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The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a seeking public input on the potential writing of ethical guidelines to address ethical concerns involving the use of “pervasive data” in research. NTIA is seeking public input to determine whether non-binding ethical guidelines should be crafted to guide researchers in navigating these challenges responsibly. Pervasive data captures intimate details about individuals from their browsing behaviors to their social media interactions. While this data holds immense potential for advancing societal understanding and technological innovation, it also poses risks to and individual rights. NTIA said “such guidelines, if warranted, would detail how researchers can work with pervasive data while meeting ethical expectations of research and protecting individuals’ privacy and other rights. These guidelines, although voluntary, would serve as a crucial reference for researchers, institutions, data intermediaries, and online service providers. They would seek to bridge the gap between existing legal regulations, such as the Common Rule, and the unique ethical dilemmas posed by pervasive data. NTIA says pervasive data has become a cornerstone of contemporary research, offering insights into human behavior, societal dynamics, and the digital ecosystem. “These insights are essential for informing policy in the digital age, and researchers and organizations have called for ethical guidelines to help ensure this work is done responsibly,” NTIA said, noting, however, that this data is often collected without explicit consent, raising questions about how it can be used ethically in research while respecting individuals’ privacy and autonomy. “NTIA will rely on these comments, along with engagements with researchers, civil society, research institutions, industry, and other government bodies, to consider whether to draft and issue guidelines to assist researchers working with pervasive data,” the agency said. “The ethical guidelines outlined for consideration in this Request for Comments would be non-binding and would not supersede any existing laws or regulations or pre-empt future laws. For example, human subjects research conducted or supported by one of the U.S. government departments or agencies that have adopted the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects would need to adhere to any applicable regulatory requirements. Federal agencies and federal data are bound by additional laws and regulations, which these voluntary ethical guidelines would not supersede.” NTIA’s efforts are underscored by the limitations of existing ethical frameworks. For example, , commissioned in 1979 by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, laid the groundwork for ethical research in the United States by introducing principles such as respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. These principles informed the Common Rule, which regulates federally funded human subjects research. However, the Common Rule’s applicability to pervasive data is limited. It primarily governs research involving identifiable private information obtained through direct interaction or intervention, leaving significant gaps in addressing the broader societal risks posed by pervasive data. Moreover, certain types of research using pervasive data may fall outside the Common Rule’s jurisdiction. For instance, NTIA pointed out, studies involving anonymized or publicly available data often bypass institutional review board oversight. Yet, even anonymized data carries the risk of , potentially exposing individuals to harm. These gaps highlight the need for updated ethical guidelines that reflect the nuances of pervasive data in research. Internationally, the ethical use of pervasive data is gaining attention. The European Union’s Digital Services Act, for example, mandates that large online platforms share data with researchers to study systemic risks in the information environment. While this approach facilitates transparency, it also underscores the importance of robust ethical standards to protect individuals and uphold trust in the research process. NTIA’s proposed guidelines could align U.S. practices with global standards, fostering international collaboration and ensuring that research is conducted with a shared commitment to ethical principles. One of the most pressing concerns in research involving pervasive data is the risk to privacy, NTIA said, pointing out that online platforms collect vast amounts of data, often without users fully understanding how it will be used, creating tension between the potential benefits of research and the right of individuals to control their personal information. Privacy risks extend beyond reidentification; they also include emotional distress, reputational harm, and the perpetuation of discrimination. Additionally, misuse of pervasive data can erode public trust in research, deterring individuals from engaging in the digital economy or participating in studies. NTIA’s proposed guidelines would address these risks by promoting transparency, accountability, and informed consent. Researchers would be encouraged to consider the potential for harm at every stage of their projects, from data collection to dissemination. This proactive approach aligns with the principles of the which builds on the by emphasizing respect for law and public interest in network and security research. By adopting similar principles, NTIA would be ensuring that ethical considerations remain central to research involving pervasive data. Another critical issue is the potential for systemic risks. Research using pervasive data can unintentionally exacerbate societal inequalities or contribute to harmful technologies. For example, algorithms trained on biased data may perpetuate discrimination, while the misuse of research findings can undermine trust in institutions. Ethical guidelines must therefore extend beyond individual-level risks to address the broader implications of pervasive data research. This includes considering the environmental impact of data processing and the unintended consequences of machine learning models. NTIA’s initiative also recognizes the importance of fostering a culture of ethical awareness among researchers. While many researchers already take