• Sun, December 8, 2024

by: 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.

by: 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

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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".

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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

by: The New York Times

Want a Job in the Trump Administration? Be Prepared for the Loyalty Test.

Applicants for government posts, including inside the Pentagon and the intelligence agencies, say they have been asked about their thoughts on Jan. 6 and who they believe won the 2020 election.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: 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.

by: MSN

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser optimistic about resolving standoff in ties with India

Bangladesh and India aim to mend strained relations during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Dhaka. Misri is expected to address India's concerns over attacks on Hindus following recent political upheaval in Bangladesh.

by: MSN

Trump says Liz Cheney and other Jan 6 committee members should be jailed as he reveals day one plans

Trump says Liz Cheney and other Jan 6 committee members should be jailed as he reveals day one plans - President-elect says current and former House members like Cheney, Kinzinger 'should go to jail'

by: MSN

WASPI update as campaigners pass new milestone for compensation move

Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

by: MSN

ARTA names regulatory champions

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has recognized 343 individuals from various government agencies and local government units (LGUs) as Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) champions. ARTA Director General Ernesto Perez said on Sunday the agency capped its 2024 RIA training activities by naming its 3rd Annual Enrich: Empowering Next-Generation RIA Champions during ceremonies held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)

by: MSN

Analysis: How Marco Rubio could raise the stakes for Cuba if he becomes secretary of state

Cuba has shaped much of Marco Rubio's political life. If confirmed as secretary of state, he's expected to take action on his parents' homeland.

by: MSN

Bashar al-Assad, an Ophthalmologist Who Became a Dictator, Is the Last of a Despotic Dynasty

Once a self-styled modernizer, Syria's president bought time with a harsh crackdown, but his government eventually succumbed to its many enemies.

by: MSN

Trump calls for Putin to reach 'immediate ceasefire' deal with Ukraine as Syrian government falls

Trump calls for Putin to reach 'immediate ceasefire' deal with Ukraine as Syrian government falls - Incoming US leader says there was 'no reason' for Putin to back Assad 'in the first place'

by: MSN

Macron seizes European limelight in Notre Dame with Trump and Zelenskyy - analysis

France's President Emmanuel Macron snatches symbolic victory from the jaws of political defeat in a magnificent reopening ceremony blending the political and sacred. View on euronews

by: MSN

9 states could halt Medicaid expansion if Trump cuts funding

Over 3 million Americans could lose health coverage under the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion if President-elect Donald Trump pulls funding that would trigger automatic eliminations in several states.

by: MSN

Trump sends message to Kamala Harris supporters during 'Meet the Press' interview

Donald Trump told NBC News' Kristen Welker that he planned to focus on unity in his inaugural address in January.

by: MSN

Keir Starmer Warned Labour's Mandate For Change Is Based On A 'Time Bomb'

Keir Starmer's party may have won by a landslide in July, taking 411 seats while the Tories languish on just 121, but new findings from Labour-linked think tank Compass claims it still offers a weak mandate for change.

by: MSN

Sonia Gandhi linked to organisation financed by George Soros Foundation: BJP

The BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of associating with a George Soros-funded organization that allegedly supports Kashmiri independence, linking this to foreign influence in India's affairs. They also alleged a connection between Rahul Gandhi,

by: MSN

Trump says 'we're not touching' Social Security in proposed cuts to government spending

During an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, President-elect Donald Trump says he'll make the federal government "more efficient," but he does not plan to touch federal entitlements like Social Security or Medicare.

by: MSN

Party talks to intensify in bid to agree new Irish coalition government after general election

The Irish Parliament is set to meet on December 18 however it is unclear if political talks will have agreed a new coalition government by then.

by: MSN

Syrian government appears to have fallen in stunning end to 50-year rule of Assad family

The Syrian government appeared to have fallen early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days.

by: MSN

Syrian forces shamed and paraded in streets by rebel fighters

Soldiers and police officers have left their posts and fled, with looters breaking into the Ministry of Defence and the presidential palace.

by: MSN

Donald Trump and Jill Biden share an intimate moment in Paris

Another said: 'I have a strange feeling that the transition is going to be very smooth.' Politics aside, people were quick to point out that Jill seemed to be enjoying the conversation and Trump's company overall. One X user said: 'This is the happiest I ...

by: MSN

Syria's Bashar Assad: Accidental leader and tyrant

One of the world's most ruthless, brutal and enduring reigns looks over, with Syria's Bashar Assad overthrown. Since taking over from his father more than 20 years ago, Assad has led a regime of oppression and bloodshed.

by: MSN

Bashar al-Assad has FLED Syria

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry did not say where Assad was now and said Russia has not taken part in the talks around his departure.

by: MSN

Where is Bashar al-Assad?

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

by: 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.

by: 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?

by: 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.

by: MSN

Syria falls: Looting and celebrations mark end of over half-century of Assad rule

by: MSN

Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan calls for rally on December 13, threatens civil disobedience

PM Imran Khan threatens nationwide civil disobedience if his demands for prisoner release and a judicial inquiry into protest crackdowns aren't met. He plans a Peshawar gathering on December 13 to honor slain supporters,

by: MSN

House panel to end OVP, DepEd confi funds probe on Monday

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability will conclude its investigation into the use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte's offices on Monday, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua announced.

by: MSN

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Slams Oppn Claims On EVMs: 'Stop Crying And Accept The Mandate'

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday hit out at the opposition, accusing it of misleading people about electronic voting machines and not accepting their mandate. Talking to reporters,

by: MSN

Trump calls for immediate ceasefire and negotiations in Ukraine

Newly elected US president Donald Trump called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Ukraine. In his post on the social network Truth Social also emphasized the need to begin negotiations regarding the war.

by: MSN

Syrian government appears to have fallen in stunning end to Assad family's rule

The Syrian government fell early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days.

by: MSN

Macron, Trump and Zelensky: What if this meeting changed the course of the conflict?

On Saturday, the Elysée Palace confirmed that a meeting between Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky had indeed taken place in Paris, prior to the ceremony on the occasion of the re-opening of Notre-Dame.

Want a Job in the Trump Administration? Be Prepared for the Loyalty Test.

Applicants for government posts, including inside the Pentagon and the intelligence agencies, say they have been asked about their thoughts on Jan. 6 and who they believe won the 2020 election.
The article from The New York Times, published on December 7, 2024, discusses how the Trump administration implemented a loyalty test for its employees, requiring them to pledge allegiance to former President Donald Trump's policies and personal loyalty to him. This move was part of a broader strategy to ensure that all government officials were aligned with Trump's political agenda, often sidelining career civil servants and replacing them with political appointees. The loyalty test included questions about the individual's support for Trump's initiatives, their views on election integrity, and their willingness to publicly defend the administration's actions. Critics argue that this practice not only politicized the federal workforce but also potentially compromised the impartiality and effectiveness of government operations. The article highlights concerns over the erosion of democratic norms and the potential long-term impact on the apolitical nature of the civil service.

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/us/politics/trump-administration-loyalty-test.html