Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?
Kok Yufeng, Correspondent Based on MOM’s latest figures, there are more than 440,000 migrant workers in Singapore – the majority of whom are housed in over 1,500 dorms scattered across the island. SINGAPORE – Lockers for personal belongings? Check. Single beds? Check. Private spaces for personal calls? Check. As far as Mr Sumun Biswas, 44, is concerned, a new government-owned migrant worker dormitory that will open in early 2026 checks all the boxes. Since August 2023, the Bangladeshi hydraulic operator has been involved in consultations with the authorities on how migrant worker housing here can be improved. He was thus happy to see his views put into practice at the upcoming dorm in Tukang Innovation Lane in Jurong. It is the first of two purpose-built dorms to be constructed and owned by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). “We are happy, from our heart,” he said, when asked for a review of the dorm’s features. The dorm will also have an en-suite toilet and free Wi-Fi in every room, in addition to spacious kitchens on every floor. It is a dream come true for Mr Biswas and the dozens of migrant workers who took part in the design process. It is also a significant move by MOM to show the wider industry what is possible with some forethought and ingenuity. But there are caveats. First, while the improved design of the Tukang dorm is an important step towards raising the bar for migrant worker housing, the day that every worker in Singapore gets to live in such a conducive environment is still more than 15 years away. In 2021, MOM imposed a new set of regulatory standards on newly built dorms to improve liveability and boost their ability to contain disease outbreaks. But in the light of infrastructural constraints and concerns over higher costs, existing dorms have until 2040 to meet the full set of requirements. This means many workers here will still have to put up with less than ideal conditions for the foreseeable future. Second, some of the new features at MOM’s Tukang dorm, such as the provision of single beds, are over and above what the new dorm standards stipulate. This is part of an effort to drive innovation in migrant workers’ living spaces. The ministry said the alternative design of its Tukang dorm has drawn keen interest from some dorm operators. But whether these operators ultimately follow MOM’s lead to do more than meet the new standards remains a question mark. And only time will tell if privately run dorms will also adopt MOM’s approach of consulting workers and taking into account what they want and need. Mr Sumun Biswas, a hydraulic operator from Bangladesh, was involved in consultations with officials here on how migrant worker housing here can be improved. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO More work to be done To MOM’s credit, after the Covid-19 pandemic laid bare the cramped, often unsanitary conditions in dorms here, the ministry made a stronger push to improve the living environment of migrant workers. It quickly introduced the new dorm standards, which include a cap of 12 residents in each room, at least 4.2 sq m of personal living space per resident and mandatory en-suite toilets. MOM also expanded the scope of the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act to include all dorms with seven beds or more, giving the law more teeth. Today, about 200 dorms with a combined capacity of 70,000 beds already meet the new standards. In addition, seven new purpose-built dorms with a total of 47,000 beds are also being built to the new requirements. These include MOM’s new Tukang dorm and its other dorm in Sengkang West that will be completed around mid-2028. Still, the positive developments so far come from just a fraction of the dorms here, and other dorms have their work cut out for them. Based on MOM’s latest figures, there are more than 440,000 migrant workers in Singapore – the majority of whom are housed in more than 1,500 dorms scattered across the island. Of the existing dorms, about 1,000 are required to adopt the new standards by 2040. Exemptions have been given to between 200 and 250 temporary quarters, and around 200 dorms with leases expiring in 2033 or earlier. The ministry said taking a phased approach will give existing dorms enough time to adopt the new standards, and minimise the disruption to the supply of dorm beds. The lengthy transition period may be a bitter pill to swallow – given the state some dorms are in – but it is not without basis. Post-pandemic, the migrant worker population in Singapore has swelled to a record high. And it remains a challenge for employers to find suitable accommodation for their foreign workers. Centurion Corporation, one of Singapore’s largest dorm operators, reported