CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — RJ Johnson scored 23 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute, Daylen Berry added two clutch free throws and Charleston Southern surprised Miami 83-79 on Saturday. The Buccaneers led for the last four minutes of the first half and deep into the second half before a 3-pointer from Austin Swartz gave Miami a 76-75 lead with 3 minutes left in the game. A three-point play by Lynn Kidd gave the Hurricanes a 79-75 lead with 2:11 remaining. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.

FBI issues scammer warning days before millions shop cyber Monday salesThe Dream of Every Gamer For years, Minecraft has been a beloved classic, capturing the imaginations of millions around the globe. As technology evolves, new trends and innovations provide surprising opportunities. What if I told you there’s a way to experience Minecraft without spending a dime? The latest advancements in cloud gaming and open-source platforms might just hold the key to making this dream a reality. Cloud Gaming Revolution Cloud gaming services are transforming the way we access and play games. Platforms like Microsoft’s xCloud and NVIDIA’s GeForce Now are expanding their libraries to include a variety of games, often without the need for hefty PC hardware. As part of promotional events or partnerships, there are occasions when Minecraft might be available temporarily for free, allowing gamers to experience it via streaming without owning a personal copy. The Open-Source Movement The open-source community has also been contributing to the accessibility of Minecraft-like experiences. Several projects attempt to recreate or even enhance the classic Minecraft experience with new features and shared code. These projects are legal and free to access, potentially offering a community-driven alternative that stays true to the Minecraft ethos. What Lies Ahead The future may bring new methods to access games like Minecraft at no cost, thanks to evolving technologies and open communities challenging traditional barriers. While it’s crucial to remember the importance of supporting developers, staying informed about these trends could mean catching opportunities to experience Minecraft in innovative new ways. Unlock Minecraft for Free: How Cloud Gaming and Open Source Offer Unique Opportunities The legacy of Minecraft as a staple in gaming culture is undeniable, with its expansive universes and unlimited creativity capturing hearts worldwide. As technology progresses, exciting innovations offer gamers fresh and economical ways to engage with this iconic game. Below, we explore key trends and possibilities surrounding Minecraft access through cloud gaming and open-source advancements. Cloud Gaming: A New Frontier for Minecraft Cloud gaming is reshaping the gaming industry, providing platforms that deliver seamless access to high-quality games without the need for top-tier hardware. Microsoft’s xCloud and NVIDIA’s GeForce Now lead the charge by enabling gamers to stream a variety of titles via powerful remote servers. Occasionally, through limited-time promotions or special partnerships, Minecraft may be available to stream for free, allowing newcomers to dive into its immersive world without a financial commitment. This marks a significant shift in accessibility for players who might not own the game outright. Open-Source Innovations: Expanding Minecraft’s Horizon A notable movement within the open-source community is the creation of Minecraft-like experiences. These projects not only recreate elements of the original game but often extend its capabilities through innovative features and community collaboration. Legal and accessible at no cost, these endeavors represent a grassroots tribute to Minecraft’s enduring appeal, offering enthusiasts new dimensions to explore the beloved universe. This movement exemplifies the potential of shared creativity and collective improvement. Exploring the Future: Cost-Free Gaming The intersection of technology and community-driven innovation suggests a promising future for gaming accessibility. As open-source initiatives continue to evolve and cloud gaming platforms expand, discovering free or low-cost ways to enjoy games like Minecraft could become more common. However, supporting developers through traditional purchases remains essential to nurture a sustainable gaming industry while benefiting from these free opportunities. Predictions: Trend Insights and Market Dynamics As cloud technology advances further, expect an increase in promotional offers and trial periods for popular games like Minecraft on large platforms. The open-source community will likely contribute even more dynamic renditions of sandbox experiences, appealing to niche audiences with specialized interests. This could potentially lead to a more diversified market where creators and players flourish equally. For more information on cloud gaming, visit Microsoft and NVIDIA . By staying informed about emerging trends and developments in gaming technologies, players can potentially explore Minecraft-like experiences without the traditional costs, enjoying the endless possibilities and creativity that have made the game a timeless favorite.Kosovo arrested several suspects Saturday after an explosion at a key canal feeding two of its main power plants, while neighbouring Serbia rejected accusations of staging the blast. The explosion Friday near the town of Zubin Potok, which sits in an ethnic Serb-dominated area in Kosovo's troubled north, damaged a canal that supplies water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. As security forces swarmed the area around the canal, whose concrete walls were left with a gaping hole gushing water, Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the site and announced authorities had arrested several people. Law enforcement "carried out searches" and "collected testimony and evidence, and the criminals and terrorists will have to face justice and the law," he said. The arrests follow a security meeting late Friday, when Kurti pointed the finger at Serbia. "The attack was carried out by professionals. We believe it comes from gangs directed by Serbia," he told a press conference, without providing evidence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hit back Saturday, denying the "irresponsible" and "baseless accusations". "Such unfounded claims are aimed to tarnish Serbia's reputation, as well as to undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," he said in a statement to AFP. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had earlier suggested on X that the Kosovar "regime" could itself be behind the blast, calling for an international investigation. The main political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, Serb List, also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". AFP journalists at the scene saw water leaking heavily from one side of the reinforced canal, which runs from the Serb-majority north of Kosovo to the capital, Pristina. However, electricity supplies to consumers were running smoothly on Saturday morning, with authorities having found an alternative method to cool the plants, said Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Repair work was ongoing, authorities said, while Kurti confirmed workers had managed to restore water flows to 25 percent capacity. The United States strongly condemned the "attack on critical infrastructure in Kosovo", the US embassy in Pristina said in a statement on Facebook. "We are monitoring the situation closely... and have offered our full support to the government of Kosovo to ensure that those responsible for this criminal attack are identified and held accountable." Turkey's foreign ministry also condemned the attack, adding: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation in the region." The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission for Kosovo joined the calls for restraint. "It is important that facts are established and that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice," it said in a statement. The force is providing security in the surrounding area and has offered logistical, explosives removal and engineering support to the Kosovo authorities, it added. The European Union's ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, joined the international condemnation, saying on X: "The incident needs to be investigated and those responsible brought to justice." Animosity between ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the end of the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge. Kurti's government has for months sought to dismantle a parallel system of social services and political offices backed by Belgrade to serve Kosovo's Serbs. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday denounced "the act of sabotage on the critical water supply infrastructure in the Iber-Lepenc Canal" in comments on X, calling it "a serious crime that endangers the lives of Kosovo's citizens and undermines the process of normalizing relations in our region." Friday's attack came after a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including the hurling of hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station earlier this week. ih/ach/giv/jhb/sbk

In the ever-changing world of finance, tracking stock movements can be a game-changer for investors. Recently, some of the most prominent companies with massive market valuations have made notable moves in the stock market. Mega-Cap Stocks: Companies with a market cap exceeding $200 billion have shown significant activity. These well-established giants often lead the market trends, and observing their stock price fluctuations can provide valuable insights into broader market conditions. Large-Cap Stocks: Stocks with market caps ranging from $10 billion to $200 billion are considered large-cap and play a crucial role in investment portfolios due to their stability and potential for consistent returns. Recent behavior of these stocks indicates shifts in investor confidence and strategic rebalancing. Mid-Cap Stocks: These stocks represent firms with market caps between $2 billion and $10 billion. They often offer a balance between growth potential and volatility. Investors are keeping a close eye on these companies as they continue to show promise and dynamic movement in the financial landscape. Small-Cap Stocks: Smaller companies, with a market cap from $300 million to $2 billion, are often seen as high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Their recent stock activity suggests shifts that could offer lucrative opportunities for those willing to take calculated risks. For real-time updates and to gain an edge in the market, consider exploring platforms like Investing Pro that cater to active investors seeking timely financial news. Top Investment Strategies for 2023: Navigating the Stock Market Tracking the movements of stock prices in today’s dynamic financial markets can be a pivotal strategy for investors aiming to maximize their portfolios. Here, we explore several facets of the stock market that are gaining attention as we head into 2023, providing insights and trends for investors across all categories of market capitalization. Key Innovations Shaping Mega-Cap Investments Mega-cap stocks, which include companies with market capitalizations exceeding $200 billion, continue to demonstrate a trend of incorporating technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and sustainability initiatives. These investments are reshaping entire industries, creating new avenues for growth even among the most established market leaders. Advantages and Limitations of Large-Cap Stocks Large-cap stocks, valued between $10 billion and $200 billion, remain a cornerstone of many investment portfolios due to their relative stability and reliable dividend payouts. However, their slower growth compared to smaller companies can be a limiting factor for growth-focused investors. Understanding the balance between returns and safety is vital for anyone investing in this category. Mid-Cap Stock Opportunities and Market Analysis Mid-cap stocks, with market caps ranging from $2 billion to $10 billion, often offer the best of both worlds: potential for growth paired with reduced volatility compared to small caps. Many mid-cap companies are leading the charge in niche markets, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors, which are forecasts to expand significantly in 2023. High Risk, High Reward: Small-Cap Stock Insights For those inclined towards high-risk, high-reward investments, small-cap stocks present unique opportunities. Recent financial disclosures have highlighted several small-cap firms making strides in emerging markets and innovative tech applications. These stocks require careful analysis, but they often benefit from being nimble and responsive to market changes. Security Aspects and Use of Technology The implementation of advanced cybersecurity measures and blockchain technology is increasingly becoming standard among both large-caps and smaller companies. This shift is intended to protect against cyber threats and improve transparency, potentially affecting stock valuations positively. Sustainability Trends in Stock Market Investments With a growing emphasis on sustainability, investors are now steering their portfolios towards companies demonstrating environmental responsibility. Both mega-cap and smaller companies are making significant investments in sustainable practices, which not only appeal to ethically conscious investors but are also becoming necessary for regulatory compliance. Future Predictions and Trends As both geopolitical and economic landscapes continue to evolve, investors will need to brace for potential volatility while being open to new opportunities. Analysts predict that sectors such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and digital financial services will see exponential growth. For those seeking real-time updates and strategic insights, platforms such as Investing offer cutting-edge tools and resources to assist in informed decision-making. By staying informed and agile, investors can navigate the complexities of the market with greater confidence and success.

After finding itself in soup over a CID enquiry on "missing samosas", the Himachal Pradesh government is again in a tight spot for issuing notices to a state roadways conductor and driver after an audio clip with defamatory remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was allegedly played in their bus. A man in his complaint to the Chief Minister's Office said defamatory words were used against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders in an audio clip which was played in the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus plying between Shimla and Sanjauli on November 5. In a letter to the conductor and driver of the bus on November 25, the HRTC sought explanation from them. The letter went viral on the internet. Talking to reporters on Friday, HRTC Managing Director Rohan Chand Thakur said a routine complaint was received from a customer after which a fact finding enquiry was initiated. The enquiry was closed as the allegations were found baseless. However, the wording of the explanation sought could have been better and the officers have been verbally conveyed to improve in the coming times, he added. Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT The defamatory words were allegedly used in a debate being played in the audio clip. Reacting sharply to the letter, BJP MLA from Dharamshala, Sudhir Sharma, said the government should appoint marshals to stop audios being played in buses. "Such decisions of the government are damaging the reputation of the state government as well as the state," he added. Earlier, the state CID department had ordered an internal enquiry on the samosas which were brought for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during a function and by mistake were served to the his security staff. A senior police official had termed the faux pas as an anti-CID and ant-Government act. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

NORMAL — With the fall semester coming to an end, Heartland Community College celebrated students completing certificate programs supported by the Workforce Equity Initiative. Around 50 students were recognized Tuesday at the Astroth Community Education Center on Heartland's campus for completing programs leading to certification for in-demand jobs. “Heartland’s WEI program is a signature program driving our mission to provide accessible, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities to our community,” said Terrance Bond, assistant to the president for equity and effectiveness, in a statement. “The WEI team partners with community organizations and local businesses to engage underemployed or unemployed adult learners who may be cautious about higher education. While most of our WEI scholars complete a short-term certificate and return to the workforce, we are also excited when scholars continue their education, earning stackable credentials towards the associate degree.” Students recognized this semester participated in programs, including: certified nursing assistant, phlebotomy, electric vehicle technology, welding, computer networking support specialist, HVAC and truck driving. Tommy Johnson, a success navigator with Heartland Community College's Workforce Equity Initiative, talks about the program and its benefits. The Workforce Equity Initiative was established in 2019 as an innovative partnership with the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and community colleges to create, support and expand job training opportunities for areas with identified workforce skills gaps. Grant funding supports short-term training opportunities, career and technical education certificates, and stackable credentials at Heartland. The grant is also targeted toward African American and low-income learners to facilitate career training that can move recipients quickly into the workforce while providing tuition and services including success coaching and career navigation support, technology support, transportation and child care needs. Since Heartland first received the grant from the Illinois Community College Board in 2022, more than 522 students have enrolled in WEI certificate programs at the college. “WEI and other work-ready programs at Heartland benefit the entire community,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille in a statement. “Since 2022 WEI has brought in an economic impact of over $4,600,000 to McLean County. But most importantly this effort to break through the barriers that keep individuals from attaining education and workplace skills has changed lives for the better.” Visit heartland.edu/wei for more information on the Workforce Equity Initiative at Heartland Community College. Larry Carius, who ran the popular Bloomington-Normal Restaurant Scene Facebook page, wrote regular columns for The Pantagraph. Here's a collection of his work. "Fun for me is stopping at a locally owned, order-at-the-counter Mexican restaurant, giving my order and watching the action at the grill as everything is made to order," Carius writes. "My drives with Kay are usually within a 30-mile radius of Bloomington-Normal, which often gives us plenty of time to stop for a bite," Larry Carius writes. "Signature Café guests can build their own wraps, bowls and plates, with shawarma, kebobs and falafel being the features. Milkshakes, smoothies, refreshers and milk teas round out the menu." "A trivia question that I occasionally will throw into a conversation is: What restaurant chains started in Bloomington-Normal?" Larry Carius writes. "And maybe equally interesting is that 38 of the 39 are local and privately owned. There's only one franchisee in the group, and he is a local," Larry Carius writes. The building that housed Chevys Fresh-Mex and up to 12 other restaurants on Eldorado Road in Bloomington has been demolished. Greg Comfort says it's been an enjoyable 39 years of owning Jim's Steak House and thanks the veteran staff for their many years. Larry Carius and his wife, Kay, used the self-service kiosk at Steak ‘n Shake for the first time. When celebrating Black History Month, I always recall enjoying the pork sandwiches at Jim’s Bar-B-Q, the first Black-owned restaurant where I ... My wife Kay and I enjoy sitting at the kitchen table every January sifting through the Facebook Insight numbers to determine the top 10 (most ... "My very unofficial records for this year show that 34 restaurants opened in the Bloomington-Normal area and only eight closed," Larry Carius writes. With the construction of the fourth Bloomington-Normal truck stop to begin soon, here's a look at how the food offerings at truck stops have changed over the years. Fifty years ago this month, the first beer by-the-drink was legally sold in Normal after the town had been dry for 38 years. A three-block stretch of Front Street in downtown Bloomington has become a popular night-out dining/entertainment destination. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. If you love food — who doesn't? — make sure you get the latest on the BloNo restaurant scene from columnist Larry Carius. Contact Mateusz Janik at (309) 820-3234. Follow Mateusz on Twitter:@mjanik99 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Government Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Vetpreneur Tribe Facebook Group Is Empowering Veterans To Succeed In Life And BusinessBreach of license by cutting programming at Radio Foyle shows north west ‘not a priority’ for BBC, says MPGAZA, — An Israeli airstrike on a car in the Gaza Strip on Saturday killed five people, a senior Palestinian health official said. Three of them were said to be employees of the charity World Central Kitchen , whose aid delivery efforts in the war-ravaged territory were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers, most of them foreigners. World Central Kitchen could not immediately be reached for comment, and it did not mention the deaths on social media. The Israeli military said it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify" how that had come about. The violence in Gaza rages on even as a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah appears to be holding, despite sporadic episodes that have tested its fragility. Israel on Saturday struck what it said were Hezbollah weapons smuggling sites along Syria's border with Lebanon. The strike on the vehicle in Gaza was the latest in what aid agencies have described as the dangerous work of delivering aid in Gaza , where the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis that has displaced much of the territory's 2.3 million population and triggered widespread hunger. World Central Kitchen provides freshly prepared meals to people in need following natural disasters or to those enduring conflict. Its teams have fanned out in Gaza and across Israel and Lebanon since the war began and have often served as a lifeline for people in Gaza who have struggled to feed themselves and their families. Palestinian health official Muneer Alboursh confirmed the strike, and an aid worker in Gaza confirmed that three killed were workers with the WCK. The aid worker spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak with the media. At Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, a woman held up an employee badge bearing the WCK logo, the word “contractor” and the name of a man said to have been killed in the strike. A heap of belongings — burned phones, a watch and stickers with the WCK logo — lay splayed on the hospital floor. Nazmi Ahmed said his nephew worked for WCK for the past year. He said he was driving to the charity's kitchens and warehouses. “Today, he went out as usual to work ... and was targeted without prior warning and without any reason,” Ahmed said. In April, a strike on a WCK aid convoy killed seven workers — three British citizens, Polish and Australian nationals, a Canadian-American dual national and a Palestinian. The Israeli military said the strike was a mistake. The strike prompted an international outcry and the suspension of aid to Gaza for a a brief period by several aid groups, including WCK. Another Palestinian WCK worker was killed in August by shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike, the group said. The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’ October 2023 attack, when militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took some 250 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their count but say more than half the dead were women and children. Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have faltered repeatedly. But the U.S.- and France-brokered deal for Lebanon appears to holding after it took effect on Wednesday. Still, Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire and Lebanon has accused Israel of the same. On Saturday, Israel's military said it struck sites that had been used to smuggle weapons from Syria to Lebanon after the ceasefire took effect, which the military called a violation of its terms. There was no immediate comment from Syrian authorities or activists monitoring the conflict in that country. Hezbollah did not immediately comment. Israeli aircraft have struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, citing ceasefire violations, several times since the truce began. The Israeli strike in Syria came as insurgents there breached the country's largest city, Aleppo, in a shock offensive that added fresh uncertainty to a region reeling from multiple wars. The truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah calls for an initial two-month ceasefire in which the militants are to withdraw north of Lebanon's Litani River and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. Many Lebanese, some of the 1.2 million displaced in the conflict, were streaming south to their homes , despite warnings by the Israeli and Lebanese militaries to stay away from certain areas. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that an Israeli drone attacked a car in the southern village of Majdal Zoun. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said three people were wounded, including a 7-year-old child. Majdal Zoun, near the Mediterranean Sea, is close to where Israeli troops still have a presence. Israel's military said earlier Saturday that its forces, who remain in southern Lebanon until they withdraw gradually over the 60-day ceasefire period, had been operating to distance “suspects” in the region, without elaborating, and said troops had located and seized weapons found hidden in a mosque. Israel says it reserves the right under the ceasefire to strike against any perceived violations. Israel has made returning the tens of thousands of displaced Israelis home the goal of the war with Hezbollah but Israelis, concerned that Hezbollah has not been deterred and could still attack northern communities, have been apprehensive about returning home . Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group Hamas and its assault on southern Israel the day before. Israel and Hezbollah kept up a low-level conflict of cross-border fire for nearly a year, until Israel escalated its fight with a sophisticated attack that detonated hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah fighters. It followed that up with an intense aerial bombardment campaign against Hezbollah assets, killing many of its top leaders including longtime chief Hassan Nasrallah , and it launched a ground invasion in early October. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon during the conflict, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel — over half of them civilians — as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon. ___ Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel, and Mroue reported from Beirut. Mohammad Jahjouh in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, contributed.

