, and a ceasefire that is new and will be lasting in Lebanon that ensures Israel’s security over the long term,” he said. KHIAM, Lebanon — An Israeli strike killed at least one person Thursday in the Lebanese border town of Khiam, the Health Ministry said, less than a day after Israeli troops to the Lebanese army in coordination with U.N. peacekeepers, Khiam is the first Lebanese town Israel has pull out of since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants began two weeks ago, and marks an important test of . Lebanon's Health Ministry and state news agency did not provide details on who was killed, and did not report airstrikes elsewhere on Thursday. The Israeli military said the airstrike in Khiam targeted Hezbollah fighters. Lebanese troops deployed in the northern section of the town on Thursday morning and were coordinating with U.N. peacekeepers to finalize Israel’s withdrawal before fully entering into other neighborhoods. An Associated Press reporter who visited Khiam on Thursday observed widespread destruction, with most houses reduced to rubble. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, with collapsed walls and debris scattered across the streets. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, sharply criticized Israel for striking the town less than 24 hours after the Lebanese army returned, saying it was “a violation of the pledges made by the parties that sponsored the ceasefire agreement, who must act to curb Israeli aggression.” The truce was brokered by the U.S. and France. Israel has previously said the ceasefire deal allows it to use military force against perceived violations. Near-daily attacks by Israel during the ceasefire, mostly in southern Lebanon, have killed at least 29 people and wounded 27 others. Khiam, which sits on a ridge less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the border with Israel, saw some of the most intense fighting during the war. The Lebanese army was clearing debris and reopening roads in the northern section of the town. Civilian access to other areas remained challenging as the army clears roads and works alongside the U.N. peacekeepers to ensure the area is free of unexploded ordnance. AQABA, Jordan -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging the many players in Syria to avoid taking any steps that could lead to further violence. Blinken spoke to reporters in Jordan on Thursday shortly after meeting King Abdullah II as he opened a trip in the region to discuss Syria's future after former President Bashar Assad's ouster. Blinken will next visit Turkey, a NATO ally and a main backer of Syrian rebel groups. Blinken called this “a time of both real promise but also peril for Syria and for its neighbors.” He said he was focused on coordinating efforts in the region “to support the Syrian people as they transition away from Assad’s brutal dictatorship” and establish a government that isn’t dominated by one religion or ethnic group or outside power. Blinken was asked about that had been demilitarized for the past half century. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the move is temporary and defensive, but also indicated Israel will remain in the area for a long time. Blinken declined to say whether the U.S. supports the move, but said the U.S. would be speaking to Israel and other partners in the region. “I think, across the board, when it comes to any actors who have real interests in Syria, it’s also really important at this time that, we all try to make sure that we’re not sparking any additional conflicts,” he said. ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, arrived in Damascus on Thursday, according to Turkish media reports. Kalin was seen arriving at the Umayyad Mosque to pray, surrounded by a large crowd, according to video shown on Turkish television. The visit is highly symbolic. Turkish officials, who supported the opposition against Syria’s government, had predicted at the start of the civil war in 2011 that President Bashar Assad’s government would fall, allowing them to pray at the Umayyad Mosque. JERUSALEM — Paraguay reopened its embassy in Jerusalem Thursday, becoming one of a small handful of nations to recognize the city as Israel’s capital and marking a diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel’s international isolation has increased as the war in Gaza drags on, and Paraguay was the first country to move its embassy to Jerusalem since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that kickstarted the war. The United States, Honduras, Guatemala, Kosovo, and Papua New Guinea are among the few countries with Jerusalem embassies. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in 1967 but it wasn’t recognized by the international community, and most countries run their embassies out of Tel Aviv. Spirits were high at the ceremony marking the embassy’s inauguration Thursday, with Netanyahu and Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lavishing praise on Paraguayan President Santiago Pena. “My good friend Santiago,” said Netanyahu, addressing Pena. “We’re a small nation. You’re a small nation. We suffered horrible things but we overcame the odds of history...we can win and we are winning.” Paraguay had an embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, under Former President Horacio Cartes. That embassy was moved back to Tel Aviv by Cartes’ successor, Mario Abdo Benitez, prompting Israel to close its embassy in Asuncion. Saar said Israel and Paraguay shared a “friendship based not only on interests but also values and principles.” He and the Paraguayan foreign minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, signed a series of bilateral agreements and Saar said he would soon visit Asunción with a delegation from the Israeli private sector. “Israel is going to win and the countries we are standing next to Israel, we are going to win," Pena said. AQABA, Jordan — U.S. Secretary of State is renewing calls for Syria’s new leadership to respect women and minority rights, prevent extremists from gaining new footholds in the country and keeping suspected chemical weapons stocks secure as he makes his first visit to the Mideast since the weekend ouster of . Making his 12th trip to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war erupted lasted year but amid fresh concerns about security following the upheaval in Syria, Blinken emphasized Thursday to Jordan’s King Abdullah II U.S. “support for an inclusive transition that can lead to an accountable and representative Syrian government chosen by the Syrian people,” the State Department said. Blinken also repeated the importance the outgoing Biden administration puts on respect for human rights and international law, the protection of civilians and stopping terrorist groups from reconstituting. Blinken met with the monarch and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Aqaba before traveling to Turkey for talks with Turkish officials on the situation in Syria and the urgency of securing a long-elusive deal to release hostages and end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the Palestinian territory since October 2023. Abdullah told Blinken that “the first step to reach comprehensive regional calm is to end the Israeli war on Gaza." GENEVA — The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling on authorities to save evidence from detention centers that were a hub of “unimaginable barbarity” that Syrians have faced for many years and cooperate with international investigators looking into such crimes. Geir Pederson referred to new images from the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital, Damascus, after President Bashar Assad fled Syria as armed groups stormed in to overthrow his government over the weekend. “The images from Saydnaya and other detention facilities starkly underscore the unimaginable barbarity Syrians have endured and reported for years,” Pedersen said in a statement. Documentation and testimonies “only scratch the surface of the carceral system’s horrors,” he added. Pedersen urged authorities to cooperate with U.N. bodies like an independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which was created in 2011, and an independent group known as the IIIM that was set up five years later to also compile evidence of crimes. ROME — Leaders of the Group of 7 industrialized nations offered their full support for an inclusive political transition in Syria and invited all parties to preserve the country’s territorial integrity. In a message released by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s office, the leaders said they were ready to support a transition that “leads to a credible government, inclusive and not sectarian, that guarantees respect for the state of law, universal human rights, including rights for women, (and) the protection of all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities.” The leaders also underlined the importance that ousted President Bashar Assad’s government is held responsible for crimes, citing “decades of atrocities.” They said they would also cooperate with groups working to prohibit chemical weapons “to secure, declare and destroy” remaining chemical arms in Syria. Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the G-7, which also includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says it struck Hamas militants in two locations in the southern Gaza Strip who planned to hijack aid convoys. Palestinian Health officials had earlier said that the two strikes killed 15 men who were part of local committees established to secure aid deliveries. The committees have been organized in cooperation with the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza. It was not possible to independently confirm either account of the strikes, which occurred overnight into Thursday. Israel has long accused Hamas of hijacking humanitarian aid deliveries, while U.N. officials have said there is . U.N. agencies and aid groups say deliveries are held up by Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid and movement within Gaza, as well as the breakdown of law and order more than 14 months into the war between Israel and Hamas. Israel has repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, which maintained internal security before the war. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, the main aid provider in Gaza, said a U.N. convoy of 70 trucks carrying humanitarian aid in southern Gaza “was involved in a serious incident,” resulting in just one of the trucks reaching its destination. It did not provide further details on the incident but said the same route had been used successfully two days earlier. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has caused vast destruction and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, leaving the territory heavily reliant on international food aid. DAMASCUS, Syria — An American who turned up in Syria on Thursday says he was detained after crossing into the country by foot on a Christian pilgrimage seven months ago. Travis Timmerman appears to have been among after rebels reached Damascus over the weekend, and ending his family’s 54-year rule. As video emerged online of Timmerman on Thursday, he was initially mistaken by some for who went missing in Syria 12 years ago. In the video, Timmerman could be seen lying on a mattress under a blanket in what appeared to be a private house. A group of men in the video said he was being treated well and would be safely returned home. The Biden administration is working to bring Timmerman home, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Aqaba, Jordan, without offering details, citing privacy. Timmerman later gave an interview with the Al-Arabiya TV network, saying he had illegally crossed into Syria on foot from the eastern Lebanese town of Zahle seven months ago, before being detained. He said he was treated well in detention but could hear other men being tortured. AQABA, Jordan — U.S. Secretary of State has arrived in Jordan on his 12th visit to the Mideast since the erupted last year and his first since the weekend ouster of that has sparked new fears of instability in a region wracked by three conflicts despite a in Lebanon. Blinken was meeting in Aqaba with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday before traveling to Turkey for talks with Turkish officials on Friday. The meetings will focus largely on Syria but also touch on long-elusive hopes for a deal to end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the Palestinian territory since October 2023. Blinken is the latest senior U.S. official to visit the Middle East in the five days since Assad was deposed as the Biden administration navigates more volatility in the region in its last few weeks in office and as President-elect Donald Trump has said the U.S. should stay out of the Syrian conflict. Other include national security adviser Jake Sullivan and a top military commander who traveled there as the U.S. and Israel have launched airstrikes to prevent the Islamic State militant group from reconstituting and prevent materiel and suspected chemical weapons stocks from falling into militant hands. Blinken “will discuss the need for the transition process and new government in Syria to respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance, prevent Syria from being used as a base of terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors, and ensure that chemical weapons stockpiles are secured and safely destroyed,” the State Department said. The U.S. would be willing to recognize and fully support a new Syrian government that met those criteria. U.S. officials say they are not actively reviewing the foreign terrorist organization designation of the main Syrian rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, which was once an al-Qaida affiliate, but stressed they are not barred from speaking to its members. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli forces will remain in a Syrian buffer zone until a new force on the other side of the border can guarantee security. After the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Israeli forces that had been established after the 1973 Mideast war. The military says it has seized additional strategic points nearby. Israeli officials have said the move is temporary, but Netanyahu’s conditions could take months or even years to fulfill as Syria charts its post-Assad future, raising the prospect of an open-ended Israeli presence in the country. Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Thursday that created a vacuum on the border. “Israel will not permit jihadi groups to fill that vacuum and threaten Israeli communities on the Golan Heights with October 7th style attacks,” it said, referring to Hamas’ 2023 attack out of Gaza, which ignited the war there. “That is why Israeli forces entered the buffer zone and took control of strategic sites near Israel’s border.” The statement added that “this deployment is temporary until a force that is committed to the 1974 agreement can be established and security on our border can be guaranteed.” The buffer zone is adjacent to the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed. The international community, except for the United States, views the Golan as occupied Syrian territory. JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said Thursday that the attacker who fatally shot a 12-year-old Israeli boy in the occupied West Bank overnight turned himself in to authorities. The attacker opened fire on a bus near the Israeli settlement of Beitar Illit, critically wounding the boy, who hospital authorities pronounced dead in the early morning. Three others were wounded in the attack, paramedics said. The shooting took place just outside Jerusalem in an area near major Israeli settlements. JAKARTA, Indonesia — The Indonesian government has evacuated 37 citizens from Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government, officials said Thursday. The evacuees were taken by land from Damascus to Beirut, where they boarded three commercial flights to Jakarta, said Judha Nugraha, director of citizen protection at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The Indonesian Embassy in Damascus said all 1,162 Indonesian citizens in Syria were safe. Indonesian Ambassador to Syria Wajid Fauzi said the situation in Syria has gradually returned to normal. “I can say that 98% of people’s lives are back to normal, shops are open, public transportation has started running,” Fauzi said, adding that most Indonesian nationals living in Syria had chosen to stay. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Palestinian medical officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 28 people in the Gaza Strip, including seven children and a woman. One of the strikes overnight and into Thursday flattened a house in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. An Associated Press reporter saw the bodies at the hospital’s morgue. Two other strikes killed 15 men who were part of local committees . The committees were set up by displaced Palestinians in coordination with the Hamas-run Interior Ministry. The Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis received the bodies and an AP reporter counted them. The hospital said eight were killed in a strike near the southern border town of Rafah and seven others in a strike 30 minutes later near Khan Younis. began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames U.N. agencies for not distributing it. The U.N. says Israeli restrictions, and the breakdown of law and order after Israel repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, make it extremely difficult to operate in the territory. UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions Wednesday and backing the . The votes in the 193-nation world body were 158-9 with 13 abstentions to demand a ceasefire now and 159-9 with 11 abstentions to support the agency known as UNRWA. The votes culminated two days of speeches overwhelmingly calling for an end to the 14-month . General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, though they reflect world opinion. There are no vetoes in the assembly. Israel and its close ally, the United States, were in a tiny minority speaking and voting against the resolutions.Nagpur: Even after spending approximately Rs 1,500 crore to convert tar roads into cement concrete roads, Nagpur's motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, face serious safety hazards due to poorly maintained interlocking blocks (I-blocks) alongside cement roads. Uneven surfaces and gaps, caused by improper installation and lack of upkeep, lead to accidents and public outrage. In July this year, Nagpur bench of Bombay high court comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Abhay Mantri, expressed serious concerns over deteriorating condition of city roads. The court noted that even recently constructed cement roads were riddled with cracks and potholes. It attributed the issues to mismanagement and unplanned execution of road projects. Observing that incorrect alignment of cement roads was causing waterlogging and bumpy rides, the bench had ordered formation of an expert committee to comprehensively address problems. But situation on ground remains unchanged, with road-owning agencies disregarding HC directives. The road agencies may face potential contempt of court charges for their inaction and unsafe road conditions continue to endanger people's lives. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), along with other road-owning agencies like state Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), initially converted tar roads into cement roads to reduce long-term maintenance costs. Cement roads, projected to have a lifespan of over 50 years, were seen as a better alternative to tar roads, which require frequent renovations. However, partial concretisation of roads has created a new set of challenges. During a survey, TOI observed that road-owning agencies left portions of roads covered with I-blocks to allow for future utility installations, such as pipelines and cables. In several areas, these blocks have sunk below the level of cement roads or caused large gaps. At some locations, the gaps are wide enough to trap two-wheeler tyres, leading to accidents. Several stretches like in Ram Nagar, North Ambazari Road, VIP Road, Great Nag Road, and Inner Ring Road are among the worst affected where several riders have been injured. Uneven surfaces are further exacerbated by raised road heights, making navigation difficult. Waterlogging during rainy season often conceals these hazards, compounding the risk for motorists. Residents and urban planners have voiced their discontent, pointing to the lack of accountability and quality checks by NMC. "We have repeatedly complained about these gaps, but no action has been taken. These roads are a disaster waiting to happen," said Pravil Palkar, a resident of Narendra Nagar. Experts from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) have recommended implementing a ‘Pavement Management System' to road-owning agencies, including NMC, to address these issues effectively. This system, designed to ensure uniformity in road surfaces and better maintenance, could resolve the recurring problems of uneven I-blocks. "The system includes all the necessary clauses to handle such issues," said VNIT Professor and Head of the Department (Civil Engineering), Vishrut Landge. He criticised the lack of commitment from authorities, stating, "It is unfortunate that there is no willingness among officials to tackle the problem. The current state of cement roads is extremely disappointing and poses a significant risk of serious accidents." NMC chief engineer Leena Upadhaye had earlier said, "We are conducting a survey to identify accident-prone areas caused by uneven I-blocks. Necessary repairs will be carried out soon, and we will implement stricter quality checks." However, no substantial progress has been made on the ground, leaving citizens frustrated and vulnerable. Accident Hazards Uneven I-blocks alongside cement roads are a significant safety risk, especially for two-wheeler riders. Gaps between cement roads and I-blocks trap tyres, leading to accidents, particularly during rains when gaps are concealed. HC Observations Bombay high court's Nagpur bench expressed concerns over deteriorating cement roads. Highlighted poor alignment leading to waterlogging, cracks, and bumpy rides. Ordered the formation of an expert committee to address the issue, but no visible progress has been made. Recommendations VNIT experts suggest a ‘Pavement Management System' to ensure uniformity in road surfaces and address I-block issues. Nagpur: Even after spending approximately Rs 1,500 crore to convert tar roads into cement concrete roads, Nagpur's motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, face serious safety hazards due to poorly maintained interlocking blocks (I-blocks) alongside cement roads. Uneven surfaces and gaps, caused by improper installation and lack of upkeep, lead to accidents and public outrage. In July this year, Nagpur bench of Bombay high court comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Abhay Mantri, expressed serious concerns over deteriorating condition of city roads. The court noted that even recently constructed cement roads were riddled with cracks and potholes. It attributed the issues to mismanagement and unplanned execution of road projects. Observing that incorrect alignment of cement roads was causing waterlogging and bumpy rides, the bench had ordered formation of an expert committee to comprehensively address problems. But situation on ground remains unchanged, with road-owning agencies disregarding HC directives. The road agencies may face potential contempt of court charges for their inaction and unsafe road conditions continue to endanger people's lives. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), along with other road-owning agencies like state Public Works Department (PWD) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), initially converted tar roads into cement roads to reduce long-term maintenance costs. Cement roads, projected to have a lifespan of over 50 years, were seen as a better alternative to tar roads, which require frequent renovations. However, partial concretisation of roads has created a new set of challenges. During a survey, TOI observed that road-owning agencies left portions of roads covered with I-blocks to allow for future utility installations, such as pipelines and cables. In several areas, these blocks have sunk below the level of cement roads or caused large gaps. At some locations, the gaps are wide enough to trap two-wheeler tyres, leading to accidents. Several stretches like in Ram Nagar, North Ambazari Road, VIP Road, Great Nag Road, and Inner Ring Road are among the worst affected where several riders have been injured. Uneven surfaces are further exacerbated by raised road heights, making navigation difficult. Waterlogging during rainy season often conceals these hazards, compounding the risk for motorists. Residents and urban planners have voiced their discontent, pointing to the lack of accountability and quality checks by NMC. "We have repeatedly complained about these gaps, but no action has been taken. These roads are a disaster waiting to happen," said Pravil Palkar, a resident of Narendra Nagar. Experts from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) have recommended implementing a ‘Pavement Management System' to road-owning agencies, including NMC, to address these issues effectively. This system, designed to ensure uniformity in road surfaces and better maintenance, could resolve the recurring problems of uneven I-blocks. "The system includes all the necessary clauses to handle such issues," said VNIT Professor and Head of the Department (Civil Engineering), Vishrut Landge. He criticised the lack of commitment from authorities, stating, "It is unfortunate that there is no willingness among officials to tackle the problem. The current state of cement roads is extremely disappointing and poses a significant risk of serious accidents." NMC chief engineer Leena Upadhaye had earlier said, "We are conducting a survey to identify accident-prone areas caused by uneven I-blocks. Necessary repairs will be carried out soon, and we will implement stricter quality checks." However, no substantial progress has been made on the ground, leaving citizens frustrated and vulnerable. Accident Hazards Uneven I-blocks alongside cement roads are a significant safety risk, especially for two-wheeler riders. Gaps between cement roads and I-blocks trap tyres, leading to accidents, particularly during rains when gaps are concealed. HC Observations Bombay high court's Nagpur bench expressed concerns over deteriorating cement roads. Highlighted poor alignment leading to waterlogging, cracks, and bumpy rides. Ordered the formation of an expert committee to address the issue, but no visible progress has been made. Recommendations VNIT experts suggest a ‘Pavement Management System' to ensure uniformity in road surfaces and address I-block issues.PSG beats Toulouse 3-0 and Akliouche double gives Monaco home win over Brest

Nairametrics is set to host its quarterly macro-economic outlook webinar, which provides key insights into Nigeria’s economic trajectory for 2025. The virtual event is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (WAT) via Zoom. The theme for the quarter 4 macroeconomic outlook webinar is Nigeria’s Economic Outlook 2025 . Related Stories Nairametrics launches dividend tracker to Advance Investor Advocacy and Financial Inclusion Nairametrics and Economic Forum Series MSME finance award 2024 Its main focus is on; Exchange Rates, Interest Rates, Economic Growth, and Geopolitics. The theme highlights key economic challenges Nigeria is likely to face in the coming year, such as exchange rate changes, interest rate trends, economic growth projections, and the impact of global politics. Panelists will discuss these challenges and the policies needed to tackle them. This webinar will offer insights into how exchange rate fluctuations and interest rate policies will affect Nigeria’s economic growth. It will also discuss the geopolitical situation and its impact on Nigeria’s economy. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from experts on strategies to foster sustainable growth and stability amidst these challenges. To register and attend the webinar, click: www.nairametrics.com The webinar will be hosted by Mr. Ugodre Obi-Chukwu – Founder/CEO, of Nairametrics. Ugodre is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria with over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, treasury, financial management, corporate strategy, marketing and corporate governance. Ugodre has vast experience in the acquisition and subsequent turnaround of privatized government enterprises. With hundreds of articles flowing from his financial expertise, Ugodre has a special interest in personal finance, investing, and financial analysis. Prof Jeremy Ghez Jeremy is a renowned professor at HEC Paris, specializing in international economics, global trade, and economic policy. His academic and professional expertise in economics and international relations have made him a prominent figure in economic strategy and global governance. He has contributed extensively to various academic journals and frequently speaks at international policy forums, sharing insights into the evolving global economic landscape. Dr. Bunmi Bajomo Bunmi is an accomplished banking professional with over two decades of experience in corporate banking. She holds a first-class degree in Economics and a PhD in Economics specializing in International Monetary Economics. She has held leadership roles across major financial institutions, including First Bank of Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC, and Citibank Nigeria. Bunmi’s career spans corporate banking, trade finance, and credit management. She is an active community leader and economic analyst with a focus on fiscal policy and monetary economics. Dr. Olusegun Omisakin Olusegun is a seasoned economic strategist with over 18 years of experience in shaping economic policy and development strategies. As Chief Economist at NESG, he leads research initiatives and drives economic reform across Nigeria and Africa. Olusegun has managed over 600 research projects, providing actionable insights that support national development and foster collaborations between government and private sector entities. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in economic growth and policy. Egie Akpata is the founder and chairman of Skymark Partners Limited, an investment firm focused on securities trading, private debt, venture capital, and real estate. With over 25 years of experience in real estate, investment banking, and consulting, Egie has led multi-billion-naira financing transactions. He has worked in top firms in Canada, the USA, and Nigeria, including Deutsche Bank and UBA Capital. He holds a BA in Accounting and Finance and an M.Sc. in Accounting. Amanda Woolverton is an award-winning marketing and communications leader with extensive experience in the high-tech industry. She has held leadership roles in strategy development at companies such as Microsoft, Ericsson, and Bloomberg. Amanda is currently an advisor to the Economic Corridor initiative (IMEC) and works with DeepTech startups at Creative Destruction Lab. She is also pursuing the EMBA program at HEC Paris. Kelvin Ayebaefie Emmanuel Kelvin Ayebaefie Emmanuel is an expert in public policy, strategy consulting, and financial markets. He has held leadership roles at international organizations, including brokering a regulatory sandbox for Nigeria’s OTC CFD foreign exchange industry. Kelvin has been a member of various strategic committees, including the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. He has featured on global platforms such as CNBC Africa, BBC, and Reuters.New Jersey drone mystery sparks FBI probe, resident hysteriaGlobal Chest Freezers Market To Reach $29.72 Billion By 2028 With A Growth Rate Of 12.8%

Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians

Chargers focused on avoiding a letdown and not a potential playoff berth in matchup with Patriots

