NEW YORK (AP) -- President-elect Donald Trump's lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction, arguing continuing the case would present unconstitutional "disruptions to the institution of the Presidency." In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump's lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that dismissal is warranted because of the extraordinary circumstances of his impending return to the White House. "Wrongly continuing proceedings in this failed lawfare case disrupts President Trump's transition efforts," the attorneys continued, before citing the "overwhelming national mandate granted to him by the American people on November 5, 2024." Trump's lawyers also cited President Joe Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges. "President Biden asserted that his son was 'selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,' and 'treated differently,'" Trump's legal team wrote. The Manhattan district attorney, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned." Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump's second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a "ridiculous suggestion." Following Trump's election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump's prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse the conviction, which involved efforts to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, whose affair allegations threatened to disrupt his 2016 campaign. He has denied any wrongdoing. Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Merchan hasn't set a timetable for a decision. The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. A dismissal would erase Trump's historic conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Merchan could also decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump's parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, just before the 2016 presidential election, to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. Prosecutors cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump's then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump's company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses - concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has pledged to appeal the verdict if the case is not dismissed. He and his lawyers said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work.
Unilateral sanctions hinder climate action, Iran tells ICJ
Whitehorse Canada Games Centre ice rinks closed due to issue with compressorARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20) Love: The Lovers Mood: The Hanged Man Career: Strength This week brings good news on the health front, especially for those dealing with chronic conditions, as a new treatment shows positive results. Traditional healing methods can further enhance these effects. Your efforts to bring harmony to your family life are likely to succeed, with younger family members being especially drawn to your positive energy. In your romantic life, peace and happiness with your partner are on the horizon. However, professionally, delays in discussing critical issues with seniors may lead to disappointment later, so don’t put it off. Be cautious when dealing with loans, as financial risks are high. Travel opportunities, possibly overseas, bring excitement, and a great deal on a new home might be on the table. Students need to focus hard to regain concentration. Lucky Number : 6 Lucky Colour : Blue TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20) Love: Judgment Mood: Magician Career: Ten of Wands This week, you're open to new ideas and collaborations, leading to positive career progress. You may receive attractive job offers, bringing both professional growth and financial benefits. Smart financial planning will help reduce expenses and boost savings. Romance is also in the air, with your partner in a particularly affectionate mood. If you’ve been thinking of proposing, now might be the perfect time. However, watch out for negative energy that could impact your health, and steer clear of arguments at social events to avoid family conflict. Selling your home privately may also save significant costs. Lucky Number : 9 Lucky Colour : Brown GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21) Love: The World Mood: King of Wands Career: Justice This week brings positivity for Geminis. At work, you might not feel entirely connected to your organization, but that won't hinder your professional progress. Students can expect good results and improved concentration. An exciting overseas trip could be in the cards, offering lasting memories. Your support will be crucial in helping your family through difficult times. Keep an eye out for an exotic travel opportunity and a good deal on a residential property. Important document signings may be postponed, so stay flexible. Offer assistance to others whenever possible—it will bring you satisfaction. Lucky Number : 3 Lucky Colour : Red CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22) Love: Four of Cups Mood: The Magician Career: The Hanged Man Love is in the air for Cancerians, with your romantic partner subtly trying to connect with you. Pay attention to these cues. A harmonious home life will benefit your