treasures of aztec pg soft British Journalism Awards winners 2024: Channel 4 News named best news provider, Caroline Wheeler is journalist of the yearIndiana got what it wanted Tuesday night in a 97-71 rout of Sam Houston State -- a lopsided victory where its bench played well and it didn't have to go down to the wire. The Hoosiers will look for more of the same Friday night in Bloomington when they continue their homestand against nonconference foe Miami (Ohio). Four players scored in double figures for Indiana (6-2) against the Bearkats, including 18 from reserve Luke Goode. The Illinois transfer hit four 3-pointers in less than four minutes of the first half, enabling the Hoosiers to take a 34-12 lead. Led by Goode, Indiana's bench contributed a whopping 36 points. "I thought it was a total team effort on everybody's part," Hoosiers coach Mike Woodson said. "Helps when your bench come off and play the way they did. Goode was fantastic but everybody off the bench played well." Indiana also got an encouraging 19-point performance from point guard Myles Rice, who struggled a bit in the first seven games in terms of making shots and running the offense. Rice (11.1 ppg) is one of four double-figure scorers in an attack led by Mackenzie Mgbako (16.8). Meanwhile, the RedHawks (5-2) are coming off a 73-60 home win Monday against Air Force. Bellarmine transfer Peter Suder poured in a career-high 42 points on 17-of-21 shooting, the highest-scoring game in program history since Wally Szczerbiak scored 43 in 1999. Suder, who averaged 10.5 ppg as a sophomore last season, is up to 17.4 ppg this season. He's hitting 58.8 percent of his field goals while also chipping in 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals. "I always say players win games, man. Coaches lose games," Miami coach Travis Steele told the Journal-News. "Peter was phenomenal. It was just get out of the way and just let him go." Forward Kam Craft, who Steele landed out of high school when he was still coaching at Xavier, is the RedHawks' second-leading scorer at 14.1 ppg. The Hoosiers have won 22 of the previous 25 meetings, including an 86-56 rout two years ago in Indianapolis. --Field Level MediaMy Turn: At junction of left brainers, right brainers, and no-brainers

MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Steven Clay scored 16 points as Morehead State beat Kentucky Christian 86-63 on Sunday. Clay shot 5 of 8 from the field, including 3 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 3 for 5 from the line for the Eagles (4-6). Jalen Breazeale scored 10 points, shooting 4 of 5 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line. Jerone Morton had nine points and went 3 of 6 from the field. Jayden Loydd finished with 15 points for the Knights. Kaleb Ramer added 12 points and four assists for Kentucky Christian. Josh Stacy also had 10 points. Up next for Morehead State is a Thursday matchup with UT Martin at home, and Kentucky Christian visits Wofford on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Indiana encouraged by 'total team effort' with Miami (OH) up next

Syrians cheer end of 50 years of Assad rule at first Friday prayers since government fell

CANTON, Ohio — Avon can make history Thursday night by winning its first OHSAA football state title. The Eagles (15-0), whose only other state final appearance was in 2011, will have to get through Cincinnati Anderson (15-0) to do it. Their Division II state championship kicks off at 7 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The Eagles, which last week played in their seventh state semifinal in the last eight years, finally got past Archbishop Hoban after five straight state defeats against the Knights. Anderson, which won its only state title in 2007 and was runner-up in 2008, defeated Big Walnut in last week’s semifinals. Check out our preview of Avon vs. Anderson , as well as a look at Avon quarterback Nolan Good . RECOMMENDED • cleveland .com High School Football Rewind: Scores, highlights from state semifinals of OHSAA playoffs Nov. 29, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Northeast Ohio high school football scores OHSAA state semifinals, 2024 Nov. 29, 2024, 9:46 p.m. Then stay here for live updates and highlights from the game. Just refresh your browser to see the latest updates below. Anderson wins the toss and defers to the second half. Avon gets the ball first. pic.twitter.com/Alkpat7Ier