a 99 per cent occupancy rate in the first half of 2024 – a sign of the tight bed supply that has, in turn, caused rental rates to skyrocket. The worry is that retrofitting too many existing dorms too quickly will cause bed supply to shrink, increasing rental rates further. The other major hurdle is the sheer variety of dorms, and the amount of retrofitting needed to bring all of them up to speed. While it is easier for some to carry out upgrades, others have said meeting the new requirements would mean a complete teardown of their facilities. Manpower Minister Tan See Leng summed up these constraints on Nov 17: “We all wish... (that with) the snap of a finger, everything can come into being. “But the fact is that we also need to take into consideration the constraints of the space that we have.” Dr Tan also pointed to the backlog of public housing, construction and manufacturing projects as another reason for pacing dorm upgrades. As a compromise, MOM has mandated that most dorms meet at least a set of interim requirements by 2030 , citing the need to mitigate the growing risk of large-scale disease outbreaks. The ministry said in September that 14 dorms with a combined capacity of 100,000 beds have already started work to upgrade their facilities or told MOM of their plans to do so. Some of the new features at MOM’s Tukang dormitory are over and above what the new dorm standards stipulate. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO What’s next? While there may be legitimate constraints on what can be done in terms of infrastructure, it does not mean the quality of life of migrant workers here cannot be improved in the meantime. Migrant rights groups have long called for more to be done to improve the way food is delivered to workers and the quality of the catered food. Providing basic appliances such as refrigerators, for example, would make it easier for workers to store perishable groceries and keep pests away. Many dorms are in remote areas, so providing workers with adequate transport options is another way to ensure their needs are better met. Then there are other longstanding issues related to unpaid wages, workplace injuries and wrongful termination. MOM’s new dorm standards should also not be the be-all and end-all of the future of migrant worker housing. The new Tukang dorm is a case in point. MOM eschewed its own requirement of at least 1m of space between beds there, so that it could accommodate a mix of single and double beds, and carve out dedicated space in each room for socialisation – things that workers had asked for. To surmount the regulatory hurdle, MOM roped in A*Star to provide empirical evidence that the new room layout still meets public health standards. With the ministry showing its willingness to be flexible with the letter of the law to allow for alternative dorm designs that improve liveability, the ball is now in the industry’s court to effect real change, and not just do the bare minimum. As MOM also showed, the key to this is getting migrant workers involved in the design process, and putting their needs front and centre. Not only does this give dorm residents greater ownership over their living spaces, it also helps to identify gaps that may otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, a research project by three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – Here With You Social Services, Soap Cycling Singapore and Migrant Workers Singapore – found a strong desire among workers for bedside tables and personal lights so they can read and write at night. These fittings are not stipulated under the law. The groups also said in their report published in June that MOM’s new standards still fall short of what workers expect their ideal dorms to look like, especially in terms of occupancy limits and personal space. In addition, the NGOs noted that without an independent and safe channel for workers to offer feedback, MOM’s improved standards risk becoming a one-off exercise. All this is to say that raising migrant worker housing standards in Singapore on paper is a step in the right direction. But for meaningful improvements to workers’ living conditions to be made, the industry must put the needs and dignity of workers first. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowWalmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victoryTrump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leadersMcLean, Duax lead FGCU over Florida International 60-59
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jamichael Stillwell had 22 points in Milwaukee's 69-65 win over St. Thomas on Sunday. Stillwell added eight rebounds for the Panthers (5-2). Aaron Franklin had 15 points and eight rebounds. AJ McKee added nine points. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.