voluntary measures to mitigate risks, the absence of a unified set of guidelines can lead to inconsistencies. The proposed guidelines would provide a benchmark for ethical research, encouraging adherence to best practices across disciplines and institutions. Public engagement is a cornerstone of NTIA’s approach. By soliciting input from diverse stakeholders, including researchers, civil society organizations, industry representatives, and government bodies, NTIA aims to ensure that the guidelines are comprehensive and reflective of varied perspectives. This participatory process is essential for addressing the complex ethical challenges posed by pervasive data. NTIA’s effort to draft ethical guidelines for pervasive data research marks a significant step in balancing innovation with privacy and ethical integrity. As pervasive data continues to shape our understanding of the digital world, it is imperative to establish standards that protect individuals while enabling responsible research. The proposed guidelines have the potential to set a precedent for ethical practices, fostering trust and ensuring that the benefits of research are realized without compromising fundamental rights. NTIA’s initiative underscores the need for a thoughtful and collaborative approach to pervasive data. By prioritizing privacy and ethical responsibility, these guidelines can serve as a roadmap for navigating the complex intersection of technology, research, and human rights in the digital age. As public input shapes the development of these guidelines, NTIA has an opportunity to lead the way in defining ethical standards for the responsible use of pervasive data. | | | | | | | | |online casino 7 。

10 hot-ticket gifts we predict will sell out on Black Friday 2024An Israeli airstrike flattened a multistory building in central Gaza, killing at least 25 people and wounding dozens more, according to Palestinian medical officials, after strikes Thursday across the Gaza Strip killed at least 28 others. The latest deadly strike hit the urban Nuseirat refugee camp just hours after U.S. President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters in Jerusalem that the recent ceasefire in Lebanon has helped clear the way for a potential deal to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the deadly strike in Nuseirat. Israel says it is trying to eliminate Hamas, which led the attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war in Gaza . The Israeli military says Hamas militants hide among Gaza’s civilian population. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine in some of the hardest-hit parts of the territory. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 250 others were taken hostage. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here's the latest: UNITED NATIONS – Two U.N. aid convoys were violently attacked in Gaza, making it virtually impossible for humanitarian agencies to operate without putting staff and civilians at risk, the U.N. food agency says. On Wednesday, a 70-truck convoy from Kerem Shalom was waiting for personnel to safeguard the food and other aid destined for central Gaza when there were reported attacks by Israeli forces in the nearby humanitarian zone, the U.N. World Food Program said Thursday. More than 50 people are now estimated to have died in the attacks, including civilians and local security personnel who had been expected to ensure the convoy’s safety, WFP said. The Rome-based agency said the convoy was forced to proceed from Kerem Shalom to central Gaza without any security arrangements, using the Philadelphi corridor, an Israeli-controlled route that had been recently approved and successfully utilized twice. On the way, WFP said, conflict and insecurity led to a loss of communications with the convoy for more than 12 hours. ”Eventually, the trucks were found but all food and aid supplies were looted,” the U.N. agency said. In a second incident, Israeli soldiers approached a WFP convoy moving out of the Kissufim crossing into central Gaza, fired warning shots, conducted extensive security checks, and temporarily detained drivers and staff, the agency said. “As the trucks were delayed, four out of the five trucks were lost to violent armed looting,” WFP said. UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations chief has a message for Israel: Stop the attacks on Syria. Secretary-General António Guterres is particularly concerned about several hundred Israeli airstrikes on several Syrian locations and stresses “the urgent need to de-escalate violence on all fronts throughout the country," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters Thursday. The Israeli military said Tuesday it carried out more than 350 strikes in Syria over the previous 48 hours, hitting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country to stop them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also acknowledged pushing into a buffer zone inside Syria following last week’s overthrow of President Bashar Assad. The buffer zone was established after Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1973 war. Dujarric said Guterres condemns all actions violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two countries that remains in force. And the U.N. chief calls on the parties to uphold the agreement and end “all unauthorized presence in the area of separation” and refrain from any action undermining the ceasefire and stability in the Golan Heights, the spokesman said. DAMASCUS, Syria — Mohammad Salim Alkhateb, an official with the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces — an internationally backed group of the opposition in exile — said his group wants to see a transitional government formed via a United Nations-backed process in the wake of Bashar Assad ouster. It is not yet clear if Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group now in control of Syria, will pursue such a process. The insurgents have said an interim government headed by Mohammad al-Bashir, who is also the head of the “salvation government” of HTS in its former stronghold in northern Syria, will oversee the country until March but have not made clear how the transition to a new, fully empowered government would take place. “The transitional governing body should be formed in Geneva to have international legitimacy,” said