monopoly online game Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A few days after insurgents in Syria overthrew President Bashar Assad, his ruling Baath party announced it was freezing its activities, marking a stunning change in fortunes for the political group that had ruled for more than six decades. Many members of the party’s leadership have gone into hiding and some have fled the country. In a symbolic move, Syria’s new rulers have turned the former party headquarters in Damascus into a center where former members of the army and security forces line up to register their names and hand over their weapons. Calls are on the rise to officially dissolve the Arab Socialist Baath Party that had ruled Syria since 1963. Many Syrians — including former party members — say its rule damaged relations with other Arab countries and aided in the spread of corruption that brought the war-torn nation to its knees. “The party should not only be dissolved, it should go to hell,” said Mohammed Hussein Ali, 64, who worked for a state oil company and was a party member for decades until he quit at the start of Syria’s anti-government uprising in 2011 that turned into civil war . He never left the country and said he is happy the Baath rule is over. An official with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the group that led the insurgent offensive that overthrew Assad, said no official decision has been made on what to do with the Baath party. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, noted that HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has said that officials who committed crimes against the Syrian people over the past decades will be brought to justice and hinted that they include party members. The Baath party, whose aim was to unify Arab states in one nation, was founded by two Syrian Arab nationalists, Michel Aflaq and Salaheddine Bitar, in 1947 and at one point ruled two Arab countries, Iraq and Syria. A rivalry developed between the Syrian branch under Assad and his late father, Hafez, and the one in Iraq under Saddam Hussein, who was removed from power by a U.S.-led invasion in 2003. In Syria, the Baath party became inextricably associated with the Assad family, which took power in 1970. For decades, the family used the party and its pan-Arab ideology to control the country. Many senior military jobs were held by members of the family’s minority Alawite sect, and party membership was used as a cover to give it a nationalist rather than a sectarian nature. A former soldier and decades-long Baath party member who came to party headquarters to cut his military ties, Abdul-Rahman Ali, said he had no idea it was founded by Aflaq and Bitar. He had always thought that Hafez Assad was the founder. “I am happy. We have been liberated from fear,” said Ali, 43. “Even the walls had ears. We didn’t dare express opinions with anyone.” He was referring to the dreaded security and intelligence agencies that detained and tortured people who expressed criticism of Assad or government officials. Many Syrians were required to join the Baath Vanguards, the party’s youth branch, while in elementary school, where Arab nationalist and socialist ideology was emphasized. It was difficult for people who were not party members to get government jobs or join the army or the security and intelligence services. In 2012, a year after Syria’s uprising began, a paragraph of the constitution stating that the Baath party was the leader of the nation and society was abolished, in a move aimed to appease the public’s demand for political reforms. In practice, however, the party remained in control, with members holding majority seats in parliament and government. Another former soldier, who gave only his first name, Ghadir, out of fear of reprisals as a member of the Alawite sect, said he came from a poor family and joined the party so he could enter the military for a stable income. “You could not take any job if you were not a Baathist,” he said. While few are mourning the party’s fall in Syria, some are concerned that the Sunni majority that now controls the country could carry out a purge similar to the one in Iraq after Saddam’s fall. A de-Baathification committee was formed in Iraq and its main job was purging Saddam loyalists from government and military institutions. The Sunni minority considered it a means of sectarian score-settling by Iraq’s Shiite majority. The Sunni resentment and disenfranchisement that followed helped to drive the rise of extremist groups in the country including al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq. In Syria, a Baath party statement issued three days after Assad’s fall called on all members to hand their weapons and public cars to the new authorities. On Dec. 24, party member and former army colonel Mohammed Merhi was among hundreds who lined up at the former party headquarters and handed over weapons. Merhi said the Baath party should be given another opportunity because its principles are good but were exploited over decades. But he said he might want to join another party if Syria becomes a multiparty democracy in the future. He handed over his Soviet Makarov pistol and received a document saying he can now move freely in the country after reconciling with the new authorities. “I want to become again a normal Syrian citizen and work to build a new Syria,” he said.

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MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 17, 2024-- CardioFocus, Inc. , a medical device company dedicated to advancing ablation treatment for cardiac arrhythmias, today announced the first series of patients treated with the investigational OptiShotTM Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as part of the VISION AF clinical trial. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217582090/en/ Image: [A] Endoscopic view of LSPV, [B]&[D] OptiShot Balloon, [C]&[E] Post PFA map (Photo: Business Wire) Dr. Vivek Reddy, Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services at Mount Sinai Hospital and Prof. Petr Neužil, Chief of Cardiology at Na Homolce Hospital, performed the first cases at Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic. The first-in-human trial will treat up to 50 patients in the coming months with 12-month follow-up planned, including critical remapping procedures to validate the efficacy of this novel technology. “The OptiShot balloon catheter is unique among the advanced generation of PFA catheters, with its ability to deliver circumferential lesions to the pulmonary veins with endoscopic visual confirmation of electrode-tissue contact,” said Dr. Reddy. “Direct contact confirmation made me more confident that our acute treatment strategy with this system may provide good long-term outcomes.” Professor Petr Neužil said, “The ultra-compliant balloon allows for adaptation to all anatomies with unparallelled tissue contact and precise pulsed electric field energy delivery. This design is focused on raising the bar for patient outcomes and we look forward to continuing the study.” “CardioFocus has combined our expertise in pulsed field waveforms with our clinically proven compliant balloon system to create OptiShot, a next generation PFA system for the treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said CardioFocus CEO Steve Ogilvie. “We are one step closer toward providing a true single shot pulmonary vein isolation tool, designed for safe and effective patient treatment. We are thankful to our electrophysiologist partners as well as the CardioFocus team and advisors for making this remarkable achievement happen.” CardioFocus is taking a portfolio approach to PFA. In addition to OptiShot, CardioFocus will continue clinical trials evaluating the investigational QuickShotTM PFA System, a large area focal ablation catheter that integrates with various navigation technologies. In the EU CardioFocus has treated over 6000 patients with the Centauri PFA System, which uses a proprietary monopolar waveform with marketed contact-force sensing focal ablation catheters and mapping systems. The OptiShot PFA Balloon System is investigational and not approved for commercial use. About CardioFocus, Inc. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, CardioFocus is a medical device innovator and manufacturer dedicated to advancing ablation treatment for cardiac disorders such as atrial fibrillation, the most common heart arrhythmia. For more information, visit CardioFocus.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217582090/en/ CONTACT: Media Relations [Pete Bell.pbell@cardiofocus.com ] KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS EUROPE UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL DEVICES HEALTH HOSPITALS CLINICAL TRIALS CARDIOLOGY BIOTECHNOLOGY SOURCE: CardioFocus, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/17/2024 03:09 PM/DISC: 12/17/2024 03:10 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217582090/enJustin Fields started the 2024 season at a high level before being benched in favor of Russell Wilson. As the regular season comes to an end, there’s questions about Fields and his dynasty outlook for the future. Justin Fields: Steelers Quarterback Dynasty Outlook Current Performance Fields hasn’t started a game for the Pittsburgh Steelers since Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He averaged 184 yards per game in his six starts with five passing touchdowns, five rushing touchdowns and two turnovers (one interception and one lost fumble). His level of play with the Steelers was the highest it has been in his career. He was asked to play conservatively and did exactly that for Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith. Fumbles were an issues for Fields, but some of that can be attributed to Zach Frazier still adjusting to the NFL. However, he proved he can be a viable option for the Steelers when called upon. Since Wilson took over, Fields’ usage was reduced to running option plays or tricking defenses to expect into thinking they’ll run it. His ability to deceive defenses adds to his value in real life and fantasy football. Justin Fields Dynasty Price At the start of the season, Fields’ price was much higher than it is now. Anyone acquiring him now in dynasty leagues is doing so in hopes he gets a starting job in 2025. Fantasytradecalc has a list of all trades involving him, whether he was the only piece being dealt or included in a package. In the last month, Fields has either been dealt for draft capital or packaged into a deal to sweeten the pot. He’s been traded for either a 2025 second-round pick or 2025 third-round pick for those dealing draft capital for him. Fields has also been traded for players such as Dontayvion Wicks , Aaron Rodgers and Darnell Mooney . What to do With Justin Fields in Dynasty Leagues There’s questions about where Justin Fields will end up in 2025 or what role he will have next year. However, it’s anyone’s guess as to which team he plays for which is the only reason to question just how strong he will be next season and beyond. That has led to some pessimism around the fantasy world. As a result, below is going to break things down for those who are risk averse and those who are risk seekers. Risk-Averse Managers Risk-averse managers are sending Fields as far away from their teams as possible. They don’t care which team Fields ends up with or what role he has in 2025. Risk-averse managers will see him through his performances with the Steelers and revert back to how he played in Chicago. They will be happy to get anything for him even if it means selling him at his lowest value. Risk-Seeking Managers Risk-seeking managers believe in Fields’ play with the Steelers. They see the 2024 season as a reset for him to go and get paid in 2025. With all of the teams expected to be in the market for a new quarterback, one of them may take a chance on Fields. It’s a possibility even that Fields stays in Pittsburgh and becomes the starter. Risk-seeking managers will cough up lower draft picks or players on their bench to take a chance on Fields. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Carroll County commissioners have put in writing their official opposition to the controversial Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a proposed 70-mile high-voltage transmission line through Carroll, Frederick and Baltimore counties. At their meeting Thursday, commissioners unanimously approved a lengthy written resolution, which was first on Nov. 14. “Obviously we discussed this last week, which was a resolution to formalize the board’s opposition to this project,” Gordon said. “As well as the use of eminent domain.” Copies of the resolution, which took effect immediately after approval Thursday, will be sent to Gov. Wes Moore, the Carroll County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland Public Service Commission, Maryland’s Office of People’s Counsel and Maryland’s Congressional Delegation, including those in the U.S. Senate. The Public Service Enterprise Group has been contracted by PJM, the organization that operates and plans Maryland’s electric grid, to build the $424 million power line. Moore has from residents who say he has failed to intervene in the project. “This process has gone differently than any other process before,” Moore said in an interview with Baltimore Sun co-owner Armstrong Williams. “I understand the anger, but to direct it toward me doesn’t make any sense.” Gordon was asked by District 5 Commissioner Ed Rothstein to read the resolution in its entirety, which centered on the negative impacts the power line would have on farms, property values and the environment. “It is evident to the current Board of Commissioners that the proposed MPRP alignment will negatively impact natural heritage resources, local businesses, the hospitality and tourism sectors, and historical sites, forest areas and open space conservation areas,” the resolution states. “And, the proposed new 70-mile right-of-way would carve up farms, some of which are subject to county and state agricultural preservation easements, severely disrupt agricultural operations, devalue farm values, and may result in a loss of numerous small farms that form the backbone of the agriculture industry in Carroll County.” Commissioners oppose the alignment which would cut through land conserved in agricultural preservation, and would be detrimental to wildlife and wildlife habitats. The resolution states that the board stands in “solidarity” with the residents of Baltimore and Frederick counties, also impacted by the project. “Carroll County commissioners urge the Public Service Commission to reject the MPRP and deny any application for approval of the MPRP,” it reads. The , the state agency that regulates public utilities, has the authority to make the final decision on whether the project will be built. The resolution asks that the Public Service Commission uphold and protect the property rights of landowners and farmers, and deny the use of eminent domain by the Public Service Enterprise Group, to build the power line.

Bonus shares 2024: Shares of Kothari Products surged over 7 per cent in intra-day trade on Monday, December 30 following the board's approval to bonus share issue in the ratio of 1:1. This was the second straight day of gains for Kothari Products stock, with the scrip rallying 12 per cent during this period. In an exchange filing on Friday, December 27, Kothari Products informed that its Board of Directors, at its board meeting held today, recommended the issue of bonus shares in the ratio of 1:1, subject to the approval of the members through postal ballot. This means that every shareholder who owns one stock of the company as of the record date will receive another stock at no additional cost. However, the company has not yet announced the record date for the bonus share issue . The company's board also approved increasing the authorized share capital from Rs. 31,50,00,000 to ₹ 61,50,00,000, subject to the approval of the members through postal ballot. Stock Price Trend Following this development, Kothari Products share price surged as much as 7.37 per cent to the day's high of ₹ 209.70. The stock opened at ₹ 199.15 as against its previous close of ₹ 195.30. The stock hit its 52-week high of ₹ 227.35 last week, on December 26, while its 52-week low stands at ₹ 111.15, which it touched on March 13, 2024. So far this month, the stock has rallied 30 per cent, while it has rallied 50 per cent in the last six months. On a one-year basis, Kothari Products share price is up 61 per cent. Kothari Products, engaged in sectors such as real estate, investments and international trading of exports and imports, is a small-cap company with a market capitalisation of ₹ 600 crore. Kothari Products Bonus Shares History This is the third bonus share action by Kothari Products. The small-cap firm had first approved bonus shares in the ratio of 2:1 in March 2014. Meanwhile, it announced a second bonus share issue in 2016 in a 1:2 ratio, suggests data from Trendlyne. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition

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The latest development came hours after thousands of his supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing night-time operation. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Mr Ali said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Mr Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed.Delhi records highest December rainfall in 15 years, mercury drops to 14.6 degree CelsiusNone

NYT Connections: Game #568 hints and answers for December 30, 2024: If you are struggling to come up with something to say for today's Connections, you might want to review these concepts and recommendations. NYT Connections: Game #568 hints and answers for December 30, 2024: Are you having issues with NYT Connexions right now? Don’t worry, here are some tips to help you get through it! For this exercise, you have to select four groups of sixteen words each, each with a different level of difficulty. The procedure is gradual and cautious. Every step you take makes it a bit more difficult. Here’s how to make it happen: You may thus begin with the easier stages and progress to the more difficult ones. The green, blue, and purple ones are the hardest, while the yellow one is one of the easiest. Although today’s job isn’t very challenging, it does call for focus and a thorough comprehension of social dynamics. Avoid making hasty decisions without giving them enough thought. I won’t go into too much depth, but the following tips should help you get started. Have fun and keep in mind that travelling to a new place for a holiday is quite fine. NYT Connections hints today If you think you can handle it, keep reading. Try using one of the following words to start each category: YELLOW – CLUB GREEN – BEANS BLUE – ANTE PURPLE – AIRPLANE NYT Connections Clues for December 30 (#568): Yellow Category: LUNCH ORDERS Green Category: USED TO MAKE COFFEE Blue Category: PAY, WITH “UP” Purple Category: NAMES FEATURING “!” NYT Connections Hints for December 30 (#568): YELLOW – Popular types of lunch orders. GREEN – Objects involved in crafting the perfect cup of coffee. BLUE – Verbs or terms often paired with “up” when discussing payments. PURPLE – Proper names or titles featuring an exclamation point. Don’t give up if you’ve tried everything; there’s always another method to find the answers. Examples of contemporary solutions that utilise the NYT Connexions include the following: NYT Connections Answers for December 30 (#568): Yellow Category: CLUB, HERO, MELT, WRAP Green Category: BEANS, FILTER, GRINDER, WATER Blue Category: ANTE, COUGH, PONY, SETTLE Purple Category: AIRPLANE!, JEOPARDY!, PINK!, YAHOO! Click for more latest Gaming news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Pragya is an accomplished journalist known for in-depth reporting and a keen eye for detail. Delivers insightful and well-researched content that informs and engages readers. Latest NewsThe Agency Season 2: Episode schedule, what to expect, returning cast & more

