• Wed, December 11, 2024

by: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Federal politics live: Tech giants to be fined if they don't pay for Australian news under fresh government plan

Facebook and Google will be forced to pay for Australian news content or risk fines under a new scheme expected to be announced by the government later today. Follow live.

by: RTE Online

FF and FG engage in 'positive and constructive' government formation talks

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have said they had "positive and constructive" initial discussions as both parties continue to hold government formation talks.

by: Irish Daily Mirror

Social Democrats to decide future by end of week as Independents set out Government formation stall

The Social Democrat's leadership, including Cian O'Callaghan, Gary Gannon and Jennifer Whitmore, met Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris in separate meetings in Government Buildings on Wednesday.

by: justthenews

Trump cheers Wray resignation as end to 'weaponization' of FBI

Wray announced his resignation on Wednesday after Trump named Kash Patel as his nominee to replace Wray, whom Trump was expected to fire had he not resigned.

by: The Local

Full employment and no bureaucracy - what Hollande's government predicted for France in 2025

Back in 2013, then-president François Hollande set his ministers some homework before they went on their summer holidays - predict what France will look like in 2025. Here's what they said.

by: National Post

Former Blue Jays win multi-million-dollar tax battle against Canadian government

OTTAWA — Former Toronto Blue Jays all-stars Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin scored a major win against the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a Tax Court judge cried foul over the agency's attempt to tax millions of dollars in additional income.

by: ABC

Convicted Jan. 6 rioter says retired congressman invited him to Trump inauguration

A man who pleaded guilty to a felony for participation in the Capitol riot filed a letter showing he was invited by a retired congressman to attend the inauguration.

by: CBS News

Blinken defends Afghanistan withdrawal at contentious House hearing

The secretary of state's testimony comes months after Republicans issued a scathing report on the Biden administration's handling of the exit from Afghanistan.

by: The New York Times

North Carolina G.O.P. Brushes Aside Democratic Governor to Expand Power

After cloaking a bill that strips key powers from Democrats as hurricane aid, the state's Republican-controlled legislature overrode a veto from Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, to pass it into law.

by: Ghanaweb.com

No official vehicle shall be acquired by appointees of the current administration - Government

The Office of the President has reiterated its directive prohibiting political appointees from acquiring official government vehicles as the current administration comes to an end.

by: New York Sun

Trumpism Goes Global: America's Peaceful Citizen Uprising Inspires Political Rebellion Across the World

Entrenched political leaders and parties are being tumultuously evicted in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Asia.

by: The Conversation

US secretary of education helps set national priorities in a system primarily funded and guided by local governments

If Republicans manage to achieve a long-standing goal by getting rid of the Department of Education, there wouldn't be a secretary of education anymore.

by: Charlotte Observer

Why this Western NC lawmaker flipped his vote, helping Republicans pass power-shift bill

Rep. Mark Pless' problems with the bill had nothing to do with its restructuring of power in state government. How he was reassured after originally voting "no."

by: Raleigh News & Observer

Tillis kicks off 2026 campaign season, potentially his most expensive Senate race yet

Sen. Thom Tillis planned to make his 2026 reelection campaign for the Senate official Wednesday with an event in Washington hosted by around 20 of his colleagues.

by: Yahoo

NC Republicans pass law shifting government power, overriding Cooper's veto

North Carolina lawmakers approved a wide-ranging bill to shift executive power in state government on Wednesday, cementing a Republican override of Gov. Roy Cooper's veto a month before new elected officials are sworn in.

by: Associated Press

Macron seeks political deal to name a new prime minister and restore France's stability

A spokesperson for France's outgoing government says President Emmanuel Macron is seeking a political deal that would allow him to both name a new prime minister and "guarantee the stability of the country.

by: Politico Europe

Macron working to strip far right of influence on next French government

The French president is trying to limit the far-right National Rally's influence and find a way forward with the center left, but a path ahead remains elusive.

by: Charlotte Observer

Key executive leaving city of Charlotte for new job with CLT Business Alliance

Assistant City Manager Tracy Dodson is leaving city government to help lead the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance as the group's new chief operating officer and head of economic development. Dodson will start the new position in early February, according to a statement from the alliance announcing her hiring.

by: Charlotte Observer

NC Republicans overturn Cooper's veto, taking power from Stein and other Democrats

With North Carolina Republicans set to lose their veto-proof supermajority come 2025, state lawmakers took their final vote Wednesday on a bill that takes away power from incoming Democrats in the executive branch, overturning a veto with a party-line 72-46 vote.

by: MSN

Zelenskyy: Russians killed 50 priests and destroyed 700 churches in Ukraine since war began

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russians have killed 50 priests and destroyed about 700 churches in Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with CBN Quote: "The Russians treat some Ukrainian churches similarly to the way they treat schools.

by: MSN

Republicans Introduce Bills to Cut Federal Workforce, Salaries as Musk, Ramaswamy Begin Government-Efficiency Work

Republican lawmakers are introducing a package of bills to improve government efficiency as businessmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy spearhead President-elect Donald Trump's advisory commission on curtailing government waste.

by: MSN

NC lawmakers pass constitutional amendment requiring voter photo ID in-person and by mail

Before ending the short session, Republican legislators pushed through a constitutional amendment that NC voters will see on the 2026 ballot.

by: MSN

Canada Post and postal workers union still far apart in negotiations

The two sides in the Canada Post strike appear further apart than ever with the company saying the most recent offer by the union takes 'major steps backwards.' And as Alexandre Silberman shows us, that's cause for concern for those whose essential documents are now caught in the middle.

by: MSN

Hochul travels to rival's turf and attacks critics of MTA's congestion pricing plan

Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Garrison to tout renovations at a Metro-North station and answer critics of her support for a $9 Manhattan toll on drivers.

by: MSN

'Draconian and brutal': Trump to rescind ban on ICE arrests in schools, hospitals, churches

Despite public opinion polls that find the majority of Americans support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, the incoming Trump administration is forging ahead with President-elect Donald Trump's vow to begin his mass deportations of millions of people "on day one.

by: MSN

Trump reportedly plans to toss policy blocking ICE arrests at schools and churches

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to scrap a policy that stops ICE officers from making arrests at places like schools and churches.

by: MSN

Joe and Jill Biden share major family announcement!

First Lady Jill Biden has revealed that she and President Joe Biden are to become great-grandparents, as their granddaughter, Naomi Biden, is expecting!

by: MSN

Minneapolis City Council passes budget that comes with increased property taxes and with criticism from the mayor

More than 70 amendments later, the Minneapolis City Council passed a 2025 budget late Tuesday night. It comes with a property tax hike that that is lower than Mayor Jacob Frey says is needed, and the mayor is critical of the proposal.

by: MSN

Assad's fall in Syria will further weaken Hezbollah and curtails Tehran's 'Iranization' of region

The fall of President Bashar Assad will not only affect the 24 million Syrians who lived - and largely suffered - under his brutal rule. Over the border in Lebanon, the impact will be felt, too. The collapse of Assad's government provides another blow to its Lebanese ally,

by: MSN

Lawmakers talk 2025 General Assembly outlook at biannual 'Pancakes & Politics' breakfast

Local business leaders and lawmakers gathered at Liberty University Wednesday morning for the biannual "Pancakes and Politics" breakfast, hosted by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. They're looking at next year's legislative session in Richmond to best serve you and your family.

by: MSN

White House warns Trump could 'gut-punch' economy and spark 'tidal wave of opposition'

With Donald Trump's inauguration fast approaching, President Joe Biden's White House has rushed to ensure his flagship policies aren't immediately undone in the new administration. A memo circulated by a senior White House official urged Trump against repealing laws that Republicans have vowed to target when the incoming president takes office.

by: MSN

How the DACA ruling could impact health coverage in Texas, and beyond

A ruling that blocked thousands of undocumented immigrants from enrolling in federally available health care plans could reverberate on vulnerable groups, by reestablishing a common barrier to medical care.

by: MSN

Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador ready to sign Churchill Falls energy deal

The premiers of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador are ready to sign an energy agreement, ending a long-running dispute over the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant in Labrador.

by: MSN

New inflation numbers threaten Trump and GOP's plans for tax cuts and tariffs: report

New Labor Department data released Wednesday showed stubborn inflation continued, which could make it difficult for President-elect Donald Trump and his GOP allies to pass certain legislation they've planned.

by: MSN

Federal and state governments to fund long-awaited upgrades to Yass Valley water treatment infrastructure

The last upgrade of the Yass Valley's water treatment plant was in 1990, with residents dealing with ongoing issues with the quality of their water.

by: MSN

Government says DOJ subpoenaed Apple without authorization

DOJ demands for message and call data from Apple during the Trump administration, failed to obtain authorization, says the Office of the Inspector General in the current Biden administration.

by: MSN

Talks to avoid government shutdown are underway

The year for lawmakers is winding down and there is still a lot to do including keeping the government open. That deadline is next Friday.

by: MSN

Raju reports on details of McConnell's fall and injuries

GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell tripped, spraining his wrist and sustaining "a minor cut to the face," his office said in a statement. CNN's Manu Raju reports.

by: MSN

Donald Trump back to taunting and trolling, mocks Justin Trudeau as the governor of the great state of Canada

Latest reports have revealed that US President- elect Donald Trump has recently mocked the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau on social media while terming him as the Governor of the Great State of Canada.

by: MSN

Southern Syria groups overthrew Assad and control areas near the Golan

An exclusive look at the Southern Syria former rebels who were key to defeating Assad and who met with Syrian leader Jolani on December 11.

by: MSN

Indiana Supreme Court won't hear appeal in abortion case, choosing 'wait-and-see' approach

A temporary block of Indiana's near-total abortion ban will remain in place for just a few women who filed a religious freedom lawsuit challenging the law after a split Indiana Supreme Court chose not to hear an appeal in the case.

by: MSN

'Political instability and chaos': GOP warned it's set itself up for decades-long mess

The Republican Party has set itself up for decades of wandering in the wilderness with its willingness to embrace Donald Trump — at the cost of the party's identity, a New York Times columnist wrote Wednesday.

by: MSN

Michael Moore Reacts to Being Named in Mangione's Manifesto and Gives Theory

The famed documentarian Michael Moore said the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was a "senseless" killing—making his feelings on the attack known well before it was revealed that the suspected killer had referenced him in his manifesto.

by: MSN

Israel and Iran agree on major Israeli role in Assad downfall

In his first address since the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Iran's supreme leader blasted the United States and Israel.

by: MSN

What Trump and Biden Have in Common, According to Advisers

It was not like Biden asked them if he should be running in the first place, and it's not likely he would have heeded any staffer's qualms about his fitness or electability. Even Biden's closest advisers—the men who have been with him a half-century at this point—aren't known to offer tough talk when they walk into the Oval.

by: MSN

Trump to end ban on migrant arrests at churches and hospitals: report

Donald Trump's incoming administration plans to scrap a long-standing policy keeping Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from arresting immigrants at churches, hospitals and family events without approval from supervisors.

by: MSN

Schumer torpedoed by Manchin and Sinema on crucial NLRB vote

Senate Republicans defeated a last-minute effort by outgoing Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) to ensure a Democratic majority on the National Labor Relations Board for the first two years of Trump's presidency.

by: MSN

The global players in Syria before and after Assad

The overthrow followed a 13-year civil war, which started after Assad crushed pro-democracy protests, killing more than half a million people and displacing millions more, and embroiled international powers and their proxies.

The global players in Syria before and after Assad

The overthrow followed a 13-year civil war, which started after Assad crushed pro-democracy protests, killing more than half a million people and displacing millions more, and embroiled international powers and their proxies.
The article from MSN discusses the complex geopolitical landscape of Syria, detailing the involvement of various global and regional powers both before and after the rise of Bashar al-Assad. Initially, Syria under Hafez al-Assad, Bashar's father, was a key player in Middle Eastern politics, aligning with the Soviet Union during the Cold War and maintaining a strategic balance against Israel. Post-Cold War, Syria's role shifted with Bashar al-Assad's leadership, which began in 2000. The article outlines how the Syrian Civil War, which started in 2011, transformed the country into a battleground for international influence. Key players include:

  • Russia: A long-standing ally, Russia has provided military support to Assad, including air strikes and diplomatic backing at the UN, aiming to maintain its naval base in Tartus and counter Western influence.

  • Iran: Supporting Assad to preserve its influence in the region, Iran has provided military advisors, funds, and militias like Hezbollah, seeing Syria as a crucial link in its "axis of resistance" against Israel and the U.S.

  • United States: Initially involved in supporting opposition groups to counterbalance Assad's regime, U.S. policy has oscillated between direct military action, support for rebels, and later, focusing on defeating ISIS, while also imposing sanctions on Assad's government.

  • Turkey: Initially backing the Syrian opposition, Turkey's involvement has been driven by concerns over Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria, leading to military incursions to prevent the establishment of a Kurdish state.

  • Saudi Arabia and Qatar: Both have supported various opposition groups, often with differing agendas, aiming to reduce Iranian influence and promote Sunni governance.

  • Israel: While not directly involved in the civil war, Israel has conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian and Hezbollah positions in Syria to prevent the transfer of advanced weapons.

  • European Union: Has imposed sanctions on Assad's regime and provided humanitarian aid, while also dealing with the refugee crisis resulting from the conflict.

    The article concludes by noting that the Syrian conflict has not only reshaped the country's internal dynamics but has also significantly altered the geopolitical strategies of these global players, with ongoing implications for regional stability and international relations.

    Read the Full MSN Article at:
    https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/the-global-players-in-syria-before-and-after-assad/ar-AA1vCucJ