apk real money casino Lebanon is closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus, the General Security Directorate said Friday. The decision came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged a border crossing in northern Lebanon just days after it was reopened. Separately, Jordan’s interior minister said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. He spoke after Syrian opposition activists said insurgents had captured the main border crossing with Jordan, forcing the Syrian authorities to leave. Israel’s military said it planned to reinforce its positions in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and near the border with Syria. Israel said it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” Meanwhile, Syrian insurgents entered the central towns of Rastan and Talbiseh early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The breakthrough came a day after jihiadi-led opposition fighters captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest. In other developments, a Hamas official said international mediators have resumed negotiations with the Palestinian militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war is within reach. Israel's war against Hamas has destroyed vast areas of Gaza and displaced 90% of the population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel in October 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 people hostage . Israel’s blistering retaliatory offensive has killed at least 44,600 Palestinians , more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Here's the Latest: DEIR AL-Balah, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike hit a residential building in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp on Friday evening, killing at least 12 people, including six children and four women, according to officials at Awda Hospital. The strike wounded at least 46 others, including 13 children and 12 women, and damaged several neighboring houses, the hospital said. Israel’s offensive has killed over 44,600 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. CAIRO — Israel said Friday that “thousands of food packages and sacks of flour” were delivered to the isolated northernmost reaches of Gaza, where hunger experts warn famine could be underway. The delivery would mark one of the first successful convoys to the area, which is besieged by Israeli troops that have mounted a fierce offensive in Gaza’s north since early October. COGAT, the Israeli military agency that controls the border crossings into Gaza, said the aid was delivered to the town of Beit Hanoun. Israeli authorities did not publicly say who delivered the aid, and did not provide details on the exact amount of aid involved. COGAT released photos of flatbed trucks driving past rubble, some carrying what appeared to be 25-kilogram (55 pound) sacks of aid and others with cargo covered under tarps. The U.N. has struggled to deliver aid to the area in recent weeks. Alia Zaki, a spokesperson for the World Food Program, told The Associated Press that nearly no food has entered the area for two months, and that the agency’s daily requests to enter the area have been denied by Israel. Of two missions that have been approved since Oct. 6, Zaki said, only two trucks of aid were delivered to a shelter that Israeli soldiers ordered to evacuate soon after and then burned. The situation in northern Gaza has prompted hunger experts to warn that famine is either near or may already be underway. BEIRUT — A Kurdish-led force in Syria that's backed by the United States says it has taken positions along the border with Iraq, replacing Syrian government forces. The move by the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture areas on the west bank of the Euphrates River is likely to cut the land line that links Iran with the Mediterranean coast. The SDF said in a statement that its fighters were deployed in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour and west of the Euphrates for the safety of civilians. “Our primary objective is to protect our security and the security of our people,” it said about the deployment. SDF spokesman Farhad Shami told The Associated Press that their fighters are not in control of the Boukamal border crossing with Iraq. Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said Iran-backed fighters have evacuated the border crossing point of Boukamal and the SDF is expected to control it later. The Boukamal border crossing has been a main supply line for Iran-backed fighters, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah, who had opened the corridor that links Iran with the Mediterranean in 2017. The developments come as jihadi-led insurgents in northwestern Syria have made stunning advances over the past week that have so far met little resistance from government troops. KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — Crowds of displaced Palestinians, some carrying cooking pots and crying children, gathered at an aid kitchen in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Friday, but many left with nothing. “The food ran out,” said Adel Mohammad, who was hoping to get a meal of rice – the only food being served — for his children. “At night they wake up hungry.” After the kitchen shut down, children used their hands to scoop bits of rice left in large empty cooking pots. The World Food Program has warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is “nearing collapse as famine looms.” The U.N. agency says Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries, along with the breakdown of law and order in Gaza, has made it difficult for aid convoys to reach displaced Palestinians. Concerns are growing with the onset of another winter of war. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many displaced repeatedly by Israeli attacks, are living in tent camps, reliant on international aid. Experts have already warned of famine in northern Gaza, which Israeli forces have almost completely isolated since early October. BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s General Security Directorate said Friday the country is closing all land border crossing with Syria except for a main one that links Beirut with the Syrian capital Damascus. The decision by the security agency in charge of border crossings came hours after an Israeli airstrike damaged the Arida border crossing with Syria in north Lebanon, days after it was reopened. “Border crossings will be closed until further notice for the safety of travelers,” the agency said in a statement posted on X. It said that the only border crossing that will be kept open is Masnaa in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. Lebanon’s state news agency said Friday the airstrike on the Arida crossing caused heavy material damage and cut the road. The Israeli military said fighter jets attacked the border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, adding that they were used to transfer munitions for Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. BEIRUT - Syrian opposition activists say insurgents have captured a main border crossing with Jordan forcing Syrian authorities to leave it. Shortly afterward, Jordan’s Interior Minister al-Frayeh said the Naseeb border crossing with Syria had been closed because of the security situation on the Syrian side. Story continues below video Opposition activists posted videos online showing people storming the border crossing with Jordan, which was in rebel hands until government forces regained control of it in 2018. Ahmad al-Masalmeh, an opposition activist based in France who covers events in southern Syria, told The Associated Press that local gunmen have captured the Naseeb crossing as well as several other areas in the southern province of Daraa where the uprising against President Bashar Assad began in March 2011. Syrian troops have evacuated checkpoints in several areas including the villages of Inkhil, Nawa and Jassem, he added. JERUSALEM — Israel’s military said on Friday that it planned to reinforce its forces stationed in the Golan Heights and near the border with Syria, where civil war has reignited between the government and rebel groups. The Israeli military said in a statement that it was “monitoring developments and is prepared for all scenarios, offensive and defensive alike.” After 13 years of civil war, Syrian insurgents are gaining ground, first taking cities in the country’s north and on Friday entering cities in central Syria. It comes as rebel groups mount new challenges to Russia- and Iran-backed Syrian forces, including in Aleppo, the country’s largest city. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has intermittently struck areas in Syria seen as strongholds of Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group it is at war with in Lebanon. The advances of the Syrian insurgents adds new instability on Israel’s northern border, two months after it invaded neighboring Lebanon. Israel’s defense minister and military chief of staff met to discuss the situation Thursday. Israeli media reported there is concern in the country’s security establishment that the rebels would advance until they reached the Golan Heights, territory occupied by Israel, gaining control of Syrian weapons stockpiles along the way. Writing in the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahoronoth Friday, veteran military correspondent Ron Ben-Yishai wrote that Israel may “prefer” to destroy the weapons storehouses so they won’t fall into the hands of the rebels. Israel seized control of the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war. Syria has constantly accused Israel of launching attacks against it from territory it occupies in the Golan Heights. Israel has frequently struck Syria over the years. BEIRUT — Syrian insurgents entered two central towns early Friday just north of the central city of Homs, bringing them closer Syria’s third largest city, an opposition war monitor and pro-government media both reported. The break into Rastan and Talbiseh came a day after opposition gunmen captured the central city of Hama , Syria’s fourth largest, after the Syrian army said it withdrew to avoid fighting inside the city and spare the lives of civilians. The insurgents, led by the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have said that they will march to Homs and Damascus, President Bashar Assad’s seat of power. The city of Homs, parts of which were controlled by insurgents until 2014, is a major intersection point between the capital, Damascus, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus where Assad enjoys wide support. Homs province is Syria’s largest in size and borders Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. Insurgents are now 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from Homs, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor. “The battle of Homs is the mother of all battles and will decide who will rule Syria,” said Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory’s chief. MANAMA, Bahrain — Iran said Friday it conducted a successful space launch, the latest for its program the West alleges improves Tehran’s ballistic missile technology. Iran conducted the launch using its Simorgh program , a satellite-carrying rocket that had had a series of failed launches, at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province. That’s the site of Iran’s civilian space program. The Simorgh carried what Iran described as an “orbital propulsion system,” as well as two research systems to a 400-kilometer (250-mile) orbit above the Earth. A system that could change the orbit of a spacecraft would allow Iran to geo-synchronize the orbits of its satellites. Tehran has long sought that ability. Iran also put the payload of the Simorgh at 300 kilograms (660 pounds), heavier than its previous successful launches. There was no immediate independent confirmation the launch was successful. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The announcement comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and as an uneasy ceasefire holds in Lebanon. MELBOURNE, Australia — Arsonists extensively damaged a Melbourne synagogue on Friday in what Australia’s prime minister condemned as an antisemitic attack on Australian values. The blaze in the Adass Israel Synagogue is an escalation in targeted attacks in Australia since the war began between Israel and Hamas last year. Cars and buildings have been vandalized and torched around Australia in protests inspired by the war. A witness who had come to the synagogue to pray saw two masked men spreading a liquid accelerant with brooms inside the building at 4:10 a.m., officials said. About 60 firefighters with 17 fire trucks responded to the blaze, which police said caused extensive damage. Investigators have yet to identify a motive, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese blamed antisemitism. “This was a shocking incident to be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in Australia for an outrage such as this,” Albanese told reporters. “To attack a place of worship is an attack on Australian values. To attack a synagogue is an act of antisemitism, is attacking the right that all Australians should have to practice their faith in peace and security,” he added. ISTANBUL — A Hamas official says international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach. Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States because of frustration over a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But there has been a “reactivation” of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel, according to Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political bureau who spoke with The Associated Press in Turkey on Thursday. Another official familiar with the talks confirmed the return of Qatari mediators. The official spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations with the media. Since the talks broke down, there have been significant shifts in the global and regional landscape. Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, and a ceasefire was declared last week between Israel and Hamas ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump is a staunch supporter of Israel, but Naim said he believes the incoming administration could “affect the situation positively” given that Trump had made halting wars in the region part of his campaign platform. Trump this week called for the release of all hostages held in Gaza by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, saying there would be “hell to pay” if that doesn’t happen. WASHINGTON -- Three U.S. service members were being evaluated for potential traumatic brain injuries following an attack near a base in eastern Syria this week, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday. Ryder said U.S. Central Command is still evaluating who was behind the attack near Mission Support Site Euphrates, which prompted the U.S. to conduct counter strikes on Tuesday. At the time, the Pentagon said rockets and mortars had landed in the vicinity of the base. The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria to conduct missions to counter the Islamic Stage group. By Lolita BaldorBareilly Tragedy: Three Youths Die After Google Maps Leads Them to Unfinished Bridge

As President-elect Donald Trump reshuffles his cabinet wish list, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis seems to be moving closer to the halls of the Pentagon, that is if Trump's embattled first choice for the job flames out. Pete Hegseth's nomination continues to be clouded by troubling allegations raising serious concerns about his suitability for one of the country's most critical roles. That said, on Friday Trump made his first public show of support for Hegseth, according to ABC News since the scandals began to flood the airwaves. “Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “He was a great student — Princeton/Harvard educated — with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense [typo in original text], one who leads with charisma and skill," wrote Trump who added that Hegseth is a "WINNER." But then Trump invited someone else (DeSantis) to the upcoming annual Army-Navy college football game, reported Fox News on Friday. Which means? Read Also: Trump To Swap Hegseth For DeSantis? Here’s What Polymarket Odds For Defense Secretary Pick Show While not a defense stalwart though he did offer to send Florida troops to the Texas border to stop the flow of drugs and immigrants from Mexico, DeSantis served as a Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer and deployed to Iraq, making him comparatively qualified by Trump standards, which seem to prioritize loyalty and optics over skill and experience. In Florida, DeSantis has been riding high since the defeat of the constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis, which he fought against tooth and nail despite widespread public support for legalization, which included Trump’s endorsement that no doubt irked the governor. Advocates argue DeSantis’ resistance to cannabis reform not only stifled economic opportunities in the state but also ignored the will of many Floridians. For an amendment to be adopted in Florida, it must receive 60% of the vote. The cannabis amendment received 57% — a majority, but no cigar. The cannabis angle could become relevant given the growing recognition of legalization as a bipartisan issue. For a potential Secretary of Defense nominee, opposition to marijuana reform could complicate relations within the states — 38 and counting — and nations where cannabis is embraced for its medical, social and economic benefits. Now Read : Trump’s DEA Drama: He Didn’t Quit, I Fired Him — A Tale Of Pastors, Pandemic And Hurt Feelings © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Transcript: Conway Gittens: I’m Conway Gittens reporting from the New York Stock Exchange. Here’s what we’re watching on TheStreet today. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.Kansas City Chiefs back to winning ways against Carolina Panthers

Special teams bungles dominate NFL, with Commanders and Cowboys leading the way

A McAlester resident has been spreading kindness, love and hope on social media platforms for the last few years. Barry “Bear” Mathews is known as @bearthevoice3 on TikTok, where he talks to his followers, or as he calls them his friends, for the last two and a half years, but has been present on the platform for three and a half years in total. Mathews journey into the world of social media started with a conversation and a misunderstanding as he was gathered around a swimming pool with his daughter. “She said, ‘Daddy, you need a TikTok.’ I said, ‘Baby, I got a watch.’ She was like, ‘What? No. It’s an app that goes on your phone.’ I said, ‘Sweetheart, I’ve got a clock app on my phone.’ I’m thinking ‘tic toc’ like a clock. I had never heard of the app,” Mathews said. After his daughter explained and showed Mathews the app, he questioned why he would even need TikTok. His voice was the answer. “She said ‘Daddy, you have the coolest voice on the planet, man. Your voice is just cool. People will watch your TikToks just to hear you talk,’” Mathews said. The now TikTok star was not initially game for making an account, but allowed his daughter to do so anyways, marking the birth of Bear the Voice. Mathews said his content was just like any other found on the app until he made a video talking about how proud he was of his son. “Somebody made a comment that said, ‘I wish I had a dad who would tell me he was proud of me,’” Mathews said. “So I did a video reply to that comment where I just looked at the camera and said ‘Well, I am proud of you. I’m very proud of you.’” The video went viral with many more content to follow suit, as he now has 1.32 million followers and 18.1 million likes. Mathews’ account is a combination of content ranging from life advice to cooking. Mathews said he didn’t have a clue his account would reach the success it has and still finds it mind blowing. “I think the reason my account has grown the way it has is because I’m not going to respond with hatred,” Mathews said. “I’m going to treat people the way that I want people to treat me, and I’m going to be tremendously honest and caring in doing so. I think that is something people look for. We live in a very superficial age, where it’s all about the trend and not about the compassion and honesty with one another.” The TikTok platform has been under fire for the last few years with the social media app having a potential of being banned in the U.S. in January 2025. Mathews has started to move his content to all social media platforms, like Instagram and YouTube, in case this takes place. Some upcoming projects Mathews has included hosting a Meet and Greet and Eat in June. Mathews said there is a community of cooking content creators, such as himself, who will be gathering June 14 at the Lightning C Arena. The event – a third of its kind – will feature foods made by potentially 100 content creators. As his popularity has grown, Mathews has continued to respond to comments from his friends with kindness and has even been given the moniker of “America’s Grandpa.” “I said in a video that I absolutely adore being a grandpa, and someone put a comment on it that said ‘You probably would not want to be a grandpa to a young Black woman.’ And I knew I had to make a video response to that...,” Mathews said. “I called her by name and told her I don’t care if you’re Black or white or red or green. I don’t care what color you are. Human need is human need, and it knows no race, so I would love for you to call me grandpa. Since then I’ve kind of turned into America’s grandpa.” A grandfatherly figure is something Mathews said he believes America needs right now, as a grandfather not only loves their grandkids regardless of anything but will also dole out advice and guide the person through life. Mathews said he doesn’t want to come across as a know-it-all, but that he does know what it’s like to deal with tragedies and how some just need to be told it will be OK. Mathews current job is social media due to his battle with Polycythemia vera – a chronic, rare blood cancer – which has progressed to cause Mathews to not have the ability to do everything he once could. Prior to the age of TikTok, Mathews drove trucks and worked in the oilfield, which is what brought him to McAlester in the first place. Since 2009 Mathews has made McAlester his home, where he tries to give back when he can. From making Angel Tree donations to helping pay for others at Walmart, Mathews has been living out his kind nature past the phone screen and into the real world of McAlester for years. One example is when Mathews recognized the look of panic on a father’s face after his card declined at a register. As the father tried to pull up his online bank account and find out why his deposit wasn’t showing up, Mathews heard the man’s son ask what was happening. Mathews then told the child the card must be broken and paid for the groceries. “I think that’s not an act of charity it’s an act of kindness that if you can afford to do that that is what you should do,” Mathews said. “We all got to eat, and if I have the money in my account, I’m not going to let you or your little boy go hungry.” Mathews said he helps out when he can because he knows what it is like to need someone. From falling on financial hard times to a flooded house to a house fire, Mathews said he knows what it feels like to not have anything with no one to turn to. “A lot of people who I have talked to personally [will say] ‘God has allowed so many tragedies.’ But I don’t believe a person can truly find humility without having been humiliated and I have been,” Mathews said. “So rather than allow that to make me bitter I’ve tried to let it make me grow into a better person. It’s so easy to be bitter, but it’s also easy to be better.” Becoming TikTok famous has been what Mathews referred to as cool with fans coming up to him in stores and telling Mathews how he has impacted them or even saved their life. Mathews said learning how he has made such an impact on people has been a humbling experience. Mathews said he has not always been this way, but after the death of a child, step sister, and both parents he knows what it is like to lose someone. “That’s a feeling that so many people feel, like they’ve lost everything and they feel like their world is hopeless, and if I can give them a little bit of hope, maybe one day God will smile at me face to face,” Mathews said. Something that Mathews ends each video with is a saying he takes to heart and means to every friend who hears it – “I love all of you. I truly do.” “I think love is something that is a rarity in all societies, not just ours, but all societies these days,” Mathews said. “We don’t have to see eye to eye politically or spiritually. I don’t care – like I said to that young lady – I don’t care what color you are. I don’t care if you’re heterosexual or homosexual. I don’t care if you were born Beverly and you want to be called Billy. I don’t care. Love and compassion is what this world needs the most of, so I love all of you. I truly do.”

