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Opposition fighters are at Damascus' gates. Who are they and what now?

CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him." Get local news delivered to your inbox!The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and recent developments suggest that Tesla might be steering it in a groundbreaking direction. As Tesla’s stock prices soar, there’s increasing buzz about the company’s innovative technology which merges the world of automobiles with that of video gaming. This trend aligns perfectly with Tesla’s mission to redefine not only how we travel but also how we entertain ourselves on the go. Gaming enthusiasts and investors alike are buzzing with excitement about Tesla’s introduction of in-car gaming platforms . Equipped with state-of-the-art hardware, Tesla vehicles now allow passengers to play high-fidelity video games while parked or charging. This leap in technology could change the gaming landscape, creating a new market for game developers to tap into. Furthermore, Tesla’s recent advancements in autonomous driving technology hint at a future where immersive gaming could become a regular part of road trips. Imagine engaging in an epic gaming session while autopilot technology navigates the roads — a fusion of utility and entertainment that seemed like science fiction until now. With Tesla poised to pioneer an unprecedented integration of gaming and transportation, the future of gaming may soon involve the open road as much as the living room. The rising Tesla stock prices reflect these innovations’ potential impact, indicating investors’ confidence in this uncharted territory. As technology continues to evolve, could Tesla’s stock be the next game changer for the gaming industry? Is Tesla the Future of Gaming? Exploring the Impact of In-Car Entertainment Innovations The integration of gaming and automotive technology is accelerating at a rapid pace, with Tesla leading the charge in innovating this dynamic fusion. With the company’s rise in stock prices reflecting its forward-thinking ventures, let’s dive into how Tesla’s groundbreaking integration of gaming and transportation could reshape both industries. Immersive In-Car Gaming: A New Frontier for Game Developers One of Tesla’s standout innovations has been its in-car gaming platforms, providing gamers with high-fidelity experiences while on the move. These platforms are equipped with advanced hardware capable of running complex video games. But what does this mean for game developers? New Opportunities for Developers: The advent of in-car gaming opens a fresh market segment. Developers can create customized games that take advantage of Tesla’s unique interface and high-performance environment, potentially leading to exclusive content partnerships. Games could be specifically designed for short bursts of entertainment during a charge or a more extended session while the vehicle is parked. Autonomous Driving and Gaming: A Road Trip Fantasy? Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving technology suggest a future where vehicles may handle both navigation and entertainment. Imagine a scenario where passengers could engage in immersive gaming experiences while the car’s autopilot ensures a smooth journey. This concept presents several intriguing possibilities: Pros and Cons: – Pros: – Enhanced trip enjoyment for passengers. – Potentially safer driving with reduced driver distraction if passengers are solely focused on gaming. – Cons: – Requires rigorous safety protocols to prevent misuse. – Autopilot technology needs to meet high reliability standards to win consumer trust. Market Analysis: Tesla’s Role as a Game Changer Tesla’s stock price surge hints at the market’s confidence in these innovative pursuits. The company’s push into gaming is viewed as a savvy move to diversify its entertainment offerings, providing an edge in the competitive automotive industry. Insights and Trends: – Growing Consumer Demand: There’s a rising trend towards multi-functional vehicles that serve as more than just a means of transport. – Collaborations: Game developers may seek partnerships with Tesla to reach a unique customer base, leading to a surge in Tesla-specific or optimized gaming titles. Security Aspects and Limitations The integration of gaming systems within vehicles is not without its challenges. Addressing security concerns, such as the risk of hacking into core vehicle systems via the gaming interface, is critical. Tesla’s ability to provide robust cybersecurity measures will play a crucial role in consumer acceptance. Current Limitations: – In-car gaming is largely limited to periods when the vehicle is stationary or charging, reducing gameplay flexibility. – Network connectivity may affect game performance, particularly in remote or less serviced areas. Sustainability and Future Predictions Tesla’s focus on merging technology with clean energy principles raises the question of sustainability in entertainment. By offering gaming features during charging sessions, Tesla encourages users to spend time engaging with their vehicles in an environmentally conscious manner. Predictions: – Expect more collaborations between automakers and tech companies aimed at enhancing in-car entertainment. – The further evolution of Tesla’s autopilot system could see autonomous travel, paired with gaming, become the norm for long-distance travelers by the mid-2030s. As we look towards a future where the boundaries between transportation and entertainment continue to blur, Tesla remains at the forefront of this exciting journey. For more insights into Tesla’s innovative technological pursuits, visit the official Tesla website.

