Colman Domingo Details Why ‘The Madness’ Is a Drama for Today’s Era of Media Feeding Frenzies

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Writers Tell Us About the Film’s Inspirations, Future, and if Chao Are Real

Ruling elites in both Pakistan and India have been ignoring the saner elements of Kashmiri society and resorting to sledgehammer tactics to stifle them. The recent crackdown in Pakistan's Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) clearly indicates that the authorities do not want to tolerate any dissenting voice or protest against the policy of the state. This is the second recent crackdown against protests in AJK. Just a few months ago, the authorities tried to use force against those who struggled for the restoration of subsidies. The situation in Indian held Kashmir is not rosy either, where democratic forces have been put behind bars while fanatical elements were extended support by the Indian state. Secular Kashmiri nationalist leaders claim that during the recent elections in the disputed territory, New Delhi released a few former militants to contest the state assembly elections. They assert that the move was to undermine the political popularity of the National Conference, but despite all machinations of the BJP-led government, Farooq Abdullah's party managed to secure a majority in the state assembly. It seems that their victory did not go down well with those sitting in the power corridors of the Indian capital. The recent resolution of Indian-held Kashmir’s assembly clearly indicates as to why the Indian ruling elite is so uncomfortable with nationalist secular political parties. The resolution demanded of the BJP-led government to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir that had been granted to the disputed territory through the article A370 of the Indian constitution. While many in Pakistan only point their finger towards India, accusing New Delhi of adding to the woes of Kashmiri people, some Kashmiri leaders believe that Islamabad is also responsible for the plight of Kashmiri people The resolution, passed in the first week of the current month, sought a dialogue for “restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees” to the Union Territory and urged that “constitutional mechanisms” be worked out for the same. The resolution was passed by a voice vote, with all parties barring the BJP supporting it. Moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, the resolution said: “This Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal. This Assembly calls upon the government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees and to work out constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.” Religious Minority Voices Demand Enhanced Representation In Elections The abrogation of the article had even alienated those Kashmiri leaders who wanted greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir within the framework of the Indian constitution. It created an impression that the Modi-led government is hatching machinations to alter the demography of the region besides lending credence to the claims of Kashmiri militant groups that New Delhi only understands the might of guns. It is encouraging to see that all Indian parties except the BJP threw their support behind the resolution. This indicates that most of the parties are amenable to the idea of seeking a peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kashmir dispute that is said to have been a cause of at least three conflicts between the two arch rivals of South Asia. The dispute has also been used to fan anti-Muslims feelings in India while in Pakistan it was exploited by extremist forces who attempted to tear down the social fabric of the society in the name of Kashmir Jihad. It is not only the National Conference or Srinagar-based parties that believe the restoration could create conducive environment for talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, but Kashmiri parties on the other side of the border also assert that the possible reversal of the August 2019’s decision could greatly help normalise ties between Pakistan and India besides allaying the apprehensions of the Kashmiri people towards BJP’s intention. While many in Pakistan only point their finger towards India, accusing New Delhi of adding to the woes of Kashmiri people, some Kashmiri leaders believe that Islamabad is also responsible for the plight of Kashmiri people. United Kashmir People’s National Party chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri from Azad Jammu &Kashmir asks what rights Kashmiri people have in what he calls Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “A number of Kashmiri leaders cannot contest elections in AJK without submitting an affidavit stating they believe in affiliation of the disputed territory with Pakistan.” Afrasiab Khattak Joins Chorus Of Voices Challenging 26th Constitutional Amendment Kashmiri leaders also bemoan the sledgehammer tactics that the Pakistan state is employing in AJK in a bid to control the region. Recently it undertook a number of measures to curb protests in the Pakistani side of Kashmir. The state is also coming hard on those who actively participate in the subsidy movement. Dr Tauqeer Gilani, President of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front in AJK, had to flee the country after a concocted case of blasphemy was registered against him and fanatics in the region staged protests to intimidate Gilani, who was active during the subsidy movement. It is time that both Pakistan and India listen to the Kashmiri political parties who have been seeking a peaceful solution to the inveterate dispute. Any effort to undermine JKLF and other nationalist parties on either side of the border will only strengthen the position of militant outfits whose attacks have created a spectre of nuclear war between the two South Asian rivals in the past. New Delhi will have to engage Yasin Malik and other Kashmiri leaders in talks while Islamabad must abolish the condition of affiliation paving a way for all parties that want to contest elections in the AJK. It is better to listen to saner voices of Kashmiri society before extremists start exploiting the issue again in the two countries. The environment of dialogues and respect for democratic norms might create conditions in the future for the leaderships of two arch rivals to sit together and hammer out an amicable resolution. The sooner the two states understand it the better it will be for Kashmiris and the region.

Bamboo Technology's HereHear Virtual AI Therapist Joins Berkeley Skydeck IPP ProgramBERKELEY, Calif. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Technology , a mental health technology innovation company, is announcing its participation in Batch 19 of the prestigious UC Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for startup acceleration. The company's HereHear AI therapist solution will be the key focus of the program, driven by the vision of revolutionizing mental health with AI-powered virtual solutions. To learn more about HereHear, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngU32WgiWf4 "HereHear is here in the US, and I am truly grateful to the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for recognizing its potential," noted Lynia Huang , Bamboo Technology's CEO. "As important as mental health has become in recent years, there is a shortage of mental health providers and access to support is low — and HereHear is paving the way for AI to bridge that gap as a first line of defense." A growing case for incorporating AI into mental healthcare With data showing that the US is in a mental health crisis, the CDC recently noted a dire need for public health initiatives that create environments centered around mental health. Specific to the workplace, the Society for Human Resource Management's Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 44% of US employees feel burned out at work. The combination of a shortage of mental health providers in the US with the flourishing capabilities of AI builds a strong case for the technology to be deployed in the form of human-guided mental health solutions. HereHear's YangYang: A personalized 3D virtual therapist As organizations seek out ways to empower team members to take better care of their mental health, AI is increasingly emerging as a solution for on-demand, personalized support. Offering a more engaging interaction than chatbots, HereHear's 3D virtual therapist YangYang was launched in January 2024 and offers: YangYang has already been implemented in several therapy clinics and has helped 70% of users improve stress and depression levels by 25% within 3 months. Taking the form of a sheep further distinguishes her — this functions both to provide a 'cute' aspect lending to the warm, healing emotional support she provides, while also helping users who are struggling emotionally to keep in perspective that their interactions are ultimately not with a human. Bringing success in Taiwan to the US market Bamboo Technology's acceptance into the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program is a major accomplishment as the platform seeks to enter the US market. Batch 19 has only 117 startups out of around 2300 applications, and the program will support HereHear to develop, pilot and launch, as well as to pitch for funding. The company aims to target the app in the human resources space—as a tool for companies to offer staff for on-demand, privacy-first mental health support. Back in Taiwan , the app already has hospitals, mental health clinics, universities, publicly listed companies, and government agencies that use it, similarly spurred by a shortage of mental health workers. About Bamboo Technology Established in November 2018 , the Taipei -based Bamboo Technology is a mental health technology innovation company that focuses on improving public mental health with voice emotion analysis technology. It embraces a belief that a universal, objective, and scientific mental health system can effectively solve the problem of deteriorating mental health in today's society — a core tenet upheld by its many psychologists; social workers; and information management, AI and big data experts. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bamboo-technologys-herehear-virtual-ai-therapist-joins-berkeley-skydeck-ipp-program-302325187.html SOURCE BAMBOO TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AP News Summary at 5:00 p.m. EST

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy threw one short pass in the open portion of practice for the San Francisco 49ers as he remains slowed by an injury to his throwing shoulder that has already forced him to miss a game. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy threw one short pass in the open portion of practice for the San Francisco 49ers as he remains slowed by an injury to his throwing shoulder that has already forced him to miss a game. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brock Purdy threw one short pass in the open portion of practice for the San Francisco 49ers as he remains slowed by an injury to his throwing shoulder that has already forced him to miss a game. Purdy spent the bulk of the session of Wednesday’s practice open to reporters as either a spectator or executing handoffs outside of one short pass to Jordan Mason. Purdy hurt his shoulder during a loss to Seattle on Nov. 17. He tried to throw at practice last Thursday but had soreness in his right shoulder and shut it down. He missed a loss to Green Bay but was able to do some light throwing on Monday. His status for this week remains in doubt as the Niners (5-6) prepare to visit Buffalo on Sunday night. Purdy isn’t the only key player for San Francisco dealing with injuries. Left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa remain sidelined at practice Wednesday