Antoine Griezmann kept Atletico Madrid’s LaLiga title challenge on track as they staged a remarkable fightback to beat Sevilla 4-3. Diego Simeone’s men, who had taken an early lead through Rodrigo de Paul, trailed 3-1 after Dodi Lukebakio, Isaac Romero and Juanlu Sanchez scored without reply. However, Griezmann reduced the deficit before substitute Samuel Lino set up a grandstand finish during which the 33-year-old former France international scored the winner four minutes into stoppage time. Aitor Paredes and Inaki Williams struck either side of half-time as Athletic Bilbao got the better of the clash between the sides sitting in fourth and fifth places before kick-off with a 2-0 win over Villarreal. Goals from Brais Mendez, substitute Ander Barrenetxea and Mikel Oyarzabal handed Real Sociedad a routine 3-0 victory at Leganes. Kike Garcia’s doubled earned lowly Alaves a 2-2 draw at Osasuna, who had fought back from 1-0 down in the first minute to lead 2-1 through Ante Budimir and Ruben Garcia. Gustav Isaksen denied Napoli the chance to go top of Serie A as Lazio emerged from their trip to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium with a 1-0 victory. Isaksen’s 79th-minute goal left the second-placed hosts two points worse off than leaders Atalanta and as many ahead of Inter Milan and Fiorentina, who both have a game in hand. Danilo Cataldi’s long-range strike was enough to maintain Fiorentina’s promising start to the campaign with a 1-0 home win over Cagliari. Sebastiano Esposito’s double and further goals from Liberato Cacace and early substitute Lorenzo Colombo either side of Casper Tengstedt’s consolation saw Empoli win 4-1 at lowly Verona, with the scoring completed by half-time. Gaetano Oristanio’s equaliser ensured bottom-of-the-table Venezia emerged from their showdown with fellow strugglers Como with a 2-2 home draw. The hosts led through Hans Nicolussi Caviglia but found themselves 2-1 down after Antonio Candela’s own goal and a second for the visitors from Andrea Belotti before Oristanio intervened. Mason Greenwood had a penalty saved but scored from the rebound as Marseille climbed to within five points of Ligue 1 leaders Paris St Germain with a 2-0 win at St Etienne. The visitors were leading through Adrien Rabiot’s first-half opener when Greenwood’s spot-kick was repelled by Gautier Larsonneur, but the keeper could not prevent him from pouncing on the loose ball to claim his 10 league goal of the campaign, equalling his previous best for a season. Remy Labeau-Lacary’s opener and a late own goal from keeper Benjamin Lecomte eased Lens to a 2-0 win over basement boys Montpellier. Moses Simon fired home an 89th-minute winner as Nantes beat Rennes 1-0 after the visitors had played the entire second half down to 10 men following Mikayil Faye’s stoppage-time dismissal for a challenge on Kalvin Amian. Substitute Christopher Wooh thought he had levelled with a header in added time, but his effort was chalked off after a VAR review. Strasbourg substitute Jeremy Sebas hit the bar three minutes from time as his side drew 0-0 with Reims. Jonas Wind came off the bench to fire Wolfsburg to a dramatic 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Mainz. The hosts trailed 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 after Paul Nebel twice and Jonathan Burkardt had struck, but equalisers from Mohammed Amoura and Tiago Tomas set up substitute Wind to level at 3-3 before winning it deep into stoppage time. Freiburg’s Matthias Ginter and Hoffenheim’s Tom Bischof were both on target within five second-half minutes as it finished 1-1 at the PreZero Arena.BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania’s defiant far-right presidential candidate, Calin Georgescu, on Sunday stood outside a closed polling station to denounce a top court’s unprecedented decision to annul the first round of the vote in which he emerged as the frontrunner. The Constitutional Court on Friday canceled the election after a trove of declassified intelligence alleged Russia organized a sprawling campaign across social media to promote Georgescu. “Today is Constitution Day and there is nothing constitutional in Romania anymore. I am here in the name of democracy,” Georgescu, 62, told media in Mogosoaia, outside Bucharest. “By canceling democracy, our very freedom is canceled.” The court cited the illegal use of digital technologies including artificial intelligence, as well as undeclared sources of funding. Without naming Georgescu, the court said one candidate received “preferential treatment” on social media platforms, distorting voters’ expressed will. Despite being a huge outsider who declared zero campaign spending, Georgescu topped the polls in the first round on Nov. 24 , and was due on Sunday to face reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party in a runoff. Thirteen candidates ran in the first round of the presidential race in the European Union and NATO member country, the aftermath of which was gripped by myriad controversies including a recount of the vote ordered by the same court. New dates will be set to rerun the presidential vote from scratch. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in a statement marking Constitution Day on Sunday that “we find ourselves in a moment of profound responsibility toward the values that characterize us as a nation.” “The Romanian Constitution defines the framework within which the state and political life operate, serving as a shield against threats to democracy,” he said. “In turbulent times, state institutions are called upon to act with calm, wisdom and respect for the law, the Constitution and democracy.” George Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, told reporters outside a closed polling station in Bucharest on Sunday that the annulment amounted to an attack against democracy, saying Iohannis should “take a step back and respect the Constitution, not mock it.” “It is Constitution Day. It is a day of significance for Romanians. It is a day when Romanians should have gone to vote freely,” he said, adding that “blood was shed for this 35 years ago,” referring to Romania’s revolution in December 1989 that overthrew communism. After Georgescu unexpectedly topped the polls in the first round, his success left many political observers wondering how most local surveys had placed him behind at least five other candidates before the vote. Many observers attributed his success to his TikTok account, which now has 6.2 million likes and 565,000 followers. But some experts suspected Georgescu’s online following was artificially inflated, while Romania’s top security body alleged he was given preferential treatment by TikTok over other candidates. On Saturday, Romanian prosecutors conducted raids at three properties in the central city of Brasov linked to Bogdan Peschir, who is suspected of illegally financing a campaign to promote Georgescu. The raids were based on suspicions of voter corruption, money laundering and cyber fraud, prosecutors said. The secret services alleged that Peschir paid $381,000 (361,000 euros) to TikTok users to promote Georgescu content on the Chinese-owned platform. Intelligence authorities said information they obtained “revealed an aggressive promotion campaign” to increase and accelerate Georgescu’s popularity. There is no clear link between Peschir and alleged Russian interference. Russia denies meddling in Romania. On Friday, Georgescu’s would-be opponent Lasconi also strongly condemned the court’s decision to annul the elections, saying it was “illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of democracy” and that the second round should have gone forward.
Okta: On The Path To A Rebound, Keep Holding On For UpsideTASS: Bashar al-Assad Arrives in Moscow with His Family
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Thursday banned the publication of any speeches by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina , who is in exile in India after being ousted in August following mass protests. The decision came a day after Hasina made her first public speech in a virtual address to supporters of her Awami League party in New York. In the speech, she accused Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus , of perpetrating genocide and failing to protect minorities , especially Hindus, since her ouster. The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal made the decision in response to a request by government prosecutors for a ban on any speeches by Hasina on mainstream or social media, prosecutor Golam Monawar Hossain Tamim said. Hasina fled to India after being ousted in a mass uprising in July and August in which hundreds of protesters were killed and thousands were injured. She faces many court cases over the deaths, including some on charges of crimes against humanity. The tribunal has already issued arrest warrants for Hasina and her close aides, and the government has sought help from the international police organization Interpol for her arrest . Prosecutors said in their request to the tribunal that some speeches and phone calls by Hasina had been disseminated on electronic media and could interfere in the investigation of the charges against her by influencing or frightening witnesses. “If speeches like these are published and broadcast, we won’t be able to bring witnesses to the tribunal during trials,” Tamim said. He said the tribunal also ordered authorities to remove leaked speeches and phone conversations from media platforms. Hasina established the tribunal during her 15-year rule. It was used to try people accused of war crimes during Bangladesh’s war of independence with Pakistan in 1971. Politicians belonging mainly to the Jamaat-e-Islami party were executed after being found guilty by the tribunal. On Wednesday, Hasina told her supporters in New York that there had been plans to assassinate her and her sister Sheikh Rehana just like their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an independence leader who was assassinated in 1975 along with most of his family. Only Hasina and her younger sister survived because they were visiting Germany at that time. She said armed protesters had been instructed to head to her residence in Dhaka and she was forced to flee to India so that security guards would not have to fire at the approaching crowd. “If the security guards opened fire, many lives would have been lost,” she said. “I was forced to leave. I told them not to open fire, no matter what happened.” Media reports said more such public speeches are planned by Hasina to address her supporters in the coming weeks. Hasina has good relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tensions between India and Muslim-majority Bangladesh have grown since her departure over incidents such as the jailing of a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh and attacks on a diplomatic office in India by Hindus. Yunus has been meeting with political and religious leaders urging them to stay united. On Wednesday, he held a dialogue with most political parties except Hasina’s Awami League party and the Jatiya Party which are facing severe challenges under the Yunus-led administration. On Thursday, Yunus met with religious leaders and said there was no division among Bangladeshis when it comes to national issues. Bangladesh has been facing crucial challenges since Hasina’s ouster in August amid mob justice, rising commodity prices, errant street protests and an unstable economy. The security situation remains a major concern. About 700 inmates including many criminals and radical Islamists still remain at large after jailbreaks during the political chaos in August.Biden calls for Assad to be 'held accountable'
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington was minding his own business during practice recently, doing his due diligence while running his route when the ball suddenly came his way. Washington wasn't sure what option he was on the play. he certainly wasn't first. Probably not even second. Maybe not even third. Washington was on the back side all by his lonesome while a sea of wide receivers and running backs zig-zagged across quarterback Russell Wilson's field of vision. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week7 IYKYK Taylor Swift Christmas Gifts Any Swiftie Would Love—Under $100
DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule but raising questions about the future of the country and the wider region. Syrian opposition fighters celebrate Sunday after the Syrian government collapsed in Damascus, Syria. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. Others gleefully ransacked the presidential palace and residence after President Bashar Assad and other top officials vanished, their whereabouts unknown. A man tries to take a lamp Sunday as people search for belongings in the ransacked private residence of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the Malkeh district of Damascus, Syria. Russia, a close ally, said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and gave instructions to transfer power peacefully. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance, leads the biggest rebel faction and is poised to chart the country's future. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and said Assad's fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he told hundreds of people that Assad made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and still split among different armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in some remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a video statement early Sunday by a group of rebels saying that Assad was overthrown and all prisoners were released. They called on people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state.” The rebels later announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. The rebels said they freed people held at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . A video circulating online purported to show rebels breaking open cell doors and freeing dozens of female prisoners, many of whom appeared shocked and confused. At least one small child could be seen among them. Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi, who appeared on state TV later in the day, sought to reassure Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did," he added. People gather Sunday in Manbij, Syria, to celebrate the fall of the Syrian government. Residents of Damascus gathered to pray at mosques and to celebrate in squares, chanting, “God is great.” People also chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Revelers filled central Umayyad Square, where the Defense Ministry is located. Men fired celebratory gunshots and some waved the three-starred Syrian flag that predates the Assad government and was adopted by the revolutionaries. Syrians gather Sunday to celebrate the arrival of opposition fighters in Damascus, Syria. “I cannot express my happiness," said Bassam Masr. “But this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he. I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Soldiers and police left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Videos showed families wandering into the presidential palace, with some emerging carrying stacks of plates and other household items. “Victory to Syria. Syria remains and Assad to hell, to the dustbin of history,” said a man exploring the palace. A man walks by a broken portrait of the late Syrian President Hafez Assad as people search for belongings Sunday in the ransacked private residence of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the Malkeh district of Damascus, Syria. Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, which was historically pro-government, wrote: “We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood. We believe and trust that Syria will be for all Syrians.” The newspaper added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements, saying: “We only carried out the instructions and published the news they sent us.” A statement from the Alawite sect — to which Assad belongs and which formed the core of his base — called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. An opposition fighter steps on a broken bust of the late Syrian President Hafez Assad on Sunday in Damascus, Syria. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said in a video statement that the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video shared on Syrian opposition media showed a group of armed men escorting him out of his office and to the Four Seasons hotel Sunday. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight Sunday from Damascus. Russian state news agencies reported that Assad arrived in Moscow with his family and was given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but has contacted the Kremlin for comment. A senior diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, which sought to rehabilitate Assad's image and welcomed high-profile exiles in recent years, declined to comment on his whereabouts when asked by reporters at a conference in Bahrain. Anwar Gargash said Assad's destination at this point is a “footnote in history,” comparing it to the long exile of German Kaiser Wilhelm II after World War I. Assad was accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war, including a 2013 chemical weapons attack on the outskirts of the capital. Opposition fighters burn down a military court Sunday in Damascus, Syria. The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall in a matter of days as the Syrian army melted away. Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, which provided crucial support to Assad throughout the uprising, abandoned him in the final days as they reeled from other conflicts. The end of Assad’s rule deals a major blow to Iran and its allies, already weakened by over a year of conflict with Israel . Iran, which had strongly backed Assad throughout the civil war, said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” Syrian opposition fighters take a selfie Sunday at the damaged entrance of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile said Israeli troops had temporarily seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying the move was taken to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. Israeli soldiers walk Sunday near armored vehicles parked along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria. The rebels are led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS , which has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Nations. Its head, al-Golani, has sought to recast the group as a moderate and tolerant force. HTS set up a “salvation government” in 2017 to administer a large region in northwestern Syria under its control. “Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians," said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group and an expert on Syrian groups. "But he and the rebels now face a formidable challenge ahead. One can only hope they rise to the occasion.” People gather Sunday in Manbij, Syria, to celebrate the fall of the Syrian government. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday. The participants included Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground," including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Sarah El Deeb and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem contributed. People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Members of the Syrian community in Finland wave a Syrian flag and celebrate in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 8, 2024. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via AP) People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Syrians wave opposition flags and give out sweets during a spontaneous rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Syrians celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria at a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Jonas Ekstroemer/TT News Agency via AP) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians wave Syrian opposition flags at a rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Syrians living in France gather on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Syrians living in France hug during a rally on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russian state news agencies are reporting that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but has contacted the Kremlin for comment. RIA also cited an anonymous Kremlin source that Moscow had received guarantees from Syrian insurgents of the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria. The report did not give further details. Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday. Syrians have been pouring into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule but raising questions about the future of the country and the wider region. Joyful crowds gathered in squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. Others gleefully ransacked the presidential palace and residence after President Bashar Assad and other top officials vanished, their whereabouts unknown. Russia, a close ally, said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance, leads the biggest rebel faction and is poised to chart the country's future. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the sprawling Umayyad Mosque and called Assad's fall “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he told hundreds of people that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and still split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in some remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement early Sunday saying Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They called on people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state.” The rebels later announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. The rebels said they freed people held at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . A video circulating online purported to show rebels breaking open cell doors and freeing dozens of female prisoners, many of whom appeared shocked. At least one small child was seen among them. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam Masr. "I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi later appeared on state TV and sought to reassure Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did," he added. Celebrations in the capital Damascus residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Revelers filled Umayyad Square, where the Defense Ministry is located. Some waved the three-starred Syrian flag that predates the Assad government and was adopted by the revolutionaries. Elsewhere, many parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed. Soldiers and police left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Videos showed families wandering the presidential palace, some carrying stacks of plates and other household items. “It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up," said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in Damascus with “love.” At the Justice Ministry, where rebels stood guard, Judge Khitam Haddad said they were protecting documents from the chaos. Outside, some residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad. The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage. Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, which was historically pro-government, wrote: “We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements, saying it “only carried out the instructions.” A statement from the Alawite sect that has formed the core of Assad's base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. Assad's whereabouts are unknown Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video shared on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office and to the Four Seasons hotel on Sunday. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad, 59, took a flight early Sunday from Damascus. A senior diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, which had sought to rehabilitate Assad's image and has welcomed high-profile exiles in recent years, declined to comment on his whereabouts. Anwar Gargash said Assad's destination at this point is a “footnote in history,” comparing it to the long exile of German Kaiser Wilhelm II after World War I. Calls for an orderly transition The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, which provided crucial support to Assad throughout the uprising, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts. The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its allies, already weakened by conflict with Israel . Iran, which had strongly backed him throughout the civil war, said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel's military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions. Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall occupy more territory. The rebels are led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS , which has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Nations. Al-Golani, has sought to recast the group as a moderate and tolerant force. “Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians," said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group. "But he and the rebels now face a formidable challenge ahead.” The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday. They included Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground," including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” ___ Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Sarah El Deeb and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, contributed. Abdulrahman Shaheen And Abby Sewell, The Associated PressBritish Columbia's housing crisis is a cruel irony. We face a desperate shortage of long-term rentals, yet witness hotels lobbying to strangle legal short-term rentals (STRs). This hypocrisy exposes a truth – for some, profit trumps people. The recent regulations targeting legal STRs were lauded as a victory for affordability. Yet, a closer look reveals a smokescreen. Hotels, facing competition from platforms like Airbnb, lobbied heavily for these restrictions. Here's the catch: while painting themselves as champions of long-term housing, these same hotels are proposing serviced apartments – essentially, short-term rentals under a different label. Take the 129-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott, a multinational corporation building the region’s first extended stay hotel, which hotels refer to as “serviced apartments” to avoid the taint of “airbnb”. The three-storey all-suite hotel will feature studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens. This is blatant hypocrisy. If hotels truly prioritize tourism, wouldn't they support regulations that address Victoria's documented 2,000-room hotel shortage? Instead, they advocate for policies that remove 600 legal STRs from Victoria's downtown market, further squeezing visitor options with their oligopoly. This raises a troubling question: are these regulations truly about long-term housing, or about protecting established (often multinational) hotel chains? Consider the plight of a legal STR owner in Victoria. Their 250-square-foot unit, demonstrably not suitable for a long-term tenant, languishes on the sales market at $299K for over 60 days. Meanwhile, countless other micro-studios have not been rentable either – they are not affordable to rent for many individuals at $1,900 a month and the size makes them challenging for couples to live in full time. This example highlights the reality – many legal STRs wouldn't become homes or long-term rentals even if forced. B.C. needs a nuanced solution. We can't ignore the tourism industry's needs, but sacrificing residents on the altar of hotel profits is unacceptable. Instead, let's focus on: increased development of purpose-built rentals: This directly addresses the long-term housing shortage. Regulation of REITs (Real estate investment trusts) which own 30-48% of rental housing and benefit from the fact that Canadian law exempts them from corporate taxes as long as profits are distributed to investors. When investors control housing stock the pressure to generate profit rises and landlords are incentivized to evict residents and raise rental prices. Allow micro-condos (under 400 sq. ft.) unsuitable for long-term rentals in appropriately zoned downtown tourism areas to offer short-term rentals: They are not taking away affordable or appropriate housing. The current approach is a disservice to British Columbians. We deserve a housing strategy that prioritizes residents, fosters responsible tourism, and avoids falling prey to industry lobbying masquerading as public policy. Let's build a B.C. where both residents and visitors can thrive. Debra Sheets Victoria
Ian Machado Garry was involved in one of the most bizarre scenes ever witnessed inside the UFC Octagon when he was forced to change his fight shorts mid-way through the co-main event of UFC 310 in Las Vegas . Facing off with Kazakhstan's Shavkat Rakhmonov in a five-round showdown to determine the number contender for the UFC Welterweight Championship, Garry stepped up on short notice after 170-pound champion Belal Muhammad was forced to pull out of the event with a broken toe. The pair - who have previously trained together - both entered the fight undefeated. However, it was Rakhmonov who dominated the early rounds of the bout, largely controlling where the action took place. The Irishman enjoyed a better third round, although was majorly inconvenienced when Shavkat ripped his shorts during a grappling exchange. Thankfully for the millions watching around the world, Garry was wearing underwear beneath his shorts. Despite that saving grace, Garry's corner still made the call to change their man's shorts mid-fight, presumably because the tear would have given Rakhmonov an advantage when it came to going for a takedown. This led to a never-before-seen moment inside the UFC Octagon as Garry had to swap his shorts in between rounds. Even company veterans Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier were surprised by what they were witnessing on commentary. "Look at that, they are having to change his shorts. I've never seen that before!" Ian Machado Garry Refused to Rush his Wardrobe Change at UFC 310 Although he threatened to turn the tide with a series of daring submission attempts, Garry ultimately fell to a unanimous decision loss on the judges' scorecards. He was disappointed by the result, but can take heart from the fact that he is the first man ever to take Shavkat the full distance. Reflecting on his impromptu wardrobe change during the bout, Garry quipped: "You guys are lucky you didn't get a show. It's very lucky I am wearing f******!'" Ian Machado Garry's professional MMA record (as of 08/12/24) 16 fights 15 wins 1 loss By knockout 7 0 By submission 1 0 By decision 7 1 He continued: "I expected Shavkat to bring everything he had. He brought the venom, he brought the pressure, he brought the grappling. I felt like I shut almost everything he did down, and I feel like I had more success than he did. I stopped all of his success. Everything he tried to do, I stopped. We’ve never seen a fight where Shavkat looked like that. Today, I’m very happy with my performance." Rakhmonov now moves on to challenge Muhammad for the welterweight crown, while Garry's own stock rose, even in defeat. His fight may have made UFC history, but it wasn't at all in the way that he would have hoped. Alexandre Pantoja called out a UFC legend after beating Kai Asakura at UFC 310.NASA's stuck astronauts hit 6 months in space. Just 2 more to go
By Scott DiSavino NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices climbed about 2% on Friday to settle at a three-week high, on expectations that additional sanctions on Russia and Iran could tighten supplies and that lower interest rates in Europe and the U.S. could boost fuel demand. Brent futures rose $1.08, or 1.5%, to settle at $74.49 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.27, or 1.8%, to settle at $71.29. That was Brent’s highest close since Nov. 22 and put the contract up 5% for the week. WTI posted a 6% gain for the week and closed at its highest since Nov. 7. “This strength is being driven by ... expectations of tighter sanctions against Russia and Iran, more supportive Chinese economic guidance, Mideast political havoc and prospects for a Fed (U.S. Federal Reserve) rate cut next week,” analysts at energy advisory firm Ritterbusch and Associates said in a note. European Union ambassadors agreed to impose a 15th package of sanctions on Russia this week over its war against Ukraine, targeting its shadow tanker fleet. The U.S. is considering similar moves. Britain, France and Germany told the United Nations Security Council they were ready if necessary to trigger a so-called “snap back” of all international sanctions on Iran to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. Chinese data this week showed crude imports in the world’s top importer grew annually in November for the first time in seven months. They are set to stay elevated into early 2025 as refiners opt to lift more supply from top exporter Saudi Arabia, drawn by lower prices, while independent refiners rush to use their quota. The International Energy Agency (IEA) increased its forecast for 2025 global oil demand growth to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) from 990,000 bpd last month, citing China’s stimulus measures. New bank lending in China rose by far less than expected in November, highlighting weak credit demand in the world’s second-largest economy as policymakers pledge to roll out more stimulus measures. OIL SUPPLY AND DEMAND The IEA forecast an oil surplus for next year, when non-OPEC+ nations are set to boost supply by about 1.5 million bpd, driven by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Guyana and the U.S. OPEC+ includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies like Russia. The United Arab Emirates, an OPEC member, plans to reduce oil shipments early next year as OPEC+ seeks tighter discipline, according to Bloomberg. The price of crude sold to China from Iran, another OPEC member, rose to the highest in years as U.S. sanctions have tightened shipping capacity and boosted logistics costs. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration is expected to ramp up pressure on Iran. Investors are also betting the Fed will cut U.S. rates next week, with further reductions next year, after data showed weekly claims for unemployment insurance unexpectedly rose. U.S. import prices barely rose in November as rising food and fuel costs were largely offset by decreases elsewhere, thanks to a strong dollar. Four European Central Bank policymakers backed further interest rate cuts provided inflation settles at the bank’s 2%-goal as expected. Lower interest rates can boost economic growth and demand for oil. (Reporting by Scott DiSavino in New York and Ahmad Ghaddar in Londonl; additional reporting by Florence Tan and Siyi Liu in Singapore; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Frances Kerry, Alexander Smith, Louise Heavens and David Gregorio) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
South Korea stocks drop, won stable as Asian markets fluctuate