Percentages: FG .446, FT .692. 3-Point Goals: 10-22, .455 (Bamba 4-6, Barthelemy 3-4, Angel 2-5, Shelstad 1-3, Bittle 0-1, Evans 0-1, Tracey 0-2). Team Rebounds: 11. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 5 (Bittle 2, Angel, Evans, Tracey). Turnovers: 14 (Bittle 3, Angel 2, Bamba 2, Barthelemy 2, Evans, Moss, S.Cook, Shelstad, Tracey). Steals: 8 (Barthelemy 5, Angel, Bamba, Shelstad). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .509, FT .500. 3-Point Goals: 6-19, .316 (Boyd 3-4, Davis 2-4, Byrd 1-5, Coleman-Jones 0-1, Gwath 0-1, DeGourville 0-2, McKinney 0-2). Team Rebounds: 3. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 9 (Gwath 5, Byrd 2, Compton, DeGourville). Turnovers: 12 (Compton 3, Gwath 3, Byrd 2, Boyd, Coleman-Jones, Davis, Heide). Steals: 8 (Byrd 3, Coleman-Jones 2, Compton 2, Davis). Technical Fouls: None. .LOS ANGELES (AP) — Democrat Derek Tran ousted Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel in a Southern California House district Wednesday that was specifically drawn to give Asian Americans a stronger voice on Capitol Hill. Steel said in a statement that “like all journeys, this one is ending for a new one to begin.” When she captured the seat in 2020, Steel joined Washington state Democrat Marilyn Strickland as the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. Tran, a lawyer and worker rights advocate and the son of Vietnamese refugees, declared victory earlier this week. He said his win “is a testament to the spirit and resilience of our community. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, I understand firsthand the journey and sacrifices many families in our district have made for a better life." The contest is one of the last to be decided this year, with Republicans now holding 220 seats in the House, with Democrats at 214. The Associated Press has not declared a winner in California's 13th District, where Democrat Adam Gray was leading Republican Rep. John Duarte by a couple of hundred votes. Steel held an early edge after Election Day, but late-counted ballots pushed Tran over the top. Steel filed a statement of candidacy on Monday with federal regulators, which would allow her to continue raising funds. It wasn’t immediately clear if she planned to seek a return to Congress. In the campaign, Tran warned of Republican threats to abortion rights. Steel opposes abortion with exceptions for rape, incest or to save the life of the pregnant woman, while not going so far as to support a federal ban. Tran also warned that President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House would put democracy at risk. On Capitol Hill, Steel has been outspoken in resisting tax increases and says she stands strongly with Israel in its war with Hamas. “As our greatest ally in the Middle East, the United States must always stand with Israel,” she said. She advocates for more police funding and has spotlighted her efforts on domestic violence and sexual abuse. The largest demographic in the district, which is anchored in Orange County southeast of Los Angeles, is Asian Americans, and it includes the nation’s biggest Vietnamese community. Democrats hold a 4-point registration edge. Michael R. Blood, The Associated Press

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Niger’s ruling junta suspended the for three months over the broadcaster’s coverage of an extremist attack that allegedly killed dozens of Nigerien soldiers and civilians, authorities said Thursday. “BBC broadcasts false information aimed at destabilizing social calm and undermining the troops’ morale,” communications minister Raliou Sidi Mohamed said in letters to radio stations that rebroadcast BBC content. Mohamed asked the stations to suspend BBC’s programs “with immediate effect.” The BBC said it had no comment on the suspension. Popular BBC programs, including those in Hausa — the most-spoken language in Niger — are broadcast in the Central African country through local radio partners to reach a large audience across the region. The British broadcaster had reported on its website in Hausa on Wednesday that gunmen had killed more than 90 Nigerien soldiers and more than 40 civilians in two villages near the border with Burkina Faso. The French broadcaster Radio France International, also known as RFI, also reported on the attack, calling it a jihadi attack and citing the same death toll. Niger’s authorities denied that an attack happened in the area in a statement read on state television and said it would file a complain against RFI for “incitement to genocide.” Niger, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, has for over a decade battled an insurgency fought by jihadi groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups in all three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance. But the has worsened since the juntas took power, analysts say, with a record number of attacks and civilians killed both by Islamic militants and government forces. Meanwhile, the ruling juntas have . Earlier this year, Malian authorities from reporting on the activities of political parties and associations. Burkina Faso radio stations for their coverage of a mass killing of civilians carried out by the country’s armed forces. In August 2023, Niger banned French broadcasters France 24 and RFI, a month after its military rulers took power in a coup. “Generally speaking, the three juntas censor the media as soon as the security situation in the country is addressed in an unpleasant manner or when abuses are revealed,” Sadibou Marong, head of the sub-Saharan Africa office of Reporters Without Borders, told The Associated Press in September. “Finding reliable and neutral information on government activities has become extremely complex, as has covering security situation in these countries,” Marong added. Mark Banchereau, The Associated PressWhat the Options Market Tells Us About Chevron

Of Islam, the Abrahamic Faiths And A Global Values Vaccum

Ben Foster leads Kansas' largest independently owned broadband and communications company. OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association announced the election of board officers for 2025, including Ben Foster as Vice Chair. Foster is the president & CEO of Twin Valley and ISG Technology – together the largest independently owned broadband and communications company in Kansas. Twin Valley is rapidly growing as a rural Kansas fiber and small-to-medium business IT provider, while ISG is a top national competitor in mid-to-enterprise level IT services with locations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. As the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based broadband companies, NTCA is committed to advancing policies that help close the digital divide and advocating on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas. The association also provides educational programming, training and development by publishing comprehensive industry research, conducting in person and virtual events, and offering an array of employee benefit programs. "NTCA is instrumental in setting industry policy and putting important legislation in front of lawmakers," Foster said. "In my role as Vice Chair of the NTCA board, I aim to bring a rural Kansas perspective to national broadband policy discussions, ensuring the voices of local providers and communities are heard." In its Pledge made to rural communities, Twin Valley commits to building the most reliable broadband network and supporting meaningful outreach initiatives, including digital inclusion efforts. Industry policy and federal funding are keys to delivering on those commitments. As a fourth-generation leader of the Twin Valley family of companies, Foster brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the NTCA board, which he has served on from 2011 to 2014 and 2022 to present, acting as secretary/treasurer in the 2024 board year. He also serves as a board member for the Kansas Fiber Network. As NTCA board vice chair, Foster joins officers Roxie Jorgenson, director at MTA (Palmer, Alaska), who will serve as chair, and Ross Petrick, general manager/CEO of Alliance Communications Cooperative Inc. (Garretson, S.D.), who will serve as secretary/treasurer. Foster was also re-elected to serve as the Central Region Commercial Director. "As we head into a new year, I look forward to working with all of our board members to implement our new strategic plan centered around our efforts to advocate for the continued viability and sustainability of the Universal Service Fund," said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. About Twin Valley Twin Valley is a fourth-generation family business that has over 80 years' experience providing cutting-edge technology and connectivity throughout the central U.S. Twin Valley helps customers unlock possibilities to realize their full potential by providing a unique combination of broadband, mobile, home security, managed IT services, technology consulting, professional services and cloud/data center solutions for both residential and business customers. Twin Valley made a Pledge to their communities and customers, always striving to provide the most reliable broadband network, the best value for internet, local hometown customer service and meaningful community outreach initiatives. Learn more at twinvalley.com/pledge. About NTCA NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing about 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America. In an era of transformative technological developments, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are advancing efforts to close the digital divide by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks. Their commitment to building sustainable networks makes rural communities fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kansas-tech-ceo-ben-foster-appointed-to-vice-chair-of-national-broadband-association-board-302330769.html SOURCE Twin ValleyTom Homan opens up about facing threats after being chosen by President-elect Donald Trump for his new administration on The Story. Incoming Trump border czar Tom Homan reacted to news of death threats against Trump nominees on Wednesday and said he now takes the death threats he has previously received seriously. "I have not taken this serious up to this point," Homan told Fox News anchor Gillian Turner on "The Story" on Wednesday, referring to previous death threats made against him and his family. "Now that I know what's happened in the last 24 hours. I will take it a little more serious. But look, I've been dealing with this. When I was the ICE director in the first administration, I had numerous death threats. I had a security detail with me all the time. Even after I retired, death threats continued and even after I retired as the ICE director. I had U.S. marshals protection for a long time to protect me and my family." Homan explained that what "doesn't help" the situation is the "negative press" around Trump. HARRIS NEVER LED TRUMP, INTERNAL POLLS SHOWED — BUT DNC OFFICIALS WERE KEPT IN THE DARK President-elect Donald Trump and Tom Homan (Getty) "I'm not in the Cabinet, but, you know, I've read numerous hit pieces. I mean, you know, I'm a racist and, you know, I'm the father of family separation, all this other stuff. So the hate media doesn't help at all because there are some nuts out there. They'll take advantage. So that doesn't help." Homan's comments come shortly after Fox News Digital first reported that nearly a dozen of President-elect Trump's Cabinet nominees and other appointees tapped for the incoming administration were targeted Tuesday night with "violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," prompting a "swift" law enforcement response. ARMED FELON ARRESTED FOR THREATENING TO KILL TRUMP ATTENDED RALLY WEEKS AFTER BUTLER ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT Former President Trump pumps his fist as he arrives to speak at a campaign event at Nassau Coliseum, Sept.18, 2024, in Uniondale, New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The "attacks ranged from bomb threats to ‘swatting,’" according to Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman and incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt . "Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," she told Fox News Digital on Wednesday. "In response, law enforcement acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action." Sources told Fox News Digital that John Ratcliffe, the nominee to be CIA director, Pete Hegseth, the nominee for secretary of defense, and Rep. Elise Stefanik, the nominee for U.N. ambassador, were among those targeted. Brooke Rollins, who Trump has tapped to be secretary of agriculture, and Lee Zeldin, Trump's nominee to be EPA administrator, separately revealed they were also targeted. Threats were also made against Trump's labor secretary nominee, GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and the family of former Trump attorney general nominee Matt Gaetz. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Former President Trump is surrounded by Secret Service agents after being shot at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. (Rebecca Droke/AFP via Getty Images) Homan told Fox News that he is "not going to be intimidated by these people" and "I'm not going to let them silence me." "What I've learned today I'll start taking a little more serious." Homan added that he believes "we need to have a strong response once we find out who is behind all this." "It's illegal to threaten someone's life. And we need to follow through with that." The threats on Tuesday night came mere months after Trump survived two assassination attempts. Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman contributed to this report Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Niger's ruling junta suspended the BBC for three months over the broadcaster's coverage of an extremist attack that allegedly killed dozens of Nigerien soldiers and civilians, authorities said Thursday. “BBC broadcasts false information aimed at destabilizing social calm and undermining the troops' morale,” communications minister Raliou Sidi Mohamed said in letters to radio stations that rebroadcast BBC content. Mohamed asked the stations to suspend BBC's programs “with immediate effect.” The BBC said it had no comment on the suspension. Popular BBC programs, including those in Hausa — the most-spoken language in Niger — are broadcast in the Central African country through local radio partners to reach a large audience across the region. The British broadcaster had reported on its website in Hausa on Wednesday that gunmen had killed more than 90 Nigerien soldiers and more than 40 civilians in two villages near the border with Burkina Faso. The French broadcaster Radio France International, also known as RFI, also reported on the attack, calling it a jihadi attack and citing the same death toll. Niger's authorities denied that an attack happened in the area in a statement read on state television and said it would file a complain against RFI for “incitement to genocide.” Niger, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, has for over a decade battled an insurgency fought by jihadi groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following military coups in all three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance. But the security situation in the Sahel has worsened since the juntas took power, analysts say, with a record number of attacks and civilians killed both by Islamic militants and government forces. Meanwhile, the ruling juntas have cracked down on political dissent and journalists . Earlier this year, Malian authorities banned the media from reporting on the activities of political parties and associations. Burkina Faso suspended the BBC and Voice of America radio stations for their coverage of a mass killing of civilians carried out by the country’s armed forces. In August 2023, Niger banned French broadcasters France 24 and RFI, a month after its military rulers took power in a coup. “Generally speaking, the three juntas censor the media as soon as the security situation in the country is addressed in an unpleasant manner or when abuses are revealed,” Sadibou Marong, head of the sub-Saharan Africa office of Reporters Without Borders, told The Associated Press in September. “Finding reliable and neutral information on government activities has become extremely complex, as has covering security situation in these countries,” Marong added.North Dakota regulators OK underground storage for proposed Midwest carbon dioxide pipeline

