The new LNP government claims Cross River Rail will cost more than $17 billion and not be ready until 2029. Labor had promised Cross River Rail would be delivered with a budget of $5.4 billion, with most construction finished by 2025 and passenger services starting in 2026. But the LNP says when finished, the tunnel must be independently certified by the National Safety Regulator, which would take at least two years, and also pointed the finger at lost workdays due to industrial action. The government says $5 billion was “hidden” and included integration works to connect the tunnel with the existing rail network, stabling to park the trains, a new signalling system, buses to carry passengers while stations and tracks were being built, and additional maintenance equipment. But opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish accused Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg of “cooking the books”. “No government, business or person has included the cost of maintenance for the life of an asset when calculating the cost to build the project,” he said. “It’s also concerning that the new government isn’t committed to a 2026 opening of the project. “Also, adding the cost of buses to be used across the whole of south-east Queensland to the project is also laughable.” In a first for the state, Logan City Council has rolled out AI-powered surveillance systems at a town pool to safeguard against drowning. The technology at Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre uses cameras focused on the pool to identify signs of struggle in the water, then sends real-time alerts on smart watches worn by lifeguards. Mayor Jon Raven said the alert system would give “greater peace of mind” to swimmers. “For those in our community who can’t swim or are not confident in the water – this could help save someone’s life,” he said. “While there’s no replacement for adequate supervision from parents, caregivers and lifeguards, this technology will be an extra layer of safety around pools.” The council said the cameras only detected generic behaviours, and could not capture facial or body imagery. It expected to continue rolling out the technology to other pools it managed across the next few years. Debate has kicked off in Queensland parliament over the government’s youth justice bill, with Labor trying – and failing – to have key parts delayed until early next year. Shadow attorney-general Meaghan Scanlon moved opposition amendments after the dinner break last night to address many stakeholders’ concerns about consultation lasting just days, and adverse outcomes. The amendments, voted down by the LNP and Katter’s Australian Party, would have returned more than a dozen clauses for “full and proper examination” by a committee. “While we acknowledge the outcome of the election and the policy that was taken to it by the LNP, that policy was in slogan and infancy form at best,” Scanlon said. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington accused Labor of simply trying to delay the laws and “laughing about victims ... about the people of Queensland who want to be safe in their homes over Christmas”. “All they want to do with this amendment is say to the people of Queensland, ‘Be afraid over Christmas. Be afraid on Boxing Day.’” Debate resumes today, with the bill set to pass by 5.30pm on Thursday with what Frecklington described as “technical amendments”, yet to be detailed, she would introduce to “strengthen and clarify the bill”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered an extended defence of his response to antisemitism, in the wake of the terror attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne on Friday, and the vandalism in Sydney this morning. Facing criticism from the Coalition, including Liberal senator Jane Hume’s accusation that he had “emboldened and enabled” antisemtic crimes”, the prime minister detailed his initial response to the Adass synagogue firebombing. [On Friday], I’d been briefed by the AFP. I’d rung in to ... ABC Melbourne and responded publicly. We put out a statement. I’d spoken to Josh Burns, I’d spoken to Mr Spiegelman. I’d spoken to other Jewish community leaders as well. I visited a synagogue in Perth. On Saturday evening, we received a request for additional security funding, because the $20 million we had provided was almost expended. On Sunday morning, less than 24 hours later, I responded with support for $32.5 million of additional funding.” He continued that on Monday the National Security Committee met, and the authorities formally declared the firebombing an act of terrorism. The AFP operation Avalite was then formed and announced at a press conference. Albanese also pointed to other responses including the “landmark” ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols, and the appointment of Jillian Segal as the special envoy to combat antisemitism. “We criminalised doxxing, something that was called for, but which unfortunately, the opposition voted against,” Albanese said. “We now have legislation before the parliament to criminalise hate speech, including the urging or threatening, of course, or violence against other individuals or groups because of who they are and what their beliefs are.” Bringing the man believed to have seriously scalded a Brisbane baby with hot coffee