London back in favour with banks amid chaos in France and Germany By JOHN-PAUL FORD ROJAS Updated: 21:50 GMT, 7 December 2024 e-mail View comments Global banks are rethinking moves from London to mainland Europe as political chaos engulfs the Continent, The Mail on Sunday has been told. Lenders have been gradually shifting operations to cities including Paris and Frankfurt since the UK left the European Union – in some cases because they are obliged to by European regulators. But with the French government collapsing and Germany in turmoil, some are pausing any non-essential moves. A senior banking source said the mood had changed since the summer, when French elections plunged the country into chaos. With France and Germany a 'mess', the UK now 'doesn't look so bad', the source told The Mail on Sunday. The French have not been shy about luring bankers and others to Paris. Adverts promoting a move across the Channel have appeared in UK newspapers saying: 'Make It Iconic. Choose France.' In 2016 France vowed to make its tax regime for expats the most attractive in Europe and then prime minister Manuel Valls said Paris would become 'the financial capital of the future'. High hopes: London is looking attractive again, after Emmanuel Macron, inset, has left France looking unstable Emmanuel Macron, the president – himself a former investment banker – has been instrumental in the push. It has not been without results, with US bank JP Morgan opening a trading hub in Paris in 2021 in an event attended by Macron. And last year France's central bank said it beat expectations in attracting banks post-Brexit, boosting its balance of payments – a measure of its overseas trade. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Winter recession fears for Germany Boost for FTSE as investors pile into UK shares: But £317m... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account But the exodus to EU cities, with Frankfurt and Dublin also luring Britain's bankers, has failed to materialise in the way some expected. Back in 2016, the year of the Brexit vote, the planned number of Brexit-related staff relocations to Europe totalled 12,500. Under pressure: Emmanuel Macron But many firms have thought better and by 2022 that number had dwindled to 7,000, according to accountancy firm EY. Now, with sentiment towards France souring, the pendulum is swinging back towards Britain. Snap elections called by Macron led to sharp gains for the Left and far-Right, and no overall majority for any parliamentary bloc. Michel Barnier, the prime minister appointed by Macron to try to hold together a fragile government, faced the ultimately impossible task of trying to push through tax rises and spending cuts to repair France's debt-laden public finances. His ousting last week in a no-confidence vote was inevitable, causing some to raise questions about Macron's own future. The chaos has unnerved markets, sending French bond yields up. Germany is also in turmoil, with a shaky coalition collapsing recently and the country's once-mighty industrial base crumbling. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: London back in favour with banks amid chaos in France and Germany e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.Weld County’s assessed value slides 20% due to price drops in oil and gas industry

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s regime is nearing collapse as rebel forces began to encircle Damascus. In the suburbs of the capital, were seen tearing down posters of Assad and a bust of his father, former president Hafez al-Assad. On Saturday, Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham [HTS] had reached the edges of Damascus, as thousands of pro-regime soldiers made a chaotic retreat into neighbouring Iraq. Syria’s rebels said on Saturday night that they have started entering the key city of Homs, while there were reports that government forces have been withdrawing. Syria’s state news agency denied earlier reports that , his close ally, claiming that he continued to govern from Damascus. “[We condemn] rumours and false news about President Bashar al-Assad leaving Damascus ... [Assad is] following up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital,” it said. Following the statement, a source told CNN that Assad was “nowhere to be found” at his usual residences in the capital. On Saturday night, HTS said a group of senior regime officials were negotiating over the terms of their defection. The Assad regime tried to reassure panicking residents by claiming it had “unbreakable” defences around the capital. Mohammed al-Rahmoun, the Syrian interior minister, told state TV that there was “a very strong security cordon on the outskirts of Damascus and no one can break it.” A spokesman for the Syrian army said it was reinforcing its lines “throughout the Damascus countryside” and carrying out operations in the “Hama and Homs countryside [in central Syria] and the northern Daraa countryside,” referring to areas under threat or already captured by the rebels. But residents of Damascus on Saturday began to flee the city and close their shops. “I’m very scared, for me and for my unborn daughter,” Rania, who is in her eighth month of pregnancy, told AFP. “I’ve been trying to buy medicine since this morning but I cannot find what I need.” Another resident said: “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not,” adding that prices had rocketed amid panic-buying. On Saturday night a Syrian rebel commander, Hassan Abdul Ghany, said the rebels have also overrun an army camp and several villages near Homs, another key strategic city on the road to Damascus. and other rebel forces has sparked widespread predictions that the end could be near for Assad, who has ruled Syria with unparalleled brutality over the past 13 years. Russia and Iran, Assad’s closest allies, and Turkey on Saturday called for “dialogue” with rebel forces and a diplomatic solution. Moscow’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov insisted that the regime still had Russian support. President-elect Donald Trump called for the United States not to get involved, adding that Russia had been so preoccupied with the war in Ukraine that it “seems incapable of stopping this literal march through Syria.” “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, and the united states should have nothing to do with it. This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved,” Mr Trump said in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, said