The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algorhythm Holdings, Inc. (“Algorhythm” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: RIME), an AI-driven technology and consumer electronics holding company, announced today the closing of its previously announced public offering with gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $9.5 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses payable by the Company. The offering comprised of 55,882,352 shares of the Company’s common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu of shares of common stock). Each share of common stock or pre-funded warrant was sold with one Series A Warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.17 per share (the “Series A Warrants”) and one Series B Warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.34 per share (the “Series B Warrants” and, together with the Series A Warrants, the “Warrants”). The Warrants will become exercisable upon the approval of the Company’s stockholders of the issuance of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and certain other provisions of the Warrants. The Series A Warrants will expire on the five-year anniversary of its initial exercise date and the Series B Warrants will expire on the two and one-half-year anniversary of its initial exercise date. The purchase price of each share of common stock and accompanying Warrants was $0.17, and the purchase price of each pre-funded warrant and accompanying Warrants was such price minus $0.01. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes, and for repayment of certain outstanding senior secured notes of the Company. Univest Securities, LLC is acting as sole placement agent for the offering. The securities described above are being offered by the Company pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333283178) (the “Registration Statement”) previously filed and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus which is a part of the Registration Statement. A final prospectus relating to the offering has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained, when available, by contacting Univest Securities, LLC at info@univest.us , or by calling +1 (212) 343-8888. About Algorhythm Holdings Algorhythm Holdings, Inc. is a holding company with two primary investments. First, the Company owns SemiCab Holdings, an emerging leader in the AI-enabled global logistics industry. Second, the Company owns The Singing Machine Company, the worldwide leader in the consumer karaoke industry. SemiCab is a cloud-based Collaborative Transportation Platform built to achieve the scalability required to predict and optimize millions of loads and hundreds of thousands of trucks. To orchestrate collaboration across manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and their carriers, SemiCab uses real-time data from API-based load tendering and pre-built integrations with TMS and ELD partners. To build fully loaded round trips, SemiCab uses AI/ML predictions and advanced predictive optimization models. On the SemiCab platform, shippers pay less and carriers make more while not having to change a thing. Since 2020, SemiCab has enabled major retailers, brands and transportation providers to address these common supply-chain problems globally. SemiCab's Orchestrated Collaboration TM AI model has proven to increase transportation capacity, improve asset utilization, reduce empty miles, lower logistics costs, and provide visibility into the entire transportation network. Models show the technology has the capability of saving shippers tens of billions of dollars annually through optimization. Further, SemiCab’s technology also has the potential to play a key role in the improved sustainability model globally. Based on its proven ability to improve truck utilization rates from 65% to over 90%, this results in a dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint of the industry. The optimization of existing truck utilization can add approximately 30% more trucking capacity without adding more trucks, drivers or driven miles which addresses common problems plaguing the industry like severe driver shortage and road congestion. Trucking optimization could also eliminate approximately 25% of CO2 emissions attributable to road freight. For additional information regarding SemiCab: http://www.semicab.com The Singing Machine Company, Inc. is the worldwide leader in consumer karaoke products. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and founded over forty years ago, the Company designs and distributes the industry's widest assortment of at-home and in-car karaoke entertainment products. Their portfolio is marketed under both proprietary brands and popular licenses, including Carpool Karaoke and Sesame Street. Singing Machine products incorporate the latest technology and provide access to over 100,000 songs for streaming through its mobile app and select WiFi-capable products and is also developing the world’s first globally available, fully integrated in-car karaoke system. The Company also has a new philanthropic initiative, CARE-eoke by Singing Machine , to focus on the social impact of karaoke for children and adults of all ages who would benefit from singing. Their products are sold in over 25,000 locations worldwide, including Amazon, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart. To learn more, go to www.singingmachine.com . Investor Relations Contact: investors@algoholdings.com www.algoholdings.com Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are "forward-looking statements" and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “suggest”, “will,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements relating to the timing, size and expected gross proceeds of the Offering, the completion of the Offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the Offering and sale of securities, the Company’s ability to complete the Offering, and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. The Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements predicted, assumed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to market conditions and the satisfaction of closing conditions related to the Offering, risks disclosed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024, and risks disclosed under item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recently filed Form 10-KT filed with the SEC and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. This press release speaks as of the date indicated above. The Company undertakes no obligation and expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.phlove online casino login 。

Second-warmest November on record means that 2024 is likely to be Earth's hottest yearLOVE Island star Laura Anderson has hit back on social media with a cryptic Instagram post, just days after rival Olivia Attwood made copying claims. Scottish star Laura Anderson appeared on the fourth series of Love Island and has now spoken to fans about 'healing' in a cryptic post. Writing across a video on Instagram , the star said: "Once you let go and decide you want a good life, the universe will start moving things to make it happen. "The people you need will appear, the healing will happen, and the doors you need will open. "Once you decide you truly are worthy, miracles will flood in." The post comes just days after fellow Love Island star Olivia Attwood teased fans with a cryptic post on Monday, claiming she had a secret that would "blow your f***ing mind." More on Laura Anderson She also accused someone of copying her, with sources close to the star claiming she was talking about Laura Anderson. Initial thoughts were that Olivia meant Maura Higgins , who is currently in the jungle for I'm A Celebrity , but in fact they mean Laura as Olivia claimed someone had been 'copying her and her life' in a savage rant. An insider told The Sun : "The idea that this is about Maura Higgins is absolute rubbish. Olivia’s got no issue with Maura at all. "The truth is, this is about Laura Anderson, and people have totally got the wrong end of the stick." Most read in Celebrity The source added: " Laura recently asked for the same hand tattoos as Olivia and the guy refused point-blank. "She's even been seeing Olivia's aesthetic doctor, Dr. Saleena Zimri, travelling down from Scotland just for it. "It’s obvious that she's trying to mimic Olivia’s look and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Olivia feels like this crosses a line.” The feud between the pair is thought to go all the way back to 2018, as Olivia accused Laura of copying her style on Love Island. Olivia, who appeared the year before, later claimed Laura was trying to "steal her life ". In her latest post, Olivia failed to admit who she was talking about in her latest message, which read: "One day I'm going to write a book and some of the stuff I have managed to keep [zipped mouth emoji] on over the years. "It will blow your f***ing mind. "You can try to hire all the same people, regurgitate my stories as your own, study the playbook, follow the recipe blah blah blah, but it will NEVER taste the same. That's all." A LONG-RUNNING feud between Olivia Attwood and Laura Anderson has been reignited, with Olivia taking aim at someone she feels has been copying her look and life. From hairstyling to tattoos, the tensions between the two have simmered for years, with Olivia’s latest cryptic posts shedding new light on their rivalry. 2018 : Olivia accuses Laura of copying her style, tweeting from New Look’s account, “Wait, is Laura wearing MY hairdo?” She further claimed Laura had mimicked her exact outfit when entering the Love Island villa. Olivia jokingly mentions needing “protection” as Laura adopts her signature half ponytail hairstyle. Despite the jabs, she later claims she “quite likes” Laura. Olivia later expresses frustration over Laura trying to “steal her life,” feeling that Laura was imitating her look and aligning with Olivia’s Love Island friends. Laura also joined Olivia’s former management. 2019 : Olivia’s annoyance grows when Laura uses the same photographer for her 2019 calendar. Olivia retaliates with a cryptic post about “someone copying her”. 2021 : Olivia reignited the feud with a social media rant aimed at celebrities holidaying in Dubai, criticising influencers who justified their trips as "work". Her comments were widely seen as a dig at Laura, who had defended her own Dubai travel during the UK lockdown. 2024 : Olivia posts a cryptic message hinting at the feud, claiming someone is copying her look and life. Laura mimics Olivia’s fringe haircut in a behind-the-scenes photoshoot video, further fuelling tensions. Sources confirm that the feud is directed at Laura, following speculation it was about Maura Higgins.NewAmsterdam Pharma Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

NEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: AWF ), a closed‐end management investment company, declared on this date, December 6, 2024 , a one-time special income distribution of $0.0156 per share of Common Stock. The total distribution of $0.0156 is payable on January 17, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 19, 2024 . Ex‐date will be December 19, 2024 . The distribution, which is deemed to be received by shareholders in 2024 for federal income tax purposes, represents a one-time special income distribution of $0.0156 so as to enable the Fund to comply with the Internal Revenue Code's minimum distribution requirements for the current year. AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. is managed by AllianceBernstein L.P. SOURCE AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc.

The gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled New York City by bus, police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. Here's the latest: The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer made sure to wear a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras that have aided authorities piecing together his movements and his identity. A law enforcement official said Friday that new surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before he ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . The gunman’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday’s killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack . ▶ Read more about the search for the gunman In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was walking to when he was fatally shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized. “It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services, which is based in the greater Seattle area. Some firms respond by beefing up security. For example, tech companies routinely require everyone attending a major event, such as Apple’s annual unveiling of the next iPhone or a shareholder meeting, to go through airport-style security checkpoints before entering. Others forgo in-person meetings with shareholders. ▶ Read more about how companies protect their leaders Those images include New York’s subway system, a law enforcement official said. In establishments where the person was captured on camera, he always appeared to pay with cash, the official said. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. — Mike Balsamo Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm that serves 1.5 million customers in 12 states, said it’s temporarily closing all six locations. The firm has offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota, and employs about 3,000 people. Employees will work from home, Medica spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Friday. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees,” a statement from Medica said. “Although we have received no specific threats related to our campuses, our office buildings will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Bury also said biographical information on the company’s executives was taken down from its website as a precaution. The insurer cited the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in its announcement about the Dec. 12 event. “All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a news release. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.” Centene Corp. has grown in recent years to become the largest insurer in Medicaid, the state- and federally funded program that covers care for people with low incomes. Insurers manage Medicaid coverage for states, and Centene has more than 13 million people enrolled in that coverage. The insurance company also said it’s focused on ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. “While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place,” the company said. But he said Friday that he’s confident police will arrest the shooter. “We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice,” Adams said on TV station WPIX. Later, it removed their names and biographies entirely. Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, a law enforcement official said. Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. Experts say today’s political, economic and technological climate is only going to make the job of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them even more difficult, experts say. Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for what’s being said about the company, its employees and its leadership to uncover risks. ▶ Read more about the steps companies take to protect their leadership Police said Thursday they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper from a trash can near the scene of the ambush and think the suspect bought them from a Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The items were being tested by the city’s medical examiner.Lyle Menendez's wife reveals the pair have separated as she vows to stand by his side despite him 'wanting to marry' his blonde student love

North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia's war in Ukraine

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump's pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country's hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump's unusual nominees. But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump's America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. "I want to address the issue that's in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria," Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president's Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern, if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. "We're going to sit down and visit, that's what this is all about," said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect's choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, who has written extensively about locking up Trump's foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. "I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump's nominees," said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees' qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump's team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government's files on Gabbard. Trump's allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president's Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump's first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: "Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won't stand for it." One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. "I appreciate Pete Hegseth's responsiveness and respect for the process," Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following "encouraging conversations," he had committed to selecting a senior official who will "prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources." Ernst also had praise for Patel — "He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies" — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump's 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump's first inauguration during the country's bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it's important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family's five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by "my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism." Gabbard said, "It's one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump's leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars." Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were "alarmed" by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions "call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus." The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation's intelligence agencies and act as the president's main intelligence adviser.Lalkothi vegetable market turns into an encroachers’ paradise

AP Business SummaryBrief at 12:30 p.m. ESTAILE Deadline Today: AILE Investors Have Opportunity to Lead iLearningEngines, Inc. Securities Fraud Lawsuit

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:58 p.m. ESTCHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (NYSE: CVLG) (“Covenant” or the “Company”) announced today that its board of directors has declared a two-for-one stock split of Covenant’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock to make Covenant’s stock more accessible to investors and employees. The stock split will be effected by means of a stock dividend to the holders of record of Covenant’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock as of the close of business on December 20, 2024, the record date for the dividend. As a result of the dividend, each holder of a share of Covenant’s Class A common stock will receive one additional share of Class A common stock and each holder of a share of Covenant’s Class B common stock will receive one additional share of Class B common stock. In each case, the shares are expected to be distributed after the close of trading on December 31, 2024. Trading is expected to commence on a split-adjusted basis at market open on January 2, 2025. The stock dividend will not have any impact on the voting and other rights of stockholders. About Covenant Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, offers a portfolio of transportation and logistics services to customers throughout the United States. Primary services include asset- based expedited and dedicated truckload capacity, as well as asset-light warehousing, transportation management, and freight brokerage capability. In addition, Transport Enterprise Leasing is an affiliated company providing revenue equipment sales and leasing services to the trucking industry. Covenant's Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, “CVLG.” For further information contact: Paul Bunn, President PBunn@covenantlogistics.com Tripp Grant, Chief Financial Officer TGrant@covenantlogistics.com For copies of Company information contact: Brooke McKenzie, Executive Administrative Assistant BMcKenzie@covenantlogistics.com

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad oversaw a merciless crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt that morphed into one of the bloodiest wars of the century. After facing down nationwide protests demanding his ouster and an armed rebellion that he all but crushed, he had until this month taken back control of much of Syria in the civil war that began in 2011. Quiet in his demeanour, Assad is a political survivor who for years excelled in his alliance-building with Russia and Iran, and who knew just how to present himself as Syria's only viable leader in the face of the Islamist threat. But since November 27, an Islamist-led rebel offensive has wrested from Assad's control city after city, including Aleppo and Hama for the first time since 2011, leaving his grip on power severely under threat. Assad has cast himself as the protector of Syria's minorities, a bulwark against extremism and the sole possible purveyor of stability for the war-ravaged country. In multiple votes held over the years, conducted solely on government-held territory, he has taken the vast majority of the ballots, amid accusations from Western countries that the wartime elections were neither free nor fair. In appearance, whether in person or in the many portraits of him in the capital Damascus, Assad has typically eschewed military garb, opting instead for a sharp-cut business suit and sober tie. In official meetings, during interviews and even on the frontlines, the 59-year-old ophthalmologist by training conducts himself calmly and can almost appear timid. Behind the facade, however, is an astonishing ability to hold onto power amid multiple waves of violence and transformative change in Syria and the wider region. One journalist, who met with Assad on several occasions before and after war broke out in 2011, told AFP the president is a "unique and complex figure". "Each time I met him he was calm... even during the most difficult moments of the war," said the journalist, who declined to be named. Assad has "the same qualities" as his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades until his death in 2000, the journalist said. "In politics, it's important to know how to shuffle cards, not just how to arrange them," he added. "Assad has mastered the shuffling game." Hafez al-Assad, head of the Syrian Baath Party, imposed in the country a secretive, paranoid regime where even the slightest suspicion of dissent could land one in jail or worse. Bashar al-Assad was never meant to become president, but his life changed radically when his older brother Bassel, who was being groomed to inherit power, was killed in a road accident in 1994. Bashar quit his studies in ophthalmology and left London, where he had met his wife, Asma, a British-Syrian and Sunni Muslim who worked for financial services firm JP Morgan. Back home, he took a course in military studies and was tutored in politics by his father. Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! When the latter died, Bashar became president by referendum, running unopposed, then winning a second term in 2007. Sworn in at the age of 34, Assad was widely seen by Syrians pining for freedoms as a reformer, who could do away with years of repression and introduce economic liberalisation. In the early days, Assad would be seen driving his own car or having dinner at restaurants with his wife. He relaxed some of the heavy restrictions that existed under his father. But his initial image as a reformer quickly evaporated as authorities arrested and jailed academics, intellectuals and other members of what was then known as the Damascus Spring movement. When the Arab Spring reached Syria in March 2011, peaceful demonstrations broke out calling for change. Assad, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, responded by ordering a brutal crackdown on the protesters and civil war swiftly ensued. Throughout the war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced half the population, Assad's position has not changed. He has been the subject of countless cartoons by dissident artists depicting him as a killer, not least in the aftermath of the 2013 chemical attacks on rebel bastions around Damascus. A Syrian researcher in Damascus, who asked to speak anonymously over security concerns, said: "Assad's personality played an undeniable role in his survival." His "persistence and rigour" were especially important in helping him "consolidate decision-making powers, and secure the army's full support", he added. Throughout the war, Assad has enjoyed military backing from staunch allies Iran and Russia, who helped him score a string of military victories. Since the start of the Islamist-led rebel offensive on November 27, Assad has echoed his long-held stance that the conflict in Syria is machinated from abroad. "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," Assad said on Monday. He is the father of three children. His wife, Asma, was dubbed a "rose in the desert" by Vogue magazine before the revolt. bur/ser/jhb

Giant cyborg cockroaches could be the search and rescue workers of the future

United States women’s head coach Emma Hayes admitted she initially grappled with how best to behave during ‘God Save The King’ ahead of her side’s goalless draw with England in their Wembley friendly. The billing of London-born former Chelsea boss Hayes against England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman – arguably the best two bosses in the women’s game – had generated more buzz in the build-up than the players on the pitch, despite it being a rare encounter between the two top-ranked sides in the world. Hayes enjoyed her return to familiar shores but felt the US lacked the “killer piece” after they looked the likelier side to make the breakthrough. Asked what was going through her mind during the national anthem, Hayes said: “I was definitely mouthing (it), and Naomi (Girma) and Lynn (Williams) could see that I was struggling with where to be and all that. “I got to the end of the anthems and I thought, ‘that’s so ridiculous. I’m proud to be English and I’m proud of our national anthem, and I’m also really proud to coach America’. “Two things are possible all at once. I don’t want to fuel a nationalist debate around it. The realities are both countries are really dear to me for lots of reasons, and I’m really proud to represent both of them.” The Lionesses did not register a shot on target in the first half but grew into the game in the second. Hayes, who left Chelsea after 12 trophy-packed years this summer, said: “I’ve been privileged to coach a lot of top-level games, including here, so there’s a familiarity to being here for me. “It’s not new to me, and because of that there was a whole sense of I’m coming back to a place I know. I have a really healthy perspective, and I want to have a really healthy perspective on my profession. “I give everything I possibly can for a team that I really, really enjoy coaching, and I thrive, not just under pressure, but I like these opportunities, I like being in these situations. They bring out the best in me. Hayes had travelled to London without her entire Olympic gold medal-winning ‘Triple Espresso’ forward line of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, all nursing niggling injuries. Before the match, the 48-year-old was spotted chatting with Wiegman and her US men’s counterpart, fellow ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was also in attendance. England were also missing a number of key attackers for the friendly including Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone, all ruled out with injury. Wiegman brushed aside suggestions from some pundits that her side were content to settle for a draw. She said: “I think we were really defending as a team, very strong. We got momentum in the second half, we did better, and of course both teams went for the win. “So many things happened in this game, also in front of the goal, so I don’t think it was boring. “We wanted to go for the win, but it was such a high-intensity game, you have to deal with a very good opponent, so you can’t just say, ‘Now we’re going to go and score that goal’. “We tried, of course, to do that. We didn’t slow down to keep it 0-0. I think that was just how the game went.”

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chief, faces questions on Capitol Hill amid Syria falloutLalkothi vegetable market turns into an encroachers’ paradiseWOONSOCKET, R.I. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health Corporation ("CVS Health", NYSE: CVS) announced today the Reference Yield and Total Consideration (as summarized in the table below) to be paid in connection with the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Any and All Tender Offer") for any and all of its 4.100% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Any and All Notes"). The Reference Yield and Total Consideration for the Any and All Notes are summarized in the tables below: Any and All Notes : Title of Notes CUSIP Number Original Issuer Principal Amount Outstanding Maturity Date UST Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread (bps) Reference Yield Total Consideration (1) 4.100% Senior Notes due 2025 126650CW8 CVS Health Corporation $950,087,000 3/25/2025 3.875% due 3/31/2025 FIT3 +25 bps 4.434 % $998.22 (1) Per $1,000 principal amount of Any and All Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Any and All Expiration Date and accepted for purchase. The Any and All Tender Offer is being made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 2, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth a more detailed description of the Any and All Tender Offer. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and the form of notice of guaranteed delivery with respect to the Any and All Notes ("Notice of Guaranteed Delivery") are available at www.dfking.com/cvs . The Any and All Tender Offer is open to all registered holders (individually, a "Holder" and collectively, the "Holders") of the Any and All Notes. The Total Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of the Any and All Notes was determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the fixed spread set forth in the table above plus the yield to maturity of the UST Reference Security set forth in the table above on the bid-side price of such UST Reference Security as of 11:00 a.m. , New York City time, on December 6, 2024 . Any and All Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, or in respect of which a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is delivered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer to Purchase (the "Guaranteed Delivery Procedures"), at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 6, 2024 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the "Any and All Expiration Date") (unless earlier terminated by CVS Health as described in the Offer to Purchase), that are accepted for purchase will receive the Total Consideration for the Any and All Notes. The settlement date for the Any and All Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Any and All Expiration Date, or validly tendered pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, and accepted for purchase is expected to be December 11, 2024 , the third business day following the Any and All Expiration Date (the "Any and All Settlement Date"). In addition to the Total Consideration for the Any and All Notes, Holders of the Any and All Notes accepted for purchase will receive accrued and unpaid interest ("Accrued Interest") on those Any and All Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to those Any and All Notes to, but not including, the Any and All Settlement Date. Holders who tender their Any and All Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 6, 2024 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the "Any and All Withdrawal Deadline") may withdraw such tendered Any and All Notes at any time at or prior to the Any and All Withdrawal Deadline. Following the Any and All Withdrawal Deadline, Holders who have tendered their Any and All Notes may not withdraw such Any and All Notes unless CVS Health is required to extend withdrawal rights under applicable law. CVS Health expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, to amend, extend or terminate the Any and All Tender Offer at any time prior to the Any and All Expiration Date. The Any and All Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of Any and All Notes being tendered but the Any and All Tender Offer is subject to a financing condition and certain other general conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. CVS Health has retained Barclays Capital Inc. and Mizuho Securities USA LLC to act as Dealer Managers for the Tender Offers (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to act as the Tender and Information Agent for the Tender Offers. The Offer to Purchase and, in connection with the Any and All Notes, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be accessed at the following link: http://www.dfking.com/cvs . Requests for assistance relating to the procedures for tendering Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) may be directed to the Tender and Information Agent either by email at cvs@dfking.com , or by phone (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 487-4870 (for all others toll free). Requests for assistance relating to the terms and conditions of the Tender Offers may be directed to Barclays Capital Inc. at (800) 438-3242 (toll free) or (212) 528-7581 (collect) or Mizuho Securities USA LLC at (866) 271-7403 (toll-free) or (212) 205-7741. Beneficial owners may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of tenders with respect to, the Notes. No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Tender Offers are being made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase made available to Holders of the Notes. None of CVS Health, the Dealer Managers, Tender and Information Agent or the trustees with respect to the Notes, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether or not Holders should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Notes in response to the Tender Offers. Holders are urged to evaluate carefully all information in the Offer to Purchase, consult their own investment and tax advisers and make their own decisions whether to tender Notes in the Tender Offers, and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender. About CVS Health CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer it serves and connecting care so that it works for people wherever they are. As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had more than 9,000 retail locations, more than 900 walk-in medical clinics, more than 225 primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 90 million plan members and expanding specialty pharmacy solutions, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 36 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including expanding Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company is creating new sources of value through its integrated model allowing it to expand into personalized, technology driven care delivery and health services, increasing access to quality care, delivering better health outcomes and lowering overall health care costs. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of CVS Health. By their nature, all forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and/or quantify. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section and under the heading "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 , June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on CVS Health's forward-looking statements. CVS Health's forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management's then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. CVS Health does not assume any duty to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, uncertainties or otherwise. Investor Larry McGrath Media Ethan Slavin Contact: Executive Vice President Contact: 860-273-6095 Chief Strategy Officer & Ethan.Slavin@CVSHealth.com Chief Strategic Advisor to the CEO investorinfo@cvshealth.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-corporation-announces-pricing-of-any-and-all-tender-offer-302325192.html SOURCE CVS Health