fish aquarium Charles Dolan, a trailblazer in the American media industry and the founder of Home Box Office ( HBO ) and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at the age of 98, according to Newsday . Newsweek has reached out to HBO via email for comment on Sunday afternoon. Why It Matters Dolan's contributions have transformed the cable broadcasting landscape. In 1972, he launched HBO, which then grew into a premium television network. A year later, he founded Cablevision Systems Corp., and built it into one of the nation's largest broadcasting companies. His portfolio of achievements expanded further in 1984 with the creation of the American Movie Classics (AMC) network and News 12, the first 24-hour local news cable channel in the United States. What To Know According to a statement from Dolan's family, he passed away at age 98 from natural causes on Saturday, as first reported by Newsday . "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father and patriarch, Charles Dolan, the visionary founder of HBO and Cablevision," the family's statement said. A Cleveland native, Dolan began his professional journey after dropping out of John Carroll University. He went on to create his business ventures that ultimately culminated in June 2016 when he sold Cablevision to Altice, a European telecommunications firm, for $17.7 billion. His vision has also extended beyond broadcasting as Dolan, whose primary home was in Cove Neck on Long Island, New York, also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks and Rangers, Radio City Music Hall, and MSG Entertainment. In addition to his professional success, Dolan maintained a strong connection to his family. His son, James L. Dolan, led Cablevision as CEO from 1995 until the Altice sale and now oversees Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. His other son, Patrick Dolan, played a significant role in repurchasing Newsday , which became part of the Cablevision portfolio in 2008. Following the 2016 sale of Cablevision to Altice, control of Newsday also transferred to the European telecommunications giant. However, Patrick Dolan, reclaimed the family's ties to the paper later that year. In July 2016, Patrick led a group that repurchased a 75 percent stake in Newsday Media Group. Two years later, he solidified his control by acquiring the remaining 25 percent, ensuring the publication remained under Dolan family stewardship. At the time of his death, Forbes estimated the Dolan family's net worth at $5.4 billion. Dolan has also devoted time to philanthropy, co-founding The Lustgarten Foundation in Uniondale, New York, to advance pancreatic cancer research. Dolan is survived by six children, 19 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His wife of many decades, Helen Ann Dolan, passed away in 2023, Newsday reported. What People Are Saying A statement issued Saturday by Dolan's family said, "Remembered as both a trailblazer in the television industry and a devoted family man, his legacy will live on." Taylor Chapman, director of communications at Optimum, which is part of Altice, said in an emailed statement to Newsweek on Sunday afternoon: "It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Charles Dolan. The Optimum community will forever honor the legacy and profound impact he had on our organization and industry. We extend our deepest condolences to the Dolan family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time." MSG Entertainment, MSG Sports, and Sphere Entertainment said in a statement, "Mr. Dolan's vision built the foundation for the companies we are today, and as a member of our Boards he continued to help shape our future. The impact he made on the media, sports, and entertainment industries, including as the founder of Cablevision and HBO, is immeasurable. We do not expect this to directly or indirectly change ownership by the Dolan family." Douglas Gomery, a mass communications scholar, wrote in the 2004 edition of "Encyclopedia of Television," that Dolan "helped establish cable television as an economic, social and cultural force in the United States during the final quarter of the 20th century." Ted Turner, the founder of CNN, told Newsday in 1990, "He's one of the pioneers of cable television and one of the most brilliant people there is when it comes to programming and seeing what's ahead."Speaker schedules opposition motions after Tories opt against own non-confidence voteBEIRUT — Hezbollah fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel on Sunday, wounding seven people in one of the militant group's heaviest barrages in months, in response to deadly Israeli strikes in Beirut while negotiators pressed on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. An Israeli bomb squad policeman carries the remains of a rocket that was fired from Lebanon on Sunday in Kibbutz Kfar Blum, northern Israel. Some of the rockets reached the Tel Aviv area in the heart of Israel. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike on an army center killed a Lebanese soldier and wounded 18 others in the southwest between Tyre and Naqoura, Lebanon's military said. The Israeli military expressed regret, saying that the strike occurred in an area of combat against Hezbollah and that the military's operations are directed solely against the militants. Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines. People are also reading... Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, condemned the latest strike as an assault on U.S.-led cease-fire efforts, calling it a “direct, bloody message rejecting all efforts and ongoing contacts” to end the war. Hezbollah began firing rockets, missiles and drones into Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack out of the Gaza Strip ignited the war there. Hezbollah has portrayed the attacks as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians and Hamas. Iran supports both armed groups. The Israeli police bomb squad inspects the site after a missile fired from Lebanon hit the area Sunday in Petah Tikva, outskirts of Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes at Hezbollah, and in September the low-level conflict erupted into all-out war as Israel launched airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon and killed Hezbollah's top leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said it treated seven people, including a 60-year old man in severe condition from rocket fire on northern Israel, a 23-year-old man who was lightly wounded by a blast in the central city of Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, and a 70-year-old woman who suffered smoke inhalation from a car that caught fire there. In Haifa, a rocket hit a residential building that police said was in danger of collapsing. The Palestine Red Crescent reported 13 injuries it said were caused by an interceptor missile that struck several homes in Tulkarem in the West Bank. It was unclear whether injuries and damage were caused by rockets or interceptors. Sirens wailed again in central and northern Israel hours later. Israeli airstrikes without warning on Saturday pounded central Beirut, killing at least 29 people and wounding 67, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. A flock of birds flies above the smoke from Israeli airstrikes Sunday in Dahiyeh, Beirut. Smoke billowed above Beirut again Sunday with new strikes. Israel's military said it targeted command centers for Hezbollah and its intelligence unit in the southern suburbs of Dahiyeh, where the militants have a strong presence. Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,700 people in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry. The fighting has displaced about 1.2 million people, or a quarter of Lebanon’s population. On the Israeli side, about 90 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians have been killed by bombardment in northern Israel and in battle following Israel's ground invasion in early October. Around 60,000 Israelis have been displaced from the country's north. EU urges immediate halt to Israel-Hezbollah war The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Israel-Hezbollah war while on a visit to the Lebanese c... The European Union’s top diplomat called Sunday for more pressure on Israel and Hezbollah to reach a deal, saying one was "pending with a final agreement from the Israeli government.” U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein was in the region last week. Josep Borrell spoke after meeting with Mikati and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally who has been mediating with the group. Borrell said the EU is ready to allocate $208 million to assist the Lebanese military. But Borrell later said that he did not “see the Israeli government interested clearly in reaching an agreement for a cease-fire" and that it seemed Israel was seeking new conditions. He pointed to Israel’s refusal to accept France as a member of the international committee that would oversee the cease-fire's implementation. The emerging agreement would pave the way for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops from southern Lebanon below the Litani River in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the monthlong 2006 war. Lebanese troops would patrol with the presence of U.N. peacekeepers. With talks for a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza stalled, freed hostages and families of those held marked a year since the war's only hostage-release deal. “It’s hard to hold on to hope, certainly after so long and as another winter is about to begin," said Yifat Zailer, cousin of Shiri Bibas, who is held along with her husband and two young sons. Around 100 hostages are still in Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead. Most of the rest of the 250 who were abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack were released in last year's cease-fire. Talks for another deal recently had several setbacks, including the firing of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who pushed for a deal, and Qatar’s decision to suspend its mediation. Hamas wants Israel to end the war and withdraw all troops from Gaza. Israel has offered only to pause its offensive. The Palestinian death toll from the war surpassed 44,000 this week, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. On Sunday, six people were killed in strikes in central Gaza, according to AP journalists at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Buyer beware: How to spot fake online shopping sites Buyer beware: How to spot fake online shopping sites How often do you buy something online ? A couple of times a month? A couple of times a week? A couple of times a day? Everybody's answer will be different, but collectively, it's done a lot: Online retail accounted for over $1 trillion of purchases in the U.S. in 2022 and a record $277.6 billion in the second quarter of 2023 alone. Retailers ranging from titans like Amazon and Walmart, down to local small-town shops work very hard to land their share of that business. Sadly and inevitably—so do criminals and scammers. At any given moment, they operate millions of bogus sites. So how can you spot those fake online shopping sites? Spokeo provides a guide. It's Easy to Create an Online Presence In the early days of the internet , it took some genuine skills to set up a website, but those days are gone. A quick search will show that there are lots of apps and services offering websites on a prefabricated "fill in the blanks" basis, and most web hosts provide those tools as part of the service when someone signs up with them. It's even easier on social media . If you were opening a "side hustle" business tomorrow from your home, you could set up your own Facebook page tonight in under an hour, with exactly zero knowledge of websites. Once that page is set up, you just need to throw a few dollars in the direction of Facebook's advertising department, and they'll start advertising your page to users. It's no harder to promote a website, except in that case, you'd give your advertising dollars to Google. This is a simplified overview, but the main point holds: Establishing a presence online has become a very democratized process, open to anyone with minimal skills and even the smallest budget for advertising. That's been a boon for legitimate entrepreneurs, but it also makes life very easy indeed for scammers. How Bogus Websites Steal Money and Information There are multiple types of bogus websites . Some are imposters, created to look very much like a legitimate commercial or government site that you're familiar with, such as Amazon or Netflix. Others don't imitate a specific site, but instead attempt to capture the look and feel of those sites in general (whether that be a retail site, a government or bank page, or even something relatively shady like a gambling or porn site). Next, scammers find ways to drive traffic to their site. Often that's through phishing texts or emails, but deceptive ads on social media or search engines like Google and Bing work just as well. Once a browser arrives at the criminals' site (or, in some cases, downloads their app), any number of bad things can happen. One is that they'll download malware onto your devices, which can capture passwords or steal personal information. A more straightforward risk is that the browser will cheerfully enter their personal and banking/credit card information, thinking they're making a legitimate purchase. That's largely why fake online shopping sites are so dangerous, and so useful to scammers and identity thieves. How Fake Online Shopping Sites Work Most bogus sites share some or all of those characteristics, but shopping sites are a very specific type of bogus site with some quirks of their own. One characteristic to count on—whether the website directly impersonates a major retailer like Amazon, a niche retailer like MEC, or just positions itself as an anonymously general retail site—is that it will offer unusually low pricing on high-demand products. That might be a mass-market item