he hoped that neighbouring Syria “finds peace” as its people were “ tired of war, blood and tears.” Video footage recently filmed in the suburbs of Damascus appeared to show regime soldiers changing out of their uniforms into civilian clothing to evade capture by approaching rebel forces. In the Druze neighbourhood of Jaramana, on the outskirts of Damascus, residents were filmed pulling down a bust of Hafez al-Assad, Bashar’s father. Anti-regime protesters were also tearing down posters of Assad himself in some Damascus suburbs. Some protesters gathered at regime buildings and security offices and demanded that they evacuate, according to Ryan Marouf, an activist and the editor of the news website Suwayda 24. Beyond Damascus, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) raised their flag over the eastern city of Deir el-Zor, the third city to be lost by Assad this week. Turki Al-Mahlawi, the mayor of the border town of Al-Qaim, claimed that 2,000 Syrian soldiers have abandoned their dictator and sought refuge in Iraq. The advance of various rebel groups has caught Assad’s allies off guard, as it was widely presumed that he had near-total control over Syria, where a civil war has been grinding on since 2011. In Qatar, Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, called for an immediate ceasefire after a meeting with his Russian and Turkish counterparts. “The most important thing is to start political talks between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups,” he said. “We will oppose this [uprising] in every possible way, we will support the legitimate Syrian authorities. And at the same time, of course, we will actively promote the need to resume dialogue with the opposition,” added Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister. Geir O Pedersen, the United Nations special envoy for Syria, said that the situation was changing “by the minute,” and that he was consulting with Iran, Russia, Turkey, Britain, the US and EU leaders. “The need for an orderly political transition has never been more urgent, starting with the urgent formation of inclusive and credible transitional arrangements in Syria. For this we need an urgent serious process fundamentally different from what has gone on before,” he said. Iran, which has backed Assad throughout the civil war, seems to be losing hope that the Syrian dictator will remain in power for much longer. “He has proven that no matter how much support he receives, he cannot push back even a few terrorists from his territory,” one IRGC official told the Sunday Telegraph. “He’s just a moron who couldn’t build a proper government in 10 years, and his forces surrendered without firing a single bullet,” a member of the Iran-linked Basij paramilitary group in Tehran said. Iranian militia groups, which are now fleeing the country, posted videos of themselves online bidding tearful farewells to the Sayyidah Ruqayya shrine in Damascus. 07:46 PM GMT That’s all for now We’re pausing our live coverage for now. Check back to for the latest updates. 06:44 PM GMT Assad ‘nowhere to be found’ in Damascus The Syrian regime insists Assad remains in the capital. But a source with knowledge of the situation inside the city has told CNN that he is not at any of the locations he would usually be found in. The source said the presidential guard is no longer stationed at Assad’s official residence. 06:42 PM GMT Battle for Homs continues AFP news agency reports: A Homs resident said he had seen the rebels advance past a Syrian Air Force base, in the north of the city, that was considered a major defensive area. The resident later said fighting was audible in the city outskirts. An opposition figure in touch with rebel command and a Syrian army source both also said the insurgents were inside the city. Seizing Homs, an important crossroads between the capital and the Mediterranean, would cut off Damascus from the coastal stronghold of Assad’s minority Alawite sect, and from Russia’s air and naval base. In the south, the rapid collapse of government control could allow a concerted assault on the capital, the seat of Assad’s power, where residents said electricity cut out on Saturday. 06:37 PM GMT Pictured: Residents as Hama is captured by rebels 06:15 PM GMT Panic in Damascus Residents of the Syrian capital were panic buying on Saturday as rebels closed in on the city. Many shops in the city shut their doors while others ran out of staple goods such as sugar, a resident told the Associated Press. Prices for some items had tripled, they said. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” 05:30 PM GMT Syria army says boosting deployment around Damascus and in south The Syrian army said it was strengthening its defence lines around Damascus and in the south on Saturday, as panic spread in the capital after the rebels said they were drawing close. “Our armed units are reinforcing their lines throughout the Damascus countryside and the southern region,” a spokesperson for the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces said in a televised statement. He also said the army was launching operations against rebels in the “Hama and Homs countrysides (in central Syria) and the northern Daraa countryside” in the south. 04:52 PM GMT Syria minister says ‘very strong’ security cordon around Damascus Syria’s interior minister told state TV that security forces had imposed an impenetrable cordon around Damascus on Saturday, as fighters opposing the government said they were nearing the capital. “There is a very strong security and military cordon on the far edges of Damascus and its countryside, and no one... can penetrate this defensive line that we, the armed forces, are building,” interior minister Mohammed al-Rahmoun told state TV from Damascus. 04:51 PM GMT Pictures from Hama after rebel take-over 04:33 PM GMT Syrian rebel commander says rebels have overrun villages around Homs A Syrian rebel commander, Hassan Abdul Ghany, said that rebel forces had overrun an army camp and a string of villages around the city of Homs. 04:27 PM GMT Syrian rebels say they will protect governmental, international and UN offices in Syria Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, said it has a duty to protect governmental, international and UN offices in Syria. 04:15 PM GMT Israel army says assisting UN forces in ‘repelling attack’ in Syria The Israeli army said that its troops were assisting UN peacekeeping forces in the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights in repelling an attack “by armed individuals”. “A short while ago, an attack was carried out by armed individuals at a UN post in the Hader area in Syria,” the army said in a statement, referring to a town on the edge of the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights. “The (Israeli army) is currently assisting the UN forces in repelling the attack.” 04:05 PM GMT Syrian rebels enter suburbs of Homs Syrian rebels entered suburbs of the key city of Homs on Saturday, sources said, pressing a lightning week-long advance as front lines collapse across the country and government forces battle to save president Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule. A Homs resident, and army and rebel sources, said the insurgents had breached government defences from the north and east of the city. The Syrian military did not immediately comment on the reports. Fighting has raged around the north of strategically vital Homs since late on Friday with government forces reinforcing and using intense airstrikes to hammer the rebels. Insurgents also seized almost the entire south-west within 24 hours and advanced to within 30 km (20 miles) of Damascus as government forces fell back, rebels said. 03:52 PM GMT UN envoy says political transition in Syria ‘never been more urgent’ The need for orderly political transition in Syria has never been more urgent, the UN envoy for Syria said. Speaking at a briefing in Doha, Geir Pedersen called for calm and avoidance of bloodshed in Syria. Mr Pedersen also met with US representatives and other western envoys in the Qatari capital. 03:39 PM GMT Turkey’s Erdogan says he hopes Syria ‘finds peace’ Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he hopes neighbouring Syria “finds peace”, as rebels fighting to overthrow president Bashar al-Assad advance towards the capital, Damascus. “Our wish is for our neighbour, Syria, to find the peace and tranquillity it has been dreaming of for 13 years,” said Mr Erdogan, a key player in the region, adding that Syria “is tired of war, blood and tears”. Turkey, which has a long border with Syria, has become home to about three million Syrian refugees since the start of the civil war in 2011. “Our Syrian brothers and sisters deserve freedom, security and peace in their homeland,” Mr Erdogan added, voicing hope “to see a Syria where different identities co-exist in peace”. 03:28 PM GMT Pictures of the day 03:17 PM GMT Trump says US should ‘not get involved’ in Syria war President-elect Donald Trump has said the US should not be involved in the conflict in Syria, where rebel forces are threatening the government of president Bashar al-Assad. “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” Mr Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. He posted the message shortly before he was to meet with French president Emmanuel Macron while in Paris for the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame cathedral. 03:10 PM GMT Around 2,000 Syrian troops cross to Iraq, Iraqi mayor says Around 2,000 Syrian troops have crossed the border into Iraq and sought refuge, Turki Al-Mahlawi, the mayor of Al-Qaim border town, told Reuters on Saturday. Some of the troops were wounded and are currently receiving medical treatment, he added. 02:56 PM GMT Syria state media denies Assad has left country Syria’s state news agency has denied rumours that president Bashar Assad has left the country, and said he is at work in Damascus. It condemned “rumours and false news about President Bashar al-Assad leaving Damascus,” adding that Mr Assad “is following up on his work and national and constitutional duties from the capital”. 02:44 PM GMT More than 1,000 Syrian soldiers ‘cross to Iraq’ More than 1,000 Syrian army soldiers crossed to Iraq on Saturday, the Iraqi state news agency said. 02:39 PM GMT Watch: Assad soldiers reportedly changing into civilian clothes Video reportedly shows soldiers of the Assad regime changing into civilian clothes in broad daylight near Damascus, as rebels begin to encircle the city. 02:33 PM GMT Russia’s Lavrov says Moscow will oppose Syrian rebel offensive ‘in every possible way’ Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Moscow would oppose Syrian insurgents Hayat Tahrir al-Sham by all means possible, Russian state news agency RIA reported. RIA cited Mr Lavrov as telling journalists at a forum in Qatar that the militants’ offensive had been planned long in advance, and represented an attempt to change dynamics on the ground in Syria. It quoted him as saying: “We will oppose this in every possible way, we will support the legitimate Syrian authorities. And at the same time, of course, we will actively promote the need to resume dialogue with the opposition.” 02:28 PM GMT Iran’s Araqchi says Moscow, Tehran and Ankara want end to fighting in Syria Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said after meeting his counterparts from Russia and Turkey in Doha on Saturday that the three countries agreed that the fighting in Syria should be immediately halted, Iranian state media reported. In remarks largely similar to those of Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, Mr Araqchi said: “The most important thing is to start political talks between the Syrian government and legitimate opposition groups.” 02:16 PM GMT Syria rebels encircle Damascus in major threat to Assad regime Syria’s rebels have begun to encircle Damascus in a major threat to the survival of the regime of Bashar al-Assad. “Our forces have begun the final phase of encircling the capital, Damascus,” said Hassan Abdel Ghani, a commander with the Islamist-led alliance that launched the offensive. Earlier on Sunday, a war monitor said that the rebels had advanced to within 20 kilometres of the city. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had ceded more key ground, losing control of all of southern Daraa province and evacuating posts in Quneitra, near the Israel-annexed Golan Heights. The monitor said government forces were also pulling out of towns as close as 10 kilometres from the capital. On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Assad’s family had already fled to Russia. 