80jili net

80jili net Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay homeNoneRepublicans boasting about their great election mandate may want to hold the euphoria. As the final results trickle in from the late state of California, the GOP looks set to have the narrowest House majority in more than a century. The Democratic gerrymander in California, plus those in New York (19-7 Democratic to GOP seats), Illinois (14-3) and Massachusetts (9-0), means four states will deliver 85 of the Democratic total of 215 seats. The GOP could have as few as 220. One message is that while voters rejected the Biden-Harris administration, their support for Republicans is provisional. The GOP did better in the Senate, gaining a three-seat edge. But they narrowly lost winnable seats in Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada despite fielding strong candidates. Another message is that the GOP has about a year to get anything done. The party is likely to lose the House in 2026, if midterm history is any guide, and the partisan Senate map is challenging. The GOP had better pass legislation it wants in 2025 before attention turns to political survival in 2026. This will require House Republicans in particular to stick together as they haven’t in years. Matt Gaetz will be out of Congress, saints be praised, but other performance artists are still around to blow things up and blame everyone else. Perhaps Donald Trump can keep them in line behind Speaker Mike Johnson. But factionalism will mean the end of a functioning majority and guaranteed defeat in 2026. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Liverpool boss Arne Slot talks up ‘special player’ Mohamed Salah

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — It doesn't happen all that often, but when it does, it can seem like a dream come true for sports gamblers: being able to bet on a game after it has already ended. And it has happened again in Atlantic City, where a sportsbook has been fined for taking $25,000 worth of bets on college basketball and hockey games and boxing matches after they were over. In action made public last week, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement fined William Hill Sportsbook $20,000 for bets it wrongly took in 2022 and 2023. The company voided most of the bets after discovering the errors. But others had already been paid out to customers. William Hill operates retail sportsbooks in Atlantic City at the Caesars, Harrah's and Tropicana casinos. The casinos' parent company, Caesars Entertainment, did not respond to messages seeking comment Friday and Monday. According to documents from the enforcement division, on Feb. 23 and 24, 2022, it took 42 bets via in-person kiosks on 12 college basketball games after the results were already known. William Hill paid just over $5,000 to customers on six bets before it became aware of the error. The remainder of the bets were voided and the customers' initial wagers were returned to them. William Hill blamed the error on a sportsbook content supplier, London-based OpenBet, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. Similar errors allowed illegal bets on two boxing matches. On June 11, 2022, William Hill took bets on a Chris Kongo-Sebastian Formella boxing match that it had advertised as starting at noon. However, the match began at 11:15 a.m. and concluded at 11:55 a.m. On April 15, 2023, William Hill took bets on a Denzel Bentley-Kieran Smith fight after it, too, had already ended. The company listed the fight as a noon start, but it began at 11:55 a.m. and ended just 45 seconds later with a knockout. The division also fined Amelco, a London-based sports betting technology company, $10,000 for violations including allowing sportsbook PlayUp to take a bet in March 2022 on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg becoming the next U.S. president. Although recent court decisions allowed political betting in last month's election, it was not allowed at the time the bet was made. PlayUp utilized Amelco and Sportradar as its sportsbook providers. In documents filed with the enforcement division, Amelco said Sportradar listed the U.S. presidential election under a category of bets that Amelco marked as “true,” automatically listing it on its menu of betting markets. Amelco told the division its own trading team failed to recognize the U.S. election as an event that was not authorized to be bet upon. Sportradar said it does not label any of the betting markets in its data feed as authorized or unauthorized, adding it is the responsibility of each sports betting company to make sure they only offer bets that comply with local laws. Sportradar also noted that the division did not assess a fine against it, adding that Amelco was “solely liable” for the violation. PlayUp also accepted two bets worth nearly $700 on a Seton Hall University basketball game on Jan. 18, 2023, in violation of a state law prohibiting bets on New Jersey college teams. PlayUp and Amelco did not respond to requests for comment Monday. The $1 bet on Buttigieg was voided. It's not the first time this has happened. In November 2021, the division fined the Malta-based sports betting technology company Kambi Group and Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive $1,000 apiece for taking bets on a British soccer game that was already over . And in September, it fined bet365 $33,000 for taking bets on already-completed basketball, golf and mixed martial arts events. Follow Wayne Parry on X at https://x.com/WayneParryAC .

