Syria's Damascus Airport Reopens for International Flights: A New Era of Travel

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After 13 years, Qatar Airways landed at Damascus airport, marking the first commercial flight since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The airport is under assessment for full reopening, and Jordan's flagship carrier, Royal Jordanian, also confirmed a test flight. The reopening is a symbol of a new era of travel and a sign of normalizing ties in Syria.

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Presidents Forced to Sit Together at Jimmy Carter's Funeral

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Five U.S. Presidents in One Place!
The former and current presidents of the United States gathered together for Jimmy Carter's funeral, sitting next to each other in the front rows of the Washington National Cathedral.

Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump all attended the funeral, accompanied by their wives and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Despite some warm greetings and laughter, not everyone was pleased to see each other. Here's a who's who of the front rows:

  • Joe Biden
  • Jill Biden
  • Kamala Harris
  • Doug Emhoff
  • Donald Trump
  • Melania Trump
  • Barack Obama
  • George W. Bush
  • Laura Bush
  • Bill Clinton
  • Hillary Clinton

While Michelle Obama was not in attendance, other notable figures like Al Gore and Mike Pence were also present.

Jimmy Carter's State Funeral: A Day of National Mourning

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Today, thousands of mourners and living former US presidents gather at Washington’s national cathedral for the state funeral of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president. President Joe Biden will deliver the eulogy, while Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama and president-elect Donald Trump are expected to join the service. The funeral comes after a week of mourning and follows Carter’s death on 29 December, aged 100. Carter was known for his compassion and thirst for justice for all, and today's events are a testament to his impact on the country and the world.

Mexico's President Trolls Trump with 'Mexican America' Map

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In a playful response to Trump's proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America', Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested renaming North America to 'América Mexicana' or 'Mexican America'. This exchange sets the tone for the potential relationship between the two leaders in the coming years.

Trump's Agenda Successes and California's Failing Wildfire Response

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Trump's Agenda Successes

  • President-elect Donald Trump announces a $20 billion investment from a Dubai company, creating thousands of high-paying American jobs.
  • Facebook ends its censorship campaign, shuttering fact-checking mechanisms on Meta's platforms.

California's Failing Wildfire Response

  • Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom fail to prevent wildfires, not cutting dry brush for years.
  • The L.A. Fire Department is understaffed and underfunded, with Mayor Bass cutting fire department funding by $17.6 million while increasing the library budget by nearly $15 million.
  • Officials spend billions on green environmental efforts but can't afford to pay firefighters, knowing wildfires are common.

France and Germany Warn Trump Over Threats to EU Borders After Greenland Comments

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France and Germany have criticized US President-elect Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland by force. Germany's government spokesperson said that borders must not be changed by force, while France's foreign minister demanded that Trump should not threaten the European Union's sovereign borders. Trump has suggested that he could seize Greenland by force, citing national security interests. The vast Arctic island is an autonomous territory of EU and NATO member Denmark. Denmark has said Greenland is not for sale.

JetBlue Passenger Arrested After Opening Exit Door Mid-Flight

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A JetBlue passenger was recently arrested after opening the emergency exit door during a flight from Boston to San Juan. The unexpected event caused panic on board, but luckily, other passengers were quick to restrain the individual. The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Boston, where the passenger was taken into custody and charged.

Jean-Marie Le Pen's Legacy of Controversy

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Jean-Marie Le Pen's Legacy of Controversy** - The co-founder of France's right-wing National Front party, who died on Tuesday aged 96, was infamous for his scandalous statements. From calling the Holocaust a 'detail' of World War II, to hurling homophobic slurs at political opponents, Le Pen's political career was marked by misconduct and provocation. **What was Jean-Marie Le Pen's impact on French politics?

Brace for Snow Showers and Travel Disruption in the UK

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A winter storm is sweeping across the UK, causing snow showers, ice, rain, and travel disruption.** 🌨️❄️

Manchester airport has closed its runways due to heavy snow, and flights are delayed or canceled in other airports.
Roads and railways are affected by the adverse conditions in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings and alerts across England, protecting over 41,000 properties but flooding at least 300.
Hospitals are grappling with high demand amid rising flu cases, and hundreds of schools are closed.
Drivers are advised to have an emergency breakdown kit in the boot and expect longer waits.
Stay informed and safe!

Jimmy Carter's Legacy: Keeping the U.S. Out of War and Lying in State at the Capitol

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Jimmy Carter's Journey to Washington, D.C.
Jimmy Carter is lying in state at the U.S. Capitol before his state funeral on Jan. 9.
His remains were transported from Georgia to Washington, D.C.
Carter's casket will lie in state for two days before the funeral.

Carter's Peaceful Presidency
Carter managed to keep the U.S. out of warfare during his presidency.
He defended his take on world peace after his time in the White House.

Jimmy Carter's Journey to the U.S. Capitol: A touching tribute to a beloved former president

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Jimmy Carter's Journey to the U.S. Capitol
Former President Jimmy Carter's casket arrived at the U.S. Capitol building on Tuesday, following a military funeral procession that mirrored his inaugural parade.
The nation's capital is preparing to honor Carter, with a horse and carriage carrying his casket.
CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe, Nikole Killion, Robert Costa, and Douglas Brinkley reported on the event.*

Trump Team Scores Major Legal Win: Report Release Blocked

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Trump Team Scores Major Legal Win: Report Release Blocked
A federal judge has temporarily blocked special counsel Jack Smith from releasing his report on Trump's alleged 2020 election interference and improper retention of classified records.
The order comes after Trump co-defendants Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira filed an emergency motion to block the report's release.
The order remains in effect until three days after a resolution is announced from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
This is a developing story, with more details to come.

U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel Sue Biden Administration Over Blocked Deal

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U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel Sue Biden Administration
U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel have filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration over the decision to block Nippon Steel's proposed takeover of U.S. Steel. The companies argue that the decision was made for political reasons, violating their due process. Biden halted the acquisition after federal regulators deadlocked, citing national security concerns.

Biden blocked the deal for strategic reasons
Companies allege political motivations
U.S. Steel needs urgent capital investment
Nippon Steel paid a premium for the purchase

Trump Wants One Big Bill for His Priorities via Budget Reconciliation

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President-elect Donald Trump wants Congress to pass one sweeping bill full of his priorities through the budget reconciliation process, according to newly reelected Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump's plan includes tax cuts, border security, and energy, and he wants to pass 'one big, beautiful bill.' But the House Freedom Caucus has endorsed a two-step plan, which could stand in the way of Trump's desires. Legislation passed via budget reconciliation would need consensus among House Republicans, and the razor-thin GOP majority in the House means a reconciliation package will also be a major challenge to pass. Trump's plan would put the GOP caucus to the test, as they can only have one GOP defection if all members of the House are present.

Jimmy Carter's State Funeral: A Final Salute to the 39th President

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Jimmy Carter's state funeral began with a procession in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, and will continue in Atlanta. The former president passed away at 100 and was honored with a National Park Service salute and a farm bell ringing 39 times. Carter spent most of his life in Plains with his wife, Rosalynn.

The Dramatic Win of House Speaker Mike Johnson: An Inside Look

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Mike Johnson Wins House Speaker Race
Louisiana's Mike Johnson secured a win for House Speaker with the help of Reps. Keith Self and Ralph Norman. In a surprising turn of events, Self and Norman switched their votes at the last minute, giving Johnson the majority he needed to win.

Norman's Role in Johnson's Victory
South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, one of the lawmakers who switched votes, spoke to President-elect Donald Trump about his priorities. Norman's decision to switch his vote played a crucial role in Johnson's victory.

A Dramatic Turn of Events
The race for House Speaker was filled with drama and uncertainty. But in the end, Mike Johnson emerged as the winner, thanks to the last-minute support of two key lawmakers.

Can Trump Be the Key to Ending the Ukraine War?

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that US President-elect Donald Trump could be crucial in ending the war and stopping Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In a recent interview, Zelenskyy praised Trump's strength and unpredictability, and expressed his hope that Trump would use these qualities to help Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. However, the specifics of Trump's policy towards Ukraine are still unclear, and it remains to be seen whether he will follow through on Zelenskyy's hopes. In the meantime, Ukraine continues to fight for its future, and the world waits to see what role Trump will play in the conflict.

House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy

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House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy
House Speaker Mike Johnson is gearing up for a tough re-election battle against Republican holdouts, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas. Johnson has the backing of President-elect Donald Trump, but Roy has yet to make a decision on who to support. The Freedom Caucus has been vocal in their demands for concessions from the speaker, causing tension within the party. The House will vote for a speaker on Friday, and Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote.

  • *Trump and advisers working to strike a deal with Roy
  • *Johnson confident in re-election, but faces opposition from hardliners
  • *House cannot conduct business until a speaker is elected

President Biden Honors Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson with the Presidential Citizens Medal

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In a ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden honored 20 Americans with the Presidential Citizens Medal, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, the leaders of the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Biden praised Cheney and Thompson for their 'steadfast commitment to truth' and 'exemplary deeds of service for their country.' The medal is the country's second-highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Secret Deployments and Older Doctors: Key Revelations in Australian Cabinet Records

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Secret Deployments:** Cabinet records from 2003 and 2004 reveal that the Howard government sent military forces to the Middle East months before officially authorizing Australia's involvement in the Iraq war. The national security committee met to ensure the advance deployment was not disclosed, even as the government remained convinced of the presence and potential of weapons.

Older Doctors' Health Checks:** Almost 10% of Australia's GPs are aged over 70, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has expressed concerns about a proposal by the national regulator to introduce health checks for doctors aged 70 and older, fearing it may worsen workforce shortages.

Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker Despite GOP Frustrations

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Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker**: Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson for re-election, just days before the House will vote for a new leader. Johnson's speakership is in jeopardy after some Republicans expressed frustration with his decision to reach a government funding agreement that had overwhelming Democratic support. But with Trump's endorsement and a slim GOP majority, Johnson's chances of re-election look good. However, the majority is set to become even smaller as several Republican members of Congress are set to be nominated for positions in the Trump administration.