Who is Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian leader whose family ruled with an iron fist for more than 50 years? Live updates: Syria rebels declare Damascus ‘free,’ claim Assad has fled the capital | CNN
Donald Trump calls for 'immediate ceasefire' between Ukraine and Russia, says Zelensky is ready for 'deal'
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Donald Trump calls for 'immediate ceasefire' between Ukraine and ...
Quick Glance: Trump Calls for Immediate Ceasefire Between Ukraine and Russia
  • Donald Trump called for an immediate ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, stating that negotiations should begin.

  • He expressed concern over the loss of lives and warned that the conflict could escalate further.

  • Zelensky confirmed a productive meeting with Trump in Paris, where they discussed the need for a just peace.

  • Trump also remarked on the Syrian situation, noting that President Assad fled after losing Russian support.
HOW ‘BOUT DEM DAWGS 😤 Georgia Bulldogs x #SECChampionship
No. 1 Oregon Ducks capture first Big Ten title in offensive showcase vs. Penn State
oregonlive.com/ducks/2024/12/no-1-oregon-ducks-capture-first-big-ten-title-in-offensive-showcase-vs-penn-state.html
No. 1 Oregon Ducks capture first Big Ten title in offensive showcase vs ...
Quick Glance: Oregon Clinches First Big Ten Title Against Penn State
  • No. 1 Oregon secured its first Big Ten championship with a 45-37 victory over Penn State.

  • The Ducks remain undefeated at 13-0 and advance to the College Football Playoff as the top seed.

  • Key moments included a crucial interception by Nikko Reed and a touchdown pass from Drew Allar.

  • The game took place Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Assad portrait: From beacon of hope to warlord: His escape from Damascus marks the end of Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule in Syria. When he took office ...
tagesschau.de/ausland/asien/assad-190.html
Assad portrait: From beacon of hope to warlord
Quick Glance: Assad's Rule: From Hope to Exile
  • Bashar al-Assad's flight from Damascus marks the end of his 24-year reign.

  • Initially seen as a beacon of hope, he plunged Syria into a prolonged civil war.

  • His escape follows an offensive by Islamist fighters that rapidly defeated his regime.

  • Assad's rule concludes after 54 years of his family's dominant control over Syria.
South Korea ex-defense minister arrested over President Yoon’s martial law : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s former defense minister was arrested on ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2024/12/08/south-korea-ex-defense-minister-arrested-over-president-yoon-s-martial-law-
South Korea ex-defense minister arrested over President Yoon’s martial law ...
US TikTok content creators warn followers to find them on Instagram, YouTube: Many said they doubted that the platform will survive.
reuters.com/technology/us-tiktok-content-creators-warn-followers-find-them-instagram-youtube-2024-12-07/
US TikTok content creators warn followers to find them on Instagram ...
Quick Glance: TikTok Creators Urge Followers to Switch Platforms
  • US content creators on TikTok are urging followers to subscribe to rival platforms like Instagram and YouTube due to the impending possibility of a ban.

  • The app has amassed 170 million US users, particularly among younger audiences, leading to a shift of advertisers from major US companies.

  • US lawmakers have enacted a law requiring TikTok's Chinese owners to divest the platform to avoid a ban.

  • Amid uncertainty, many creators are expressing concerns about TikTok's future and encouraging their followers to engage on other social media.
It's official. Willy Adames has left the Brewers for the San Francisco Giants on a reported seven-year, $182 million contract. More here: Brewers fan favorite Willy Adames signs massive contract with Giants
Quick Glance: Willy Adames Signs Seven-Year Deal with Giants
  • The San Francisco Giants have signed Willy Adames to a seven-year contract worth $182 million.

  • Adames, who played for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, batted .251 with 32 home runs in 161 games.

  • This deal marks the largest contract in Giants' franchise history.

  • Before joining the Giants, Adames spent four years with both the Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays.
Notre Dame’s ceremonial reopening also marks Trump’s return to the world stage: Against the Paris skyline, the Notre Dame Cathedral has risen from the ashes with ...
pbs.org/newshour/show/notre-dames-ceremonial-reopening-also-marks-trumps-return-to-the-world-stage
Notre Dame’s ceremonial reopening also marks Trump’s return to the world ...
Quick Glance: Notre Dame Celebrates Grand Reopening After Renovation
  • Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened its doors after the devastating fire of 2019.

  • Over 2,500 guests, including world leaders like Donald Trump and Jill Biden, attended the celebration to honor the restoration of the iconic landmark.