Two of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top cabinet ministers met Friday with two of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks in an attempt to stave off the looming prospect of tariffs on Canadian exports. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc flew to Florida to brief the presidential transition team on the government's plan for improving border security and to make the case that Trump's threat of steep tariffs on all Canadian exports to the U.S. would damage both countries' economies. Trump threatened last month to slap a 25 per cent tariff on all goods entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico starting on Jan. 20, his inauguration day, unless the countries curb the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders. Joly and LeBlanc met Friday morning with Trump's nominee for secretary of commerce, Howard Lutnick, and his pick for secretary of the interior, Doug Burgum, at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago resort, where his transition team is headquartered. "Both ministers outlined the measures in Canada's border plan and reiterated the shared commitment to strengthen border security as well as combat the harm caused by fentanyl to save Canadian and American lives," LeBlanc's spokesperson Jean-Sébastien Comeau said in an email to CBC News. While the ministers did not obtain a commitment to hold off on the tariffs, Comeau said the meeting was "productive" and positive, and that discussions would continue in the coming weeks. Trump departs a news conference at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., followed by his nominee for secretary of commerce, Howard Lutnick, on Dec. 16. (Evan Vucci/The Associated Press) CBC News requested interviews Friday with Joly and LeBlanc, but they were not available. The Trudeau government has been scrambling for the past month to mount a response to the tariff threat, which has until now included the prime minister and Leblanc, then-minister of public safety, flying to Mar-a-Lago for a dinner meeting with Trump and unveiling a $1.3-billion suite of measures meant to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and strengthen 24/7 surveillance of the border. Trump taunts Trudeau by calling him 'governor' of 'a great state' Analysis Trump names his tariff man. Here's what he's said and what it means for Canada Meanwhile, Trump has followed up with a succession of Canada-focused social media posts, including taunting Trudeau as "governor," suggesting Canadians would be better off living in the 51st state , and claiming he'd urged former hockey star Wayne Gretzky to "run for prime minister ." Trudeau is currently in British Columbia on Christmas vacation, amid mounting questions about his leadership and an imminent threat that his government could fall next month in a non-confidence vote. CBC News asked Trump's transition team for comment on Friday's meetings but did not receive a response. Donald Trump urges Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister 1 day ago Duration 4:24 U.S. president-elect Donald Trump claimed on social media that he urged hockey icon Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister during a Christmas visit. It’s Trump’s latest comment on Canadian politics, following quips about Canada becoming the U.S.’s 51st state and meeting 'Governor' Justin Trudeau. Lutnick, CEO of Wall Street financial services giant Cantor Fitzgerald, was a major donor to Trump's campaign. The president-elect said Lutnick "will lead our tariff and trade agenda " when announcing his nomination as secretary of commerce. Trump's trade deficit concerns raised in meeting: source Trump's frustrations about the U.S. trade deficit with Canada came up at the meeting, a senior Canadian government source told CBC News. Trump has repeatedly inaccurately characterized the trade deficit — about $75 billion US in 2023 — as the U.S. subsidizing the Canadian economy. Doug Ford makes his case against Trump's tariffs in U.S. media interviews Economists say the trade deficit is almost entirely because of Canada's large petroleum exports. The U.S. imported more crude oil from Canada in 2023 than from all other countries combined, according to data posted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The source said it will be tricky for Canada to deal with Trump's trade deficit concerns. The president-elect has signalled he wants to renegotiate the terms of the tripartite trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico, a deal struck during Trump's first term in office. Canadian and American flags fly near the Windsor-Detroit Ambassador Bridge, a major trade link. (Rob Gurdebeke/The Canadian Press) The likely key objective for LeBlanc and Joly at the Mar-a-Lago meeting was to figure out if Canada's planned border measures will be enough to dissuade Trump from go through with his tariff threat, said Lori Turnbull, a political science professor at Dalhousie University. "I'm not sure if it's realistic that they're going to get an answer like that today," Turnbull told CBC News Network's Natasha Fatah in