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Raiders confirm QB Gardner Minshew out for season, look to Aidan O'Connell

Beswick makes history and No. 15 Northern Highlands ends 2024 with a statementProspera Financial Services Inc boosted its stake in First Horizon Co. ( NYSE:FHN – Free Report ) by 56.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,504 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 16,872 shares during the quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc’s holdings in First Horizon were worth $722,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its position in First Horizon by 365.0% during the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,688 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 1,325 shares in the last quarter. Family Firm Inc. acquired a new position in shares of First Horizon during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC increased its stake in shares of First Horizon by 306.2% during the 2nd quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 1,828 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 1,378 shares during the last quarter. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of First Horizon during the 2nd quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its stake in shares of First Horizon by 44.0% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,130 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 651 shares during the last quarter. 80.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Insider Activity at First Horizon In other news, EVP David T. Popwell sold 100,974 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.77, for a total transaction of $1,996,255.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 519,926 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $10,278,937.02. This trade represents a 16.26 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, Director Harry V. Barton, Jr. sold 10,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.92, for a total transaction of $199,200.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 166,840 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,323,452.80. The trade was a 5.65 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.87% of the stock is owned by insiders. First Horizon Stock Performance First Horizon ( NYSE:FHN – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.04. First Horizon had a net margin of 15.43% and a return on equity of 9.51%. The company had revenue of $1.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $821.63 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.27 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that First Horizon Co. will post 1.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. First Horizon announced that its board has authorized a stock buyback program on Tuesday, October 29th that permits the company to buyback $1.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the financial services provider to repurchase up to 10.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually an indication that the company’s leadership believes its stock is undervalued. First Horizon Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, December 13th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.87%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 13th. First Horizon’s payout ratio is 43.48%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently weighed in on FHN shares. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. Stephens upped their price target on shares of First Horizon from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of First Horizon from $19.00 to $22.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Robert W. Baird set a $17.00 price target on shares of First Horizon in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on shares of First Horizon from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, November 8th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $18.38. Read Our Latest Report on FHN First Horizon Company Profile ( Free Report ) First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FHN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Horizon Co. ( NYSE:FHN – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

President-elect Donald Trump entered the fray in a debate over immigration policy that’s dividing his supporters, telling the New York Post he favors a visa program for highly skilled workers that Elon Musk has strongly defended. Musk is among tech leaders stoking a social media storm this week over how to bring top talent to the U.S. — revealing friction between Trump’s Silicon Valley supporters and anti-immigration sentiment that helps fuel his base. “I’ve always been in favor of the visas,” Trump told the Post in a phone interview. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times.” Many employees at Trump properties have H-1B visas, which allow companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. “It’s a great program,” Trump told the outlet. Trump’s stance may indicate an emerging alignment with Musk, whose backing for the former and future president made him the largest single donor in the U.S. election. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley,” Musk, who used an H-1B visa to work in the U.S., wrote previously on X. Vivek Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tapped along with Musk to run a government efficiency initiative, also weighed in. He drew particular attention for a post arguing that “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence.” Trump during his first term restricted several visa types including H-1B, citing the need to protect American workers as the COVID-19 pandemic led to job losses in the U.S. President Joe Biden let the measures expire. Trump’s comments on Saturday hint at his malleability on policy specifics and penchant for letting supporters battle over issues before stepping in. The dispute began after Laura Loomer, a far-right activist with longstanding ties to the president-elect, criticized his decision to name Indian-born investor Sriram Krishnan as a senior policy adviser on artificial intelligence. Loomer assailed previous comments by Krishnan advocating for increased access to green cards and skilled worker visas, calling it antithetical to Trump’s “America First” stance. That prompted pushback from Musk and Ramaswamy, who argued that U.S. companies needed to recruit top talent from across the world to remain competitive. The clash may frame how the incoming administration approaches immigration, which has long bedeviled U.S. policymakers, including Trump’s first administration. Trump himself offered a more open approach to visas when prompted during a podcast interview with venture capitalists David Sacks, Chamath Palihapitiya and Jason Calacanis and entrepreneur David Friedberg. “You graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country and that includes junior colleges too,” Trump said.

Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, has died

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! viewers issued a demand as the latest trial took place. BBC Radio One presenter Dean McCullough was up for his third trial of the series so far. He called ' I'm A Celebrity ...Get Me Out of Here!' on his first trial and failed to collect any stars on his second tasked when paired with social media star GK Barry. The celebrities are desperate for stars after a night of rice and beans, as Dean hoped to secure a good meal in Thursday's trial. He took on the Lethal Lab after hearing some stern words from host Ant McPartlin . The presenter urged Dean to take on the challenge will full effort and not quit. However, the Irish star couldn't help but panic as he took on several different containment areas. Viewers at home issued a call as they declared a change must happen. They have urged others to stop voting for Dean to take on the Bushtucker Trials. One said: "I’m begging you all please leave dean and grace alone let someone else do the trials they have been through ENOUGH." Another added: "Can we agree as a collective to leave dean out of trials." Someone else commented: "Guys PLEASE stop voting dean in i feel so bad for him, don’t make my fav leave before he even gets the chance to win." A fourth wrote: "Idk who keeps voting for dean but it’s getting boring lads, leave him alone." Dean, 32, dramatically quit his Bushtucker trial on Tuesday night when he was only minutes into it. A day on from GK Barry getting almost full stars and feeding the camp well, things went the other way on Tuesday evening. Dean faced the gruelling challenge called The Sinister Sarcophagus. H osts Ant and Dec told him that he'd be locked inside a mummy figurine for the duration of the trial and would have to answer a series of Egypt-related questions. For every question that he got right, a star would be lowered down and he would have to release it using only his mouth, all within 30 seconds. Dean commented it was his "worst nightmare" having previously stated he wouldn't want to be buried or put in a coffin. The radio star was soon locked in and joined by sand, giant mealworms and crickets. He got off to a good start and answered two questions correctly, before managing to secure two stars. But it all got too much for him and he soon screamed the famous line: "I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!". He was removed from the figurine, with Ant and Dec confirming he had won just two stars for camp meaning a rationed meal. Speaking on I'm A Celebrity Unpacked, Ant and Dec told hosts Joel Dommett, Sam Thompson and Kemi Rogers they were disappointed viewers didn’t get to see the full trial. Dec said: “We are genuinely disappointed because you are prepared to do the whole trial and you want to see the whole thing. There’s a lot of time gone into the trials so when it’s called early your like, ‘oh'. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .Bypoll loss fails to hit BJP’s MC poll optimism

The Importance of Having a Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Arkansas 11-21-2024 10:27 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: Cottrell Law Office Rogers, Arkansas - November 20th, 2024 - When an employee is injured on the job, the effects can be overwhelming and far-reaching, impacting nearly every aspect of their life. Physical pain, lost wages, medical bills, and even concerns about job security can add immense stress to an already challenging situation. Workers in Arkansas facing these hardships may find relief through the services of a dedicated workers' compensation lawyer. At Cottrell Law Office, we have spent decades supporting injured Arkansas workers in their fight for the compensation and security they deserve. In Arkansas, employers are legally obligated to support employees who suffer workplace injuries. Employers with three or more employees must subscribe to a workers' compensation program. This insurance will pay medical bills and wage replacement benefits for injured employees. Workers' comp also provides retraining for employees who can't work in the same job after an accident. Arkansas enacted a workers' compensation requirement to protect both employers and employees. You usually can't sue an employer that carries workers' compensation insurance, so having insurance spares the company a costly lawsuit. The types of compensation an employee can seek are also limited. For example, you can't sue for pain and suffering damages. From the employee's side, workman's comp in Arkansas gives confidence that the employee will have basic expenses paid in the event of an injury at work, regardless of fault. Even if the accident resulted from the employee's own negligence, they can receive compensation. However, this straightforward compensation program sometimes presents obstacles. For instance, your employer could try to avoid paying workers' compensation by claiming that you had a preexisting injury or that you weren't acting in the scope of your employment at the time of the accident. They might even try to make you return to work, threaten to fire you or take other unethical action. This is where an experienced workers' compensation lawyer, like the team at Cottrell Law Office, can make a difference. With over 32 years of experience, Wes Cottrell and his team at Cottrell Law Office have helped thousands of injured workers throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Cottrell specializes in advocating for people harmed due to the negligence of others, as well as those who have been injured on the job and need Social Security disability benefits. Through a collaborative approach, he partners closely with his clients, combining his legal expertise with their insights into their unique situations to secure the best possible outcomes. When an injured worker comes to Cottrell Law Office, they benefit from a