  • President Emmanuel Macron praised the firefighters and the more than 2,000 workers involved in the five-year reconstruction effort, promising to make Notre Dame even more beautiful.

  • The festivities included a symbolic ceremony to awaken the great organ, which had been silent for five years, marking a triumphant return to life.
Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras tour set for final show : Taylor Swift's record-shattering "Eras Tour" is set to end on Sunday in ...
wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-taylor-swifts-record-breaking-eras-tour-set-for-final-show-782402
Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras tour set for final show
Syrian rebels topple President Assad, prime minister calls for free elections: Insurgents gained control after only a day of fighting, leaving President Bashar ...
reut.rs/4ioRqaw
Syrian rebels topple President Assad, prime minister calls for free ...
Marco Reus' long-cherished dream of winning the championship finally came true on Saturday. The 35-year-old won the MLS final 2:1 with his club Los Angeles ... Show more
Quick Glance: Reus clinches first title with Galaxy
  • Marco Reus celebrated his first championship on December 7, 2024, with Los Angeles Galaxy in the Major League Soccer (MLS) final against New York Red Bulls.

  • Due to adductor issues that limited his training, Reus was brought into the match late in the second half.

  • Los Angeles quickly took a 2-0 lead, and despite a goal from New York, they secured the title.

  • This victory holds special significance for Reus, who experienced seven runner-up finishes with Borussia Dortmund and missed several crucial tournaments.
Steve Mensch, president of Tyler Perry Studios, dead after plane crash in Florida, reports say
usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/07/steve-mensch-tyler-perry-studios-plane-crash/76844576007/
Steve Mensch, president of Tyler Perry Studios, dead after plane crash in ...
LA Galaxy beat NY Red Bulls 2-1 to lift MLS Cup for the sixth time: Galaxy end their 10-year trophy drought with a record-extending sixth title ...
aljazeera.com/sports/2024/12/8/la-galaxy-beat-ny-red-bulls-2-1-to-lift-mls-cup-for-the-sixth-time
LA Galaxy beat NY Red Bulls 2-1 to lift MLS Cup for the sixth time
Quick Glance: Galaxy Claims Sixth MLS Cup Over Red Bulls
  • LA Galaxy clinched their sixth MLS Cup title with a 2-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls.

  • The Galaxy started strong, scoring two goals within the first 13 minutes through Paintsil and Joveljic.

  • Despite Puig's absence, the team displayed strong performance and maintained control of the match.

  • Coach Vanney was highlighted as a key factor in the Galaxy's success, while the Red Bulls raised questions about their future.
Manchester United suffer 3-2 home defeat by Nottingham Forest: Forest’s first win at Old Trafford in 30 years moves them up to fifth in the standings on 25 ...
straitstimes.com/sport/football/manchester-united-suffer-3-2-home-defeat-by-nottingham-forest
Manchester United suffer 3-2 home defeat by Nottingham Forest
Quick Glance: Manchester United falls 3-2 to Nottingham Forest
  • Manchester United lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest, remaining in 13th place in the Premier League.

  • United's defensive weaknesses on set pieces led to two quick goals against them.

  • Fernandes scored for United but could not prevent the defeat.

  • New coach Amorim highlighted his team's struggles and the need to focus on details.
A pair of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” which were stolen from a Minnesota museum almost 20 years ago ... Show more

Pair of Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ sold at auction for $28 million | CNN
Quick Glance: Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers Sell for $28 Million
  • The iconic ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" were auctioned for $28 million.

  • Heritage Auctions initially estimated the shoes would sell for over $3 million.

  • Terry Jon Martin, the thief, was indicted in 2023 for stealing them in 2005.

  • The slippers were returned to collector Michael Shaw in February 2023 and gained renewed attention due to the film "Wicked."
Syrian PM Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali says he’s ready to support a transition of power and cooperate with the opposition after President Bashar al-Assad ... Show more
Harry Potter TV show to start filming in summer at Leavesden: The new HBO series will be filmed at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden.
bbc.com/news/articles/czr37d76rzgo
Harry Potter TV show to start filming in summer at Leavesden
Quick Glance: Harry Potter Series to Begin Filming in 2025
  • The eagerly awaited Harry Potter TV series will start filming in summer 2025 at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire.

  • Max announced that the show will run for over a decade and will faithfully adapt JK Rowling's book series, featuring an entirely new cast.

  • In September 2023, an open casting call brought in around 32,000 children vying for the leading roles.