an interview Friday. Trump starts a victory dance over Canada border moves LeBlanc says he's meeting with Trump's border czar after Christmas to present $1.3B plan "But I think the point is to try to move toward that goal and to see what else might need to be done," Turnbull said. "I think more broadly, it's about relationship-building. It's about being there, establishing a conversation, keeping that line of communication open and having the conversation with people who are not Trump." Ahead of the meeting, LeBlanc's spokesperson had said that the ministers intended "to focus on Canada's efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration and the measures outlined in Canada's border plan, as well as the negative impacts that the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods would have on both Canada and the United States." LeBlanc had previously said he would meet Trump's border czar Tom Homan "after Christmas" to present Canada's proposed plan to secure the shared border. However, LeBlanc did not meet Homan on Friday.SEANN Walsh lashed out at his Weakest Link co-stars and declared he was 'unfollowing them' after a disaster on the show. The comedian took part in a 'Party Special' of the BBC quiz but was left fuming after being voted off prematurely by his fellow celebrities. Advertisement 7 Seann Walsh was cross to be voted off The Weakest Link in the second round Credit: BBC 7 He had been the strongest link in the previous round Credit: bbc 7 Seann warned his celebrity co-stars he will be 'unfollowing them all' Credit: BBC Seann had been the strongest link during the first round of the game but was voted out by his competitors after the second round. He was picked to leave by fellow competitors Babatunde Aléshé, Scarlett Moffatt and Richie Anderson . Even host Romesh Ranganathan said: "This is, for so many reasons, unbelievable. It was an incredible decision." Waving his finger in the air, Sean told the celebrities: "I'm unfollowing all of you!" Advertisement READ MORE ON THE WEAKEST LINK GAME ON I cheated on The Weakest Link with a sneaky tactic - my rivals complained NOT THE STRONGEST The Weakest Link viewers complain about latest celebrity winner Although Seann had answered one of his questions correctly, he had struggled with his second. Romesh had asked: "In politics , which motoring manoeuvre that refers to the driver of a vehicle changing direction is a term used for an abrupt reversal of policy?" Seann asked him to repeat the question, before hesitating and wrongly answering: "Indication." The correct answer was "U-turn". Advertisement Most read in Reality OH CHLO! Chloe Ferry dares to go braless in plunging leather shirt for festive night out quiz upset ITV spark fury by airing controversial Beat The Chasers win after woman’s death HAMMER HORROR Homes Under The Hammer team found ‘dead body’ reveals Martin Roberts MOVING ON Anita Rani accused of faking plans to buy £850k home after marriage split Richie used the error as his reasoning for voting Seann out. "I think it was the time you took with the... I mean, you could have done a U-turn in that time!" he quipped. Fans 'spit tea out' at 'most incredible wrong answer' to sport question on Weakest Link that baffles Romesh Ranganathan As the celebrities gasped, Seann hit back: "Very good." Looking annoyed, Seann told Romesh he had been "daydreaming" when he was asked the question. Advertisement The actual weakest link for the second round was Ibiza Weekender and Celebrity Big Brother winner David Potts. David had been asked: "In fashion, the logo of which sportswear brand is officially known as a 'swoosh'?" He wrongly answered "Adidas". The correct answer is "Nike". "I didn't know what a swoosh was. If you'd have said tick, I would have said Nike," David claimed to Romesh. Advertisement Speaking to the camera after he was dismissed from the stage, Seann blasted David's 'swoosh' answer. He said: "I didn't feel I was the weakest link in the round. "I love David, but 'swoosh'? I would have got 'swoosh'. If you just make the noise it does the tick! Swoosh! Adidas?!" Do you have to pay tax on game show winnings in the UK? Unlike in many other countries, such as the US, HMRC allows cash prizes from competitions and the National Lottery to be tax-free. However, in order for the money to be seen as from a 'competition', there has to be a skill-based element, such as a quiz question, or the option of free entry. This is why some competitions ask incredibly simple questions that even a five-year-old could answer, as they are trying to get around the requirement to offer a free entry option. Former Gogglebox star Scarlett and radio and TV star Richie made it to the final round of The Weakest Link on Saturday night. Advertisement Scarlett ended up winning the show following a sudden death round. She had been asked: "Which Prime Minister of the 21st Century has a surname that is an anagram of the word 'romance'?" Scarlett looked stumped before guessing: "David Cameron?" Read more on the Scottish Sun 'DISGUSTING' Festive fly-tippers slammed for dumping mountains of rubbish at Scots Asda GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ She was stunned to be told it was the correct answer, meaning she had won £7,650 for her chosen charity, The Samaritans. Advertisement Scarlett is an ambassador for the organisation. 7 Weakest Link host Romesh Ranganathan described Seann's dismissal as 'unbelievable' Credit: BBC 7 Richie Anderson poked fun at Seann for hesitating on his 'U-turn' question Credit: BBC 7 David Potts was the weakest link - not Seann Credit: BBC Advertisement 7 Scarlett Moffatt was the winner of the 'Party Special' episode of the game show Credit: BBC

Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. ( NYSE:SWX – Free Report ) by 88.4% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 20,679 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after purchasing an additional 9,705 shares during the quarter. Franklin Resources Inc.’s holdings in Southwest Gas were worth $1,539,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. UMB Bank n.a. increased its position in Southwest Gas by 67.2% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 398 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares during the last quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC increased its position in shares of Southwest Gas by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 27,125 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $2,001,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares during the last quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Southwest Gas by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC now owns 4,303 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $317,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares during the period. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Southwest Gas by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 9,174 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $645,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Southwest Gas by 37.5% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 789 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.77% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently commented on SWX shares. Bank of America reaffirmed an “underperform” rating and issued a $73.00 target price on shares of Southwest Gas in a report on Friday, December 13th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Southwest Gas from $74.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 25th. Insider Activity at Southwest Gas In other news, major shareholder Carl C. Icahn sold 1,390,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.74, for a total transaction of $106,668,600.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 9,632,604 shares in the company, valued at approximately $739,206,030.96. This trade represents a 12.61 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Southwest Gas Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:SWX opened at $70.35 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $74.55 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $73.33. Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. has a 52 week low of $57.55 and a 52 week high of $80.29. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.37, a PEG ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.41. Southwest Gas ( NYSE:SWX – Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The utilities provider reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.02. Southwest Gas had a net margin of 3.44% and a return on equity of 5.99%. The company had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.12 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.10 earnings per share. Southwest Gas’s quarterly revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. will post 3.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Southwest Gas Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 18th will be paid a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.53%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 18th. Southwest Gas’s dividend payout ratio is presently 100.00%. Southwest Gas Company Profile ( Free Report ) Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada, and California. The company operates through Natural Gas Distribution, Utility Infrastructure Services, and Pipeline and Storage segments. It also provides trenching, installation, and replacement of underground pipes, as well as maintenance services for energy distribution systems. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SWX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. ( NYSE:SWX – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Omnicom acquires Interpublic Group: ‘Now is the perfect time’

However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.

Hero World Challenge expert picks and predictions with our PGA Pro’s best bets for the 2024 golf tournament | Sporting NewsBy HALELUYA HADERO, Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. Related Articles “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute , leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.”