Elon Musk said retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman “has committed treason against the United States” by being “on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs,” and will “pay the appropriate penalty.” Musk’s comments came in response to Vindman accusing him of conspiring with Russian president Vladimir Putin. “Vindman is on the payroll of Ukrainian oligarchs and has committed treason against the United States, for which he will pay the appropriate penalty,” Musk said in a Wednesday X post. Musk was reacting to a post by another X account that shared a video of Vindman accusing the Tesla CEO of having ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and claiming Musk only supported President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election because Putin told him to. “We are under attack,” Vindman said in the video. “Russia has been using different levers, whether that’s corruption networks — in this case, it’s influencers like Donald Trump, like Elon Musk, to really, kind of, sow discord.” “It’s particularly troubling with Elon Musk in this case, because Elon Musk has access to State secrets. He has top secret security clearance. It’s possible that some of that is seeping through,” Vindman continued. The former Director for European Affairs went on to claim, “Putin has been very effective in playing both Trump and Elon, and he’s been using the richest man in the world to do his bidding.” “In some cases that’s encouraging him probably to support Donald Trump. That’s not speculation. We see how far in Elon has gone,” Vindman asserted. Vindman also accused Musk of using X “as a disinformation platform, adding, “This is not some sort of far off distant threat. This is going to impact our elections, it’s a national security threat.” This is not the first time Vindman has publicly attacked Musk. In August, Vindman issued a warning to Musk following the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, saying he “should be nervous” about being next. “While Durov holds French citizenship, is arrested for violating French law, this has broader implications for other social media, including Twitter,” Vindman wrote at the time. “There’s a growing intolerance for platforming disinfo & malign influence & a growing appetite for accountability,” he added. “Musk should be nervous.” Notably, Vindman testified against then-President Trump during the November 2019 House impeachment hearings, claiming the 45th president was withholding military aid to Ukraine in exchange for dirt on then-presidential candidate Joe Biden. In September, Vindman’s wife, Rachel Vindman, mocked the second assassination attempt on Trump’s life. Alana Mastrangelo is a reporter for Breitbart News. You can follow her on Facebook and X at @ARmastrangelo , and on Instagram .Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be differentSimple Hacks to Make the Holidays Merrier (and Cheaper)

(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491Singhvi seeks probe into incident New Delhi: A wad of Rs 500 notes found from the seat allotted to Abhishek Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha (RS) rocked the Upper House on Friday with the Opposition and the ruling alliance MPs trading charges and the Congress MP demanding a probe into the ‘security lapse’. Stating that it was not clear if the currency notes were real or fake, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar said an investigation has been ordered into the incident in accordance with the practice. The notes were found from seat 222, allotted to Singhvi, during an anti-sabotage check on Thursday, Dhankhar said. Singhvi suggested that glass enclosures should be erected to prevent anyone from planting “ganja” on seats in an MP’s absence. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day within minutes of meeting after lunch as treasury benches were on their feet seeking answers from Opposition. Deputy Chairman Harivansh, who was in Chair, sought to pacify the members of the ruling party and urged them to sit down and allow the House to function. As unrelenting BJP members continued to raise slogans, he adjourned the House for the day. Soon after the official papers were laid on the table in the morning, Dhankhar said security staff had recovered a wad of Rs 500 notes from the seat allotted to Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, leading to an uproar in the House. While leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said the chairman should not have named the member without an investigation being completed, leader of the House J P Nadda accused the Opposition of showing eagerness on “some issues” while wanting to cover up other issues. “After adjournment of the House yesterday, a wad of currency notes was apparently recovered by security officials from seat no 222 presently allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, elected from the state of Telangana,” Dhankar said. The chairman said the wad has Rs 500 currency notes and there appear to be 100 notes. “It was my duty and I’m obliged to inform the House. This is a routine anti-sabotage check which takes place,” he said. Dhankhar said he was expecting someone would claim the notes, but no one has so far. “Does it reflect the state of the economy that people can afford to forget it,” he posed. As a ruckus broke out, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked, “Why should there be an objection to the name being taken? The chairman has pointed out the seat number and the member who occupies that. What is the problem with that?” He said carrying bundles of notes in the House is not appropriate and agreed that there should be a serious investigation into the matter. Dhankhar said the anti-sabotage check was done in view of the security challenges. “I have been careful that anti-sabotage checks must be very severe because in these highly technological situations where chemicals are used, the first and foremost is security... From that perspective it was done,” he said. According to Nadda, the matter was serious and the opposition and treasury benches should not be divided as it is an attack on the dignity of the House. He also suggested that the Rajya Sabha should pass a resolution stating the proceedings of the House should never be disrupted.

EL SEGUNDO — Running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a sprained knee during the Chargers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night and is likely to be sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday he “didn’t really know how to categorize” the injury, however. “He’s working through something with his knee,” Harbaugh added. The NFL Network, citing an unnamed source, said Dobbins would be out this week. Dobbins gained 40 yards on six carries before he was sidelined in the second quarter of the Chargers’ 30-23 loss on Monday. The Chargers turned to Gus Edwards and Hassan Haskins in Dobbins’ absence in the second half, but relied almost exclusively on their passing game after trailing 14-13 at halftime. The Chargers (7-4) rushed only five times in the second half. Overall, Edwards had nine carries for 11 yards and one touchdown and Haskins had one carry for 3 yards. Quarterback Justin Herbert rushed four times for 29 yards and one touchdown, a 5-yard scramble on the Chargers’ first drive of the game. Edwards’ 1-yard touchdown run came on their final possession. “Gus is heating up,” Harbaugh said. “Great to have him back in there.” Edwards has rushed for 206 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries in seven games, spending four games on injured reserve because of an ankle injury. Harbaugh was uncertain whether Dobbins’ injury would force him onto the injured reserve list and a minimum of a four-game layoff. “Don’t know that yet,” Harbaugh said of the possibility of Dobbins going on IR. Haskins has rushed for 26 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, primarily playing an impactful role on special teams. Rookie Kimani Vidal, another possible replacement for Dobbins, has rushed for 44 yards on 18 carries and caught three passes for 49 yards and one touchdown. Dobbins has rushed for a team-leading 766 yards (fourth in the AFC) and eight touchdowns on 156 carries. He and Edwards signed with the Chargers in the offseason as free agents after starting their careers with the Ravens. Dobbins, 25, has had an injury-plagued career, but hasn’t missed a game so far this season. His 2023 season ended early after he sustained a torn Achilles tendon in the Ravens’ season opener. Herbert is the Chargers’ second-leading rusher with 211 yards and two touchdowns on 45 carries, most coming on scrambles away from on-rushing defenders. He set a career-high with a 38-yard scramble in the first quarter of the Chargers’ 26-8 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 27. SAMUEL (NON) UPDATE Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. hasn’t played since the Chargers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3, placed on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury. Harbaugh declined to speculate whether Samuel would be sidelined for the remainder of the season, referring questions to Samuel. Samuel isn’t required to speak to reporters while on IR. So, his extended absence has been something of a mystery. However, his absence has opened the door for rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still to move into the starting lineup. Hart is sidelined by an ankle injury that required him to wear a protective boot while watching Monday’s game from the sideline. Still has been a reliable fill-in with 33 tackles and one interception. “No, I don’t expect him back this week,” Harbaugh said of Samuel. In somewhat related moves, the Chargers placed cornerback Eli Apple on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury suffered against the Ravens. They also claimed safety Marcus Maye off of waivers. Maye played 11 games this season with the Miami Dolphins, who cut him earlier this week. Maye started three games and had 30 tackles overall for the Dolphins. CHARK’S STATUS Wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. started the season on injured reserve, but he hasn’t cracked the lineup consistently after recovering from a hip injury. Chark was active for only one game this season, the Chargers’ Nov. 10 victory over the Tennessee Titans , and he was on the field for only one snap. “The opportunity is there, the opportunity is there,” Harbaugh said of Chark, a seven-year NFL veteran. “I really like what I see. Every week, there’s an opportunity. Opportunities are guaranteed, and DJ has the license and opportunity to take advantage of that opportunity.”