Strong wind warning as Christmas getaway continues

The toppling of Bashar Assad in Damascus has sparked hopes for peace in Syria after decades of authoritarian rule, with the Islamic militant group HTS credited for maintaining relative calm and working to reduce sectarian violence. The Alawite community, long associated with Assad's regime, has been targeted in revenge killings, but HTS is striving for reconciliation and justice through trials for former officials. Concerns remain about HTS potentially imposing strict religious rules, despite its claims...

Buyers of Jaypee Infratech Limited have been waiting over a decade for completion of their homes, despite a new firm acquiring the company. Around 18,000 homebuyers are affected, with construction delays continuing even after a resolution plan was approved. The IBBI has been contacted for intervention, as buyers express frustration over the lack of progress in completing their homes. Full Article

Indian sand artist Sudersan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture with prayers for the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 at Puri Beach in 2014. The Malaysian government plans to allow a renewed private search for the missing flight, which disappeared over a decade ago. Ocean Infinity, a Texas-based marine robotics firm, will conduct the search in a different location in the southern Indian Ocean. If the wreckage is found, Ocean Infinity will be paid $70 million....

The US Senate has passed a budget deal to prevent a government shutdown, with overwhelming support, after the House of Representatives approved the legislation. The bill, which does not include President Trump's demand to increase federal borrowing limits, now awaits President Biden's signature. The deal averts a shutdown that would have impacted federal services and employees, showcasing the limits of Trump's influence over his party. Full Article

A police officer in South Australia was allegedly stabbed with a sword while responding to a domestic disturbance in Port Augusta. The officer was struck in the arm by a man wielding a sword, but her injuries are not life-threatening. The suspect, a 30-year-old man from Port Augusta, was arrested and will face charges, including assaulting an emergency worker, with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Full Article

Notre Dame made history by winning the first home College Football Playoff game, defeating Indiana 27-17 with key plays by Jeremiyah Love and Riley Leonard. Despite Indiana's late efforts, Notre Dame's strong performance led to a Sugar Bowl matchup against Georgia on New Year's Day in New Orleans. Full Article