  • The series will consist of seven seasons, with each season devoted to adapting one of Rowling's iconic books.
Olivier Latry, who has served as Notre Dame’s organist for 40 years, reawakens the organ for its symbolic resurrection after the fire. The instrument, with 8 ... Show more

Live updates: Notre Dame bells ring for the first time since fire
Dozens of heads of state and government, as well as several other celebrity guests, are in attendance at the ceremony marking the rebuilding and reopening of ... Show more
Shortly after the murder of the UHC CEO, Anthem walked back its decision to put time limits on anesthesia coverage.Anthem Drops Plans for Insane Anesthesia Coverage Time Limits
Quick Glance: Anthem Reverses Controversial Anesthesia Policy Change
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reversed a controversial policy change that would have linked anesthesia payments in some states to the duration of anesthesia.

  • The decision came after widespread backlash and was attributed to "significant widespread misinformation" regarding the policy.

  • The American Society for Anesthesiologists had called for the reversal, arguing that the proposed policy was unclear and financially motivated.

  • This reversal occurred a day after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed in New York City.
The Syrian opposition announced in a televised statement on Syrian state TV that they have freed Damascus and overthrown President Bashar al Assad’s regime ... Show more
Ghana opposition candidate John Mahama wins presidential election: Opposition candiate John Mahama claimed victory in Ghana's presidential elections on Sunday ...
france24.com/en/afrique/20241208-ghana-opposition-candidate-john-mahama-wins-presidential-election
Ghana opposition candidate John Mahama wins presidential election
Bill Belichick, 72, Shows Off 24-Year-Old ‘Old Soul’ Girlfriend Jordon Hudson: The couple made their debut at an NYC gala, and sources said the former New ...
thedailybeast.com/bill-belichick-72-shows-off-24-year-old-old-soul-girlfriend-jordon-hudson/
Bill Belichick, 72, Shows Off 24-Year-Old ‘Old Soul’ Girlfriend Jordon ...
Quick Glance: Belichick's Potential NFL Coaching Opportunities in 2025
  • Bill Belichick is considered a candidate for the UNC coaching position, but it is unlikely he will forgo NFL opportunities.

  • Three criteria could determine Belichick's return to the NFL in 2025: an ambitious owner, a disloyal front office, and a roster needing discipline.

  • Potential NFL teams for Belichick include the Jaguars, Dolphins, Giants, and Cowboys, each facing their own challenges.

  • The Jets appear to be off the table, while the Buccaneers and Raiders might be interested in hiring him, depending on developments with their current coaches.
Baby Duck just met The Duck! If you missed our original story about Baby Duck, her name is Avery White and she captured hearts at Autzen last week ... Show more

‘Baby Duck’ Avery White touches down in Indianapolis for Big Ten championship game - oregonlive.com
See King Charles and Queen Camilla's Christmas card: The portrait of the happy couple was snapped in April in the garden at Buckingham Palace.
rnz.co.nz/news/world/536010/see-king-charles-and-queen-camilla-s-christmas-card
See King Charles and Queen Camilla's Christmas card
Vampire Diaries star narrowly escapes getting crushed on stage: The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev was protected by her former co-stars Candice King and Kat ...
metro.co.uk/2024/12/07/vampire-diaries-star-narrowly-escapes-getting-crushed-stage-22142261/
Vampire Diaries star narrowly escapes getting crushed on stage
Pope Francis appears with bruised chin at ceremony for new cardinals: Pope Francis led a ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday to install 21 new Catholic ...
reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-appears-with-bruised-chin-ceremony-new-cardinals-2024-12-07/
Pope Francis appears with bruised chin at ceremony for new cardinals
Quick Glance: Pope Francis with Bruised Chin at Cardinal Ceremony
  • Pope Francis led a ceremony on December 7, 2024, in St. Peter's Basilica to install 21 new cardinals, despite a bruise on his chin from a minor fall the previous day.

  • The new cardinals hail from 17 countries, enhancing geographic diversity within the College of Cardinals and increasing the likelihood that the next pope may share Francis' vision for a more inclusive Church.

  • In his homily, Francis highlighted the cultural diversity of the new cardinals and urged them to be witnesses of fraternity and builders of unity.