India News | Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu Congratulates Priyanka Gandhi on Wayanad By-election Win

India bids goodbye to former prime minister Manmohan Singh in state funeralSportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78

Syrian government services come to ‘complete halt’ as workers stay at home

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria’s prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad, but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector came “to a complete and abrupt halt.” Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad’s brutal rule. The rebel alliance now in control of much of the country is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and promises representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. Syrian citizens stand on a government forces tank that was left on a street Monday as they celebrate in Damascus, Syria. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. Syrians wait to cross into Syria from Turkey on Monday at the Oncupinar border gate near the town of Kilis, southern Turkey. In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad’s departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people still celebrated. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence, though in some areas small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Syrian citizens celebrate Monday during the second day of the takeover of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria. Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons, security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. “Don’t be afraid,” one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. “Bashar Assad has fallen!” In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. “I haven’t seen him for 13 years,” he said. “I am going to go see whether he’s alive.” Jalali, the prime minister, sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation already improved from the day before. Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank Monday along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a U.N. official said some government services were paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies was put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Members of the Syrian community in Finland wave a Syrian flag and celebrate in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 8, 2024. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Syrians wave opposition flags and give out sweets during a spontaneous rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Syrians celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria at a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Jonas Ekstroemer/TT News Agency via AP) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians wave Syrian opposition flags at a rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Syrians living in France gather on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians living in France hug during a rally on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is expected to announce that it will send $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Friday, as the Biden administration pushes to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on Jan. 20. The large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defense officials acknowledged that that the Defense Department may not be able to send all of the remaining $5.6 billion in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia, and spoken about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many U.S. and European leaders are concerned that it might result in a poor deal for Ukraine and they worry that he won’t provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The aid in the new package is in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the Pentagon to take weapons off the shelves and send them quickly to Ukraine. This latest assistance would reduce the remaining amount to about $4.35 billion. Officials have said they hope that an influx of aid will help strengthen Ukraine’s hand, should Zelenskyy decide it’s time to negotiate. One senior defense official said that while the U.S. will continue to provide weapons to Ukraine until Jan. 20, there may well be funds remaining that will be available for the incoming Trump administration to spend. According to the Pentagon, there is also about $1.2 billion remaining in longer-term funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more. Officials have said the administration anticipates releasing all of that money before the end of the calendar year. If the new package is included, the U.S. has provided more than $64 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Trump asks US Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban• DIY Journal Workshop at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 2 at the North Branch. Teens in grades 6-12 will learn tips and tricks for how to create and use journals in ways that help your brain succeed. To register, call 586-226-5083. • For those that received a new tablet, CMPL is offering programs to assist in downloading and using free library apps. A librarian will host events on how to use library apps to access free books, magazines, music, movies and more at 3 p.m. Jan. 4 or 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at the South Branch. To register, call 586-226-5073. • Bullet Journaling and Beyond at 10 a.m. Jan. 6 at the North Branch. Participants may bring a journal and pen, but a starter journal will be available for those who need one. To register, call 586-226-5083. • De-Stress Fest at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 at the North Branch. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the library to de-stress during midterms with some crafts, games, snacks, and therapy dogs. No registration required. • Children ages 5-12 are invited for some fun with theatre at 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at the North Branch. OpenSpot Theatre’s mission is to provide a fun, creative, and inclusive arts experience that is accessible to all people and which culminates in a live performance for friends and family. To register, call 586-226-5083. • CMPL is still offering usual book discussion groups and trivia nights online each month. Register for events online at cmpl.libnet.info/events or call 586-226-5000. CMPL Main Library is located at 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. CMPL is North Branch is at 54100 Broughton Road, Macomb Township. CMPL South Branch located at 35679 South Gratiot Ave., Clinton Township. To register for programs, visit cmpl.libnet.info/events . • Spice of the Month Club 2 p.m. Jan. 7. • Family Game Night at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8. • Thursday Book Club at 6 p.m. Jan. 9. Selection is ‘Beartown’ by Richard Paul Evans. • Friends of the Library meeting at 10 a.m. Jan. 11. • The library has an ongoing canned food drive. Non-perishable foods can be dropped off during open hours. • The library is open to the public and for curbside service and phone reference service during regular hours. Patrons can place holds on items through the catalog or call to request materials. The library is located at 15875 Oak Ave., Eastpointe. To contact the library or to register for most programs, call 586-445-5096. •Presidential Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 6. We are now exploring other nonfiction titles about the history of the USA. Selection is part two of ‘Undaunted courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West’. by Stephen Ambrose. •Story time: Winter Session 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Designed for any of our tiny patrons to enjoy. We’ll sing, dance, and bounce our way into literacy. Registration required for children only. Themes for this winter will include: Snow, Cities, Feelings, Weather, Hats, Dance, Mail, Cats, Sports, Picnic, Cookies, and Bunnies. The library is holding programming at 15260/15240 15 Mile Road, Fraser. To register for programming where required, call 586-293-2055 or online at fraserpubliclibrary.org • Silent Book Club at 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 2. At Silent Book Club, there’s no assigned reading. Bring whatever book you are reading and join an evening out with fellow book lovers. All readers are welcome – eBooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books... it’s BYOBook. At the beginning of each meeting, we will have time to mingle, followed by an hour of silent reading. Registration appreciated. • Knitting and Crochet Circle 10 a.m.-noon Jan 7, 14, 21 and 28. Knitters and crocheters of all levels. Bring your own project and supplies. This group is currently accepting donations of yarn, fleece, or craft store gift cards. The group creates and donates to charitable organizations like Beaumont Little Angels, Project Linus, Compassion Pregnancy, and more to give comfort items during times of need. • Adult Take and Make Craft: Wishing Tree Jan. 8 while supplies last. Create your own wishing tree! Take the time to reflect and write down your New Year’s resolutions, then transform them into a beautiful and motivational piece of décor. Visit the library to grab your Take & Make kit starting January 8, while supplies last. Limited supplies available. • Baby Play Group 10 a.m. Fridays Jan. 10-Feb. 28 (no storytime Feb. 21) Children ages 6-24 months and their parents to spend time together and enjoy themselves, while building early literacy skills. Registration not required. Residents can request materials be delivered to their homes. Request materials, once notified they are ready for pickup, contact the library at 586-329-1261 to set up delivery time. The library is located at 38255 L’Anse Creuse St., Harrison Township. Register for classes where required at htlibrary.org . • The Librarian’s List Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 2. • Friends of the MacDonald Public Library Book Sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 4. • Teen: Winter Art with Buttons at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7. • Kids Take and Make: Fake Snow Jan. 8. •Writers’ Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 8. • The Librarian’s List- Daytime Edition at 2 p.m. Jan. 9. • Adult Craft Night at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9. • Saturday Storytime at 10 a.m. Jan. 11. Most programs require registration. To sign up for programs or find more events, visit macdonaldlibrary.org and click on “events.” To contact the library, send an email to contactmpl@macdonaldlibrary.org or call 586-725-0273. The library is open and available for visits Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is located at 36480 Main St., New Baltimore. • Movie Musical Saturdays 11 a.m.-1 pm. Jan 4 selection is ‘La La Land’ We will provide popcorn and drinks, but feel free to bring your own snacks. All movies are rated PG-13. • DIY Lantern Making 4-5:30 p.m. Jan. 6. Make your day a little brighter with our DIY lantern making activity! Design your own custom lantern that you can take home and hang wherever you’d like. • Creating Vision Boards 4-6 p.m. Jan. 8. We will be using pictures, magazines, and quotes to plan out our goals for the future. • Sewing Machine Open Session noon-1:45 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 Did you know our library has 4 sewing machines available for the public to use? Stop by any of these open sewing machine sessions to work on your own projects, or learn how to use our sewing machines with a simple hands-on tutorial! • American Sign Language 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Those ages seven and up are invited to join professional ASL interpreter and Mount Clemens resident, Jeanne Coker for a 6 week course in signing, deaf history, and culture! The first 45 minutes will cover more basic skills and content, geared toward anyone 7 years old and up! Parents and children are encouraged to attend this portion together! The second half of the class will go more in depth and allow for some discussion and personalized instruction. Registration required. • Resume review 4-7 p.m. Mondays. Bring your resume to adult services for a resume review. Experts will critique, revise, and make it great for your next job search. If you cannot come on Mondays, call 586-469-6200 for an appointment. The library is located at 150 Cass Avenue and registration for programs where required can be done online at mtclib.org . • Tuesday Book Group 1:30 p.m. Jan. 7. Selection is ‘The Lovely Bones’ by Alice Sebold. This group currently meets in the general meeting room. Call 586-752-0603 for more details. • Teen Anime Club at 6 p.m. Jan. 7. Love all things anime and love reading manga? Watch anime, do crafts, and eat all the Pocky! Snacks will be provided. Registration not required. • Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8. Those ages 3-5 can join for stories, songs, and a take-home craft. No registration required. The library is located at 65821 Van Dyke, Washington Township. For more information or to register where required, call 586-752-0603. • Kids Craft Week through Dec. 31. Come in and do a craft. We have an assortment of crafts to choose from. Something for kids of all ages. No registration required. • Crochet Club at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 7. Crochet beginners to experts – We take knitters and other needle workers too! Join our circle and work on your projects. • Genealogy Workshop 11 a.m. Jan. 11. Work to share resources, ideas, and support at monthly topical workshops. A genealogy librarian will be on hand to answer questions and help guide searches with free library resources and reference materials. Meetings will be held both in-person and virtually through Zoom. This month’s theme is the Updates to Genealogy Research. The library is located at 107 Church Street, Romeo. For more information or to register where required, call 586-752-2583. • Booked for the Evening at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9. Selection is ‘The Secret Life of Sunflowers’ by Marta Molnar. Please note, this program will be held in the City Hall Lobby. • Bundles for children. Fill in the form that can be found on the website, social media or in the newsletter and choose up to three topics or themes and a librarian will put together five books and place them on hold for you to pick up. • Book Match Submit a Book Match form that can be found on the website, social media or in the newsletter. More detailed responses will result in better recommendations. After finishing the form expect to receive a custom reading list within 10 business days. • Homework Help: Tutor.com offers live assistance from tutors. • Librarians are offering chat reference on Facebook at facebook.com/RosevillePublicLibraryMI . Library patrons may continue to ask questions through comments on the library’s Facebook page and via email at rsvlibrary@roseville-mi.gov or by calling 586-445-5407. The library is located at 29777 Gratiot Ave. • Board Game Day noon-4 p.m. Jan. 11. Board game enthusiasts of all ages are invited to drop in for an afternoon of fun and strategy. With a plethora of classic and modern games, there’s something for everyone to dive into. No registration required. • The youth services department, with the help of grant funding, has created 14 explorer packs for children and families to check out. Each pack contains learning tools, non fiction books, activity sheets, identification guides and other manipulatives centered on an outdoor activity. Topics include insects, bird watching, astronomy water, hiking, plants and rocks. To check out an Explorer pack or for more information, ask at the Youth Services Desk. The library is located at 22500 E. 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores. Registration can be done available online through the library’s website, scslibrary.org; in person, via phone at 586-771-9020, or via email to SCSYouth@libcoop.net. • Tech Talks 10 a.m. Mondays. Bring your coffee and curiosity as our tech librarian covers popular topics in the technology world. For beginners and those wanting to learn a little more. All learners are welcome. For up to date program schedules visit shelbytwp.org/library or visit the Library’s Facebook page. Additionally, library staff will be available by phone at 586-739-7414 or by email at shelbylib@libcoop.net for assistance. All digital services are available at shelbytwp.org/library. The library is located at 52610 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township • BYO Book Club at 6 p.m. Jan. 2. If you love talking books but want a no pressure book club, at BYO Book