The Steelers meet the Browns on Thursday Night Football, and you can use our FanDuel promo to score $150 in bonus bets just by winning a $5 wager on tonight's game. You'll also get 3 free months of NBA League Pass as a new customer at FanDuel. We also provide TNF odds, betting analysis and expert picks from TSN's Sloan Piva and Tony Mejia for Steelers vs. Browns below. Use our FanDuel promo link now to "Bet $5, Win $150" in bonus bets from one of the best NFL betting sites . Bet TNF at FanDuel : Bet $5 to win $150 in bonus bets How do I get my free $150 on FanDuel? The offer isn't exactly free, but FanDuel gives you a great chance to bag $150 in bonus bets. While you need to sign up for a new account and deposit at least $5 to be eligible for the bonus, there are no odds restrictions on this promo -- so look for a bet with an extremely high probability of winning. Consider this: Make your first $5 bet on Steelers +22.5 on the alternate spread . At odds of -50000, you have a 99.8% implied probability of collecting $150 in bonus bets from FanDuel! Or, if you'd rather bet the Browns, you can get Cleveland +29.5 with the same offer. Turn your $5 bet into a $150 bonus if the Browns lose by 29 points or fewer or win the game outright. FanDuel promo + Steelers vs. Browns TNF odds Here are live TNF odds at FanDuel . Click on a line you want to bet and visit the sportsbook to claim your FanDuel promo as a new customer. TNF betting analysis & expert picks for Steelers vs. Browns Here are picks on a side and the total from our NFL betting analysts. "On the heels of a physical win over Baltimore, there's concern a Steelers' letdown is coming," Tony Mejia writes."Pittsburgh is on the road in its first short week situation of 2024, lost at Cleveland last year and went 1-1 on short rest in '23, barely defeating the Titans and losing to the Patriots, who went a combined 10-24. "The Steelers fell at the Browns in a Week 3 TNF game in '22, too, so Mike Tomlin has a pretty recent history on his side to help offset complacency as he warns his team against letting it be repeated. That should aid the cause, so lay the short number with the Steelers." Pick: Steelers -3.5 Bet here: Sign up for your new FanDuel account TSN's Sloan Piva is fading conventional thinking when it comes to the total for Steelers vs. Browns. Here's Sloan: "We sniffed out the value of this Thursday Night Football matchup nice and early. At last glance, 62 percent of the early over/under bets for this one have been on the under, so we're going against the grain and betting the over." Piva thinks both teams will contribute offensively with relatively new QBs under center. "In the three games Jameis Winston has started since taking over for injured (and awful) QB Deshaun Watson, Jame-O has thrown six touchdowns," he observes. "The Browns have averaged 17.6 points per game with Winston, and they even got a huge upset win over the Ravens four weeks ago." What about Pittsburgh? "The Steelers have also been a much more dynamic offense since changing quarterbacks," Piva writes. "In four games with Russell Wilson under center, Pittsburgh has averaged 27.3 PPG and, like Cleveland, thrown for six TDs. Don't let the narrative of the short week and the tough defenses get into your head — this one should feature some decent scoring." FanDuel promo for TNF: Bet $5, Win $150 in bonus bets + 3 free months of NBA League Pass Our FanDuel promo link unlocks a tremendous offer for new customers: $150 in bonus bets if you hit your first $5 bet. You'll also get three free months of NBA League Pass. Here's how to claim the promo: Visit FanDuel Sportsbook using this link . Click "join" and select the state you're in. Enter the information requested, including email, a username and password. Deposit $10 or more using a method of your choice, such as online banking, Apple Pay, Venmo or PayPal. Place a bet of $5 or more -- and win that wager! If you win your first bet, FanDuel will credit your account with $150 in bonus bets. You can use that $150 in house money to bet on other NFL games. Just be sure to use your bonus bets within seven days from the time they are received! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >

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

In an Edmonton Oilers news and rumors update, Zach Hyman returns for the Edmonton Oilers, while Viktor Arvidsson remains out. Meanwhile, the 4 Nations teams were announced and while a few names made it, several Oilers didn’t make the final cut. Who did make the team? And, for those who didn’t, will it light a fire under them to start upping their production and contributing more to prove a point they were overlooked? Hyman Returns vs. Blue Jackets on Thursday Zach Hyman is confirmed to return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup after missing five games due to injury. TSN’s Ryan Rishaug posted on Thursday morning , “Hyman back and on top line with 97 and 93.” Hyman said he was excited to get back into the lineup and is confident in his ability to start putting goals on the board, which is something the Oilers desperately need. Hyman was asked if he’s hoping to still make Team Canada if there’s an injury. He responded that he hopes everyone stays healthy and that Canada does great. He doesn’t want to get on the team that way. Rishaug observed notable line combinations at practice, with Leon Draisaitl skating alongside Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen, while Jeff Skinner was paired with Mattias Janmark and Adam Henrique. Derek Ryan joined Corey Perry and Connor Brown. Each line features a mix of speed and skill, but the standout takeaway is players are positioned in roles that better align with their strengths and expected contributions. Calvin Pickard gets the start for the Oilers in goal. Question Marks