That bowl berth against Iowa State is a let-down for fans with dreams of a sixth national title in their minds, as well as players hoping to compete for a championship. However, Miami’s trip to Orlando and the lead-up to it are still crucial periods for the Hurricanes for multiple reasons. First, it’s a chance for the program to achieve something it has not done in more than two decades: win 11 games. Although the 11th win won’t get them closer to a championship, it is a good sign of the program’s progress over Mario Cristobal’s tenure. It would also end UM’s five-game losing streak in bowls. “We’re not satisfied,” Cristobal said. “We want to win every single game. We won 10. We were close on the other two, but close isn’t good enough. We want progress. We’re hungry and driven to get better, and so that’s what our focus is on: to improving as a football program, to getting better, to moving into the postseason with an opportunity against a great football team like this and putting our best on the field.” There are signs the Hurricanes will show up at close to full strength for the bowl game. Running back Damien Martinez announced he was going to play, and star quarterback Cam Ward said in a video call posted on social media that he intends to play, as well. “We’re trying to win our first bowl game in 20 years,” Ward said in the video, mistaking the length of UM’s long bowl losing streak. “We’re going hard.” Playing in the bowl game also provides the opportunity for the Hurricanes to get in several practices between now and the game. That means Miami can develop its young players and prepare them for next season during both the practices and the bowl game itself. “It’s extremely valuable,” Cristobal said. “You really don’t have many opportunities throughout the course of the year — time is limited more and more each season with your student-athletes. I want to state this and be very clear: it’s very important, it’s ultra-important for the University of Miami to continue to develop and grow and progress by stressing the importance of offseason opportunities ... You learn a lot about your team and learn a lot about your people and your program when you head to the postseason.” Of course, there are potential negatives. Players can get hurt; Mark Fletcher Jr. suffered a foot injury in the Pinstripe Bowl last year that cost him all of spring practice. A poor performance can also potentially set the tone for next season, like how Florida State, fresh off a playoff snub last year, suffered a devastating loss against Georgia in the Orange Bowl and went on to a dismal 2-10 season this year. “This is the ending of ’24 and the beginning of ’25,” Cristobal said. “This is the last opportunity to be on the field and carry some momentum into the offseason. So it is, in essence, it is the most important game because it’s the next game. “There’s a lot of excitement in the form of opportunity for our guys. Our guys love to play football. The chance to play one more time with this special group — this is a special group of guys now. They’ve worked hard to really change the trajectory of the University of Miami, and they want to continue to elevate the status and the culture at the University of Miami. So certainly a ton to play for.” ____
'They rule the roost': Area in the grip of terror with youths who 'think they are untouchable'I'm A Celeb's Dean McCullough 'surprises' viewers in latest Bushtucker Trial
Gatineau police say an abduction investigation Monday afternoon has been called off after the child was found. Police had been searching for a 5-year-old who was allegedly abducted by his mother at approximately 1:20 p.m. A post to social media at 5 p.m. said the child was found safe and sound. CTV News has removed any identifying information. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 21 Stocking Stuffers Under $5 For Everyone On Your List (And They're All From Amazon Canada) 19 Practical Gifts That Anyone Would Love To Unwrap 23 Great Secret Santa Gifts Under $15 From Amazon Canada Home The Good Stuff: Our Favourite Christmas Lights For 2024 Our Guide To The Best Sectional Sofas You Can Get In Canada Our Guide To The Best Electric Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Gifts The Best Gifts For 10-Year-Old Girls 19 Gifts Under $50 That Are Better Than A Gift Card 20 Of The Best Gifts Worth Splurging On In 2024 Beauty Our Guide To The Best Self Tanners You Can Get In Canada 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit Deals Black Friday May Be Over, But You Can Still Take Advantage Of These Amazing Sales On Amazon Canada It's Officially Travel Tuesday: Here Are The Best Deals On Flights, Hotels, And Vacations The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 40% Off For Cyber Monday Ottawa Top Stories FREEZING DRIZZLE ADVISORY | Up to 5 cm of snow, freezing drizzle expected in Ottawa Treasury Board president accuses PSAC of sharing 'misleading information' on $1.9 billion public service pension surplus OC Transpo fare hike will cost Ottawa school bus authority extra $4.6 million this school year Heart transplant recipients celebrate the Ottawa Heart Institute's 40 years of transplants Child allegedly abducted in Gatineau, Que. found safe, police say City of Ottawa ends endorsement deal with water line insurer Ottawa councillor George Darouze nominated as PC candidate for Carleton BREAKING | Suspect in killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson in custody CTVNews.ca Top Stories LIVE UPDATES | Luigi Mangione, 26, arrested in connection with CEO shooting Luigi Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Penn., after he was spotted at a McDonald’s, authorities say. The suspect was born and raised in Maryland and graduated from Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. Canada Post warns no end in sight for strike after receiving latest union proposals As the Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 workers neared the end of its 25th day, the postal service warned that a speedy resolution is unlikely. Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote failed on Monday, thanks to the New Democrats. Trudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time Justin Trudeau says dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be 'a little more challenging' than the last time he was in the White House. Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw. Family spokesman says slain Edmonton security guard had only been working 3 days A spokesman for the family of a security guard who police say was murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building last week says the man had only been on the job for three days. Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate. What the upcoming holiday GST relief will mean for consumers The federal government's GST break will arrive this Saturday, just in time for the last stretch of holiday shopping. 'Infuriating': Wait times grow amid Canada Post strike as backlogs, frustration mount Wait times for deliveries continue to grow as shoppers and businesses deal with the fallout from the Canada Post strike. Atlantic Eastern Canada storm to impact Maritimes with high winds Thursday An area of low pressure is forecast to develop into a strong storm as it moves from the northeastern U.S. into the St. Lawrence River Valley late Wednesday into Thursday. New report states cancer comes at a high physical and financial cost to Canadians A new report from the Canadian Cancer Society states, on average, a Canadian with cancer pays $33,000 out of their own pocket. Nova Scotia opens first transitional health centre in Bedford Nova Scotia’s first stand-alone, transitional health centre will open its doors this week in Bedford, N.S. Toronto A 'traffic crisis': Economic, social impact of congestion cost Ontario more than $50B in 2024, study finds The cost of lost economic opportunities in the GTHA due to congestion totaled more than $10 billion in 2024 and that number rose to more than $47 billion when factoring in the “social impacts” that diminish a commuter’s quality of life, according to a new report. Toronto police identify victim, suspect in deadly shooting south of Danforth The victim of a deadly shooting south of Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood has been identified and police have charged a suspect with murder. LIVE UPDATES | Luigi Mangione, 26, arrested in connection with CEO shooting Luigi Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Penn., after he was spotted at a McDonald’s, authorities say. The suspect was born and raised in Maryland and graduated from Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. Montreal 'Looking for the Weinstein of Quebec': impresario Gilbert Rozon's civil trial begins Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon's civil trial for sexual assault opened today at the Montreal courthouse with his lawyer portraying him as the scapegoat in a hunt to find Quebec's Harvey Weinstein. Search for Quebec hiker missing in Adirondacks now likely a recovery mission Authorities in New York state say the search for a 22-year-old Quebec hiker who went missing in the Adirondacks more than a week ago is now likely a recovery mission. Police search for three men who escaped from immigration holding centre in Quebec Authorities are searching for three Chilean nationals who escaped from the Laval Immigration Holding Centre north of Montreal. Northern Ontario Sudbury family traumatized after hospital said loved one had been released, when in fact they had passed away Sudbury resident Angela Vitiello says a staff member at Health Sciences North told her that her brother, Allan St. Martin, was released from the hospital late last month when, in fact, he had passed away. Murder suspect from TO loses bid to have trial moved out of 'vermin' infested Sudbury jail A man charged with a 2022 murder on Manitoulin Island will be tried in Sudbury, after a judge rejected arguments from the defence that Toronto or North Bay would be more convenient for his client. Collision in Sudbury leads to suspect hiding in a closet and the discovery of weapons, drugs A suspect who failed to remain at the scene of an accident near Chelmsford late last month is now facing numerous weapons and drug charges. Windsor Woman dies after vehicle crashes into south Windsor home Windsor police say a 73-year-old woman has died after a vehicle hit a house in south Windsor. Windsor’s high unemployment rate doesn’t paint the whole picture: Experts New Statistic Canada number show there were over 18,000 people still unemployed in our area and looking for work in November. Windsor’s Syrian community celebrates Assad’s departure, hopes to return home The streets of downtown Windsor echoed with honking horns over the weekend as members of the city’s Syrian community celebrated major