children and restore peace. Professionally, your intelligence and influence will help you resolve workplace issues, particularly in communication with subordinates. Some of you may see profits from past investments. Strong willpower will keep chronic health issues at bay, and adopting a healthier lifestyle will ensure continued good health. However, a fun trip may not be as enjoyable if you're mentally preoccupied. Avoid entering joint ventures in real estate for now. Lucky Number : 1 Lucky Colour : Golden LEO (Jul 23-Aug 23) Love: Knight of Wands Mood: Three of Coins Career: Devil This week, you'll be able to channel your energy in a productive direction. In your career, instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, actively seek them out. Those with digestive issues may experience significant improvements with changes in diet and treatment. Financial gains are possible from unexpected sources, but avoid unreliable financial advice. Your presence at home will uplift your children, and small gestures on the romantic front may have a profound effect. Traveling may come with challenges, but new connections will be worthwhile. Make sure to resolve any leave issues before planning your vacation. Lucky Number : 7 Lucky Colour : Pink VIRGO (Aug 24-Sept 23) Love: Wheel of Fortune Mood: Devil Career: Two of Wands This week presents a promising time to adopt a more balanced approach to life. Romance will bring joy, and quality family time will bring peace and harmony. At work, take action instead of waiting for things to fall into place if you want to succeed. Health improvements are likely as your attitude toward life shifts positively. Plan your travels carefully to avoid stress and make room for leisure. Exploring real estate options may lead you to a good deal. However, efforts to reconnect with old business contacts might not pay off this week, so new connections will require hard work. Lucky Number : 4 Lucky Colour : Red LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23) Love: The Hermit Mood: The Magician Career: Two of Coins Being straightforward and honest will help you achieve your goals this week. Holistic healing methods might bring relief without the need for traditional treatments. Financially, an improved situation will allow you to pay off debts ahead of time, and smart spending will help save even more. Your hard work will be recognized at your job, leading to an improved position. If you're searching for a life partner, your quest may come to a happy conclusion now. However, your stubbornness could disturb family harmony, so try to be more flexible. Investing in undeveloped properties may prove profitable. A trip to an offbeat location could turn out to be more fun than expected. Lucky Number : 11 Lucky Colour : Purple SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22) Love: The Hermit Mood: Two of Swords Career: Two of Coins This week, bold decisions and consistent effort will bring steady personal growth. Romance will be a highlight, with strong influences all week. Singles may find success on dating apps, while married Scorpios could receive exciting news. At work, stay alert, as someone might try to disrupt your plans, but don’t let minor issues stress you out. Overcoming negative thoughts will improve your health, and practicing meditation can help bring inner peace. If you're thinking about long-term investments, properties under construction may offer good opportunities. However, be wary of persuasive talk that could lead to financial loss. Lucky Number : 1 Lucky Colour : Light Green SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) Love: The Star Mood: Five of Swords Career: Three of Coins This week, your confidence in your decisions will be high. You may achieve a significant position in your job and do well in your professional role. You might also indulge in luxury items, adding comfort to your life. A family celebration may bring joy, and the household atmosphere will remain lively. However, avoid getting too involved in your partner’s affairs, as it could lead to misunderstandings. Strengthen your relationship by showing trust. If you're dealing with obesity, sticking to traditional weight loss methods will bring results. Quick fixes should be avoided. Lucky Number : 17 Lucky Colour : Orange CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21) Love: Three of Swords Mood: The Tower Career: The Empress This week promises professional growth, with new responsibilities helping to advance your career. A new business opportunity may also lead to financial gains. Keep an open mind toward unconventional ideas for more success. You’ll enjoy a supportive relationship with your family elders, whose advice will help you make the right decisions. Married life will be harmonious, with your spouse playing a key role in managing household duties. Be prepared for possible disruptions on long road trips due to weather, so plan accordingly. Investing in residential property could bring future benefits, and students may win scholarships. Lucky Number : 5 Lucky Colour : Peach AQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19) Love: Temperance Mood: Two of Wands Career: The Moon This week is filled with creative ideas, and your efforts will lead to gains beyond expectations. Business professionals will successfully negotiate deals and may even enter new partnerships. In your career, you’ll have opportunities to sign new contracts. However, your romantic relationship might face challenges, so try to understand things from your partner’s perspective to improve the situation. Despite your busy schedule, find time to connect with nature, which will refresh your mind. It's also an excellent time to invest in real estate, as property values are rising, leading to potential gains. Lucky Number : 7 Lucky Colour : Magenta PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20) Love: Eight of Cups Mood: Six of Swords Career: Three of Wands This week brings positive developments in both family and personal relationships. Your love life will be filled with romance, and you’ll enjoy special moments with your partner, making it a good time for marriage. Domestic peace and harmony will bring immense happiness. At work, ensure that important files are complete before handing them over to seniors to avoid any embarrassment. You might also go on a pleasurable trip that revitalizes your spirit. Healthwise, removing minor irritants from your routine will help you enjoy a more fulfilling lifestyle. If you're selling property, seek expert advice to get the right price. Lucky Number : 8 Lucky Colour : Yellow By: Manisha Koushik (Astrologer, Tarot Card Reader, Numerologist, Vastu & Fengshui Consultant) Email: support@askmanisha.com Url: http://www.askmanisha.com Contact: +919650015920
Last-minute errands often seem to pop up on Christmas and Christmas Eve, whether it's buying a quick present or picking up one last ingredient. Many stores and offices are closed on the two holidays to give employees a chance to spend time with loved ones during the holiday season. This year, Christmas Eve falls on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Christmas falls on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Before heading out, make sure to check the times of locally owned businesses. Here's what's open and closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2024. Albertsons Companies' stores – Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Randalls, Shaw's, Vons and Tom Thumb – will be open Christmas Eve with reduced hours. Many of those banner stores and pharmacies, including Jewel-Osco, Randalls, Shaw's and Tom Thumb, will be closed Christmas Day. Some Albertsons, Safeway, ACME and Vons stores will be open with adjusted hours. The company said to check with your local store before visiting on Christmas. Another grocery giant, Kroger, will mostly operate on normal hours Christmas Eve, but will be closed Christmas Day. Along with Kroger, the company owns Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market, Mariano's, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less and Foods Co. Whole Foods, Aldi and specialty grocer Trader Joe's are open on modified hours Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Warehouse club Costco is closed on Christmas. Sam's Club closes at 6 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. Walmart stores will close at 6 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and all stores are closed on Christmas Day. Target will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. local time Christmas Eve, but it will be closed on Christmas. Home Depot says to check with your local store, but locations will generally close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. Lowe's will be open as normal on Christmas Eve and will close on Christmas Day. Department store Macy's will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and close on Christmas Day. Kohl's will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and close on Christmas. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores will be open with limited store hours on Christmas Eve and close the next day. Most banks follow the Federal Reserve banking holidays, so most teller services will be closed Christmas Day. As always, you can use mobile banking services and ATMs. Bank of America will be closed on Christmas Day. Wells Fargo will close at noon local time on Christmas Eve and will be closed all day Dec. 25. TD Bank will also be closed on Christmas. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will not be trading on Christmas Day. CVS Pharmacy locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but may have reduced hours. CVS said to check with your local store before visiting. Rite Aid will be open regular business hours on Christmas Eve but will close on Christmas Day. Walgreens will be open on Christmas Eve and all of its 24-hour pharmacies will remain open for 24 hours. On Christmas Day, Walgreens will operate during its usual hours, but the majority of pharmacies are closed except for 24-hour locations and certain others. The United States Postal Service will not be sending or shipping mail on Dec. 25. On Christmas Eve, FedEx Express and FedEx Office will be operating on modified hours, but other services such as FedEx Ground and Custom Critical will be open as normal. On Christmas Day, every FedEx service except Custom Critical will be unavailable. UPS will operate as usual on Christmas Eve. Limited UPS