Surrounding Viktor Arvidsson’s Injury The Daily Hive asked head coach Kris Knoblauch for a status update and the bench boss didn’t have one. “It’s obviously gone on longer than we anticipated,” Knoblauch said. “We thought it would be just a couple of days off, but it hasn’t healed as expected.” As of now, there is no timeline for his return. This is clearly not a good thing for the Oilers, who were expecting that Arvidsson might not miss any games at all. That he’s now missed several games, isn’t skating, and there is no indication about when he might return, there has to be growing concern that the Oilers signed a player who isn’t going to be nearly as productive as they might have hoped. Interestingly, Arvidsson was still selected for his 4 Nations team. McDavid Excited About the 4 Nations Tournament “Nowhere else I’d rather be than in Montreal and Boston on those two weeks,” said Connor McDavid when asked about his being named to Team Canada. His selection was not a surprise, but the fact that no other Oilers were picked to be on the team might have come as a bit of a shock. Evan Bouchard, Hyman, and Stuart Skinner were also believed to have a good shot of making the team before the season started. None of them were selected, and likely because they have all struggled to start the 2024-25 campaign. Skinner might have been among the more interesting omissions, if only because he wasn’t even listed on insider’s alternates team. Canada’s goaltending isn’t exactly elite, and the fact Skinner took the Oiler to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final and has been one of the better Canadian netminders over the past couple of seasons, he still didn’t get much consideration among analysts. The hope for Oilers fans is that being snubbed will light a fire under all three players. Mattias Ekholm was selected for Team Sweden. This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.Athens, Greece, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In today's digital landscape, where competition is fierce and attention spans are limited, figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump demonstrate how strategic marketing—whether for a product or a presidential campaign—can redefine engagement. Albert Valiakhmetov, founder of FlyX Marketing, draws intriguing parallels between these strategies and effective brand advertising. Mirroring the tactics used in marketing to influence, engage, and ultimately, build loyalty. As Valiakhmetov observes, " The news that Donald Trump became president reminds us of how much presidential elections resemble classic marketing campaigns. " Both political and advertising campaigns share the fundamental aim of creating a connection with their audience—whether to win votes or attract loyal customers. https://flyxmarketing.com/ " Political campaigns today, especially those as influential as Trump's recent run, highlight marketing principles at their peak effectiveness, " Valiakhmetov explains. " By implementing similar strategies in business, FlyX Marketing has seen up to 200% growth for clients across various sectors. " Campaign strategies such as precision targeting, cross-platform message consistency, and emotionally resonant content have become crucial in both spheres, emphasizing the power of digital influence. Mastering Modern Influence for Brands Key insights from FlyX Marketing stem from current political campaign techniques that have reshaped their approach: Advanced Social Media Strategy: Like political messaging or Elon Musk's provocative use of platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to engage audiences, brand campaigns thrive on tailored approaches to maximize reach. Precision Demographic Targeting: As political campaigns focus on voter bases, FlyX Marketing connects brands with core demographics, leading to higher engagement. Cross-Platform Message Integration: Ensuring a unified message across digital platforms is as crucial in business as it is in politics. From Ballot Box to Brand Building “ What's compelling about recent political strategies, such as those used in Trump's and Harris's campaigns, is their intelligent use of digital platforms. Similarly, Elon Musk's ability to spark viral conversations demonstrates the value of cross-platform engagement, a principle FlyX Marketing adopts to revolutionize brand connections. ”, Valiakhmetov notes. " In marketing, the goal is to influence purchasing behavior, while political propaganda seeks to steer public opinion, " Valiakhmetov explains, pointing to the similar foundations of both fields. Emotional Connection: Building Brand Loyalty Through Human Insight One of the standout elements of FlyX Marketing's strategy is creating a deep emotional connection with audiences, drawing on the same principles political campaigns use to sway public sentiment. Just as Trump's messaging struck a chord with voters on issues like economic stability, FlyX's campaigns emphasize brand stories that appeal to core human needs, offering customers relatable themes and solutions to everyday challenges. Digital Innovation at Work with FlyX Marketing