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The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as rumors of the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2 gain momentum. As tech enthusiasts and gamers eagerly mark their calendars, speculation about the console’s capabilities continues to swirl. Anticipated Features and Technology : Industry insiders suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 will boast a plethora of innovative technologies designed to enhance the gaming experience. Among the most anticipated features is an upgraded OLED display that promises sharper graphics and vibrant colors, as well as enhanced processing power that could usher in a new era of seamless gameplay. The potential integration of ray tracing technology, seen in high-end gaming PCs and consoles, is generating significant excitement and curiosity. Revolutionizing Gameplay : With the current Switch already known for its versatility in handheld and docked modes, the new version is expected to further revolutionize how players interact with games. Improved Joy-Con controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers might offer deeper immersion and tactile engagement. The addition of cloud gaming capabilities could mean that players can experience large, graphically demanding games without needing extensive storage on their devices. Impact on the Gaming Community : As the countdown to its release continues, the potential of the Nintendo Switch 2 is not just about technological advancements. It represents an opportunity for Nintendo to further solidify its position as a leader in the gaming industry. As developers explore the new possibilities offered by the platform, gamers worldwide eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking experiences this new console might deliver. Stay tuned as the countdown unfolds and the gaming community embraces the next big leap in interactive entertainment! Nintendo Switch 2 Leak Unveils Stunning Upgrades and Innovations As anticipation builds for the Nintendo Switch 2, the gaming industry is rife with speculation and eager anticipation. While much has been discussed about its potential features, there are numerous aspects emerging that provide a deeper insight into what gamers might expect from Nintendo’s upcoming console. Specifications Revealed: A Peek Under the Hood While the original article touched on some of the anticipated features, recent leaks suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 might be powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra processor, aiming to deliver significantly improved graphics and faster processing times. This update is crucial for maintaining a seamless gaming experience, particularly with an emphasis on supporting higher resolution gaming, including potential 4K support when docked. Pricing and Market Positioning Industry analysts predict that the Nintendo Switch 2 may be priced slightly higher than its predecessor due to its advanced technology and features. However, Nintendo is expected to strategically price the console to remain competitive in the market, positioning it between budget-friendly options and high-end consoles. The pricing will likely reflect the balance between innovation and accessibility that Nintendo is known for. Trend Analysis: The Shift Towards Hybrid Gaming With the continued success of hybrid gaming consoles, the Nintendo Switch 2 is predicted to strengthen this trend. The ability to seamlessly transition from handheld to docked mode has become a defining characteristic of the Switch series. This versatility is expected to be expanded upon, with increased emphasis on mobile connectivity and portability for on-the-go gaming experiences. Security and Sustainability Focus As concerns around security and environmental impact grow, Nintendo is reportedly focusing on enhancing the Switch 2’s security features to protect user data and privacy. Additionally, efforts towards sustainable manufacturing processes and materials indicate Nintendo’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. Compatibility and Backward Support A significant point of interest is the compatibility of the Nintendo Switch 2 with existing Switch titles and accessories. Early information suggests strong backward compatibility, ensuring that existing game libraries and peripherals remain usable, thereby easing the transition for current Switch owners and maintaining consumer loyalty. Innovative Use Cases and Future Predictions Analysts foresee the potential for the Switch 2 to extend beyond traditional gaming. Its rumored capabilities in cloud gaming could open pathways for educational and productivity applications, leveraging the console’s portability and power. Looking ahead, the platform might evolve to support virtual reality experiences, broadening its appeal and utility. For further updates on Nintendo’s innovative journey and its impact on the gaming industry, visit the official Nintendo website as new developments unfold.An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalitionTilray Brands Inc. stock rises Thursday, outperforms market