to justice will likely be a “slow burn” after he escaped to an unknown country. The suspect reportedly came up behind a young mother at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner about midday on August 27, and tipped the contents of a Thermos on her nine-month-old boy before running away. Four days later – and just hours before investigators say they confirmed his identity – the man flew out of Sydney Airport to an unknown country. “That remains an active investigation, so you know that may well be a slow burn,” Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski told Brisbane Times yesterday. When asked for a rough time frame, he said it would be inappropriate to comment. “I can’t speculate on that. It’ll depend on the offender and our ability to identify, locate and bring him back to justice.” Labor Minister Clare O’Neil says reports that claimed the prime minister was heckled on his visit to the Adass synagogue in Melbourne on Tuesday were overblown. In an interview on Seven’s Sunrise , it was put to O’Neil that people yelled phrases at Anthony Albanese including “You’re late” and “Nice day for tennis,” referring to the tennis match Albanese played in Perth the day after the firebombing of the synagogue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Adass Israel synagogue on Tuesday. Credit: Justin McManus “I’d just say I saw some of the reporting of that, I think, you know, some of those people weren’t even from that local community,” O’Neil said. “I was actually at the Adass synagogue a little bit later that afternoon speaking to members of the community. People were grateful that the prime minister was there, they were pleased to have him there and of course to see him make that commitment to help rebuild the synagogue there and to invest to try to rescue those sacred Torahs that have been damaged in the fire.” O’Neil said that while she was “sure there angry and upset people”, she did not think that was the “universal experience of having the PM there”. “The PM, in my view, has shown real leadership, he’s come to the synagogue, done the things people want a prime minister to do, he has made that commitment to rebuild the synagogue, has set up this task force to show we’re cracking down on any of this behaviour.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the antisemitic vandalism in Sydney’s east, the second time the suburb of Woollahra has been targeted in a month. Albanese said the incident was an “outrage” and “another antisemitic attack”. He said he would be briefed by the Australian Federal Police’s Operation Avalite, the task force that was assembled this week in response to the Adass Israel Synagogue terror attack in Melbourne on Friday. “I stand with the Jewish community and unequivocally condemn this attack. There is no place for hatred or antisemitism in our community.” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also posted a statement to X, calling the attack an “abhorrent attempt to intimidate our Jewish community”. “It will not be successful,” Burke wrote. Don’t forget your umbrella today – the Bureau of Meteorology predicts more rain across Brisbane, this morning and this afternoon, following the downpour late yesterday, although it should be clearing by this evening. The top temperature isn’t expected to hit 30 degrees – warmer days are ahead, however. Here are the stories making the rounds beyond Brisbane this morning: The organisers of alternative music festival Good Things have been accused of ignoring allegations of sexual assault, harassment and anti-social behaviour – including men groping women, filming up girls’ skirts, and abusing those who turned down their advances. A group of Australian women who underwent hysterectomies after reporting severe side-effects from a permanent sterilisation device has lost a class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer , with a judge noting that chronic pelvic pain was common for many women. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called out the influence of News Corp’s alleged bias, warning colleagues during a cabinet meeting that Rupert Murdoch’s media empire was openly working to back Opposition Leader Peter Dutton . ‘An insult to the intelligence of the American people’: The alleged shooter of a CEO in the US has broken his silence after his arrest. Tourists at the famous monkey forest in Bali have been crushed to death by falling branches . New York prosecutors have filed a murder charge against Luigi Mangione, 26. In the hours since his apprehension, his baffling journey from star student to murder suspect has begun to come into focus. Good morning, thanks for joining us for Brisbane Times’ live news blog. It’s Wednesday, December 11, and we’re expecting more rain today and a top temperature of 28 degrees. In this morning’s local headlines: A culture of discrimination in Queensland Police is making it harder to recruit and retain officers, according to a 236-page Queensland Human Rights Commission report which identified ingrained prejudice against female, Indigenous and minority officers. Premier David Crisafulli has moved to make good on his campaign promise there would be no changes to abortion laws under an LNP government: by stopping parliament from discussing the topic . What began as a trickle has become a flood, with Brisbane’s sunny climate, a vibrant hospitality scene and the looming Olympics luring Melbourne restaurateurs north . Dolphins forward Josh Kerr has declared Max Plath will go where Plath’s famous father could not, and help Queensland regain the State of Origin shield as early as the 2025 series.California bill would mandate armed school officers following Oroville shootingnn777 download app android latest version 。