Alkhateb, who is now in Damascus. “The transitional governing body, whatever its form, whether it is the ‘salvation government’ or any other, what matters is that it has international recognition.” Alkhateb said that the unexpectedly rapid fall of Damascus and departure of Assad after opposition forces launched their offensive had created confusion and a governance vacuum. A day before the insurgents pushed into Damascus, diplomats from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Iran and Russia met in Qatar to discuss the situation in Syria. Alkhateb said that they had discussed a scenario in which the rebels would halt their advance, keeping the territory they had captured so far in the north — including Syria’s largest city, Aleppo — and the opposition and Assad’s government would go to Geneva for talks on a political settlement to the conflict. However, he noted, “there were no Syrians in that meeting.” Assad fled to Russia before the rebel forces arrived in Damascus but has not officially announced his resignation, which is “why we are living in a vacuum rather than a political transition,” Alkhateb said. He added that creating a professional army should be a priority of the transitional government. “We do not want a civilian who was trained during the revolution to carry military weapons to become the military,” he said. Israel bombed hundreds of military sites in Syria this week in a wave of airstrikes that destroyed “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the wave of airstrikes in neighboring Syria was necessary to keep the weapons from being used against Israel following the Syrian government’s stunning collapse . WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for 12 years, “is a top priority for this president.” During a briefing with reporters on Thursday, Jean-Pierre said of Tice, “There is no indication that he is not alive. There’s also no indication about his location or condition.” “What our goal is, is to bring him home. And so, we hope certainly that he is alive and, as we have stated many times before, we are talking through this with the Turks and we want to do everything we can to bring him home,” she said. BEIRUT — Amnesty International said Thursday that four Israeli airstrikes between September and October that killed at least 49 civilians in Lebanon “must be investigated as war crimes.” The rights organization said in a new report that the four strikes targeted homes in the Bekaa Valley, northern and eastern Lebanon, and municipal offices in the south. “These four attacks are emblematic of Israel’s shocking disregard for civilian lives in Lebanon and their willingness to flout international law,” said Amnesty International’s Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns. The rights group said this report was part of its ongoing investigation into violations of the laws of war in Lebanon. Amnesty International investigated four Israeli airstrikes, including one on Sept. 29 in al-Ain that killed all nine members of the same family. On Oct. 21, a strike in Baalbek city in eastern Lebanon killed six members of the same family. Another on Oct. 14 in the village of Aitou in northern Lebanon killed 23 displaced people, including a 5-month-old baby. A fragment from the attack site in Aitou was identified by an Amnesty weapons expert as likely part of a Mk-80 series aerial bomb, weighing at least 500 pounds. These munitions are primarily supplied to Israel by the United States, Amnesty said. The fourth strike Amnesty investigated was the strike that hit the municipal headquarters in Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 16, killing 11 civilians including the mayor. “The air strike took place without warning, just as the municipality’s crisis unit was meeting to coordinate deliveries of aid, including food, water and medicine, to residents and internally displaced people who had fled bombardment in other parts of southern Lebanon,” Amnesty said. The rights group said it interviewed survivors and witnesses, examined evidence, and found no military targets near the sites of the four strikes. The Israeli military gave no warnings and did not respond to Amnesty’s inquiries, the group said. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli airstrike hit the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, killing at least 25 Palestinians and wounding dozens more, Palestinian medics said, just hours after President Joe Biden’s national security adviser raised hopes about a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. Photos from the scene of the blast that circulated on social media showed a completely collapsed building with people walking through its mangled and charred remains, smoke rising from piles of belongings strewn over the rubble. Officials at two hospitals in the Gaza Strip, al-Awda Hospital in the north and al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, reported they received a combined total of 25 bodies from an Israeli strike on a multistory residential building in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp. Palestinian medics also reported that over 40 people, most of them children, were receiving treatment at the two hospitals. The al-Aqsa Hospital said that the Israeli attack also damaged several nearby houses in Nuseirat. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the deadly strike. Israel is trying to eliminate Hamas, which led the attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that sparked the war in Gaza . The Israeli military says Hamas militants hide among Gaza’s civilian population. Israel’s war against Hamas has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The fighting has plunged Gaza into a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine. Israel says it allows enough aid to enter and blames U.N. agencies for not distributing it. The U.N. says Israeli restrictions, and the breakdown of law and order after Israel repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, make it extremely difficult to operate in the territory. UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. food agency is trying to deal with massive needs in Syria not only from escalating war-related food insecurity and an upsurge in displaced people fleeing Lebanon but also the dramatically new environment following the ouster of