after missing last week’s game. Williams was using a scooter to get around the locker room as he deals with a left ankle injury. Bosa has been out with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Bosa said the week off helped him make progress and that he hopes to be able to take part in individual drills later in the week. Bosa wouldn’t rule out being able to play on Sunday. “It’s feeling a lot better,” Bosa said. “Still need to get better before I’m ready to go. This week will be big and I’ll know a lot more in the next couple of days.” Running back Christian McCaffrey has been able to play, but isn’t back to the form that helped him win AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after missing the first eight games this season with Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey has 149 yards rushing in three games back with his 3.5 yards per carry down significantly from last season’s mark of 5.4. But he is confident he will be able to get back to his usual level of play. “When you lose and maybe you don’t jump out on the stat sheet, your failures are highlighted,” he said. “I’m happy I’m out here playing football and I just know with time it will come.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Coach Kyle Shanahan said he has liked what he has seen from McCaffrey, adding that there hasn’t been much room to run in recent weeks. But Shanahan said it takes time to get back to speed after McCaffrey had almost no practice time for nine months. “Guys who miss offseasons and miss training camp, usually it takes them a little bit of time at the beginning of the year to get back into how they were the year before, let alone missing half the season also on top of that,” Shanahan said. “I think Christian’s doing a hell of a job. But to just think him coming back in Week 8 with not being able to do anything for the last nine months or whatever it is, and to think he’s just going to be in MVP form is a very unrealistic expectation.” NOTES: LB Dre Greenlaw took part in his first practice since tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl. Greenlaw will likely need a couple of weeks of practice before being able to play. ... LB Fred Warner said he has been dealing with a fracture in his ankle since Week 4 and is doing his best to manage the pain as he plays through it. ... CB Deommodore Lenoir didn’t practice after banging knees on Sunday. His status for this week remains in question. ... DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), OL Aaron Banks (concussion) and LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) also didn’t practice. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Advertisement Advertisement

Red Sox need help at catcher after Danny Jansen reportedly signs with RaysU.S. job growth surged in November after being severely hindered by hurricanes and strikes, but a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.2% pointed to an easing labor market that should allow the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates again this month. The labor market’s resilience is driving the economy, with the closely watched employment report from the Labor Department on Friday showing solid wage growth last month. The economy created 56,000 more jobs in September and October than previously estimated. “Today’s payroll report reinforces the case for a Fed cut in December, but without inciting any meaningful worries about the labor market,” said Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 227,000 jobs last month after rising by an upwardly revised 36,000 in October, the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls would gain 200,000 jobs following a previously reported rise of 12,000 in October. Estimates for the job gain ranged from 155,000 to 275,000. Job growth has averaged 172,000 per month over the past three months. The acceleration in employment gains was led by healthcare, with a rise of 54,000 jobs spread across ambulatory healthcare services, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities. Leisure and hospitality payrolls increased by 53,000 jobs, which were concentrated at restaurants and bars. Government employment increased by 33,000 positions, lifted by gains in state government. Manufacturing payrolls rebounded by 22,000 positions as the end of strikes at Boeing BA.N and another smaller aerospace company boosted transportation equipment jobs by 32,000. Social assistance payrolls increased by 19,000 jobs. But the retail sector shed 28,000 jobs, mostly reflecting losses at general merchandise retailers. Electronics and appliance retailers, however, added 4,000 jobs. The labor market reeled in October from Hurricanes Helene and Milton as well as the aerospace strike. The initial October payrolls count also likely had been curtailed by a shorter collection period of responses to the survey of establishments from which payrolls are derived. The initial response rate for the establishment survey was 47.4%, the lowest reading since January 1991 and well below the 69.2% average for October in the past five years. The collection period for the responses was only 10 days, on the lower end of the normal 10 to 16 days. U.S. Treasury yields fell after the release of the data. The dollar was little changed against a basket of currencies. U.S. stocks opened higher. The increase in the jobless