knowledgeable team that understands Arkansas workers' compensation laws inside and out. During a free consultation, our attorneys discuss each client's injury and potential legal options, guiding them through a process that can be complex and intimidating. Our goal is to reduce the burden on injured workers and ensure they understand every available option, ultimately helping them get the compensation they need to recover physically, financially, and emotionally. Cottrell Law Office's dedication to Arkansas workers goes beyond just legal expertise; we care about the well-being of every client. Wes Cottrell and his team provide a personal, compassionate approach, understanding the toll that a workplace injury can take on individuals and their families. This empathy and dedication have set Cottrell Law Office apart, making us a trusted ally for countless workers across the region. "Getting hurt at work is difficult enough without having to worry about whether you'll be able to support yourself and your family," says Wes Cottrell. "We're here to make sure Arkansas workers have someone fighting for their rights and their future." For any worker injured on the job in Arkansas, Cottrell Law Office is here to help. Contact us today at (800) 364-8305 for a free consultation to learn more about your rights, your options, and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. CONTACT: Wes Cottrell 117 S 2nd St Rogers, AR 72756 (800) 364-8305 / wes@cottrelllawoffice.com https://www.cottrelllawoffice.com/ Wes Cottrell has over 32 years of experience helping the injured in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. He primarily helps those with personal injury issues due to the negligence of others, as well as those injured at work or who can't work and need social security disability benefits. Wes works closely with his clients in a partnership, combining his legal expertise with his clients' goals and knowledge of their personal circumstances to achieve the best result possible. This release was published on openPR.Join this golf club and you’ll get 7 ‘home’ courses across the US

Shares of Rokmaster Resources Corp. ( CVE:RKR – Get Free Report ) dropped 25% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. Approximately 396,000 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 182% from the average daily volume of 140,187 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02. Rokmaster Resources Stock Down 25.0 % The business’s fifty day simple moving average is C$0.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.02. The stock has a market cap of C$2.45 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.30 and a beta of 2.99. The company has a current ratio of 0.02, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 103.54. Rokmaster Resources Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Rokmaster Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North, Central, and South America. It explores for zinc, lead, silver, copper, gold, and polymetallic deposits, as well as precious metals. The company holds a 100% in the Duncan Lake property comprising 35 contiguous mineral claims that covers an area of 3,929 hectares; and a 55% interest in the Big Copper property located in the Slocan Mining Division in southeast British Columbia, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Rokmaster Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rokmaster Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .SINGAPORE: Pacing up and down near the Singapore Sports Hub's Water Sports Centre, with brows furrowed and sweat trickling down their faces, they checked their phones every 10 seconds. Then, amid the charged atmosphere of nervousness mixed with excitement, a shout: “One minute and one second ... second place!” The team, dressed in bright turquoise T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Different Dragons", erupted into cheers and hugs as they celebrated their silver medal at the Singapore Regatta Waterfest in November. At this annual dragon boat race, hundreds of competitors - from educational institutions, business organisations and other entities - vie to be the quickest over a 200m distance in the Kallang Basin. For Different Dragons, a second-place finish in the adaptive open category was especially sweet - and perhaps more so for nine members who are paddlers with disabilities of both physical and intellectual nature. “I find it difficult to paddle because of a back problem I’ve had, and it’s also difficult to paddle at the same speed as everyone,” said Jarran Ng, who has Williams syndrome. The genetic condition affects physical features, cognitive development and other parts of the body like the heart. “(But) the team never made me feel like I couldn’t do it and I felt like I belonged." SERIOUS ABOUT HAVING A GOOD TIME At the Singapore Regatta Waterfest, one of the biggest dragon boat contests in the country, teams were heard chanting "in it to win it". Different Dragons, which was founded in 2019, has other goals in mind. “We’re a very chill team, having fun is one of the most important aspects for us,” said Rayson Oon, a volunteer coach since the team started out. This approach should not be mistaken for a lack of focus and determination. They had trained for the November race all year, aiming to prove their abilities matter more than their disabilities - which they ultimately did. Naturally, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. The past few years have been a constant exercise in trial-and-error, patience and positivity, as volunteers sought to find the right ways to teach the sport, even in basics such as holding a paddle. When Tan Cher Hui first signed up with Different Dragons as a volunteer, she struggled to support her twin brother with autism, who had also joined the team as a competitor. Race rules dictate that each paddler with a disability can be accompanied by one able-bodied caregiver