FlyX Marketing takes inspiration from the efficiency seen in political campaigns by incorporating cutting-edge technology and data analytics to craft campaigns that resonate deeply. It embraces innovation akin to Elon Musk's ventures, utilizing cutting-edge tools like AI-driven analytics and real-time optimization to craft campaigns that deeply resonate with audiences. Key tools include: AI-Driven Analytics: Predictive models track engagement and fine-tune content, ensuring maximum relevance. Real-Time Optimization: Rapid adjustments increase reach and engagement with audiences. Strategic Audience Segmentation: Building personalized experiences ensures each demographic feels addressed. Platform-Specific Messaging: Tailored content for each channel optimizes overall campaign performance. Here are FlyX Marketing’s full suite of services , designed to deliver cutting-edge performance marketing and AI-driven solutions. From advanced data analytics to strategic execution, each service is tailored to maximize growth and drive results. " The recent campaigns by Trump and Harris provide insight into the evolution of digital communication, " observes Valiakhmetov. " These strategies not only shape public opinion but demonstrate best practices in audience engagement for businesses looking to make a real impact." Revolutionizing Marketing with Campaign Insights FlyX Marketing's modern approach combines the following elements, proven to drive substantial results for clients: Viral Content Development: Creating shareable, high-impact content that aligns with brand goals. Data-Driven Strategy: Guiding marketing decisions with real-time data to optimize campaigns. Emotional Connection Building: Connecting on a personal level, similar to political storytelling. Platform-Specific Optimization: Adjusting strategies to maximize impact on each channel. Message Amplification: Reaching larger audiences with clarity and precision. The Future of Marketing in a Politically-Driven Landscape Looking forward, marketing experts can expect to see even greater integration of political strategies within brand advertising and by industry disruptors like Elon Musk, as all these industries increasingly rely on digital and data-driven tools to make impactful decisions. According to Valiakhmetov, the future of branding will likely mirror these trends, further blurring the lines between marketing and political campaigning. Choosing a marketing partner like FlyX Marketing ensures brands are not only prepared for these shifts but are also leading the way. With a proven track record in delivering customized, high-growth campaigns, FlyX continues to set new standards for success, making this era an exciting one for both brands and political strategists alike. More information about services, consultations, and insights can be found on the FlyX Marketing website or by contacting business@flyxmarketing.com . Media Contact Company Name: Flyx Marketing Contact Person: Nick Agamian Email: nickagam@flyxmarketing.com Website: https://flyxmarketing.com/ Disclaimer: This content does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation of any security, product, or service. Furthermore, nothing in this press release should be interpreted as a suggestion to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to participate in any specific investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to assess the suitability of any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction based on your individual objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Please consult your financial advisor, attorney, or tax advisor for guidance on your specific financial, legal, or tax situation. For more information, contact brandnewsproject@gmail.com.Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. Prices Offering of Series A Preferred Stock

Someone thinks six prominent Kentucky Republicans could run for U.S. Senate soon. Various website domains “for senate” were recently created for congressmen Andy Barr, Brett Guthrie and James Comer, as well as former attorney general Daniel Cameron, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft and Lexington businessman Nate Morris. None of them have said they’ll seek the office, and none of them have said they’re involved in the creation of any of those websites. And there’s still not word on whether or not they could even be used in the near term. The longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, Sen. Mitch McConnell, has yet to decide if he will run for his Senate seat again in 2026. The 82-year-old opted to step down from his leadership post earlier this year, clearing the way for Sen. John Thune, R-SD, to take over when Republicans take the majority next year. A McConnell spokesperson responded to a Herald-Leader inquiry by stating that the leader “hasn’t made an announcement about his 2026 plans.” The domain name reservations could be the work of a so-called “cybersquatter,” a term referencing someone who buys several political web domains in anticipation of a potential yet-unannounced campaign. This year, the self-described “GOAT” — greatest