fifa 22 requirements Hezbollah leaders also signalled tentative backing for the US-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has killed more than 3,700 people, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. But while the deal, set to take effect early Wednesday, could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, has previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. Here’s what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: – The terms of the deal The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swathe of southern Lebanon. Us President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4am local time on Wednesday. Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the US would monitor compliance by all sides. Mr Biden said the deal “was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, insisted on Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the UN peacekeeping force, known as Unifil, does not provide “effective enforcement” of the deal. – Lingering uncertainty A Hezbollah leader said the group’s support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on Tuesday that Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the deal also brokered by France. – Where the fighting has left both sides After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signalling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has come not only in its ranks, but to the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israel’s advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israel’s overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the group’s effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israel’s massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their country’s fate to Gaza’s at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in a grave condition. – No answers for Gaza Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israel’s attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the group’s top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas offered a pointed reminder on Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. “The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” he said in a speech to the UN read by his ambassador.Falcons feeling the pressure at .500 as Cousins' interceptions put spotlight on downturn for offenseDell Technologies Shares Fall on Lower-Than-Expected 4Q Outlook

It didn't take Syracuse first-year coach Fran Brown long to figure out the key matchup for Saturday afternoon's Atlantic Coast Conference game visiting Miami. "Syracuse has a really good quarterback," Brown said of Kyle McCord, "and Miami has a really good quarterback (Cam Ward)." With a win on Saturday, the No. 6 Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 ACC) can clinch a berth in the league championship game against SMU. Miami is a 10 1/2-point favorite for Saturday's game. Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has reached eight wins for just the fourth time since 2002, going 8-5 in 2010 and 2012 and 10-3 in 2018. However, the Orange haven't defeated a Top-10 team since knocking off Clemson in 2017. Miami leads the nation in scoring (44.7), and the Hurricanes will count on perfect passing conditions in Syracuse's dome. That could be huge for Ward, who leads the nation with 34 touchdown passes, ranking second in passing yards (3,774) and fourth in passing efficiency. Ward's top target is wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who needs just 21 yards to reach 1,000 for the second straight season. Restrepo also ranks tied for seventh in the nation with 10 TD receptions. Ward has some other top targets, including 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end Elijah Arroyo, who is a walking mismatch because of his size and speed. He leads Miami with 18.5 yards per reception. Hurricanes wide receivers Isaiah Horton and Jacolby George have combined for 12 TD passes, and Sam Brown has added two more. Each of them has more than 500 receiving yards this season. Miami's running game features battering ram Damien Martinez (739 yards, 5.5 average, eight TDs); versatile Mark Fletcher Jr. (499 yards, 5.7 average, six TDs); and game-breaking freshman Jordan Lyle (361 yards, 8.6 average, four TDs). Defensively, Miami's big-play man is safety Mishael Powell, who ranks second in the ACC with five interceptions. "He's all about winning," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of Powell. "He's a smart, self-starting team player." On special teams, Miami kicker Andres Borregales ranks second in the ACC with 97 points. He is 52-for-52 on extra points and 15-for-16 on field goals. Meanwhile, McCord ranks No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (3,946) and tied for seventh in TD passes (26). McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has also set Syracuse's single-season record for passing yards. In last week's 31-24 win over Connecticut, McCord passed for a career-high 470 yards. However, McCord is just 46th in the nation in passing efficiency, due in part to his high total of interceptions (12). Syracuse also has three of the top six pass-catchers in the ACC in terms of yards: tight end Oronde Gadsden II (810) and wide receivers Jackson Meeks (801) and Trebor Pena (743). Gadsden, who is from the greater Miami area, has had three straight 100-yard games. He is the son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden. Syracuse's run game is led by LeQuint Allen, who has rushed for 819 yards, a 4.3 average and 12 TDs. The issue for Syracuse could be its defense, which ranks 13th in the ACC in points allowed (27.8). Miami's defense is fourth (22.3). Even so, Syracuse coach Brown said he's excited about this matchup. "I heard Miami is going to come deep," Brown said of Miami fans. "It's going to be intense in the stands. It's going to be intense on the field. I think this is a game everyone wants to see." --Field Level MediaNBA on Sportsnet: Pelicans vs. Spurs

