slot game online png Former US Air Force officer Robert Salas recently stirred conversation during a congressional hearing when he suggested that extraterrestrials are trying to send a clear, three-word message regarding nuclear weapons: “WTF.” Salas, who served as a USAF captain, shared his views in a discussion with Congresswoman Nancy Mace. The exchange was recorded during a special hearing on UFOs and later shared on social media by the Total Disclosure Podcast. Salas’s comments drew attention as he recounted incidents where unidentified flying objects (UFOs) were seen near nuclear facilities around the world. UFO encounter According to Salas, these UFO sightings did not inflict any serious damage on the weapons systems but did disrupt their navigation systems. When asked what he believed the extraterrestrial visitors were trying to communicate, he interpreted it as a critique of nuclear armaments: “To me, that says they were sending us a message about nuclear weapons: ‘WTF, nuclear weapons.'” While he expressed regret for using strong language in front of Congresswoman Mace, she seemed unperturbed by his choice of words. Salas’s remarks came amid ongoing discussions led by experts who argue that alien entities have made multiple visits to significant nuclear missile bases every year. Aliens turned off ten nukes One of the most striking claims from Salas is regarding an incident at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, where he alleged a UFO disabled ten warheads. In this encounter, he described the UFO as having an eerie red glow as it sped through the night sky on March 24, 1967. The then-26-year-old lieutenant reported that the UFO pilots appeared to have an in-depth understanding of the missile systems. At the time of the incident, Malmstrom was in control of Minuteman I intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Today, it operates the more advanced Minuteman III systems. In his exchange with Congresswoman Mace, Salas detailed how, despite the UFO shutting down the missiles, no damage occurred: “No equipment was fried. Nothing was damaged,” he stated. Salas believes the extraterrestrial visitors aren’t hostile but rather a “pacifist species,” implying their intention is peaceful rather than aggressive. He explained that the shutdown was caused by an “intermittent electrical pulse,” which affected a component of the guidance system known as the logic coupler. The missile’s guidance system failed without this part properly functioning properly, resulting in an automatic shutdown. However, he noted that all missiles were restored to alert status within 24 hours. This incident wasn’t isolated; Salas claimed his crew commander had experienced a similar encounter just eight days earlier. He emphasized that in both situations, no significant damage was reported. Salas interprets these events as a clear message from the unknown visitors about the threats posed by nuclear weapons. Furthermore, he revealed that he was bound by a non-disclosure agreement that restricted him from discussing the classified incident for years. Salas’s name is well-known among those who believe in UFOs, also called unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). Many maintain that these entities have visited Earth for decades. As discussions on UFOs and their implications for global security continue to unfold, Salas’s testimony adds a provocative perspective to the ongoing conversation about nuclear weapons and potential extraterrestrial awareness of human activities.NFL coaches and players are constantly on camera, even when they're not on the field. Frequent press conferences with the media provide NFL fans with a steady stream of quotes about their favorite teams and players. These quotes can actually be used to make informed decisions about our fantasy teams. These useful quotes can pertain to injury outlooks, player usage, overall offensive tendencies and philosophy, and more. The key is to know which quotes are actionable, and which ones are just fluff that can be ignored. The vast majority of these quotes will be sourced from the interviews that beat reporters conduct with players and coaches throughout the week. The Coachspeak Index (CSI) does a phenomenal job of listening to these interviews and picking out the key nuggets. In this article, we'll be taking a look at quotes (from CSI and other sources) and analyzing their fantasy impact. Some may be more serious than others, but it's all about getting a feel for coaches and players from information that may not show up in the box score. WEEK 15 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers Fantasy Football Coachspeak Highlights: What are coaches saying about Jonathon Brooks, Puka Nacua, and more? Dave Canales provides an injury update on Jonathon Brooks Dave Canales said his heart goes out to Jonathon Brooks. pic.twitter.com/uG2lj15hbs