WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!how to withdraw in superph 。

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'We are on it': US official seeks to allay drone sighting concernsWatch Orlando City SC vs. New York Red Bulls: MLS Cup Playoff East Final free live streamCollège régional Gabrielle-Roy is a small school with a big volleyball dream. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy is a small school with a big volleyball dream. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy is a small school with a big volleyball dream. They take the game so seriously there that the varsity boys program, winners of three consecutive provincial AA titles, is taking a run at the biggest prize in high school volleyball — a AAAA championship. “I wouldn’t consider us underdogs and I don’t think any of the guys on our team consider us underdogs,” said Alek Ouimet, whose sixth-seeded Les Roys will face the No. 2 St. Paul’s Crusaders in provincial AAAA semifinal action at Investors Group Athletic Centre Thursday night. “I feel like we play hard and we deserve to be playing in these kinds of tournaments. We do the work and it’s shown up right — for four years.” MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Gabrielle-Roy Les Roys boys volleyball team members, Martin de Moissac (left), Alek Ouimet (right) and with Coach Michel Lavergne have won three consecutive provincial AA titles and are now looking to capture the AAAA crown. Gabrielle-Roy, with a high school population of 275 students based in Île-des-Chênes, has tested itself consistently against big schools this season, winning two major tournaments while also beating the Crusaders once and splitting another game with St. Paul’s in head-to-head play. Les Roys setter Martin de Moissac said his teammates are well-equipped for the high intensity of the provincial final four. “Most of my team plays club volleyball, so we’re used to big stages and big challenges,” said de Moissac, a provincial champion in Grade 9, 10 and 11 at the school. “So as a team ourselves, I don’t think it’s that big of a jump but as a school itself, yes.” “They have tall players but honestly, it doesn’t matter when it comes to how determined you are to win and your skill and what you’re willing to put into practising and winning.” Head coach Michel Lavergne, in his 30th season at the school, is quietly confident in his crew. “I have the guys to do it — they tend to finish,” said Lavergne. “They have the grit to do so. And they come out when they need to, for the last few points, and are able to finish these games. So that’s why I think we’re here. “We’re smaller (in stature) but we changed our whole offence for that. We changed the entire dynamics of how we play to suit the team.” Lavergne’s players had until mid-season to decide on how they would finish their season. “That was the big question,” said Ouimet, whose club is 38-3-4 overall. “For the last three years that we’ve been in AA, (Gabrielle-Roy) has won every single time for my age and the question that he asked was, ‘Do you guys want to play AA, get the fourth one, or do you want to go take some chances at AAAA?’ And every single guy on our team, without skipping a beat, said AAAA. Including all the 12th graders who are giving up the potential four-peat.” St. Paul’s, a school with a rich tradition of winning in various sports, plans the give Gabrielle-Roy all they can handle. The Crusaders have overcome various injuries en route to a 32-13 record and the No. 2 seed. Starter Keon Elkie has returned to the lineup after missing time with a broken hand. “I think we have the talent and the size to have the advantage, obviously, so we just need to make sure that we’re working as hard as they work, because we know that they’re going to work really, really hard,” said Crusaders head coach Dustin Spiring, who guided his team to a provincial final appearance in 2022. “That’s that’s kind of how we combat it is trying to game plan, work hard and hopefully our talent and our size can help out.” In Thursday’s other varsity boys semifinal, the top-seeded River East Kodiaks take on the defending AAAA provincial champion Vincent Massey Trojans of Winnipeg. The Kodiaks are 43-0 while the fourth-seeded Trojans are 26-16. In Wednesday’s varsity girls semifinals, the third-seeded Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens take on the No. 2 Lord Selkirk Royals, who are led by 6-3 left side Brooklyn Grobb-Prins and 5-11 middles Victoria McPherson and Danika Jakabek. “Their front row is pretty big compared to our front row, but we tend to practise hitting around blocks, hitting over blocks and hitting off hands,” said Olympiens libero Taylor Labossiere. “And so it really helps when we can practise those things and then bring them out in the game.” Jeanne-Sauvé’s first-year head coach Donata Huebert believes her team is well-prepared. 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. “I made a point of doing a lot of substitutions early in the season and almost until playoffs we had almost everyone play every game to a degree,” said Huebert. “So I think that helped our team be healthy and fresh now and have more role players.” In Wednesday’s other semifinal, the top-seeded Vincent Massey Vikings of Brandon match up with the No. 4 Steinbach Sabres, the defending AAAA champs. “Our goal was always to make it to the final four,” said Sabres head coach Amy Toews, who has three starters back from the 2023 squad. “I think our team’s worked pretty hard this season and we were just grateful to have that opportunity to be back playing at U of M against some of the best teams in the province. “I think when we go in with that mindset of just being grateful for the opportunity, it allows us to play a little bit more free and hopefully play some of our best volleyball.” mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. River East (1) vs. Vincent Massey-Winnipeg (4), 6 p.m. Collège régional Gabrielle-Roy (6) vs. St. Paul’s (2), 8 p.m. Semifinal winners, 8 p.m. Vincent Massey-Brandon (1) vs. Steinbach Regional (4), 6 p.m. Collège Jeanne-Sauvé (3) vs. Lord Selkirk (2), 8 p.m. Semifinal winners, 6 p.m. Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement

A controversy is unfolding in Israel over the leak of classified military documents to international media that prosecutors say may have harmed efforts to free hostages held by Hamas. An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been charged. He is accused of passing on top-secret information with the intent to sway public opinion and damage state security. An Israeli soldier was separately charged for handing over the documents, which were allegedly retrieved from Gaza. Mr Netanyahu has not been charged, but questions have been raised by opposition politicians, Israeli media and hostage families over his involvement. There has been speculation the leaks were aimed at giving the prime minister political cover over failed ceasefire talks in September. The information emerged days after six hostages were found executed in a Hamas tunnel in southern Gaza, which sparked mass protests in Israel and outraged hostage families. Mr Netanyahu's office has denied any wrongdoing, downplaying the affair and publicly calling for the gag order to be lifted. The prime minister said the person in question "never participated in security discussions, was not exposed to or received classified information, and did not take part in secret visits". A full picture of the case is yet to emerge, but the indictment and other legal documents tell part of the story. This is what we know. How it all started At the centre of the case is an article published in Germany's tabloid newspaper the Bild on September 6. It was labelled as an exclusive and claimed to outline the hostage plans of Hamas. The report cited documents said to have been taken from the computer of the organisation's then-leader, Yahya Sinwar. The documents detailed how the militant group was purportedly drawing out ceasefire and hostage talks as a form of psychological warfare to increase public pressure on the Israeli government. The article came out as the United States, Qatar and Egypt were mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, which also included a deal to release hostages. Hamas rejected the demand and accused Mr Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging the talks. Israel blamed Hamas for the deadlock. Mr Netanyahu pointed to the article after it was published, saying it vindicated his hardline position on a hostage deal. "Last weekend, the German newspaper Bild published an official Hamas document that revealed its action plan: To sow discord among us, to use psychological warfare on the hostages' families ... to tear us apart from within, and to continue the war until further notice," he said in remarks ahead of a cabinet meeting. Another article had appeared earlier in the London-based Jewish Chronicle newspaper claiming that Sinwar planned to smuggle himself and Israeli hostages out of Gaza through the border area with Egypt known as the Philadelphi Corridor. In the ceasefire talks, Mr Netanyahu was also calling for lasting Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor. The Jewish Chronicle later withdrew the article. Next, the arrests An investigation was launched into the articles, jointly conducted by the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, the Israeli police and the military. Little had been known about the case until the Rishon Le-Zion Magistrates' Court partially lifted a gag order late last month. It revealed that several arrests had been made, and identified the central suspect in the case as Eli Feldstein. Mr Feldstein was one of Mr Netanyahu's media advisers, according to Israeli media reports. The magistrate's ruling said classified and sensitive intelligence information was illegally taken from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) systems, which may have caused "serious damage to the state's security and posed a risk to information sources". "As a result, there could have been damage to the security forces' ability to achieve the goal of releasing the hostages, as part of the war objectives," it said. The court referred to Mr Feldstein as a "civilian" and said three other suspects in the case were members of the military and security establishment. They have not been publicly named. The media reported that Mr Feldstein was hired weeks after October 7, 2023, and previously worked as an adviser to far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Mr Netanyahu has said the person in question "never participated in security discussions, was not exposed to or received classified information, and did not take part in secret visits". Indictment reveals more details An Israeli state attorney has now indicted Mr Feldstein. He has been charged with leaking classified information with the intent of harming state security and obstruction of justice. An Israeli soldier was also charged, accused of passing on the documents. Both men deny the charges, which carry lengthy prison terms. The indictment identified two other Netanyahu aides as being connected to the incident, but they were not charged. Rather than leaking the information to Israeli media, Mr Feldstein is accused of handing it to Bild to bypass local censors, who would have banned its publication. The indictment said the two suspects had created a mechanism for passing on information that bypassed accepted protocols for sharing such documents. "The two charged suspects acted in order to extract information that was classified to the most confidential level, while taking the concrete risk of causing serious harm to critical national security interests," it said. It added that the the leaks were meant "to create media influence on the public discourse in Israel in regards to the handling of the hostage situation, after the news of the murder of six hostages". Asked about the investigation earlier this month, Bild said that it did not comment on its sources. "The authenticity of the document known to us was confirmed by the IDF immediately after publication," it said. The country reacts Mr Netanyahu has faced criticism from families of the hostages in Gaza, who blame him for the failure to reach a deal. They were among the tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets, accusing the prime minister of torpedoing the ceasefire talks for political reasons. Hamas has said there would be no hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless the war in the Palestinian enclave ended. The militant group, which Australia lists as a terrorist organisation, stormed southern Israel on October 7 last year, taking about 250 hostages to Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. About 1,200 people were killed in the terror attacks. Israel's subsequent strikes on Gaza have claimed the lives of more than 43,000 Palestinians , according to the Gaza Health Ministry. About 97 people taken captive by Hamas on October 7, 2023, remain in Gaza. At least a third of them have been declared dead by Israeli authorities. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group that represents many of the families of the hostages still held in Gaza, has called the leaks "one of the greatest frauds in the country's history". "The [hostage] families demand an investigation against all those suspected of sabotage and undermining state security," the forum said in a statement. The Bild article came out six days after Hamas killed a group of hostages as Israeli troops closed in on them. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said Mr Netanyahu was either incompetent or "complicit in one of the most serious security offences" on the books. In a video posted to social media, the prime minister called the investigation a "witch-hunt" targeting him and his advisers. ABC/Wires ABC

WASHINGTON , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Postal Service is primed and ready to deliver exceptional service during the 2024 holiday rush thanks in large part to the investments and strategies identified in its 10-year Delivering for America plan. Today, the Postal Service provided updates on its peak holiday season preparations, as well as its readiness to deliver another successful holiday season of extraordinary service. "Thanks to the substantial progress we have made under the Delivery for America plan, we are ready and confident to handle the holiday surge," said USPS Chief Retail and Delivery Officer and Executive Vice President Dr. Joshua Colin . "Our ability to move packages and mail throughout our network has never been stronger. USPS continues to be the most affordable and reliable way to ship packages and mail this holiday season and year-round." Throughout the year, USPS has maintained strong service performance while engaging in numerous transformational initiatives across the organization and the country. Because of the ongoing implementation of the Delivering for America strategic plan, 98 percent of the nation's population currently receives their mail and packages in fewer than three days. The nation's postal network is operating effectively without any major reported disruptions. "The United States Postal Service's portfolio of shipping products make holiday shipping easy," said Steve Montieth , USPS chief customer and marketing officer and executive vice president. "Both USPS Ground Advantage and USPS Priority Mail are priced lower than competitors, meaning customers can save more this holiday season. So, ship early and enjoy your holiday season." Key Investments Ahead of 2024 Peak Season Specifically, key Delivering for America investments in the Postal Service's workforce, package processing, and delivery operations ahead of the 2024 peak holiday season include: Using 83 revitalized sorting & delivering centers: In alignment with the Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service is revamping its network of nearly 19,000 delivery units, which are the final stop for mail and packages before they are delivered by letter carriers. These revitalized sorting and delivery centers have allowed USPS to expand its daily package processing capacity, increase its efficiency and deliver more value to its customers. Implementing 506 new package sorting machines: These new machines are strategic investments in the local community's postal infrastructure, enabling postal workers to sort and process packages of all sizes more quickly and reliably. Since the previous peak season, 158 new sorting machines have been installed across the nation. This is part of the organization's $40 billion investment in new technology and facilities under the Delivering for America plan. Increased daily processing capacity to approximately 60 million: An expanded daily processing capacity, stabilized workforce, improved operating precision, and well-planned transportation practices has allowed for packages to move through the postal network more quickly and helps eliminate the need for short-term annexes. Moving more than 95 percent of volume via more reliable ground transportation: More precise operating and logistical strategies have positioned the Postal Service to handle the high mail and package volumes anticipated during the peak holiday season. USPS continues to transition more volume from expensive air transportation to its redesigned ground transportation network. Currently, nearly 95 percent of First-Class Mail and more than 95 percent of first-class packages are moved through the improved, more reliable ground transportation system. Hiring 7,500 seasonal employees: Because of its experienced and stable workforce, USPS anticipates the need for less seasonal employees this holiday season. The initial release of the new next generation delivery vehicles: This holiday season will also mark the initial release of the brand-new BEV Next Generation Delivery Vehicles, which will be on select roads and routes this winter. Additionally, this holiday season, there will be more than 27,000 new commercial off-the-shelf vehicles on the road with more than 500 being battery-electric. USPS Makes Holiday Shipping Easy for Consumers In addition to key investments, USPS is simplifying the process and reducing customers' cost to ship packages this holiday season. USPS Ground Advantage: This enhanced shipping solution provides a simple, reliable and more affordable way to ship packages this holiday season in just 2-5 business days across the contiguous United States . USPS Ground Advantage provides America's businesses and the public with a compelling ground shipping option, using the Postal Service's unparalleled last-mile delivery route system and improving the integrated mail and package postal logistics network. The most affordable rates: Priority Mail is an offering included in USPS Ground Advantage that provides a fast and affordable way to deliver mail to every address in the United States . During peak season, priority mail offers a price that is on average 35 percent lower than similar competitor services. For tips on preparing shipments, including recommended mailing and shipping dates, packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local Post Office location hours, visit usps.com . Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America , to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom . Follow us on X , formerly known as Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest , Threads and LinkedIn . Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook . For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com . Contact: Jonathan Castillo [email protected] usps.com/news SOURCE U.S. Postal Service( MENAFN - The Peninsula) QNA Doha: Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the State of Qatar's priority in handling the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic is currently humanitarian to ensure providing all the essential help to maintain stability there. During the weekly media availability organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari, said the air bridge being operated by the State of Qatar to help the brotherly people of Syria is underway, as long as, there is a need for that, highlighting that the fifth aircraft of the Qatar Armed Forces landed in Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, on Monday, with over 33 tons of medical, food and shelter items onboard provided by Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) to Syria, thereby bringing the total number of aid, heretofore, provided to the Syrians to 144 tons. He reiterated the State of Qatar's call for the essential lifting of the international sanctions on Syria as soon as possible to ensure there would be no hindrance in getting all kinds of humanitarian aid to the brotherly people of Syria and extend the Qatari air bridge to all airports within the Syrian territories, thereby facilitating the delivery of these aids. Dr. Al Ansari added the Qatari position regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria is crystal clear, especially since the reasons behind sanctions, which are represented in the former regime, have been diminished, implying that they no longer exist, and it is incumbent on international community to promptly act to lift those sanctions. Within the framework of the Qatari delegation's visit to Damascus led by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, aboard the first flight of Qatar Airways to Damascus International Airport, the foremost needs were discussed there, alongside how the State of Qatar can directly contribute to meeting those needs, pointed out Dr. Al Ansari, underling that the State of Qatar will spare no effort in providing the essential support for the brotherly people of Syria. He pointed out that the technical team that accompanied HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Damascus was intended to get familiarized with the airports technical needs and discussed how Qatar can perform a positive role in this respect to ensure it is swiftly recommissioned as an international airport, especially that it had been neglected for a very long time and came under shelling from the Israeli occupation. Dr. Al Ansari highlighted that the symbolic message associated with the landing of the Qatar Airways plane in Damascus International Airport reflects the State of Qatar's commitment to taking all essential measures to ensure the airport's recommissioning and resuming flights to the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, noting that flights will return to the airport simultaneously when technical requirements are in place. Dr. Al Ansari said the Syrian Arab Republic's needs are being scrutinized for the aid to be announced - whether urgent, short-term or strategic. The priority is for urgent humanitarian needs to ensure a successful and unhindered transition process, especially on the humanitarian side, followed by efforts for Syria's returning to the Arab nation, Al Ansari added. He pointed out that the embassy of the Syrian opposition in the State of Qatar is the first of the new Syrian embassies - a stance that reflects the State of Qatar's unchanged position since the first day of the Syrian crisis, and supports the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people by all available means. In this context, Al Ansari highlighted the resumption of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Syrian Arab Republic on December 17, and the appointment of HE Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as Charge d'Affaires there. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the resumption of embassy operations comes after approximately 13 years since all diplomatic relations were severed with the Syrian regime in 2011, expressing Qatar's principled stance in support of the Syrian people's revolution and its steadfast support for their demands for a dignified life, freedom, and social justice. It also reaffirms Qatar's unequivocal rejection of all the oppressive policies of the Syrian regime against the Syrian people. Dr. Al Ansari added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the resumption of the embassys work in conjunction with the victory of the Syrian peoples revolution reflects the continued firm and supportive position of the State of Qatar towards the Syrian people and their struggle to obtain their legitimate rights to a decent life, and enhances its relief efforts that began with an air bridge to help the Syrian people overcome the requirements of the transition process, noting the raising of the Qatari flag on December 21 in Damascus for the first time in 13 years. Referring to Monday's meeting between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and Leader of the new administration of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa as part of a Qatari delegation visit to Damascus, Al Ansari said the meetings covered close bilateral relations and ways to boost them, the future of Syria and the prospects of the State of Qatars unwavering support for the brotherly Syrian people across all fields. He pointed out that HE Al Khulaifi stressed the State of Qatar's continued firm support for the Syrian brothers to build a state of institutions that is governed by justice, freedom, development and peace, and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people. Noting the State of Qatar's position has always remained supportive of the revolution of the brothers in Syria, HE Al Khulaifi stressed the need for Syrians to take decisions independently, ensure the unity of Syria and work on a peaceful power transfer through a political process that includes the whole spectrum of the Syrian people. Meanwhile, Dr. Al Ansari said that it is too early to talk about investing in Syria at the present time, noting that the focus is now on providing everything necessary to support Syrians, especially in areas such as energy, the humanitarian aspect and infrastructure. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and HE Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari highlighted the recent phone call on December 17 between HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and UN Special Envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen. They discussed the latest developments in Syria and Qatar's stance on the ongoing situation, emphasizing the need to support the transitional process to preserve Syria's unity, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its people. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari added that HE the Minister of State stressed, during the call, the importance of international efforts, including those by the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to a meeting on December 20 between Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office and Special Coordinator for Syria HE Tobias Lindner. They discussed bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments, particularly in Syria. Regarding Israeli practices of expanding settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Israeli occupation government's approval of plans to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry emphasized the international community's legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to cease its aggression on Syrian territories and comply with international legitimacy decisions, as well as to confront its opportunistic schemes. Furthermore, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari delegation at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via video conference on December 17. In his speech during the conference, His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to achieving CICA's objectives and building a more secure and prosperous future for the people of Asia. His Excellency stated that the Asian continent is at a historic crossroads, facing complex challenges and crises on security, economic, and social fronts, however, Asia, with its vast natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potentials. He added that HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs underscored the need for enhanced collective efforts and cooperation to meet the aspirations of the people of Asia for stability and prosperity. His Excellency reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region and the Asian continent by initiating dialogues and mediations to ease conflicts and tensions, aiming for stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as the primary means to resolve disputes between nations. Regarding the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that the negotiations are ongoing, with technical talks taking place in Doha and other tracks occurring in Cairo with continuous coordination with the Arab Republic of Egypt in this regard, adding that no one can predict a specific timeline for reaching an agreement. During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari confirmed that the situation in Gaza has not improved at all, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening, reiterating the call to all parties to engage seriously with the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation without any actions that might hinder the success of these negotiations. Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted Qatar's welcome of the UN General Assembly's resolution to refer the ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to the International Court of Justice. Qatar considers the adoption of the resolution, with 137 votes in favor, as reflecting the broad international rejection of the Israeli occupation authorities' decisions to ban UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. He pointed out Qatar's warning that banning UNRWA's activities will lead to severe humanitarian and political consequences, especially depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria of essential services, as well as the liquidation of the Palestinian refugee issue and their right to return to their homes. Separately, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Qatar-Iran relations are strong and solid, with both sides collaborating on certain gas projects in the region, praising the bilateral relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that their discussions on regional events are ongoing. Regarding Qatar's relations with Russia, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari stated that Qatar's relationship with the Russian Federation remains ongoing and positive, highlighting Qatar's involvement in another mediation between Russia and Ukraine, aimed at reuniting children affected by the war with their families. On the Lebanese front, Al Ansari referred to the meeting of HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi on December 16 with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun, Speaker of the Parliament HE Nabih Berri, and Caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon HE Najib Mikati. He explained that these meetings discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to support and enhance it, emphasizing the critical role of the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability in Lebanon, preserving the state's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid increasing security and political challenges, and reaffirming Qatar's steadfast position towards the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, and territorial integrity, and its continued support for the Lebanese people. MENAFN24122024000063011010ID1109028577 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

TEHRAN – The spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's Board of Directors announced that a closed-door session was held to discuss the recent surge in exchange rates and pressing economic issues facing the country. Abbas Godrazi, the spokesperson, revealed that Tuesday morning’s meeting was specifically focused on the rising value of foreign currencies and broader economic concerns. Prior to the session, it was announced that members of Parliament, alongside senior government officials, would review the state of the country’s currency system, strategies for managing dollar exchange rate fluctuations, and the distribution of foreign exchange resources. In attendance were the head of the Planning and Budget Organization, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, and the Governor of the Central Bank. Godrazi emphasized that the key takeaway from the meeting was the need for effective collaboration between the government and Parliament. “Both institutions must work together to restore economic stability and improve the livelihoods of citizens, ensuring the long-term health of the nation’s economy,” he concluded.

The Nevada Wolf Pack , led by quarterback Brendon Lewis , face the No. 22 UNLV Rebels , led by quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 (11/30/24) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV . You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV , which is offering half off your first month. Here’s what you need to know: What: NCAA Football, Week 14 Who: Nevada vs. UNLV When: Saturday, Nov. 30 (11/30/24) Where: Allegiant Stadium Time: 8 p.m. ET TV: CBS Sports Network Live stream: fuboTV (free trial) , DirecTV Stream (free trial) *** Here are the best streaming options for college football this season: Fubo TV (free trial): fuboTV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS. DirecTV Stream (free trial) : DirecTV Stream carries ESPN, FOX, NBC and CBS. Sling TV ( $25 off the first month) - Sling TV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC and NBC. ESPN+ ($9.99 a month): ESPN+ carries college football games each weekend for only $9.99 a month. These games are exclusive to the platform. Peacock TV ($5.99 a month): Peacock will simulstream all of NBC Sports’ college football games airing on the NBC broadcast network this season, including Big Ten Saturday Night. Peacock will also stream Notre Dame home games. Certain games will be streamed exclusively on Peacock this year as well. Paramount+ (free trial): Paramount Plus will live stream college football games airing on CBS this year. *** Here’s a preview capsule via the Associated Press: Nevada (3-9, 0-6 Mountain West) at No. 21 UNLV (9-2, 5-1, No. 22 CFP), Saturday, 8 p.m. EST (CBSSN) BetMGM College Football Odds: UNLV by 17 1/2. Series record: Nevada leads 28-21. UNLV will make the Mountain West championship with a victory and play at No. 11 Boise State with a potential shot at the College Football Playoff. The Rebels could lose and still make the conference title game, but it becomes more complicated and their chances to make the playoffs would almost be nil. UNLV offensive line vs. Nevada defensive front. The Rebels, behind QB Hajj-Malik Williams and RB Jai’Den Thomas, average 245.3 yards rushing per game, which is sixth nationally. They should have their opportunities against a Wolf Pack defense that allows 179.7-yard average. UNLV: LB Jackson Woodard. He is ninth in the nation in tackles (108) and tackles for loss (15), but does much more than rack up stops. Woodard also has intercepted four passes and defended 12 passes. Nevada: QB Brendon Lewis. He is one of the Mountain West’s top dual-threat quarterbacks, having passed for 14 touchdowns and rushed for eight. Lewis also thrown for 1,998 yards rushed for 745. RECOMMENDED • nj .com What channel is Nevada vs. UNLV game tonight (11/30/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Channel for college foot Nov. 30, 2024, 2:00 p.m. What channel is Oklahoma vs. LSU game tonight (11/30/24)? FREE LIVE STREAM, Time, TV, Channel for college foo Nov. 30, 2024, 1:00 p.m. A victory will give UNLV 10 wins for just the third time. The Rebels reached double-digit victories in 1974 and 1984. ... This is the 50th meeting. UNLV will try to win for the third consecutive, which would be the first for the program since the Rebels beat Nevada five straight times in 2000-04 under the late John Robinson. ... The winner receives the 545-pound Fremont Cannon, the heaviest trophy for a rivalry game. It’s painted the color of the winning team. ... UNLV WR Ricky White leads the nation with four blocked punts, more than any team. ... The Rebels are third nationally with a plus-13 turnover margin. ... Nevada has played in eight one-possession games, tied for first nationally. The Wolf Pack won just two of those games. ... Nevada’s last victory over a ranked team occurred in 2019 when they defeated No. 24 San Diego State 17-13. ... Wolf Pack first-year coach Jeff Choate is 4-0 in rivalry games. He had that record as Montana State’s coach against Montana. (The Associated Press contributed to this report) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

LAHAINA, Hawaii – Andrej Jakimovski converted an off-balance layup with 8 seconds left, and Colorado handed No. 2 UConn its second loss in two days at the Maui Invitational, beating the two-time defending national champion 73-72 on Tuesday. A day after a 99-97 overtime loss to Memphis that left Huskies coach Dan Hurley livid about the officiating, UConn (4-2) couldn't shake the unranked Buffaloes (5-1), who shot 62.5% in the second half. Recommended Videos With Colorado trailing 72-71 in the closing seconds, Jakimovski drove to his right and absorbed contact from UConn’s Liam McNeeley. He tossed the ball toward the glass and the shot was good as he fell to the floor. Hassan Diarra missed a 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer for UConn. Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III scored 16 points each for Colorado, and Jakimovski had 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Huskies led 40-32 at halftime and by nine points early in the second half, but Colorado quickly closed that gap. McNeeley led UConn with 20 points. Takeaways UConn: Hurley's squad is facing its first adversity in quite a while. The Huskies arrived on Maui with a 17-game winning streak that dated to February. Colorado: The Buffaloes were held to season lows in points (56) and field goal percentage (37%) in a 16-point loss to Michigan State on Monday but shot 51.1% overall and 56.3% (9 of 16) from 3-point range against the Huskies. Key moment Hurley called timeout to set up the Huskies' final possession, but the Buffs forced them to take a contested 3. Key stat Colorado had a 28-26 rebounding advantage after being out-rebounded 42-29 by Michigan State. Up next Colorado will play the Iowa-Dayton winner in the fifth-place game on Wednesday. UConn will play the loser of that matchup in the seventh-place game. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball .

Rosen Law Firm Encourages Light & Wonder, Inc. Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation - LNWMILWAUKEE (AP) — Themus Fulks scored 23 points as Milwaukee beat Akron 100-81 on Sunday. Fulks had five rebounds and seven assists for the Panthers (8-4, 2-0 Horizon League). Kentrell Pullian added 19 points while shooting 7 for 13 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line while they also had six rebounds and five steals. Jamichael Stillwell had 17 points and shot 5 of 9 from the field and 5 for 7 from the line. The Zips (6-3) were led by Tavari Johnson, who posted 22 points and two steals. Nate Johnson added 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals for Akron. Sharron Young had 11 points and three steals. The loss ended a five-game winning streak for the Zips. Milwaukee took the lead with 16:39 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 58-45 at halftime, with Erik Pratt racking up 14 points. Fulks scored 16 points in the second half to help lead the way as Milwaukee went on to secure a victory, outscoring Akron by six points in the second half. Milwaukee's next game is Sunday against North Central (IL) at home, and Akron squares off against Yale on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .