The Latest on Syria: Assad's Fate Unclear as Rebels Seize Damascus

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Assad's Fate Unclear:** The former Syrian dictator's whereabouts remain unknown after rebels took control of Damascus and declared the end of his family's decades-long rule. Russia claims Assad resigned and left the country, but there's no confirmation of his destination. Rebel Offensive: A lightning rebel offensive seized Damascus, with Assad reportedly fleeing. The UK government welcomes the fall of Assad, and the Turkish foreign minister suggested his country may be the biggest external beneficiary.

Assad's Proscription:** The UK government is reviewing the proscription of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the leading insurgent group in Syria, due to its efforts to distance itself from al-Qaida and its role in the rebellion.

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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.

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?

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.*

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.

Trump Team Scores Major Legal Win: Report Release Blocked

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Trump Team Scores Major Legal Win: Report Release Blocked
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The order comes after Trump co-defendants Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira filed an emergency motion to block the report's release.
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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
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Russia Claims Control Over Key Ukrainian Town; Macron Urges Realism on Territory

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Russia has claimed victory in capturing the key town of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine, though Ukraine has yet to confirm. Meanwhile, French President Macron called for realism from Ukraine on territorial issues. Heavy fighting continues in the region, with Ukraine hoping for more Western military aid. Russia has been driving westward in a slow, costly effort to capture all of Donetsk.

Trump Wants One Big Bill for His Priorities via Budget Reconciliation

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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
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Norman's Role in Johnson's Victory
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A Dramatic Turn of Events
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Can Trump Be the Key to Ending the Ukraine War?

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Ukraine's Military Success: Over 1,600 Russian Troops Killed and Wounded in a Day

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In a significant blow to the Russian forces, Ukraine has reported that over 1,600 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in just one day, along with the loss of 34 artillery systems and 27 armored combat vehicles. This brings the total combat losses of the Russian forces since February 24, 2022, to approximately 787,550 military personnel, 9,668 tanks, 20,030 armored combat vehicles, 21,528 artillery systems, and more. Russian forces have also lost over 21,000 tactical and strategic UAVs and 3,003 cruise missiles. These figures are still being confirmed.

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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.

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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.

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Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Service and Compassion

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Farewell, Jimmy Carter: The 39th President's Lifelong Sports Fandom & Legacy Remembered

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at 100.
Sports world honors Carter's lifelong fandom:

  • Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank: "He was a great American, a proud Georgian, and an inspirational global humanitarian."
  • Atlanta Braves: "He served both his country and home state with honor his entire life."
  • Atlanta Hawks: "President Jimmy Carter represented all the best of Georgia."

Carter's sports legacy:

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  • Sports fan: Georgia native, supporter of Atlanta's pro teams

World leaders' tributes: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Royals

Kemi Badenoch vs Nigel Farage: A Feud Escalates

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Kemi Badenoch's feud with Nigel Farage has escalated, with reports of Badenoch urging GB News to cut airtime for Farage. Farage has hit back, demanding an apology from Badenoch for accusing him of lying about his party's membership. This comes after Farage claimed that Reform UK has more members than the Tories, which Badenoch has branded fake. The row has sparked concerns over regulatory action and the broadcaster's role in offering a platform to critics.