In his third game since returning from an ACL tear, Jonathon Brooks tried to make a cut and went down with a non-contact injury. He did not return to the game and Carolina head coach Dave Canales since confirmed that their worst fears were true: Brooks tore his right ACL, the same ACL he tore last year at the University of Texas. Key Fantasy Takeaway: This is absolutely devastating for Brooks and could easily rob him of what was supposed to be an incredibly promising NFL career. Moving forward, Chuba Hubbard will function as a bell cow back for the rest of the season and will likely hold onto the same role next year. Hubbard will be a volume-based RB2 for the foreseeable future. MORE FANTASY: WEEK 15 WAIVER WIRE & FAAB RECOMMENDATIONS Puka Nacua draws high praise from Sean McVay Sean McVay said Puka Nacua was "such an igniter" on Sunday. "Igniter is one of the biggest compliments I can give somebody," McVay said. "You elevate everybody around you, you bring an energy to this football team. And he certainly did that today." https://t.co/nrGoi8rJbN Puka Nacua had one of the best games of his career, finishing with 178 total yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' victory over the Bills. Unsurprisingly, Sean McVay was quite pleased with his performance, calling Nacua an "Igniter" and saying, "Igniter is one of the biggest compliments I can give somebody." Key Fantasy Takeaway: McVay clearly loves this kid, and when you're in the good graces of Sean McVay, you can be made into a fantasy superstar. Nacua is just that, averaging 23.7 points per game in his five full games while ranking among the league leaders in both yards and targets per route run. With Matthew Stafford and McVay by his side, Nacua will be one of the most valuable receivers in all of fantasy as long as he's healthy. Raheem Morris is sticking with Kirk Cousins #Falcons HC Raheem Morris continues to support QB Kirk Cousins: “Everything is always discussed when you go watch the tape, but Kirk Cousins is our quarterback. Kirk played significantly better than he did the week before. We’ll do whatever is best to win football games, and... pic.twitter.com/r7cxFSErbO Over the last month, Kirk Cousins has thrown zero passing touchdowns and eight interceptions. He looks bad in the box score, but he looks even worse on film. Despite his immense struggles, head coach Raheem Morris is standing behind Cousins, saying he is a part of the Falcons' plans to win games. Key Fantasy Takeaway: Cousins has only delivered a couple of meaningful performances for fantasy managers this season. However, he's directly responsible for sustaining several highly-drafted players in Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Robinson has held up just fine in recent weeks, but at this point, it's time to start wondering if Michael Penix can lift London's weekly fantasy outlook. Garrett Wilson comments on Aaron Rodgers' accomplishment Garrett Wilson on Aaron Rodgers getting over 300 yards: “I’m glad he got over that hurdle. Cool.” Aaron Rodgers threw for 339 yards on Sunday, his first time eclipsing 300 yards in a single game since Dec. 12, 2021. When asked about this accomplishment, Garrett Wilson said, "I’m glad he got over that hurdle. Cool.” Wilson's reaction to this question perfectly encapsulates the Jets' lost season. Nobody in the building cares about their offensive production when they have 10 losses and are eliminated from the playoffs. Key Fantasy Takeaway: With the Jets already eliminated from playoff contention, there's legitimate reason to be concerned that they will shut down star players who get nicked up during these final few games. We've already seen them exercise caution with Breece Hall, who's nursing a knee injury. Fantasy managers who are planning to rely on the Jets' offense during the fantasy playoffs should monitor this situation closely. Mike Tomlin expresses caution with George Pickens' hamstring injury Mike Tomlin on George Pickens (hamstring): "GP was listed as questionable. We didn't feel like he was going to be able to play the type of number of snaps we thought would be worth putting him in a uniform for... We didn't want a small problem to become a big problem." George Pickens popped up on the injury report late last week with a hamstring issue. There was some optimism that he'd be able to play, but he was ultimately held out in the Steelers' victory over the Browns. Mike Tomlin made it clear that they were being especially cautious with Pickens, saying, "We didn't want a small problem to become a big problem." Key Fantasy Takeaway: As we head into the fantasy playoffs, there are likely a good number of teams that plan to deploy Pickens in their WR2 or Flex slot. Unfortunately, hamstring injuries can be quite fickle, and there's no guarantee that he'll be available for Week 15. Keep an eye on practice reports this week.

