Mon, December 9, 2024

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: Mediaite

'Wants to Protect His Child': Durbin Defends Biden as Tapper Grills Him On Hunter Pardon President 'Said Again and Again' He Wouldn't Do

Joe Biden's unconditional pardon of Hunter covers any crimes his son might have committed dating back to 2014, which Durbin said is just being a loving dad.

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: Associated Press

How some legislatures are undercutting their voters, plus Trump's negotiations with world leaders

This newsletter was originally sent out via email to our Ground Game subscribers on Dec. 9. You can subscribe at any time at apnews.com/newsletters.

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: The New York Times

A Century-Old Law's Aftershocks Are Still Felt at the Supreme Court

Congress let the justices choose the cases they would decide. That change "continues to prompt political contention and crisis," a scholar argues.

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: MSN

Civil Service needs 'innovators and disrupters', McFadden says

Civil Service needs 'innovators and disrupters', McFadden says - The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster cited Airbnb, WhatsApp and Spotify as examples of start-ups the Civil Service could emulate.

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: CounterPunch

How Republics Succeed, Falter, and Fail

The U.S. enjoys many strengths that give it an edge over other republics, such as a decentralized and innovative economy that draws global talent and

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: MSN

Why is HTS banned in the UK and will this change now it has control in Syria?

Why is HTS banned in the UK and will this change now it has control in Syria? - The Home Secretary can decide to lift a ban on a proscribed organisation.

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

'The fear is palpable': Australian women and children trapped in Syria afraid for their lives

Australia has had five years to repatriate dozens of women and children who went to Syria under Islamic State.

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: Mises Institute

The Study Supporting California's $20 Minimum Wage is Just Politics as Usual

A new study from the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at UC Berkeley claims that California's new $20 fast food minimum wage has had no adverse

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: Buffalo News

Movers and shakers: Report outlines Buffalo's power structure, offers guide for how to navigate it

Our City Action Buffalo last month released a set of reports aimed at helping seasoned organizers and people looking to become civically engaged alike − a guide for understanding and challenging the well-established power structures in Buffalo and Western New York.

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: Government Executive

Politics vs. Policy: Building partnerships with new appointees

Among other things, they bring new political appointees to leadership positions in an agency or program, and they will supervise or oversee career civil servants. The latter are duty-bound to follow the lawful orders of the former.
Sun, December 8, 2024

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: World Socialist Web Site

Fluoridation of community water and the politics of disinformation

Robert F Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has promised to end water fluoridation, a program which has been called one of the ten greatest achievements in public health.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Daily Star

Three pro-BNP bodies march towards Indian mission

Three pro-BNP organisations yesterday submitted a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, demanding the stop of misinformation about Bangladesh and ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi missions in India.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: ABC

Biden says fall of Assad regime a 'historic opportunity'

The current and next president responded to the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime after he fled the country as rebels advanced into Damascus.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Newsroom

Climate politics matures with Greens emissions plan

Analysis: The Green Party's alternative emissions reduction plan can serve as the platform for a substantive debate on climate, Marc Daalder writes.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Philadelphia Inquirer

Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is possible

Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire went beyond the public policy stands taken by the Biden administration and Ukraine and drew a cautious response from Zelenskyy. It also marks Trump wading unusually deeply into efforts before his Jan. 20 inauguration to resolve one of the major global crises facing the lame-duck Biden administration.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Reuters

Trump aims to deport all immigrants in the US illegally

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump aims to deport all immigrants in the U.S. illegally over his four-year term but wants a deal to protect so-called "Dreamer" immigrants, he said in an interview that aired on Sunday on NBC News' "Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The West Australian

Newspoll: Voters rate Anthony Albanese as weakest leader in decades

Mr Albanese unveiled the opening of a major train line in Perth's north on Sunday, where the booming outer suburbs helped to fuel the red wave that had Labor pick up five seats and secure majority government in 2022. Mr Dutton, in the crucial swing seat ...

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The New York Times

What to Know: How Rebels Toppled the Syrian Government and Deposed Assad

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, whose name means Organization for the Liberation of the Levant, began to form at the beginning of Syria's civil war, when jihadists formed the Al Nusra Front to fight pro-Assad forces with hundreds of insurgent and suicide attacks.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Sky News Australia

Sydney Trains officials warn commuters of service reductions and cancellations on Monday after industrial action over pay

Train commuters are being urged to reconsider their travel plans on Monday due to major cancellations and reduced services following industrial action by rail unions.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: CNN

Trump previews immigration actions and January 6 pardons in first TV interview since election

President-elect Donald Trump previewed immigration actions he plans to take in his first days in office and outlined how he expects his Justice Department to handle investigations into his political opponents and the criminal cases against January 6 rioters in his first major television interview since winning November's presidential election.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Cfr.org

After Fall of Assad Dynasty, Syria's Risky New Moment

The swift collapse of Syria's regime brings a humiliating end to Russia's and Iran's sway and opens the door for greater Turkish influence. But the Islamist movement that seized power has yet to

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

Dutton takes the lead, but is he defying gravity?

The opposition leader is now ahead in the opinion polls at a time of deep unrest over the cost of living when he has no significant public plan to fix the problem.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Charlotte Observer

Biden to push for Austin Tice return as Assad flees Syria: 'We think we can get him back'

Assad's regime could present an opportunity to bring home the journalist more than 12 years after he traveled to Syria to cover its descent into war.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Newstalk ZB

Dr Leon Goldsmith: Bashar Al-Assad was 'vulnerable and exposed'

Rebel forces in Syria say they have ended Bashar Al-Assad's rule as the government's troops withdraw from Damascus. Otago University Professor for Middle Eastern and Comparative Politics Leon Goldsmith joins Early Edition.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

'Excessive' or 'strategic merit'? Eastern suburbs' tallest building given green light

A proposal to construct the tallest building in the eastern suburbs has overcome a significant planning hurdle three years after first being rejected, despite opposition from Woollahra Council.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Daily Express

Labour's 'dangerously misguided foreign policy' threatens special relationship with US

Mark Francois accused Sir Keir Starmer of undermining the "cornerstone of our defence policy" and attacked "Labour's persistent uncertainty on defence spending".

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Independent

Why Rayner's bricks and mortar is more important than Reeves's economic growth in building for victory

While Labour made economic growth its first mission, it is tackling the spiralling housing crisis that could make the difference between winning or losing the next election, writes David Maddox

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The West Australian

Legal system cracking under weight of DV demand

Women are being put on trial by a broken legal system that is hard to access and lacking compassion despite a national focus on domestic violence, according to advocates too often forced to turn them away.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Age

High Court battle looms for Allan over electoral funding laws

Correspondence between Jacinta Allan and independent candidates reveals why a dispute over Victoria's electoral laws is likely to head to the top court.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Age

The Allan government is already spruiking its housing success. Here's what the data says

Over a year after its Housing Statement, Labor is falling short of its lofty targets - and that's if its estimate stacks up. If it doesn't, things are even worse.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Daily Express

Labour accused of 'ghosting' pensioners in fury over anti-OAP policies

A campaigner hit out at Labour for "refusing to engage at all with representatives of nearly 13 million older voters".

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: CNN

Trump attends Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris

President-elect Donald Trump is visiting Paris Saturday to attend the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral and meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. Follow here for the latest live news updates.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Age

Protests to go on 'until liberation' say pro-Palestinian organisers

Melbourne saw its 61st consecutive protest as the state government mulls changes to the law, and the chamber of commerce says the ongoing rallies are harming the city.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Yahoo

The fall of Bashar Assad after 13 years of war in Syria brings to an end a decades-long dynasty

The fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government Sunday brought to a dramatic close his nearly 14-year struggle to hold onto power as his country fragmented amid a brutal civil war that became a proxy battlefield for regional and international powers.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Jefferson Public Radio

Disappearing bills: More than 2,300 bills died without a vote in California's legislature in the last two years

Few bills fail in the Legislature because lawmakers publicly vote "no." Instead, most bills die when they are shelved, without lawmakers having to take tough votes.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: legit

