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At her studio in Los Angeles, Australian artist Jemima Wyman is trying to come to terms with the cancellation of her 30-year survey show. or signup to continue reading The internationally-known Palawa artist could have shown her career survey at a range of prestigious institutions, but went with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, where she has both studied and taught. "It has a really special place in my heart, and that's why I was excited to do the 30 year survey show there, because I had such a long relationship with the institution," she told AAP. In November, Wyman was told QUT's Art Museum was cutting its 2025 program, and her show would be axed. The free-to-visit museum at QUT's Garden Point campus has eight staff and describes itself as one of Queensland's premier visual arts institutions. The university is facing financial challenges due to funding shortfalls, but staff would not be impacted by any of the university's current plans, a QUT spokesperson said. "We have had to make a number of difficult decisions with regard to pausing activities across a number of areas of the university, including some programming at QUTAM for 2025," they told AAP. It appears the museum will show one exhibition of items from the university's art collection during 2025. Wyman is not the only artist left hanging, with an exhibition of two of Australia's most significant ceramicists, Vipoo Srivilasa and the late Gwyn Hanssen Pigott also affected, as well as a group show by six Barkandji/Barkindji artists. University museums do more to support first nations artists than any other type of gallery, according to Penelope Benton of the National Association for the Visual Arts. "This kind of decision is hugely impactful for the working lives of Australian artists," she said. Wyman's exhibition had been expected to tour to UNSW in Sydney, followed by the Samstag Museum at the University of South Australia. The artist said she's worried the university is technically shutting down the museum. "If you're only having one show a year, and it's from the collection, then you're not really being an active institution in terms of supporting contemporary artists," she said. "It sounds to me like a strategy to not ring alarm bells ... a strategy to step down the museum and eventually shut it down completely." University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Sheil has apologised to Wyman in an email, saying the university has to make tough decisions, with departments prioritising teaching and research until the budget returns to surplus. Professor Sheil also cited a rapid decline in creative and fine arts enrolments, and said fine arts degrees and staff are now based at QUT's Kelvin Grove campus, several kilometres away from the museum. There have been a series of recent cuts to arts courses at institutions in the region, including at the University of Queensland, James Cook University, Queensland College of the Arts, and Southern Cross University. "It's a shame that it's all being cut, I think it will be really detrimental to the region," said Wyman. "Artists will have to go interstate to get the education they need, it will probably create a cultural desert in Queensland." Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementUS to transform white elephant destroyers by fitting hypersonic weapons
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Share Tweet Share Share Email What if I told you this December could be the turning point for your crypto portfolio? Imagine being in on Bitcoin at $10 or Ethereum before smart contracts took off. The crypto world is buzzing again, with some projects set to deliver jaw-dropping returns. Whether it’s the game-changing potential of Qubetics ($TICS) or the proven strength of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Aave (AAVE), there’s no shortage of opportunities to capitalise on before 2024 ends. But let’s not just stick to the big names. Qubetics is leading the charge with its revolutionary real-world asset tokenisation, making it easier than ever for businesses and individuals to bridge the gap between physical assets and the blockchain. With a presale already raising millions, it’s clear people are catching on to its game-changing potential. And that’s just the beginning. Let’s break down why these projects deserve your attention and how you can make this December your most profitable month yet. 1. Qubetics ($TICS): Redefining Asset Tokenisation Qubetics isn’t just another crypto project—it’s a game-changer. Known as the world’s first Web3 aggregator, Qubetics has introduced Real-World Asset Tokenisation (RWAT) , a revolutionary application that bridges the gap between physical assets and blockchain technology. Imagine this: A small business owner in Texas tokenises their warehouse, enabling investors worldwide to own a fraction. Or consider an artist in Brooklyn tokenising their latest collection, ensuring global buyers can invest in authentic pieces without intermediaries. That’s the power of RWAT on Qubetics. Qubetics ($TICS) is turning heads, and for good reason. In its 10th presale stage, it’s already raised $4.2 million, with over 261 million tokens sold to 5,900+ holders. At just $0.025 per token, now’s your chance to jump in before a 10% price hike this weekend. Analysts are buzzing with predictions: $0.25 by presale’s end (871% ROI), $1 post-presale (3,787% ROI), and a staggering $15 after the mainnet launch (58,213% ROI). If you’ve been waiting for your moment to invest big, this might just be it. Invest $7,500 now, and you’re potentially looking at $435,975 at the $5 milestone. This is more than an opportunity; it’s a golden ticket for both early adopters and believers in innovation. Why does Qubetics top this list? Its unmatched utility, visionary roadmap, and ROI potential make it a no-brainer. 2. Bitcoin (BTC): The Resilient King of Crypto Bitcoin remains the gold standard of cryptocurrency. After nearing the $100,000 mark recently, its growth potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. Analysts like Robert Kiyosaki have even predicted a $500,000 price by 2025. BTC is more than just a digital currency—it’s a hedge against inflation, a store of value, and the backbone of decentralised finance. What’s driving this growth? Institutional adoption is ramping up. Major corporations are integrating Bitcoin into their treasuries, and ETFs are paving the way for mainstream investments. With economic uncertainties looming, BTC’s scarcity (capped at 21 million) makes it more appealing than ever. For investors, Bitcoin offers stability in a volatile market. Whether you’re a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a newbie, allocating part of your portfolio to BTC isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Why does Bitcoin deserve a spot? Its unmatched market dominance and proven resilience make it the ultimate crypto asset. 