The New York Jets enter Week 15 of the NFL with a road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars . The two teams entered the year with playoff aspirations but are now both 3-10 and playing a game that could have major ramifications for the top 10 picks in the 2025 NFL draft . As the Jets look to end their four-game losing streak, quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on ESPN Tuesday afternoon . The four-time NFL MVP took aim at the network during his segment and criticized how sports media has changed during his career. "The 'SportsCenter' of my youth, those guys made highlights so much fun and that's what they showed," Rodgers said. "Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now and they believe they’re the celebrities now." He went on to say those people, who no one remembers from their playing careers, have sports opinions that are "unfounded or asinine." Since that segment, multiple people at ESPN have responded, including NFL analyst Mina Kimes and commentator Stephen A. Smith . But longtime Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark made the most assertive response to what Rodgers said during ESPN's "First Take" program on Friday . NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more. Here's what Rodgers said and Clark's response. Aaron Rodgers' ESPN criticism Rodgers frequently appears on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesdays and this week was no different. During the segment, his former Green Bay Packers teammate-turned-analyst A.J. Hawk asked how the NFL has changed during Rodgers' 20-year career. Rodgers argued the biggest change is about how the sport is covered by the media. “There’s a lot of people talking about the game now, both non-former players and former players who are trying to stay relevant fame-wise," Rodgers said. "So the takes and the criticism I think are a lot different than they were maybe in the mid-2000s." Rodgers clarified he wasn't talking about the show's host, Pat McAfee, who spent eight years in the NFL as a punter before launching his show. McAfee made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2014. “I’m talking about these experts on TV who nobody remembers what they did in their career,” Rodgers said. “So in order for them to stay relevant, they have to make comments that keep them in the conversation. That wasn’t going on in 2008, 2009, that was nonexistent. "Now it’s all talk shows and people whose opinions are so important now and they believe they’re the celebrities now. They’re the stars for just being able to talk about sports or give a take about sports, many of which are unfounded or asinine, as we all know." He acknowledged that those shows, gambling and fantasy football have driven interest in the sport and that's led to higher salaries for players. He also argued the league has "better athletes with a less violent game" but with a lower overall football IQ due to less practice time during the offseason. McAfee didn't press Rodgers to name any specific people on talk shows who warrant his criticism. Instead, he continued on about Rodgers' point about lower football IQ, citing longtime NFL quarterback Tom Brady's argument that coaches "dumb the game down" for rookie quarterbacks to play as soon as possible. Ryan Clark's response to Aaron Rodgers Rodgers' criticism of sports media was a segment for the next few days on "First Take," culminating in Clark's response Friday morning. “I find it extremely funny that he’s saying this on a show with a man, who as great as he was as a punter, is far more famous as a pundit in Pat McAfee,” Clark said. “A.J. Hawk, who I felt like was a good player, is now on TV, and he gets to give his thoughts as well." Clark went on to say that Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL but isn't at that level any more and people are willing to say it on national broadcasts. Clark argued that Rodgers is now doing exactly what he's criticizing other players for, noting that Rodgers is now being paid for his appearances on McAfee's show. "My issue with him is you’re doing the exact same thing," Clark said. "And the reason you’re getting this opportunity to say these asinine things is because someone is paying you who is exactly the same thing that you’re now speaking out against.” McAfee has confirmed Rodgers has made more than $1 million for his segments . “This dude is once again tone-deaf,” Clark continued. "This dude is once again unaware. This dude is once again arrogant to a point that’s almost sickening because he says these things, and he talks tough, and he behaves in his way, but he ain’t. "This dude is a fraud. He’s been a fraud. He can throw a football and that’s where it stops. Once that talent ends ... so does he. And to sit up there, man, and to be just blatantly hypocritical is funny and sickening at the same time.” Cam Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP who's now a commentator on "First Take," agreed with Clark's criticism and added that Rodgers is not used to being a position where his team's record and individual statistics don't make him one of the best quarterbacks in the league. "It's awkward for him," Newton said. "Hypocritical is the best analogy for it."Trump vows speed on energy plansBC Conservative MLA accused of being a Manchurian candidate, Rustad defends free speech amongst caucus (BC)

Dreaming Of Moving Into A Newly Constructed Apartment? Redfin Reports The Shocking Premium For That Privilege As Rents SoarHealth Secretary Wes Streeting has admitted that a fateful Labour decision helped Bashar Al-Assad maintain power and go on to kill hundreds of thousands of his own people. Streeting made the admission on BBC ’s Question Time in response to criticism by Piers Morgan of the country’s failure to commit to military intervention in 2013 after the coalition government led by David Cameron sought the support of the House of Commons to do so. The motion was strongly opposed by Labour, led by Ed Miliband , and Streeting admitted: “With hindsight, I think we can say, looking back on the events of 2013, that the hesitation of this country and the United States created a vacuum that Russia moved into and kept Assad in power for much longer.” The west had been spurred into taking military action after the Syrian dictator used chemical weapons on his own people, something that US president Barack Obama had previously warned would be a red line that would force him to commit troops. Prime Minister David Cameron sought the support of the house to partner with the US in taking action against Assad but lost the vote 285-272 after significant opposition from the Labour party led by Ed Miliband. Speaking at the time, Miliband expressed his desire for the UK to learn from the lessons of intervention in Iraq. He said: “People are deeply concerned about the chemical weapons attacks in Syria, but they want us to learn the lessons of Iraq. “They don't want a rush to war. They want things done in the right way, working with the international community.” He added: “Britain doesn't need reckless and impulsive leadership, it needs calm and measured leadership.” Many believe that action could have removed Assad from power 11 years earlier than the rebels who forced him from Damascus this weekend. Britain’s failure to act led to impotence amongst western allies, with neither the US or France going through with their intention to take military action. Instead, supported by Russian airstrikes and Iranian backed fighters , Assad was able to maintain his iron grip on the country which saw thousands locked up without charge and hundreds of thousands killed as a result of action by his forces. The war led to a refugee crisis across Europe as thousands sought refuge from the country placing significant burden on many countries with an already stressed asylum system. The influx of refugees escaping war and persecution caused a political reckoning in the years to come, with over a million Syrians arriving in Europe in 2015, causing a migration crisis which saw division domestically and between EU allies. Russia ’s prolonged involvement in Ukraine and Iran’s proxy-conflict with Israel saw the support Assad relied upon drain away. Rebel advances, helped in large part by Turkey, saw the capitulation of the Syrian army in recent weeks culminating in the fall of Damascus, forcing Assad and his family to flee to Moscow.

