
Casella Waste Systems: Is It Time To Take Out The Trash?FALLS VILLAGE – Authors Kurt Andersen and William Cohan didn’t hold back when talking about how the country will be negatively affected by the election of President-elect Donald Trump. The two were the guest speakers at Friday’s Salisbury Forum in a presentation titled “Following the Money: What Will Become of America.” The newly renovated auditorium at Housatonic Valley Regional High School was packed. Andersen began by stating the election was not, as many claim, a mandate for Trump, noting a 1.7% vote margin is very low. “The only mandate is that the Democrats did so much worse getting the vote out. The Republicans had no mandate but to please their leader.” The two speculated on why certain excessively wealthy people became such strong supporters of Trump, but concluded they just didn’t understand their motivation. Perhaps it was their stand on Israel, or maybe the desire to rub elbows with Elon Musk. When Andersen said so many of them know nothing about history, politics and culture and are “shockingly dumb” about such topics, Cohan said, “They get rich and think they know about everything. The X landscape allows them to do that.” Both acknowledged Trump’s constant references to “the evil media.” When asked, Cohan said Jeff Bezos’s decision not to endorse a presidential candidate in The Washington Post wasn’t about the practice being old-fashioned and ineffectual, but because he didn’t want to anger someone who could be the next president. “When we were growing up, newspapers took pride in their endorsements,” he said. “I don’t understand why he did that. It’s very disturbing.” Cohan sardonically said he was looking forward to seeing retribution to investigative journalists. “Don’t joke about that,” responded Andersen. With Trump in the middle of picking his cabinet members and other positions to be part of his administration, the two agreed it has become a “clown show.” Cohan said, “I like the ‘Star Wars’ bar metaphor better.” Both repeated that they cannot even begin to figure out Trump’s thinking. Andersen termed Scott Bessent, the secretary of treasury pick, “a buffoon” and Marco Rubio, named to be secretary of state, was labeled by Trump “Little Marco” and he still comes back for more. Andersen said “If you keep going lower and lower on his list of appointments and they get more insane, the ones at the top don’t look so bad.” Touching on Robert Kennedy, Jr. as being named to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Cohan said the stocks of some pharmaceutical companies are tumbling as a result. “He’s committed every felony. Trump likes him because he’s done worse things than Trump. Kennedy’s father and uncle must be rolling over in their graves.” Andersen doesn’t believe that Trump will follow through on his promise of mass deportation. He said of the 11 million undocumented, 8 million are in the workforce, holding jobs in farming, hospitality and landscaping. “He can’t risk losing all those employees,” he said. But Cohan brought up the bipartisan immigration bill that Trump, as a private citizen, was able to quash. As for the tariffs Trump proposes to install, Cohan said they could increase costs to consumers, causing inflation to spike and the economy to tank. Sounding deflated, Cohan said, “I’m tired of speculating on this guy. I don’t know if he’s capable of moderating his views. He may think of ways to repeal the 22nd Amendment, so I’m not sure this is his last rodeo. He’s the luckiest guy on earth. He’s not going to jail. He’s a masterful politician; I’ll give him that.” Contact Ruth Epstein at kcsruthe @ aol.com.Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams
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Middle East latest: Israel expels patients from a hospital in GazaFNA DEADLINE NOTICE: ROSEN, TRUSTED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Paragon 28, Inc. Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important November 29 Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – FNAWith rookie QB Penix showing poise in starting debut, the Falcons again control their playoff hopes
Tribune News Network DOHA: The State of Qatar's priority is humanitarian in dealing with the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic at the present time, and providing everything necessary to ensure continued stability there, saidAdvisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari. Al Ansari said, during the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday, that the air bridge operated by the State of Qatar to provide relief to the Syrian brothers will continue as long as it is needed, noting the arrival of the fifth plane of the Qatari Armed Forces to Rafic Hariri Airport in Beirut onMonday, carrying more than 33 tonnes of aid, including medical supplies, food and shelter supplies provided by the Qatar Development Fund to Syria. That brought the total aid provided to the Syrians so far to 144 tonnes. He renewed the State of Qatar's call for the necessity of working to lift international sanctions on Syria as soon as possible, so that they do not become a barrier to the entry of aid in all its forms, so that the Qatari air bridge extends to airports inside Syrian territory, which facilitates the arrival of this aid. He added that the Qatari position is clear regarding lifting the sanctions on Syria, especially since the reasons leading to them, represented by the previous regime, have disappeared, which means that the reasons leading to these sanctions no longer exist today, and it has become imperative for the international community to work quickly to lift these sanctions. He explained that within the framework of the visit made by the Qatari delegation headed by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifito the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Mondayon board the first Qatar Airways flight to Damascus International Airport, the most prominent needs there were discussed, and how the State of Qatar can contribute to meeting these needs directly was discussed, stressing that Qatar will spare no effort in providing the necessary support to the Syrians. The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the technical team that accompanied the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Damascus aimed to identify the technical needs of the airport and discuss how to play a positive Qatari role in this regard, to ensure the rapid re-operation of the airport as an international airport, especially since it was subjected to very long periods of neglect, in addition to being bombed by the Israeli occupation. Al Ansari pointed out that the symbolic message associated with the landing of the Qatar Airways plane at Damascus International Airport reflects