UNDER President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed interest in acquiring advanced weapons systems, such as the US-made Typhon mid-range missile system. This system, capable of launching Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk missiles with ranges of approximately 240 kilometers (km) and over 1,500 km, respectively, is intended to bolster the country's defense and deterrence capabilities, particularly within its exclusive economic zone in contested areas such as the disputed South China Sea (SCS). Deployed by the US Army in the northern Philippines during joint military exercises in early 2024, the Typhon system enables force projection up to 200 nautical miles (370 km). However, the plan has drawn opposition domestically and internationally. Critics, including China, have labeled the move "provocative and dangerous," warning of heightened geopolitical tensions and a potential arms race in the region. China's foreign ministry has urged the Philippines to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of regional peace, security and stability. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.About 75,000 homes with approved development applications across Greater Sydney have not commenced construction, underscoring the state government’s struggle to tackle the housing crisis in the face of tough economic conditions. Weeks after NSW Labor revealed its latest major planning reform, a three-person development authority to expedite approval times, Planning Minister Paul Scully conceded the success of any regulatory change was dependent on economic pressures subsiding. “We acknowledge that macroeconomic conditions are tough at the moment, but the need for more housing is too urgent, and when economic conditions shift, the planning system needs to be at its most effective and efficient,” Scully said. Premier Chris Minns wants to fast-track higher-density development in Sydney. Economic headwinds are undermining his reforms. Credit: The scale of the housing challenge confronting NSW has only intensified since Premier Chris Minns took government in March last year. After committing to build 263,000 homes across Greater Sydney by July 2029, departmental forecasts now expect only 151,670 will be constructed in that time. NSW needs to build 75,000 homes a year for the next five years to meet its commitments under the National Housing Accord. Last month, the Herald revealed only 45 per cent of 895 approved development applications for large-scale housing projects – builds with at least 19 new dwellings – had obtained construction certificates by March this year , according to an analysis by University of Sydney Emeritus Professor Peter Phibbs, reflecting the broad economic challenges faced by the development industry. The stalled applications represented 47,536 dwellings, more than double the net completions in the previous year to June. But further figures obtained by this masthead under freedom of information laws highlight how economic headwinds are not just affecting projects with large capital costs, but all types of housing, showing proponents with approved development applications of all sizes were delaying or jettisoning construction plans. In NSW, 13,687 development applications were approved since 2021-22 but had not begun construction as of March 10, data from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure shows. The stalled projects would provide 75,205 dwellings. University of NSW City Futures Research Centre director Professor Bill Randolph said the sheer number of approved development applications demonstrated the problem with fixating reform on the planning system, saying there was a greater counter-cyclical role for government to play in delivering affordable housing. “It’s the market, not the planning system, that determines the rate of which stuff gets built. That’s becoming more and more evident,” he said, adding that the current downturn in the economic cycle had been exacerbated by the pandemic, migration, and then inflation. “We’re just chasing our tails if we think reforming the planning system is going to solve this.” The department’s data, updated in late October, showed net completions over the preceding 12 months to June had plunged to just above 21,000, 18 per cent below the previous five financial years’ average. In a bright spot for the government, October experienced the highest number of approvals since May 2023, nearly 35 per cent more than the preceding month. Last month, Minns said that dealing with construction feasibility across Greater Sydney was a “complex issue”, but he noted that access to finance and capital was “harder to get today than it has been for decades”. Scully said the government was doing everything in our remit to “streamline the planning system”, smoothing out kinks in the development pipeline that were slowing down housing delivery. “Of course we want building commencements to align with housing approvals, but this comes down to development feasibility, labour costs, interest rates, building material costs and sometimes consent conditions,” he said. Shadow planning minister Scott Farlow said the problem appeared to be especially affecting Sydney, noting the number of development application approvals not commenced had increased by 18 per cent over the last year while falling in other capital cities. He criticised the government’s imposition of a housing and productivity tax on developments last year, saying it had exacerbated the city’s feasibility crisis as increases in the cost of construction and land outpace apartment prices. Property Council NSW executive director Katie Stevenson said getting shovels in the ground was proving difficult across Greater Sydney, blaming high government taxes and charges, as well as “delays in post-approval decision-making”, such as when acquiring additional approvals and licences from agencies such as Sydney Water. “Without government action to make it economically viable for the property sector to build more homes, the housing crisis is only going to get worse,” she said. “The NSW government can’t control all the costs preventing housing delivery, but one lever they can pull is to put a temporary pause on newly introduced additional taxes and charges on development during the National Housing Accord period to kickstart the housing delivery communities need.” The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here .nn777 slot login 。

Billionaires and Democrats paying lip service to Trump are in for a rude awakeningDaily Post Nigeria It’s unfair – Cristiano Ronaldo names ‘clear’ winner of Ballon d’Or Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport It’s unfair – Cristiano Ronaldo names ‘clear’ winner of Ballon d’Or Published on December 27, 2024 By Don Silas Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior should have won the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo spoke at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards on Friday evening in Dubai. According to him, it’s unfair that the Brazilian didn’t win the award. Vinicius came second behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or in Paris in October. Rodri got the highest votes and as a result, Vinicius and Real Madrid officials boycotted the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony. “Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion, it was clear,” Ronaldo said. “It was unfair. This is why I love Globe Soccer Awards; they are honest.” Related Topics: ballon d'or Cristiano Ronaldo Don't Miss Globe Soccer Awards 2024: Full list of winners You may like EPL: Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on Amorim’s bad start at Man Utd, advises club GOAT: Who said Messi is better than me – Cristiano Ronaldo Ballon d’Or: Rodri saved football – Carlos aims dig at Vinicius Ex-Man United coach names team Cristiano Ronaldo could manage in future ‘I wish I’d played with Cristiano Ronaldo’ – Mbappe ‘It sounds like science fiction’ – Al-Hilal on signing Cristiano Ronaldo Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has predicted that President Bola Tinubu will be reelected again in 2027 if he emerges as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Omokri said this in a six-minute video he shared on his ‘X’ page, stressing that Tinubu knows how to turn enemies into friends, using them to achieve his goals, which is instrumental for any politician. “I am so convinced that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will easily win in 2027, he knows how to turn his enemies into friends,” Omokri said. Omokri said those with high emotional intelligence usually understand how to navigate through enmity and turn situations in their favour. He compares the president to a past military leader, General Babaginda, who can unite their enemies. “So if you contest for a post of President, for example, only one person can win, and that means you will be president for the next four years, so come let us work together,” he said. READ ALSO: Edoho questions low standards in Omokri’s praise for fuel availability Omokri said many politicians cannot overlook people who have offended them in the past, saying such people come from a low culture. “Asiwaju comes from a well-developed culture, that is why he can overlook what happened in the past, and because of his goals focus, he uses them,” he said. The social media influencer also said having a high emotional intelligence is not just good in politics, but is necessary in daily lives and businesses, and that is why Tinubu will always excel in any aspect of life he ventures into. “This is something you have to do if you want to be successful in politics, Asiwaju has that,” he said.Experience The New Hindi Music Video Banarasi Mohabbat By Akash Seth & Bandana Datta Recommended Playlist Russell Brand's Legal Troubles Deepen: Charges Loom as Prosecutors Review Assault Claims Randeep-Lin’s power-packed Delhi reception Showbiz round up with Delhi Times Showbiz round up with Delhi Times Top Viral Videos Dua Lipa Casually Announces Engagement To Callum Turner With Low-Key Holiday Snaps | WATCH Singer Dua Lipa is engaged to 'Fantastic Beasts' actor Callum Turner after less than a year of dating. The couple 'couldn't be happier' as they take their relationship to the next level. Dua shared photos from her holiday at home, showcasing ring-clad hands. Watch- Manmohan Singh Dies At 92; Remembering The 'Accidental Prime Minister' With Controversial Biopic You Can't Miss This Hora - Inside Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's First Hanukkah As Engaged Couple Vinod Kambli Thanks Sachin Tendulkar From Hospital Bed, Gives Update Amid Health Concern | WATCH Shyam Benegal, Renowned Filmmaker, Passes Away at 90: PM Modi and Bollywood Pay Tribute to the Icon Megan Fox-Gun Kelly, Sabrina Carpenter-Barry Keoghan; 2024's Most Heartbreaking Hollywood Splits This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions in Tinseltown, with some of the most shocking celebrity breakups making headlines. From Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly’s fiery fallout to Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan’s unexpected split, these stories have left fans heartbroken. In this video, we look at the ugliest and most heartbreaking celebrity splits of 2024, revealing the stories behind the breakup and the shocking twists that led to these high-profile splits. Taylor Swift Surprises Fan At Kansas Children's Hospital With Unexpected Christmas Gift AP Dhillon, Divine Set the Stage on Fire at Karan Aujla’s Mumbai Show | WATCH Sandhya Theatre Woman's Death Case: Cops Say Allu Arjun Ignored Their Warning AP Dhillon vs Diljit Dosanjh: Instagram Drama Heats Up as AP Drops Major Proof– Will Diljit Respond? Vicky Kaushal’s Emotional Tribute Moves Karan Aujla to Tears at Mumbai Concert | WATCH Karan Aujla's recent concert in Mumbai was filled with emotional moments, particularly when actor Vicky Kaushal praised Karan's talent, bringing him to tears. The night also included a surprise appearance by Parineeti Chopra, adding to the excitement. Watch the video to experience these unforgettable moments and witness the crowd's reaction to these star-studded performances! Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya & Abhishek Bachchan Turn Kids’ School Annual Day Into A Glamour Fest RIP Zakir Hussain: Celebrities Pay Tribute to the Tabla Maestro's Timeless Legacy | WATCH Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73, Takes Last Breath In US Hospital After Battling Heart Issues Liam Payne Case: Waiter Reveals New Details; Claims Declining Rolex Watch Offer Raj Kapoor's 100th Birth Anniversary Celebrated In Pakistan, Fans Cut Cake At Kapoor Haveli Pakistan's film lovers celebrated 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor as they gathered at the iconic 'Kapoor Haveli' in Peshawar. Fans remembered legendary Bollywood filmmaker and marked the occasion with a cake cutting ceremony. Watch- 'Pushpa 2' Fan Death Case: Allu Arjun Sent To 14 Days Judicial Custody Varun Dhawan Calls Out 'Unfair Blame' on Allu Arjun Over 'Pushpa 2' Tragedy 'Pushpa 2' Stampede Case: Allu Arjun in Custody for Woman’s Death Jennifer Lopez Sparks Rumours With 'Extra' Closeness To Staff Short Videos Priyanka Chopra's Hand Gestures Spark Curiosity SRK Avoids Fall During Wild Airport Scene Sonu Nigam Always Leaves Us In Awe With His Presence Hina Khan Stuns In A Pink Kashmiri Salwar Suit Kareena Kapoor's Birthday Bash: A Glimpse of Her Fabulous Gift and Cake Aditya Roy Kapur’s Drool-Worthy Transformation Wamiqa Gabbi's Bold Look Steals All the Spotlight Neil Nitin Mukesh’s Emotional Goodbye to Bappa with Final Aarti Jackie’s Ganpati Aarti Moment; You Won’t Believe What He Brings Along Siddhant & Raghav’s Bromance Related Articles Mahesh Babu starrer 'Guntur Kaaram' to re-release on New Year's eve in limited screens IVE announces comeback with new album 'IVE EMPATHY' American Idol finalist Emmy Russell is expecting her first child with singer Tyler Ward After Kangana Ranaut, Honey Singh supports Diljit Dosanjh, slams states' hypocrisy over liquor advisories: 'Alcohol is in the culture, not just in Punjab' Politics heats up over 'Raghupati Raghav' bhajan at BJP event in Bihar, singer apologises NFL and Roc Nation 2024 Songs of the Season: From Lil Wayne to DJ Clue Hotel, resort rooms sold out for last week of Dec New stills released for upcoming movie 'Dark Nuns' featuring Song Hye Kyo, Jeon Yeo Been, and Lee Jin Uk MORE FROM E TIMESAltria Group ( MO 0.72% ) has emerged as a surprising stock market winner in 2024, propelled by an impressive earnings rebound. At the time of this writing, its shares had surged by 41% this year to their highest level since 2019. There's a lot for investors to like about this tobacco giant, including the stock's 7% dividend yield as a compelling income opportunity. That being said, are there enough positives in the outlook to keep the rally going? Let's discuss whether Altria stock is a buy, sell, or hold in 2025. The case to buy or hold Altria stock The tobacco industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Even as smoking rates continue to decline worldwide, consumers are increasingly turning to smoke-free alternatives. These include electronic cigarettes and oral tobacco, seen as less-harmful replacements, which are proving to be highly popular. Altria, the leading U.S. cigarette manufacturer known for iconic brands like Marlboro and Parliament, appears to be successfully navigating these shifting market dynamics by diversifying into smoke-free products. In the company's third quarter (for the period ended Sept. 30), the story was the 7.8% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share (EPS), through a better than expected top-line figure and efforts at cost controls. Altria's NJOY e-cigarette brand posted a 16% climb in shipment volume for the consumable device cartridges, which allowed the company to capture a 6.2% retail market share, up from 3.2% in the third quarter of 2023. The other standout is ON! nicotine pouches posting a 46% volume increase. On the cigarette side, Altria managed to balance lower sales volumes with higher pricing, particularly in the premium category, supporting company-wide cash flows. For the full year 2024, management is targeting adjusted EPS in a range of $5.07 to $5.15, representing growth of 2.5% to 4% from 2023. That's great news for investors when thinking about the sustainability of the $1.02 per share quarterly dividend. The company is recognized as a Dividend King, having increased its annual payout for the past 55 years, with management reaffirming a commitment to continue that streak through at least 2028. Investors who are confident in Altria's ability to remain profitable and execute a long-term strategy have a good reason to buy or hold the stock today. MO dividend yield , data by YCharts. The case to sell Altria stock It's important to examine Altria's outlook critically to understand what could go wrong with the investment idea. The main challenge the company faces likely comes down to the intensely competitive industry environment. While ON! nicotine pouches contribute to growth, they struggle to match the success of ZYN from Philip Morris International . The category market share of 19.1% for ON! fell by 3.8 percentage points from last year, in contrast to ZYN's dominant 73% market position. There's also a question surrounding Altria's NJOY brand positioning and how the category will evolve given that consumers have many alternative technologies to choose from. For instance, Philip Morris plans to launch its Iqos Iluma heat-not-burn tobacco product across the United States late next year, which could potentially erode NJOY's market share if users decide to make the switch. All of this exists against a backdrop of complex federal and state-level regulations, adding another layer of risk that could undermine Altria's growth prospects. Investors skeptical of the company's relevance over the next decade may want to consider exiting their positions or reducing exposure. The decision: I'm bullish For all the uncertainties investors need to balance, my takeaway is that Altria's business is alive and well heading into 2025. The growth from the smoke-free products portfolio provides a financial runway while opening new doors of strategic flexibility. What I like about the stock as a buy right now is its attractive valuation. Besides the high-yield dividend, shares are trading at just 11 times the consensus 2024 EPS as a forward price-to-earnings ratio ( P/E ). That is well below Philip Morris' forward P/E of 19. My interpretation is that the stock is undervalued reletive to its bigger competitor. Ultimately, Altria stock offers excellent value that can work for investors within a diversified portfolio.

CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him."

World News | G20 Has Will, Capacity and Determination to Address Global Challenges: S African Finance Minister

THE outcome of the recent United States elections has raised several questions for the Philippines. While the incoming Trump administration's commitment to increased tariffs has created uncertainty for many countries, the Philippines may find itself in a favorable position. Current indications suggest that the tariff hikes will most likely be targeted first at China, Canada and Mexico. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is right to remain confident that the Philippines will continue to maintain a strong and positive relationship with the United States. This approach is particularly significant in both the geopolitical and economic contexts for the Philippines. President Marcos is committed to strengthening the US' oldest partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. Because of the Trump administration's favorable stance toward bilateral trade, this presents the Philippines with more opportunities to negotiate detailed trade terms across various industries. Additionally, the Philippines Generalized System of Preferences arrangement with the United States, where the program allows products from the Philippines to enter the US duty-free, would permit Philippine industries such as those in manufacturing, electrical machinery, and even apparel, to flourish. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.The United States on Saturday announced a new $988 million security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump's November election victory has cast doubt on the future of American aid for Ukraine, providing a limited window for billions of dollars in already authorized assistance to be disbursed before he is sworn in next month. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armored vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement. Trump met in Paris earlier Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said any resolution of the war with Russia should be a "just" settlement that includes "strong security guarantees for Ukraine." The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky, given fears in Kyiv that Trump may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. The latest aid will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it will not immediately arrive on the battlefield. It follows a $725 million package announced on Monday that included a second tranche of landmines as well as anti-air and anti-armor weapons. The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump -- who has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed he could secure a ceasefire within hours -- takes over. Trump's comments have triggered fears in Kyiv and Europe about the future of US aid, and Ukraine's ability to withstand Russian attacks in the absence of further American support. "Our job has been to try and put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield so that it is in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Saturday. In the closing weeks of Biden's term, the goal is "a massive surge of assistance and to up the economic pressure on Russia," he said. More from this section US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday warned that failure to continue opposing Russia's actions would have dire consequences. "We can continue to stand up to the Kremlin. Or we can let (Russian President Vladimir) Putin have his way -- and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict," said Austin, who like Sullivan was speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California. "This administration has made its choice. And so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice." The defense chief also emphasized the importance of US allies and partners in his remarks -- a contrast to Trump's go-it-alone "America first" world view. "Here is the stark military fact: our allies and partners are huge force multipliers," Austin said. "Ultimately, America is weaker when it stands alone. And America is smaller when it stands apart," he said. "There is no such thing as a safe retreat from today's interwoven world." The United States has spearheaded the push for international support for Ukraine, quickly forging a coalition to back Kyiv after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and coordinating aid from dozens of countries. Ukraine's international supporters have since then provided tens of billions of dollars in weapons, ammunition, training and other security aid that has been key to helping Kyiv resist Russian forces. wd/mlm/acb

Rise in AI and ‘nudification’ apps aiding child abuse deepfakesInsurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors have returned to the Hawaii military base for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.Monday Odigie has resigned from his position as the Chief Coach of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Bendel Insurance FC of Benin. The notice of his resignation was shared on the official social media accounts of the club on Friday. “Matchday 13: We will be playing against Kwara Utd on Saturday without coach Monday Odigie. “He tendered his resignation letter after our 3-2 loss to Rangers on Sunday evening. READ ALSO: Odigie promises victory over RS Berkane as Obaseki hosts Bendel Insurance “We await Management’s final decision. Meanwhile, our Matchday 13 is behind closed doors . “Consequently, no fans are allowed into the stadium. This is in adherence to NPFL’s directives,” the club said in its notice. Efforts to get the confirmation of the club’s Media Officer, Kehinde Osagiede, however, proved abortive, referring to the statement on the official social media handles. Similarly, calls to coach Odigie were also unanswered. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Insurance have not been impressive in the NPFL current campaign, placing 20th on the log with nine points from 12 games.