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Quipt Home Medical Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial ResultsBeirut, Dec 7 (AP) Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumours that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria's third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began November 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition”. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people”. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a years-long siege. The UN said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria's state media denied social media rumours that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a UN resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began on November 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists". The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area”, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkiye, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkiye is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. “Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's “territorial integrity”. He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)A police constable has allegedly been stabbed while trying to stop a group of men . or signup to continue reading The constable is recovering in hospital, where he is reported to be in a stable condition, and police have arrested three men. Police went to at 12.30am on November 22 after receiving reports five men were seen fighting. A hatchback was spotted driving away as police arrived and officers called in support from aviation command to follow the car, police said. The pursuit ended quickly after the hatchback hit a power pole and three men allegedly ran from the car. The constable was trying to arrest a 20-year-old man when he was stabbed in the chest, police said. An 18-year-old, 20-year-old and 21-year-old were arrested and a crime scene has been established as the investigation continues. Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisementspinph com casino login 。

Trump’s threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for reliefBEIRUT -- In 2006, after a bruising monthlong war between Israel and Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah militant group, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution to end the conflict and pave the way for lasting security along the border. But while there was relative calm for nearly two decades, Resolution 1701’s terms were never fully enforced. Now, figuring out how to finally enforce it is key to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal approved by Israel on Tuesday. In late September, after nearly a year of low-level clashes , the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah spiraled into all-out war and an Israeli ground invasion . As Israeli jets pound deep inside Lebanon and Hezbollah fires rockets deeper into northern Israel, U.N. and diplomatic officials again turned to the 2006 resolution in a bid to end the conflict. Years of deeply divided politics and regionwide geopolitical hostilities have halted substantial progress on its implementation, yet the international community believes Resolution 1701 is still the brightest prospect for long-term stability between Israel and Lebanon. Almost two decades after the last war between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States led shuttle diplomacy efforts between Lebanon and Israel to agree on a ceasefire proposal that renewed commitment to the resolution, this time with an implementation plan to try to bring the document back to life. In 2000, Israel withdrew its forces from most of southern Lebanon along a U.N.-demarcated “Blue Line” that separated the two countries and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, which most of the world considers occupied Syrian territory. U.N. peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL , increased their presence along the line of withdrawal. Resolution 1701 was supposed to complete Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and ensure Hezbollah would move north of the Litani River, keeping the area exclusively under the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers. Up to 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers would help to maintain calm, return displaced Lebanese and secure the area alongside the Lebanese military. The goal was long-term security, with land borders eventually demarcated to resolve territorial disputes. The resolution also reaffirmed previous ones that call for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon — Hezbollah among them. “It was made for a certain situation and context,” Elias Hanna, a retired Lebanese army general, told The Associated Press. “But as time goes on, the essence of the resolution begins to hollow.” For years, Lebanon and Israel blamed each other for countless violations along the tense frontier. Israel said Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force and growing arsenal remained, and accused the group of using a local environmental organization to spy on troops. Lebanon complained about Israeli military jets and naval ships entering Lebanese territory even when there was no active conflict. “You had a role of the UNIFIL that slowly eroded like any other peacekeeping with time that has no clear mandate,” said Joseph Bahout, the director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy at the American University of Beirut. “They don’t have permission to inspect the area without coordinating with the Lebanese army.” UNIFIL for years has urged Israel to withdraw from some territory north of the frontier, but to no avail. In the ongoing war, the peacekeeping mission has accused Israel, as well as Hezbollah , of obstructing and harming its forces and infrastructure. Hezbollah’s power, meanwhile, has grown, both in its arsenal and as a political influence in the Lebanese state. The Iran-backed group was essential in keeping Syrian President Bashar Assad in power when armed opposition groups tried to topple him, and it supports Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen. It has an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles pointed at Israel, and has introduced drones into its arsenal . Hanna says Hezbollah “is something never seen before as a non-state actor” with political and military influence. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. The ceasefire is set to take hold at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday. Efforts led by the U.S. and France for the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah underscored that they still view the resolution as key. For almost a year, Washington has promoted various versions of a deal that would gradually lead to its full implementation. International mediators hope that by boosting financial support for the Lebanese army — which was not a party in the Israel-Hezbollah war — Lebanon can deploy some 6,000 additional troops south of the Litani River to help enforce the resolution. Under the deal, an international monitoring committee headed by the United States would oversee implementation to ensure that Hezbollah and Israel’s withdrawals take place. It is not entirely clear how the committee would work or how potential violations would be reported and dealt with. The circumstances now are far more complicated than in 2006. Some are still skeptical of the resolution's viability given that the political realities and balance of power both regionally and within Lebanon have dramatically changed since then. “You’re tying 1701 with a hundred things,” Bahout said. “A resolution is the reflection of a balance of power and political context.” Now with the ceasefire in place, the hope is that Israel and Lebanon can begin negotiations to demarcate their land border and settle disputes over several points along the Blue Line for long-term security after decades of conflict and tension.