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the people of Maharashtra today for what he called their "historic verdict", saying the mandate was a firm rejection of the negative politics of the Opposition. This not only included what BJP chief JP Nadda described as the "sabotage" of the second mandate -- when Uddhav Thackeray broke the alliance and partnered the Congress and Sharad Pawar to form government -- but also the talk of a second constitution and the return of Article 370, the politics of division in the name of caste and creed, he said. The election in Maharashtra proved the maxim of "Ek hai toh safe hai (there is safety in unity)" which has become a mantra to the whole country, he added to massive cheers in an address to party workers at the BJP headquarters. "Maharashtra has witnessed the triumph of development, good governance, and genuine social justice. The forces of deception, divisive politics, and family dynasties have been defeated. Maharashtra has strengthened its resolve for a developed India," PM Modi said. In the process, it has as become the sixth state to choose the BJP for a third consecutive term, after Goa, Gujarat. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. "Every segment of the country have voted for the BJP... The Congress is unable to gauge this changed mood of the people. They don't want to understand the reality. The voter does not want instability. The voter is with the nation first feeling," PM Modi said, beginning a harsh takedown of the Congress. "Congress and its ecosystem thought that by lying in the name of the Constitution and lying in the name of reservation, they would divide SC/ST/OBC into small groups. Maharashtra has completely rejected this conspiracy of Congress and its allies. Maharashtra has said it loudly: If there is one, then it is safe," PM Modi said. The Congress, he added, is incapable of forming governments on its own. It is a "parasitic" party that forms alliances and then lets down allies as well. "Thankfully its partners in Uttar Pradesh have been able to get rid of it (Congress). Else they too would have drowned," PM Modi said. The Congress, he said, has made laws for appeasement, he said, pointing to the Waqf Board as an example. "In the Constitution, there is no provision for Waqf law. This was done to raise the Congress' vote bank... There was a time when Congress used to speak against jaat -paat (caste divisions) , but today this very family is spreading the poison of caste (Jaativaad)," he added. Maharashtra Assembly Election Results 2024 Narendra Modi " Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai ": PM's Swipe At Defeated Alliance MVA In Maharashtra "Moving Towards One Party One Nation": Uddhav Thackeray On BJP Victory Newly-Elected Maharashtra Assembly May Not Have Leader Of Opposition Election Results 2024 LIVE: With Thumping Win, Maharashtra Decides Real NCP, Sena Election Results: Mahayuti Leads In Maharashtra "Moving Towards One Party, One Nation": Uddhav Thackeray On BJP Victory " Ek Hai Toh Safe Hai ": PM's Swipe At Defeated Alliance MVA In Maharashtra Left Naked, Reality Show Contestant Survived For 15 Months Eating Dog Food "Victory A Stamp On BJP's Governance Model": Top Quotes From PM's Speech Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world . MORE Trending News Election Results 2024 LIVE: With Thumping Win, Maharashtra Decides Real NCP, Sena Election Results: Mahayuti Leads In Maharashtra "Moving Towards One Party, One Nation": Uddhav Thackeray On BJP Victory Jharkhand Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates: INDIA Bloc Wins 30 Seats KL Rahul Sold For Rs 29.5 Cr In IPL Mock Auction, Pant Gets Crazy Fee Of... Newly-Elected Maharashtra Assembly May Not Have Leader Of Opposition "You Will Have To Work Under D Fadnavis": Uddhav Thackeray's Jab At E Shinde Bypoll Results: Priyanka Gandhi Wins By Over 6.2 Lakh Votes In Wayanad For Sharad Pawar, This Maharashtra Assembly Election Defeat Is Personal Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar Take 75 Seats From Thackeray Sena, Sharad Pawar Elon Musk Is The Richest Person In History. His Net Worth Has Surged To... 48 In 4 Overs: Arjun Tendulkar Flops On Final Outing Before IPL Auction 1st Test: Record-Breaker Jaiswal, Rahul Knock Down Australia On Day 2 Who Will Be Maharashtra Chief Minister? What Devendra Fadnavis Said 1st Time In History: Tilak Scores 151 Off 67 Balls, Sets Huge World Record NDA's Game Of Thrones Set To Begin, A Chair Message After Maharashtra Win NDA Set For Maharashtra Sweep, Powered By BJP's Best-Ever Score In State Eknath Shinde Now Where Uddhav Thackeray Was In '19, With A Big Difference "This Was Not A Prince's Battle": Raj Thackeray's Son After Mahim Defeat AAP Wins 3 Seats, Congress 1 In Punjab BypollsThe Top S&P 500 Stock of 2024 (So Far) Isn't Nvidia. Here's Where History Says the Soaring Stock Is Headed in 2025.