Former Nigerian Governor Declares Death Penalty for Killers of Security Officers

At a security event in Abuja, Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu proposed a death penalty measure for those who kill security personnel. He shared the benefit of such measure.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Reuters

Israel watching Syria closely after 'historic' fall of Assad

Israel has watched the rapid overthrow of the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with a mixture of hope and concern as officials weigh the consequences of one of the most significant strategic shifts in the Middle East in years.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Independent

Trump issues warning to Liz Cheney as he reveals plans to pardon Jan 6 rioters on 'day one': Live

Donald Trump has issued a warning to Liz Cheney and her fellow House committee members who were tasked with investigating the January 6 Capitol riot. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Independent

Trump calls for Putin to reach ceasefire with Ukraine after Syrian government falls to rebel assault

President-elect Donald Trump publicly urged Vladimir Putin to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine 's President Volodymyr Zelensky in a late-night social media post Saturday evening sent amid reports that Damascus, Syria's capital, fell to a rebel attack.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Seattle Times

Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson's early approach to fix WA $10B budget deficit

Washington faces a more than $10 billion budget shortfall. There's already talk of potential tax increases but here's Ferguson's current approach.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: MSN

Where is Bashar al-Assad?

The statement from Assad's ally is the first on his whereabouts since rebels took control of Damascus.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

Over 75,000 approved homes yet to commence construction

Doubts over the effectiveness of the government's planning reforms are growing with data that shows a huge lag between approved DAs and new builds.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: MSN

Syrians in Malaysia celebrate end of Assad regime by changing to rebel flag at embassy, sharing food and prayers (VIDEO)

Syrians in Malaysia came together to celebrate the end of decades of Assad family rule following president Bashar al-Assad's resignation and a peaceful transfer of power, as confirmed by ally Russia.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Mirror

Angela Rayner says people who need homes must be prioritised over newts

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said too many people are 'priced out of getting a home' as she said protecting wildlife cannot scupper building much-needed housing

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: The Mirror

Kemi Badenoch's housing team tried to block 3,000 new homes over last Parliament

Labour has vowed to turn the tide on years of stagnant building under the Tories as we can reveal members of Kemi Badenoch's housing team opposed major building projects

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: MSN

The fall of Assad means opportunities for Israel - and some danger

The regime collapse undermines Iran's influence and makes surrounding Israel with a 'ring of fire' harder, but what new risks will the chaos pose?

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: MSN

Party talks to intensify in bid to agree new Irish coalition government

Party talks to intensify in bid to agree new Irish coalition government - Fianna Fail was the clear winner of the recent poll, securing 48 of the Dail's 174 seats, ahead of Sinn Fein on 39 and Fine Gael on 38.

[ Sun, Dec 08th 2024 ]: Shropshire Star

Rebel offensive ends Bashar Assad's 14-year struggle to maintain power

It comes in stark contrast to his first months as Syrian president, when many hoped he would prove to be a young reformer.

'Speedos, chandeliers and a jacuzzi': Inside Assad's abandoned presidential palaces

Assad's abandoned presidential palaces, looting the dictator's belongings and posing behind his desk. As rebel groups take control of the capital Damascus, videos emerging online show both fighters and civilians entering a sprawling complex and combing through its rooms and grounds.

The article from MSN discusses the opulent and now abandoned presidential palaces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which have become symbols of his regime's extravagance amidst the country's ongoing civil war. These palaces, once showcasing luxury with features like speedboats, luxury cars, and even a jacuzzi, are now largely deserted or repurposed due to the conflict. The Tishreen Palace, for instance, was severely damaged during the war, with its lavish interiors left in ruins. Another palace, Al-Shaab, was converted into a military base, while the People's Palace, intended for public use, has been largely abandoned. The article highlights the stark contrast between Assad's lavish lifestyle and the suffering of the Syrian people, noting that these palaces, built with public funds, now stand as eerie reminders of a regime's excess in a country ravaged by war.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/speedos-luxury-cars-and-a-jacuzzi-inside-assad-s-abandoned-presidential-palaces/ar-AA1vtJMa