the State of Qatar’s full commitment to doing everything necessary to ensure the airport’s re-operation and the resumption of flights to the Syrian Arab Republic, explaining that flights will quickly return to the airport when the technical requirements for that are available. Al Ansari confirmed that the needs in the Syrian Arab Republic are being studied, and that the aid will be announced, explaining that some of it is related to the short and urgent term, and some of it is related to the strategic term. Al Ansari added: "The priority is for urgent humanitarian needs to ensure the success of the transitional phase and its passage without any complications, especially on the humanitarian side, and then work to ensure Syria's return to the Arab nation, and to see it as we have always aspired." He pointed out that the Syrian opposition embassy in the State of Qatar is the first of the new Syrian embassies, considering that this reflects the position of the State of Qatar, which has not changed since the first day of the Syrian crisis, and supports the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people by all available means. In this context, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the resumption of the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Syrian Arab Republic on December 17, and the appointment of HE Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif as Chargé d'Affaires there. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the resumption of the embassy's work comes after about 13 years of severing all diplomatic relations with the Syrian regime in 2011, as an expression of the State of Qatar's principled stand with the Syrian people's revolution and its steadfast support for their demands for a decent life, freedom and social justice, and as an affirmation of the State of Qatar's categorical rejection of all the regime's oppressive policies against the brotherly Syrian people. Al Ansari added that the ministry indicated that the resumption of the embassy’s work in conjunction with the victory of the Syrian people’s revolution reflects the continued firm and supportive position of the State of Qatar towards the Syrian people and their struggle to obtain their legitimate rights to a decent life, and enhances its relief efforts that began with an air bridge to help the Syrian people overcome the requirements of the transitional phase, noting the raising of the Qatari flag on December 21 in Damascus for the first time in 13 years. During the weekly media briefing, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the meeting of HE Dr Al Khulaifi with HE Ahmed Al-Shara, Commander-in-Chief of the new administration in the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, within the framework of the visit made by the Qatari delegation to Damascus on Monday. During the meeting, they reviewed the close relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, and consulted on the future of Syria and the prospects of the State of Qatar’s continued support for the brotherly Syrian people in all fields. He pointed out that the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed, during the meeting, the continued firm support of the State of Qatar for the Syrian brothers to build a state of institutions that is governed by justice, freedom, development and peace, and achieves the aspirations of the Syrian people, noting that the position of the State of Qatar was and still is firm and has not changed towards supporting the revolution of the brothers in Syria, and stressing that the upcoming decisions concern the Syrian people alone and should not be subject to guardianship from anyone and they are the master of their decision, and ensuring the unity of Syria and working on a peaceful transfer of power through a political process that includes all spectrums of the Syrian people. On the other hand, Al Ansari said during the weekly media briefing that it is too early to talk about investing in Syria at the present time, noting that the focus is now on providing everything necessary to support our Syrian brothers, especially in areas such as energy, the humanitarian aspect and infrastructure. Within the framework of ongoing communications on the situation in Syria, Al Ansari noted the phone call made by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on December 17 with HE Geir Pedersen, UN Special Envoy to Syria, where they discussed the latest developments in Syria, the position of the State of Qatar towards the ongoing developments in Syria and the need to support the transitional process in a way that preserves Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and the aspirations of its brotherly people. Al Ansari added, that the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out, during the call, the importance of concerted international efforts, including the efforts of the United Nations and its agencies, to support the Syrian people and achieve their legitimate aspirations for security, stability and prosperity. The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to the meeting of Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad,on December 20, with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Special Coordinator of the German Foreign Ministry in Syria HE Tobias Lindner, where they reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, and discussed the latest developments in the region, especially in Syria. Regarding the Israeli practices regarding the expansion of settlements in the occupied Golan Heights, Al Ansari explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in which it affirmed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation government’s approval of a plan to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. The ministry also stressed, in its statement, the need for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities to compel the Israeli occupation to stop its attacks on Syrian territory, comply with international legitimacy resolutions, and show solidarity to confront its opportunistic plans. On the other hand, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, chaired, on December 17, the State of Qatar’s delegation participating in the meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held via videoconferencing. He pointed out that the minister stressed, in his speech during the meeting, the State of Qatar's commitment to working to achieve the goals of the SICA conference and build a more secure and prosperous future for the peoples of the Asian continent, where he said: "Our Asian continent is going through a historical turning point characterized by complex challenges and crises, whether on the security, economic or social levels. However, we believe that the Asian continent, with its enormous natural and human resources, remains a continent of opportunities and potential." He added that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs pointed out that enhancing joint action and intensifying efforts to promote regional cooperation that achieves the aspirations of our peoples towards stability and prosperity is the demand of the peoples of this continent, stressing the State of Qatar's keenness to contribute to maintaining peace and security in the region and in the Asian continent, by presenting initiatives and undertaking mediations to reduce the severity of differences and tensions in order to achieve stability and prosperity, and adopting dialogue as a basic means to resolve all disputes between countries. Regarding the negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Al Ansari said: “The negotiations are still ongoing, as there are ongoing negotiations at the technical and technological level in Doha, and there are other tracks and contexts taking place in Cairo, and coordination is ongoing with our brothers in the Arab Republic of Egypt in this regard,” adding that no one can predict a specific time frame for reaching an agreement there. Al Ansari stressed that the situation in the Gaza Strip has not improved at all, and that the humanitarian crisis is getting worse, saying: “We reiterate our call to all parties to deal with the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation with complete seriousness, and without any measures that may hinder the success of these negotiations.” The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the State of Qatar's welcome of the UN General Assembly's adoption of a resolution to refer the ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to the International Court of Justice, and considered that the adoption of the resolution by a majority of 137 votes reflects the broad international rejection of the decisions of the Israeli occupation authorities to ban UNRWA's activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. He pointed out that the State of Qatar warned that banning UNRWA activities would lead to serious humanitarian and political consequences, especially depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria of its essential services, in addition to liquidating the Palestinian refugee issue and their right to return to their areas and homes. In a separate context, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Qatari-Iranian relations are stable and solid, as the two sides share work on some gas projects in the region, saying in this regard: “We are proud of our bilateral relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and our discussions are ongoing about events in the region.” Regarding the State of Qatar's relations with Russia, Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar's relationship with the Russian Federation is ongoing and positive, pointing out the Qatari side's involvement in another mediation between Russia and Ukraine in the framework of reuniting children affected by the war there with their families. On the Lebanese level, Al Ansari referred to the meeting of Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, on December 16, with General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Army, with HE Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Parliament, and with HE Najib Mikati, Prime Minister of the Caretaker Government. He explained that these meetings reviewed the cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, stressing His Excellency the great importance of the role of the Lebanese army in enhancing security and stability in Lebanon, and in preserving the sovereignty of the state and the unity of its territories in light of the increasing security and political challenges, and emphasizing the State of Qatar's firm position towards the Lebanese Republic, its unity and territorial integrity, and its continuous support for its brotherly people. 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Liverpool may be marching toward the Premier League title but there are looming contract concerns around the status of Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three are due to expire at the end of the 2025 season, and while it hasn't impacted Liverpool's play on the pitch, there could be major changes coming to the side in the future. Arne Slot confirmed that the club is in contact with the trio about their contracts but as long as they're performing on the pitch, he's happy. While Salah's future has been the biggest transfer rumor at Anfield after the links to Saudi Arabia, Alexander-Arnold is also one to watch with links to Real Madrid. Los Blancos love securing free transfers, just like they did with Kylian Mbappe over the summer. So, what if Alexander-Arnold is next? It's no secret that Real Madrid has been interested in the English right back and with Dani Carvajal not getting any younger and coming off of an ACL tear , there's no guarantee that the Spanish star will be back to his best in 2025. Even if he is, for a club like Real Madrid, it's critical to have multiple top-level options at as many positions as possible and it doesn't get much better than netting a player like Alexander-Arnold. Only 26, Alexander Arnold has five assists in 22 appearances in all competitions this season following up six consecutive seasons of double-digit goal contributions in all competitions. Since breaking into the squad, he has established himself as one of the best chance creators in the world and playing behind Salah, he knows a thing or two about setting up world-class options with opportunities to score. Imagining a Real Madrid attack where Vinicius Junior and Mbappe are fed by Alexander-Arnold on the break is a devastating proposition. While it does hurt the Reds if he departs at the end of the season, in 21-year-old Conor Bradley, their right back of the future is in place already but Alexander-Arnold is also a generational talent. Losing him and Salah in the same summer could be hard to bounce back from but if there's a situation where only one of the trio departs, that's a manageable scenario. For Madrid, in a year where creators like Luka Modric could retire at any time, it's critical to ensure that their chance creation won't take a hit. Always a club to stay ahead of the curve, adding players like this before their prime is what Los Blancos do to stay at the top of the global game. It'll be important for Alexander-Arnold to maintain focus amid a title challenge but as long as he's able to do that, even if this is his last season at Anfield, it can be a chance to give Liverpool faithful a sendoff to remember.Trump wants pardoned real estate developer Charles Kushner to be ambassador to France
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