Club, everyone brings a book they’ve read and loved, and you get to add more books to your TBR pile that interest you! Snacks will be served, and registration is required. • Intro to Javascript coding for kids at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 4. Kids ages 9-12 are invited to start learning various coding concepts and complete basic projects using JavaScript, a coding language that can be used to develop web-based games. Projects will be basic and take only one hour to complete, and laptops will be provided. • Library cardholders can reserve a time to use the Maker’s Space by appointment. Look for Maker Space Lab on the program calendar. • Biblio Book Box offered for adults and Teen Book Box for teens offered every month. Register and a librarian will will pick a book based on user’s preferences and include a surprise. • Toddler Time and Preschool storytimes are both offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Registration is required. Check the library calendar for full details. • PAWS for Reading 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays. The first 10 children to check in at the youth desk on Tuesday nights will be able to read to a therapy dog. • The Upton House is open for self-guided tours from 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of the month. Register up to six people in a household. Registration only required for Wednesdays. • Sterling Heights Public Library will continue curbside materials service, phone service, and home delivery/outreach service on Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, 24/7 digital library services are available at shpl.net. The library is located at 40255 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights. For more information or to register, visit shpl.net or call 586-446-2640. • Warren Public Library is distributing My First Library Bags at all four library branches for children from birth through age five who are Warren residents. Children can stop by any Warren Public Library branch with their parents or caregivers to receive a free bag. The bags for babies from birth through age two include a board book, sensory ball, bib, and a list of library resources in a reusable tote bag. The bags for ages three through five include a picture book, egg shaker, and a growth chart in a reusable tote bag. Bags available while supplies last and are designed to help develop early literacy skills by encouraging adults to talk, sing, read, write, and play with young children every day to help every child get ready to read and succeed when kindergarten begins. • All Warren public library branches will be able to offer a telescope for patrons to check out with a valid library card thanks to being selected to be part of NASA @ My Library, an education initiative to increase and enhance science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) opportunities for library patrons. The Warren Civic Center library will offer telescope events throughout the year as well. • Family Story Time: Tacky the Penquin at 2 p.m. Jan. 4. Celebrating all things Tacky the Penguin because Tacky is our FAVORITE penguin. Children and their families can join us for some stories and a fun penguin craft. For ages 3-8. Registration is required. • Steam Explorers: Magnetic Nom-Nom Bots at 6 p.m. Jan. 7. Improve map reading skills and learn to read a compass while hanging out with local community members and friends. Ages 4-10. Registration is required. The library is located at 23345 Van Dyke Avenue. Registration can be done online at warrenlibrary.net or by calling 586-353-0579. • Grab-and-Go Science at Busch Branch Library has science themed kits available for check out exploring topics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with fun and kid-friendly hands on activities. Each kit also contains a related book and instructions. For children, tweens and teens ages six and up, recommended ages vary by kit and activity. More kits will be added to the collection soon. They can be checked out for 21 days and renewed up to two times and must be checked out and returned to the Busch Branch. The library is located at 23333 Ryan Rd., Warren. • Children’s Book Boxes, a subscription box program for children in grades 3-5. To sign up you must live in Warren and have a valid Warren Library card. Each box will contain 1-2 library books selected based on your preferences and one free book to keep. Boxes will contain fun surprises too! Sign up online at warrenlibrary.net/childrens-book-boxes . • PAWS To Read 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. Children of all ages can come and read to therapy dog Desmond. The PAWS program welcomes new and struggling readers to read to a certified therapy dog. The goal is to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere in which kids can read without correction or interruption and learn not just to read, but to love reading as well. No registration required. The library is located at 1 City Square, Suite 100, Warren. All Macomb County libraries, as part of the Suburban Library Cooperative, subscribe to RB Digital which has over 100 digital magazines that can be checked out immediately. They also offer educational services through Tutor.com, which provides homework help, test preparation and term paper and resume review. Students can use their student ID number to access those services. Items for Library events should be emailed at least two weeks in advance of events to estark@medianewsgroup.com. — Macomb Daily staffOpenAI announces weapons company partnership to provide AI tech to military