political developments in their homeland. London Crown closes its case at bush bash shooting trial, defense to begin Wednesday After recalling the father of the shooting victim to the stand, the Crown at the field party shooting trial closed its case in the London courthouse on Monday following several weeks of testimony. Train hits vehicle in Thames Centre: OPP The Middlesex OPP have confirmed a train collided with a vehicle in Thames Centre. Collapsed roof slowly being removed from historic Bayfield, Ont. hotel and restaurant Part of the collapsed roof of the Albion Hotel has been removed but it's unclear if the structure, built in the early 1840s can be saved. Kitchener Salvation Army says donations down almost 40 per cent in Kitchener-Waterloo The Salvation Army has seen a big drop in donations this holiday season. Will he or won't he? Signs that Ford may call an early Ontario election stack up Inside Ontario's legislature, the halls are decked, the sounds of children’s choirs singing Christmas carols waft down the corridors, and in the air there’s a feeling of an election. Waterloo homeowners will pay $99 more on property taxes in 2025 The City of Waterloo has officially passed its 2025 budget with a 6.34 per cent property tax increase. Barrie Man accused in Good Samaritan's death violates court-imposed order while in jail Brandon Aaron has been found guilty of violating a court-imposed non-communication order while behind bars in Penetanguishene. Freezing rain creates slick conditions in Simcoe County After all the snowfall that hit Muskoka and Simcoe County over the last week, Barrie and many other parts of the region are under a freezing rain warning as of Sunday evening. Horse-drawn buggy collision with straight truck sends 4 to hospital Four people were taken to the hospital after a collision involving a horse-drawn carriage and a straight truck in Southgate Township near Dundalk. Winnipeg The snow is here: How much snow fell in Winnipeg and parts of Manitoba? A low pressure system brought snow, freezing rain and freezing drizzle to much of southern Manitoba starting Sunday. Six train cars come off the tracks northwest of Portage la Prairie Six cars came off the tracks and Highway 16 was closed after a train derailment early Monday morning. Bob Odenkirk makes an appearance at the Winnipeg Jets game Another day, another moment of Bob Odenkirk enjoying what Winnipeg and Manitoba have to offer. Calgary Alberta cancels foreign worker recruitment trip to United Arab Emirates The Alberta government says it has pulled the plug on a foreign worker recruitment mission in the United Arab Emirates scheduled for early next year. BREAKING | Parents charged in toddler son's death plead guilty to manslaughter The parents accused in the death of their 18-month-old son pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges in a Calgary courtroom Monday. What the upcoming holiday GST relief will mean for consumers The federal government's GST break will arrive this Saturday, just in time for the last stretch of holiday shopping. Edmonton Family spokesman says slain Edmonton security guard had only been working 3 days A spokesman for the family of a security guard who police say was murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building last week says the man had only been on the job for three days. Investigators deem fire at Tofield police detachment as arson: RCMP A fire that occurred at the Tofield, Alta., RCMP detachment on Dec. 2 has been declared an arson by investigators. Alberta cancels foreign worker recruitment trip to United Arab Emirates The Alberta government says it has pulled the plug on a foreign worker recruitment mission in the United Arab Emirates scheduled for early next year. Regina Sask. Court of Appeal denies White City's request to annex 4,000 acres from RM of Edenwold A land dispute that's been taking place just east of Regina for the past six years has been put to rest, according to the Rural Municipality (RM) of Edenwold. Regina homicide suspect makes national most wanted list A man wanted in connection to a fatal shooting in Regina earlier this year is now among Canada's top 25 most wanted. Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate. Saskatoon Emergency crews searching the South Saskatchewan River for body of missing man Saskatoon police and firefighters have begun searching the South Saskatchewan River for the body of a 48-year-old man who went missing late last month. Sask. driver walks away without serious injury after car slides into train One lucky driver walked away without serious injuries after their vehicle slid into a train near Langham, the Saskatchewan RCMP says. Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate. Vancouver Inmate dies at B.C. minimum-security prison A 33-year-old man has died while in custody at a federal minimum-security prison in British Columbia. How to attend former B.C. premier John Horgan's memorial Sunday British Columbians are invited to pay respects to former premier John Horgan at his state memorial service on Sunday. B.C. driver who blamed boozing on low blood sugar after fatal crash found guilty A diabetic man who claimed he had been drinking alcohol to combat dwindling blood sugar the night he was involved in a fatal crash near Sicamous, B.C., has been found guilty of impaired driving causing death. Vancouver Island Inmate dies at B.C. minimum-security prison A 33-year-old man has died while in custody at a federal minimum-security prison in British Columbia. How to attend former B.C. premier John Horgan's memorial Sunday British Columbians are invited to pay respects to former premier John Horgan at his state memorial service on Sunday. Burnaby RCMP announce charges in 2021 murder case Mounties say two men have been charged in the 2021 murder of a 38-year-old man in Burnaby, B.C. Kelowna Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas. Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026 The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday. 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Stay ConnectedOfficial FED Announcement on Upcoming Social Security Payments – Alert for All Retirees
Zona shot 5 for 7, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc for the Rams (8-5). Jahmere Tripp added 14 points while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line while they also had six rebounds and three steals. Jackie Johnson III shot 4 for 14 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. The Great Danes (7-7) were led by Amar'e Marshall, who recorded 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Albany (NY) also got 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals from Justin Neely. Byron Joshua finished with 16 points and five assists. Josh Rivera scored 11 points in the first half for Fordham, who led 46-35 at halftime. Fordham took the lead for good with 12:53 left in the second half on a 3-pointer from Zona to make it a 57-54 game. Fordham's next game is Tuesday against Saint Louis at home. Albany (NY) hosts Stony Brook on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Why Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl appearance is important even after missing College Football Playoff
Syrian government forces withdraw from central city of Homs as insurgent offensive accelerates
Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?Lady Panthers, Lady Warriors beat foes, forge finals rematch
Donald Trump's controversial pick for US attorney-general, Matt Gaetz, has withdrawn his nomination after days of pushback on both sides of politics. Mr Gaetz's decision prevents a messy showdown in the Senate, where his pending confirmation as America's top law officer was under a cloud, despite strong support from the president-elect. The former Florida congressman had been under investigation for sexual misconduct, and senators wanted to see a report into the allegations before confirming his appointment. Mr Gaetz denies all wrongdoing, but said his nomination was "unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance transition". "There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General," he wrote on X. Trump announced last week he had chosen Mr Gaetz for the role, which involves overseeing the operations of the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ had previously investigated Mr Gaetz for alleged sex trafficking crimes. But it wound up its investigation last year without pressing charges. The House of Representatives Ethics Committee had separately investigated Mr Gaetz, 42, over allegations he had sex with a 17-year-old girl, used illicit drugs and accepted improper gifts. Mr Gaetz resigned from Congress, with immediate effect, the day Trump announced his nomination. Ethics findings remain a mystery His resignation means the ethics report may never be released. "We don't issue investigations and ethics reports on people who are not members of Congress," House Speaker Mike Johnson said at the weekend. But on Wednesday, local time, the committee voted on whether to release its findings, as some senators had requested. The vote was tied, 5-5, along party lines and the report was not released. To become attorney-general, Mr Gaetz required the support of the US Senate, which must confirm the president-elect's cabinet picks. Some Republican senators had indicated they had reservations about confirming Mr Gaetz, which is required for the appointment to go ahead. The party's small majority in the Senate following the November election means Mr Gaetz could only afford to be opposed by three Republicans in the chamber. Trump has not said who he would nominate in Mr Gaetz's place. But he used social media to say he greatly appreciated Mr Gaetz's efforts in seeking approval to be attorney-general. "He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the administration, for which he has much respect," Trump wrote. "Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!" 'A lot of red flags' During his time in Congress, Mr Gaetz built a reputation as a hardline MAGA firebrand. But he alienated many members of his party, partly due to his tendency to insult and attack his colleagues. Last year, he moved to bring down then-House speaker Kevin McCarthy , triggering weeks of dysfunction in Congress and angering many of his Republican peers. Some have welcomed his decision not to pursue the attorney-general role. "There were a lot of red flags," moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins said. "He put country first." Mr Gaetz was not the only cabinet pick that had generated controversy. Trump's choice for defence secretary, Fox News host Peter Hegseth, has also denied allegations of sexual assault. He was never charged, but paid his alleged victim in 2020 to settle the case. According to a newly released police report , the woman told investigators she may have been drugged before she found herself in Mr Hegseth's hotel room at a Republican women's conference in California in 2017. He took her phone, blocked the door and sexually assaulted her, she alleged. Mr Hegseth told police the encounter was consensual, and he confirmed her consent verbally multiple times. After Mr Gaetz's withdrawal, Trump's transition team released a statement saying Mr Hegseth had "strong support on Capitol Hill", and quoted almost a dozen Republican senators praising him.World News | Syrian Government Forces Withdraw from Central City of Homs as Insurgent Offensive AcceleratesOpposition fighters are closing in on Syria’s capita l in a swiftly developing crisis that has taken much of the world by surprise. Syria's army has abandoned key cities with little resistance. Nervous residents in Damascus describe security forces on the streets. The state news agency has been forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad has left the country. Who are these opposition fighters? If they enter Damascus after taking some of Syria’s largest cities , what then? Here’s a look at the stunning reversal of fortune for Assad and his government in just the past 10 days, and what might lie ahead as Syria’s 13-year civil war reignites. This is the first time that opposition forces have reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when the country’s troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The approaching fighters are led by the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, along with an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Both have been entrenched in the northwest. They launched the shock offensive on Nov. 27 with gunmen capturing Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, and the central city of Hama, the fourth largest. The HTS has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. But the group said in recent years it cut ties with al-Qaida, and experts say HTS has sought to remake itself in recent years by focusing on promoting civilian government in their territory as well as military action. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani told CNN in an exclusive interview Thursday from Syria that the aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assad’s government. The HTS and Syrian National Army have been allies at times and rivals at times, and their aims might diverge. The Turkish-backed militias also have an interest in creating a buffer zone near the Turkish border to keep away Kurdish militants at odds with Ankara. Turkey has been a main backer of the fighters seeking to overthrow Assad but more recently has urged reconciliation, and Turkish officials have strongly rejected claims of any involvement in the current offensive. Whether the HTS and the Syrian National Army will work together if they succeed in overthrowing Assad or turn on each other again is a major question. While the flash offensive against Syria’s government began in the north, armed opposition groups have also mobilized elsewhere. The southern areas of Sweida and Daraa have both been taken locally. Sweida is the heartland of Syria’s Druze religious minority and had been the site of regular anti-government protests even after Assad seemingly consolidated his control over the area. Daraa is a Sunni Muslim area that was widely seen as the cradle of the uprising against Assad’s rule that erupted in 2011. Daraa was recaptured by Syrian government troops in 2018, but rebels remained in some areas. In recent years, Daraa was in a state of uneasy quiet under a Russian-mediated ceasefire deal. And much of Syria's east is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group backed by the United States that in the past has clashed with most other armed groups in the country. Syria's government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. Much depends on Assad’s next moves and his forces' will to fight the rebels. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces have started carrying out the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. And Syrian troops withdrew Saturday from much of the central city of Homs, Syria's third largest, according to a pro-government outlet and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. If that city is captured, the link would be cut between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where he enjoys wide support. “Homs to the coastal cities will be a very huge red line politically and socially. Politically, if this line is crossed, then we are talking about the end of the entire Syria, the one that we knew in the past,” said a Damascus resident, Anas Joudeh. Assad appears to be largely on his own as allies Russia and Iran are distracted by other conflicts and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah has been weakened by its war with Israel, now under a fragile ceasefire. The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition,” saying the situation is changing by the minute. He met with foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran on the sidelines of the Doha Summit. President-elect Donald Trump in his first extensive comments on the developments in Syria said the besieged Assad didn’t deserve U.S. support to stay in power. “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” Trump posted on social media. ___ Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed.
New Maha Cabinet: Fadnavis Keeps Home, Shinde Gets Urban Development, Ajit Pawar In Charge Of Finance
Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?JuJu Watkins scores 21, No. 6 USC downs Oregon 66-53 in Big Ten openerStrengthening Legal Partnerships For Africa’s Business Advancement
Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?Walmart's DEI rollback signals profound shift in wake of Trump victoryDonald Trump Chats With Jill Biden At Notre Dame Event While President Joe Is Ba...
Samsung announced that it has invested in Generate: Biomedicines (Generate) as part of its efforts to drive growth and innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector. Investment highlights Samsung’s dedication to advancing innovation and creating a robust ecosystem for AI-enabled therapeutic development. The investment was made through the Samsung Life Science Fund, which was created jointly between Samsung Biologics, Samsung C&T, and Samsung Bioepis, and managed by Samsung Venture Investment Corporation. Established in 2021 and worth KRW 240 billion, the fund has invested in biotech companies with promising technologies. Generate, founded by Flagship Pioneering, is a US-based clinical stage company leading in generative biology. The company applies AI-based optimization and de novo generation to discover and design novel protein therapeutics, and has a robust pipeline of approximately 20 programs from preclinical to clinical development across oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases. “We see great potential in Generate to develop first- and best-in-class therapeutics,” said John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics. “Leveraging Generate’s strengths in AI and machine learning, we look forward to creating an ecosystem for development, manufacturing, and R&D collaboration to advance next-generation medicines in areas with unmet needs.” “Funding from leading partners like Samsung enables us to continue advancing our platform, generating high-quality data, and empowering our exceptional team to tackle some of the toughest challenges in human health,” said Mike Nally, CEO of Generate:Biomedicines. “With clinical programs already in progress and plans to add three to six more within the next 18 months, we are turning technological promise into tangible outcomes.” Samsung Biologics is a fully integrated, end-to-end CDMO service provider, offering seamless development and manufacturing solutions from cell line development to final aseptic fill/finish as well as laboratory testing support for the biopharmaceutical products we manufacture. Our state-of-the-art facilities are cGMP compliant with bioreactors ranging from small to large scales to serve varying client needs. Maximizing operational efficiency and expanding our capabilities in response to growing biomanufacturing demand, Samsung Biologics offers a combined 604 kL total capacity at Bio Campus I. The company launched Bio Campus II with the construction of Plant 5, which will be operational in April 2025, adding 180 kL biomanufacturing capacity. Additionally, Samsung Biologics America enables the company to work in closer proximity to clients based in the US and Europe. We continue to upgrade our capabilities to accommodate our clients by investing in a dedicated ADC facility, mRNA technologies, and additional aseptic filling capacity. As a sustainable CDMO partner of choice, we are committed to on-time, in-full delivery of the products we manufacture with our flexible manufacturing solutions, operational excellence, and proven expertise.PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cole Hargrove's 17 points helped Drexel defeat Pennsylvania 60-47 on Saturday. Hargrove also contributed 13 rebounds and three blocks for the Dragons (6-4). Kobe Magee scored 12 points while shooting 4 for 12 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line and added five rebounds. Yame Butler had 10 points and shot 4 of 7 from the field and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line. Nick Spinoso led the Quakers (3-6) in scoring, finishing with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Ethan Roberts added 11 points for Pennsylvania. Sam Brown had eight points. Drexel got a team-high six points across the first half from Hargrove, but it was only enough to head to the locker room with the score tied at the half 30-30. Drexel took a 10-point lead in the second half thanks to a 16-2 scoring run. Hargrove led their club in second-half scoring with 11 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .