• Fri, December 13, 2024

by: Mother Jones

The Trump Conflicts of Interest Policy Could Be Even Worse Than Last Time

Truth-telling independent media is one remaining bulwark against an autocrat's unrestrained exercise of power. At a time when billionaire owners of corporate media are making accommodations to political leaders, our nonprofit newsroom cannot be bought, bent, or broken. Depend on it, and please stand with us.

by: WTHR

Journey to the governor's office | Mike Braun talks life, politics and legacy

News' Dustin Grove sat down with Mike and Maureen Braun at their home in Jasper to discuss their life, their politics and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Inside the fiery meeting that would define the government's relationship with Israel

Fallout from the war in Gaza has created a deepening rift in relations between Australia and Israel. The hostilities are political and personal.

by: USA Today

What is Voice of America? What to know about US news agency Trump wants Kari Lake to lead

Here's a look at what Voice of America does ahead of Kari Lake possibly taking over as director under Donald Trump.

by: The Bismarck Tribune

Lt. Gov.-elect Michelle Strinden ready for new role in Bismarck

Michelle Strinden will soon resign from the North Dakota House and officially become the state's next lieutenant governor on Dec. 15. Here's a glimpse into her background.

by: The Independent

Survivors 'let down' by Government as it rejects proposals to ban deepfake abuse

Survivors will feel "let down" by the Government's rejection of proposals to crack down on deepfake abuse, Parliament has heard. Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge said she was "devastated" that ministers were not backing her proposed legislation banning the creation and solicitation of intimate images of people without their consent.

by: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Friends and partners weigh up Canberra's 'relentless' Pacific push

The federal government has closed out the year with a flurry of Pacific announcements designed to shore up Australia's strategic position and push back on China's ambitions in the region.

by: PBS

What another Trump administration could mean for crypto

Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 for the second time ever on Wednesday, after hitting the milestone the first time in early December, a surge fueled by optimism that the Trump administration would be more friendly to the cryptocurrency industry.

by: Graphic

Mahama warns of last-minute liabilities from outgoing government

President-elect John Mahama has expressed concern over reports of last-minute mass recruitments and contract signings by the outgoing government, warning that such actions could create liabilities for the incoming administration.

by: PBS

IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes, braces for cuts under Trump and GOP majority

However, the legislative mechanism keeping the government afloat inadvertently duplicated the one-time cut. Treasury officials warn of dire consequences if the funding is effectively rescinded through inaction. Trump last week announced plans to nominate ...

by: Graphic

Last-minute mass recruitments will burden the next government - John Mahama

President-elect John Mahama has expressed concern over reports of last-minute mass recruitments and contract signings by the outgoing government, warning that such actions could create liabilities for the incoming administration.

by: NBC News

Trump Cabinet picks sand down their conservative media personas: From the Politics Desk

With Trump saying the U.S should avoid involvement in Syria, Gabbard told reporters Tuesday as she met with senators: "I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statement President Trump has made over the last few days with regards to the developments in Syria."

by: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Coalition is playing voters for mugs once again with its nuclear costings

The opposition finally unveiled its much-promised nuclear energy costings yesterday. It will be hoping Labor continues to prove it is not very good at politics.

by: PBS

What does a Trump administration mean for crypto

Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 for the second time ever on Wednesday, after hitting the milestone the first time in early December, a surge fueled by optimism that the Trump administration would be more friendly to the cryptocurrency industry.

by: MSN

Peter Thiel says he wouldn't take a 'full-time' Trump administration job: 'I'd be depressed and crazy'

Thiel said that after working in the tech industry, he would find it too frustrating to work for the government.

by: MSN

Ex-US speaker Pelosi injured on Luxembourg trip

Former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi has been injured while visiting Luxembourg to commemorate a key World War II battle and was admitted to hospital for treatment, her office said Friday. "Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi sustained an injury during an official engagement and was admitted to the hospital for evaluation,

by: MSN

Lawyer helping RFK Jr. hire health staff petitioned FDA to get rid of polio vaccine

