Pat King found guilty of mischief for role in ‘Freedom Convoy’jili ph646 。

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Three African politicians seeking to head the African Union detailed their plans on Friday for regional security amid conflicts and political coups while strongly advocating for inter-Africa trade among other issues. Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar are seeking to be elected as chairperson for the 55-member state African Union. They participated in a two-hour debate Friday in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in which they all advocated for two permanent seats for African countries in the U.N. Security Council to effectively represent the continent with the youngest population. Odinga said that two permanent seats with veto power were “a must for Africa” and that this was “only fair” since the continent has more than 50 countries. Randriamandrato urged member states to cease the opportunity and “speak with one voice on the choice of who will represent Africa in the UNSC.” The three are seeking to convince most African countries before the February election to succeed African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki, who has served for two terms. The African Union has faced several challenges that include conflict in member countries and political coups that have seen five member states expelled from the union, making regional security a major theme in Friday’s debate. Youssouf said that regional security could be enhanced if the resources for a regional standby force were increased to reduce the overreliance on foreign partnerships for resources. “When there is no unity of purpose among neighboring countries peace will be compromised,” Youseff said. Randriamandrato encouraged countries to take charge of their internal security while cautioning that foreign military bases should be “a thing of the past” because they “could be a source of conflict.” Despite the continent’s young population of 1.3 billion that is set to double by 2050, regional trade has faced challenges that were addressed in the Friday debate. Odinga said that Africa had a “huge domestic market” that it could leverage on for economic transformation by opening up opportunities for trade between African countries. Youssouf proposed a payment compensation system that would ensure countries don't lose out while trading in different currencies adding, “are we going to have a single currency, why not?” Randriamandrato said that regional economic blocs like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa had a huge role to play in easing inter-Africa trade. The African Union has several proposed reforms on its structure and leadership aimed at achieving its purpose, and all candidates promised to implement the reforms if elected. Youssouf said that key reforms in the union were facing a funding bottleneck and that “it has to change,” adding that he wouldn't impose it on member states but would “advocate for it.”NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lowey Dannenberg P.C., a preeminent law firm in obtaining redress for consumers and investors, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against PACS Group, Inc. ("PACS Group", or the "Company") PACS for violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired PACS Group common stock: (a) at the time of the Company's Initial Public Offering ("IPO") on April 11, 2024, and (b) between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). On November 11, 2024, a complaint was filed against the Company, certain of its current officers and directors, and underwriters, alleging that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) that the Company engaged in a "scheme" to submit false Medicare claims which "drove more than 100% of PACS' operating and net income from 2020 – 2023"; (2) that the Company engaged in a "scheme" to "bill thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies to Medicare"; (3) that the Company engaged in a scheme to falsify documentation related to licensure and staffing; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When investors learned the truth, PACS Group's common stock declined precipitously, injuring investors. If you suffered a loss of more than $100,000 in PACS Group's securities, and wish to participate, or learn more, click here , or please contact our attorneys at (914) 733-7256 or via email to Andrea Farah ( afarah@lowey.com ) or Vincent R. Cappucci Jr. ( vcappucci@lowey.com ). Any investor who wishes to serve as Lead Plaintiff must act before January 13, 2024 . About Lowey Dannenberg Lowey Dannenberg is a national firm representing institutional and individual investors, who suffered financial losses resulting from corporate fraud and malfeasance in violation of federal securities and antitrust laws. The firm has significant experience in prosecuting multi-million-dollar lawsuits and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of its clients. Contact : Lowey Dannenberg P.C. 44 South Broadway, Suite 1100 White Plains, NY 10601 Tel: (914) 733-7234 Email: investigations@lowey.com SOURCE : Lowey Dannenberg P.C. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

AP News Summary at 2:05 p.m. ESTUnai Emery feels confidence returning after Aston Villa end winless run

Perceptions of 'making it big' have waned in China, survey shows

Norfolk residents against low-income housing project say Park Place community is overburdenedChris "The Bear" Fallica and Geoff Schwartz are joined Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews to discuss their College Football Playoff dark horse candidates. Geoff explained why he believes the Miami Hurricanes are a dark horse candidate for the play... It was a tough weekend for Miami fans, and apparently an even tougher one for their mascot. CNY Central anchor and reporter Ashley Wenskoski was at "The Dome" on Saturday covering Syracuse’s game against Miami when she called out the Hurricanes’ mascot, Sebastian, for hitting on her on the sidelines. "Sebastian the Ibis (Miami’s mascot) just kneeled down and asked for my number mid-drive," she wrote in a post on X. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Feels like he has bigger things to worry about with his team on the ropes in the 4th quarter at the Dome...but who am I to say." Syracuse knocked Miami out of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game with a 42-38 win on Saturday for the program’s first top-10 win since 2017. Quarterback Kyle McCord completed 26 of 36 passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns to help the Orange rally from a 21-point deficit. Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord (6) throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) MIAMI’S CFP HOPES TAKE BIG HIT AFTER IT SQUANDERS 21-0 LEAD TO SYRACUSE; CLEMSON WILL PLAY IN ACC TITLE GAME With their playoff hopes in the hands of the CFP selection committee, it’s no wonder Sebastian couldn’t focus on the game. Wenskoski seemingly agreed. "And more importantly, Syracuse football won its biggest game in years & my team and I worked tirelessly to provide the best possible sports coverage," she wrote in a post on X in response to an article about the incident. "[Head coach] Fran Brown has re-energized a program in a fantastic sports town. I guess Miami's mascot simply couldn't watch that 4th quarter. Can't blame him." Head Coach Fran Brown of the Syracuse Orange looks on during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at JMA Wireless Dome on September 20, 2024 in Syracuse, New York. (Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP But the mascot did respond to being called out on social media. "They do anything for clout," a comment from Sebastian the Ibis’ Instagram read on a post about the incident. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Paulina Dedaj is a Sports Reporter for Fox News Digital.UConn coach Dan Hurley told reporters Tuesday that star forward Alex Karaban is out for Wednesday's top-25 matchup against visiting Baylor. Karaban was transported to a hospital in Hawaii last Wednesday after sustaining a head injury during an 85-67 loss to Dayton on the final day of the Maui Invitational. Karaban hit the floor after being fouled on a contested layup with approximately 2 1/2 minutes left in the second half. He was later cleared to fly home with the rest of the team on Thursday. The junior sat out Saturday's 99-45 win over Maryland Eastern Shore, but now he will miss a more important game that pits the No. 25 Huskies (5-3) against the No. 15 Bears (5-2) in the Big 12-Big East Battle. Karaban has been UConn's leading scorer (15.9 ppg), adding 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. A starter for each of the Huskies' last two national championship-winning seasons, Karaban owns career averages of 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Jaylin Stewart drew into the starting lineup in Karaban's place against UMES. --Field Level Media

State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing received a delegation led by Mr Sholban Kara-Ool, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, at the Credentials Hall of the Office of the State Administration Council Chairman in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning. At the meeting, the two parties exchanged views on existing relations between the two countries, the ongoing progress in friendship and cooperation, exchange of visits by senior officials, the stance of Russia towards political changes in Myanmar among the international communities, and the standpoint of Myanmar towards political changes in the Russian Federation, preparations for free and fair elections and invitations to Russian observers at the time of elections, potential cooperation in the legal, religious, cultural and youth sectors, potential expansion of tourism and trade, enhancement of technological cooperation in manufacturing and agriculture, further collaboration in fertilizer production and farming industries, and promotion of sector-wise cooperation in addition to power and energy production. After the meeting, the Senior General and the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation exchanged gifts and posed for the documentary photo. — MNA/KTZH

The Texas A&M Aggies (8-2) look to stay hot when they visit the Purdue Boilermakers (8-2) for a college basketball showdown Saturday on Paramount+ . The Aggies are riding a four-game winning streak into the 2024 Indy Classic and have played well against Big Ten teams this season, getting wins against Ohio State and Rutgers back in November. They visit a Purdue squad that has won four of its last five games and is 1-1 in conference play, most recently taking down Maryland 83-78. Tipoff is set for noon ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The latest Purdue vs. Texas A&M odds from SportsLine consensus list the Boilermakers as 1.5-point favorites, while the over/under for total points scored is 144.5. You can watch Saturday's game on CBS and stream the game on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, which you can get free for the first week when you sign up here . A Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription also gives you access to other sports content including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, NWSL, Big Ten on CBS, the NFL on CBS and countless movies and shows. Get it all plus your first week free when you sign up here . How to watch Texas A&M vs. Purdue Purdue vs. Texas A&M date: Saturday, Dec. 14 Purdue vs. Texas A&M time: Noon ET Purdue vs. Texas A&M live stream: Paramount+ (Get a free 7-day trial) College basketball picks for Texas A&M vs. Purdue Before tuning into the Purdue vs. Texas A&M game, you need to see the college basketball picks from SportsLine's advanced computer model . The model simulates every Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times. It enters Week 6 of the 2024-25 season on a 174-125 betting roll (+2196) on all top-rated college basketball picks dating back to 2023. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns. For Purdue vs. Texas A&M, the model is projecting that Purdue will cover as a slight 1.5-point favorite. The Boilermakers got off to a slow start in Big Ten play, losing 81-70 at Penn State in their conference opener. However, they bounced back quickly at home, beating Maryland 83-78 and covering as 4.5-point favorite. This is a neutral-court matchup on paper, but Purdue should have a substantial crowd advantage as it is playing around 80 miles from its campus. The Boilermakers' only losses have come in true road environments this season. Purdue has already taken down one top SEC team this season, beating Alabama 87-78 despite being a 4.5-point underdog in that game. SportsLine's model is projecting just two A&M players to hit double figures, while Purdue gets solid scoring efforts from Trey Kaufman-Renn, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, all of whom score more than 11 points in the simulations. Purdue wins more than 70% of the time and covers in well over 60% of simulations. Stream the game here . How to watch, live stream the college basketball on CBS Now that you know what to pick, get ready to watch NCAA on CBS games on Paramount+ on any device you want. Visit Paramount+ now to stream your live local CBS sporting events, including the NFL on CBS and much more .What is the Saver’s Credit and how to know if you’re eligible to receive up to $2,000?

Blues supporters also sang the name of head coach Maresca during the closing stages of an emphatic success sealed by goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and substitute Jadon Sancho. Bottom club Southampton briefly levelled through Joe Aribo but were a man down from the 39th minute after captain Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella. Chelsea, who have endured an underwhelming period since Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club in 2022, climbed above Arsenal and into second place on goal difference, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. “It was a very good feeling, especially because you can see that they are happy, that is our target,” Maresca said of the atmosphere in the away end. “We work every day to keep them happy and tonight was a very good feeling, especially the one that they can see that Chelsea’s back. This is an important thing.” Maresca rotated his squad in Hampshire, making seven changes following Sunday’s impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Following a sloppy start, his side, who stretched their unbeaten run to six top-flight games, could easily have won by more as they hit the woodwork three times, in addition to squandering a host of chances. “I’m very happy with the five we scored,” said the Italian. “I’m not happy with the first 15, 20 minutes, where we struggled. The reason why we struggled is because we prepared the game to press them man to man and the first 15, 20 minutes we were not pressing them man to man. “After 15, 20 minutes we adjust that and the game was much better. For sure we could score more but five goals they are enough.” Southampton manager Russell Martin rued a costly “moment of madness” from skipper Stephens. The defender’s ridiculous red card was the headline mistake of a catalogue of errors from the beleaguered south-coast club as they slipped seven points from safety following an 11th defeat of a dismal season. “I don’t think anyone will be as disappointed as Jack,” Martin said of Stephens, who was sent off for the second time this term after tugging the curls of Cucurella as Saints prepared to take a corner. “I haven’t got to sit down and talk with him about that at all. He will be hurt more than anyone and it’s changed the game for us tonight, which is disappointing. “I think they have to describe it as violent conduct; it’s not violent really but there’s no other explanation for that really. It’s a moment of madness that’s really cost us and Jack.” Southampton repeatedly invited pressure with their risky attempts to play out from defence, with goalkeeper Joe Lumley gifting Chelsea their second goal, scored by Nkunku. While Saints were booed off at full-time, Martin, who was missing a host of key players due to injuries and suspensions, praised the effort of his depleted team. “When they see such a big scoreline and a couple of the goals we concede, I understand it (the jeers),” he said. “It’s football, it’s emotive, people feel so much about it, it’s why it’s such a special sport in this country and so big. “I understand it but I feel really proud of the players tonight, some of the football we played at 11 v 11 was amazing. “For an hour with 10 men we’ve dug in so deep, there were some big performances. I’m proud of them for that and I’m grateful for that because that’s not easy in that circumstance.”