or volunteer inside the boat. For instance, her brother couldn't cope with changes to the training schedule caused by rain, and would often have meltdowns. "Because to him, dragon boating happens every Sunday,” said Tan, 26, who added that this was a huge challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when such activities came to a halt. “It took a toll on him and I didn’t know if it was worth carrying on." But the encouragement and perseverance of other volunteers that pushed her to stay on, and the siblings have now reaped the rewards. “I learnt how to interact and engage with people of all different disabilities, and even picked up sign language," she said. "And it was heartwarming to see the other members be welcoming and inclusive with my brother." ANOTHER FAMILY For members of Different Dragons, being part of a team - and one that empathises with each other - was something especially precious. Jimmy Chan, a deaf paddler, told CNA how his condition made it tough in work settings and that he often felt isolated during conversations. "I wanted a space where I would not feel judged or different, and the team offered that," he said. The 53-year-old relies on vibrations from the dragon boat drum beat, along with the strokes of the first paddler seated in front, to sync with the rest of the team. “We share resilience, teamwork and a drive to break barriers. Each step feels like a victory, and our strong bonds make every challenge worthwhile, keeping us going,” Chan said. Outside of training, the team makes a conscious effort to do activities together, from meals to hikes and an annual Christmas party. “There are days when the paddlers aren’t feeling their best, but they look forward to seeing each other and that motivates them to come for trainings,” said Hamza Lu, another volunteer coach. “We may not be as competitive as other teams, but we have more of a family bond. When I miss sessions, they’ll be spamming my phone and asking me when they’ll see me next.” Take Teng Der Shuin, a paddler with an intellectual disability, who every Saturday makes sure to remind his mother Teo Leng Leng that he needs to wear his "dragon boat clothes" the next day. "(He) isn’t very active when he’s at home. It was a very big problem that I was worried about. So I’m happy that this is an activity that he enjoys,” said Teo, 57. “This gave him an opportunity to make new friends and be exposed to the world outside." Outside of training, the team makes a conscious effort to do activities together, from meals to hikes and an annual Christmas party. “There are days when the paddlers aren’t feeling their best, but they look forward to seeing each other and that motivates them to come for trainings,” said Hamza Lu, another volunteer coach. “We may not be as competitive as other teams, but we have more of a family bond. When I miss sessions, they’ll be spamming my phone and asking me when they’ll see me next.” Take Teng Der Shuin, a paddler with an intellectual disability, who every Saturday makes sure to remind his mother Teo Leng Leng that he needs to wear his "dragon boat clothes" the next day. "(He) isn’t very active when he’s at home. It was a very big problem that I was worried about. So I’m happy that this is an activity that he enjoys,” said Teo, 57. “This gave him an opportunity to make new friends and be exposed to the world outside." MOVING DISABILITY SPORTS FORWARD Having an adaptive category in a prestigious dragon boat event like the Regatta Waterfest gives people with disabilities access to the right resources and a level playing field, said Ms Kelly Fan, executive director of the Singapore Disability Sports Council. “Inclusive sports focus on creating platforms where persons with and without disabilities can play together. "The primary goal is to foster firsthand understanding and appreciation of the challenges that individuals with disabilities overcome to participate in sports, while also providing opportunities for meaningful social interaction,” she added. Singapore is set to launch an Enabling Sports Fund next year, which aims to "encourage impactful community-initiated disability sports initiatives.” The government will match dollar for dollar donations made to this fund, which hopes to raise at least S$10 million (US$7.4 million) by 2030. It's part of Singapore's Enabling Masterplan 2030 , a national roadmap for people with disabilities to live and participate more actively in the community. Progress has been made but more needs to be done to continue promoting inclusivity, said Ms Fan, pointing to costs and accessibility as remaining barriers. “It is not just about ramps or lifts within a venue," she said. "It extends to the awareness that sport opportunities exist for persons with disabilities; the affordability of sport involvement on top of enhanced costs of living of a (person with disability); the proximity and accessibility of an accessible venue; and the readiness of a venue to cater to disability sports.” Members of Different Dragons, meanwhile, are happy to continue playing their part in not just raising awareness, but sending out a more profound message - that paddlers with disabilities can be capable of anything, said Lu, the volunteer coach. “The perception many have is that members with disabilities can’t paddle as well as able-bodied individuals, but that’s not true,” said Oon, the other coach. Paddler Lee Wei Kiong, who has an intellectual disability, told CNA how the team has inspired him to work hard and keep practising. “I never thought we could beat other teams, but our process is getting better,” he said, while standing next to a trolley filled with bottled drinks he lugged from home to give out to his teammates. “When I was younger, people used to say that I have a low IQ (intelligent quotient) and I wouldn’t be able to do anything. But I learnt that whatever others can do, I can do too." "Normal people can dragon boat, so can I.”