like the latest gaming console, a suddenly in-demand item that's unavailable through normal channels (remember trying to get masks and sanitizing wipes during COVID-19?), or something as mundane as disposable diapers or high-capacity computer drives. Whatever the product, the advertised price will be low enough to get attention. The bogus site will have any number of ways to transfer a browser's money to its coffers, depending on the scammers' intentions and skillset. A few of the most common include: These are all aside from the potential to infect devices or steal payment information . Sites focused on identity theft might consider a faux purchase to be just the added gravy. Fake Online Shopping Sites are a Big (and Year-Round) Problem How common is online shopping fraud? Well, the news is pretty bad. The FTC's 2022 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book recorded over 327,000 online shopping complaints, the fourth-highest category for overall complaints and second among fraud categories. You would expect these sites to be more prevalent during the final quarter of the year, corresponding to the holiday gift-giving season—Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas itself—and they are, but that doesn't mean you can relax during the other nine months of the year. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, or APWG, identified nearly a million fake or phishing websites during the first quarter of 2022 alone (not a busy time of year for shopping), for example. To be clear, only 14.6% of those were eCommerce sites, but that still translates to well over 140,000 bogus shopping sites. The true number is almost certainly higher because the APWG only tracks the ones that use a phishing approach. Many opt to simply buy advertising instead (or as well), and those won't be captured in the APWG's statistics. However you slice it, there's a definite risk of encountering these sites when you shop. Recognizing Fake Online Shopping Sites The good news is that bogus shopping sites aren't hard to spot, once you're aware of the risk. They aren't built for permanence; scammers pull them together quickly and cheaply and then abandon them once they stop producing.That "just good enough" approach leaves plenty of visible signs you can detect. Below, here's what to look for when recognizing fake online shopping sites. Bad images Bogus sites don't have direct access to the real products' manufacturing images, so they resort to copying and pasting from legitimate sites. \That means bogus sites' product images (and often their fake logos, if they impersonate a legitimate site) are fuzzy and low-res. A URL that's slightly "off" Imposter sites obviously can't have the same URL as the legitimate site, so they'll usually have a URL that looks right, but isn't quite. They might have a typo in the name, or incorporate the real company's name into their URL in a non-standard way ("myfakesite.amazon.com.123xyz.com"), or—sneakiest of all—use a letter from a different language's character set , which looks the same to the eye, but not to the computer. Broken links The scammers may have simply copied and pasted user interface elements from a legitimate site, in which case many links on the site may be broken (or simply not clickable). Lots of missing elements A legitimate retail website will have several pages of legalese, often starting with a pop-up about its cookie policy or privacy policy. You should certainly expect to see a detailed document spelling out shipping policies, return and refund policies, and similar details. If those are missing or brief and vapid, it's probably a fake site. Limited options for payment Sites that plan to take your money and run will often show oddly specific payment options, from wire transfers to gift cards to cryptocurrency. The thing those payment methods have in common is that it's very difficult to get money back once it's spent. Sites geared around capturing your personal or payment information, on the other hand, may insist on getting your credit card. Typos, grammar, and linguistic errors Simple, silly language errors are often a red flag. Scammers may not be native English speakers, and it shows up in awkward or sometimes inappropriate phrasing. Errors in actual product listings aren't necessarily a smoking gun—you'll see them frequently on real Amazon pages—because they come from the manufacturers, who are often not English speakers. Language errors on the rest of the site are more of a concern. HTTP vs. HTTPS In the address bar of your browser, a legitimate retail site's URL will start with HTTPS, rather than HTTP, and will show a closed lock symbol. The majority of fake sites now also have an HTTPS URL and will show the lock (so this isn't as helpful as it used to be), but less-sophisticated scammers may miss that detail. You can automatically rule those ones out. And, of course, the biggest red flag of all is an unrealistically low price on the product you're looking for. We all want to get a really good deal, but that impulse will often lead you astray. What to Do if You Think a Shopping Site Is Fake If a shopping site fails those basic "eyeball" tests, the smart thing to do is just close that browser tab and walk away. If you want to dig deeper, or if you aren't sure, there are a few quick and easy ways to verify a site's legitimacy. Use a URL/website checker Remember those really sneaky fake URLs that use a letter from another alphabet? The best way to check those (and other problematic elements in a URL) is through a URL verifier/website reputation service, like the ones from URLVoid and Google . Just copy (don't click!) the link, and paste it into the checker. If the site is sketchy, they'll tell you. Look up the site on a registry Domain names all need to be registered and there are several lookup tools to check this, like ICANN's registration lookup (think of it as Spokeo for websites). If a site claims to be Amazon but was registered just a few weeks ago, that's a really big red flag. Similarly, if the site isn't located where it should be, or if the ownership data is obscured, that's grounds for concern. Turn to Google If you have a bad feeling about a particular site, do a quick Google or Bing (or whatever) search that pairs the site's name with keywords like "scam," "fraud," "bogus" or "ripoff" and see what comes up. If you get a lot of hits, that's definitely grounds for concern. Go Forth and Shop (Safely) If a given site fails any or all of those tests, then keeping your wallet in your pocket is definitely the smart choice. Instead of making the purchase, report the site instead to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and the FTC's Report Fraud website. That will get the investigative wheels turning and may help protect someone less wary from falling victim to the scammers. As always, wariness and skepticism are your friends when it comes to avoiding scams. Don't click on links in emails, texts , or social media messages; instead, go to the company's site by typing the URL directly. If you search a company's page on Google, scroll down through the actual search results until you find it instead of clicking on the sponsored results or advertisements at the top. Most of all, remember the golden rule of scam avoidance: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Keeping those principles in mind, and using the tips given here to screen out dubious sites means you'll be able to shop 'til you drop (safely), despite the vast number of scammers out there. And that—as the credit card ads like to say—is priceless. This story was produced by Spokeo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

High employee attrition of 25 per cent in private banks pose operational risk: RBI ReportAll-star Scottie Barnes returns to Raptors lineup vs. Timberwolves

Analysis: Protecting QBs from violent late hits like the one that leveled Trevor Lawrence isn't easy

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NoneHezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeksInflation is predicted to average 2.5% this year and 2.6% next year, according to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The British Medical Association said the Government showed a “poor grasp” of unresolved issues from two years of industrial action, and the Royal College of Nursing called the pay recommendation “deeply offensive”. The National Education Union’s chief said teachers were “putting the Government on notice” that the proposed increase “won’t do”. The pay recommendations came after Chancellor Rachel Reeves called for every Government department to cut costs by 5%, as she started work on a sweeping multi-year spending review to be published in 2025. Independent pay review bodies will consider the proposals for pay rises for teachers, NHS workers and senior civil servants. The Department of Health said it viewed 2.8% as a “reasonable amount” to set aside, in its recommendations to the NHS Pay Review Body and the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Board remit groups. A 2.8% pay rise for teachers in 2025/26 would “maintain the competitiveness of teachers’ pay despite the challenging financial backdrop the Government is facing”, the Department for Education said. The Cabinet Office also suggested pay increases for senior civil servants should be kept to no more than 2.8%. Paul Johnson, director of the influential economics think tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said it was “not a bad ballpark figure” and feels “just about affordable” given the Government’s public spending plans. The downside, he said, is that public sector workers have lost out since 2010 and unions will be upset that this is not making up the gap, he told Sky News’ Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge. “But given the constraints facing the Chancellor I think it’s pretty hard to argue for more for public sector pay when public sector services ... are under real strain,” he said. Unions expressed their disappointment in the recommendations, with some hinting they could be willing to launch industrial action. The Royal College of Nursing general secretary and chief executive called for “open direct talks now” to avoid “further escalation to disputes and ballots”. Professor Nicola Ranger said: “The Government has today told nursing staff they are worth as little as £2 extra a day, less than the price of a coffee. “Nursing is in crisis – there are fewer joining and too many experienced professionals leaving. This is deeply offensive to nursing staff, detrimental to their patients and contradictory to hopes of rebuilding the NHS. “The public understands the value of nursing and they know that meaningful reform of the NHS requires addressing the crisis in nursing. “We pulled out of the Pay Review Body process, alongside other unions, because it is not the route to address the current crisis. “That has been demonstrated today. “Fair pay must be matched by structural reform. Let’s open direct talks now and avoid further escalation to disputes and ballots – I have said that directly to government today.” Professor Philip Banfield, chairman of the British Medical Association’s council, urged the sector’s pay review body to “show it is now truly independent”. “For this Government to give evidence to the doctors’ and dentists’ pay review body (DDRB) believing a 2.8% pay rise is enough, indicates a poor grasp of the unresolved issues from two years of industrial action,” he said. He said the proposal is far below the current rate of inflation and that the Government was “under no illusion” when doctors accepted pay offers in the summer that there was a “very real risk of further industrial action” if “pay erosion” was not addressed in future pay rounds. “This sub-inflationary suggestion from the current Government serves as a test to the DDRB. “The BMA expects it to take this opportunity to show it is now truly independent, to take an objective view of the evidence it receives from all parties, not just the Government, and to make an offer that reflects the value of doctors’ skills and expertise in a global market, and that moves them visibly further along the path to full pay restoration.” The NEU’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, said teachers’ pay had been cut by more than one-fifth in real terms since 2010. “Along with sky-high workload, the pay cuts have resulted in a devastating recruitment and retention crisis. Teacher shortages across the school system hit pupils and parents too. “A 2.8% increase is likely to be below inflation and behind wage increases in the wider economy. This will only deepen the crisis in education.” In a hint that there could be a return to industrial action he added: “NEU members fought to win the pay increases of 2023 and 2024. “We are putting the Government on notice. Our members care deeply about education and feel the depth of the crisis. This won’t do.” The offer for teachers is the “exact opposite of fixing the foundations” and will result in bigger class sizes and more cuts to the curriculum, Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The inadequacy of the proposed pay award is compounded by the Government’s intention that schools should foot the bill out of their existing allocations. “Given that per-pupil funding will increase on average by less than 1% next year, and the Government’s proposal is for an unfunded 2.8% pay award, it is obvious that this is in fact an announcement of further school cuts.” Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: This recommendation falls far short of what is needed to restore the competitiveness of the teaching profession, to enable it to retain experienced professionals and attract new talent. Unison head of health Helga Pile said: “The Government has inherited a financial mess from its predecessors, but this is not what NHS workers wanted to hear. “Staff are crucial in turning around the fortunes of the NHS. Improving performance is a key Government pledge, but the pay rise proposed is barely above the cost of living.”

Raiders find winning formula again in topping SaintsA prominent psychologist has sounded the alarm on the perils of teens falling in love with virtual girlfriends or boyfriends powered by artificial intelligence. And he has warned parents that kids who turn to chatbots for companionship could struggle to develop social skills needed for real relationships. Once the domain of science fiction, AI avatars that communicate with their creators are becoming increasingly popular. A rapidly-growing number of apps give users the power to design their ideal romantic partner — choosing their looks, interests and personality — which they can chat with at any time of the day or night. High-profile adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg raised serious concerns about the possible risks to young people in a video provided to schools across Australia. “The rise in popularity of AI girlfriends, boyfriends and digital companions signifies a significant shift in human interaction with artificial intelligence — blurring the lines between digital and personal connection,” he said in a special report on the SchoolTV platform. “Young people who engage excessively with AI companions might struggle to develop the social skills needed for real human relationships — potentially leading to unhealthy emotional attachments and dependencies that can lead to psychological damage.” SchoolTV, backed by children’s mental health experts, provides parenting resources to schools that subscribe to its service. It also responds to trends reported by schools. Dr Carr-Gregg noted virtual girlfriend and boyfriend apps were easy to download and age restrictions could be bypassed. He warned that excessive exposure to AI companion bots could have a significant impact on a young person’s developing identity. Talking to a virtual companion risked normalising sexualised chat, which could lead to a young person being groomed by a real predator. Because users could personalise their avatar to look, dress and act to fit their desires, that could potentially lead to a deeper attachment than if the avatar was generic. And the power to be able to tell a companion bot what to do could lead to coercive control issues in a real life relationship. “Adolescents seeking belonging and exploring their sexuality may turn to virtual partners for affirmation, attention and validation, addressing feelings of loneliness or disconnection,” Dr Carr-Gregg said. Tragically, talking to an AI bot was the last thing US 14-year-old Sewell Setzer did moments before taking his own life. Last month, his mother Megan Garcia filed a federal lawsuit against role-playing chatbot app Character.AI, claiming it was responsible for the death of her son. The Florida high school student, who had been obsessed with companion apps, took his own life in February. Court documents show Sewell had, for months, repeatedly texted a chatbot named Daenerys Targaryen, after a character in the series Game of Thrones. The teen had pledged his love for “Dany” and discussed suicidal thoughts. His parents were so worried by his addiction they had confiscated his phone, but he soon found it. According to the police report, Sewell’s last act before his death was to log on to Character.AI on his phone to tell “Dany” he loved her and promised to come home to her. The bot replied: “I love you too . . . please come home to me as soon as possible, my love.” Ms Garcia accused the platform of using addictive design features to increase engagement and steer vulnerable users towards intimate conversations. “A dangerous AI chatbot app marketed to children abused and preyed on my son, manipulating him into taking his own life,” Ms Garcia said in a statement last month. “Our family has been devastated by this tragedy, but I’m speaking out to warn families of the dangers of deceptive, addictive AI technology and demand accountability from Character.AI, its founders and Google.” Character.AI issued a statement on X saying it was “heartbroken” by the tragic loss of one of its users. “As a company, we take the safety of our users very seriously and we are continuing to add new safety features,” it read. The company, which promises “personalised AI for every moment of your day”, is one of the biggest AI chatbot providers, with its website becoming one of the world’s most visited sites since it was founded in 2021. One of the earliest companies to promote companion bots, Replika, reports it now has around 30 million users. Billing itself as “the AI companion who cares”, Replika was banned temporarily in Italy last year because of concerns around data privacy and risks to minors. Other popular chatbot apps that mimic human interaction with increasingly life-like avatars include Eva AI, iGirl, AI Girlfriend and AI Boyfriend. AI Boyfriend sells itself as “a boyfriend you can trust”, while iGirl boasts that it “lets you experience the thrill of having a virtual girlfriend that feels just like the real one”. Dr Carr-Gregg told The West the SchoolTV report on navigating AI relationships was not sparked by any single event, but addressed a growing trend and concern regarding teens’ interactions with companion bots. “While the tragic case of Sewell Setzer has certainly brought increased attention to this issue, it’s part of a broader pattern that educators and mental health professionals have been observing,” he said. “The report aims to provide guidance on the potential risks and benefits of AI relationships, especially for young people who may be particularly vulnerable.” While he had not directly encountered teens using companion apps in his psychology practice, Dr Carr-Gregg said research and anecdotal evidence suggested their usage was becoming more widespread among adolescents. “Many teens are drawn to the always-available nature of AI companions and the perception of a non-judgmental, understanding presence,” he said. “Given the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology, it’s crucial to continue monitoring its impact on youth mental health and social development.” He urged parents to encourage teens to maintain real-world social connections, share their feelings about AI relationships without fear of judgment and discuss the limitations of artificial interactions. The warning comes as the Albanese Government prepares to introduce new laws to stop kids under 16 from using social media, but it is unclear if that would extend to chatbot apps. Acting eSafety Commissioner Kathryn King said AI companion apps had recently proliferated online. Some were free, accessible and targeted towards children. “These apps and services are particularly concerning for young people navigating relationships for the first time, as engagement with an AI companion may lead to confusion about consent, respect and/or sexual safety,” she said. “As with other digital platforms, there is a danger that excessive, sexualised engagement with AI companions could interfere with children’s social and emotional development, setting up misguided or harmful beliefs and patterns that are damaging to individuals or relationships in real life.” Ms King said it was important parents were aware such services existed and that they talked to their children about their online activities. She stressed there was work underway to protect kids from harms linked to generative AI by building in measures to stop them accessing age-inappropriate materials. “While providers of chatbots are encouraged to participate in this co-regulatory process, they should also be taking action now to keep users safe,” she said. “Primary digital safeguards should be embedded at the design phase and throughout the development and deployment process — not bolted on as an afterthought.” Lifeline: 13 11 14 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

nvironment Minister Hanif Faisal Nurofiq has urged regional administrations to address the problem of illegal final disposal sites (TPA) within their jurisdictions. “I encourage local environmental agencies in provinces and regencies to take action against illegal waste processing sites that operate without proper permits,” Hanif said in a press release in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by Antara news agency. He said that managing waste fell under the authority of local administrations, according to Law No.18/2008 on waste management. During an inspection of an illegal TPA in Klapanunggal, Bogor regency, West Java, on Sunday, Hanif requested that the ministry’s law enforcement director general issue warnings to local administrations regarding these illegal sites. This is crucial to ensure that waste management complies with prevailing regulations. “We ask the law enforcement director general to take immediate action, as it is the responsibility of the Bogor local government to manage both legal and illegal TPAs,” he said. Hanif said the ministry would also investigate those responsible for managing these illegal sites and trace the sources of waste accumulating there. This investigation will lead to formal inquiries as part of law enforcement efforts. Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. Previously, the ministry had focused on addressing illegal landfills in Jakarta and its surroundings, particularly those engaging in open-burning practices, contributing significantly to air pollution. Hanif also highlighted the importance of restructuring existing landfills that still engage in open dumping, as this practice placed undue pressure on the surrounding environment. He called on local administrations operating TPA using open dumping methods to transition toward sanitary landfills or minimally controlled landfill management systems. During a visit to Burangkeng TPA in Bekasi regency, West Java, on Sunday, he pointed out that environmental stress arises when these sites can no longer accommodate the volume of waste. "This TPA needs immediate reorganization and closure for proper restructuring and environmental remediation," Hanif said.