By TRÂN NGUYỄN SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California, home to some of the largest technology companies in the world, would be the first U.S. state to require mental health warning labels on social media sites if lawmakers pass a bill introduced Monday. The legislation sponsored by state Attorney General Rob Bonta is necessary to bolster safety for children online, supporters say, but industry officials vow to fight the measure and others like it under the First Amendment. Warning labels for social media gained swift bipartisan support from dozens of attorneys general, including Bonta, after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to establish the requirements earlier this year, saying social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people. “These companies know the harmful impact their products can have on our children, and they refuse to take meaningful steps to make them safer,” Bonta said at a news conference Monday. “Time is up. It’s time we stepped in and demanded change.” State officials haven’t provided details on the bill, but Bonta said the warning labels could pop up once weekly. Up to 95% of youth ages 13 to 17 say they use a social media platform, and more than a third say that they use social media “almost constantly,” according to 2022 data from the Pew Research Center. Parents’ concerns prompted Australia to pass the world’s first law banning social media for children under 16 in November. “The promise of social media, although real, has turned into a situation where they’re turning our children’s attention into a commodity,” Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who authored the California bill, said Monday. “The attention economy is using our children and their well-being to make money for these California companies.” Lawmakers instead should focus on online safety education and mental health resources, not warning label bills that are “constitutionally unsound,” said Todd O’Boyle, a vice president of the tech industry policy group Chamber of Progress. “We strongly suspect that the courts will set them aside as compelled speech,” O’Boyle told The Associated Press. Victoria Hinks’ 16-year-old daughter, Alexandra, died by suicide four months ago after being “led down dark rabbit holes” on social media that glamorized eating disorders and self-harm. Hinks said the labels would help protect children from companies that turn a blind eye to the harm caused to children’s mental health when they become addicted to social media platforms. “There’s not a bone in my body that doubts social media played a role in leading her to that final, irreversible decision,” Hinks said. “This could be your story.” Related Articles National News | Biden creates Native American boarding school national monument to mark era of forced assimilation National News | ‘Polarization’ is Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year National News | Supreme Court rejects appeal challenging Hawaii gun licensing requirements under Second Amendment National News | Supreme Court rejects appeal from Boston parents over race bias in elite high school admissions National News | Supreme Court rejects Wisconsin parents’ challenge to school guidance for transgender students Common Sense Media, a sponsor of the bill, said it plans to lobby for similar proposals in other states. California in the past decade has positioned itself as a leader in regulating and fighting the tech industry to bolster online safety for children. The state was the first in 2022 to bar online platforms from using users’ personal information in ways that could harm children. It was one of the states that sued Meta in 2023 and TikTok in October for deliberately designing addictive features that keep kids hooked on their platforms. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, also signed several bills in September to help curb the effects of social media on children, including one to prohibit social media platforms from knowingly providing addictive feeds to children without parental consent and one to limit or ban students from using smartphones on school campus. Federal lawmakers have held hearings on child online safety and legislation is in the works to force companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. The legislation has the support of X owner Elon Musk and the President-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr . Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding.This holiday season, XGIMI is offering an array of cutting-edge projectors that promise to transform your festive gatherings into unforgettable experiences. With limited-time discounts and special bundle deals, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your home entertainment system or find the perfect gift for the tech enthusiast in your life. XGIMI’s projectors are designed to bring families and friends together, creating a cinematic atmosphere for holiday movie marathons, sports events, and celebrations. The high-quality visuals and immersive sound will make every viewing experience magical, whether you’re watching classic Christmas films or streaming the latest blockbusters. XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collection The MoGo 3 Pro is XGIMI’s newest portable projector. With the size of a large cup, it’s ideal for taking with you wherever you go, whether indoors or outdoors. The 1080p resolution with 450 lumens of brightness is enough to provide a fun movie night with your family at Christmas. Even if you don’t have a dedicated space for a large projector. MoGo 3 Pro has two 5W speakers from Harman/Kardon, and the best part is that the projector also works as a Bluetooth speaker. This means you can play songs with it from your phone without having to turn on the projector lens. The MoGo 3 Pro’s design features a built-in stand with 130o adjustment, and just like other XGIMI projectors, it also has easy setup with autofocus and auto keystone to intelligently adjust the image. For this holiday season, XGIMI has created something special: the MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collection . You can buy a kit with a MoGo 3 Pro projector combined with a Creative Optical Filter, the PowerBase Stand to use the projector unplugged, and an exclusive Christmas case. It’s the perfect gift for tech enthusiasts or someone who loves home entertainment. You can buy the XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collection for just $549 . More XGIMI deals for this holiday season XGIMI has also prepared many other special offers for this holiday season. The new Elfin Flip is a beautiful 1080p projector with a built-in 150o angle stand, perfect for smaller rooms. It also supports image auto-adjustment and has two built-in 3W speakers. From $399, you can buy it for just $299 during the Christmas sale . For the ultimate home cinema experience, XGIMI AURA 2 is the one to go for. Not only does it support Dolby Vision, it is also IMAX Enhanced certified. With 2300 ISO lumens of brightness and Ultra Short Throw technology for projecting large 4K images at a short distance, AURA 2 has state-of-the-art specifications. It costs $2,699 and comes with a gift dongle . Another excellent option for this holiday season is the XGIMI Horizon Ultra . It can project 4K images with a very high level of brightness, making it ideal for setting up your own home cinema. The images are sharp, bright and have vivid colors. Perfect for watching Christmas movies and shows in high resolution with your family. XGIMI Horizon Ultra review: 4K projector for those serious about image quality With the XGIMI Horizon Ultra , you don’t have to worry about connecting external speakers to it, because the projector has two 12W speakers from Harman Kardon with DTS Sound technology for a surround experience. While this experience usually costs $1,799, XGIMI is selling Horizon Ultra for $1,444 during the holiday season . You can check out some other Christmas deals from XGIMI below: Horizon S Max ($1,899) : An improved version of the XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K with higher brightness and a built-in flexible stand, now with a gift dongle included. Horizon S Pro ($1,299) : A more affordable version of XGIMI’s premium 4K projector with 1800 ISO lumens of brightness. Also comes with a stand and a gift dongle. XGIMI Halo+ ($749) : A compact 1080p projector with 700 lumens of brightness and a built-in battery that lasts more than 2.5 hours. Don’t miss out on these limited-time offers. Visit XGIMI’s official website or check out their Amazon store to explore the full range of holiday deals and bring home the gift of cinematic magic this Christmas. Follow @xgimitech on social media for the latest updates and exclusive offers throughout the holiday season.