02:12 PM GMT Pictured: SDF fighters raise their flag over captured regime town Fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) coalition raise a flag in the eastern city of Deir el-Zor after capturing it from government forces on Friday. The town was the regime’s main foothold in the eastern Syrian desert and was the third major city to fall out of president Bashar al-Assad’s control. The SDF has not been part of the main Syrian rebel offensive, which is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). SDF troops have fought SNA forces in northern Aleppo, but it has not reported any clashes so far with HTS. 02:03 PM GMT Russia, Iran and Turkey call for talks between Assad and ‘legitimate’ opposition Russia, Turkey and Iran made a joint call for talks between the Syrian government and the “legitimate” opposition on Saturday. Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, said that the call should should be heeded by “everyone on the ground”. It came after top diplomats from the three nations met in Doha, Qatar, earlier on Sunday for discussions on the situation in Syria. It is not immediately clear which rebel factions were meant by “legitimate” opposition. Russia on Sunday labelled Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, Syria’s most powerful rebel group, as a terrorist organisation and that it would oppose it “in every possible way”. 01:49 PM GMT Rebels capture swathes of southern Syria amid government collapse Rebel forces have captured swathes of territory and several cities across the south of Syria as they advance on Damascus from three directions. The Syrian army is understood to have redeployed to the embattled city of Homs in central Syria, leaving rebels able to capture the southern provincial capitals of Daraa and Sweida early on Saturday morning. Within the last hour, rebel forces were reported to have captured the town of Al-Kiswah, which is roughly 10 miles south of Damascus. 01:36 PM GMT Hello and welcome to our live coverage We’re bringing you the latest updates as Syria’s rebels begin to encircle Damascus in a major threat to the survival of the regime of Bashar al-Assad.DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A collision between a high-speed passenger train and a fire truck on Saturday morning in Florida left three firefighters and multiple train passengers injured, authorities said. The crash happened at 10:45 a.m. in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed about a block away from the Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a local hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue transported 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Brightline officials didn’t immediately respond to an email inquiry Saturday afternoon. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said that agency is still gathering information about Saturday’s Brightline crash and hasn’t decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is two crashes involving Brightline’s high speed trains that killed three people at the same crossing early this year along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 — giving the railroad the worst death rate in the nation. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of the train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline hasn’t been found to be at fault in those previous deaths. Railroad has been a concern since a Norfolk Southern in February 2023, spilling toxic chemicals that caught fire. Regulators urged the industry to improve safety and members of Congress proposed a package of reforms, but railroads haven’t made many major changes to their operations and the bill has stalled. ___ Associated Press writers Josh Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska, and Chevel Johnson contributed from New Orleans. The Associated Press

Once an icon of the 20th century seen as obsolete in the 21st, Encyclopaedia Britannica—now known as just Britannica— is all in on artificial intelligence, and may soon go public at a valuation of nearly $1 billion, according to the New York Times . Until 2012 when printing ended , the company’s books served as the oldest continuously published, English-language encyclopedias in the world, essentially collecting all the world’s knowledge in one place before Google or Wikipedia were a thing. That has helped Britannica pivot into the AI age, where models benefit from access to high-quality, vetted information. More general-purpose models like ChatGPT suffer from hallucinations because they have hoovered up the entire internet, including all the junk and misinformation. While it still offers an online edition of its encyclopedia, as well as the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Britannica’s biggest business today is selling online education software to schools and libraries, the software it hopes to supercharge with AI. That could mean using AI to customize learning plans for individual students. The idea is that students will enjoy learning more when software can help them understand the gaps in their understanding of a topic and stay on it longer. Another education tech company, Brainly , recently announced that answers from its chatbot will link to the exact learning materials (i.e. textbooks) they reference. Britannica’s CEO Jorge Cauz also told the Times about the company’s Britannica AI chatbot , which allows users to ask questions about its vast database of encyclopedic knowledge that it collected over two centuries from vetted academics and editors. The company similarly offers chatbot software for customer service use cases. Britannica told the Times it is expecting revenue to double from two years ago, to $100 million. A company in the space of selling educational books that has seen its fortunes go the opposite direction is Chegg. The company has seen its stock price plummet almost in lock-step with the rise of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, as students canceled their subscriptions to its online knowledge platform. Similar to the rise of Wikipedia before, it seems many people appreciate the access and convenience of ChatGPT, even if they know it cannot be trusted entirely. Chegg has long had an online Q&A platform for homework help where users can pay to submit questions and get answers back. But during the pandemic it saw a flood of new users, threw contractors at answering new questions, and simply could not keep up with ChatGPT. Users have complained that solutions on Chegg are too often wrong, especially when they are submitted by other users rather than professionals. Perhaps the prestigious brand and legacy of Britannica will help it succeed in this new age where chatbots are still apt to return wrong information. It seems like schools are at least willing to pay for access to something they are more confident in.

CYPRESS LAKE, Fla. (AP) — Kam Craft and Peter Suder both had 18 points in Miami (OH)'s 70-58 victory against Siena on Monday. Craft added five rebounds for the RedHawks (3-2). Suder shot 7 of 9 from the floor, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and 3 for 3 from the line. Eian Elmer shot 4 for 8 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 15 points. The Saints (3-3) were led by Major Freeman, who recorded 15 points. Brendan Coyle added 12 points for Siena. Justice Shoats had 12 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .LONDON , NEW YORK , and SYDNEY , Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DAZN , a world-leading sports entertainment platform, has today announced an agreement to acquire Foxtel Group (' Foxtel ') from its majority shareholder News Corp and minority shareholder Telstra at an enterprise value of US$2.2 billion , subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition establishes DAZN as a leader in sports entertainment in Australia – a highly attractive sports market – while also expanding DAZN's global footprint and enhancing the group's standing as the global home of sport. The addition of Foxtel to DAZN brings the Group's pro-forma revenues towards US$6 billion and provides the additional content, expertise, and expansion opportunities to accelerate DAZN's growth trajectory. Foxtel is one of Australia's leading media companies, with 4.7 million subscribers, who will benefit from DAZN's extensive portfolio of sports content, platform technology, and global reach. From its beginnings as Australia's original pay-TV innovator, Foxtel has evolved to become a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment and the proposed transaction positions Foxtel for continued expansion as a digital-first, streaming-focused business. Foxtel will maintain its local character, led by the CEO, Patrick Delany , and his world-class management team. DAZN, a sports streaming platform with a truly global reach, is committed to growing the global audience for domestic Australian sports across the 200 territories in which it is available. Under the terms of the transaction, News Corp and Telstra will become minority shareholders in DAZN, enabling them to retain an interest in Foxtel. Shay Segev , Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, said: "Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market, marking another step in our long-term strategy to become the global home of sport. Foxtel is a successful business that has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, and we are confident that our global reach and relentless pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the business forward and ensure long-term success. "We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel's television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers. We are also committed to using our global reach to export Australia's most popular sports to new markets around the world, and we will continue to promote women's and under-represented sports. "We're looking forward to working closely with Patrick Delany and his team, as well as News Corp and Telstra as shareholders in DAZN, to realise our ambitious vision for the future of sport entertainment." Siobhan McKenna , the Chairman of Foxtel , said the agreement with DAZN was international recognition of the transformation of Foxtel from an incumbent pay TV operator to a sports and entertainment digital and streaming leader. "Over the last seven years the Foxtel team, with the strong support of News, have achieved an extraordinary turnaround in an intensely competitive environment." Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany , said: "Today's announcement is a natural evolution for the Foxtel Group, having reinvented the company over the past five years as Australia's most dynamic technology-led streaming company. "Kayo and Foxtel provide Australian sports fans with access to the best Australian and international sport and shows, including AFL, NRL and Cricket with 4.7 million subscribers. "We are excited by DAZN's commitment to the Australian market. They are experts in the sports media business and can play a significant role in supporting Foxtel as the business grows its streaming capabilities, bringing a bigger and better service to customers across entertainment, news and sport. They are a perfect match for us as we look toward this next era of growth. "We have been grateful for the support of News Corp while we reimagined the future of Foxtel. In 2019, when we merged Foxtel and Fox Sports we had many people questioning our future. "After launching Kayo later in 2019 and BINGE in 2020, today we are the largest Australian-based streamer of sport and entertainment, we have stabilised our Foxtel base and launched Hubbl to help consumers find all the streamed content they love all in one place. This wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of News Corp." NOTES TO EDITORS About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women's football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to maximise sports exposure to a broad audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone, and many more. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. The Group generated $3.2bn in revenue in 2023, having grown its annual revenues by over 50% on average from 2020 to 2023, through diverse revenue streams comprising subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship, and transactional. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com . About Foxtel The Foxtel Group is one of Australia's leading media companies with 4.7 million subscribers. Its businesses include subscription television, streaming, sports production and advertising. The Foxtel Group is owned 65% by News Corp and 35% by Telstra. The Foxtel Group's diversified business includes Fox Sports, Australia's leading sports production company, famous for live sports and shows with the best commentators and personalities. It is also the home of local and global entertainment content and continues to be the partner of choice for the widest range of sports and international content providers based on established, long-term relationships, growing streaming audiences, and position as the largest Australian-based subscription television company. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dazn-advances-global-expansion-with-acquisition-of-foxtel-a-leading-australian-sports-and-entertainment-media-group-302337994.html SOURCE DAZN