The reform commissions' works would have been more effective had they held discussions with political parties before submitting their reports, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. "We have heard that the commissions will prepare their proposals and submit them to the government, and then the government will discuss those with political parties. If discussions with political parties had been held beforehand, it would have been more effective and better," Fakhrul said. The BNP secretary general made the remarks at a dialogue on "Which Path to Unity", organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka yesterday. He urged the reform commissions to ensure public engagement in the process. "Reform commissions will hold discussions with the government, which will take time. In our view, the more the time passes, the bigger the problems grow," he said. "Who will implement these proposals?" Fakhrul asked, alleging that the administration and government machinery are still not free from fascism. "If the foundation isn't strong, imposing changes from the top won't lead to quick progress. We need to fix the system and strengthen institutions. Only by building institutions that support democracy can we make it successful," he said. Fakhrul clarified it is a misconception that his party is solely focused on elections and not on reforms. "We have been sincere about reforms from the very beginning. Unfortunately, we're now hearing statements that the BNP does not want reforms, but only elections. This is not correct." Fakhrul said the BNP is committed to participating in elections only after necessary reforms to ensure a free, fair and credible voting process. "We keep talking about elections because it's the main gateway to democracy and the democratic process," he said. Fakhrul also said people must keep in mind the ongoing struggle for democracy since the Liberation War. "We must not forget 1971," he remarked. Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists endured a lot of oppression in their fight against fascism and continued their movement, trying to remain vocal for a long time. "At that time, we didn't see many people by our side. Now, we see many, and it feels very good. We are becoming even more inspired," he added. Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said reforms are a "grand dream, but unity is essential". "We must move towards elections. But before that, people need relief. Don't mislead people favouring reforms. Attention must be given to these issues. Don't just focus on superficial discussions while neglecting people's livelihoods and security," he urged. He also said that the extent of looting during the Awami League regime was unimaginable for the public until research revealed an inherited dire economic situation which needs to be fixed. Stressing the importance of universal human rights, Debapriya said, "We must ensure the rights of those who are marginalised, affected by river erosion, indigenous communities, Dalits, and those facing discrimination based on gender, religion, or sexual identity. "Their rights to live, speak, assemble, and earn a livelihood must be guaranteed. We need to build a united Bangladesh where this is assured. We must come to a consensus on a minimum common ground." He added, "... If there's a robbery at 11:00pm in the most affluent neighbourhoods, if we don't have security, how long should we wait for reforms? If this is the state of law and order inside the Secretariat, what will happen to general citizens? Whom should we turn to?" Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to a caretaker government, said aspirations for justice and dignity came to the forefront after the July uprising. He pointed out three uncertainties regarding Bangladesh's future. "The first is the dire economic situation and illegal land grabbing. The second is whether we can change the prevailing political culture. The third is the capability of the interim government to tackle the existing challenges". To address these issues, he suggested three measures: the effective functioning of the government, meaningful reforms, and a political transformation. Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Electoral Reform Commission, said, "We are the beneficiaries of the mass uprising. We owe a debt to the martyrs and the injured who brought us to this point. To repay this debt, we need to carry out reforms and hold fair elections." He said that people urged him to reform the electoral system to prevent corrupt individuals from becoming lawmakers. Highlighting the use of money as a primary cause of electoral irregularities, he called on young people and politicians to take action and put an end to this practice. Writer and professor Salimullah Khan remarked, "There should be a consensus on minimum reforms for our future. However, we must ensure these reforms do not take too long." He emphasised the need to define the minimum reforms necessary for holding elections. "For reforms to be effective, they must focus on improving the living standards of ordinary people," he added. He also urged political parties to disclose their funding and its sources and establish internal democracy within their organisations. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said forging unity is challenging, but stressed that it must be achieved through incorporating everyone's opinions. She also emphasised the need for a national consensus on reforms. "If we hesitate about reforms this time, there will be no stability in the country again," she warned. Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said fascist collaborators have been given different positions over the last 15 years and they cannot be removed in a day or two, or even in four months. People should put pressure on the government and support efforts to remove them, he added. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "I want to send a message to the chief adviser: reform proposals may be submitted by December. Once they are submitted, they should be reviewed, and another public dialogue should be held focusing on the common reform proposals from the political parties and other stakeholders. This could pave the way for national consensus." He said that minimum reforms required for a fair general election must be implemented. "Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to support the interim government for as long as necessary to achieve this." Nasiruddin Patwari, convenor of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said they want a Bangladesh where political parties would be held accountable to the people rather than to any individual or family. "In the future, politics will no long center on any individual or family. In the new political settlement, there will be no room for 'Mujibism or Hasina'. Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki said a consensus among political parties on key issues like reforms and elections is crucial for a bright future. "This consensus would help the country move forward," he added. Basudeb Dhar, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said a conspiracy is afoot to undermine national unity. "The fire at the Secretariat and the attacks on religious minorities are part of this conspiracy." Tania Rab, senior vice president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, pointed out that people had two key expectations -- control over the prices of essentials and security -- and these expectations should be met. Nurul Haque Nur, president of a faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad, called upon political parties to address election-related issues through mutual discussions rather than creating controversies. Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed said the reform process lacked focus on education, a key sector. He stressed the need for a reform commission on education. Eminent photographer Shahidul Alam said reforms should be inclusive and focused on the ordinary people. Reforms should ensure the betterment of everyone, including workers and day labourers. Business leader Fazlul Haque expressed concern that the economy had been overlooked in the reform process over the last few months. He called for the unity among the business community, excluding the oligarchs, to ensure economic stability. Brig Gen (retd) Hasan Nasir, a member of the commission on reinvestigation of the 2009 BDR mutiny, and journalist Mushfiq Fazal Ansari also spoke at the event, among others. The reform commissions' works would have been more effective had they held discussions with political parties before submitting their reports, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. "We have heard that the commissions will prepare their proposals and submit them to the government, and then the government will discuss those with political parties. If discussions with political parties had been held beforehand, it would have been more effective and better," Fakhrul said. The BNP secretary general made the remarks at a dialogue on "Which Path to Unity", organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka yesterday. He urged the reform commissions to ensure public engagement in the process. "Reform commissions will hold discussions with the government, which will take time. In our view, the more the time passes, the bigger the problems grow," he said. "Who will implement these proposals?" Fakhrul asked, alleging that the administration and government machinery are still not free from fascism. "If the foundation isn't strong, imposing changes from the top won't lead to quick progress. We need to fix the system and strengthen institutions. Only by building institutions that support democracy can we make it successful," he said. Fakhrul clarified it is a misconception that his party is solely focused on elections and not on reforms. "We have been sincere about reforms from the very beginning. Unfortunately, we're now hearing statements that the BNP does not want reforms, but only elections. This is not correct." Fakhrul said the BNP is committed to participating in elections only after necessary reforms to ensure a free, fair and credible voting process. "We keep talking about elections because it's the main gateway to democracy and the democratic process," he said. Fakhrul also said people must keep in mind the ongoing struggle for democracy since the Liberation War. "We must not forget 1971," he remarked. Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists endured a lot of oppression in their fight against fascism and continued their movement, trying to remain vocal for a long time. "At that time, we didn't see many people by our side. Now, we see many, and it feels very good. We are becoming even more inspired," he added. Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said reforms are a "grand dream, but unity is essential". "We must move towards elections. But before that, people need relief. Don't mislead people favouring reforms. Attention must be given to these issues. Don't just focus on superficial discussions while neglecting people's livelihoods and security," he urged. He also said that the extent of looting during the Awami League regime was unimaginable for the public until research revealed an inherited dire economic situation which needs to be fixed. Stressing the importance of universal human rights, Debapriya said, "We must ensure the rights of those who are marginalised, affected by river erosion, indigenous communities, Dalits, and those facing discrimination based on gender, religion, or sexual identity. "Their rights to live, speak, assemble, and earn a livelihood must be guaranteed. We need to build a united Bangladesh where this is assured. We must come to a consensus on a minimum common ground." He added, "... If there's a robbery at 11:00pm in the most affluent neighbourhoods, if we don't have security, how long should we wait for reforms? If this is the state of law and order inside the Secretariat, what will happen to general citizens? Whom should we turn to?" Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to a caretaker government, said aspirations for justice and dignity came to the forefront after the July uprising. He pointed out three uncertainties regarding Bangladesh's future. "The first is the dire economic situation and illegal land grabbing. The second is whether we can change the prevailing political culture. The third is the capability of the interim government to tackle the existing challenges". To address these issues, he suggested three measures: the effective functioning of the government, meaningful reforms, and a political transformation. Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Electoral Reform Commission, said, "We are the beneficiaries of the mass uprising. We owe a debt to the martyrs and the injured who brought us to this point. To repay this debt, we need to carry out reforms and hold fair elections." He said that people urged him to reform the electoral system to prevent corrupt individuals from becoming lawmakers. Highlighting the use of money as a primary cause of electoral irregularities, he called on young people and politicians to take action and put an end to this practice. Writer and professor Salimullah Khan remarked, "There should be a consensus on minimum reforms for our future. However, we must ensure these reforms do not take too long." He emphasised the need to define the minimum reforms necessary for holding elections. "For reforms to be effective, they must focus on improving the living standards of ordinary people," he added. He also urged political parties to disclose their funding and its sources and establish internal democracy within their organisations. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said forging unity is challenging, but stressed that it must be achieved through incorporating everyone's opinions. She also emphasised the need for a national consensus on reforms. "If we hesitate about reforms this time, there will be no stability in the country again," she warned. Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said fascist collaborators have been given different positions over the last 15 years and they cannot be removed in a day or two, or even in four months. People should put pressure on the government and support efforts to remove them, he added. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "I want to send a message to the chief adviser: reform proposals may be submitted by December. Once they are submitted, they should be reviewed, and another public dialogue should be held focusing on the common reform proposals from the political parties and other stakeholders. This could pave the way for national consensus." He said that minimum reforms required for a fair general election must be implemented. "Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to support the interim government for as long as necessary to achieve this." Nasiruddin Patwari, convenor of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said they want a Bangladesh where political parties would be held accountable to the people rather than to any individual or family. "In the future, politics will no long center on any individual or family. In the new political settlement, there will be no room for 'Mujibism or Hasina'. Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki said a consensus among political parties on key issues like reforms and elections is crucial for a bright future. "This consensus would help the country move forward," he added. Basudeb Dhar, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said a conspiracy is afoot to undermine national unity. "The fire at the Secretariat and the attacks on religious minorities are part of this conspiracy." Tania Rab, senior vice president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, pointed out that people had two key expectations -- control over the prices of essentials and security -- and these expectations should be met. Nurul Haque Nur, president of a faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad, called upon political parties to address election-related issues through mutual discussions rather than creating controversies. Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed said the reform process lacked focus on education, a key sector. He stressed the need for a reform commission on education. Eminent photographer Shahidul Alam said reforms should be inclusive and focused on the ordinary people. Reforms should ensure the betterment of everyone, including workers and day labourers. Business leader Fazlul Haque expressed concern that the economy had been overlooked in the reform process over the last few months. He called for the unity among the business community, excluding the oligarchs, to ensure economic stability. Brig Gen (retd) Hasan Nasir, a member of the commission on reinvestigation of the 2009 BDR mutiny, and journalist Mushfiq Fazal Ansari also spoke at the event, among others.Indiana Jones and the Great Circle made me motion sick until I changed these settings

Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Alex Chaikin's 20 points off of the bench helped Lafayette to a 77-73 victory against Mercyhurst on Saturday. Chaikin went 7 of 8 from the field (6 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Leopards (5-5). Justin Vander Baan added 13 points while shooting 3 of 5 from the field and 7 for 9 from the line while he also had six rebounds and five blocks. Andrew Phillips had 10 points and shot 4 of 6 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line. Shemar Rathan-Mayes finished with 21 points and four assists for the Lakers (5-6). Aidan Reichert added 18 points, six rebounds and three steals for Mercyhurst. Jeff Planutis also recorded 13 points. Chaikin scored nine points in the first half and Lafayette went into the break trailing 38-31. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press