Article content First place in the Atlantic Division. Consistently winning hockey games as captain Auston Matthews recovers from an upper-body injury. True, it’s just the quarter-mark of the 2024-25 National Hockey League regular season and the majority of hockey has yet to be played, but there can’t be much debating the kind of impact that new coach Craig Berube has had on the Leafs through the club’s first 20 games. Back in May when the Leafs fired coach Sheldon Keefe, part of the reasoning on the part of general manager Brad Treliving was that the team brass “determined that a new voice” was needed behind the bench. Keefe did some great things during his Leafs tenure, guiding the club annually to 100-point seasons, but Berube was hired to push the team through in the playoffs. With a defence-first approach and attention to physical detail, the Leafs are going about being successful in a new manner, proof that what Berube wants out of his players has been translating on the ice. “As players, we feel it, and I think you can tell by watching that it’s a different kind of game than what we’ve played in the past,” defenceman Morgan Rielly said. “It has been a bit of an adjustment, but it has been good. I think we’re doing all right.” The Leafs record of 12-6-2, which has them one point ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division, underlines that. The Leafs have been solid without Matthews, winning six of the past seven games he has missed, but there’s a little more to it than bearing down with the captain on the sideline. Defensively, the Leafs have pulled up their hockey socks. Not only have they cut down on goals against at five-on-five (allowing 28, tied for third-fewest in the NHL heading into Friday’s games), they’re not giving up many Grade-A chances. At five-on-five, the Leafs were tied for allowing the third-fewest high-danger scoring chances. Berube stresses with his players the importance of defending the “guts” of the ice in the D zone and the systemic differences have, well, made a difference. The low forward has become more of a partner with the defence pair and can switch out more easily. On the whole, five-man units are more connected. “There’s a learning curve,” Rielly said. “The chances we’re giving up are less. It’s a commitment to the structure and understanding the importance of it.” Offensively, bushels of goals haven’t been required for the Leafs to win games, as they have scored more than four in just three games. No one in the organization is losing sleep over that. “We’re working towards something, but on the way, the product is good,” Rielly said. “It’s not perfect, we’ve had guys out, we haven’t executed perfect every night, but we’re putting ourselves in a position where that’s OK. “You’re in that position where you’re within striking range, and you will keep yourself there, if you’re close to the structure.” Berube has said a few times that it was crucial that the players bought in from the first day of training camp in September. Hiccups along the way can be expected, as Rielly mentioned, especially when the team continues to put up points more often than not. And no one in the Leafs dressing room needs to be reminded that true judgement won’t come until the Stanley Cup playoffs. Still, the pieces being put in place now bring optimism. “There’s nothing to rest on or feel great about,” centre John Tavares said. “We’re happy with the results we’re getting and with a lot of things that we’re doing, but it’s continuously trying to get better, everyone being on the same page, buying in and knowing every night’s a new challenge, and it’s a long year, so we have to keep grinding it out. “You would hope you’re 20-0. That’s the goal, to go out and win every game. You work and push forward. Over 82 games, you want to put yourself in the best spot possible, earn a playoff spot and the highest positioning you can.” Berube wouldn’t have it any other way. tkoshan@postmedia.com X: @koshtorontosun