n villa hospital The streets were dark and cars packed. People, who moved on foot, carried bags with their belongings, unsure about where they were going but certain that they could not stay. This was the scene on Tuesday in Nuweiri, central Beirut, moments after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings, the first for these areas. We were trying to visit the site of an Israeli air strike hours earlier, in the afternoon, that came without warning, flattened one building and killed at least seven people. But we could not get there. Crowds were leaving, and men on motorbikes stopped us from moving, saying it was not safe. Minutes later, we heard several explosions, from more attacks. And for hours, that was how the night unfolded in Beirut. Multiple blasts. Some in the distance; others closer. Gunshots announced more warnings, urging people to seek safety. All of this, with the constant sound of an Israeli drone flying overhead. This dramatic escalation came as the country waited for an Israeli decision on a ceasefire deal, the main hope to end over a year of conflict with Hezbollah, the powerful Iranian-backed movement. During that wait, Israel unleashed its most intense bombardment of Beirut in the conflict. Within two minutes, shortly after the attack on Nuweiri, fighter jets hit 20 targets in the city’s southern suburbs, known as Dahieh, where Hezbollah is based in the city. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the targets hit were facilities used by Hezbollah, and the wave of attacks was heard across the city. Now, a ceasefire has been officially announced, but questions remain. The war has been devastating for Lebanon, where more than 3,700 people have been killed since the start of the hostilities in October 2023, and one million residents have been displaced in areas where Hezbollah has strong presence. The World Bank estimates $8.5bn (£6.8bn) in economic losses and damage. Recovery will take time, and no-one seems to know who will pay for it. Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese soldiers will be deployed to the south, after the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. How they will be deployed remains unclear. The military has complained that they do not have the resources – money, manpower and equipment – to fulfil their obligations. But it is not only about funding, which will probably come from some of Lebanon’s international allies. Will the Lebanese military confront Hezbollah if needed? That would put Lebanese against Lebanese, which is always a risk in a country where sectarian divisions run deep. Lebanese authorities seem to have accepted that things must change, a diplomat told me. It appears there is political will to do so. Hezbollah, too, has been devastated. Many of its leaders have been killed, including long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah, while its infrastructure has been heavily damaged. How it will look like after the war is another unknown. The group has been severely weakened, some would say humiliated, but it has not been destroyed. In Lebanon, it is more than a militia: it is a political party with representation in Parliament, and a social organisation, with significant support among Shia Muslims. Its opponents will probably see it as an opportunity to limit its influence. Before the conflict, Hezbollah was often described as a state within a state in Lebanon. And for months, people outside Hezbollah’s support base said the group had dragged the country into a war that was not in its interests. This deal may bring the conflict with Israel to an end. But many in Lebanon fear a new internal conflict could follow.

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New goalie pads weren’t the only present Mackenzie Blackwood got for Christmas. His five-year extension with the Colorado Avalanche was a welcome gift for the 28-year-old goaltender who has only played four games in burgundy and blue. “I’m pretty excited about that when I found out they were offering me a contract around Christmastime. We hashed it out pretty quickly, and I’m very excited to be here,” Blackwood said after morning skate on Friday. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native was traded to the Avs on Dec. 9 by the San Jose Sharks with forward Givani Smith and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick for Alexandar Georgiev, forward Nikolai Kovalenko and a 2026 second-round draft pick. Mackenzie Blackwood Signs Five-Year Extension With the Avalanche He was slated to become an unrestricted free agent after this season with the completion of his two-year deal at $2.35 million. His new deal is worth $26.25 million with a cap hit of $5.25 million per season. He is not only relieved to have a long-term deal but ready to settle into his new home. “It’s a good culture. It’s a good organization. Welcomed me very quickly, and it’s a first-class organization. So I just thought it’s a great opportunity for me. I’m happy to play here, and everything just worked out well,” Blackwood said. Colorado’s locker room has changed quite a bit in the last month with the overhaul of goaltending — the team traded Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators for Scott Wedgewood just a week and a half before it acquired Blackwood. Both new netminders have made an impression on and off the ice. “It’s nice to know that he’s going to be around and that our future and that’s locked in with him and now Wedgewood for next year and Blackwood beyond that. Our guys are excited. He’s excited to be here. He’s played well since he’s been here. Helped sort of turn things around for us. So well deserved, and real excited for him. “His experience and he’s got a great personality, [he’s a] good voice in the room. When it comes to any of the defending details, penalty kill, all that — he’ll take on a bigger leadership role, for sure,” head coach Jared Bednar said. Blackwood said he would like to add to that leadership group now that he’s signed long-term. And he has already made an impression on his teammates in the short time he’s been with the Avs. “It’s always nice having a good goalie behind you, anytime you make a mistake, he’s gonna bail you out a decent amount of time. And that’s obviously a nice cushion to have,” defenseman Sam Malinski said. “He’s a guy with very high character. He’s a fun guy to have around, and it’s nice to see that he’s only been here for a couple weeks, and he already has faith to sign here for five years, and he knows that this is where he wants to play. So, yeah, that’s pretty cool.” Blackwood has a new set of white goalie pads and said his mask shipped on Thursday. His nickname is “Blacky,” which is on his current mask he brought from the Sharks, so that may be on his new Avalanche one as well. As for what Avs Faithful should chant when he shines at Ball Arena, that is to be determined. More Avalanche News Deen’s Daily: World Juniors Opening Day Round Up; Avalanche’s Next Home Game Week Ahead: Avalanche Need a Win vs Winnipeg on New Year’s Eve Deen’s Daily: McLellan Replaces Lalonde in Detroit; Florida’s Savvy Additions; Dubas’ Toughest Job Yet This article first appeared on Colorado Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.MUSE Microscopy, Inc. is Entering a New Era of Digital Pathology with the Development of the ...