Gretchen McKay | (TNS) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PITTSBURGH — Many Americans consider social media a scourge, but for a home cook, it can be a fun and informative place to get help deciding what to eat. Sure, some of the recipes would-be influencers recommend are in fact pretty abominable — check out @chefreactions on TikTok, Instagram or X for many, many examples — but I have stumbled across some pretty good recipes on many occasions, too. Related Articles Restaurants Food and Drink | Lots of holiday singing and giving in the Best of the Week of Dec. 14-20 Restaurants Food and Drink | In season: The universal joy of carrots Restaurants Food and Drink | Don’t shun pinot grigio! The good versions of wines you think are bad Restaurants Food and Drink | Quick Fix: Horseradish Crusted Snapper with Arugula Pasta Restaurants Food and Drink | 3 recipes to help you through the busy holiday season One that’s been going viral for a while and but only recently caught my eye shines a spotlight on the creamy, tomatoey dish known as Marry Me chicken. There are probably as many recipes for Marry Me chicken on social media as there are cooks. (Delish claims to have created the video recipe for the original dish, also known as Tuscan chicken, in 2016.) But in my opinion, the best variations hang their chef’s hat on a sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and cream. Yum! This rich and luxurious entree is a definite step above the “engagement” chicken that caused a similar stir when it made its debut in Glamour magazine in 2004. That proposal-worthy recipe — saved for posterity in the 2011 cookbook “100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know: Engagement Chicken and 99 Other Fabulous Dishes to Get You Everything You Want in Life” — featured a whole chicken roasted with lemon and herbs. Awesome for sure, but not nearly as swoon worthy. I’ve been married for a very long time, so I’m not looking for a dish that will get me engaged. But who wouldn’t want applause when they put dinner on the table? That’s how Delish’s original recipe made it into the latest installment of “Dinner for Four for $25.” Usually when I’m building these economical meals, I do all my shopping in one store. This time, I shopped over the course of a weekend at some of my favorite haunts to see if that made a difference. (And no, I didn’t factor in the cost of gas, but maybe should have!) First stop after downing my Saturday morning latte and Nutella mele at a street-side table at Colangelo’s in the Strip District: Wholey’s Market, where I found boneless chicken breast at the bargain price of $3.89 per pound. I then crossed the street and headed down the block to Pennsylvania Macaroni Co., where I found several varieties of sun-dried tomatoes to chose from. I went with a jar of Ponti sun-dried cherry tomatoes for $5.09 — a definite splurge when your budget is only $25, but an ingredient I knew would deliver plenty of flavor. At Aldi, I found a bag of five huge lemons for $3.89, or 78 cents apiece, and a nice package of fresh broccoli for $2.28. A bargain, considering I would only use about two-thirds of it. The German supermarket chain known for its low prices and no-frills shopping experience (you have to deposit a quarter to get a shopping cart) also had butter — a main ingredient in my sandwich cookie dessert — on sale for $3.99 a pound. A bag of powdered sugar was pretty cheap, too, at just $2.09 for a two-pound bag. “Shopping” my pantry for ingredients I always have on hand, including garlic, olive oil, spices, rice, molasses and vanilla, once again helped keep costs down. Total bill: $24.38, or 62 cents under budget. Not bad when you consider the homemade dessert recipe makes more oatmeal sandwich cookies than a family can/should eat at one sitting. Marry Me Chicken PG tested Sun-dried tomatoes could be considered a splurge item because even a tiny jar is expensive, but their concentrated, sweet and tangy tomato goodness add so much flavor to a dish! They are certainly the star of this chicken dish that has been making the rounds on social media platforms. Some say the entree is so good, you’ll get a marriage proposal out of it. At any rate, the Parmesan cream sauce that gets spooned on top of the chicken and rice will certainly make your diners swoon. This original recipe from Delish.com is a pretty easy dish to get on the table in quick fashion. Just remember to use a dry pot holder to take the pan out of the oven because it will be very hot; I very stupidly used a damp dish towel and now have another cooking scar. 4 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 3/4 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan Fresh basil, torn, for serving, optional Cooked rice, for serving Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Generously season chicken with salt and black pepper and cook, turning halfway through, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate. In same skillet over medium heat, heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan; season with salt. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake chicken until cooked through and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife, 10-12 minutes. Arrange chicken on a platter. Spoon sauce over. Top with basil, if using, and serve with cooked rice. Serves 4. — delish.com Broccoli with Lemon PG tested Broccoli is a reliable veggie when you need a little something extra to round out a meal and don’t want to spend a fortune. Here, it’s blanched until crisp-tender and then tossed with lemon juice and zest and a pinch of red pepper flakes. I used lemon olive oil (already on hand) for an extra burst of citrus flavor. 1 large bunch broccoli, separated into florets 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter 1 clove garlic, minced Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon 1 pinch (or two) red pepper flakes Flaky salt and freshly ground ground black pepper, to taste Place broccolini in a large skillet with about 2 inches of water; bring to a boil and cook until bright green, 1-2 minutes. Drain. Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add broccoli; cook and stir until heated through, 2-3 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice and zest over broccoli and season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Serves 4. — Gretchen McKay, Post-Gazette Oatmeal Cream Cookies PG tested Remember how if you were lucky when you were a kid you got an individually wrapped Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie in your lunchbox? These soft and chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched with vanilla buttercream taste exactly the same. Actually, they’re better because they’re not made with corn syrup and artificial flavorings, but rather real butter and brown sugar. It’s important to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack. Otherwise they will fall apart. The icing is very sweet, so you might want to reduce the amount of powdered sugar. For cookies 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 tablespoon molasses 1 large egg, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt For filling 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 3 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons heavy cream 2 teaspoons vanilla Pinch of salt Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line two sheet pans with parchment paper. In stand mixer outfitted with whisk attachment add butter, brown sugar and molasses and beat on low speed until combined. Gradually increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl with spatula, then add egg and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until combined. Add flour, oats, baking soda and salt and beat on low speed until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Use a 1/2 -ounce cookie scoop tor tablespoon measure to portion out equal amounts of dough. Roll the dough in your hands to smooth the edges, then place 2 inches apart on prepared pans. Bake until cookies have puffed up and are set and firm around the edges but still somewhat soft in the middle, 9-11 minutes. Remove sheet pans from oven and allow cookies to rest on the pans for 5 minutes, then use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cookies have cooled, make filling. In stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, confectioners’ sugar, cream, vanilla and salt. Beat on low speed, gradually increasing the speed to high, until creamy and fully incorporated, about 45 seconds. If filling is dry, add a small splash or two of cream. Assemble cookies. Using a small offset spatula or butter knife to spread about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the bottom side of one cookie, then place second cookie on top to sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies and serve. Makes 16 sandwich cookies. —”Sweet Tooth” by Sarah Fennel (Clarkson Potter, $35) ©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.