Does the approach to treating opioid addiction need a radical overhaul?Donald Trump assigned Doug Burgum a singular mission in nominating the governor of oil-rich North Dakota to lead an agency that oversees a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore: “Drill baby drill.” A flare for burning excess methane, or natural gas, from crude oil production is seen at a well pad in Watford City, N.D., Aug. 26, 2021. That dictate from the president-elect's announcement of Burgum for Secretary of Interior sets the stage for a reignition of the court battles over public lands and waters that helped define Trump's first term, with environmentalists worried about climate change already pledging their opposition. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his family's farm. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Public lands experts said his experience as a popular two-term governor who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt suggests a willingness to collaborate, as opposed to dismantling from within the agency he is tasked with leading. That could help smooth his confirmation and clear the way for the incoming administration to move quickly to open more public lands to development and commercial use. “Burgum strikes me as a credible nominee who could do a credible job as Interior secretary,” said John Leshy, who served as Interior's solicitor under former President Bill Clinton. “He’s not a right-wing radical on public lands,” added Leshy, professor emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Frictions over lands The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of the country's land with a mandate that spans from wildlife conservation and recreation to natural resource extraction and fulfilling treaty obligations with Native American tribes. Most of those lands are in the West, where frictions with private landowners and state officials are commonplace and have sometimes mushroomed into violent confrontations with right-wing groups that reject federal jurisdiction. Burgum if confirmed would be faced with a pending U.S. Supreme Court action from Utah that seeks to assert state power over Interior Department lands. North Dakota’s attorney general has supported the lawsuit, but Burgum’s office declined to say if he backs Utah’s claims. U.S. Justice Department attorneys on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject Utah's lawsuit. They said Utah in 1894 agreed to give up its right to the lands at issue when it became a state. Turbines operate at the Block Island Wind Farm, Dec. 7, 2023, off the coast of Block Island, R.I. Trump's narrow focus on fossil fuels is a replay from his 2016 campaign — although minus coal mining, a collapsing industry that he failed to revive in his first term. Trump repeatedly hailed oil as “liquid gold” on the campaign trail this year and largely omitted any mention of coal. About 26% of U.S. oil comes from federal lands and offshore waters overseen by Interior. Production continues to hit record levels under President Joe Biden despite claims by Trump that the Democrat hindered drilling. But industry representatives and their Republican allies say volumes could be further boosted. They want Burgum and the Interior Department to ramp up oil and gas sales from federal lands, in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The oil industry also hopes Trump’s government efficiency initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk can dramatically reduce environmental reviews. Biden’s administration reduced the frequency and size of lease sales, and it restored environmental rules that were weakened under Trump. The Democrat as a candidate in 2020 promised further restrictions on drilling to help combat global warming, but he struck a deal for the 2022 climate bill that requires offshore oil and gas sales to be held before renewable energy leases can be sold. “Oil and gas brings billions of dollars of revenue in, but you don't get that if you don't have leasing," said Erik Milito with the National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore industries including oil and wind. Trump has vowed to kill offshore wind energy projects. But Milito said he was hopeful that with Burgum in place it would be “green lights ahead for everything, not just oil and gas.” Conservation, drilling and grazing It is unclear if Burgum would revive some of the most controversial steps taken at the agency during Trump’s first term, including relocating senior officials out of Washington, D.C., dismantling parts of the Endangered Species Act and shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah designated by former President Barack Obama. Officials under Biden spent much of the past four years reversing Trump's moves. They restored the Utah monuments and rescinded numerous Trump regulations. Onshore oil and gas lease sales plummeted — from more than a million acres sold annually under Trump and other previous administrations, to just 91,712 acres sold last year — while many wind and solar projects advanced. Developing energy leases takes years, and oil companies control millions of acres that remain untapped. Biden's administration also elevated the importance of conservation in public lands decisions, adopting a rule putting it more on par with oil and gas development. They proposed withdrawing parcels of land in six states from potential future mining to protect a struggling bird species, the greater sage grouse. North Dakota is among Republican states that challenged the Biden administration's public lands rule. The states said in a June lawsuit that officials acting to prevent climate change have turned laws meant to facilitate development into policies that obstruct drilling, livestock grazing and other uses. Oil production boomed over the past two decades in North Dakota thanks in large part to better drilling techniques. Burgum has been an industry champion and last year signed a repeal of the state's oil tax trigger — a price-based tax hike industry leaders supported removing. Burgum’s office declined an interview request. In a statement after his nomination, Burgum echoed Trump’s call for U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The 68-year-old governor also said the Interior post offered an opportunity to improve government relations with developers, tribes, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts “with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.” Under current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the agency put greater emphasis on working collaboratively with tribes, including their own energy projects. Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico, also advanced an initiative to solve criminal cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and helped lead a nationwide reckoning over abuses at federal Indian boarding schools that culminated in a formal public apology from Biden. Burgum has worked with tribes in his state, including on oil development. Badlands Conservation Alliance director Shannon Straight in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Burgum has also been a big supporter of tourism in North Dakota and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Yet Straight said that hasn't translated into additional protections for land in the state. “Theodore Roosevelt had a conservation ethic, and we talk and hold that up as a beautiful standard to live by," he said. “We haven't seen it as much on the ground. ... We need to recognize the landscape is only going to be as good as some additional protections.” Burgum has been a cheerleader of the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!

Public Sector Pension Investment Board Acquires 1,100 Shares of The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ:COO)

Q3 Net Sales Increase of 14.6% to $843.7 million ; Comparable Sales Increase of 0.6% Q3 GAAP Diluted EPS of $0.03 , Q3 Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.42 Increases Full Year 2024 Guidance PHILADELPHIA, PA, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Below, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVE) today announced financial results for the third quarter and year to date period ended November 2, 2024. For the third quarter ended November 2, 2024 : Ken Bull, Interim CEO and COO of Five Below said, "We are pleased to report third quarter results that exceeded our outlook. We delivered stronger performance across a broader group of our merchandise worlds compared to the second quarter and improved our operational execution. We were encouraged to see the positive results from the initiatives we undertook to add newness and deliver value in key categories. We opened a record 82 new stores during this period with new store performance also surpassing our expectations. Our merchant and operational teams across the organization are focused on our key priorities of product, value and store experience, and I want to thank them for their efforts in delivering these results." Mr. Bull continued, "We will build on this progress and are focused on delivering for our customers in the all-important fourth quarter. Our solid Black Friday weekend results were an encouraging start to the holiday season, though the highest volume selling days lie ahead. In addition, this year we have five fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is reflected in our outlook." For the year to date period ended November 2, 2024 : Appointment of Chief Executive Officer Five Below also announced today the appointment of Winnie Park to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective December 16, 2024. Ken Bull, Chief Operating Officer, who was serving as Interim CEO, will continue in his role as COO, and Tom Vellios will remain Executive Chairman. This announcement was made concurrently this afternoon and can be found at investor.fivebelow.com/investors. Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2024 Outlook: The Company expects the following results for the fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2024: For the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2024 : For the full year of Fiscal 2024 : Conference Call Information: A conference call to discuss the financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 is scheduled for today, December 4, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online at investor.fivebelow.com, where a replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 412-902-6753 approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Non-GAAP Information: This press release includes adjusted operating income, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted income per common share, each is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company has reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures within this filing. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures not only provide its management with comparable financial data for internal financial analysis but also provide meaningful supplemental information to investors. Specifically, these non-GAAP financial measures allow investors to better understand the performance of the Company's business and facilitate a meaningful evaluation of its quarterly and fiscal year 2024 diluted income per common share and actual results on a comparable basis with its quarterly and fiscal year 2023 results. In evaluating these non-GAAP financial measures, investors should be aware that in the future the Company may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this filing. The Company's presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed to imply that its future results will be unaffected by any such adjustments. The Company has provided this information as a means to evaluate the results of its ongoing operations. Other companies in the Company's industry may calculate these items differently than it does. Each of these measures is not a measure of performance under GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results as reported under GAAP. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect management's current views and estimates regarding the Company's industry, business strategy, goals and expectations concerning its market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources, store count potential and other financial and operating information. Investors can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "future" and similar terms and phrases. The Company cannot assure investors that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it has anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to risks related to disruption to the global supply chain, risks related to the Company's strategy and expansion plans, risks related to our ability to attract, retain, and integrate qualified executive talent, risks related to disruptions in our information technology systems and our ability to maintain and upgrade those systems, risks related to the inability to successfully implement our online retail operations, risks related to cyberattacks or other cyber incidents, risks related to increased usage of machine learning and other types of artificial intelligence in our business, and challenges with properly managing its use; risks related to our ability to select, obtain, distribute and market merchandise profitably, risks related to our reliance on merchandise manufactured outside of the United States, the availability of suitable new store locations and the dependence on the volume of traffic to our stores, risks related to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions, risks related to increased operating costs, including wage rates, risks related to inflation and increasing commodity prices, risks related to potential systematic failure of the banking system in the United States or globally, risks related to extreme weather, pandemic outbreaks, global political events, war, terrorism or civil unrest (including any resulting store closures, damage, or loss of inventory), risks related to leasing, owning or building distribution centers, risks related to our ability to successfully manage inventory balance and inventory shrinkage, quality or safety concerns about the Company's merchandise, increased competition from other retailers including online retailers, risks related to the seasonality of our business, risks related to our ability to protect our brand name and other intellectual property, risks related to customers' payment methods, risks related to domestic and foreign trade restrictions including duties and tariffs affecting our domestic and foreign suppliers and increasing our costs, including, among others, the direct and indirect impact of current and potential tariffs imposed and proposed by the United States on foreign imports, risks associated with the restrictions imposed by our indebtedness on our current and future operations, the impact of changes in tax legislation and accounting standards and risks associated with leasing substantial amounts of space. For further details and a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the Company's periodic reports, including the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this news release speaks only as of the date on which the Company makes it. Factors or events that could cause the Company's actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws. About Five Below: Five Below is a leading high-growth value retailer offering trend-right, high-quality products loved by teens and pre-teens. We believe life is better when customers are free to "let go & have fun" in an amazing experience filled with unlimited possibilities. With most items priced between $1 and $5, and some extreme value items priced beyond $5 in our incredible Five Beyond shop, Five Below makes it easy to say YES! to the newest, coolest stuff across eight awesome Five Below worlds: Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Create, Party, Candy and New & Now. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Five Below today has over 1,750 stores in 44 states. For more information, please visit www.fivebelow.com or find Five Below on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @FiveBelow. Investor Contact: Five Below, Inc. Christiane Pelz Vice President, Investor Relations 215-207-2658 [email protected] Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in thousands) Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (in thousands, except share and per share data)KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Chaz Lanier scored 18 and No. 7 Tennessee extended its season-opening winning streak to seven games with a 78-35 victory over UT Martin on Wednesday. Felix Okpara had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Volunteers (7-0). Zakai Zeigler added 11 points and nine assists, and Igor Milicic had 13 rebounds and nine points. The Skyhawks (2-5) were led by Josu Grullon's 15 points. Lanier scored 11 points in the first half as Tennessee built a 35-20 lead at the half. Grullon had 10 for UT Martin. UT Martin: Dropped its fifth straight after two opening wins under first-year coach Jeremy Shulman. After 21 wins last year, the Skyhawks brought in 16 newcomers this season. They are picked to finish 10th in the Ohio Valley Conference. Tennessee: After receiving the news that 6-foot-9 sophomore J.P. Estrella will miss the entire season with a foot injury, the Vols have had to go back to the drawing board to determine their rotation on the front court. Estrella had been coming off the bench with Cade Phillips to spell Igor Milicic and Felix Okpara. What that big man rotation looks like will be interesting. From late in the first half to early in the second half, Tennessee scored 14 straight points and turned a 10-point lead into a 44-20 advantage. Zakai Zeigler had five of those points. UT Martin committed 18 turnovers. Five of those were shot-clock violations. Tennessee scored 24 points off the turnovers. UT Martin will be at Charleston Southern next Tuesday. Tennessee will host Syracuse next Tuesday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. 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-basketballJERUSALEM (AP) — For many across the Middle East, the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire came as a relief: the first major sign of progress in the region since war began more than a year ago. But for Palestinians in Gaza and families of hostages held in the territory, the news appeared only to inaugurate a newer, grimmer period of the conflict there. For them, it marked yet another missed opportunity to end fighting that has stretched on for nearly 14 months. Palestinians had hoped that any ceasefire deal with Hezbollah would include a truce in Gaza as well. The families of people kidnapped when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel in October 2023, meanwhile, wanted part of the agreement to include returning their loved ones. Instead, the ceasefire was confined only to the fighting in Lebanon . “We feel this is a missed opportunity to tie in the hostages in this agreement that was signed today,” said Ruby Chen, whose son, Itay Chen, was taken hostage from an Israeli military base and has been declared dead. As much as they were intertwined, the two wars have been very different. In Lebanon, Israel said its aim was to drive Hezbollah back from the countries’ shared border and end the militant group’s barrages into northern Israel. The ceasefire that took effect Wednesday is intended to do that. In Gaza, Israel’s goals are more sweeping . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been resolute in insisting that Hamas must be completely destroyed and Israel must retain lasting control over parts of the territory. Months of talks have failed to get Netanyahu to back down from those demands — or to convince Hamas to release hostages under those terms. For Palestinians in Gaza, that means continuing misery under an Israeli campaign that has demolished much of the territory and driven almost the entire population from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are going hungry while living in squalid tent cities as the second winter of the war brings cold rains and flooding. ”They agree to a ceasefire in one place and not in the other? Have mercy on the children, the elderly and the women,” said Ahlam Abu Shalabi, living in tent in central Gaza. “Now it is winter, and all the people are drowning.” The war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023, when militants attacked Israel from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has rained devastation on the Palestinian territory, killing over 44,000 people, according to local health officials. The officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and fighters in their count, say over half of the dead are women and children. Hezbollah began firing into Israel a day after Hamas’ attack in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group. The two sides have exchanged near-daily barrages since. Moving thousands of troops to its northern border, Israel ramped up bombardment of southern Lebanon and launched a ground invasion there two months ago, killing many of Hezbollah’s leaders . Palestinians now fear Israel’s military can return its full focus to Gaza — a point that Netanyahu made as he announced the ceasefire in Lebanon on Tuesday. “The pressure will be more on Gaza,” said Mamdouh Younis, a displaced man in a central Gaza tent camp. Netanyahu, he said, can now exploit the fact that “Gaza has become alone, far from all the arenas that were supporting it, especially the Lebanon front.” Israeli troops are already engaged in fierce fighting in Gaza’s north , where a two-month offensive has cut off most aid and caused experts to warn a famine may be underway . Strikes all over the territory regularly kill dozens. In signing onto the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah reversed its long-held position that it wouldn’t stop its barrages across the border unless Israel ends the war in Gaza. “This could have a psychological impact, as it will further entrench the understanding that Palestinians in Gaza are alone in resisting against their occupiers,” said Tariq Kenney Shawa, a U.S. policy fellow at Al-Shabaka, a Palestinian think tank. It also leaves Hamas — its capabilities already severely damaged by Israel’s offensive — to fight alone. Hamas official Osama Hamdan appeared to accept Hezbollah’s new position in an interview Monday. “Any announcement of a ceasefire is welcome. Hezbollah has stood by our people and made significant sacrifices,” Hamdan told the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, which is seen as politically allied with Hezbollah. Khalil Sayegh, a Palestinian analyst, said the ceasefire could make Hamas even less popular in Gaza, by proving the failure of its gambit that its attack on Israel would rally other militant groups to the fight. “It’s a moment where we can see the Hamas messaging become weaker and weaker, as they struggle to justify their strategy to the public,” said Sayegh. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire could help force Hamas to the negotiating table because it would show the group that the “cavalry is not on the way.” But Hamas experts predicted that it would only dig in both on the battlefield and in talks. Hamas has insisted it will only release all the hostages in return for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. “I expect Hamas will continue using guerrilla warfare to confront Israeli forces in Gaza as long as they remain,” said Shawa. Dozens of Israelis thronged a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, protesting for the return of the hostages as the country waited to hear if a ceasefire in Lebanon had been agreed. Around 100 people taken hostage are still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Most of the other hostages seized by Hamas were released during a ceasefire last year. Ricardo Grichener, the uncle of 23-year-old hostage Omer Wenkert, said the ceasefire with Hezbollah showed how the Israeli government was openly disregarding the hostages. Even though Israel has inflicted greater damage on Hamas in Gaza than on Hezbollah in Lebanon, he said “the decision to postpone a deal in Gaza and release the hostages is not based on the same military success criteria.” The most recent effort to wind down the war stalled in October. U.S. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he would begin a renewed push, but his administration is now in its waning days after the reelection of former President Donald Trump. “This ceasefire doesn’t concern our hostages. I believe that Netanyahu forgot about them, and he just wants to keep fighting in Gaza,” said Ifat Kalderon, clutching a photo of her cousin, Ofer Kalderon, who is a hostage and a father to four. “Ofer yesterday had his 54th birthday. His second birthday in Gaza,” she said. “It’s unbelievable that he’s still there.”

Podge Collins is delighted he is nothing like Floyd Mayweather . The new to-the-scene Celtic Warrior Gym fighter admires the skills of the boxer many aspire to be but isn’t a fan of his style. The latest member of the famous sporting Collins clan knows he will never even flirt with being as technical as the all-time great but doesn’t care. Collins is more of a blood-and-guts operator and is content knowing that while he can’t beat the multi-weight world champ for technique he can trump him in the entertainment stakes. Speaking to Irish-boxing.com ahead of his second pro outing on the JB Promotions Chapter 2 card at the Warehouse on Friday, Collins explained: “Rough and tough. I like to stand and bang. The likes of Mayweather, he’s an unbelieve boxer and everyone loves him, but he’s brutal to watch. There’s no excitement about him. The whole point of the game is to be exciting that’s what people want. I’m not fond of that frustrating style. You want to bring a bit of excitement and a bit of enjoyment to the crowd, put on a performance.” He may not want to be like Mayweather but the 24-year-old has no choice but to carry the Collins name. As the son of legendary LOI manager, Roddy and the nephew of one of Ireland’s greatest-ever boxers, Steve Collins as well as respected coach Paschal Collins there is extra spotlight on his career. However, he is adamant that doesn’t generate extra pressure. “The Collins name is so popular in the sports world and I’m very very proud to have it, but I’m not letting that get to me. When I step into the ring I’m not thinking of the Collins name, I’m just thinking of myself as a man and what I can go in and do. “I still have to earn things myself and I have to work hard to get that success. When I step in the ring the name means nothing but outside the ring it’s great to have because a level of respect comes with it. But again I have to earn my own respect and that’s what I’m in the process of doing.”RPF registers case against Ayyappa devotees for lighting camphor in train

KUALA LUMPUR: Bollywood Icon Datuk Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently in the country, thrilled attendees at the opening ceremony of Bin Zayed International (M) Bhd, a Dubai-based company opening in the city centre here on Saturday. Khan, who was the special guest at the grand opening of the Dubai-based company's new venture expressed excitement about coming back to Malaysia after some time. "I know I am too small of a person to be a friend but I think I am a friend of Malaysia and UAE. Thank you for coming together and it was so wonderful and warm to meet everyone here,” he said at the event held at The Exchange 106, here on Saturday (Nov 23). The actor, who’s presence at the event brought smiles and happiness to the attendees, also applauded the global collaboration between the UAE and Malaysia with the expansion of global investment leader Bin Zayed International Group Of Companies (BZI) in the country. He added that the expansion was an important step in fostering economic ties between both countries, noting that progress is only powerful when it is shared. BZI is a Dubai-based conglomerate that specialises in construction and energy, trading and industry, real estate, technology and financial services, owned by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Saquer Al Nahyan, a prominent businessman and member of the UAE royal family. - BernamaBrayden Point scored twice and added two assists, and the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 on Sunday. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two helpers for the Lightning (14-9-3), while Jake Guentzel put away the game winner on a power play late in the third period. Captain Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood found the back of the net for the Canucks (14-8-4), who fell to 4-6-3 at home. Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced and Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves for Vancouver. OH CAPTAIN❗️ MY CAPTAIN❗️ pic.twitter.com/RhGjR2KWRT TAKEAWAYS Canucks: Hughes took a stick to the face 55 seconds into the game, missed more than 11 minutes, then returned to open the scoring 16:08 into the first period. It was the 50th goal of the defenceman’s career and extended his points streak to seven games with three goals and 10 assists across the stretch. Lightning: Kucherov, who returned to the lineup Sunday after missing two games with a lower-body injury, added another potent piece to Tampa’s red-hot power play. The Lightning were 2-for-4 with the man advantage and scored a power-play goal for the sixth straight game. KEY MOMENT Tampa took the lead 6:29 into the second when Kucherov sliced a pass to Point at the bottom of the faceoff circle and the Lightning winger blasted it in past Lankinen for his 17th of the season. Kucherov put the visitors on the board just a minute and 49 seconds earlier. READ MORE: Pius Suter scores 2 as Canucks down Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 KEY STAT Point scored his league-leading 10th power-play goal of the season. He’s one away from becoming the third player to score 100 power-play goals for the Lightning UP NEXT Canucks: Continue a six-game homestand Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. Lightning: Visit the Oilers in Edmonton on Tuesday. Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press

Heimir Hallgrimsson sounds more like a man on a journey to emotional recovery than a football manager when he speaks about taking time to step back, reflect and to “heal wounds”. His next engagement has serious consequences – relegation – in the event of failure. The Ireland boss has been given one advantage in the form of a favourable draw for Nations League play-off, against a beatable opponent (Bulgaria), who are also bruised after a recent 5-0 hammering. He’s now fully aware of the gaps that exist in his squad and in the coalface of the Irish game, those fissures – in terms of the quality of the players and also their mental fragility as exposed in that timid and reckless surrender to England – in need of repair before things improve. “Hopefully time will heal these wounds. Now, it’s a little bit more of a quieter time for me, and a good time to look back and reflect and just gather every keynote that I’ve put in my diary, and go through it and gather my thoughts,” he said just after that promotion/relegation draw was made at UEFA HQ in Switzerland yesterday. He’s also conscious that the March play-off against Bulgaria, home and away, is a phony war of sorts, as the real business starts next autumn in the form of World Cup qualifiers. Ireland’s presence in the March games in the Nations League means that Hallgrimsson’s outfit will be placed in a four-team group for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, so he will have only friendlies to cope with in the June window. , a boon for a man who came into his first camp in September with no friendly experience of his own.​ “I think so,” he said on Friday when asked if being in a four-team group – and no qualifiers in that traditionally tricky June window – made him more positive about qualification even though Ireland will be third seeds. “The good thing is that we are in a four-team group, that is more or less 100% confirmed. “That is a good thing, then we can use June for final preparation, more relaxed. We’ve talked about the June window for us. “The teams that we can face, especially from Pot 2, are not teams that are much better than us, even though they are higher-ranked. It gives me hope than we can do things. No matter who we face, we will be ready when it comes to the World Cup, we can get results.” Of course that means a rise in the low standards shown in that Wembley debacle, and Hallgrimsson’s praise for Andy Moran, who impressed in his 15-minute cameo as a sub. He had the thankless task of being thrown into a side already 3-0 down. There are hints that changes are on the way if younger talents like Moran and other U-21 players can work their way into his plans. “We have names in our head, that we are monitoring. I thought, for example, it was positive, the introduction of Andy Moran. “He showed leadership skills, he was not afraid to take the ball in probably the worst moment for a sub, to come on in a game you know is kind of lost. But he showed good characteristics once he came in so that’s a good thing,” he said. “Losing with this number has been tough. And criticism, you cannot answer that in any way. You need to take it in. Because when you lose five- zero you’ve definitely done something wrong. We’re not hiding. The goals we conceded were very soft and strange but I think again it was down to the mentality and psychology, we lost our heads. “We lost a player, and we conceded a goal, a kind of mental breakdown, moments of madness, we conceded three goals in six minutes and it’s game over. It’s tough to come from back that.” But Ireland have to at least try to come back from such a dispiriting defeat at the end of an underwhelming Nations League campaign. There is genuine relief in the Irish camp that they avoided a dangerous, talented and motivated Slovakia, instead getting drawn with a demoralised Bulgaria, who are 21 places below Ireland in the world rankings. ​The fact that Bulgaria are not leaping for joy at being drawn with Ireland shows how they are at a low ebb. Rather like Ireland, their current side are a long way from the team which competed on the World Cup stage in the USA 30 years ago. The current Bulgarian team, largely made up of home-based players but short on genuine quality, must try to outwit Ireland and aim for promotion to Nations League B. Their manager, home-grown coach and former international Ilian Iliev said: “The Irish are a tough opponent, they weren’t my favourite opponent” and conceded that his side needed to be a lot better than their last trip to this island, a 5-0 hammering in Belfast last month. Hallgrimsson is pleased to have the away leg – to be played not in Sofia but in Plovdiv – first. “I think it’s always an advantage in this. The travelling, just new locations etc. It’s good to have a home advantage. It’s a tricky place to go to, Bulgaria. “If you look at their results, it’s a lot of low-scoring games. Clean sheets is their strength. That is going to be a tricky thing, to break them down for sure.”NoneNone

This Thanksgiving, as you pass the mashed potatoes and carve the turkey, why not elevate the dinner table chatter with insights about the U.S. economy? On Wednesday, the economics team at Bank of America, led by Aditya Bhave , tackled 10 of the most pressing economic questions Americans are asking today, from stubbornly high food prices to the country's soaring deficit. Their answers provide clarity on the challenges and opportunities shaping the nation’s financial outlook, and could spark some spirited family debates. 1) Food Is So Expensive These Days. Why Do Economists Keep Saying Inflation Is Down? It's a question that's been on everyone's mind as they scan grocery receipts. While inflation is slowing down, the impact of prior price hikes still lingers. Inflation—defined as the year-over-year increase in prices—has cooled significantly since its peak in mid-2022. However, that doesn't mean prices are returning to pre-pandemic levels. Although food prices rose by just 1.2% over the past year, they remain far above where they were in 2019. That's why groceries still feel expensive, even as economists declare victory over inflation's worst days. 2) Will Prices Ever Go Back To 2019 Levels? Forget about it, and you should hope that doesn’t happen. For prices to revert to 2019 levels, the economy would need to experience a prolonged period of deflation, which means negative inflation rates. But as Bank of America highlights, deflation is “usually a sign of economic malaise that is very hard to break out of.” Since 1960, the U.S. has only experienced one brief episode of mild deflation, during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Higher prices, while painful, are now baked into the economy. Instead of looking backward, economists suggest focusing on income growth and productivity improvements to maintain purchasing power in an elevated price environment. Also Read: Amazon Dominates Holiday Shopping As Black Friday Spending Soars: Goldman Sachs 3) Why Haven’t We Had A Recession? Is It Now Looming? The dreaded "R-word" has haunted financial markets since the Federal Reserve began its aggressive rate hikes. Yet, against all odds, the U.S. economy has not only avoided a downturn, but even expanded strongly. Why? Bank of America credits several factors for the economy's surprising resilience. First, real income growth has outpaced inflation over the last two years, boosting household purchasing power. Second, fiscal policies have counteracted the tightening effects of monetary policy. Third, many households locked in ultra-low borrowing rates during the pandemic, insulating them from the Federal Reserve's higher rates. With 2025 expected to be another solid year, a recession might not be on the immediate horizon. 4) Why It’s Difficult To Find A Job In A Strong Economy? The labor market is still tight, but hiring patterns have shifted. Bank of America describes the current job market as a "low-hire, low-fire" environment. Job openings have fallen from their 2022 highs, leaving fewer opportunities for workers seeking new roles. While sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality continue to drive hiring, others have stagnated. On the bright side, layoffs remain historically low, signaling stability for those already employed. Read Also: Consumer Confidence Hits 2-Year High As Recession Fears Fade: Stock Market Optimism Soars To Record High 5) Housing Prices Are Too High, and Mortgage Rates Aren't Dropping. Will This Ever Change? If you're feeling priced out of the housing market, you're not alone. Bank of America expects housing affordability to remain a challenge into 2024 and beyond. While mortgage rates have marginally eased this year, they are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon. Compounding the issue is the so-called "lock-in effect," where existing homeowners with low mortgage rates are reluctant to sell, limiting the supply of available homes. With demand still strong and supply constrained, home prices remain elevated. The median home price relative to income is now higher than at the peak of the 2005 housing bubble—a sobering statistic for aspiring buyers. 6) Fed Chair Powell Said Interest Rates Could Fall Gradually. Yet, By How Much? Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has indicated that rate cuts will happen gradually, and Bank of America predicts the central bank will trim rates by another 75 basis points by mid-2025. Inflation, while dropping sharply from sky-high levels in recent years, still remains above the Fed's 2% target, particularly when measured by the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s favorite inflation gauge. In October 2024, a basket of consumer goods that excludes groceries and energy costs, was up 2.8% compared to a year earlier. Bank of America forecasts inflation hovering between 2.5% and 3% for the next couple of years, which could limit the Fed's appetite for aggressive rate cuts. Read Also: Fed Minutes Reveal ‘Confidence’ In Inflation Reduction, Yet Flag Divergent Views On Interest Rate Path Ahead 7) Trump Is Back, What Policies Should I Expect? Will He Cut Taxes Again? According to Bank of America, a key priority for Republicans would be extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which is set to expire in 2025. Other proposals include introducing modest corporate tax cuts for domestic manufacturers, and slightly raising the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. On trade, tariffs on Chinese imports are expected to rise, adding inflationary pressure, while deregulation in the energy and financial sectors could bolster corporate profits. On Monday, Donald Trump vowed to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico unless the neighboring countries adopt stricter measures to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration. “On immigration, significant tightening in the flow of migrants appears to be more likely than large changes to the migrant population that is already in the US,” the analysts said. Read also: US–Mexico Trade Tensions Escalate As Mexican Peso Hits August 2022 Lows: Why Is Auto Industry Most At Risk? 8) How Will These Policies Affect The Economy? According to Bank of America, fiscal stimulus from lower taxes and deregulation could boost growth, but tighter trade restrictions and immigration curbs might offset these gains. The net impact? Modest economic growth with inflation remaining above 2.5%. 9) Why Is The US Running A $2 Trillion Deficit? Deficits are nothing new for the U.S., but their current size is unprecedented during a period of strong economic growth. At nearly $2 trillion in FY 2024, the deficit is 6.4% of GDP—well above historical norms. This surge is largely driven by higher interest costs on the national debt and inflation-linked increases in programs like Social Security and Medicare. Adding to the strain, federal tax revenue growth has failed to keep pace with spending, creating a widening gap. Without meaningful fiscal reforms to either rein in spending or boost revenues, the deficit is likely to remain elevated, posing long-term risks to the economy. 10) Will The Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Solve The Deficit Problem? The recently formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aims to cut wasteful spending, but Bank of America is skeptical of its impact. History shows that past attempts to rein in deficits through efficiency gains have fallen short. From the Reagan administration's Grace Commission to Clinton-era initiatives, similar efforts failed to produce meaningful savings. Moreover, political resistance to cutting mandatory spending programs like Social Security and Medicare remains a significant hurdle. The bottom line: The deficit problem won't be fixed overnight, and any solution will require tough, politically charged decisions, the analysts said. Read Next: ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’ For The Stock Market, History Says Photo: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Trump names billionaire private astronaut as next NASA chief

The opening half of Nets-Bucks on Sunday at Barclays Center had no shortage of highlight-worthy moments. In the first quarter, Cam Johnson blocked Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘s layup at one end, then drained one of his four 3-pointers at the other, set up by a beautiful Ben Simmons pass that split two Milwaukee defenders. Nic Claxton crossed up Brook Lopez at the top of the key, with the shot clock running down, and finished at the rim with a two-handed slam. The 6-11 center had multiple blocks in the closing minutes of the second quarter and was playing like a man possessed. Dennis Schröder poured in 19 points in his first 15 minutes on the court, capped off by a buzzer-beating floater that sent the Nets into the locker room at halftime with a 52-51 advantage. The Bucks had won eight of their last 10 games entering the day, but Brooklyn was putting on a show early and was seemingly unfazed. However, the Nets needed a few more moments to go their way down the stretch, and they did not, resulting in a heartbreaking 118-113 loss. After building a 12-point lead midway through the third quarter, Milwaukee closed the period on a 17-5 run to tie the game at 86 entering the final frame. An Antetokounmpo dunk off a Schröder miss gave the Bucks a 111-108 lead with 1:09 left. Cam Johnson could not answer at the other end. But a bad pass by Damian Lillard ended up in the hands of Keon Johnson , and Brooklyn had one last shot to tie the game. The Nets pushed in transition and the ball found Keon Johnson. The guard took one dribble, then hoisted a heavily-contested 3-pointer that missed off the far side of the rim. If he made it, it would have been the moment of the game. Instead, it was the Bucks’ defining stop, as they were able to close out the game from there at the free throw line. Schröder finished with 34 points, three rebounds and 11 assists for Brooklyn, and Cam Johnson added 26 points in a 50.6% team shooting effort. Claxton had his best all-around game of the season with 21 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Antetokounmpo matched Schröder with 34 points of his own in Milwaukee’s 12th win of the season. The Nets fell to 10-14 and have now lost four of their last five games. Their season series with the Bucks is tied 1-1. They will face Milwaukee two more times this season, both at Fiserv Forum on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Brooklyn will have the next four days off after failing to advance to the knockout rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup. It will return to action on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.NoneSeahawks have taken a bumpy path to first place in the NFC West

Magnachip Semiconductor Co. (NYSE:MX) Shares Sold by Walleye Capital LLCHezbollah leaders also signalled tentative backing for the US-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has killed more than 3,700 people, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. But while the deal, set to take effect early Wednesday, could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, has previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. Here’s what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: – The terms of the deal The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swathe of southern Lebanon. Us President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4am local time on Wednesday. Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the US would monitor compliance by all sides. Mr Biden said the deal “was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, insisted on Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the UN peacekeeping force, known as Unifil, does not provide “effective enforcement” of the deal. – Lingering uncertainty A Hezbollah leader said the group’s support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on Tuesday that Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the deal also brokered by France. – Where the fighting has left both sides After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signalling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has come not only in its ranks, but to the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israel’s advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israel’s overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the group’s effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israel’s massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their country’s fate to Gaza’s at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in a grave condition. – No answers for Gaza Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israel’s attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the group’s top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas offered a pointed reminder on Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. “The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” he said in a speech to the UN read by his ambassador.

It looked like there was an episode of “Power Slap” taking place in the stands during the UCLA-USC football game on Saturday. In a video that made its way around social media , a female fan, who wore a UCLA bucket hat slapped a male fan while he was sitting in the stands at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.. The blonde woman stood over the man — who was wearing a red sweatshirt, a Trojans color — wound her arm back and struck him hard as fans nearby were visibly stunned by the incident. Warning: Adult Language “Woah woah woah, what the f–k,” someone can be heard yelling. “What the hell!” The woman caught herself after the force of her haymaker caused her to stumble. The man in the red sweatshirt was seen touching his face to assess any damage before looked up at the woman and raised his hands in the air. Fans nearby looked on while the woman took a few steps back while staring down the man. It is unclear if the two knew each other or what sparked the vicious scene. The fans have yet to be identified. It is also unclear if stadium security or authorities intervened. Despite the ongoings in the stands, the Trojans rallied back to defeat the rival Bruins 19-13 and became bowl-eligible. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava passed for 221 yards, including a 4-yard touchdown to Ja’Kobi Lane in the fourth quarter.

Teals MP kingmaker accuses major parties of attempting to ‘rig’ future elections