Health insurer shares fall after UnitedHealth exec murderFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad, but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country's public sector came "to a complete and abrupt halt." Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad's brutal rule. The rebel alliance now in control of much of the country is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and promises representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. Syrian citizens stand on a government forces tank that was left on a street Monday as they celebrate in Damascus, Syria. "It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty," the command said on social media. People are also reading... $100,000 Nebraska Pick 5 winning ticket sold in York Burglary targets Klute Steel near Bradshaw; suspect at large McCool Junction village board chairwoman to face recall vote Nebraska expressway system won't be done until 2042, official says York City Council approves agreement to sell land for housing development Paige Hubl, former Nebraska volleyball player and Lincoln Southeast coach, dies at age 34 Milford teen boys accused of assaulting potential child predator with gun Colleen Williams pens farewell letter to viewers after longtime stint on NTV Koch jump-starts Duke girls' win over Platteview York County deputies issue 25 tickets during Make It Click enforcement York High event promises songs, Shakespearean speech and suspense York Fire Department puts remounted ambulance through its paces Business Beat: Check out the latest on the business scene around York York's Kilgore Memorial Library deals with growing use, shrinking space Schuyler Community Schools staff arrested, no longer employed with schools Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. Syrians wait to cross into Syria from Turkey on Monday at the Oncupinar border gate near the town of Kilis, southern Turkey. In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad's departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad's specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people still celebrated. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence, though in some areas small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Syrian citizens celebrate Monday during the second day of the takeover of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria. Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons, security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. "Don't be afraid," one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. "Bashar Assad has fallen!" In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. "I haven't seen him for 13 years," he said. "I am going to go see whether he's alive." Jalali, the prime minister, sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. "We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth," he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation already improved from the day before. Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank Monday along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. "We want to give everyone their rights," Haddad said outside the courthouse. "We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods." But a U.N. official said some government services were paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector "has just come to a complete and abrupt halt," said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies was put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. "This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation's capital," Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. "I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again." World reacts to overthrow of Syria's Assad regime People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Members of the Syrian community in Finland wave a Syrian flag and celebrate in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 8, 2024. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Syrians wave opposition flags and give out sweets during a spontaneous rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Syrians celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria at a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Jonas Ekstroemer/TT News Agency via AP) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians wave Syrian opposition flags at a rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Syrians living in France gather on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians living in France hug during a rally on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Officials: More drones spotted across New Jersey, this time at the Jersey Shore - News 12 New Jersey

Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay homeIf you are hunting for a great Black Friday deal on binoculars, the Nikon Prostaff P3 are a brilliant option. Right now, you can save $53 in this Black Friday binocular deal at Amazon. Get the Nikon Prostaff P3 with 35% off in this Amazon binoculars deal — now just $96.95. The Prostaff P3 binoculars have over 600+ five-star ratings on Amazon. While we have not reviewed the 10x42, in our review of the Prostaff P3 8x42 binoculars , we summed up the performance of the Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars by saying, "If you’re looking for a pair of entry-level binoculars, working to a budget but want quality where it counts (in the optics) then the Prostaff P3s are a great option." We continued by adding, "The Prostaff P3 design lends itself well to casual observers or hobbyist wildlife spotters thanks to its slim profile, making them a lightweight and portable binocular that should last you for years to come." We think this is great deal saving you $53 on our favorite compact binoculars where the only difference from the 8x42 is the magnification. Save 35% The Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars are renowned for their superb optical performance. They are lightweight and durable and with a huge 35% discount, now is the time to grab a pair of these brilliant all-rounder Nikon binoculars. Read our review: Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 We are busy hunting the internet for the best Black Friday deals on Science kit and we're highlighting all the deepest discounts on air purifiers , telescopes , cameras and telescopes . This Nikon Prostaff P3 binocular deal comes with a carry case and a neck strap along with objective lens caps and eyepiece covers. We felt these could be a little better in quality though and noted they feel a bit cheap to touch. However the quality is in the optics and for this bargain price, the cheaper accessories are not a dealbreaker. Their rubber armoring gives them good shock resistance and a good grip which is beneficial if you are buying for your child with us rating them as one of the best binoculars for kids, especially for teens. They are very lightweight at just 585 g/20.6 oz and can easily be carried in a bag or large coat pocket. Key features: 10x magnification, 42mm objective lens diameter, 7-degree angular field of view, 122 m/367 ft field of view, 15.7mm eye relief, roof prism. Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Product launched: June 2022. Price history: This is the lowest price we have seen the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 since Prime Day this year with these binoculars tending to only drop as low as this on these big deal weekends so this offer will not last. Price comparison: Amazon: $96.95 | Walmart : $96.95 | B&H Photo: $96.95 Reviews consensus: The impressive optical quality for binoculars at this price is the key feature and they produce a pin-sharp view. Their slimline, lightweight build makes for easy on-the-go use and the waterproof and fogproof design makes them convenient and comfortable in all weather. LiveScience: ★★★★ | Space: ★★★★ ✅ Buy it if: You are a beginner looking for your first pair of binoculars and are after a great value set. We think the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 is a great option. ❌ Don't buy it if: You want to do some serious astronomy or are looking to upgrade from a basic pair to some of the best binoculars for stargazing . Check out our other guides to the best air purifiers , air purifiers for allergies , the best telescopes , microscopes for students , binoculars , rowing machines , electric toothbrushes and more.Minnesota will try to bounce back from two straight losses when it hosts Bethune-Cookman on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers (5-3) are coming off a 57-51 loss against Wake Forest on Friday, which followed a 68-66 overtime loss against Wichita State on Thursday. Both games took place at the ESPN Events Invitational in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Minnesota coach Ben Johnson cited inconsistency on offense as the main reason for his team's recent skid. "We're painfully figuring that out," Johnson said. "I thought our defense, though, (Thursday and Friday) has proven this is a top-40 or top-30 defense. We've got to be able to show up with offense and free throws." Golden Gophers starter Lu'Cye Patterson said he and his teammates remain confident in their potential as the Big Ten conference season approaches. "We just have to keep doing what we're supposed to do and keep our level of defensive play up," Patterson said. "It's going to win us a lot of games. The offense is going to come." Bethune-Cookman (2-5) will try to play spoiler on the road. The Wildcats have split their past two games as they beat North Dakota 79-67 on Tuesday and lost to Gardner-Webb 79-64 on Wednesday, both games played in the Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mexico. Four players for Bethune-Cookman scored in double digits in their most recent game. Reggie Ward Jr. and Daniel Rouzan led the way with 14 points apiece, Trey Thomas scored 13 and Brayon Freeman chipped in 10. Bethune-Cookman is coached by Reggie Theus, who enjoyed a long NBA career and coached the Sacramento Kings for parts of two seasons. Theus said the Wildcats were in better position to compete this season compared with a season ago. "We've got a lot of depth, and we have age and experience," Theus said. "One of the biggest differences in our team is that we have great size now, where last year we were pretty small." Dawson Garcia leads Minnesota with 18.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Patterson is next with 10.1 points per contest. Bethune-Cookman is led by Freeman, who is averaging 15.9 points per game. Thomas (11.7 points per game) and Ward Jr. (11.0) also are scoring in double digits. --Field Level Media

