Who Is Nick Kyrgios’ Girlfriend? Costeen Hatzi’s Job & Relationship HistoryBreaking News Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Britain, Germany, France, Italy and several other European countries said Monday they would freeze all pending asylum requests from Syrians, a day after the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad. While Berlin and other governments said they were watching the fast-moving developments in the war-ravaged nation, Austria signalled it would soon deport refugees back to Syria. Far-right politicians elsewhere made similar demands, including in Germany -- home to Europe's largest Syrian community -- at a time when immigration has become a hot-button issue across the continent. Alice Weidel, of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany, reacted with disdain to Sunday's mass rallies by jubilant Syrians celebrating Assad's downfall. "Anyone in Germany who celebrates 'free Syria' evidently no longer has any reason to flee," she wrote on X. "They should return to Syria immediately." World leaders and Syrians abroad watched in disbelief at the weekend as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus, ending Assad's brutal rule while also sparking new uncertainty. A German foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that "the fact that the Assad regime has been ended is unfortunately no guarantee of peaceful developments" in the future. Germany has taken in almost one million Syrians, with most arriving in 2015-16 under ex-chancellor Angela Merkel. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said many Syrian refugees "now finally have hope of returning to their Syrian homeland" but cautioned that "the situation in Syria is currently very unclear". The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees had imposed a freeze on decisions for ongoing asylum procedures "until the situation is clearer". She added that "concrete possibilities of return cannot yet be predicted and it would be unprofessional to speculate in such a volatile situation". Rights group Amnesty International slammed Germany's freeze on asylum decisions, stressing that for now "the human rights situation in the country is completely unclear". The head of the UN refugee agency also cautioned that "patience and vigilance" were needed on the issue of refugee returns. - 'Repatriation and deportation' - In Austria, where about 100,000 Syrians live, conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed the interior ministry "to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and to review all asylum grants". Interior Minister Gerhard Karner added he had "instructed the ministry to prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation programme to Syria". "The political situation in Syria has changed fundamentally and, above all, rapidly in recent days," the ministry said, adding it is "currently monitoring and analysing the new situation". The French interior ministry said it too would put asylum requests from Syrians on hold, with authorities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway announcing similar moves. Britain's interior ministry said it was taking the same measure "whilst we assess the current situation". The Italian government said late Monday after a cabinet meeting that it too was suspending asylum request "in line with other European partners." The leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats, a coalition partner in the government, said residence permits for Syrian refugees should now be "reviewed". "Destructive Islamist forces are behind the change of power" in Syria, wrote their leader Jimmie Akesson on X. "I see that groups are happy about this development here in Sweden. You should see it as a good opportunity to go home." In Greece, a government spokesman voiced hope that Assad's fall will eventually allow "the safe return of Syrian refugees" to their country, but without announcing concrete measures. - 'Populist and irresponsible' - In Germany, the debate gained momentum as the country heads towards February elections. Achim Brotel, president of a grouping of German communes, called for border controls to stop fleeing Assad loyalists reaching Germany. The centre-right opposition CDU suggested that rejected Syrian asylum-seekers should now lose so-called subsidiary protection. "If the reason for protection no longer applies, then refugees will have to return to their home country," CDU legislator Thorsten Frei told Welt TV. CDU MP Jens Spahn suggested that Berlin charter flights to Syria and offer 1,000 euros ($1,057) to "anyone who wants to return". A member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats criticised the debate as "populist and irresponsible". Greens party deputy Anton Hofreiter also said "it is completely unclear what will happen next in Syria" and deportation talk was "completely out of place". Many Syrians in Germany have watched the events in their home country with great joy but prefer to wait and see before deciding whether to return. "We want to go back to Syria," said Mahmoud Zaml, 25, who works in an Arabic pastry shop in Berlin, adding that he hopes to help "rebuild" his country. "But we have to wait a bit now," he told AFP. "We have to see what happens and if it is really 100 percent safe, then we will go back to Syria." burs-fz/rlp/phz/gv/giv Originally published as European countries suspend Syrian asylum decisions after Assad's fall More related stories Breaking News Major 2GB change after Hadley’s shock exit The radio presenter dropped the major announcement while speaking on air, after his shock retirement last month. Read more Work Worker crushed to death by recycling truck WorkSafe has launched an investigation after a man died after becoming entangled and crushed by a recycling truck while emptying bins. Read more