store locations will be open on Christmas Day, and only the UPS Express Critical service will be available.DEAN McCullough and Ant McPartlin came face-to-face on I'm A Celebrity tonight after fans said they spotted a feud between them. Radio 1 DJ Dean has done several dreaded Bushtucker Trials - therefore spending a lot of time with Ant and Dec. 4 Ant McPartlin came face to face with Dean McCullough again Credit: Erotreme 4 Radio DJ Dean has done several Bushtucker Trials to date Credit: Eroteme 4 Danny and Dean faced another disgusting trial Credit: ITV In tonight's (November 22) episode, Dean and McFly star Danny Jones took on the latest trial, High Street Of Horrors. Shortly after their arrival, Ant acknowledged past tension between the two. He told the celebrity campmate: "Dean, I'm not angry anymore, I'm just disappointed." The trial itself comprised three shops, each containing a number of stars to win for camp. Read more on I'm A Celeb GUT PUNCH I'm A Celeb's Dean in swipe at Ant in awkward moment as he quits another trial Ant’s Wrath Ant McPartlin SLAMS 'useless' Dean McCullough after he loses another trial Overall, the objective was to locate all of them within the allotted time for their shopping spree. The first stop, Grim Grocers had three stars on offer with three minutes to find them. Danny, in his eagerness, tripped over when the klaxon sounded. In their effort, the duo won a total of eight stars for camp altogether. Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 'FIGHTER' Tulisa's ex makes surprise admission about her changing face amid heath battles FAMILIAR FACE Maura Higgins breaks her silence on awkwardly sharing a camp with ex’s dad Mum's the word Inside I'm A Celeb star Tulisa's turbulent relationship with mum beaten down I’m A Celeb’s Sam Thompson begs producers to check on 'missing’ campmate At the same time, new additions Reverend Richard Coles and Maura Higgins continued their deceit of the main camp. Arriving before Danny and Dean, they pretended to have already done the trial miserably - winning no stars. Fuming Dean McCullough takes a swipe at Ant in awkward moment after he QUITS another I'm A Celeb Bushtucker Trial Reverend Richard joked: “I’m really consumed with guilt!” A twist after the trial saw Dean go back to the Junkyard with Maura and Reverend Richard. Ant previously addressed the "feud" with Dean during Thursday's episode of ITV2 spin-off show Unpacked. The star admitted he was "annoyed" at the DJ for screaming 'I'm A Celeb' and quitting the task early - and being "unprofessional" in how he dealt with it. He said: "My annoyance came across on screen and it was quite unprofessional and I'm not happy about it." Dec sarcastically responded "I think you hid it quite well, Ant...I think you hid it quite well." Ant went on: "You get to the point when you think 'what are you doing?'" Taking to social media, viewers at home shared their observations. I'm A Celebrity 2024 i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth." One wrote on X: “im not angry” “im just disappointed” ant is so fed up with dean." Another added: "dying at how obvious it is that ant cannot stand dean." Read more on the Scottish Sun COMIC'S CASTLE Still Game star takes £150,000 hit to offload luxury £4m Scots castle HITTING THE HIGH NOTES Much-loved pub named best music bar in Scotland While a third commented: "Ant & Dec absolutely despise Dean don’t they #ImACeleb." I'm A Celebrity continues on ITV1 and ITVX. 4 Dean didn't looked impressed Credit: ITV
Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Mr. Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an "orderly political transition." Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Mr. Assad's chief international backer, said he feels "sorry for the Syrian people." In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. "The situation is very strange. We are not used to that," the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. "People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not." It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria's state media denied social media rumors that Mr. Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Mr. Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Mr. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Mr. Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the "final stage" of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a "salvation government" to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria's military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Mr. Assad's seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by "terrorists." The army said it was setting up a "strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area," apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Mr. Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. "Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people," he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's "territorial integrity." He said the war could "damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency" to start a political process. This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Zeina Karam reported from London. Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.