The head of America's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to force telecoms operators to tighten network security in the wake of the Salt Typhoon revelations, and to submit an annual report detailing measures taken. Jessica Rosenworcel, outgoing chair of the US telecoms regulator, has proposed rules that would require the nation's carriers to safeguard their infrastructure against illicit access or interception of communications in an effort to bolster them against cyberattacks. The proposal centers on a draft Declaratory Ruling that puts a new interpretation on section 105 of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) as requiring telcos to take action to lock down their networks. This particular legislation was passed 30 years ago during the presidency of Bill Clinton and ensures telcos have the ability to comply with wiretapping requests from law enforcement. Section 105 requires a carrier to make certain that any interception of communications can only be carried out with lawful authorization. The FCC also wants these network service providers to submit an annual certification attesting they have created, updated, and implemented a cybersecurity risk management plan. "The cybersecurity of our nation's communications critical infrastructure is essential to promoting national security, public safety, and economic security," Rosenworcel said in a statement. "As technology continues to advance, so do the capabilities of adversaries, which means the US must adapt and reinforce our defenses." If adopted, the Declaratory Ruling would take effect immediately, according to the FCC. The agency is to also seek comment on security risk management requirements for communications providers, as well as other ways to boost the resilience of communications systems and services. The urgent call for action follows discovery that China-backed cyber baddies entirely compromised telecommunications infrastructure in the US and elsewhere via the so-called months-long Salt Typhoon campaign which affected at least eight operators in the US alone. It was reported last month that a great many devices within US telcos were targeted by the attackers, allowing them to establish a persistent presence that may require the replacement of " literally thousands and thousands and thousands " of switches and routers. The attackers are believed to have compromised the wiretapping systems used by law enforcement in at least some instances, hence the focus on the CALEA legislation being taken by the FCC to address the issue. It isn't just the US alone that is affected, as The Reg reported at the end of November. The same vulnerabilities which left American telecoms networks wide open to foes are likely replicated worldwide and are a result of regulatory failures and a lax attitude to security by companies. The situation is so dire the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance this week including advice on using encrypted messaging to protect information – a notable shift from governments constantly trying to erode encryption so they can snoop on communications themselves. ®

Law enforcement from several countries are sounding the alarm on the rise and risk of youth involved in ideological and terrorism-related activities, according to a new joint report. It says that while the number of youth involved in terrorism-related activities in each country can fluctuate over time, there has been an increasing trend. “Our nations have seen a rising prominence of young people and minors in counter-terrorism cases over the last few years,” the authors wrote. They said that minors can be as dangerous as adults when it comes to carrying out terrorism crimes. “Minors can often do what adults can – create and distribute violent extremist content, lead violent extremist groups, recruit and radicalise others to their extremist cause, and even undertake attacks,” the agencies said. “A minor can have significant influence within extremist contexts, including undertaking or supporting others to conduct violent extremist acts.” In Canada between April 1, 2023 and March 31, police arrested six people under 18 for terrorism-related offences. The report noted that youth are “digital natives,” as they grew up with technology and spend a lot of time online. The report says that is also where they are primarily being targeted for extremist causes, particularly on social media platforms. “Online environments provide an avenue for first approaches to minors, including through seemingly innocuous social media and gaming platforms, such as Discord, Instagram, Roblox and TikTok,” the report said. “In these platforms, violent extremism is made more accessible, as violent extremist content can be created within the platforms themselves.” Five Eyes agencies are calling for a “whole-of-society” response to combat the radicalization of minors and teens involved in terrorism-related activities, according to the report. The agencies said different sectors of society could play a role, including the education sector, mental health industry, social services, technology companies, and communities. Parents also have a direct role in protecting kids from becoming involved in these activities, the authors wrote. ”Agencies stress the importance of parents and guardians understanding their children’s online activities, so they can identify if their children are engaging with content online which may lead to radicalization.” In a US. case study cited in the report, law enforcement officials arrested a 14-year-old on state terrorism charges in 2021. The youth had been sharing information online about how to build an improvised explosive device (IED). A search warrant turned up a fully built IED at the teen’s home, according to the joint report. “The minor admitted to disseminating the instructions used to build the IED, which were from the ‘How to make a bomb in the kitchen of your Mom’ article in the first issue of al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula’s Inspire magazine, to other individuals online,” said the report. The teen was sentenced to 18 months in a Juvenile Corrections facility in Arizona. Officials say the youth was released from the facility in July 2023 with conditions.

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The good, the bad, and the ugly behind the push for more smart displaysSyrian government services come to ‘complete halt’ as workers stay at home

Published 5:13 pm Saturday, November 30, 2024 By Staff Reports The South Carolina State Bulldogs versus the Xavier Musketeers is the only game on Sunday’s college basketball schedule that includes a ranked team in play. Looking for against-the-spread picks? You’ve come to the right place. Place your bets on any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Sign up today using our link. Bet on the Xavier-South Carolina State spread—or any other NCAA men’s basketball matchup—with BetMGM ! Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

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