Bashar Assad, a senior U.N. official says. “It’s a triple crisis and the needs are going to be massive,” said Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Program, in an interview with The Associated Press late Wednesday. The WFP estimated that 3 million people in Syria were “acutely food insecure” and very hungry. However, that estimate was made before the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon pushed many Syrian refugees back to their home country, plus the instability caused by the overthrow of Assad. Due to funding cuts, the WFP had been targeting only 2 million of those people, he said. Because WFP has been working in Syria during the 13-year civil war, he said, it has pre-positioned food in the country. It has 500 staff in seven offices nationwide and has operated across conflict lines, across borders, and with all different parties, he said. Skau said Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the main rebel group now in control of Syria, has promised to provide security for WFP warehouses. Humanitarian aid supplies had been looted at U.N. warehouses in the disorder after Assad fell. “We’re not really up and running in Damascus because of the continued kind of uncertainty there,” he said. WFP initially thought of relocating non-essential staff but the situation in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, has been “quite calm and orderly," he said. In the short term, Skau said, “what we’re seeing is that markets are disrupted, the value of the currency dropped dramatically, food prices are going up, transport lines don’t work,” and it’s unclear who will stamp required papers for imports and exports. This means that a bigger humanitarian response is needed initially, he said, but in the next phase, the U,N. will be looking at contributing to Syria’s recovery, and ultimately the country will need reconstruction. Skau said he expects a new funding appeal for Syria and urged donors to be generous. JERUSALEM — President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters in Jerusalem on Thursday that Israel’s ceasefire in Lebanon has helped clear the way for another deal to end the war in Gaza. He plans to travel next to Qatar and Egypt — key mediators in the ceasefire talks — as the Biden administration makes a final push on negotiations before Donald Trump is inaugurated. Sullivan said “Hamas’ posture at the negotiating table did adapt” after Israel decimated the leadership of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon and reached a ceasefire there. “We believe it puts us in a position to close this negotiation,” he said. Sullivan dismissed speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was waiting for Trump to take office to finalize a deal. He the U.S. believes there are three American hostages still alive in Gaza, but it’s hard to know for sure. He also said “the balance of power in the Middle East has changed significantly” since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, especially with the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, a key ally of Hezbollah and Iran. “We are now faced with a dramatically reshaped Middle East in which Israel is stronger, Iran is weaker, its proxies decimated, and a ceasefire that is new and will be lasting in Lebanon that ensures Israel’s security over the long term,” he said. KHIAM, Lebanon — An Israeli strike killed at least one person Thursday in the Lebanese border town of Khiam, the Health Ministry said, less than a day after Israeli troops handed the hilltop village back to the Lebanese army in coordination with U.N. peacekeepers, Khiam is the first Lebanese town Israel has pull out of since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah militants began two weeks ago, and marks an important test of the fragile truce . Lebanon's Health Ministry and state news agency did not provide details on who was killed, and did not report airstrikes elsewhere on Thursday. The Israeli military said the airstrike in Khiam targeted Hezbollah fighters. Lebanese troops deployed in the northern section of the town on Thursday morning and were coordinating with U.N. peacekeepers to finalize Israel’s withdrawal before fully entering into other neighborhoods. An Associated Press reporter who visited Khiam on Thursday observed widespread destruction, with most houses reduced to rubble. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, with collapsed walls and debris scattered across the streets. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, sharply criticized Israel for striking the town less than 24 hours after the Lebanese army returned, saying it was “a violation of the pledges made by the parties that sponsored the ceasefire agreement, who must act to curb Israeli aggression.” The truce was brokered by the U.S. and France. Israel has previously said the ceasefire deal allows it to use military force against perceived violations. Near-daily attacks by Israel during the ceasefire, mostly in southern Lebanon, have killed at least 29 people and wounded 27 others. Khiam, which sits on a ridge less than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the border with Israel, saw some of the most intense fighting during the war. The Lebanese army was clearing debris and reopening roads in the northern section of the town. Civilian access to other areas remained challenging as the army clears roads and works alongside the U.N. peacekeepers to ensure the area is free of unexploded ordnance. AQABA, Jordan -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging the many players in Syria to avoid taking any steps that could lead to further violence. Blinken spoke to reporters in Jordan on Thursday shortly after meeting King Abdullah II as he opened a trip in the region to discuss Syria's future after former President Bashar Assad's ouster. Blinken will next visit Turkey, a NATO ally and a main backer of Syrian rebel groups. Blinken called this “a time of both real promise but also peril for Syria and for its neighbors.” He said he was focused on coordinating efforts in the region “to support the Syrian people as they transition away from Assad’s brutal dictatorship” and establish a government that isn’t dominated by one religion or ethnic group or outside power. Blinken was asked about Israel’s incursion into a buffer zone that had been demilitarized for the past half century. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the move is temporary and defensive, but also indicated Israel will remain in the area for a long time. Blinken declined to say whether the U.S. supports the move, but said the U.S. would be speaking to Israel and other partners in the region. “I think, across the board, when it comes to any actors who have real interests in Syria, it’s also really important at this time that, we all try to make sure that we’re not sparking any additional conflicts,” he said. ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, arrived in Damascus on Thursday, according to Turkish media reports. Kalin was seen arriving at the Umayyad Mosque to pray, surrounded by a large crowd, according to video shown on Turkish television. The visit is highly symbolic. Turkish officials, who supported the opposition against Syria’s government, had predicted at the start of the civil war in 2011 that President Bashar Assad’s government would fall, allowing them to pray at the Umayyad Mosque. AQABA, Jordan — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is renewing calls for Syria’s new leadership to respect women and minority rights, prevent extremists from gaining new footholds in the country and keeping suspected chemical weapons stocks secure as he makes his first visit to the Mideast since the weekend ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad . Making his 12th trip to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war erupted lasted year but amid fresh concerns about security following the upheaval in Syria, Blinken emphasized Thursday to Jordan’s King Abdullah II U.S. “support for an inclusive transition that can lead to an accountable and representative Syrian government chosen by the Syrian people,” the State Department said. Blinken also repeated the importance the outgoing Biden administration puts on respect for human rights and international law, the protection of civilians and stopping terrorist groups from reconstituting. Blinken met with the monarch and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Aqaba before traveling to Turkey for talks with Turkish officials on the situation in Syria and the urgency of securing a long-elusive deal to release hostages and end the fighting in Gaza that has devastated the Palestinian territory since October 2023. Abdullah told Blinken that “the first step to reach comprehensive regional calm is to end the Israeli war on Gaza." ROME — Leaders of the Group of 7 industrialized nations offered their full support for an inclusive political transition in Syria and invited all parties to preserve the country’s territorial integrity. In a message released by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s office, the leaders said they were ready to support a transition that “leads to a credible government, inclusive and not sectarian, that guarantees respect for the state of law, universal human rights, including rights for women, (and) the protection of all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities.” The leaders also underlined the importance that ousted President Bashar Assad’s government is held responsible for crimes, citing “decades of atrocities.” They said they would also cooperate with groups working to prohibit chemical weapons “to secure, declare and destroy” remaining chemical arms in Syria. Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the G-7, which also includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says it struck Hamas militants in two locations in the southern Gaza Strip who planned to hijack aid convoys. Palestinian Health officials had earlier said that the two strikes killed 15 men who were part of local committees established to secure aid deliveries. The committees have been organized in cooperation with the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza. It was not possible to independently confirm either account of the strikes, which occurred overnight into Thursday. Israel has long accused Hamas of hijacking humanitarian aid deliveries, while U.N. officials have said there is no systemic diversion of aid . U.N. agencies and aid groups say deliveries are held up by Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid and movement within Gaza, as well as the breakdown of law and order more than 14 months into the war between Israel and Hamas. Israel has repeatedly targeted the Hamas-run police force, which maintained internal security before the war. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, the main aid provider in Gaza, said a U.N. convoy of 70 trucks carrying humanitarian aid in southern Gaza “was involved in a serious incident,” resulting in just one of the trucks reaching its destination. It did not provide further details on the incident but said the same route had been used successfully two days earlier. Israel’s offensive, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has caused vast destruction and displaced around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, leaving the territory heavily reliant on international food aid. DAMASCUS, Syria — An American who turned up in Syria on Thursday says he was detained after crossing into the country by foot on a Christian pilgrimage seven months ago. Travis Timmerman appears to have been among thousands of people released from the country’s notorious prisons after rebels reached Damascus over the weekend, overthrowing President Bashar Assad and ending his family’s 54-year rule. As video emerged online of Timmerman on Thursday, he was initially mistaken by some for Austin Tice, an American journalist who went missing in Syria 12 years ago. In the video, Timmerman could be seen lying on a mattress under a blanket in what appeared to be a private house. A group of men in the video said he was being treated well and would be safely returned home. The Biden administration is working to bring Timmerman home, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Aqaba, Jordan, without offering details, citing privacy. Timmerman later gave an interview with the Al-Arabiya TV network, saying he had illegally crossed into Syria on foot from the eastern Lebanese town of Zahle seven months ago, before being detained. He said he was treated well in detention but could hear other men being tortured.