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With the Murree Tourist Glass Train project's feasibility study due for completion by April 30, 2025, it's being speculated that the scheme has gained strategic importance, given the possibility of it being expanded to Muzaffarabad. According to former Pakistan Railways general manager and the current CEO of the Centre of Excellence in Transportation and Railway Engineering, Ashfaq Khattak, the project holds strategic importance beyond tourism. The feasibility study for the first phase is being conducted by the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) and is scheduled for completion by April 30, 2025. Following its approval by relevant forums, the project will proceed to international tendering. It will be implemented through a public-private partnership model. According to sources, the feasibility study for the second phase was already completed during former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's third tenure, under the Kashmir Railway initiative. The project will draw parallels to India's operational Jammu-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link. The initial phase of the project includes constructing a 55-kilometre railway track from Islamabad's Margalla Railway Station to Bhara Kahu, Phurwaha Mor, Ghora Gali, Jhika Gali, and Bhurban. In this regard, Ishfaq Khattak has provided technical input for the project to Nespak. Collaborating with the Pak-Austria Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Khattak emphasised the project's significance, citing its potential to boost tourism along the Islamabad-Murree route. "The use of advanced safety features will ensure the train's operation even during snowfall, enhancing its reliability," he said. The track will utilise a broad gauge or standard gauge system with a cog-and-pinion rack for enhanced safety, Khattak said adding that a single track will be laid between the dual tracks to serve as a safety gear mechanism, allowing for an elevation increase of one foot every 12 feet. It is being seen as a response to India's already operational tourist train service in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir region, which connects Jammu, Srinagar, and Baramulla via a high-speed railway link. This ambitious initiative is expected to not only bolster tourism but also contribute to regional connectivity and strategic positioning. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon announced on Saturday that Dec. 28 will be recognized as "Buffalo Bandits Day" in the city. The proclamation honor's the teams legacy and the unveiling of their sixth National Lacrosse League (NLL) Championship banner at KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo. "The Bandits have brough immense pride, excitement, and joy to our city and with every win the Bandits unite our community and inspire young athletes across the City of Buffalo and Western New York," Scanlon said in a statement. "Buffalo is Banditland, and this proclamation is a tribute to a team that has made an indelible impact on our city, community, and region." The team was founded in 1992 and is the longest-tenured team in the NLL with 33 years in Buffalo. The team is currently 2-0 for the 2024-2025 regular season. The Buffalo Bandits take on the Rochester Knighthawks in Buffalo for their home opener at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information on the Buffalo Bandits, visit their website here . "They’re going to be really hungry to upset our banner night. Obviously, it’s exciting but once the game starts, it’s going to be all about Rochester.”Read the game preview: https://bit.ly/4gw9Pk9

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LONDON , NEW YORK , and SYDNEY , Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DAZN , a world-leading sports entertainment platform, has today announced an agreement to acquire Foxtel Group (' Foxtel ') from its majority shareholder News Corp and minority shareholder Telstra at an enterprise value of US$2.2 billion , subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition establishes DAZN as a leader in sports entertainment in Australia – a highly attractive sports market – while also expanding DAZN's global footprint and enhancing the group's standing as the global home of sport. The addition of Foxtel to DAZN brings the Group's pro-forma revenues towards US$6 billion and provides the additional content, expertise, and expansion opportunities to accelerate DAZN's growth trajectory. Foxtel is one of Australia's leading media companies, with 4.7 million subscribers, who will benefit from DAZN's extensive portfolio of sports content, platform technology, and global reach. From its beginnings as Australia's original pay-TV innovator, Foxtel has evolved to become a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment and the proposed transaction positions Foxtel for continued expansion as a digital-first, streaming-focused business. Foxtel will maintain its local character, led by the CEO, Patrick Delany , and his world-class management team. DAZN, a sports streaming platform with a truly global reach, is committed to growing the global audience for domestic Australian sports across the 200 territories in which it is available. Under the terms of the transaction, News Corp and Telstra will become minority shareholders in DAZN, enabling them to retain an interest in Foxtel. Shay Segev , Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, said: "Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market, marking another step in our long-term strategy to become the global home of sport. Foxtel is a successful business that has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, and we are confident that our global reach and relentless pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the business forward and ensure long-term success. "We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel's television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers. We are also committed to using our global reach to export Australia's most popular sports to new markets around the world, and we will continue to promote women's and under-represented sports. "We're looking forward to working closely with Patrick Delany and his team, as well as News Corp and Telstra as shareholders in DAZN, to realise our ambitious vision for the future of sport entertainment." Siobhan McKenna , the Chairman of Foxtel , said the agreement with DAZN was international recognition of the transformation of Foxtel from an incumbent pay TV operator to a sports and entertainment digital and streaming leader. "Over the last seven years the Foxtel team, with the strong support of News, have achieved an extraordinary turnaround in an intensely competitive environment." Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany , said: "Today's announcement is a natural evolution for the Foxtel Group, having reinvented the company over the past five years as Australia's most dynamic technology-led streaming company. "Kayo and Foxtel provide Australian sports fans with access to the best Australian and international sport and shows, including AFL, NRL and Cricket with 4.7 million subscribers. "We are excited by DAZN's commitment to the Australian market. They are experts in the sports media business and can play a significant role in supporting Foxtel as the business grows its streaming capabilities, bringing a bigger and better service to customers across entertainment, news and sport. They are a perfect match for us as we look toward this next era of growth. "We have been grateful for the support of News Corp while we reimagined the future of Foxtel. In 2019, when we merged Foxtel and Fox Sports we had many people questioning our future. "After launching Kayo later in 2019 and BINGE in 2020, today we are the largest Australian-based streamer of sport and entertainment, we have stabilised our Foxtel base and launched Hubbl to help consumers find all the streamed content they love all in one place. This wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of News Corp." NOTES TO EDITORS About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women's football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to maximise sports exposure to a broad audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone, and many more. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. The Group generated $3.2bn in revenue in 2023, having grown its annual revenues by over 50% on average from 2020 to 2023, through diverse revenue streams comprising subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship, and transactional. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com . About Foxtel The Foxtel Group is one of Australia's leading media companies with 4.7 million subscribers. Its businesses include subscription television, streaming, sports production and advertising. The Foxtel Group is owned 65% by News Corp and 35% by Telstra. The Foxtel Group's diversified business includes Fox Sports, Australia's leading sports production company, famous for live sports and shows with the best commentators and personalities. It is also the home of local and global entertainment content and continues to be the partner of choice for the widest range of sports and international content providers based on established, long-term relationships, growing streaming audiences, and position as the largest Australian-based subscription television company. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dazn-advances-global-expansion-with-acquisition-of-foxtel-a-leading-australian-sports-and-entertainment-media-group-302337994.html SOURCE DAZNDec. 23, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Poison experts see it every winter holiday season: Parents rush kids to the emergency room or call hotlines, panicking that their child has ingested something dangerous. Between holiday breaks, visiting relatives' homes, attending festivities, and opening gifts galore, kids face extra risks for accidental exposure to poison. In addition to heart felt season’s greetings, the Nebraska Poison Center sends out reminders that changes in routine may increase risks for kids. Poison experts urge parents and party hosts to remember safety best practices. • Pretty holiday plants aren't edible. Keep small children and animals away from mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants and poinsettias. • Be mindful of small batteries. Toys, games, watches, remotes, and musical greeting cards may contain button or disc batteries. If swallowed, they can become stuck and cause serious injury or death if not removed. • Watch out for water beads and magnets in toys . Expanding water beads and rare earth magnets are inappropriate for those who may ingest them. Strong magnets can stick together in the intestines and trigger a medical emergency. If water beads are swallowed, they may swell and cause a blockage in the intestines. • Be on the lookout for nicotine-containing products, including vape liquid and chewing tobacco, as well as CBD and THC products . These are often in brightly colored packaging that can easily be mistaken for candy or other food items for children. If swallowed by youngsters, nicotine may cause shakiness, vomiting or seizures. Keep these items away from common areas, locked and out of reach. • Lock up cleaning cabinets. Cleansers, laundry pods, and other cleaning products should also be stored out of sight. Do not mix chemicals together when cleaning and follow all label directions for using these products. • Remind relatives without small children about the importance of child-proofing prescription drugs . Encourage friends and family to store medications up, out of sight and locked up tight, not out on a nightstand or counter. Keep all purses and travel bags secured. • Be vigilant about the bar and alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are more readily accessible during gatherings. Clean immediately after gatherings and remove all items that may contain alcohol. Sadly, the holiday season can bring joy and grief simultaneously. As seasonal calls to the Poison Center concerning children increase, so do calls about intentional harm. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of self-harm or are in a crisis, remember that you are not alone. Call 988 to reach the 24/7 National Suicide and Crisis Line for help. Prevention is the best way to avoid and minimize poisonings. The Poison Center’s specially trained registered nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365. If you have questions or suspect poisoning exposure, call 1-800-222-1222. Your call will be routed to a local poison control center. Poison Center services are free and confidential. More information The Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) has more about poison exposure. SOURCE: Holiday Help From the Nebraska Poison Center, fact sheet.

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