KASPER SCHMEICHEL held an on-field inquest after Celtic fell a goal behind to Club Brugge. But no fingers were pointed. 4 Kasper Schmeichel had sympathy with Cameron Carter-Vickers Credit: EPA 4 The defender's howler put Celtic up against it 4 But Diazen Maeda came to the rescue with a cracking finish Credit: Getty Likewise Brendan Rodgers refused to heap the blame on Cameron Carter-Vickers for his no-look backpass that trundled into the net. It gave the Hoops a mountain to climb - but they did thanks to Daizen Maeda's slip and strike in the second half . VAR also had a hand in ruling out another Brugge strike for a trailing leg offside. Celtic had looked improved after the break and Schmeichel reckons the chance to reset at the interval played a big part in the point that could prove pivotal further down the line. Read More Celtic stories BILL LECKIE Point proven by Celtic after Brugge battle - these nights are becoming the norm STRUGGLING BHOY Celtic hero pinpoints the Hoops star who left him 'disappointed' vs Brugge They now sit comfortably within the play-off positions in the new-look League phase - and are guaranteed to stay there into the new year . But it didn't seem that way after a slow start and then shocking howler from the American defender during an almighty defensive mix-up. Schmeichel explained: “The goal was one of those things. I was showing for a pass from Nicolas Kuhn but he hasn’t passed to me. “Cameron was surprised by it and he’s been pressed. Most read in Football BLUES BROTHERS Club Brugge fans sing Gers song as they march to Celtic Park for Euro clash Celtic 1 Club Brugge 1 Maeda spares Carter-Vickers' blushes as Hoops plug away to big point EYES FRONT Rangers boss Philippe Clement opens up on talks with new CEO Patrick Stewart BUS BEAST Kilmarnock fan famous for foul-mouthed post-match rants exposed as paedophile “It’s so loud in here and I was screaming at him that I wasn’t in the goal. It’s one of these things - it happens. “It’s important when things like that happen that you have a reset. Celtic have had 'Trampoline Effect' since Borussia Dortmund mauling, says Brendan Rodgers “They were having a little too much time on the ball and a little too much joy. It was important for us to shore things up. “On reflection, I don’t think we were ourselves in the first half. We didn’t get up to the tempo of the game and didn’t play up to the intensity of it. “Luckily, we had half-time to change that and things were better in the second half. “There were chances for us to win it and chances for them to win, so we have to be reasonably happy.” 4 On goal hero Maeda, the veteran keeper added: “He’s a top-class player. “He’s been playing in China with Japan and travelling. He’s played two games in a short period of time. “But he has that output and that energy . We know about his quality but the energy drives the team.” Read more on the Scottish Sun LOOKING UP I'm a four-time world champ but my eyesight is going so I've made crucial change ISLE SAY Stunning home with panoramic views for sale for just £135k - but there's a catch Hoops captain Callum McGregor added: “They edged it in the first half and we edged it in the second so it’s a fair result in the end. “This is a tough level. It’s a steady point and keeps us moving in the right direction.” Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Nick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Ashlon Jackson scored a career-high 30 points and No. 13 Duke defeated No. 9 Kansas State, 73-62 on Monday, in the semifinals of the Ball Dawgs Classic. The Blue Devils (6-1) overcame an early 11-point deficit behind Jackon’s shooting hand to advance to Wednesday’s championship game against the winner of the game between No. 9 Oklahoma and DePaul. Jackson, who has scored in double figures in all six of Duke’s games, shot 12 of 19 (63.1%) from the floor, including 6 of 9 (66.7%) from 3-point range. Reigan Richardson added 16 points for the Blue Devils. Kansas State (5-1) was led by Ayoka Lee, who had 16 points. Serena Sundell scored 15 and Kennedy Taylor came off the bench to add 11 for the Wildcats. Kansas State: With her 16-point performance, Lee needs 48 points to pass Kendra Wecker (2001-05) for the Kansas State career scoring record. Wecker scored 2,333 points. Lee, the 2024-25 Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, is averaging 15.3 points. Duke: Jackson hit her season average of 13.3 points by the 3:54 mark of the second quarter when her pull-up jumper gave her 14. The junior guard was 8 of 11 from the floor, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and had 20 points by halftime. With the Blue Devils trailing by six midway through the second quarter, Jackson triggered a 15-0 run with 13 of the team’s points to help Duke take a lead they’d never relinquish. Duke will face the winner of No. 9 Oklahoma-DePaul on Wednesday in the championship game, while Kansas State will face the loser in the consolation game. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballNvidia’s stock dips after China opens probe of the AI chip company for violating anti-monopoly lawsDrought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024DAMASCUS, 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. Hussein Malla, Associated Press "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. 