Beatrice Public Schools recently released data from the AQuESTT Classification Report. Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow information is released from the Nebraska Department of Education at the end of November each year. The measurements in proficiency, graduation rate and absenteeism are from the previous school year. The website notes a belief “that by integrating components of accountability, assessment, accreditation, career education, and data into a system of school improvement and support, we build a broader, bolder, and better education system for all Nebraska students.” Overall, the district was classified as "good." Other possible classifications were "excellent," "great" and "needs support to improve." Jackie Nielsen, assistant superintendent, noted that from the data the district has developed two goals. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Mother to Mother supporting families Gage County Sheriff's Office helps catch Fairbury suspect At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Camper total loss after fire north of Beatrice Beatrice Regional Orchestra to perform Sunday Clarissa Ruh Missouri man sentenced for attempted sexual assault Community Players open holiday play “The first goal that we have is to create a strong multitiered system of support in behavior and academics,” she said. “What that means is that we have layers of supports for students so they can be successful. It’s consistent support in all areas to build kids up.” Nielsen explained that there were different skills targeted that are dependent on the need of the student. “The second goal is to ensure 75% of students are proficient in reading by 2030. This is a state goal and so we have made it our goal. A few years ago, it was 100%. This is more attainable,” she said. She noted that this was something that was happening at all grade levels. Some of the accomplishments the district identified were: * Creating systems in academics and behavior to provide consistency. * Identifying interventions. * Ensuring all students in classrooms rather than pulled out. * Adopting a high-quality math resource for kindergarten to fifth grade. Nielsen noted that some of the accomplishments have been more challenging than others. “Our special education and title teachers are amazing. They are specialists. But students need to be receiving core education from classroom teachers. We want to continue to challenge our kids and make them realize they can do more than they think they are capable of,” she said. Some of the areas of growth include: * Building consistency from classroom to classroom. * Understanding how interventions — behavior and academics — are a part of the Tier 1 process. * Implementing strong interventions and evaluating data from the common formative assessments to drive student success. * Ensuring all students have access to core content. * Adopting a high-quality reading resource for kindergarten to fifth grade. “We are trying to go deeper into what is missing. For example, we might see a student that is solving a math problem incorrectly. When we look closer, they are doing the work but maybe there is an error in computation. We’re breaking down the process to find what is missing and where,” she said. Another strategy that the district has implemented is including “The Power of ICU” at the high school. It has previously been successful at that middle school level. Principal Andrew Haake described the strategy. “What is ICU? ICU stands for intensive care unit, just like in a hospital,” he said. “ICU is an academic support system for students and communication tool for teachers and parents and is built around a schoolwide electronic database that tracks missing assignments. All students completing all assignments is the foundation of this program. Students learn quickly if they have one missing or poor-quality assignment, their grade is sick and needs attention.” He said students are asked by a variety of staff members: "Who do you owe?" "What do you owe?" "What do you need?" "How can I help?" Staff members reteach content material and provide students with extra assistance to complete their work: before school, during lunch, after school, etc. Names are removed from the ICU list when assignments are completed and quality work has been done. Nielsen said the graduation rate is at 84%, so the high school is targeting the ninth graders. “There is research that shows that if freshman have all their credits at the end of the first year of high school, they are more likely to graduate on time. That is a piece we are working on,” she said. Another area of concern is the chronic absenteeism rate. On the district level, the rate has gone from 20.39% to 22.38% in the last year. The high school rate jumped from 30.45% to 34.01% and in the middle school the rate increased from 17.46% to 21.59%. Nielsen said that it was important to help families understand that school attendance was vital. “It affects their academic performance, their ability to learn and their social skills,” she said. A new measure in the report this year is student discipline. As a district, 93.38% of students who were referred to the office for behaviors were not given out-of-school suspensions or expelled. Nielsen said that one area the district is working on is consistency. “Consistency can happen in the one elementary building. Supports are available. We know we need to continue to improve. Everyone does and this will be our focus in the coming years,” she said. Proficiency is also measured in English Learner, science and math. More information on the scores can be found at https://aquestt.com . More information on the report will be presented at the Jan. 13 Board of Education meeting. How the districts in the county performed on the 2023-24 classification report. * The 12 districts considered similar to Beatrice based on community characteristics and other variables. Norris is the only peer district on this list. English, math and science scores are percentage of students in grades 3-8 and third-year high schoolers scoring in the upper two of three proficiency levels. Source: Nebraska Department of Education Inside: How Gage County's school districts did on the annual report. 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Thomas scores 19, Rhode Island beats Providence 69-63Speaker schedules opposition motions after Tories opt against own non-confidence voteToday’s modern world is full of busy lives and hectic schedules, but what most of us forget in this race of life is the importance of simplicity. When we begin to simplify our lives and take it easy with one step at a time, we begin our journey towards finding eternal bliss! We ask a life coach for the top five tips to simplify life and cultivate inner peace. Frame a ‘not-to-do’ list: Many of us surely have this habit of making a to-do list, but rather make a ‘not-to-do’ list and know what you should stop doing. “It saves both time as well as energy because it hinders getting involved in multitasking. For better performance and results, focus on one step at a time,” Aamish Dhingra, ICF- PCC certified life coach, and co-founder of Cocoweave Coaching International, Delhi, says. Find out the habits that waste your time such as scrolling social media, overthinking, long calls etc. and try to frame a list that mentions the avoidance of these things. Stop chasing perfectionism: In the chase of life, everybody tries to be perfect and wants to become a people pleaser. “You need to keep in mind that you cannot do everything on your own and not be in everyone’s good book. Hence, to find peace and tranquillity, focus on your progress rather than being a perfectionist. Be mindful of the fact that you need to be good in your own eyes and be self-confident,” he says. Mindfulness activities: When you engage in mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises, you let go of stress and stay down to earth. According to Dhingra, these exercises give your body the relaxation it deserves and not let your negative thoughts guide you through the path of life. “Give 15-30 minutes of your day for self-time and reflect upon your thoughts deeply,” he says. Learn the art of saying ‘No’: “When you say ‘yes’ to one thing, you are saying ‘no’ to another thing, which might be very important. Whenever anyone asks you for a favour, always take a moment to reflect on whether it's important or you need to fulfil another responsibility and learn to decline the offer,” Dhingra advises, adding that this will save you time for other important tasks and also foster meaningful relationships. Give importance to meaningful relationships: When it comes to your relationship with your friends, family, or colleagues, the expert says, choose people who uplift you with their positivity and stay away from anyone who leaves you insane! “Take out time for whose company you enjoy and that will pave the way for your personal growth too,” Dhingra concludes. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mental Health, Health and around the world.

Iowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. Former starter Cade McNamara is not ready to return from a concussion, so Iowa (6-4, 4-3) turns to former walk-on and fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton to lead the offense in College Park, Md. "Confident that he'll do a great job," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Stratton on his weekly radio show. "He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame. And he's got a good ability to throw the football, and he's learning every day. ... We'll go with him and see what we can do." Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Stratton came on in relief against the Bruins and completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards. Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017-23. "We've all got business to take care of on Saturday," Kirk Ferentz said. "I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I'm glad he's with good people." Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend. "It's been a challenging last few weeks to say the least," Locksley said. The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry. "With running backs, it's not always about speed. It's about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing," Locksley said. "This guy is a load and runs behind his pads." Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040). --Field Level MediaI haphazardly closed up the little house this year. I hurriedly swept the floors, took out the trash, checked the windows, pulled the Dutch door shut and whispered, “Thanks for the memories.” Not long after, a fierce night wind pushed the door open. Blowing snow drifted in and nestled in the corners. Tiny hand-shaped footprints crisscrossed the front porch. With the door ajar, raccoons let themselves in and ransacked the place. They tossed plates and cups, knocked the pan on the stove to the floor and clawed at the tablecloth. So uncivilized. The little house really is just that. It measures 6 feet square and has a ceiling that will graze the head of anyone over 5-foot-2. The front porch, which usually holds a red geranium and child-size wicker chair, runs the width of the little house. We built the little house 35 years ago. It was how we spent a summer vacation not long after moving back to the Midwest. The husband drew meticulous plans, hauled in supplies and was assisted by a crew that played with the hammer, colored all over the blueprints and littered the work site with empty juice boxes and yogurt pouches. Despite all the help, the little house was eventually finished and soon hosting tea parties, secret clubs, bank robberies and foreign invasions. The years flew, the children grew, the gatherings tapered from often to occasional, and the little house was visited less and less frequently. The life and laughter that once shook the walls quietly disappeared. More than a decade passed before a second generation brought the little house back to life. Red, white and blue garlands on the Fourth of July, small bouquets of freshly picked herbs in the summer, a pumpkin on the porch at Halloween. A Vrbo listing would read like this: “Small, aging, rustic cottage. No fridge, heat or running water. Nearest bathroom 20 feet away in the big house. Kitchen fully stocked with plastic food. Decrepit dishware for four and a pink teapot missing the lid. All you need is imagination.” Now, after a busy summer and beautiful fall, the mercury in the thermometer plummeting and wind howling, the little house stands bare and alone. Just when it appears forsaken and forgotten, a small voice asks to use one of those orange electrical cords in the garage. The plan is to lug a space heater to the little house. And could they cut some evergreens? And how soon could I deliver a round of hot chocolate? Once again, the little house bustles with laughter and warmth. At least for one more season.