  • With this installation, around 80% of the cardinals who will elect the next pope have been appointed by Francis.
Syrian opposition forces are seen inside the presidential palace compound in Damascus as the opposition leader announces “fall” of Syrian President Bashar ... Show more

Syrian opposition leader announces ‘fall’ of Syrian president al-Assad’s government
First year in the Big Ten went pretty good for Oregon #GoDucks #b1g #CFP #Oregon
Michail Antonio: West Ham striker 'stable' after road accident: West Ham say striker Michail Antonio is in a stable condition and "conscious and communicating" ...
bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c23vvrxnrvko
Michail Antonio: West Ham striker 'stable' after road accident
Quick Glance: West Ham's Michail Antonio hospitalized after car crash
  • West Ham confirmed that Michail Antonio was involved in a car accident, with images of a damaged Ferrari circulating online.

  • The 34-year-old forward had a previous incident in 2019, crashing a Lamborghini while dressed as a snowman.

  • Antonio has made 15 appearances for West Ham this season and is the club's all-time top scorer in the Premier League.

  • He revealed he is undergoing therapy to cope with mental health challenges stemming from personal issues, including his divorce.
Syrians poured onto the streets to celebrate the collapse of Bashar al Assad’s 24-year regime as opposition forces announced the capture of the capital ... Show more
College Football Playoff faces tough bracket decisions after conference championship chaos
usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2024/12/08/college-football-playoff-bracket-chaos-conference-championship-games/76843718007/
College Football Playoff faces tough bracket decisions after conference ...
Starbucks' new CEO, Brian Niccol, says he hopes customers will one day be able to get a brewed cup of coffee in less than 30 seconds ... Show more

Starbucks' New CEO Wants You to Get a Coffee 'in Less Than 30 Seconds' - Business Insider
Quick Glance: Starbucks CEO discusses efficiency and new technologies
  • Brian Niccol, the new CEO of Starbucks, aims to create a more efficient ordering process with the goal of having coffee ready in under 30 seconds.

  • He has already implemented changes such as removing the upcharge for non-dairy milk and bringing back Sharpies and the coffee condiment bar.

  • The company is investing in technology to provide accurate pickup times for mobile orders instead of just estimates.

  • Niccol aims to reduce espresso drink preparation to under four minutes while simplifying the menu, with no price increases planned for the current fiscal year.
Watch: Trump and Macron's 17-second intense handshake battle goes viral. Here's who dominated...
wionews.com/world/watch-trump-and-macrons-17-second-intense-handshake-battle-goes-viral-heres-who-dominated-782386
Watch: Trump and Macron's 17-second intense handshake battle goes ...
The number of Americans living to at least 100 is expected to quadruple over the next 30 years, to about 422,000 by the mid-2050s ... Show more

wsj.com
Denis Shapovalov destroyed Jannik Sinner's fans who insulted him: The Canadian shared a harsh comment against the young Italian's fans, following Denis's words ...
ow.ly/xgsg50UmZwW
Denis Shapovalov destroyed Jannik Sinner's fans who insulted him
Quick Glance: Shapovalov Hits Back at Sinner's Insulting Fans
  • Denis Shapovalov harshly responded to insults from Jannik Sinner's fans in recent months.

  • He discussed the negative impact of social media, particularly X, in a conversation with Thanasi Kokkinakis and Dominic Thiem.

  • Shapovalov clarified that his criticism regarding unequal treatment of players was not aimed personally at Sinner.

  • He emphasized the unfairness of different penalties for players based on their situations.
🇫🇷🧑‍🚒 Paris firefighters dressed in their uniforms were given a standing ovation at the re-opening of #NotreDame cathedral on Saturday in recognition of their ... Show more
Syrians prostrate in celebration of the collapse of Bashar al Assad’s regime after opposition forces entered the capital Damascus.
The PM says Labor has your back. Most voters don’t believe him: Almost 60 per cent of voters believe they are worse off than when Labor came to power at the last ...
theage.com.au/politics/federal/the-pm-says-labor-has-your-back-most-voters-don-t-believe-him-20241208-p5kwpp.html
The PM says Labor has your back. Most voters don’t believe him
President-elect Donald Trump, first lady Jill Biden, Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were among the world leaders to join French ... Show more

Notre Dame reopens its doors to world leaders in rare symbol of unity - ABC News
Quick Glance: Notre-Dame Reopens After Five-Year Reconstruction Celebration
  • France celebrated the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral with a special service honoring the firefighters who saved it from a devastating fire in 2019.

  • President Macron expressed gratitude for the swift restoration completed in five years, highlighting the cathedral as a symbol of French creativity and resilience.

  • Despite challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and political turmoil, the cathedral has been successfully restored and now features modern enhancements.

  • Pope Francis advocated for free access for visitors, while the exact cause of the 2019 blaze remains unidentified.