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. Khalil Hamra, Associated Press 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. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Syrian citizens celebrate Monday during the second day of the takeover of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria. Hussein Malla, Associated Press 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. Matias Delacroix, Associated Press 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." People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms 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) 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) Emil Nicolai Helms People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms 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) 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) 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) Roni Rekomaa 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) 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) Christoph Reichwein 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) Jonas Ekströmer 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) Petros Karadjias 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) Christoph Reichwein People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms 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) Aurelien Morissard People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) 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) 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) Alberto Pezzali People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) 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) 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) Petros Karadjias

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Josh Banks scored 21 points as UNC Asheville beat Western Carolina 78-61 on Saturday. Banks added five rebounds for the Bulldogs (6-4). Jordan Marsh added 18 points while going 5 of 12 from the floor, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and 6 for 8 from the line while they also had five rebounds and five steals. Kameron Taylor shot 4 of 6 from the field and 5 for 5 from the line to finish with 13 points. Marcus Kell finished with 11 points for the Catamounts (3-6). Vernon Collins added 10 points for Western Carolina. Fischer Brown finished with eight points. These two teams both play Tuesday. UNC Asheville hosts North Florida and Western Carolina visits Tennessee. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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. 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.” 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) Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

OpenAI has unveiled plans to restructure itself as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), signalling a major shift from its nonprofit origins. Announced in a blog post on Friday, the decision will see OpenAI’s for-profit arm take control of operations and business, while the nonprofit arm will pursue charitable initiatives in healthcare, education, and science. By becoming a PBC, OpenAI aims to combine profit-driven goals with societal benefits. The restructured nonprofit will retain a stake in the business but relinquish its oversight role. OpenAI’s board described the change as essential for raising the capital required to advance toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). “The hundreds⁠ of⁠ billions⁠ of⁠ dollars that major companies are now investing into AI development show what it will really take for OpenAI to continue pursuing the mission,” the board explained. “We once again need to raise more capital than we’d imagined.” The move aligns OpenAI with competitors like Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI, which also operate as Public Benefit Corporations. The decision comes amid growing financial demands to support AI development and operational costs, with OpenAI’s data-intensive models requiring significant funding. In September, reports emerged that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman would receive a 7% equity stake as part of the transition - a claim he denied. Meanwhile, the nonprofit board’s diminished role has sparked concerns about control, echoing last year’s turmoil when the board briefly ousted Altman before reinstating him. The restructuring isn’t without opposition. Last month, Elon Musk filed a motion to block OpenAI’s shift to for-profit status, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to intervene. Critics argue the change could compromise OpenAI’s original mission as a nonprofit research lab dedicated to AI for public good. Despite the controversy, OpenAI’s leadership sees the transition as a step towards balancing innovation with societal impact. The nonprofit arm will operate independently, working to become “one of the best-resourced nonprofits in history,” according to the board. Under the new structure, the nonprofit will receive shares in the PBC at valuations determined by independent advisors, ensuring its continued involvement in OpenAI’s financial success.None

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