Hargrove also contributed 13 rebounds and three blocks for the Dragons (6-4). Kobe Magee scored 12 points while shooting 4 for 12 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line and added five rebounds. Yame Butler had 10 points and shot 4 of 7 from the field and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line. Nick Spinoso led the Quakers (3-6) in scoring, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Ethan Roberts added 11 points for Pennsylvania. Sam Brown had eight points. Drexel got a team-high six points across the first half from Hargrove, but it was only enough to head to the locker room with the score tied at the half 30-30. Drexel took a 10-point lead in the second half thanks to a 16-2 scoring run. Hargrove led their club in second-half scoring with 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Ravens' running game was crucial in a big win over the Chargers, especially on 4th down

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Referee tells off Arsenal star Jorginho for ‘dark arts’ at free kick as fans joke he ‘turned into Ben White’

William Blair Reaffirms Outperform Rating for Larimar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:LRMR)The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has ordered the removal of Special Assistant to Chief Minister Mashal Yousafzai from her position, it emerged on Saturday. A letter from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to the secretary of the KP government’s administration department, dated November 29 and seen by Dawn.com , said: “CM KP has directed that Miss Mashal Azam, special assistant to CM KP, may immediately be de-notified.” It ordered that necessary action regarding the matter be taken at the earliest under intimation to the secretariat. The development comes following an interview of Yousafzai, who is also the spokesperson for PTI founder Imran Khan’s spouse Bushra Bibi, on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’ a day ago. Speaking on the show about the events surrounding the November 24 protest called by PTI, she spoke about Bushra Bibi’s participation in the protest and subsequent return to KP. Asked whether Bushra Bibi was taken forcefully from the protest, Yousafzai had said: “This is correct that she didn’t want to go from there, the reason she came back [from the site of the protest] was that there was direct firing on her car. “Still, she didn’t want to go but then there was some chemical thrown on her car’s windscreen which blurred it and nothing was visible. She was told the cars would be changed and she would be brought back to the party workers but the version after that I don’t know.” Yousafzai also denied reports of Bushra being in contact with anyone in the party or attending and chairing any party political committee meeting after her return from the protest. Questioned about criticism by PTI leaders on Bushra’s decision to persist with the location of D-chowk for the protest amid suggestions of Sangjani as an alternate venue, Yousafzai responded that she was an eyewitness to the discussions between the former first lady and PTI leaders when Bushra was told that Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif had gone to meet Imran at Adiala Jail. She added that Bushra had retorted that Imran had taken a promise from her to reach D-chowk no matter the circumstances and wanted to talk to him directly to receive confirmation. Mashal quoted Bushra as saying that she would have gone to Sangjani if Imran had ordered her. Government ministers had mocked CM Gandapur and Bushra in the early hours of Wednesday for fleeing as law enforcement agencies took action to disperse PTI protesters from Islamabad’s D-Chowk. Protesters had managed to gather at the site for the party’s protest to demand Imran’s release, among other things, amid reports of intense tear gas shelling by security forces to curtail the large crowds. The PTI convoys had been plying roads countrywide since Nov 24. It was a day of pitched battles between security forces and PTI protesters across the federal capital which ended in a hasty retreat of the party’s top leadership and supporters from the Red Zone in the early hours of Wednesday. At least six lives were lost in the three days of protests, which included a policeman and three Rangers officials who were knocked down by a speeding vehicle, officials and hospital sources said. The late-night retreat by the PTI leadership, including Bushra Bibi and Gandapur, came after the latter was heard telling the protesters “to go home, have dinner and return tomorrow”.JORGINHO received a ticking-off from referee Anthony Taylor after “turning into Ben White” with some “dark arts” for Arsenal. The former Chelsea star played all 90 minutes as Mikel Arteta’s men moved up to second with a 5-2 win at West Ham. Arsenal scored all five of their goals in a first-half blitz. And the result means they are now within six points of leaders Liverpool, who play defending champs Manchester City on Sunday. The Gunners’ win never looked in doubt after racing into a 4-0 lead. Bukayo Saka’s penalty, which came after a quickfire double from the Hammers, put the result beyond doubt. But that didn’t stop Jorginho from doing everything possible to get his team over the line. With just moments remaining, Arsenal won a direct free-kick which was lined up by loanee Raheem Sterling. The game was a done deal by that point, with many home supporters already exiting the building. Yet Jorginho showed his competitive side by standing in front of West Ham goalie Lukasz Fabianski in an attempt to play mind games. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS The Gunners have become the best in the league for their set-piece routines, with defender White often the focal point for ruffling opposition feathers. But Jorginho’s efforts were quickly picked up by ref Taylor, who gave him a telling off before Sterling’s free-kick sailed over the bar. Fans were quick to react to the incident too, with many loving Jorginho’s attempts to replicate the injured White’s set-piece “dark arts.” One said: “Jorginho blissfully epitomising dark arts.” Another declared: “Jorginho still finding the time to be unsporting.” One noted: “Jorginho turned into Ben White for a moment.” Another yelled: “What was he trying to do there?” One fan had a different opinion, adding: “Jorginho ridiculous! Anti-football!”

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LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The goals are flying in again for Arsenal — and it just happens to coincide with the return from injury of Martin Odegaard. Make that eight goals in two games since the international break for Arsenal after its 5-1 hammering of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday, tying the English team’s heaviest ever away win in the competition. Odegaard is back in Arsenal’s team after missing two months with an . In that time, Mikel Arteta’s attack stuttered, with a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth and a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle dropping the Gunners well off the pace in the Premier League. There was also a 0-0 draw at Atalanta in the Champions League as well as a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan last month, when Odegaard made his comeback from injury as an 89th-minute substitute. Since then, Arsenal hasn’t lost and the goals have returned. After a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday came the cruise in Lisbon — and Odegaard was at the heart of everything as Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end. “He’s an unbelievable player,” Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka said of Odegaard. “The day he returned, there was a big smile on my face. You can see the chemistry we have. I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season.” Odegaard was involved in the build-up to Arsenal’s first two goals against Sporting — scored by Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz — and was fouled to win the penalty converted by Saka in the 65th to restore Arsenal’s three-goal lead at 4-1. Odegaard was seen flexing his leg after that but continued untroubled and was substituted in the 78th minute. The last thing Arteta would want now is another injury to Odegaard as Arsenal attempts to reel in first-place Liverpool in the Premier League. Liverpool is already nine points ahead of fourth-place Arsenal after 12 games. ___ AP soccer:

Williams-Dryden has 19 in West Georgia's 78-73 win over Tennessee TechXDS Announces Major Investment of UCI Astana Team, Paving the Way for Global Expansion 12-16-2024 11:24 PM CET | Logistics & Transport Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: LianPR Shenzhen, China - XDS, a leading bicycle brand in the Chinese market, is excited to announce its major investment in the prestigious UCI WorldTeam Astana. This historic move makes XDS solidifying the brand's ambitions to expand its footprint in the global cycling community. As part of this agreement, the team will be rebranded as the XDS Astana Team, marking a new era for both the team and the brand. XDS' Investment in the Astana Team In a landmark investment, XDS has secured major strategic partner of the Astana team, one of the most storied names in professional cycling. Founded in 2006, the Astana team has achieved remarkable success, including multiple Grand Tour victories, podium finishes in iconic races such as the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a Espana, and nurturing some of cycling's most celebrated athletes, such as Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali, and Mark Cavendish. The team has a legacy of excellence in world-class cycling competitions. Now under XDS's investment, the Astana team will benefit from the brand's advanced engineering capabilities, cutting-edge bicycle technology, and strong financial backing. This investment represents a significant step for XDS as it positions itself as a key player in the international cycling arena, helping propel the team to even greater success in the years ahead. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/71d091e0168e18e47785c577d62fb357.jpg Rebranding to XDS Astana Team Following the investment, the Astana team will officially be rebranded as the XDS Astana Team. This strategic name change signals a new chapter in the team's history, with XDS becoming a general partner in the team's operations and ambitions. The new XDS Astana Team will continue to compete at the highest level of professional cycling, representing the Chinese innovation and manufacture in the international cycling community. XDS, a leader in high-performance bicycles, has already made significant strides in China and will leverage its strong presence in Asia and Europe and growing global recognition to boost the visibility of the newly rebranded XDS Astana Team. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/ae90839df121c3ed20a8310a8b08c690.jpg XDS's Premium brand X-LAB to Equip the Team In line with the rebranding, the XDS Astana Team will now race with bicycles and equipment from XDS's premium brand, X-LAB. X-LAB is known for its precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, offering products that blend performance with innovation. From lightweight carbon frames to highly responsive components, X-LAB products are designed for the highest levels of competition, enabling athletes to reach their full potential. XDS's commitment to excellence in bike design and engineering will undoubtedly enhance the performance of the XDS Astana Team, ensuring that the riders have every possible advantage in their pursuit of victory on the world's biggest stages. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/17625cf926f6772373556a626c738fea.jpg Global Expansion Strategy The major investment of the Astana team is not only a major step for XDS in the world of professional cycling but also an integral part of the company's broader strategy to expand into international markets. XDS has long been a leader in China's bicycle market, and now, with the XDS Astana Team, the company is ready to take its next big leap. This investment will also help the brand expand its reach into Europe and other key markets, strengthening its presence in the competitive cycling world and creating new opportunities for growth. The partnership with the XDS Astana Team is a powerful statement of XDS's ambition to become a global leader in the cycling industry. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/3cf9fbfb372328035b9e2f553c348aab.jpg About XDS and X-LAB XDS is a premier Chinese brand specializing in the design, manufacture, and development of high-performance bicycles. Founded in 1995, the company has become one of China's most recognized bicycle manufacturers, known for its innovative designs and commitment to quality. XDS has made a name for itself in both the road and mountain bike segments, offering a wide range of products that cater to competitive cyclists, enthusiasts, and everyday riders. X-LAB, the premium brand from XDS, represents XDS's commitment to top-tier performance, offering state-of-the-art technology and design for elite athletes and cycling professionals. By the investment in the Astana team, XDS is taking the next step in its evolution as a global player in the cycling world. Media Contact Company Name: Xidesheng Contact Person: Jayden wang Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=xds-announces-major-investment-of-uci-astana-team-paving-the-way-for-global-expansion ] Country: China Website: http://www.xidesheng.com This release was published on openPR.Ramstad: Readers praise idea for insurance-free doctor’s offices in Minnesota

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NEW YORK (AP) — He's making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders. Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he's sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve those priorities . Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada's prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures. The incoming president has warned there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY" if, before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza . He has threatened to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by a Japanese company, warning "Buyer Beware!!!” And this weekend, Trump was returning to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. On Saturday, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron — joined at the last minute by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and had plans to see Britain's Prince William also in Paris. Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son , Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden is attending in his place. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night . For all of Trump's bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit. The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. “Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time," he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes." Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration. “Right now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. He’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren't simply introductions. He's staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs," Zelizer said. Trump already has met with several foreign leaders, in addition to a long list of calls. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. Last Sunday, Trump dined with Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli prime minister. Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts. On Wednesday, several members of Trump's team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X . That comes after Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy. Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump's incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that, “All transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.” She added: “World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.” Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications. If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said. Leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for more a better deal. It also remains unclear how extensively the Biden administration has been kept apprised of Trump transition efforts. Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice. That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently. Still, the Biden and Trump teams have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain in held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who, like others, was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. That includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border. “I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. I’m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them," Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview. But when it comes to immigration, Biden administration officials haven’t been entirely in the loop on discussions around how to execute on Trump’s pledge to deport millions of migrants, according to four administration officials with knowledge of the transition who spoke on condition of anonymity. That’s not terribly surprising given how differently the teams view migration. Trump’s team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes. “Promises Kept — And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged "immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.” Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton. Security analyst David Saucedo said that "under the pressure by Donald Trump, it appears President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is willing to increase the capture of drug traffickers and drug seizures that Washington is demanding.” Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.