MT Democrats project confidence in Medicaid expansion passage

Former North Carolina State wide receiver Kevin "KC" Concepcion is transferring to Texas A&M. He confirmed the transfer on his Instagram account Sunday. Concepcion, who has two years of eligibility remaining, caught 124 passes for 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns, and rushed for two more, in 25 games over two seasons for the Wolfpack. He was the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, when he set program records for a freshman with 71 receptions and 10 TDs. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, Concepcion is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 15 player overall and No. 6 receiver in the transfer portal. Texas A&M already has added receivers Micah Hudson, a transfer from Texas Tech, and Mario Craver (Mississippi State). The Aggies have 10 transfer commitments. Concepcion also considered Alabama, Colorado, Florida State, Miami and South Carolina. --Field Level Media

Neel Kamal writes about sustainable agriculture, environment, climate change for The Times of India. His incisive and comprehensive reporting about over a year-long farmers' struggle against farm laws at the borders of the national capital won laurels. He is an alumunus of Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology. Read More How to Make Mutton Kali Mirch (Black Pepper Mutton) Simple ways to pack your wedding saris to avoid crease 10 habits that can instantly improve your relationships Understanding Classics: Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' in 10 points There’s only one country which begins with the letter ‘Y’ How to make Carrot Cake with leftover Gajar ka Halwa 8 cactus types one can grow indoors How saying hurtful things can damage your relationship Triptii Dimri owns the spotlight with her mesmerizing all-black look

KUALA LUMPUR: When Syrian refugee Somar Hukaima learnt about the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month , he had mixed feelings. While Somar was pleased that the country’s former president had been ousted by rebel forces , he could not shake off worries about who might succeed a leader accused of tyrannical rule for more than two decades. “In my mind, I am worried about who would rule Syria. Would it be better or worse? I am worried about the future of my country. It is still in a complete mess now,” he told CNA in an interview. The 34-year-old musician from the city of Suwayda in the south of Syria has been living in Malaysia since 2017. Somar is one of 2,680 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers registered in Malaysia as of November this year, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The fall of Assad's regime in Syria has sparked mixed emotions among the millions of Syrian refugees scattered across the globe. For those residing in Malaysia, the news has similarly brought both hope and uncertainty. While many rejoiced at the end of the oppressive regime, concerns about the future of their homeland persist. NOT TIME TO GO HOME YET Syrian rebels seized control of the capital Damascus on Dec 8, forcing Assad to flee to Russia after more than 13 years of civil war, which claimed over 580,000 lives and displaced 12 million others and led to the rise of the Islamic State terror group. The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), known for its roots in Al-Qaeda's Syria branch, had led the offensive that resulted in Assad’s downfall. The United Nations (UN) Security Council as well as many countries have designated the HTS as a terrorist group although its leader Ahmed al-Sharaa - who is also now considered the de facto leader of Syria - has been saying that their jihadi past is behind them. Meanwhile, the United States’ top diplomat for the Middle East Barbara Leaf was reported to have said on Dec 20 that it was scrapping a US$10 million bounty for Ahmed’s arrest, and welcomed "positive messages" from their talks - including a promise to fight terrorism. Somar, the refugee living in Malaysia, however, does not believe that the time is right for him to return to his homeland yet, pointing to concerns about the group’s leanings. “I am scared that Syria might move from the hands of a dictatorship to one that is jihadist, which might be worse ... It’s the calm before the big storm,” said Somar, who is an artist, and fled Syria due to the ongoing civil war then. While most Syrian refugees - which number in their millions all around the world - are concentrated across Europe and Middle Eastern countries, Malaysia plays host to a small number of them. Malaysia has almost 200,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, with the majority from Myanmar. Syrians make up just about 1.4 per cent of them. But in the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia has the highest number of Syrian refugees. In 2015, the then prime minister Najib Razak told the UN General Assembly in New York that Malaysia would welcome 3,000 Syrian refugees into the country over a period of three years. When someone crosses an international border seeking safety, they often need to apply to be legally recognised as a refugee, which in Malaysia’s case is indicated by the possession of a UNHCR card. Those who want to seek asylum in the country typically arrive on social visit passes though there are some who enter Malaysia illegally. Asylum-seekers are those who intend to request for international protection, or are awaiting a decision on this request. Not every asylum-seeker will ultimately be recognised as a refugee. According to Refugee Malaysia - an information website for refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia - those who want to register with UNHCR Malaysia will need to submit a new registration form on its website. They will then be contacted by UNHCR Malaysia with an appointment date at the UNHCR Reception Centre where they will be interviewed by staff members. Information on the Refugee Malaysia site is officially provided by UNHCR Malaysia as a service to refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its related 1967 protocol, meaning refugees cannot work legally and are considered undocumented or illegal migrants under the Immigration Act. Many of them however work in the informal sectors. The