3. Ethereum (ETH): The Home of Innovation Ethereum isn’t just a cryptocurrency; it’s an ecosystem powering DeFi, NFTs, and countless decentralised applications. With Ethereum 2.0 upgrades significantly reducing gas fees and boosting scalability, it remains a favourite among developers and investors alike. Recently, Ethereum faced resistance at the $3,700 mark, but analysts are confident about a breakout. A decisive weekly close above this level could propel ETH towards $5,000. This optimism stems from increasing adoption, particularly in gaming, DeFi, and tokenisation. Ethereum’s ability to host projects like Qubetics further solidifies its position as a critical player in the crypto space. Why is Ethereum on this list? Its adaptability, innovation, and massive developer community ensure it remains a powerhouse in blockchain technology. 4. Solana (SOL): The Speed Demon of Blockchain Solana has emerged as the go-to blockchain for developers looking for speed and low fees. Known for handling up to 65,000 transactions per second, it’s become the darling of decentralised apps, NFTs, and gaming. Recent ETF filings for Solana have created a buzz, with approval expected by late 2025. Globally, Solana ETFs are already available in Brazil and Canada, and their success could pressure U.S. regulators to follow suit. SOL’s price recently hit an all-time high of $264.31, up 160% this year, making it one of the best-performing assets. As a fast and scalable network, Solana is driving blockchain adoption in ways many of its competitors can’t match. Why is Solana here? Its lightning-fast transactions, rising adoption, and ETF buzz position it as a must-watch investment. 5. Aave (AAVE): The DeFi Powerhouse Aave has revolutionised decentralised lending, making it one of the most popular DeFi platforms. Its ecosystem now boasts $33 billion in deposits and $15.96 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL), with active loans surpassing $10 billion in 2024. Recently, AAVE broke above the $200 resistance, signalling a bullish trend. Analysts predict a potential rally towards $260 if it maintains momentum. With whales accumulating significant amounts, Aave’s future looks bright. Aave’s success isn’t just about numbers. Its innovations in decentralised lending, such as flash loans and multi-chain support, make it a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Why does Aave make this list? Its consistent growth, innovation, and strong fundamentals ensure it stays ahead of the curve. Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now The crypto market is brimming with opportunities, but timing is everything. Projects like Qubetics are redefining industries, while stalwarts like Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to pave the way. Solana and Aave showcase how innovation can drive adoption and ROI. If you’re ready to make 2024 your breakout year, don’t wait. Qubetics, with its groundbreaking approach to asset tokenisation and potential for life-changing returns, deserves your immediate attention. Curious about the future of Qubetics? Watch this exclusive video and discover why it’s the investment opportunity of a lifetime! For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetics Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you 4 Game-Changing Altcoins to Watch This December—Don’t Miss These Opportunities! 5 Best Meme Coin Presales to Buy in December 2024 That You Can’t Ignore! Pepememe.io: Reevaluating Meme Coins – Presale in Full Swing CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — He's making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders. Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he's sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve those priorities . Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada's prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures. The incoming president has warned there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY" if, before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza . He has threatened to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by a Japanese company, warning "Buyer Beware!!!” And this weekend, Trump was returning to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. On Saturday, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron — joined at the last minute by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and had plans to see Britain's Prince William also in Paris. Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son , Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden is attending in his place. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night . For all of Trump's bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit. The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. “Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time," he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes." Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration. “Right now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. He’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren't simply introductions. He's staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs," Zelizer said. Trump already has met with several foreign leaders, in addition to a long list of calls. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. Last Sunday, Trump dined with Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli prime minister. Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts. On Wednesday, several members of Trump's team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X . That comes after Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy. Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump's incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that, “All transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.” She added: “World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.” Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications. If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said. Leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for more a better deal. It also remains unclear how extensively the Biden administration has been kept apprised of Trump transition efforts. Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice. That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently. Still, the Biden and Trump teams have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain in held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who, like others, was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. That includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border. “I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. I’m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them," Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview. But when it comes to immigration, Biden administration officials haven’t been entirely in the loop on discussions around how to execute on Trump’s pledge to deport millions of migrants, according to four administration officials with knowledge of the transition who spoke on condition of anonymity. That’s not terribly surprising given how differently the teams view migration. Trump’s team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes. “Promises Kept — And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged "immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.” Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton. Security analyst David Saucedo said that "under the pressure by Donald Trump, it appears President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is willing to increase the capture of drug traffickers and drug seizures that Washington is demanding.” Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