LUMBERTON — Donations for this year’s Empty Stocking campaign continue to help the goal of bringing Christmas cheer to more than 1,500 children in Robeson County. To date, the fund has grown to $1,300 thanks in part to four gifts — including a $600 donation in memory of Mayme and Bill Tubbs, a $5,00 gift from the Lumberton Rotary Club, $100 from the Inquire’s Club and $100 from Daniel and Carol Prevatee — however, we’re still well short of the need here in Lumberton. Donations help fund a $60 voucher per eligible child. The Empty Stocking Fund was established in the late 1970s to help children who might otherwise not have any presents to open on Christmas Day. Since 1996, the fund has raised close to $1.8 million, enough to help about 36,000 children. How to donate : There are four ways to donate: – Visit The Robesonian at 2175 Roberts Ave. in Lumberton between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday – Sending donations to Lumber River United Way, c/o The Empty Stocking Fund, 301 N Water St., Lumberton, N.C., 28358 – Using a credit card and call either Linda Currie at 910-816-1980 or Clarissa Jackson at 910-416-5235 – Go online to www.lumberriveruw.org, click the donate button, fill out the necessary information and select “Empty Stocking Fund-Robeson County.” If the gift is in honor or memory of someone, please provide that information and it will be included. The Robesonian will publish photographs that accompany donations of $500 or more if that request is made. Donors will receive a cash receipt for the current tax year. All donations will go to the Robeson County Department of Social Services.EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — JuJu Watkins scored 21 points to lead No. 6 Southern California to a 66-53 win over Oregon in the Big Ten opener for both teams on Saturday. Watkins was 6 for 15 from the field, including 3 of 9 on 3-pointers, in 28 minutes before fouling out. Kiki Iriafen added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Trojans (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten). Deja Kelly scored 16 points and Peyton Scott added 13 to lead the Ducks (7-3, 0-1). Oregon led 13-12 after the first quarter, but USC scored the first 18 points of the second quarter and never trailed again. The Trojans built the lead to 40-19 at halftime with 15 points from Watkins. Scott opened the third quarter with four straight points, but USC scored five straight points right after and kept the lead in double digits the rest of the way. Takeaways USC: The Trojans won their fourth straight since a loss to No. 10 Notre Dame. USC returns to nonconference play over the next three weeks, including a trip to No. 2 UConn. Oregon: The Ducks started the season 6-0 and moved up to No. 23 in the AP poll but have now lost three of four games. Key moment Kelly scored to put Oregon up 13-12 early, but USC held the Ducks scoreless for more than five minutes to start the second quarter while scoring 18 straight points. Watkins had a seven-point run of her own within that span. Key stat USC outrebounded Oregon 45-31, including 34 defensive rebounds. The Trojans are averaging nearly 12 more rebounds per game than their opponents on the season. Up Next USC hosts Fresno State on Tuesday night, and Oregon hosts Air Force on Dec. 17. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball