Georgian police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of pro-EU demonstrators on Monday, who had rallied in the centre of Tbilisi amid a deepening political crisis in the Black Sea nation. The country's prime minister hours earlier had vowed "no negotiations" with the opposition, enraged by the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to shelve EU accession talks after it claimed victory in an election they decried as fraudulent. The Caucasus country of some 3.7 million has been rocked by turmoil since the October 26 parliamentary elections, with Georgian Dream facing accusations of betraying the country's long-standing ambition of joining the EU and of moving Tbilisi closer to Moscow. Opposition lawmakers are boycotting the country's parliament and the pro-EU president is seeking to throw out the election results in the constitutional court. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze refused any potential negotiations with the opposition, as Monday marked five consecutive nights of clashes between protesters and riot police outside the parliament in central Tbilisi. Thousands of demonstrators, waving Georgian and EU flags and shouting "Georgia", were on the streets again, including in the second city of Batumi, to protest the government's decision to suspend EU accession talks. Police quickly moved in to disperse the crowds, firing tear gas at protestors, some of whom had launched fireworks at the police, who later regathered a few kilometres from the parliament building. Kobakhidze claimed on Monday that the protests were "funded from abroad" and vowed "there will be no revolution in Georgia". He also lambasted Western countries for failing to condemn "organised violence" by protesters, as they have criticised excessive force by Georgian police. Those on the streets of Tbilisi said they were just as defiant about not backing down. "We don't care about their orders, they are breaking the law every day," Giorgi, 35, told AFP. "We have to stand here and protest against this dictatorship that is coming," he added. An AFP reporter saw several dozen young protestors standing still in front of a wall of masked riot police, singing the Georgian national anthem. Others took refuge in a church opposite the parliament while hundreds were hit by tear gas. Rights groups and pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili have slammed the police's forceful crackdown over the last week. Zurabishvili, who backs what she calls a "resistance movement" against Georgian Dream, said Monday that those detained by police "have been subjected to systematic beatings". The "majority of the arrested protesters have injuries to their heads and faces, broken face bones, eye sockets, open wounds", she said. Authorities are accusing the protesters of turning violent and endangering public safety. Dozens have been injured in the protests since Thursday including demonstrators, police and journalists, according to officials and activists, though the exact numbers were unclear. Some protesters have launched fireworks towards police, started fires and thrown projectiles, while police have been seen charging into and forcibly detaining protesters. Authorities have also deployed water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets against the crowds. More than 200 were detained during the first four nights of protest, the interior ministry said. Tbilisi has seen numerous bouts of protest over the past two years, as the Georgian Dream party has pushed through legislation targeting civil society, independent media and the LGBTQ community. Brussels has warned those policies are incompatible with membership of the bloc. Georgia's constitution commits the country to seeking membership of the European Union, and opinion polls have regularly shown 80 percent of the country in favour. The prime minister has said that joining the bloc "by 2030" is still his "top priority", a claim not accepted by demonstrators angry at the formal shelving of talks. On Monday the premier said the government would make "maximum efforts" to join the EU, despite ruling out talks on accession for the next four years. He said he had discussed EU integration with Georgian diplomats earlier that day. Zurabishvili has asked the constitutional court to annul the election result, declaring the new parliament and government "illegitimate". Critics accuse Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, of having steered the country away from the European Union and closer to Russia, an accusation it denies. Russia on Monday defended Georgia's crackdown on protesters. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tbilisi is acting to "stabilise" the situation, accusing protesters of wanting to "stir up" unrest. Peskov said he drew a "direct parallel" with Ukraine's 2014 "Maidan" protest, which ousted a Kremlin-backed leader who reneged on an EU partnership agreement. led-bur-jc/ju
Daniels and the Commanders host Penix and the Falcons in prime time with playoff chances at stakeScouted: Get Your Paws on These Purrrfect Gifts For Pets—and Pet Parents
First Quarter RICE_Dickmann 31 pass from Warner (Horn kick), 12:33. USF_Wright 1 run (Cannon kick), 9:14. RICE_Jackson 12 run (Horn kick), 7:44. RICE_FG Horn 25, :22. Second Quarter RICE_Connors 23 pass from Warner (Horn kick), 6:32. RICE_FG Horn 25, :12. Third Quarter USF_S.Atkins 16 pass from Archie (Cannon kick), 12:22. RICE_Chiaokhiao-Bowman 33 pass from Warner (Sykes pass from Warner), 6:26. Fourth Quarter USF_K.Singleton 28 pass from I.Carter (Cannon kick), 3:09. USF_Brown-Stephens 32 pass from I.Carter (Cannon kick), 2:25. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_South Florida, Wright 6-35, Keith 3-31, Archie 10-21, Joiner 9-19, I.Carter 2-5. Rice, Francisco 12-42, Jackson 5-40, Connors 17-40, Chiaokhiao-Bowman 1-2, Warner 5-(minus 11). PASSING_South Florida, Archie 19-35-1-227, I.Carter 5-6-0-93, (Team) 0-1-0-0. Rice, Warner 27-42-0-437. RECEIVING_South Florida, Atkins 7-110, K.Singleton 7-107, Brown-Stephens 6-80, Singletary 2-5, Hardeman 1-12, Yaseen 1-6. Rice, Sykes 7-118, Connors 4-91, Chiaokhiao-Bowman 3-58, K.Campbell 3-52, G.Walker 3-45, Mojarro 3-16, Dickmann 2-36, B.Walker 1-12, Francisco 1-9. MISSED FIELD GOALS_Rice, Horn 41, Horn 39.
Is this Christmas a time of fragile hope for the war-torn Middle East? Or could the abrupt end to Syria's brutal civil war, raging since 2011, be paving the way for fresh tensions and new divisions? Mixed messages are coming out of Damascus. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Islamist fighters from across the country streamed into the capital, each carving out their own territories in the city. At the centre of this seismic power shift stands Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant force in the rebel alliance. Syria's triumphant guerrilla general has been keen to distance himself from his militant past with the Islamic State. Swapping his jihadi fatigues for a suit, he now presents himself as a leader seeking to govern as a civilian rather than as a perpetual warrior. On Tuesday, al-Shaara's fledgling government announced a landmark agreement: anti-Assad rebel forces will disband, their fighters merging into a single unified Syrian army under a newly formed ministry of defence. A glimmer of hope for the region's future? Perhaps. Still, for many Syrian Christians – who make up some 2 per cent of the country's population – this festive period brings more anxiety than celebration. Yesterday was the first Christmas day in 50 years without Assad's tyrannical rule and, although the new government made it a public holiday along with Muslim festivals, not all the signs are encouraging. Earlier this week, a video spread on social media showing hooded fighters setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah, near Hama. Earlier this week, a video spread on social media showing hooded fighters setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority town of... Mark AlmondIndia's smartphone market is set to witness a flurry of launches this December as leading manufacturers gear up to unveil their latest devices. From flagship models boasting cutting-edge technology to budget-friendly phones designed for everyday use, December 2024 promises an exciting lineup of smartphones. With brands like Vivo, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Realme in the mix, tech enthusiasts can look forward to diverse offerings featuring powerful chipsets, enhanced battery life, and innovative designs. Below is a detailed overview of the key smartphones expected to hit Indian markets this month. Upcoming phones in December 2024 1. Vivo X200 Series: Redefining Flagship Excellence Launch Date : December 12, 2024 Key Features : Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, designed for enhanced performance and energy efficiency. Dual models: Vivo X200 and X200 Pro, offering premium photography and display technologies. Expected to feature cutting-edge camera systems with advanced low-light capabilities. Vivo continues its legacy of combining innovation and elegance in its X series. The X200 series is anticipated to attract photography enthusiasts and power users alike. 2. iQOO 13: Performance Powerhouse Launch Date : December 3, 2024 Key Features : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for seamless multitasking and gaming. Massive 6,000mAh battery with fast-charging capabilities. Aimed at gamers and heavy users seeking robust performance. iQOO’s latest offering highlights its commitment to delivering performance-oriented devices with long-lasting battery life. 3. ASUS ROG Phone 9: Gaming Redefined Expected Launch : Second half of December 2024 Key Features : Tailored for gamers, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Advanced cooling systems for sustained performance during intensive gaming. Unique gaming-centric features like enhanced haptics and customizable controls. The ROG Phone 9 solidifies ASUS’s position in the gaming smartphone niche, catering to esports enthusiasts and mobile gamers. 4. OnePlus 13: Sleek and Powerful Expected Launch : Last week of December 2024 Key Features : Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for flagship-level performance. Premium build quality, likely featuring a high refresh rate AMOLED display. Enhanced software experience with OxygenOS optimizations. OnePlus 13 is poised to be a top contender in the premium segment, focusing on a refined user experience and smooth performance. 5. Xiaomi 15: Flagship Brilliance Expected Launch : Second half of December 2024 Key Features : Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Innovative camera features and optimized MIUI for fluid performance. Competitive pricing expected in the flagship category. Xiaomi’s 15 series reaffirms its focus on delivering high-quality devices at accessible prices, catering to a broad audience. 6. Redmi Note 14 Series: Budget Meets Performance Launch Date : December 9, 2024 Key Features : Up to 6,200mAh battery for all-day usage. Triple-model lineup offering diverse configurations for varied user needs. Likely to feature 5G connectivity and improved cameras. The Redmi Note series has always been a favorite in the budget segment, and the Note 14 series continues this tradition with upgraded specifications. 7. Realme 14 Series: Versatility on a Budget Expected Launch : Second half of December 2024 Key Features : Battery capacity up to 6,000mAh, ensuring long-lasting usage. Likely improvements in Realme UI and fast-charging technologies. Multiple models targeting entry-level to mid-range users. Realme’s focus on delivering value-for-money devices is evident with the 14 series, promising to meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers. 8. Moto G35: Affordable All-Rounder Expected Launch : First half of December 2024 Key Features : Targeted at the budget segment with reliable performance. Stock Android experience for seamless usage. Competitive pricing expected with decent camera and battery features. Motorola’s G series has been synonymous with affordability and functionality, and the G35 aims to uphold that reputation. Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans
After lopsided loss, Patriots recognize an offseason roster overhaul is likely
TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI 82, LE MOYNE 61
Shedeur Sanders hurt by brutal 'cheap shot' in Colorado game as fans fume at officials
(BPT) - Every year, roughly 20-30% of older Americans head to warmer climates for the colder winter months. Snowbirds are often retirees on fixed incomes, though flexible work environments now provide more opportunities for anyone to spend several months escaping the chill. Whether on a fixed income or an empty nester with disposable income, consumers are interested in saving money where they can. With this in mind, snowbirds can look to their AARP membership to take advantage of relevant discounts and offerings as they fluff their feathers and get ready for takeoff. From savory breakfast options while driving to your seasonal destination, to home and auto protection, and even resources to support mental and physical health, AARP member benefits offer deals and savings that will help snowbirds take flight this winter. "Spending winters in warmer places has so many benefits that come with being able to be outside more often. Warmth and sunlight not only increase serotonin levels , which can result in more positive moods and a calm, focused mental outlook, but they also stimulate vitamin D production and may even boost immunity ," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. "An AARP membership makes it even better by offering savings as you plan your trip, as well as at many dining, entertainment and retail locations you will come across in your winter getaway destination, helping you to enjoy it to the fullest." 1. Order Up Road trips are often the preferred way to travel to a winter home for the flexibility of having a car once there. Whether your drive will have you behind the wheel for hours or days, you'll want to make sure you have your meals planned out. Fill up with a tasty breakfast or lunch with a stop at Denny's, which is easy to spot from most major highways. AARP members can save when heading to Denny's . With over 1,500 locations nationwide, members save 15% on everything from diner classics to breakfast items every day; maximum discount not to exceed $10. Restrictions apply. 2. Primary Care from Almost Anywhere Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your winter travels, so it's a good idea to make sure you can access quality healthcare even when you're at your winter destination. If you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health primary care clinic near you. Oak Street Health , the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health clinic. 3. Wellness Checklist Once you check off primary care needs for your winter destination, don't overlook other priorities like maintaining your prescriptions and protecting your vision. Start by making sure your prescriptions are up to date before you head out of town. If you do need a refill while you're away, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP ® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx ® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. You do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of these benefits, though AARP members receive additional perks, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more. If you're having trouble with your vision, want to update your sunglass prescription, or simply want to maintain your annual visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist while away, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 4. Home (Safety) Away from Home One thing that should always be a priority is keeping your home safe while you're away for the winter. While Neighborhood Watch is always helpful, long periods away from a home require additional security systems. With an AARP membership, homeowners can secure their homes for less. Members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT Home Security , which covers smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation for video doorbells, security cameras and smart locks. 5. Pack Auto Coverage in Your Luggage Driving south for the winter? Utilize AARP member benefits to save on auto care so you can road trip worry free. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside Assistance plans, which provides access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Allstate Roadside plan benefits can be used 24/7 in any car you drive, including rented and borrowed ones. And, if you want to bring any personal items with you but don't have room to squeeze them in your car, Budget Truck Rental has a variety of trucks for you to choose from. AARP members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver. Regardless of how you're traveling or spending your winter months, AARP member benefits can help you maximize your budget while you prioritize the things that matter. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save . AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.Melbourne teen Bianca Jones' family 'shattered' after suspected mass methanol poisoning incident in Laos