rate after holding at 4.1% for two straight months reflected weakness in household employment. The smaller household survey from which the unemployment rate is compiled showed a decline of 355,000 jobs. About 193,000 people left the labor force in November. That pushed the labor force participation rate, or the proportion of working-age Americans who have a job or are looking for one, down to 62.5% from 62.6%. Financial markets saw a roughly 89% chance of a quarter-percentage-point rate cut at the U.S. central bank’s Dec. 17-18 policy meeting, up from 72% earlier, CME Group’s FedWatch tool showed. The Fed has lowered interest rates by 75 basis points since September, when it launched its easing cycle. Its policy rate is now in the 4.50%-4.75% range, having been hiked by 5.25 percentage points between March 2022 and July 2023. Strong wage growth should continue to fuel consumer spending and keep the economic expansion on track. Average hourly earnings increased 0.4% last month, matching October’s gain. In the 12 months through November, wages advanced 4.0% after rising by the same margin in October. With the economy continuing to expand at a healthy pace, inflation stuck above the central bank’s 2% target and uncertainty about the policies of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, the outlook for further rate cuts in 2025 is unclear. Business sentiment perked up in the aftermath of Trump’s victory in the Nov. 5 election on hopes of less regulation. But his promises to raise tariffs on imports and carry out mass deportations of migrants have raised concerns of higher prices and disruptions to the labor market. Traders are betting on another two rate cuts next year, with a better-than-even chance of a third reduction in borrowing costs by the end of 2025. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Paul Simao)

Automation That Makes a Difference SUNRISE, Fla. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to diagnostic imaging, every second counts. That's why Bright Light Imaging has joined forces with Alpha Nodus to revolutionize how they handle prior authorizations. By adopting Gravity Auth , Alpha Nodus's powerful automation platform, Bright Light Imaging has eliminated the red tape slowing down their workflows. The result? Faster approvals, happier staff, and, most importantly, better care for their patients. Let's face it: Prior authorizations can be a headache. Mountains of paperwork, endless phone calls, and delays in patient care—sound familiar? For both Dr. Ramit and Resham Mendi , Medical Directors of Bright Light Imaging , this partnership has been nothing short of a revelation. "Gravity Auth has completely changed the game for us," they said. "It used to take hours—sometimes even days—to navigate the prior authorization process. Now, it's handled seamlessly, often in just minutes. We're getting results to our patients faster, and that's what really matters." The integration wasn't just efficient—it was a breeze. According to Kevin Nowaczyk , Bright Light Imaging's IT Director , "The process was so smooth, it honestly surprised me. Alpha Nodus's team walked us through every step, and we were up and running in no time. Now, we're seeing fewer errors, faster turnarounds, and less stress on our staff. It's a win all around." "Advanced Data Systems (ADS) is proud to have fully integrated our MedicsRIS with Alpha Nodus to provide advanced automated prior authorizations for our mutual client, Bright Light Imaging," said Steve Hamburg , ADS Director of RIS Sales and Development at Advanced Data Systems . " Alpha Nodus is an outstanding solution, and the positive feedback from Bright Light Imaging has been fantastic. This successful collaboration between our three organizations has resulted in better, faster care for patients, and that is what ultimately matters most." This kind of success is exactly why Alpha Nodus built Gravity Auth in the first place. Shamit Patel , CEO of Alpha Nodus , explained, "Bright Light Imaging isn't just a customer—they're an example of what's possible when technology meets ambition. Automation is about empowering people to do their best work, enhancing their capabilities and allowing them to focus on more meaningful tasks. With Gravity Auth, their team can focus on delivering exceptional care while the technology handles the rest. We are thrilled about this engagement. When we collaborate, patients win. Open interfaces and collaborations between organizations like ours and our partners are the key to achieving better, faster care for patients." How Automation Transforms Patient Care Think about it: In the high-stakes world of diagnostic imaging, delays can mean the difference between a quick diagnosis and prolonged uncertainty for patients. By automating the prior authorization process, Bright Light Imaging is removing barriers and ensuring patients get the care they need without unnecessary delays. What does that look like in practice? Imagine a busy morning with multiple urgent imaging requests. Instead of staff scrambling to collect documentation and spend hours on the phone with insurance companies, Gravity Auth steps in. It verifies eligibility, gathers clinical notes, and submits authorizations—all in real time. The team can breathe easier, knowing the system is working behind the scenes to keep everything moving smoothly. For Bright Light Imaging, this isn't just about efficiency. It's about staying ahead in a competitive industry and keeping their commitment to patient-first care. About Alpha Nodus Alpha Nodus specializes in creating smart, intuitive solutions for healthcare providers. Their flagship product, Gravity Auth, simplifies complex workflows, helping providers automate, accelerate, and amplify operations. To learn more, visit www.alphanodus.com . About Bright Light Imaging Bright Light Imaging is known for delivering state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services with a human touch. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to excellence, they continue to set the gold standard in patient care. Find out more at www.brightlightimaging.com . About Advanced Data Systems Since 1977, clients have relied on the ADS team and our intelligent automation solutions and services. The MedicsCloud Suite, and MedicsRIS for radiology, ADS's latest generation of rules driven financial, revenue cycle, practice management, clinical charting and reporting, and mobility/engagement platforms, are used by clients to produce maximized revenue and efficiency for their practices, groups, and enterprise networks. To learn more, visit https://www.adsc.com Media Contact: Alpha Nodus info@alphanodus.com 1-888-625-7420 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bright-light-imaging-leverages-alpha-noduss-gravity-auth-enhanced-by-integration-with-adss-medicsris-to-streamline-patient-care-302313533.html SOURCE Alpha Nodus , Inc.BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of people fled the central Syrian city of Homs, the country’s third largest, as insurgents seized two towns on the outskirts Friday, positioning themselves for an assault on a potentially major prize in their march against President Bashar Assad. The move, reported by pro-government media and an opposition war monitor, was the latest in the stunning advances by opposition fighters over the past week that have so far met little resistance from Assad’s forces. A day earlier, fighters captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest, after the army said it withdrew to avoid fighting inside the city and spare the lives of civilians. The insurgents, led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have vowed to march to Homs and the capital, Damascus, Assad’s seat of power. Videos circulating online showed a highway jammed with cars full of people fleeing Homs, a city with a large population belonging to Assad’s Alawite sect, seen as his core supporters. If Assad’s military loses Homs, it could be a crippling blow. The city, parts of which were controlled by insurgents until 2014, stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where Assad enjoys wide support. Homs province is Syria’s largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. Pressure on the government intensified from multiple directions. Opposition protesters stormed security posts and army positions in the southern province of Sweida, opposition activists said. U.S.-backed Kurdish forces who control eastern and northeastern Syria began to encroach on government-held territory. After years of largely being bottled up in a northwest corner of the country, the insurgents burst out a week ago, captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest , and have kept advancing since. Government troops have repeatedly fallen back. The sudden offensive has flipped the tables on a long-entrenched stalemate in Syria’s nearly 14-year-old civil war. Along with HTS, the fighters include forces of an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Turkey has denied backing the offensive , though experts say insurgents would not have launched it without the country's consent. HTS’s leader, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, told CNN in an exclusive interview Thursday from Syria that Assad’s government was on the path to falling, propped up only by Russia and Iran. “The seeds of the regime’s defeat have always been within it,” he said. “But the truth remains, this regime is dead.” A key question about Assad’s ability to fight back is how much top ally Russia — whose troops back Assad’s forces — will throw support his way at a time when it is tied up in the war in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he planned to discuss the developments in Syria with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts at a meeting Friday in the Qatari capital, Doha. In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, he said international actors were backing the insurgents’ advances and that he would discuss “the way to cut the channels of financing and arming them.” Meanwhile, Russia’s embassy in Syria issued a notice reminding Russian citizens that they may use commercial flights to leave the country “in view of the difficult military-political situation.” The foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq and Syria — three close allies — gathered Friday in Baghdad to consult on the rapidly changing war. Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh said the current developments may pose “a serious threat to the security of the region as a whole.” The insurgent fighters on Friday took over the central towns of Rastan and Talbiseh, putting them 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Homs, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor. “The battle of Homs is the mother of all battles and will decide who will rule Syria,” said Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory’s chief. Pro-government Sham FM said the insurgents entered Rastan and Talbiseh without facing any resistance. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian military. The Observatory said Syrian troops had left Homs. But the military denied that in comments reported by the state news agency SANA, saying troops were reinforcing their positions in the city and were “ready to repel” any assault. In eastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces coalition said it had moved into the government-held half of the city of Deir el-Zour, apparently without resistance. One of the main cities in the east, Deir el-Zour had long been split between the government on the western side of the Euphrates River and the SDF on the eastern side. The SDF also said it took control of further parts of the border with Iraq. That appeared to bring it closer to the government-held Boukamal border crossing. The crossing is a vital for the government because it is the gateway to the corridor to Iran, a supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. At the same time, insurgents seized Syria’s sole crossing to Jordan, according to opposition activists. Jordan announced it was closing its side of the crossing. Lebanon also closed all but one of its border crossings with Syria. The opposition assault has struck a blow to Syria’s already decrepit economy. On Friday, the U.S. dollar was selling on Syria’s parallel market for about 18,000 pounds, a 25% drop from a week ago. When Syria’s conflict erupted in March 2011, a dollar was valued at 47 pounds. The drop further undermines the purchasing power of Syrians at a time when the U.N. has warned that 90% of the population is below the poverty line. Syria’s economy has been hammered for years by the war, Western sanctions, corruption and an economic meltdown in neighboring Lebanon, Syria’s main gate to the outside world. Damascus residents told The Associated Press that people are rushing to markets to buy food, fearing further escalation. The worsening economy could be undermining the ability of Syria’s military to fight, as the value of soldiers’ salaries melts away while the insurgents are flush with cash. Syria’s military has not appeared to put up a cohesive counteroffensive against the opposition advances. SANA on Friday quoted an unnamed military official as saying the Syrian and Russian air forces were striking insurgents in Hama province, killing dozens of fighters. Syria’s defense minister said in a televised statement late Thursday that government forces withdrew from Hama as “a temporary tactical measure” and vowed to gain back lost areas. “We are in a good position on the ground,” Gen. Ali Mahmoud Abbas said, saying troops remained “at the gates of Hama.” He spoke before the opposition advanced further south toward Homs. He said the insurgents, whom he described as “takfiri” or Muslim extremists, are backed by foreign countries. He did not name the countries but appeared to be referring to Turkey and the United States. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.

Shoplifting incidents in Sault Ste. Marie have surged, with a 22 per cent increase in reported cases compared to last year. In response, local law enforcement is ramping up efforts to tackle the issue through preventative measures, collaboration with the Crown’s office, and enhanced data analysis. This rise comes despite an overall decline in crime across the city. Property crimes such as break-ins and vehicle thefts have dropped significantly — by 32 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively — according to statistics presented at Monday’s police board meeting. “We know something is going on because there are fewer thefts of autos and break-ins,” said Police Chief Hugh Stevenson. “The criminal sub-culture doesn’t have to go to that bother — they simply go into the store, steal the product, and walk out.” Much of the theft involves low-value, consumable items often linked to substance use. “It becomes a low-end commodity to support, basically, a fentanyl habit in this city,” said Stevenson. The economic and social consequences of shoplifting are felt widely, the police board heard. Store owners face increased security costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers, contributing to higher costs of living. “I think sometimes when we see shoplifting, we think, ‘Well, that’s not an important issue.’ It is an important issue because it affects a lot more people than violent crimes,” said Stevenson, adding that many shoplifting offenders may become violent in the future. While major franchises such as Circle K are often targeted, small businesses also bear the brunt. An employee at Krazy Ernie’s noted, “People steal all the time. It’s sometimes so small that we don’t bother to call it in, but it’s frustrating.” The employee, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that shoplifting appears to be improving, now occurring about once a week compared to once every couple of days during the summer. In the downtown core, shoplifting has been a persistent concern. Ashton Carter, coordinator for the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association (DTA), emphasized the financial and safety impacts. “Shoplifting in our downtown core is a real concern that not only impacts local businesses financially but also affects the sense of safety for residents, employees, and visitors,” said Carter in a statement. The DTA has collaborated with law enforcement, community organizations, and merchants to address the issue through various initiatives. The Downtown Ambassador program, launched by the CMHA in 2022, provides on-the-ground support for vulnerable individuals and addresses safety concerns. In June, Norpro Inc. began a downtown security patrol program using “track tick tags,” a technology that monitors patrol movements to optimize their effectiveness and work better in tandem. To curb shoplifting, police have consulted with 11 businesses as of Monday, providing advice on preventative measures such as installing mirrors and raising counter heights to deter theft. Crime Stoppers has also intensified efforts, using “Wanted Wednesday” posts to spotlight repeat offenders. Repeat offenders, especially those committing multiple thefts in a single day, are now being held for bail with the support of the Crown’s office. Police believe stricter bail conditions can help connect offenders with treatment and support. “It will not stop until we apply bail release issues as they were over the last 20 years, where people are held until they get the help, get the treatment, and they can get on with their lives,” said Stevenson. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.'He did it for the right reasons' | Nephew of Willie Nelson speaks on family's close friendship with President Jimmy CarterA masked gunman fatally shot Brian Thompson , the CEO of UnitedHealthcare — one of the nation’s largest health insurers — outside a Manhattan hotel where the company was holding its investor conference on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Police are still searching for the gunman. A day after the shooting, a TikTok went viral claiming UnitedHealthcare posted a LinkedIn job listing for a new CEO within 24 hours of Thompson’s death. The job listing that appears in the video advertises a full-time, remote position based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with an annual salary range of $300,000 to $450,000. Another viral TikTok claimed the company also posted the same job listing on Indeed. Many commenters on the viral TikToks questioned whether UnitedHealthcare actually posted a job listing for a new CEO directly following the fatal shooting. THE QUESTION Did UnitedHealthcare post a job listing for a new CEO the day after Brian Thompson’s death? THE SOURCES UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealth Group’s 2024 proxy statement Independent VERIFY searches of job openings on UnitedHealthcare’s LinkedIn , Indeed and official careers website Peter Deragon , a managing director at Stanton Chase in Los Angeles Liz Ryan , the CEO and founder of Human Workplace, a career coaching and consulting firm THE ANSWER No, UnitedHealthcare did not post a job listing for a new CEO the day after Brian Thompson’s death. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts newsletter here . WHAT WE FOUND UnitedHealthcare did not post a job listing for a new CEO shortly the day after Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York on Dec. 4, like two viral TikToks claimed. UnitedHealthcare is the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. Thompson worked at UnitedHealth Group for 20 years. In April 2021, he was named UnitedHealthcare’s CEO after running the company’s Medicare and retirement business. On Dec. 6, VERIFY searched the most recent job listings posted on UnitedHealthcare’s LinkedIn and Indeed profiles and found that the company had not posted an ad for a new CEO within hours of Thompson’s death. We also found that the job was not listed on UnitedHealth Group’s official careers website . The salary range that appears in the viral TikTok’s fake job listing is also significantly lower than Thompson’s actual salary. In 2023, Thompson’s annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, was $10.2 million, making him one of the company’s highest-paid executives, according to UnitedHealth Group’s 2024 proxy statement . Peter Deragon, a managing director at Stanton Chase, a global executive search and leadership consulting firm, says most companies don’t hire their CEOs through LinkedIn, Indeed or other online job boards. “Most C-suite executives don’t ‘hunt’ for a job in the traditional sense of the word. They aren’t found scouring job boards or parsing over the latest employment listings,” Deragon wrote in a blog post from January 2023. “Instead, C-suite professionals willing to shift between employers enter a different process. They position themselves favorably and are ‘courted’ by companies in need of quality leadership,” he added. Liz Ryan, the CEO and founder of Human Workplace, a career coaching and consulting firm, agrees. “Higher-level executives don’t get new jobs by filling out online applications and uploading their resumes,” Ryan wrote in November 2023. “They don’t job hunt that way because they’d never get hired if they did.” VERIFY reached out to UnitedHealthcare for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication. The Associated Press contributed to this report .

After facing down nationwide protests demanding his ouster and an armed rebellion that he all but crushed, he had until this month taken back control of much of Syria in the civil war that began in 2011. Quiet in his demeanour, Assad is a political survivor who for years excelled in his alliance-building with Russia and Iran, and who knew just how to present himself as Syria's only viable leader in the face of the Islamist threat. But since November 27, an Islamist-led rebel offensive has wrested from Assad's control city after city, including Aleppo and Hama for the first time since 2011, leaving his grip on power severely under threat. Assad has cast himself as the protector of Syria's minorities, a bulwark against extremism and the sole possible purveyor of stability for the war-ravaged country. In multiple votes held over the years, conducted solely on government-held territory, he has taken the vast majority of the ballots, amid accusations from Western countries that the wartime elections were neither free nor fair. In appearance, whether in person or in the many portraits of him in the capital Damascus, Assad has typically eschewed military garb, opting instead for a sharp-cut business suit and sober tie. In official meetings, during interviews and even on the frontlines, the 59-year-old ophthalmologist by training conducts himself calmly and can almost appear timid. Behind the facade, however, is an astonishing ability to hold onto power amid multiple waves of violence and transformative change in Syria and the wider region. One journalist, who met with Assad on several occasions before and after war broke out in 2011, told AFP the president is a "unique and complex figure". "Each time I met him he was calm... even during the most difficult moments of the war," said the journalist, who declined to be named. Assad has "the same qualities" as his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades until his death in 2000, the journalist said. "In politics, it's important to know how to shuffle cards, not just how to arrange them," he added. "Assad has mastered the shuffling game." Hafez al-Assad, head of the Syrian Baath Party, imposed in the country a secretive, paranoid regime where even the slightest suspicion of dissent could land one in jail or worse. Bashar al-Assad was never meant to become president, but his life changed radically when his older brother Bassel, who was being groomed to inherit power, was killed in a road accident in 1994. Bashar quit his studies in ophthalmology and left London, where he had met his wife, Asma, a British-Syrian and Sunni Muslim who worked for financial services firm JP Morgan. Back home, he took a course in military studies and was tutored in politics by his father. When the latter died, Bashar became president by referendum, running unopposed, then winning a second term in 2007. Sworn in at the age of 34, Assad was widely seen by Syrians pining for freedoms as a reformer, who could do away with years of repression and introduce economic liberalisation. In the early days, Assad would be seen driving his own car or having dinner at restaurants with his wife. He relaxed some of the heavy restrictions that existed under his father. But his initial image as a reformer quickly evaporated as authorities arrested and jailed academics, intellectuals and other members of what was then known as the Damascus Spring movement. When the Arab Spring reached Syria in March 2011, peaceful demonstrations broke out calling for change. Assad, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, responded by ordering a brutal crackdown on the protesters and civil war swiftly ensued. Throughout the war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced half the population, Assad's position has not changed. He has been the subject of countless cartoons by dissident artists depicting him as a killer, not least in the aftermath of the 2013 chemical attacks on rebel bastions around Damascus. A Syrian researcher in Damascus, who asked to speak anonymously over security concerns, said: "Assad's personality played an undeniable role in his survival." His "persistence and rigour" were especially important in helping him "consolidate decision-making powers, and secure the army's full support", he added. Throughout the war, Assad has enjoyed military backing from staunch allies Iran and Russia, who helped him score a string of military victories. Since the start of the Islamist-led rebel offensive on November 27, Assad has echoed his long-held stance that the conflict in Syria is machinated from abroad. "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," Assad said on Monday. He is the father of three children. His wife, Asma, was dubbed a "rose in the desert" by Vogue magazine before the revolt. bur/ser/jhb