Malaysian government does however issue temporary work permits - also known as IMM13 - to Syrian refugees, allowing them to work. Meanwhile, another Syrian refugee who only wanted to be known as Ammar also expressed his joy at Assad's ouster. “He killed countless numbers of people, forcing many to flee the country including me,” the 29-year-old told CNA, as he showed this reporter photos and videos of Syrians in Kuala Lumpur celebrating at its embassy the fall of Assad’s regime. Also observed in the media shared were people stepping on images of Assad that were laid on the ground. A check at the embassy in mid-December saw a much quieter and calmer situation, although there was a mobile police station outside. According to the Human Rights’ Watch, the Syrian government under Assad committed countless atrocities and other abuses, including systematic arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, use of chemical weapons, as well as indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians. The UN has said in the past that government officials - including Assad - had authorised war crimes and human rights abuses. In November 2023, the International Court of Justice ordered the Syrian government to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Ammar said he had left Syria in 2012 to avoid mandatory military conscription and is still afraid that he might be punished for his decision not to enlist with the army. In Syria, military service is mandatory for a period of between 18 and 21 months. But conscripts were forced to serve for much longer as a result of the civil war in the country. Arriving alone in Malaysia back in 2012 as a teenager, Ammar said he had to survive on just one meal a day as he hardly knew anyone. He eventually found his way around, and even worked at a restaurant on the resort island of Langkawi for a few years before the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to go back to Kuala Lumpur. “You can see the people are happy now. For far too long, (Syrians) have been crying. Of course it isn’t 100 per cent now, only about 30 per cent. I want to return one day, but not yet,' said Ammar. “IT’S NOT GOING TO BE ANY WORSE” Similarly Adnan Hadad, 29, who hails from Damascus but now resides in Penang, told CNA that he fled Syria in 2017 as it was time for him to serve the army, something that his brother was forced to do. Adnan recounted that his brother had tried to evade military service but was put in prison and later placed on the frontlines. Bribes had to be paid to the army later on so that his brother could avoid fighting, Adnan claimed, further adding that his taxi driver grandfather was also shot dead in a separate incident for unknowingly entering a road used by Assad’s army. “I was really happy the day the regime fell, and I couldn’t sleep all night just watching the news. The mob had been running the country for 53 years, and we are extremely happy to get rid of them,” he said, referring to Assad and his family. Hafez al-Assad - who is Assad’s father - had seized power in 1971 via a military coup, and was the president of the country until his death in 2000. Assad then took over his father’s place. Adnan said that during his seven years in Malaysia thus far, he had time to reflect on everything that happened, and now wants to study psychology so that he can help rebuild his country in the future. “Whatever that is going to happen, it’s not going to be any worse than it has been, after their brutal ways of ruling the people,” he said, adding that while he believed that the new rulers might not be ideal, the public would not allow the country’s painful past to repeat itself. Adnan - who is working as a perfumer in Penang - said that he is planning to visit Syria in March when his work commitments are lighter. “I would like to spend a few months back home at least. I don’t care about politics, as long as I have the freedom to express what I want and say what I think without the fear of being arrested. “In Syria, we have a saying that the walls have ears and people have been brainwashed not to speak against the government. Even now, people are afraid to speak up,” he said. Somar, meanwhile, said that his family are just simple people who want a peaceful life and hope for a leader who is able to rule just and fairly. He experienced war for about six years, and recalled times when he could not step out of the house because of bombs and fighting that happened everywhere. “Hopefully the people of Syria will finally come to a time where they'll use love language instead of weapons,” he said. “I would like to go home, if it’s safe and I can get a good life. All I seek is hope, the most important driver for any human being.” REPATRIATION "WILL TAKE TIME" According to Refugee Malaysia’s website, refugees can leave the country through voluntary repatriation, although they would have to inform UNHCR first. The UNHCR would then arrange for a counselling session to make sure the refugees have made an informed decision to return to their homeland. In a position paper published this month after Assad’s fall, UNHCR said that in view of the many challenges facing Syria’s population, it was not promoting large-scale voluntary repatriation back to Syria. Separately, Rema Jamous Imseis - who is UNHCR director for the Middle East and North Africa - said on Dec 17 that the regime change in Syria does not mean the humanitarian crisis there has ended. “Syrians inside and outside the country still need protection and support.” She added: “It is important to maintain protection for those who have already found refuge in host countries and that they are not forced to return to Syria. Any refugee returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified.” M. Ramachelvam, chairman of the Malaysian Bar Council Committee on Migrants and Refugees, said that the situation in Syria is still fluid and that the refugees in the country should not be forced to go back home just yet, echoing UNHCR. “What we have is a situation where the old regime is gone but as far as the new government is concerned, there is no clarity yet. It remains to be seen if the country will descend into civil chaos again,” he told CNA. Ramachelvam added that while there would be those who would want to go back to their homeland, the Malaysian government could not forcefully repatriate those who still wanted to remain in Malaysia. “We cannot forcefully repatriate the rest until there is more clarity. That will take time. Even repatriation must be done in an orderly fashion with the agreement of the countries and the individuals concerned. You need to get their informed consent,” he said. CNA has reached out to the Syrian embassy in Kuala Lumpur for its comments on what it is doing to help its citizens who want to return home. Meanwhile, Ammar - who has been away from Syria for 12 years - said that while Malaysia has been good to him and was where he met his first love and where he learnt to drive among other milestones, he still pines for home. “I want to go back. My sister was a baby when I left. Now she is studying and can even tell me when an M16 (rifle) or any other weapon is being fired just by listening to the sounds of gunfire. “I need to go back to know my country and see my family. I can’t be at peace until then,” he said.As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates, wallets are evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly growing digital economy. Bitget Wallet's $20 million support for Telegram Mini Apps and Charles Hoskinson’s advisory role in U.S. crypto policy showcase the industry's push for innovation and regulation. While these efforts highlight the strides in expanding ecosystems and addressing regulatory challenges, Plus Wallet sets itself apart by seamlessly integrating robust security, multi-chain compatibility, and user-centric features. Unlike others, Plus Wallet not only supports decentralized applications and blockchain governance but also empowers users to explore opportunities across ecosystems without compromising ease of use or accessibility. Bitget and Foresight Ventures Launch $20M Program Bitget Wallet, a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet by the Bitget exchange, has partnered with Foresight Ventures to launch a $20 million support program for Telegram Mini Apps. Specifically, this initiative aims to foster the development of new projects within Telegram's Mini App ecosystem, offering investment and educational support to developers. However, despite a significant decline in The Open Network's (TON) total value locked (TVL)—dropping from $776.6 million in July 2024 to $356 million by November—the fund seeks to revitalize the ecosystem. To achieve this, Bitget Wallet will provide technical assistance through its OmniConnect developer kit and offer operational and marketing support, including access to its extensive Telegram wallet user base. Furthermore, the program also presents opportunities for strategic partnerships, potential listings on Bitget, and investment backing from Foresight Ventures. Notably, this move follows a previous $30 million strategic investment by Bitget and Foresight Ventures in the TON blockchain in September 2024. Charles Hoskinson Steps Into U.S. Politics Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, has been appointed as a cryptocurrency advisor in former President Donald Trump's administration. In this capacity, Hoskinson aims to address regulatory uncertainties and foster innovation through bipartisan policy efforts. Additionally, his company, Input Output Global (IOG), plans to establish a dedicated policy office by early 2025, focusing on legislation such as the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21) and the Responsible Financial Innovation Act (RFIA). As a result of this news, Cardano's ADA token surged 20%, reaching a seven-month high of $0.52, reflecting growing market confidence in Cardano's potential influence on U.S. crypto policy. Plus Wallet: Empowering Crypto Innovation Amid Industry Milestones Crypto wallets like Plus Wallet are setting new standards by integrating advanced features and fostering innovation. For instance, recent developments, such as Bitget Wallet's $20 million initiative for Telegram Mini Apps and Charles Hoskinson’s role in shaping U.S. crypto policy, highlight a critical juncture for the industry. Therefore, these milestones emphasize the need for versatile, user-friendly wallets that not only secure assets but also support the growing demands of decentralized ecosystems. Moreover, Plus Wallet, with its intuitive interface and robust security, exemplifies the next generation of crypto wallets. In particular, it mirrors Bitget's approach by enabling seamless interaction with decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain-based ecosystems, positioning itself as a leader in interoperability. With this in mind, features like multi-chain compatibility and integrated staking empower users to leverage their assets while participating in innovative projects—be it Telegram Mini Apps or blockchain governance. In addition, Hoskinson’s appointment underscores the industry's shift toward regulatory clarity and mainstream adoption. As a result, policymakers and developers are converging, and wallets like Plus Wallet play a crucial role in bridging users with the evolving crypto infrastructure. Thus, its advanced capabilities ensure that users remain connected to opportunities, from participating in governance frameworks inspired by Hoskinson’s work to exploring new dApps powered by funding initiatives like Bitget’s. Ultimately, by combining security, accessibility, and functionality, Plus Wallet stands out as a valuable tool for users seeking to thrive amid technological advancements and regulatory progress. Final Take As the cryptocurrency space continues to adapt and grow, the tools enabling user participation are becoming increasingly important. Bitget Wallet’s investment in Telegram Mini Apps and Charles Hoskinson’s regulatory initiatives mark pivotal steps in ecosystem development and policy clarity. However, wallets like Plus Wallet truly stand out by combining advanced functionality with unmatched accessibility. By bridging security, multi-chain compatibility, and ease of use, Plus Wallet empowers users to engage with decentralized ecosystems effortlessly. Website: https://pluswallet.app/ Download: https://onelink.to/pluswalletapp Twitter: https://x.com/pluswalletapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluswallet.app/ Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.