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon won the Gold as Sri Lanka’s ‘Green Brand of the Year’ at the 2024 Brand Excellence Awards of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) in a fitting recognition of the Bank’s uncompromising commitment to sustainability. The award recognises the substantial investments and noteworthy progress the Bank has made in advancing the cause of sustainability beyond its own operations to encompass nationally-significant initiatives that engage with communities across the country. Prominent among these initiatives was the launch in 2023, and the completion in just 12 months, of the planting of 100,000 trees in ecologically important locations under the Bank’s ‘Trees for Tomorrow’ programme, and the Bank’s commitment to plant another 100,000. Sri Lanka’s first carbon neutral bank – an achievement of 2021 – Commercial Bank’s sustainability journey began 25 years ago and has steadily gained momentum over the last four years. It has generated several sustainability-linked firsts for the Bank as well as the country. In the year assessed for the SLIM Green Brand of the Year award, Commercial Bank reduced its CO2 emissions by a further 233,918 tonnes, reduced paper usage by 47.57%, recycled 286,240 kgs of paper, and increased the number of branches powered by solar energy to 82. Among other significant achievements of the year was the launch of Sri Lanka’s first Green Home Loans scheme and surpassing 1 million customers for its flagship ComBank Digital app, promoting sustainable banking practices. Notably, Commercial Bank commenced 2024 with the launch of its evolved logo featuring a green element to represent the Bank’s multifaceted commitment to sustainability, encompassing diversity, inclusivity, good governance, transparency, social equity, accountability and eco-friendly banking solutions.

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MONTREAL — Police say they've arrested several people following an anti-NATO protest that included two car fires and left some businesses with smashed windows. Montreal police say they made at least three arrests following a demonstration that began late afternoon Friday. Police say that during the march, smoke bombs were deployed, metal barriers were thrown into the street and windows of businesses and at the convention centre were smashed. Delegates from NATO member states and partner countries are in Montreal this weekend to discuss issues including support for Ukraine, climate change and the future of the alliance. The protest was planned by the groups Divest for Palestine and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly condemned the protests in a Saturday morning post on social media platform X, saying that "rioting is not peaceful protest and has no place in Montreal or anywhere in Canada." "Those who spread hate and antisemitism, use violence, loot and destroy property must be condemned and held accountable," she added. Police spokesperson Manuel Couture says the demonstrators were completely dispersed at around 7 p.m. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2024. The Canadian Press

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Letter writers argue in favor of a federal bill intended to improve foster care, worry about a second Trump administration and make predictions about the 2026 elections. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Court documents: 3-year-old grabbed dad’s gun off kitchen counter and accidentally shot himself Virginia Beach man accused of striking state trooper with car after pursuit Virginia Beach man accused of striking state trooper with car after pursuit Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Entertainment venue Uptown Alley no longer coming to Williamsburg Ex-student pleads guilty to fatally shooting 3 University of Virginia football players in 2022 Ex-student pleads guilty to fatally shooting 3 University of Virginia football players in 2022 Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Trump chooses Pam Bondi for attorney general pick after Gaetz withdraws Virginia’s withdrawal from RGGI was ‘unlawful,’ judge rules Virginia’s withdrawal from RGGI was ‘unlawful,’ judge rules Man tried to rob Virginia Beach 7-Eleven with knife, officials say, before police shot him Man tried to rob Virginia Beach 7-Eleven with knife, officials say, before police shot him 2 school buses involved in crash in James City County. Here’s what happened. 2 school buses involved in crash in James City County. Here's what happened. Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Newport News’ first Saladworks combines former doctor’s passions for health and business Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Meet the Fort Monroe Authority’s new CEO Trending Nationally Elon Musk slams Massachusetts sanctuary cities as Natick looks to join that growing group Advance Auto Parts closing all California stores School bus driver accused of abandoning 40 elementary students miles from home San Diego toddler’s backyard snake bite bills totaled more than a quarter-million dollars Alec Baldwin wasn’t invited to ‘Rust’ premiere, incites anger of slain cinematographer’s family

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play Sunday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the lingering discomfort is a concern. Purdy sat out Friday after he participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers, then retreated indoors for what Shanahan said was a treatment session. Brandon Allen, 32, will start in Purdy's place, and the 49ers are also without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique). Shanahan said players believe in Allen, even if he's an unknown. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said they are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy. Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. Shanahan said Allen's confidence grew throughout the week and he doesn't anticipate a major change in how he calls the offense. Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) also missed practice for the third consecutive day. Without disclosing the nature of the ailment to Purdy's throwing shoulder, general manager John Lynch confirmed Friday an MRI exam took place to determine the severity of any injury. Allen worked with the first team most of Thursday and Friday with Joshua Dobbs also taking snaps. Lynch described Purdy's status for the 49ers (5-5) this week as "tenuous." "Hopefully, he makes progress, and we can have a shot at this weekend, but we'll see," Lynch said in an interview with KNBR in San Francisco. "I think it's tenuous." When Purdy was on the field this week, he primarily worked on the side in position-specific drills with QB coach Brian Griese. Williams played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable but exited the stadium with an exaggerated limp on Sunday. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level Media

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will testify on Tuesday for the first time in his long-running corruption trial. Here is what you need to know about the charges that have divided the Israeli public at a time of Middle East turmoil. WHAT ARE THE CHARGES? Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust - all of which Netanyahu denies. The trial began in 2020 and involves three criminal cases. He denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty. CASE 4000 Prosecutors allege Netanyahu granted regulatory favours worth around 1.8 billion shekels (about $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom Israel (BEZQ.TA). In return, prosecutors say, he sought positive coverage of himself and his wife Sara on a news website controlled by the company's former chairman, Shaul Elovitch. In this case, Netanyahu has been charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust. CASE 1000 Netanyahu has been charged with fraud and breach of trust over allegations that he and his wife wrongfully received almost 700,000 shekels ($210,000) in gifts from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and an Israeli citizen, and Australian billionaire businessman James Packer. Prosecutors said gifts included champagne and cigars and that Netanyahu helped Milchan with his business interests. Packer and Milchan face no charges. CASE 2000 Netanyahu allegedly negotiated a deal with Arnon Mozes, owner of Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for better coverage in return for legislation to slow the growth of a rival newspaper. Netanyahu has been charged with fraud and breach of trust. WILL A VERDICT COME SOON? Unlikely. Unless Netanyahu seeks a plea deal, it could be many more months before the judges rule. HOW CAN HE BE ON TRIAL AND REMAIN PRIME MINISTER? Under Israeli law, a prime minister is under no obligation to stand down unless convicted. If he or she appeals their conviction, they can keep their office throughout the appeals process. COULD HE GO TO JAIL? Bribery charges carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine. Fraud and breach of trust are punishable by up to three years in jail. WHAT HAS THE IMPACT BEEN? The shock attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and the ensuing Gaza war, swept Netanyahu's trial off the agenda, as Israelis came together in grief and trauma. Before the war, Netanyahu's legal troubles bitterly divided Israelis and shook Israeli politics through five rounds of elections. After Netanyahu's decisive 2022 victory at the ballot box, his far-right government launched a judicial campaign to curb the powers of the court. It sparked mass protests in Israel and fears among Western allies for the country's democratic health. Netanyahu denied any link between the judicial overhaul and his trial. He largely abandoned the plan after war broke out, but has revived some anti-judiciary rhetoric in recent weeks. (Writing by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Howard Goller)INDIA bloc stares at existential crisis after latest setback

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