Kylian Mbappé scored and Real Madrid moved within four points of Spanish league leader Barcelona with a 3-0 win at Leganes on Sunday ahead of its eagerly awaited Champions League match at Liverpool. Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham also scored to close the gap on Barcelona, which conceded two late goals in a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday. Madrid has played one game less than Barcelona after its match at Valencia was postponed because of the deadly floods in October. Madrid will make the trip to England to face Premier League leader Liverpool on Wednesday in the Champions League, and is hoping to recover from a demoralizing 3-1 home loss against AC Milan in the previous round of matches. Madrid's attack worked well against Leganes with Vinícius Júnior playing inside and Mbappé more on the flank. The France striker scored after going four straight games without finding the net for the Spanish powerhouse. “We switched their positions and the team was able to stay in control during the whole match,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. Fourth-place Villarreal scored an equalizer in stoppage time to salvage a 2-2 draw at fifth-place Osasuna. Ante Budimir scored twice in the first 20 minutes for Osasuna. Villarreal, which was coming off three straight victories in all competitions, scored through Álex Baena in the 67th and a penalty kick converted by Gerard Moreno three minutes into injury time. Osasuna, sitting three points behind Villarreal, was coming off a 4-0 loss at Madrid. Also Sunday, Sevilla ended a two-game losing streak in the league with a 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano, which played the entire second half with 10 men after Unai López was sent off for a hard foul. Djibril Sow scored Sevilla's goal in the 27th. Sixth-place Athletic Bilbao hosted midtable Real Sociedad later Sunday in the Basque Country derby. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Scott Bessent a credible, safe pick for Treasury: expertsNo. 12 Oklahoma pulls away late vs. Prairie View A&MAlso, to keep your pillow clean while traveling, double up on pillowcases. When arriving, remove the outer pillowcase and use it to store your dirty clothes. Fold items to maximize space. — R.P., in Michigan Pet hair Dear Readers: To get rid of dog or cat hair from upholstery, swipe a rubber glove over the upholstery. The hair will roll into a neat pile with each glove stroke. To minimize the amount of shedding, simply brush your pets on a regular basis. I know that some dogs and cats like to be vacuumed, but you must get your pet used it first. So, start small and be gentle. — Heloise A cheap Wite-Out fix Dear Heloise: If you primarily have white walls in your residence and happen to get some of the paint knocked off, particularly on the corners, a quick and inexpensive way to take care of it is to use Wite-Out. It’s about $1.29 in most stores, comes in a very small container and really does an excellent job of hiding blemishes. Plus it dries quickly! — B.H., in San Antonio Three bathroom rules Dear Readers: Our small bathrooms get so much use on a daily basis that they often get quite messy. Here are several useful rules for your family to help keep order in this room: Make sure that nothing is left on the floor. Everyone must hang up their towels and clothes. If you use it, you have to help clean it. Keep everything in its rightful place. Also, keep several plastic bags in the bottom of the wastebasket as well as a roll of paper towels, sponges, a spray bottle filled with vinegar, and water in a plastic bucket under the sink. — Heloise Back to college at 23 Dear Heloise: I married right out of high school and got divorced last year. I am now 23 and would like to go to college, get a degree and make something of my life. Will a college accept me, and are there scholarships available for someone my age? — R.F., in Texas R.F., you can go to college at any age! First, determine where your interests are centered: Teaching? Criminology? Social work or some other area of endeavor? Then consider your class schedule. Are you planning to go to school full or part time, and is someone providing you with room and board? Next, research colleges to decide where you want to go and who offers the best educational and financial support. Talk to the people in admissions to see what the requirements are for a degree. If needed, start the financial-aid process. Decide if you want to start with two years at a community college and then switch to a larger, accredited college — or if you qualify for a student loan. Finally, submit an application. Best wishes from all of us at Heloise Central as you embark on this new chapter of your life! — Heloise

What is it like to come of age under constant threat of war? Director Sareen Hairabedian ’s poignant documentary “ My Sweet Land ” follows an ethnic Armenian youngster named Vrej Khatchatryan from the small village of Tsaghkashen in the Martakert region of the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. Conflict, displacement and exile color everything in his and his extended family’s lives. Vrej and his peers are raised in a martial atmosphere, from their lessons at school and military camps, to the games they play, the clothes they wear and the songs they sing. Artfully combining lyrical images that she shot with news footage, Hairabedian (herself of mixed Armenian-Palestinian-Jordanian heritage) captures an indoctrination that, sadly, seems destined to keep the situation intractable from generation to generation. With the international news filled with the bloodshed in the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, comparatively little time has been spent on what’s happening in the semi-autonomous region of Nagorno-Karabakh, and its unresolved territorial issues. Hairabedian provides onscreen text at the beginning to offer context. We learn that the mountainous enclave between Armenia and Azerbaijan has long been home to ethnic Armenians who formed a majority of the population. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in late 1991, the Armenian population there declared independence — a status not recognized by the rest of the world — leading to continuing wars with Azerbaijan, which seeks sovereignty over the territory. The ethnic Armenians living there, devoted to their homeland, call it Artsakh. When we first see Vrej in 2020, he’s 11, living in a place so small — just 150 people — that he jokes he is related to half of them. He’s the oldest of three kids, born to a couple whose participation in a mass wedding in 2008, opens the film. The priest who officiates the wedding declares that the offspring of the 700 couples he has blessed will repopulate the area and fight to maintain the homeland. A smart, sensitive, questioning lad, Vrej is born into a heavy destiny. Vrej’s school, where the walls are full of photographs of fallen soldiers, also inculcates blind love for the homeland. The kids learn that the maps of their part of the world are subject to frequent change and war could break out at any moment. A military officer, who comes to the school to teach the children about fighting, notes that it is essentially a kindergarten for soldiers. The pupils accept that by living in Artsakh, they are all considered soldiers because that’s what the situation demands. Nowhere do you hear discussion of any other solution to the territorial disputes apart from fighting. Over the course of the three years that Hairabedian follows the Khatchatryan family, they are displaced from their land twice. In 2020, Vrej’s father, Artak, who like most of the men in the village wears military fatigues, stays behind to fight. Meanwhile, life goes on as usual for the rest of the Khatchatryan clan, in a home some eight hours away from Tsaghkashen. As the women cook and clean, the kids play war games with improvised guns. When Vrej’s maternal grandmother Angela celebrates her 57th birthday, he steps into a patriarchal role, proposing a toast and assuring the others that Artsakh will prevail and lost lands will be recovered. By the time Vrej reaches 13, he holds fewer certainties. He’s learned from military camp that fighting isn’t fun. There, Hairabedian captures a heartbreaking scene of the male campers herded to a lake and allowed a brief moment in the water. Vrej, enraptured, is splashing happily like the kid he is, but never totally allowed to be, only to be rudely directed to get out by one of the soldiers. In the film’s closing conversation, Hairabedian finds the perfect ending as Vrej asks her, “What’s going to happen to the hero of the film at the end?” It’s a question to which only time can tell, but given his education and socialization, the answer seems bleak.

Giants face challenge in hosting Ravens, trying to end 8-game skidA Huntington family is helping their son and others with social interaction skills through animals. Michelle Compton and her son Liam own M&L Farm — short for Mommy & Liam's Farm — which is a mobile petting zoo based in Huntington. Liam’s father, William, is also involved in the family business. “We started our farm in 2020 when the pandemic happened,” Michelle said. “We started it for our son. He spent those three years at home due to his medical (issues). The animals helped with his social interaction.” Liam is autistic and is immune compromised. He requires oxygen 24/7, Michelle said. She said since he is a big animal lover, the petting zoo made sense. The Comptons have almost 50 animals, but they usually take two pigs (an adult and a baby), two goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens and ducks to set up the petting zoo. “Liam is one of the sweetest and most caring boys you could ever meet. He loves being out in the community and sharing his animals. I'm so proud of him,” Michelle said. She said Liam is homeschooled, so he gets excited going places. They have taken him to the local expo center “to watch kids rope and stuff like that, and he loves watching it.” If someone requests the petting zoo at their location, the cost is $200 for the first two hours and $50 for each additional hour, Michelle said. “We also do a separate gas fee, but that depends on distance, she said. "We can do birthdays, churches and any and all social events." M&L Farm also sets up at the Angelina County Farmers Market regularly for free. Donations are accepted. “We did it that way, so that every kid had the ability to go to a petting zoo. Our thing is we include everyone and nobody is left out. Our saying is ‘Let us bring the fun to you,’” Michelle said. Michelle and William are Huntington natives and have been married for 15 years. Liam is 10, and she said they are proud to be from Huntington. She said Liam is also well known in the town, with folks knowing his name at local businesses like the pharmacy or doctor’s office. “It really is the best little town," Michelle said. "The community has been so welcoming of our petting zoo and our family. So, we would love to say thank you to everyone in Huntington and the whole community, because without you all we couldn't do this. We love y’all!" Michelle said since the community has been “so welcoming of us,” they would like to give back this holiday season. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Comptons are planning to provide turkeys, stuffing, canned goods and other items to those in need. The deadline to contact them for donations will be a few days prior to the holiday, Nov. 24 and Dec. 21. “We wanted to do something to give back this holiday season. We understand times are hard, so we would like to help others that may need it,” she said. For more on M&L Farm or about holiday donations, visit them on Facebook or call (936) 707-4358.

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OXFORD — After nearly half a year without a town manager and a controversial hire that never actually made it into the Oxford Town Office, the Commissioners of Oxford have found a new town manager. Holly Wahl, currently the Chesapeake Beach Town Administrator, will begin the role on Jan. 6 During a Commissioners of Oxford meeting Tuesday, Commissioner Katrina Greer read the news to residents. The commissioners also announced at the meeting that the town’s Clerk-Treasurer Vickie Sharp will be staying in her position and will not leave the town for other employment at the end of the year, which Sharp had told the Star Democrat in late November. “I think we all want to thank Vickie for the work she did in the last month and a half with nobody in the office to talk to except herself,” Commission President Norm Bell said. Residents in the audience of the meeting clapped upon hearing the news, and at the end of the meeting, one resident reacted to the news and the tone of the meeting by saying it felt like the best Christmas present. According to a news release from Oxford, Wahl has served Chesapeake Beach as its town administrator for the last eight years. In that time, she helped reduce town taxes more than 17% while increasing services to citizens and businesses, reduce liabilities by $9.44 million, increase the town’s net position by over $21 million and improve the town’s fund balance by over $15 million, the news release said. Wahl attributes those improvements in Chesapeake Beach to fiscal accountability, the acquisition of grant funding, the implementation of organizational changes, the application of technology and the alignment of staff with mission-critical activities to eliminate inefficiency, according to the news release. During the meeting, Greer said the commissioners are “delighted” that Wahl will be joining the town. “I mean, we think this woman is going to knock it out of the park,” she said. In the news release, the commissioners said they think Wahl’s experience in procurement and in managing larger projects will bring the town “cost savings with better management.” “Ms. Wahl has experience applying for and managing grant monies, coordinating with state and local agencies and has worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on major waterways projects such as the $3 million federal dredging of Fishing Creek Channel,” the release said. Along with town management, Wahl’s experience includes operations director roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors. According to the news release, Wahl holds business administration degrees from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. Wahl is currently finalizing her dissertation to obtain a doctorate in public administration and public policy from George Washington University. At the meeting on Tuesday, Bell acknowledged the months-long search it took to find a new town manager. “It was a learning experience,” he said. “And I think we wound up with a very good pick.” In late June, Michael Calvert — a former city administrator in Liberty, South Carolina — was hired to fill the role of town manager, which former Town Manager Cheryl Lewis was retiring from. But just three days after the commissioners announced the hire, they announced that the town and Calvert had “mutually agreed to part ways.” The commission did not comment on why the decision was made. Former Liberty City Council Member Peggy Edwards said she resigned from the council due to issues with Calvert and the city’s mayor. She said that when Calvert was in the position, there was a lack of transparency and mismanagement of money. The situation led to the commissioners choosing a search firm to assist in the search for the next town manager, which led to Wahl’s hiring.FMC Corporation announces election of Anthony DiSilvestro to Board of Directors

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Oxford Business Group and Qatar Chamber sign MoU to enhance economic insights in The Report: Qatar 2025As the cryptocurrency market continues to generate buzz, XRP is capturing attention with bold price forecasts from leading analysts. At the same time, Lightchain AI is emerging as a unique platform that combines blockchain technology with artificial intelligence, drawing the interest of investors who are eager to participate early in what could be a groundbreaking venture. XRP maintains a strong presence in the market, especially known for enabling swift and cost-effective cross-border payments. Experts predict price fluctuations that hinge largely on ongoing legal battles and its utility in the financial sector. Should legal outcomes be favorable, experts project XRP’s price might rise significantly, potentially reaching between $1.50 and $3 in the short to medium term. Ripple’s extensive network of partnerships with financial institutions worldwide further enhances XRP’s usability and desirability, affirming its role as a stable investment despite its moderate growth outlook pending regulatory clarity. Meanwhile, Lightchain AI is distinguishing itself by merging blockchain with AI to create a platform that is smart, scalable, and effective. The presale of its token, priced at an enticing $0.003, has generated investor excitement over its potential. Featuring an Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM) that integrates AI applications with blockchain, and a Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism rewarding nodes for AI computations, Lightchain AI offers a transparent AI framework, decentralized governance, and strong privacy and security protocols. These innovations position it as a highly scalable and efficient platform, appealing particularly to industries demanding both high transaction capacity and security, such as healthcare and finance. When comparing investment in Lightchain AI and XRP, the latter is a mature market participant with significant partnership ties and regulatory progress offering a stable and potentially lucrative investment upon resolving legal uncertainties. However, its limited innovation could challenge its long-term allure amidst rapidly evolving market dynamics. In contrast, Lightchain AI, with its pioneering approach and extensive utility prospects, presents a dynamic and high-growth potential, albeit accompanied by the risks typical of early-stage projects. For Lightchain AI to rival established entities like XRP, it must demonstrate tangible scalability and adoption in the market. Investors and analysts alike are watching closely as these developments unfold, each with its trajectory of innovation and market positioning.Wake Forest keeps Detroit Mercy at arm's length for win

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