Elon Musk, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, recently declared that "cancel culture" has been "cancelled." Bold words from a man who’s no stranger to making bold statements. I admire Musk for many things — his vision, his humor, his sheer audacity, and his knack for being right about so much. But on this, he couldn’t be more wrong. Just ask the average Australian. Down under, cancel culture isn’t just alive; it’s running rampant, ready to destroy anyone who dares to step out of line. No one’s safe, and now, it seems, no day is either. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the parent company of more than 200 pubs in Australia banning Australia Day celebrations, before backflipping on the decision and apologising for causing “concern and confusion”. A day once meant to unite has become a battlefield, where even firing up the barbecue feels like a political act. It’s no longer just about who’s being cancelled; it’s about what we’re still permitted to celebrate — and the unsettling glee of those who take comfort in the act of cancelling. Gen Alpha Embraces Big Brother Most readers here likely stand against cancel culture, but the tide is turning with Gen Alpha, the youngest generation coming of age. Polls reveal a troubling trend. Many in this group actively support cancel culture. It’s hardly surprising when you consider their formative years were shaped by the heavy-handedness of COVID lockdowns. For them, the world has always been one of nanny-state politics, where decisions are outsourced — to ChatGPT, Google, or the endless echo chamber of social media. Validation no longer stems from critical thought or conviction but from the fleeting currency of likes, shares, and comments. Tyranny is trending. Gen Alpha, the leaders of tomorrow, have grown up in a world where cancel culture isn’t just accepted; it’s seen as a tool for justice, a way to right perceived wrongs. Many of them genuinely believe it’s a good thing. To their minds, calling out and cancelling is less about censorship and more about accountability, a moral duty to ensure the "right" voices are heard. But in their quest for progress, they risk doubling down on a society where fear overshadows freedom, where the line between justice and mob rule blurs beyond recognition. In many ways, Gen Alpha seems to suffer from a kind of Stockholm syndrome. Raised in an era of relentless oversight and performative morality, they’ve come to embrace the very forces that limit their freedom, mistaking abuse for safety. And I don’t use the word “abuse” lightly. The Australian Government already wields the power to suppress individuals or groups with alarming precision through carefully tailored legislation. By crafting laws that target specific segments of the population, it can systematically silence dissent without broad backlash. What’s even more alarming is the government’s growing power to freeze personal bank accounts — a chilling extension of cancel culture that goes far beyond silencing speech Corporate Cancel Culture Marc Andreessen, a renowned venture capitalist and close associate of Musk, recently appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast. During their three-hour conversation, he unveiled a deeply unsettling trend: the rise of debanking. This isn’t merely about closing accounts; it’s a deliberate form of erasure, targeting those deemed guilty of ideological wrongthink. Debanking, as Andreessen explained, is not an isolated occurrence but a deliberate tactic of corporate cancel culture, where financial institutions enforce conformity under the guise of promoting “safety” and “social responsibility.” The implications are, for lack of a better word, terrifying. Financial institutions, once considered neutral stewards of capital, now act as ideological enforcers. Without trial or transparency, individuals can find themselves cut off from the modern economy, their financial viability stripped away. It is a form of punishment that bypasses due process, leaving its victims with little recourse. What began as social media shaming has turned into something far more sinister. One tweet, one Facebook post, one instance of "wrongthink" on Instagram — and you could lose everything. Of course, the menace of debanking isn’t confined to America’s borders. In Australia, the same tactics are being weaponised as a means of exclusion, targeting small businesses and individuals without offering any justification. While this practice often hits industries deemed controversial — like cryptocurrency, firearms, and adult services — it also impacts legitimate sectors such as farming and mining. Requests for explanations are routinely brushed off with vague references to “business decisions”, leaving account holders in the dark. Shockingly, even family members of those targeted have faced account closures, spreading financial instability far beyond the initial target. Banks argue that anti-money laundering laws justify these actions, yet even AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial regulator, has warned that blanket account closures may actually increase risks like money laundering. Despite recommendations for greater transparency, banks remain opaque, hiding behind legal loopholes to wield unchecked power. A Reflection of Human Nature This brings us back to Musk’s premature proclamation. Cancel culture is not an entity; it’s an idea, an ideology born from petty grievances, envy, and the abuses of power by those who delight in wielding it. Nietzsche’s concept of ressentiment — the simmering bitterness of the weak and spiteful — perfectly encapsulates its essence. Cancel culture thrives on a desire to bring others down, feeding on the satisfaction of public ruin and ridicule. It’s an ideology that mutates, evading extermination because it taps into something fundamentally human. As long as we exist, cancel culture will persist, its manifestations shifting but its roots unchanged. Cancel culture isn’t dead — in Australia, it’s more alive and relentless than ever.
AT THE QUARTER MARK: Ottawa Senators remain confidentLOS ANGELES — The programs came calling, last winter, and Kyron Hudson deflected them all to his father. Between USC wide receiver Hudson and Oregon defensive tackle Keyon Ware-Hudson, father Chance reflected, he had about 12 teams reach out about the possibility of his sons entering the transfer portal. A few, Chance told the Southern California News Group back in the fall, were interested in package deals. And father Chance listened, because the money was hard to turn down. But Hudson, even through three years of inconsistent snaps and infrequent opportunity, didn’t want to leave USC. “His answer? From him?” Chance said in the fall, asked if Hudson thought about transferring. “Absolutely not. There was zero.” A breakout season and a reel of highlight catches later, though, and receiver Hudson has officially entered the portal following his redshirt junior season at USC, announcing his departure in a lengthy statement on X (formerly Twitter) . “I step forward,” Hudson wrote, “with gratitude for my time at USC and anticipation for what lies ahead.” In a room full of talented sophomores jockeying for snaps, the former Mater Dei High standout emerged as the most consistent veteran presence at receiver for USC in 2024, hauling in a career-best 38 catches for 462 yards in 12 games. His handful of one-handed grabs became a signature, a career-best 83-yard game against LSU and a couple of improbable catches helping USC earn an impressive Week 1 win . Even as game-to-game opportunities in Coach Lincoln Riley’s passing attack wavered, Hudson was a constant on the outside, racking up the most snaps of any Trojans receiver in 2024. Amid a late-season flu that swept through USC’s locker room down the stretch, Hudson had to receive an IV for fluids during the week of the Nebraska game, according to a source familiar with the situation. That Saturday, he still caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown. “I mean, he’s one of those guys – you just kind of, you can’t have enough of ’em in your program, that they just stay the course, they just keep getting better,” Riley said, earlier in the season, of Hudson. “There’s not, maybe always these massive jumps. But they’re always there. He always practices, he never misses anything, he never misses a rep.” That consistency, in turn, will be missed dearly in USC’s receivers room in 2024, with veteran leaders Hudson and Kyle Ford (out of eligibility) now moving on.House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of 'regularly' paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl
Motion to impeach South Korean president fails after vote boycottByfield scores in 200th career game as Kings hold off Kraken for 2-1 win
Bryce Thompson scored 17 points and achieved a milestone as Oklahoma State defeated Miami 80-74 on Friday afternoon in a Charleston Classic consolation game in Charleston, S.C. Thompson made 6-of-14 shots from the floor, surpassing 1,000 points for his career at Oklahoma State (4-1), which also got 15 points from Marchelus Avery. The Cowboys won in large part thanks to their impressive 3-point shooting (10-for-22, 45.5 percent). Oklahoma State backup guard Arturo Dean, a Miami native, posted eight points and one steal. He led the nation in steals last season while playing for Florida International. Miami (3-2) has lost two straight games in Charleston, failing to take a lead at any point. They will play on Sunday against either Nevada or VCU. The Hurricanes on Friday were led by Nijel Pack, who had a game-high 20 points. Brandon Johnson had a double-double for Miami with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Matthew Cleveland scored 11 points and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet added 10 points apiece for Miami. Miami, which fell behind 7-0 in Thursday's loss to Drake, got behind 9-0 on Friday as Abou Ousmane scored six of his eight points. Oklahoma State stretched its lead to 18 before settling for a 43-27 advantage at the break. Pack led all first-half scorers with 10 points, but Miami shot just 29.6 percent from the floor, including 3-of-13 on 3-pointers (23.1). Oklahoma State shot 48.4 percent, including 8-for-15 on 3-pointers (53.3 percent) before intermission. The Cowboys also had a 14-8 edge in paint points. In the second half, Miami closed its 20-point deficit to 55-42 with 12:12 left. Miami got a bit closer as two straight short jumpers by Kidd, trimming the deficit to 73-62 with 3:25 to play. The Hurricanes cut it to 77-70 on Pack's 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining, but the Cowboys hit their free throws to close out the win. --Field Level Media