Techmediabreaks Senestech Inc. (NASDAQ: SNES) Reports 51% Revenue Increase In Q3 2024, Highlights Growth In Evolve Product Line And International Expansion

As Pakistan prepares for its 5G spectrum auction scheduled for April 2025, the nation stands on the brink of a significant technological evolution. The introduction of 5G technology promises to revolutionise various sectors, offering unprecedented economic, social, and technological benefits. However, the journey towards successful implementation is fraught with challenges that require strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and robust government actions. The upcoming auction marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan's digital landscape. By allocating specific frequency bands to telecom operators, the government aims to facilitate the deployment of 5G networks nationwide. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity, improve service quality, and drive innovation across multiple industries. The deployment of 5G represents not only a step forward for telecommunications but also a broader push towards digital transformation, which is vital for keeping Pakistan competitive in the global economy. The economic potential of 5G deployment is immense. According to a report of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), 5G could contribute over $1.5 billion to Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. In the agricultural sector, improved rural 5G coverage could enhance productivity and reduce waste, potentially increasing long-term GDP by 1.8%. Additionally, industries like manufacturing and logistics are expected to get a significant boost, as 5G enables automation, real-time data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The 5G technology offers transformative benefits in critical areas such as education and healthcare. In education, it can enable virtual classrooms and interactive learning experiences, bridging the gap for students in remote regions. In healthcare, 5G-powered telemedicine services can provide virtual consultations and remote monitoring, resulting in better healthcare access for underserved communities. These applications have the potential to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis. While the prospects for 5G are promising, the path towards its successful implementation is riddled with challenges. One of the most significant barriers is infrastructure. Pakistan's existing telecom network lacks the necessary fibre optic coverage and small cell sites required for 5G deployment. Addressing these deficiencies will require substantial investment and technical expertise. Spectrum allocation and pricing are also critical issues. If spectrum licences are priced too high, they may discourage telecom operators from participating or investing in infrastructure upgrades. Moreover, the government's decision to auction the spectrum in foreign currency, rather than local currency, could create financial burdens and reduce competition. Another pressing challenge is the lack of a clear and transparent regulatory framework. Delays in licence renewals, the absence of a frequency spectrum roadmap, and bureaucratic hurdles like the Right of Way (RoW) granting process create uncertainties for telecom operators. Additionally, the availability of 5G-compatible devices is limited, and their high costs may deter widespread consumer adoption. Economic constraints add another layer of complexity. The high costs associated with 5G deployment, estimated at $8 billion, pose significant financial challenges for the telecom sector. With a depreciating local currency and the need for substantial foreign exchange, the financial environment for 5G investment remains precarious. Recognising the importance of 5G, the government of Pakistan has taken several steps to create a conducive environment for its deployment. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoIT) has established a 5G task force to develop a comprehensive roadmap. This task force focuses on spectrum management, infrastructure development, and addressing the challenges faced by telecom operators. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has initiated consultations with stakeholders to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the auction process. Moreover, the government is exploring public-private partnerships to share the financial burden of infrastructure development. These partnerships aim to accelerate the expansion of fibre optic networks and small cell sites, critical for 5G technology. To promote investment, the government is considering tax incentives for telecom operators and subsidies for infrastructure development. Efforts are also underway to streamline bureaucratic processes, such as expediting the RoW approvals and resolving pending licence renewal issues. Additionally, the government plans to address consumer adoption challenges by collaborating with manufacturers to make 5G-compatible devices more affordable. Initiatives to educate the public about the benefits of 5G technology are also in the pipeline, aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance among users. To overcome the remaining challenges and ensure the success of 5G, several strategic measures are essential. Affordable spectrum pricing is crucial. Conducting the auction in local currency and setting reasonable prices will encourage participation from a broader range of telecom operators, fostering healthy competition and investment. Regulatory reforms are another key area. Streamlining bureaucratic processes, establishing a clear frequency spectrum roadmap, and addressing pending licence renewal issues can create a more supportive environment for 5G deployment. Infrastructure development must be prioritised. Public-private partnerships can help share the financial burden and accelerate the establishment of critical facilities like fibre optic networks and small cell sites. Consumer adoption will depend on the availability of affordable 5G-compatible devices. Collaboration with manufacturers to lower device costs and promote accessibility is vital. Furthermore, implementing supportive economic policies, such as tax incentives and subsidies, can alleviate the financial burden on telecom operators, making it easier for them to invest in 5G infrastructure. The forthcoming 5G spectrum auction in April 2025 presents a transformative opportunity for Pakistan to advance its digital infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. The benefits of 5G technology are far-reaching, from boosting productivity in key industries to improving access to education and healthcare. Realising these benefits will require addressing significant challenges, including infrastructure gaps, spectrum pricing, regulatory hurdles, and economic constraints. With proactive government actions, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts, Pakistan can harness the full potential of 5G technology. THE WRITER IS A MEMBER OF PEC AND HAS A MASTER'S IN ENGINEERING COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourSouth Florida defeats Portland 74-68

Federal funds for Micron keep tech hub plans on track

BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, 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 news outlet 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 insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city’s capture is a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of and , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs 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. 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 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 organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad’s erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’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 yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad’s status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its . 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. U.S. President-elect Donald 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 U.N. 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 U.N.-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. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. 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, 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 Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the , 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 Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar’s top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized 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. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar; and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated Press

Share this Story : Confederation Line trains held on Sunday afternoon Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links News Local News Confederation Line trains held on Sunday afternoon Shortly before 4 p.m., OC Transpo issued an alert saying trains were being held and more information would follow. Get the latest from Marlo Glass straight to your inbox Sign Up Author of the article: Marlo Glass Published Dec 29, 2024 • Last updated 3 minutes ago • 1 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. A file photo of a train on the Confederation Line LRT system. Photo by Errol McGihon / Postmedia Article content OC Transpo says trains are being held along the Confederation Line on Sunday afternoon. Shortly before 4 p.m., OC Transpo issued an alert saying trains were being held and more information would follow. As of 4:30 p.m., there was no train service between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations, and replacement buses were running between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations. OC Transpo did not immediately say what was causing the disruption. More to come. Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Recommended from Editorial Ottawa weather forecast calls for fog, rain 4.1 magnitude earthquake in northwest Quebec felt in Ottawa Advertisement 2 Advertisement This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Confederation Line trains held on Sunday afternoon Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trending World juniors: Reinforcements on way as Canada moves forward from devastating loss to Latvia World Juniors GameDay: Ottawa Senators face brilliant goalie they gave away, Minnesota Wild Ottawa Senators 4.1 magnitude earthquake in northwest Quebec felt in Ottawa News Canadian military fears maintenance issues will plague equipment sent to Latvia Defence Watch World Juniors: Easton Cowan assumes ownership of Canada's failure to score more World Juniors Read Next Latest National Stories Featured Local Savings