The lawyer helping Robert F. Kennedy Jr. select federal health officials for the incoming Trump administration has a history of suing the government agencies that the cabinet pick will oversee — and recently challenged federal approval of polio vaccines.

by: MSN

As chatter over New Jersey drones continues, Gov. Phil Murphy sends letter to President Biden

Mysterious drones hovering over New Jersey, New York and other states continue to baffle residents and lawmakers.

by: MSN

'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers

Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff.

by: MSN

New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings

Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into an investigation of mysterious drone sightings that have been reported in New Jersey and nearby states. Murphy, a Democrat,

by: MSN

US Supreme Court to hear dispute over California tailpipe emissions, EV standards

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear a bid by fuel producers to challenge California's standards for vehicle emissions and electric cars under a federal air pollution law in a major case testing the Democratic-governed state's power to fight greenhouse gases.

by: MSN

John Fetterman Becomes The First Democrat Senator To Meet With Pete Hegseth

Senator John Fetterman became the first Democrat to meet with Pete Hegseth despite their political differences, setting a precedent of unity and working together.

by: MSN

Trump Needs a New FAA Boss. What That Means for Musk, Boeing, Delta, and the Airlines.

It's not just Musk, and SpaceX, that will be closely watching the change at the top of the U.S. aviation regulator. Aerospace giant Boeing has been heavily scrutinized by the FA

by: MSN

Insurers Are Dictating Care and We're Sick, Sick, Sick of It!

That said, many of the decisions insurers like UnitedHealthcare have made are, themselves, abominable. They do deserve our outrage. We can simultaneously be outraged at both Thompson's killing and the immoral actions of insurance companies.

by: MSN

Latest drone sightings over New York and New Jersey have Staten Island lawmakers demanding action

Mysterious drones hovering over New York and New Jersey are baffling residents and lawmakers. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella held a briefing on the sightings Friday, calling on the NYPD to do more to investigate the drones seen over military bases,

by: MSN

Live Briefing: Blinken in Baghdad as U.S. and allies seek to guide Syrian transition

Several high-level visits come as Syrian rebel groups try to establish a new government following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

by: MSN

RFK Jr. adviser wants FDA to revoke approval for polio and hepatitis B vaccines

by: MSN

'Hancock and Kelley' discuss St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney controversy

John Hancock and Michael Kelley join Chris Rongey and Amy Marxkors on 'The Chris and Amy Show' to talk about the controversy on who appoints new County Prosecuting Attorney.

by: MSN

Missouri governor and St. Louis County executive name appointees for same prosecutor job

When the elected prosecutor in Missouri's largest county leaves his job for a seat in Congress next month, an appointed replacement will take his spot. The question is: Which one? Democratic St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and Republican Gov.

by: MSN

Survey: most voters disapprove of RFK Jr.'s nomination after learning his views

Most Americans disapprove of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. potentially leading the Department of Health and Human Services once they hear about his positions and beliefs, according to a new survey from Democratic-aligned groups Protect Our Care and Data for Progress,

by: MSN

Women in the military worry about Hegseth's views on women in combat

Women have served in combat roles for the U.S. for more than 30 years, and some veterans and enlisted women worry Pete Hegseth might change that if he's confirmed as defense secretary.

by: MSN

Fencing organization pens open letter to USFA over concerns about trans athletes, stances on abortion and DEI

Fair Fencing Organization (FFO) penned a letter to USA Fencing this week over concerns about the governing body's stance on trans athletes and DEI, and its criteria for site selection.

by: MSN

'Huge victory for journalism': Oklahoma station wins lawsuit against MAGA education officials

Oklahoma State Schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, a far-right Christian nationalist and MAGA Republican, has drawn scathing criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for separation of Church and State,

by: MSN

Everyone Biden Has Granted Presidential Pardons and Commutations

The lame-duck president will continue to announce pardons and sentence commutations before he leaves office on January 20. Biden has already pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, as well as dozens of other people convicted of nonviolent crimes.

by: MSN

A look at the political storm caused by South Korean president's martial law decree

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his martial law decree in fiery comments made ahead of a second impeachment attempt and growing investigations into whether his short-lived power grab amounted to a rebellion.

by: MSN

RFK Jr. brings JFK conspiracies to heart of Trump team

Conspiracy theories about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy have floated around the fringes of US politics for decades. - 'Big discussion' - But a belief in conspiracy theories has never been a bar to a job with Trump,

by: MSN

Outgoing US Envoy to China Says Fentanyl Efforts on 'Right Road'

America's top diplomat in China said he spends 80% of his time on competition with Beijing and 20% on engagement, calling it the right balance just as Washington prepares for a new administration.

by: MSN

Long-awaited bill to oust misbehaving councillors falls short, say advocates

Ontario politicians who've long advocated for a way to fire councillors who harass their staff are feeling a mix of relief and frustration with the government's new bill.

by: MSN

'Syria freed!': thousands cheer at famed Damascus mosque

Thousands of jubilant Syrians converged on Damascus's landmark Umayyad Mosque for Friday prayers, waving opposition flags and chanting -- a sight unimaginable a week ago before rebels ousted president Bashar al-Assad.

by: MSN

F1 governing body approves rule changes to its ethics and audit committees

The FIA confirmed Friday that rule changes to the ethics and audit committees have been approved by the FIA General Assemblies in Kigali, Rwanda ahead of the end-of-year awards ceremony. According to the FIA,

by: MSN

'Unlikely' Labour will go into government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail - Bacik

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said they have not yet had a 'substantive' response to their policy priorities outlined during formation talks.

by: MSN

Three-day Capitol climate sit-in ends with HEAT Act push

Demonstrators gathered at the State Capitol in Albany for a three-day sit-in, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act and the New York HEAT Act

by: MSN

Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness

The federal and provincial governments have announced a $100-million agreement to help fight homelessness in Quebec.

by: MSN

Thousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall

Thousands of Syrians gathered Friday in Damascus' historic main mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, while giant crowds celebrated in the capital's largest square.

by: MSN

Turning up the heat on Chinese government hackers requires a new approach, experts say

Nation-state hackers continue to exploit the weak U.S. response to cyberattacks, according to experts. Why it matters: The ongoing Chinese hack of U.S. telecommunications networks is considered the "worst telecom breach" in American history — but it remains to be seen if the U.

by: MSN

'Moderate' Rebels Destroy and Desecrate Assad Family Tomb

A contingent of the rebel force that recently took power in Syria has destroyed the tomb of the founder of the Assad ruling family. According to the BBC, the tomb of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad -- whose son,

by: MSN

Rhode Island leaders attend Rhode Island Energy, Environment and Oceans Leaders Day

Numerous Rhode Island leaders will attend a discussion about energy and environmental policy on Friday. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will house the 15th Rhode Island Energy, Environment and Oceans Leaders Day.

by: MSN

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad's inner circle and where are they now?

After insurgents toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad this month, many senior officials and members of his dreaded intelligence and security services appear to have melted away. Activists say some of them have managed to flee the country while others went to hide in their hometowns.

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad's inner circle and where are they now?

After insurgents toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad this month, many senior officials and members of his dreaded intelligence and security services appear to have melted away. Activists say some of them have managed to flee the country while others went to hide in their hometowns.
The article from MSN discusses the inner circle of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, detailing key figures who were once close to him and their current status. It highlights individuals like Rami Makhlouf, Assad's cousin and a business tycoon, who fell out of favor and faced asset seizures after publicly criticizing the regime. Asma al-Assad, the president's wife, has become more politically active, especially after surviving breast cancer, and is seen as a potential successor. Maher al-Assad, Bashar's brother, commands the elite Fourth Armoured Division and remains a powerful figure despite rumors of discord. Other figures include former Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, who has largely disappeared from public life, and former Defense Minister Mustafa Tlass, who defected to France. The article also touches on the shifting dynamics within Assad's circle due to the ongoing Syrian conflict, economic sanctions, and internal power struggles.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/who-was-in-ousted-syrian-president-assad-s-inner-circle-and-where-are-they-now/ar-AA1vOMHp

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