Roy brushes off Hegseth allegations, saying everyone has 'indiscretions'The spokesperson of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has stated that any qualified Nigerian has the constitutional right to contest the 2027 presidential election. Naija News reported that Akume, who spoke on Sunday while featuring on a TVC programme, advised Atiku and other northern political bigwigs to shelve the ambition of contesting for the 2027 presidency and wait till 2031. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, Ibe said it was wrong for Akume to kidnap the ambitions of Atiku and other northers because of the second-term interest of his principal, President Bola Tinubu. Ibe also stated that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in May 1999, the north had ruled the country for 11 years, while by 2027, the south would have been in power for 17 years, which he claimed was not in tandem with the rule of equity and fairness. He said, “It appeared that Akume’s job in that particular interview was very clear: kidnap the aspiration of Atiku Abubakar and any other northerner and that was very irresponsible of him. “The north has the right to present itself for election in 2027. It is wrong for SGF Akume to kidnap the ambition of the northerners. “The reality as I speak is that the south has ruled for 17 years versus the 11 years of the north.” Paul Ibe questioned the desperation of Tinubu’s administration, especially when Nigeria is at a crossroads measuring core indices of food inflation, cost of doing business, and cost of living crisis, among others. He said, “ Must we be playing politics with their wellbeing? Why must we reward a student who does not pass his exam with a promotion? “Why the desperation of the Tinubu administration to be talking about 2027 when they have not completed 2024? 2025 beckons and 2026. Two more years to impact on the lives of Nigerians. “Why are they so desperate? Every calculation is focused on 2027 so the question is when will they have time for governance? “What we are getting now, is that the best that we Southerners have to offer?” Ibe said contrary to insinuations that Atiku is not physically fit for the rigour of the president’s office, his principal is very healthy and sound in mind.
Names abound as possible replacements for LambNone
CRM Lead Management Market is Booming Worldwide | Big Giants Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end birthright citizenship as soon as he gets into office to make good on campaign promises aiming to restrict immigration and redefining what it means to be American. But any efforts to halt the policy would face steep legal hurdles. Birthright citizenship means anyone born in the United States automatically becomes an American citizen. It's been in place for decades and applies to children born to someone in the country illegally or in the U.S. on a tourist or student visa who plans to return to their home country. It's not the practice of every country, and Trump and his supporters have argued that the system is being abused and that there should be tougher standards for becoming an American citizen. But others say this is a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, it would be extremely difficult to overturn and even if it's possible, it's a bad idea. Here's a look at birthright citizenship, what Trump has said about it and the prospects for ending it: What Trump has said about birthright citizenship During an interview Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Trump said he “absolutely” planned to halt birthright citizenship once in office. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous,” he said. Trump and other opponents of birthright citizenship have argued that it creates an incentive for people to come to the U.S. illegally or take part in “birth tourism,” in which pregnant women enter the U.S. specifically to give birth so their children can have citizenship before returning to their home countries. “Simply crossing the border and having a child should not entitle anyone to citizenship,” said Eric Ruark, director of research for NumbersUSA, which argues for reducing immigration. The organization supports changes that would require at least one parent to be a permanent legal resident or a U.S. citizen for their children to automatically get citizenship. Others have argued that ending birthright citizenship would profoundly damage the country. “One of our big benefits is that people born here are citizens, are not an illegal underclass. There’s better assimilation and integration of immigrants and their children because of birthright citizenship,” said Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the pro-immigration Cato Institute. In 2019, the Migration Policy Institute estimated that 5.5 million children under age 18 lived with at least one parent in the country illegally in 2019, representing 7% of the U.S. child population. The vast majority of those children were U.S. citizens. The nonpartisan think tank said during Trump’s campaign for president in 2015 that the number of people in the country illegally would “balloon” if birthright citizenship were repealed, creating “a self-perpetuating class that would be excluded from social membership for generations.” What does the law say? In the aftermath of the Civil War, Congress ratified the 14th Amendment in July 1868. That amendment assured citizenship for all, including Black people. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” the 14th Amendment says. “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.” But the 14th Amendment didn't always translate to everyone being afforded birthright citizenship. For example, it wasn't until 1924 that Congress finally granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. A key case in the history of birthright citizenship came in 1898, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Wong Kim Ark, born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants, was a U.S. citizen because he was born in the states. The federal government had tried to deny him reentry into the county after a trip abroad on grounds he wasn’t a citizen under the Chinese Exclusion Act. But some have argued that the 1898 case clearly applied to children born of parents who are both legal immigrants to America but that it's less clear whether it applies to children born to parents without legal status or, for example, who come for a short-term like a tourist visa. “That is the leading case on this. In fact, it’s the only case on this,” said Andrew Arthur, a fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, which supports immigration restrictions. “It’s a lot more of an open legal question than most people think.” Some proponents of immigration restrictions have argued the words “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” in the 14th Amendment allows the U.S. to deny citizenship to babies born to those in the country illegally. Trump himself used that language in his 2023 announcement that he would aim to end birthright citizenship if reelected. So what could Trump do and would it be successful? Trump wasn't clear in his Sunday interview how he aims to end birthright citizenship. Asked how he could get around the 14th Amendment with an executive action, Trump said: “Well, we’re going to have to get it changed. We’ll maybe have to go back to the people. But we have to end it.” Pressed further on whether he'd use an executive order, Trump said “if we can, through executive action." He gave a lot more details in a 2023 post on his campaign website . In it, he said he would issue an executive order the first day of his presidency, making it clear that federal agencies “require that at least one parent be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for their future children to become automatic U.S. citizens.” Trump wrote that the executive order would make clear that children of people in the U.S. illegally “should not be issued passports, Social Security numbers, or be eligible for certain taxpayer funded welfare benefits.” This would almost certainly end up in litigation. Nowrasteh from the Cato Institute said the law is clear that birthright citizenship can’t be ended by executive order but that Trump may be inclined to take a shot anyway through the courts. “I don’t take his statements very seriously. He has been saying things like this for almost a decade," Nowrasteh said. "He didn’t do anything to further this agenda when he was president before. The law and judges are near uniformly opposed to his legal theory that the children of illegal immigrants born in the United States are not citizens." Trump could steer Congress to pass a law to end birthright citizenship but would still face a legal challenge that it violates the Constitution. __ Associated Press reporter Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. Rebecca Santana, The Associated Press
NEW YORK, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARA) (“Protara”), a clinical-stage company developing transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of shares of its common stock or, in lieu of issuing common stock to certain investors, pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. All of the shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to be sold in the proposed offering will be offered by Protara. In addition, Protara expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional shares of common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The proposed offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or the actual size or terms of the offering. Protara intends to use the net proceeds received from the offering to fund the clinical development of TARA-002, as well as the development of other clinical programs. Protara may also use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and other general corporate purposes. TD Cowen, Cantor, LifeSci Capital, Oppenheimer & Co. and Scotiabank are acting as joint book-running managers of the proposed offering. The shares of common stock and the pre-funded warrants will be issued pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-275290) that was declared effective on November 14, 2023 by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The offering is being made only by means of a preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. A preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompany prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompany prospectus relating to the offering, when available, may be obtained from the offices of TD Securities (USA) LLC, 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, New York 10017, by email at TD.ECM_Prospectus@tdsecurities.com or by telephone at (855) 495-9846; Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., 110 East 59th Street, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10022, Attention: Capital Markets, or by email at prospectus@cantor.com; or LifeSci Capital LLC, 1700 Broadway, 40th Floor, New York, New York 10019, or by email at compliance@lifescicapital.com. Before investing in the offering, interested parties should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and related prospectus for this offering, the documents incorporated by reference therein and the other documents Protara has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The final terms of the offering will be disclosed in a final prospectus supplement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the applicable securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Protara may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “designed,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing, size and completion of the proposed public offering as well as the expected use of proceeds related thereto are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including: Protara’s ability to complete the offering on the proposed terms, or at all, changes in market conditions, and Protara’s expectations related to the use of proceeds from the proposed offering. Additional important factors to be considered in connection with forward-looking statements, including additional risks and uncertainties, are described more fully under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in Protara’s filings and reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Protara undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Company Contact: Justine O'Malley Protara Therapeutics Justine.OMalley@protaratx.com 646-817-2836One-of-a-kind lawnmower repair man retiring after 40 years of great service
FBI director says he intends to resign at end of Joe Biden’s termDeliberate disinformation campaigns are a public health risk – but NZ has no effective strategy to deal with itTech Turbulence: NVIDIA and Market Indices Face Challenges
FBI director says he intends to resign at end of Joe Biden’s term
49ers vs. Bears injury report: Bosa doubtful, Williams out; Chicago stars in question
In our previous article, we explored the use of presidential aircraft by the President of the People’s Republic of China , Xi Jinping, during his trip to Peru and Brazil in November 2024 to attend the APEC and G20 summits. That article shed light on how the Chinese government arranges flights for its heads of state, focusing on the significance of the aircraft chosen and the diplomatic considerations involved. Coincidentally, this week, the Republic of China ( Taiwan )’s President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May 2024, embarked on his first official overseas trip. As we delve into the details of President Lai’s journey, we take this opportunity to explore which aircraft Taiwan’s leader is using for his international engagements. This article will examine the logistics behind presidential travel in Taiwan, specifically focusing on the aircraft used during this diplomatic visit, and will offer insights into the broader implications of such travel for Taiwan’s international relations. President Lai's first overseas visit On the evening of Friday, December 6, at 18:45, President Lai Ching-te returned to Taipei after concluding a seven-day diplomatic tour. According to the official website of the Office of the President of the Republic of China, this trip primarily targeted Taiwan's allies in the South Pacific, including the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. However, what drew greater international attention were the two additional and controversial stopovers made during the journey—in Honolulu and Guam . Throughout this visit, President Lai used two China Airlines planes: the Airbus A350-900 registered as B-18918 and the Airbus A321 registered as B-18111. B-18918 was delivered to China Airlines on October 22, 2018, as the 239th Airbus A350 ever produced. In contrast, the newer B-18111 joined China Airlines on December 14, 2022, further showcasing the airline’s commitment to maintaining a modern fleet. Additionally, President Lai chartered a Dassault Falcon 7X, registered as 9H-BELL, from Gestair for specific segments of the trip. This aircraft was used for the flight from the Marshall Islands to Tuvalu and later, on the same day, for the leg from Tuvalu to Guam. The choice of this smaller, long-range private jet underscores the logistical complexity of visiting remote destinations with limited airport infrastructure, ensuring flexibility and operational efficiency during the diplomatic mission. Itinerary of the President Lai Ching-te during South Pacific visit Date From To Aircraft used Nov 30, 2024 Taipei (TPE), Republic of China (Taiwan) Honolulu (HNL), United States Airbus A350-900, China Airlines Dec 3, 2024 Honolulu (HNL), United States Majuro (MAJ), the Marshall Islands Airbus A321, China Airlines Dec 4, 2024 Majuro (MAJ), the Marshall Islands Funafuti (FUN), Tuvalu Dassault Falcon 7X, chartered from Gestair Dec 4, 2024 Funafuti (FUN), Tuvalu Guam (GUM), United States Dassault Falcon 7X, chartered from Gestair Dec 5, 2024 Guam (GUM), United States Airai (ROR), Palau Airbus A321, China Airlines Dec 6, 2024 Airai (ROR), Palau Taipei (TPE), Republic of China (Taiwan) Airbus A321, China Airlines The itinerary highlights both the diplomatic significance of President Lai’s engagements and the logistical precision required to navigate such a comprehensive travel schedule. Discover the aircraft system behind China's state visits: from exclusive presidential aircraft to freighters supporting diplomatic missions. Strategic stopovers: Honolulu and Guam From an aviation perspective, during President Lai's trip, the stopovers in Honolulu and Guam were not technical necessities but deliberate additions to the itinerary. Modern aircraft like the Airbus A350-900 used for the journey between Taipei and Majuro have a range exceeding 15,000 kilometers and are easily capable of completing such segments without requiring intermediate stops. This highlights that including Honolulu and Guam served strategic purposes rather than operational ones. The stopover in Honolulu, a key location in the Pacific, underscores Taiwan’s close yet unofficial ties with the United States. Although labeled as a “transit” point, this brief stay allowed President Lai to engage with local representatives and the Taiwanese-American community. These interactions, while unofficial, play a significant role in maintaining Taiwan’s international presence and reinforcing its relationship with its most critical ally. Similarly, the stop in Guam—a U.S. territory—further demonstrated Taiwan’s alignment with U.S. strategic interests in the Pacific. Guam’s role as a key military and logistical hub in the region adds a layer of geopolitical symbolism to the itinerary. These carefully planned stops for Taiwan send a clear message: the island remains actively engaged in the Indo-Pacific while leveraging every opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States and its allies. From the stopover durations, it is evident that Honolulu and Guam held significant importance on this trip, with extended stays reflecting their strategic and diplomatic value. Stopovers Arrival Time (local time) Departure Time (local time) Stopover Duration Honolulu, United States Nov 30, 07:24 Dec 2, 09:20 49 hours 56 mins (2 nights) Majuro, the Marshall Islands Dec 2, 12:00 Dec 4, 08:06 44 hours 6 mins (2 nights) Funafuti, Tuvalu Dec 4, 10:27 Dec 4, 17:15 6 hours 48 mins Guam, United States Dec 4, 20:43 Dec 5, 15:14 18 hours 31 mins (1 night) Airai, Palau Dec 5, 16:00 Dec 6, 15:57 23 hours 57 mins (1 night) Therefore, during his six-night overseas trip, President Lai spent three nights on U.S. territory and three nights in the three Pacific island nations he visited. Excluding flight time, his actual time spent in these locations totaled 144 hours and 18 minutes , with 69 hours and 27 minutes in the U.S. territories and 74 hours and 51 minutes in the Pacific islands . In other words, almost half of President Lai's trip was spent on U.S. soil. These deliberate layovers go beyond their geographical significance, reflecting a nuanced approach to diplomacy where every landing becomes a statement of Taiwan’s aspirations and resilience on the global stage. Find more news about Asian aviation here Taiwan’s dedicated presidential aircraft Taiwan’s government operates its own dedicated presidential aircraft, a customized Boeing 737-800 , officially designated as "Air Force 3701." This aircraft, delivered in 2000, serves as the primary mode of transportation for Taiwan's president and other senior officials during domestic and short international trips. Equipped with secure communication systems and modestly customized interiors, the plane symbolizes Taiwan’s commitment to efficient governance and security. The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) manages the aircraft, ensuring it is operated and maintained to the highest standards. Its exterior prominently features Taiwan’s national flag, further emphasizing its role as representing the state’s sovereignty and leadership. While Taiwan’s presidential aircraft is suitable for various official missions, its use for international trips, particularly those involving stopovers in the United States, is often avoided due to diplomatic sensitivities. In the past, the U.S. has expressed reluctance to allow the aircraft to land on its soil, including territories such as Guam, citing its prominent national flag's political implications and strong symbolism as a state asset. The presence of the flag and the aircraft’s designation as a military-operated plane make its use on such trips diplomatically complicated. To address these concerns, Taiwan frequently charter commercial planes from state-owned airlines like China Airlines for overseas visits. These arrangements allow for greater flexibility in navigating complex international protocols while avoiding potential diplomatic disputes. This practice demonstrates Taiwan’s adaptability and its pragmatic approach to balancing national pride with the realities of international politics. This is also why President Lai Ching-te, for this trip, used China Airlines aircraft to facilitate stopovers in Honolulu and Guam.FBI director says he intends to resign at end of Joe Biden’s termNone
