Mohammad al-Bashir, a former "Salvation Government" leader in Idlib, Syria, is now the nation's head. The engineering graduate takes the helm after a 13-year conflict, governing from Damascus. Bashir, originally from Idlib, previously worked for Syria's state gas company and led the rebel administration. His leadership expands beyond Idlib after a recent rebel offensive captured key territories, including Aleppo.
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US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Troy Meink as the next Secretary of the Air Force. Meink, with almost 40 years of experience in military and national security roles, will work alongside Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth to ensure the effectiveness of the nation's Air Force. Meink previously managed significant satellite intelligence and space capabilities at the National Reconnaissance Office.
Bulgaria and Romania will gain full access to Europe's Schengen free-travel zone starting January 1, 2024. EU ministers lifted land border controls after previous concerns about migrant prevention were addressed. This decision promises economic benefits, faster travel, and reduced border wait times for both countries and the wider Schengen area.
US President Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico citing unfair trade practices and trade deficits. He mentioned it could extend to China due to fentanyl exports to the US. The tariffs aim to address issues like unauthorized immigration, drug trafficking, and US financial support through trade deficits.
Canada signed a $6.5 billion deal to acquire Australia’s advanced Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar (JORN) technology to enhance Arctic surveillance. The JORN system will help Canada detect air and maritime threats more efficiently. This move follows pressure from the US to increase defense spending.
US judges have temporarily blocked parts of President Trump's executive orders targeting Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, citing constitutional violations. The firms argue these orders aim to punish opposition and restrict their legal work. Jenner & Block and Perkins Coie have sued to stop further actions.
Party City, the nearly 40-year-old party supplies retailer, is closing all its stores by February 28, 2025. CEO Barry Litwin announced the immediate wind-down of operations, leaving thousands of employees jobless. The company, emerging from bankruptcy earlier this year, struggled with substantial debt despite previous restructuring efforts and store closures.
The US federal government has paused $27.5 million in family planning grants pending an investigation into compliance with legal requirements. This decision affects services such as contraception and cancer screenings, notably impacting low-income communities. Planned Parenthood and other organizations criticize the funding freeze, arguing it limits access to essential healthcare.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said that the US supported Greenland's right to determine their own future, but it could also join the US if they wanted.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are returning to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay on the ISS. Their mission extended due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule, and they switched to SpaceX for their return. A relief crew's arrival enabled their departure.
Tufts University is calling for the release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a graduate student detained by DHS over alleged links to Hamas. Her visa was revoked despite being in good standing. The university disputes the allegations and is concerned about the impact on campus safety. Ozturk is currently in a Louisiana detention center.