NEW YORK – Donald Trump was on the verge of backing a 16-week federal abortion ban earlier this year when aides staged an intervention. According to Time magazine's cover story on his selection as its 2024 Person of the Year, Trump's aides first raised concerns in mid-March that the abortion cutoff being pushed by some allies would be stricter than existing law in numerous states. It was seen as a potential political liability amid ongoing fallout over the overturning of Roe v. Wade by a conservative majority on the Supreme Court that includes three justices nominated by Trump in his first term. Recommended Videos Trump political director James Blair went to work assembling a slide deck — eventually titled “How a national abortion ban will cost Trump the election" — that argued a 16-week ban would hurt the Republican candidate in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, the magazine reported. “After flipping through Blair’s presentation" on a flight to a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in April, Trump dropped the idea, according to the report. "So we leave it to the states, right?" Trump was quoted as saying. He soon released a video articulating that position. At the time, Trump’s campaign denied that he was considering supporting the 16-week ban, calling it “fake news” and saying Trump planned to “negotiate a deal” on abortion if elected to the White House. Here are other highlights from the story and the president-elect's 65-minute interview with the magazine: Jan. 6 pardons could start in the ‘first nine minutes’ Trump reaffirmed his plans to pardon most of those convicted for their actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. “It’s going to start in the first hour,” he said of the pardons. “Maybe the first nine minutes.” Trump said he would look at individuals on a “case-by-case" basis, but that “a vast majority of them should not be in jail.” More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot that left more than 100 police officers injured and sent lawmakers running into hiding as they met to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory . More than 1,000 defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial of charges, including misdemeanor trespassing offenses, assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy. Trump is open to holding detained migrants in camps Trump insisted he has the authority to use the military to assist with his promised mass deportations , even though, as his interviewers noted, the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. “It doesn’t stop the military if it’s an invasion of our country, and I consider it an invasion of our country," he said. “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows. And I think in many cases, the sheriffs and law enforcement is going to need help." Trump did not deny that camps would be needed to hold detained migrants as they are processed for deportation. “Whatever it takes to get them out. I don’t care," he said. “I hope we’re not going to need too many because I want to get them out and I don’t want them sitting in camp for the next 20 years.” Trump told Time he does not plan to restore the policy of separating children from their families to deter border crossings, but he did not rule it out. The practice led to thousands of children being separated from their parents and was condemned around the globe as inhumane. “I don’t believe we’ll have to because we will send the whole family back,” he said. “I would much rather deport them together, yes, than separate.” Musk prioritizes the country over his business interests, Trump insists Trump dismissed the idea that Elon Musk will face conflicts of interest as he takes the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency , an advisory group that Trump has selected him to lead. The panel is supposed to find waste and cut regulations, including many that could affect Musk's wide-ranging interests , which include electric cars, rockets and telecommunications. “I don’t think so," Trump said. “I think that Elon puts the country long before his company. ... He considers this to be his most important project." Trump acknowledges the difficulty of lowering grocery prices Trump lowered expectations about his ability to drive down grocery prices. “I’d like to bring them down. It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard. But I think that they will,” he said. Trump plans ‘virtual closure’ of the Education Department Trump said he is planning “a virtual closure" of the "Department of Education in Washington.” “You’re going to need some people just to make sure they’re teaching English in the schools," he said. “But we want to move education back to the states.” Yet Trump has proposed exerting enormous influence over schools. He has threatened to cut funding for schools with vaccine mandates while forcing them to “teach students to love their country" and promote “the nuclear family,” including “the roles of mothers and fathers” and the “things that make men and women different and unique.” Trump offers conflicting answers on future of abortion pills Asked to clarify whether he was committed to preventing the Food and Drug Administration from stripping access to abortion pills , Trump replied, “It’s always been my commitment.” But Trump has offered numerous conflicting stances on the issue, including to Time. Earlier in the interview, he was asked whether he would promise that his FDA would not do anything to limit access to medication abortion or abortion pills. "We’re going to take a look at all of that,” he said, before calling the prospect “very unlikely.” “Look, I’ve stated it very clearly and I just stated it again very clearly. I think it would be highly unlikely. I can’t imagine, but with, you know, we’re looking at everything, but highly unlikely. I guess I could say probably as close to ruling it out as possible, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to do anything now.” Trump says US support for Ukraine will be leverage for a deal with Russia Pressed on whether he would abandon Ukraine in its efforts to stave off Russia's invasion , Trump said he would use U.S. support for Kyiv as leverage against Moscow in negotiating an end to the war. “I want to reach an agreement,” he said, “and the only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon.” Does he trust Netanyahu? ‘I don’t trust anybody' Trump would not commit to supporting a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel, as he had previously. “I support whatever solution we can do to get peace," he said. "There are other ideas other than two state, but I support whatever, whatever is necessary to get not just peace, a lasting peace. It can’t go on where every five years you end up in tragedy. There are other alternatives.” Asked whether he trusted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , he told Time: “I don’t trust anybody.” War with Iran? ‘Anything can happen,’ he says Trump would not rule out the possibility of war with Iran during his second term. “Anything can happen. It’s a very volatile situation," he said. Trump mum on conversations with Putin Asked if he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since the Nov. 5 election, Trump continued to play coy: "I can’t tell you. It’s just inappropriate.” Trump insists he had the votes to confirm Gaetz as attorney general Trump insisted that his bid to install Matt Gaetz as attorney general ”wasn’t blocked. I had the votes (in the Senate) if I needed them, but I had to work very hard.” When the scope of resistance to the former Republican congressman from Florida became clear, Trump said, “I talked to him, and I said, ‘You know, Matt, I don’t think this is worth the fight.'" Gaetz pulled out amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations, and Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the Cabinet post. Trump is open to changes for childhood vaccines Trump, who has named anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, did not rule out the possibility of eliminating some childhood vaccinations even though they have been proved safe in extensive studies and real world use in hundreds of millions of people over decades and are considered among the most effective public health measures in modern history. Pressed on whether “getting rid of some vaccinations” — neither Trump nor the interviewers specified which ones — might be part of the plan to improve the health of the country, Trump responded: “It could if I think it’s dangerous, if I think they are not beneficial, but I don’t think it’s going to be very controversial in the end.” Trump weighs in on family political dynasty “I think there could be, yeah," Trump said of the prospect of others in his family continuing in his footsteps. He pointed to daughter-in-law Lara Trump , who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and is now being talked about as a potential replacement for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, whom Trump has chosen for secretary of state. Melania Trump will return to the White House, he says Trump said the former and soon-to-be first lady Melania Trump will be joining him at the White House during second term and will "be active, when she needs to be.” “Oh yes,” he said. “She’s very beloved by the people, Melania. And they like the fact that she’s not out there in your face all the time for many reasons.”None
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Nate Johnson scores 25 as Akron defeats Alabama State 97-78The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at home rather than spending a weekend in Las Vegas when they begin the post-NBA Cup portion of their schedule Friday night against the Washington Wizards. The Cavaliers have won 21 of their first 25 games, giving them the best record in the NBA. But two of the four losses came to the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks in group play of the NBA Cup, allowing the Hawks to advance into the event's quarterfinals while the Cavaliers got an unexpected four-day break. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Stacker ranked the best films of 2024 so far using data from Metacritic as of Dec. 2, 2024. Check back to see this list evolve as the year concludes. Click for more. The best movies of 2024 so farAn explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague on Saturday, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments, according to authorities. Molly Quell, The Associated Press Dec 7, 2024 8:47 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Firefighters stand by a building destruction at the site of an explosion which destroyed several apartments and injured multiple people, at The Hague, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Phil Nijhuis) THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague on Saturday, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments, according to authorities. The cause of the disaster was unclear. Mayor Jan van Zanen said investigators were looking into “all possibilities.” Police said they are looking for a car seen leaving the scene in case that helps with the investigation. Van Zanen said three bodies were pulled from the rubble. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, given that the ‘’slim chance of survival'' under what's left of the apartments. He could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. One woman told local media that she thought an earthquake had happened. Dutch authorities deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to the scene, with four dogs trained to find victims. The team was previously used during the devastating earthquake in Turkey in 2023. Soon after the explosion, a line of ambulances could be seen waiting nearby in anticipation of more victims. The spokesperson for the local hospital said that they were on standby to deal with injuries. The mayor called it “an extremely heavy day." “I had expected a different Saturday,'' van Zanen told a news conference. Prime Minister Dick Schoof said in a statement he was shocked by the images of the disaster. “My thoughts go out to the victims, all other people involved and the emergency services who are now working on the scene,” he said. The Dutch royal family expressed similar sentiments. “Our thoughts are with those affected in The Hague after the explosion and fire this morning,'' including those "who are afraid of the fate of their loved ones,” King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima said in a statement. ___ Associated Press journalists Aleksandar Furtula and Ahmad Seir contributed to this report. Molly Quell, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks Dec 7, 2024 9:29 AM Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies Dec 7, 2024 9:22 AM South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law Dec 7, 2024 7:02 AM Featured Flyer