Immediate Olux +200 Review 2024: Scam or Legit Trading Platform? – Facts!GS1 pushes barcode adoption for patient safety, better workflow for health care workersSANTA CLARA — Brandon Allen prepared as if he was the 49ers’ starting quarterback all week, but the reality didn’t hit home until Friday, when Brock Purdy again missed practice. “I know he had a plan for his shoulder all week, rest it a little bit on Wednesday and we’d split reps,” Allen said of Purdy. “I think the plan Thursday was to come out and practice. I guess in warmups it just wasn’t feeling right. I found out (Friday).” Allen, a 32-year-old veteran in his ninth season, will start Sunday when the 49ers (5-5) visit the Green Bay Packers (7-3) at Lambeau Field. Purdy was ruled out with a shoulder injury sustained in a 20-17 loss to Seattle , the first time he has missed a start because of injury after 31 regular-season and six postseason starts. Here are five things to know about Allen: 1. Arkansas roots The Fayetteville, Arkansas native’s father Bobby spent more than 20 years as an Arkansas assistant coach. After a redshirt season in 2011, Allen played in 42 games with 38 starts for the Razorbacks. As a senior, Allen completed 57.4 percent of his passes for 3,440 yards, 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions as Arkansas went 8-5. His brother Austin took over as the Arkansas quarterback. In his ninth season, only Joe Ferguson (11 seasons) of the Buffalo Bills has more time in the NFL among Arkansas quarterbacks. 2. Professional route Drafted in the sixth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen spent his rookie season behind Blake Bortles and Chad Henne as a third-string quarterback and did not play. He was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 and played behind Jared Goff and Sean Mannion before being signed by the Denver Broncos in 2019. Allen won his first start against Cleveland 24-19 in Week 9 of that season, passing for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Allen signed with Cincinnati in 2020, spent time on the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in November. Subbing for Joe Burrow, Allen had his career-best game, passing for 371 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-31 win. Allen is 2-7 as an NFL starter with 1,611 yards passing, 10 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 78.0 passer rating. 3. Signing with the 49ers Allen became a 49er on May 8, 2023, signing as a free agent. The 49ers, who up to that point seldom kept a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, kept Allen as a No. 3 all season behind Purdy and Sam Darnold after the previous year’s injuries to Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, and finally Purdy in the NFC Championship Game. Allen did not take a snap. 4. Installed as No. 2 QB Allen signed another one-year contract with the 49ers for one year and $1.21 million (which is more than the $985,000 that Purdy makes on his rookie deal). The 49ers also signed Joshua Dobbs to a one-year, guaranteed $2.35 million contract. Allen and Dobbs competed throughout training camp, with Allen earning the nod from coach Kyle Shanahan. “You’ve got to make a decision. Usually I don’t want to have to make it,” Shanahan said. “I want it to be that obvious, let it play out. Brandon had the head start just being here. I thought he did some better things in practice.” 5. Familiarity with the system While in Denver, Allen’s offensive coordinator was Rich Scangarello, who was the quarterbacks coach under Shanahan in 2017-18. In Los Angeles, the head coach was Sean McVay and the offensive coordinator was Matt LaFleur, both of whom run variations of the Shanahan offense. In 2018, Zac Taylor was his quarterbacks coach with the Rams. Taylor, upon being hired as head coach in Cincinnati, signed Allen to back up Burrow.