of all time — of cybersquatting , Jeremy Green Eche, sold the HarrisWalz.com domain to the Democratic presidential ticket for $15,000. In response to a Herald-Leader inquiry, Eche said that the Kentucky-related domains were not purchased by him. None of the sites are currently active. A spokesperson for Comer said that the congressman’s team, to his knowledge, had nothing to do with the creation of websites like “comerforussenate.com” and “comer4senate.com.” He also relayed that Comer has no interest in running for senate even if McConnell does not seek reelection. Cameron, meanwhile, left the door open. “Makenze and I are committed to serving Kentucky and we’re praying about what that looks like,” Cameron said, referring to his wife. “I remain open to any opportunity that could arise to make a difference, advance a conservative agenda, and help President Trump get our country back on track.” Cameron is now running the 1792 Exchange , a nonprofit organization dedicated to pushing back on allegedly “woke” capitalism and corporations. It’s particularly targeted at ESG — short for environmental, social and governance — which refers to the guidelines and policies used by some companies to guide or inform their investments. The group recently launched a “national” ad campaign touting its “workplace politics survey.” The former attorney general has also remained politically active in Kentucky, raising money and doling it out to state-level candidates through his All 120 PAC. In a recent email newsletter to supporters, Cameron emphasized how politically involved he’s been this year, including hitting the stump for Trump. “Even though my name wasn’t on the ballot, I hit the campaign trail hard because of the importance of this election. It was good to see old friends at Lincoln Dinners and GOP functions across the state. The greatest honor for me this election cycle was serving as a surrogate for President Trump. It gave me an opportunity to make the case for him on tv, in West Virginia, and in battleground state, Wisconsin,” Cameron wrote. Spokespeople for Barr, Guthrie and Craft, as well as a person familiar with Morris’ thinking, did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. Should the seat open up, President-elect Donald Trump could hold significant sway over who gets the GOP nomination. In the 2023 governor’s race, he endorsed Cameron early, before some others entered the race. Cameron has retained ties to Trump, speaking as his surrogate at Fancy Farm, the state’s premier political speaking event, this summer. Craft, who lost to Cameron in the 2023 GOP primary for governor, has been a mainstay fundraiser for Trump. In the lead-up to all three of the president-elect’s runs, Craft and her husband — billionaire coal magnate and philanthropist Joe Craft — have played key roles in donating their own funds as well as hosting fundraisers. Craft served as both ambassador to Canada and the United Nations during Trump’s first term. Both of those slots, as well as other major foreign affairs roles like Secretary of State, NATO ambassador and ambassador to France have already been filled. However, several other high-profile ambassadorships like England, Russia, China and others remain open. Morris is a politico-turned-entrepreneur who founded the Lexington-based waste technology company Rubicon. Morris has been active in attending political functions in recent years, has a book on the way and money to spend. In 2022 alone, he made $41 million according to outlet Waste Dive. Also in 2022, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in a $1.7 billion deal. Morris also has some ties to Vice President-elect JD Vance, whose story as a political outsider with deep pockets from a heartland state mirrors Morris’. Barr has also hewed closely to Trump. He served as the campaign chair this year for the state of Kentucky and says he wants to bridge the gap between “America First” Trump-style populism and free market capitalism. But he currently has his sights set on a Washington role in his own chamber. A recent report from Axios, corroborated by other Washington outlets, dubs Barr the favorite to chair the House Financial Services Committee. He’s running against fellow committee member French Hill, R-AR, and others. Barr previously rebuffed rumors he’d abandon his bid for the chairmanship if McConnell were to step down. “If my colleagues in the House want me to lead the Financial Services Committee, that’s my priority,” he said in a February interview with POLITICO. According to Republican House Conference rules , a committee chair must vacate his or her role if they decide to run for another elected office. Guthrie is also in a race for a chairmanship, in his case for the Energy and Commerce Committee. The Bowling Green Republican is outpacing his competition, Rep. Bob Latta, R-KY, in the fundraising race according to Punchbowl News. The outlet reported that House GOP leadership “tends to view Guthrie as having the inside track.” ©2024 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit kentucky.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.