Fake philanthropist swindled victims in discounted electronics scheme, authorities sayNEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the year of their 125 th year Anniversary, The E-J Group continues to expand to meet their client's needs by strengthening their presence in the Northeast. E-J has acquired State Electric Corporation. State Electric, located in Bedford, Massachusetts , has been in business since 1988 and is one of the most respected and trusted full-service electrical contractors in New England. The depth of experience and expertise, particularly in healthcare, life science, commercial, sports & entertainment, transportation, power and renewable energy, transmission, distribution and substation work, will only enhance the services offered to our clients. The E-J Group looks forward to providing their clients with additional experience, expertise, and innovative solutions to this area of the Northeast for the reliable, fast-track project delivery they are accustomed to. "We are pleased to welcome State Electric to the E-J Family," says Anthony E. Mann , CEO of the E-J Group. "State's culture of safety first, innovative solutions align with E-J's and makes for an ideal new member of the organization." "All our divisions operate under the same philosophy, safety first while delivering the best quality workmanship, utilizing prefabrication and lean construction solutions. We share the same client focused approach of doing business," states Ronnie Koning , President of State Electric Corp. "Being part of the E-J Group provides more opportunities for our employees and strengthens what we offer to our clients." State Electric will retain its name and cultural identity, with its current leadership continuing in their respective roles. Ronnie Koning will remain as President, reporting to E-J's EVP, Dave Ferguson . Brendan Dickie will continue as COO, and Jane Wu will maintain her position as Controller. Their collective expertise will remain instrumental to the organization's ongoing success. E-J has thrived and survived the test of time by emerging into nearly a $1 billion national electrical company with great financial strength, national clients, project diversity, and a company culture that is founded on Safety First. E-J currently has 15 offices in 5 states across the country in New York , New Jersey , Connecticut , Rhode Island , Arizona , and now Massachusetts . About E-J: The E-J Group is active in all facets of electrical contracting - we are not your typical electrical contractor. We bring experience, expertise and a national reputation on projects that vary in size to over $300 million . Typical installations include rail systems, transit facilities, office buildings, hospitals, power, renewable and clean energy, co-generation facilities, roadway and outdoor specialty, airports, industrial facilities, universities, sport stadiums, extra high voltage distribution, utility, and gas infrastructure. At E-J, four family generations of practical expertise have created an organization keyed to the most modern technological advances in providing rapid and efficient solutions to today's lighting, power, energy, and communication needs. E-J has a 125-year reputation for unparalleled integrity, quality, and service in the electrical field. Please visit our website at www.ej1899.com to learn more about the company. About State Electric Corporation: State Electric Corporation is a leading full-service electrical contractor in the Northeast. Since 1988, State Electric has been a trusted partner of owner's construction managers, utilities, low voltage integrators, and other business partners around the region. While working in partnership with clients, State continually executes the most complex and high-profile electrical construction projects on time and on budget. Headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts , with a satellite office in Braintree , State Electric is a signatory contractor to the IBEW. Contact: Katie Nilsen , VP Business Development & Strategy – E-J Group 917-807-9496 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-e-j-group-welcomes-state-electric-corporation-to-the-organization-302314568.html SOURCE E-J Electric Installation Co.
MAPS Deadline: MAPS Investors With Losses In Excess Of $100K Have Opportunity To Lead WM Technology, Inc. Securities Class Action Filed By The Rosen Law Firm
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AMMAN | BEIRUT | CAIRO : Syrian rebels declared President Bashar al-Assad 's ouster after seizing control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing him to flee and ending his family's decades of rule after more than 13 years of civil war in a seismic moment for the Middle East. The Islamist rebels also dealt a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran in Syria in the heart of the region, allies who propped up Assad during critical periods in the conflict. The rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments. Thousands of people in cars and on foot congregated at a main square waving and chanting "Freedom" from a half century of Assad family rule, witnesses said. The rebels said prisoners had been freed from a large jail on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands. "We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains," the rebels said. Iran's embassy was also stormed by Syrian rebels, Iran's English-language Press TV reported. 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One of the sources said that the supervising forces that Hezbollah had deployed to Syria overnight between Thursday and Friday had been sent to oversee the pullback. Syria's army command notified officers on Sunday that Assad's rule had ended, a Syrian officer who was informed of the move told Reuters. But the military later said it was continuing operations against "terrorist groups" in the key cities of Hama and Homs and in the Deraa countryside. Assad, who has not spoken in public since the sudden rebel advance a week ago, flew out of Damascus for an unknown destination earlier on Sunday, two senior army officers told Reuters, as rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments. His whereabouts now - and those of his wife Asma and their two children - remain unknown. Call for Free Election As Syrians expressed joy, Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections. But that would require a smooth transition in a country with complex competing interests, from Islamists to groups with links to the United States, Russia and Turkey. Jalali also said he had been in contact with rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani to discuss managing the transitional period, marking a notable development in efforts to shape Syria's political future. The collapse of Assad's rule followed a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East after many leaders of Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, a lynchpin of Assad's battlefield force, were killed by Israel over the past two months. The road ahead is highly complex with a mosaic of groups pursuing conflicting agendas. Turkey-backed Syrian forces have taken control of some 80% of northern Syria's Manbij and are close to victory against Kurdish forces there, a Turkish security source said. Russia, a staunch Assad ally, intervened decisively in 2015 to help Assad during Syria's civil war. But with its military resources mostly tied down in Ukraine, Moscow's ability to influence the situation on the ground was far more limited this time round - despite maintaining two military facilities in Syria. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Rebels celebrate near the Damascene Sword Monument after taking over Damascus (Image: EPA/BILAL AL HAMMOUD) HAYAT TAHRIR AL-SHAM SWEEPS DAMASCUS Russian state media has reported that ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has arrived in Moscow having fled as rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) swept into the capital Damascus this weekend. The BBC says Russian media reports, citing sources in the Kremlin, have claimed Assad and his family have been granted asylum by Russia. Russia’s foreign ministry said earlier on Sunday Assad had resigned as president and left Syria, The New York Times reports, adding that his departure “after rebels opposed to his rule swept through the country in a lightning offensive was an earthshaking moment in the history of Syria ... it marked a dramatic breakthrough for rebel factions in Syria that have been trying to unseat him for more than a decade, much of which was marked by a devastating civil war”. The secretary general of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres , is quoted congratulating the Syrian people, saying: “After 14 years of brutal war and the fall of the dictatorial regime, today the people of Syria can seize an historic opportunity to build a stable and peaceful future.” The paper adds, however, that there is uncertainty over who will lead Syria next with fears of a power vacuum. The BBC reports rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani addressed crowds at Umayyad Mosque on Sunday and accused Assad’s regime of imprisoning “thousands of its own citizens unjustly and without any crime”. “Today, we are rewarded with this victory. This victory is for all Syrians,” he is quoted as saying. The Associated Press recalls how Assad’s fall has brought to a dramatic close his struggle to hold onto control “as his country fragmented in a brutal civil war that became a proxy battlefield for regional and international powers”. The newswire flags the war, during which Assad received support from allies such as Iran and Russia, has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half of the country’s pre-war population of 23 million. The BBC’s Middle East correspondent Lina Sinjab reported earlier on Sunday that the presidential palace in Damascus had been almost completely emptied by people storming the building. Her eyewitness account is worth flagging: “Members of rebel group the HTS have arrived to control the situation — they have said this is not acceptable. “I’ve lived in Syria for 10 years and have never been into this street. I can see people rushing into this place in revenge and also with lots of happiness that they’ve managed to break in. “The scenes are very chaotic inside. There has been looting in other government buildings but this is a different situation. People are going in, posing for pictures while taking what they can. They are taking revenge for years of oppression and poverty because of Assad and his father.” She also said it was the first time she had crossed into the country “without fear of detention, without fear of arrest”. Her video report is here . MELBOURNE SYNAGOGUE FIRE In domestic news, federal and state counter-terrorism units are set to meet later today to discuss the investigation into the arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne on Friday. The AAP reports Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Victorian and federal police would also discuss whether or not it could be classified as a terrorism incident. Speaking to reporters in Perth on Sunday, Albanese said: “If you want my personal view, quite clearly, terrorism is something that is aimed at creating fear in the community. And the atrocities that occurred at the synagogue in Melbourne clearly were designed to create fear in the community, and therefore, from my personal perspective, certainly fulfil that definition of terrorism.” The newswire said police confirmed they are also investigating reports of a bullet found on a footpath near the synagogue on Saturday. The ABC flags Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said yesterday the chief commissioner told her there had been “progress” in the investigation. Police are yet to make any arrests. The broadcaster also said more than 1,000 members of the Jewish community gathered at a vigil near the Adass Israel synagogue on Sunday. Synagogue board member Benjamin Klein is quoted by AAP as saying: “We’ll come back bigger and better. The building will be a beautiful jewel in the crown once again. There’ll be a huge rebuilding campaign, which we’re running at the moment.” The newswire also flags cabinet Minister Murray Watt accusing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of politicising the incident. The workplace relations minister rejected the Coalition leader’s claims the prime minister had not done enough to address antisemitism and that the government had made Australia less safe for Jewish people, AAP said. Guardian Australia flags Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has linked the attack on Friday to Australia’s support for a UN resolution calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Gaza. Dutton has been making headlines for numerous reasons over the weekend with the Nine papers and many others flagging the CSIRO has declared nuclear power is around 50% more expensive than renewables. With Dutton apparently set to finally reveal his nuclear costings this week, The Sydney Morning Herald says “the report found the lowest cost projections for nuclear power would only match the highest projections for renewable energy, a major challenge to Dutton’s claim that nuclear is needed to cut electricity bills.” That conclusion came “even after the science organisation changed its modelling to accommodate criticism from the Peter Dutton -led Coalition that it had unfairly favoured wind and solar energy sources”, the paper said. Elsewhere, the ABC flags Dutton has said the Coalition will not set a target for net migration before the next election. The opposition leader refused to recommit to the target he previously set of 160,000 a year, telling Sky News on Sunday: “We’ll have a look at the economic settings when we come to government.” The Saturday Paper reports the New Zealand-founded advertising agency Topham Guerin, best known for its involvement with Scott Morrison and Boris Johnson’s election victories in 2019, has been hired to work on Dutton’s campaign. Finally, the latest Newspoll for The Australian continues the trend it has shown over the last few weeks and months, namely that voters aren’t that impressed with Albanese and Dutton’s popularity is growing. The paper declares: “Voters consider Anthony Albanese the weakest prime minister in decades, with Peter Dutton widening his lead as the stronger and more decisive leader, despite a two-party contest that has the Coalition and Labor back to a neck-and-neck race to the election.” The Australian says Dutton currently has the highest score for an opposition leader since Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull more than 10 years ago. The Sydney Morning Herald also has a survey which reports 56% of voters have rejected Albanese’s new slogan “We have your back”. The paper says 59% of voters believe they are worse off than when Labor came to power and only 13% feel better off. “Voters have slashed their core support for federal Labor to a new low of 27% amid a deepening dispute over the cost of living, backing the Coalition to deliver more help to households over the next three years,” the paper declares. ON A LIGHTER NOTE... Someone spent US$28 million (A$44 million) on a pair of ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz on Saturday. The BBC reports the slippers sold for significantly more than their expected sale price of US$3 million (A$4.7 million) and Heritage Auctions reckons they are now the most valuable movie memorabilia ever sold at auction. The broadcaster says while Garland wore several pairs of the shoes during filming, only four pairs are known to have survived. This particular pair was stolen in 2005 while being loaned to the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota. Professional thief Terry Jon Martin pleaded guilty to stealing them in 2023, at which point he was in his 70s and was sentenced to time served. Say What? Good man, this one. Donald Trump The US President-elect had four words to sum up the British heir to the throne, Prince William . The pair caught up during the ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris at the weekend. CRIKEY RECAP Who was Australia’s biggest shitstirrer in 2024? Help Crikey figure it out CAM WILSON Who is the biggest shitstirrer of the year? (Image: Private Media) There’s the Power List, the Top 100 Innovators, the Rich List, 30 under 30. The list(s) go on. Each one is more sycophantic than the last. For people unfamiliar with what it’s like to run a news outlet in 2024, we’ll let you in on a secret: these lists mostly exist to convince the elites who have shrinking reasons to deal with the mainstream media to please, please, please give us access through obsequious flattery. In return, the Fourth Estate is reduced to doing PR for the people it is supposed to hold to account. It publishes fawning hagiographies that bear even less resemblance to reality than the glossy, edited images from the photoshoots that accompany them. Us? Crikey does not respect money or status. There is only one thing — a value, an essence, a vibe — that we value here at Crikey HQ. The highest, most noble honour that we can bestow on anyone is considering them a shitstirrer. Shitstirrer has a handful of slightly different definitions. Crikey ’s version is someone who is a nuisance to powerful people. But it has a few other elements, too. Vote now for Crikey’s prestigious Arsehat of the Year CHARLIE LEWIS What a year! We’re as tired as you dear reader, but using our last gasp of energy to list some of the people who might be responsible for that beaten-down feeling 2024 has left us with. Direct your disappointment! Vote now in Crikey’s prestigious Arsehat of the Year award and remember you can add your own nomination if none of these options float your boat. Who was your Person of the Year? It is time to vote! CHARLIE LEWIS As 2024 drifts to a close and we reflect on its many disappointments and outrages, it’s equally important to remember figures who offered, sometimes imperfectly, a genuine alternative to the general sense of degradation in public life. READ ALL ABOUT IT Ukrainian war dead reaches 43,000, Zelenskyy says in rare update (BBC) Trump calls for immediate Ukraine ceasefire (Reuters) Rough sleeping surges as homelessness crisis worsens (Australian Associated Press) NYPD releases two new photos of suspect in Brian Thompson killing (The Guardian ) Barry Keoghan deactivates Instagram account due to ‘lies’ and ‘disgusting commentary’ about his family: ‘Too many lines being crossed’ (Variety) For Taylor Swift, it’s the end of the ‘Eras’ ( The New York Times ) ($) THE COMMENTARIAT The ABC has lost its curiosity. Joe Rogan can help Kim Williams recover it — Parnell Palme McGuinness ( The Sydney Morning Herald ): The worst sin of the ABC is, therefore, not that it is biased. It is that it has become so dull it is no longer worth tuning into. Chairman Kim Williams is focused on the need for objectivity, but emphasising journalistic dispassion is only part of the solution. With the exception of a small number of programs, most relegated to minor time slots and barely promoted, the ABC has become incurious. Topics covered by the ABC’s flagship shows have been narrowing and perspectives on the remaining topics are predictable. Politicians deliver their talking points. A narrow range of experts delivers a narrow range of perspectives (somehow the ethnic and gender diversity emphasised by the ABC never seems to equate to a wider range of ideas). Advocates call for more government funding. The presenters sigh sympathetically. I sigh in frustration. The formula is tiresome. Australians, including this long-time loyal listener and viewer, switch off. Bland and fake: Why the electorate has given up listening to politicians — Annika Smethurst ( The Age ): This is not a dig at Allan. It’s part of a broader problem, where politicians have become trained not to say anything controversial, qualifying every point and sticking to the safety of engineered answers to the point the electorate has given up listening. This trend has coincided with a demonisation of political imagination. Where candidates and ministers are selected for being a “safe pair of hands” rather than inspiring or interesting. For Labor, this has resulted in a generation of politicians who have never spent any substantive time in blue-collar jobs but rather worked in offices for the right law firms, trade unions or ministers. The Liberals are no longer dominated by small-business owners and working professionals but by former political staffers who dutifully serve time working for MPs in between stints at a suitable think tank or lobby group. None of this should disqualify a candidate from being elected — it can be a great training ground — but nor should it be the only measure.Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’
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