Helen Flanagan on 'love' for Tulisa and who she wants to win I'm a Celebrity
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Tai'Reon Joseph scored 28 points off the bench to lead UTSA over North Dakota 95-85 on Sunday. Joseph shot 8 of 11 from the field, including 6 for 8 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 7 from the free-throw line for the Roadrunners (5-5). Primo Spears scored 16 points while shooting 4 for 12 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line. Damari Monsanto finished 4 of 4 from 3-point range and 3 for 4 from the line to finish with 15 points. The Fightin' Hawks (4-8) were led by Treysen Eaglestaff, who finished with 24 points, four assists and two steals. Dariyus Woodson added 23 points. Deng Mayar contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds. UTSA took the lead with 19:02 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 39-34 at halftime, with Monsanto racking up nine points. UTSA used a 9-0 run in the second half to build a 13-point lead at 55-42 with 15:16 left in the half before finishing off the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .News release J.R.’s Comedy Club, celebrating its 28th year of providing comedy entertainment to the Santa Clarita Valley, is hosting two New Year’s Eve comedy shows at The Hilton Garden Inn. The shows will feature double headliners Larry Omaha and Darren Carter, two of J.R.’s most requested acts. Omaha is the top-rated Native American comedian who not only has his own Showtime special, but also recently opened for Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias at Madison Square Garden. Carter “The Party Starter” has drawn attention on social media with his famous bit, “I like my women like my ...” He has also appeared on “The Tonight Show” and is at regular at clubs in L.A. The early show, dubbed “East Coast New Year’s Eve,” features dinner starting at 5:30 p.m., the show starting at 7:15 and the countdown at 9 as if attendees are in Times Square. The late show, called “West Coast New Year’s Eve,” has dinner starting at 8:30, the show starting at 10:15 and at midnight attendees will ring in 2025. Dinner includes entree choices of prime cut tri tip, lemon herb chicken, or vegetarian pasta. The menu also includes rice pilaf, oven roasted red potatoes, grilled seasoned vegetables, mixed green salad, freshly baked artisan rolls and chef’s choice desert. Attendees will receive party favors, noisemakers, hats and, for those over 21, a Champagne toast. The full dinner package is $94.99 and show-only tickets will be available after Dec. 26 for $50. Tickets are available at www.ComedyinValencia.com . The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 27710 The Old Road, Valencia.
Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.SYRIA | UNDER SIEGE BEIRUT — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government denied rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM news outlet reported that government forces took positions outside Syria's third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city's capture is a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.'s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an "orderly political transition." Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels "sorry for the Syrian people." In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
AS Zimbabwe charts a path towards sustainable development and economic resilience, the 2025 National Budget emerges as a pivotal tool to achieve these goals. Presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube recently, the budget is framed under the theme, “Building Resilience for Sustained Economic Transformation.” This ambitious financial plan reflects a clear intent to overcome current challenges while paving the way for long-term growth and inclusivity. With projected Gross Domestic Product growth of six percent for 2025, this budget balances fiscal prudence with an expansive vision for development. It targets critical areas such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and social equity, offering a robust framework to drive economic recovery, resilience, and transformation. Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the GDP, employment, and exports. The 2025 National Budget makes transformative strides in addressing the vulnerabilities of this sector, especially in the context of climate change. With the La Niña phenomenon expected to bring above-average rainfall, the budget capitalises on this opportunity to boost agricultural productivity. One of the standout initiatives is the introduction of hybrid agricultural index insurance under the Farmers’ Basket programme. This innovative insurance mechanism provides financial protection to smallholder farmers against climate-induced losses, a critical step towards mitigating the adverse impacts of droughts and other extreme weather events. The success of the pilot phase, which paid out US$232 997 to 4 014 farmers following drought-induced losses, highlights its potential to enhance resilience among rural communities. The allocation of resources for irrigation infrastructure, rural development, and extension services further strengthens the agricultural framework. By empowering farmers with modern tools and techniques, the budget aims to achieve food security and position Zimbabwe as a regional agricultural powerhouse. Energy shortages have long been a bottleneck for Zimbabwe’s economic progress. The 2025 budget takes a bold stance to address this issue by prioritising reforms in the energy sector. Recognising the private sector as a key partner, the Government plans to lower restrictions on self-generation and attract private investments in energy infrastructure. This approach is not only pragmatic but essential for ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply. The allocation for energy development, though modest, is strategically focused on expanding domestic power generation. By integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing grid efficiency, Zimbabwe can reduce its reliance on imported electricity and achieve greater energy independence. This will, in turn, unlock productivity across sectors, from manufacturing to mining. Infrastructure investment is a cornerstone of the 2025 budget, reflecting the Government’s commitment to economic modernisation. The budget allocates substantial resources to transport, water, housing, and digital infrastructure. These projects are not just about economic growth; they are about connecting communities, improving accessibility, and creating equitable opportunities. Transport infrastructure, for instance, is set to benefit from targeted road rehabilitation projects. By improving connectivity between urban and rural areas, these initiatives will enhance trade, reduce logistics costs, and boost market access for agricultural and industrial goods. Similarly, investments in water and sanitation infrastructure aim to address critical public health and environmental challenges. Housing development receives a noteworthy allocation, reflecting the government’s dedication to addressing urbanisation and housing shortages. Affordable housing projects, coupled with innovative financing mechanisms, will provide secure living conditions for thousands of families while stimulating the construction sector. In a challenging fiscal environment, the Government has demonstrated commendable discipline in managing public finances. The projected fiscal deficit of 1,4 percent of GDP underscores a commitment to prudent spending and resource optimisation. This is achieved through a combination of measures, including limiting recurrent expenditures, rationalising public sector wages, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms. Debt sustainability remains a critical focus. With external debt standing at U$12,3 billion, the Government is pursuing arrears clearance and restructuring processes to reduce debt servicing costs. These efforts are complemented by cautious borrowing strategies, leveraging concessional loans for infrastructure projects while avoiding unsustainable debt accumulation. One of the most inspiring aspects of the 2025 budget is its emphasis on social equity and empowerment. Programmes targeting women, youth, and marginalised communities are at the forefront, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for all. The expansion of financial inclusion initiatives, such as loans for women and youth entrepreneurs, is a game-changer. By increasing access to credit and business support services, the Government is fostering grassroots entrepreneurship and reducing economic disparities. The data speaks volumes: loans to women as a percentage of total bank loans rose from 4,48 percent in 2023 to 9,86 percent in 2024, a testament to the impact of these initiatives. Additionally, the focus on education and skills development, particularly in science, technology, and innovation, aligns with the Government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy. Investments in human capital development will empower the workforce to adapt to evolving economic demands, driving productivity and competitiveness. Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to climate change necessitates urgent action, and the 2025 budget does not disappoint. Substantial allocations for environmental protection, climate resilience, and renewable energy projects reflect a clear commitment to sustainability. Programmes such as the African Risk Capacity drought insurance policy and reforestation initiatives are forward-thinking measures that address both immediate and long-term challenges. The Government’s emphasis on sustainable mining practices and reducing carbon emissions further aligns with global environmental goals. By integrating climate considerations into economic planning, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a responsible global player. While the 2025 budget sets an impressive agenda, its success hinges on effective implementation and collaboration. Challenges such as external debt management, revenue generation, and corruption must be addressed to ensure that the allocated resources deliver maximum impact. However, these challenges also present opportunities. Public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in financing and executing infrastructure projects. Strengthening institutions and governance frameworks will enhance transparency and accountability, building public trust in the budget process. The 2025 National Budget is a transformative roadmap that balances ambition with realism. It addresses Zimbabwe’s immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and resilience. From agriculture and energy to infrastructure and social empowerment, the budget reflects a holistic approach to development. As citizens and stakeholders, we must support this vision by actively participating in its implementation and holding our leaders accountable. The journey to economic transformation is not without challenges, but with collective effort and determination, Zimbabwe can achieve its goals and secure a prosperous future for all. The festive lights are already on in many places. The colours — red and white — are back, dazzling. The Father of the time is back too in that outfit and with the bell in hand, entertaining the kids with chocolate, sweets and the opportunity for a snap. Over the next few days, the pay [...] Stephen Mpofu Underhand activities by which Harare City Council employees are accused of enriching themselves with Bulawayo public transport operators blamed for malpractices, will no doubt have besmirched Zimbabwe’s good name locally and abroad, causing some who intended to do business with us to re-examine their minds. Harare, as the seat of this country’s government, [...] Jacqueline Ntaka ACADEMIC research is a cornerstone of higher education, driving the creation and enhancement of knowledge within universities and facilitating student learning. To navigate the complexities of academic research, various tools have been developed to simplify and enhance the research process. This article explores some of the best tools available for academic research, covering [...]Dr Charlotte Proudman, who specialises in family law, had faced a Bar Standards Board (BSB) disciplinary tribunal over a 14-part Twitter thread criticising a judge’s ruling over a domestic abuse case, saying it echoed a “boys’ club”. However, the five charges against the 36-year-old were dropped on Thursday. In an interview with The Times, Dr Proudman described the position of Mark Neale, the board’s director-general, as “untenable” and said its chairwoman, Kathryn Stone, should also stand down. “They need a change, not just in those two individuals, though, because, of course, it seeps down to the rest of the organisation,” she said. She told the paper she “genuinely” wanted to work with the Bar Standards Board in helping them to understand how misogyny and sexism have impacted women at the bar. However, she said that “under the current leadership, it’s just not going to be possible”. The charges alleged Dr Proudman had “failed to act with integrity” in posting the tweets, that they amounted to professional misconduct, were “misleading” and “inaccurately reflected the findings of the judge” in the case. The women’s rights campaigner was also accused of behaving in a way “which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public placed in her and in the profession”, and that she “knowingly or recklessly misled or attempted to mislead the public” by making the posts. But panel chairman Nicholas Ainley found her tweets are protected under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right of freedom of expression. He said her tweets did not “gravely damage” the judiciary, which would “put them outside” of Article 10 protection, even if they “might not have been pleasant for any judge to read” or even “hurtful”. “We take the view that the judiciary of England and Wales is far more robust than that,” he said. The panel also concluded that some of the tweets were only inaccurate “to a minor degree” and not to the extent necessary for a charge of a lack of integrity. Speaking after the hearing, Dr Proudman told the PA news agency: “This ruling is a victory for women’s rights and a right to freedom of speech. “The prosecution against me brought by my regulatory body, the Bar Standards Board, should never have happened and I said that from day one. “I criticised a domestic abuse judgment. Everyone should have the right to do that, whether you’re a barrister or not. Our justice system, which I strongly believe in, is robust enough to withstand criticism from me.” She believes her tweets help “foster confidence” in the justice system, adding: “Only that way can we go about building change and a better treatment for all victims, women and children and men who are affected by domestic abuse.” Explaining that the BSB appears to have spent almost £40,000 “of barristers’ money” on instructing counsel in her case, she added: “I think it’s shameful that they’re using our money to pay for, in my view, malicious, vexatious prosecutions which I have no doubt was a personal attack against me as a woman and as a feminist, as an outspoken critic and advocate for women’s rights.” Dr Proudman called for “systemic change” within the board. “They don’t understand gender, they don’t understand diversity, I don’t think they’ve ever heard of the concept misogyny and certainly not institutional misogyny,” she said. “Until they recognise the deeply rooted, entrenched issue of bullying, harassment, sexism at the bar, for which I have suffered relentlessly... and own up to it I don’t think we’re going to see any change and I have no confidence in them.” She told of how male barristers have called her insulting names on social media and made derogatory comments about her. In the posts on April 6 2022, Dr Proudman referenced a case in which her client alleged she had been subjected to coercive and controlling behaviour by her husband, a part-time judge, meaning she had been “unable to freely enter” the couple’s “post-nuptial” financial agreement. Commenting on the ruling by Family Court judge Sir Jonathan Cohen, Dr Proudman wrote: “I represented Amanda Traharne. “She said she was coerced into signing a post-nuptial agreement by her husband (who is a part-time judge). I lost the case. “I do not accept the Judge’s reasoning. I will never accept the minimisation of domestic abuse.” She continued: “Demeaning the significance of domestic abuse has the affect of silencing victims and rendering perpetrators invisible. “This judgement has echoes of (t)he ‘boys club’ which still exists among men in powerful positions.” In the thread, Dr Proudman wrote that the judge had described the relationship of the couple as “tempestuous”, which she argued was a “trivialisation” of domestic abuse. “Tempestuous? Lose his temper? Isn’t this the trivialisation of domestic abuse & gendered language. This is not normal married life,” she wrote.Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges
-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Long-standing criticism of public officials for refusing to step down and pass the torch to a younger generation resurfaced this weekend after it was revealed that 81-year-old Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas., has been residing for months at an assisted living facility and struggling with dementia, despite still holding office. On Friday, conservative news outlet The Dallas Express published a speculative report about the congresswoman’s whereabouts, noting that she had not voted on the floor since last July. Granger’s son later told The Dallas Morning News that his mother has been struggling with “dementia issues” and living at Tradition Senior Living in Fort Worth, Texas. “There’s nothing wrong with someone wanting to live in a community with other folks their age,” the son said. Related Biden is now America's first octegenarian President, here's what that means The lawmaker has served as the U.S. representative for Texas' 12th district since 1997. Last year, she made history as the first woman to chair the Appropriations Committee, though she stepped down in March and announced she would not seek re-election. Granger’s living situation has sparked criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike, reviving a heated conversation about age in American politics that arose this summer after President Joe Biden’s apparent cognitive decline was visible at his June debate with President-elect Donald Trump, eventually leading to his withdrawal from the 2024 race. “Kay Granger’s long absence reveals the problem with a Congress that rewards seniority & relationships more than merit & ideas. We have a sclerotic gerontocracy,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., wrote on X. “We need term limits. We need to get big money out of politics so a new generation of Americans can run and serve.” According to an analysis published by The Conversation, nearly 20% of House and Senate members are over 70 years old, compared to just 6% who are under 40. The average age of a House member is up 10% since 1960, from 52 to 58; in the Senate, the average age is 63, up from 57. While House members must be at least 25 year and Senate members must be at least 30, there is no maximum age limit for either branch of Congress. At 91 years old, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, is the oldest member of Congress and has served almost 45 years. Much of the criticism surrounding aging politicians has come from the right, despite President-elect Donald Trump being the oldest person to ever be elected president. “Congress should do its job, and if you can’t do your job, maybe you shouldn’t be there,” Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said in an interview on CBS. “I’m more concerned about the congressmen who have dementia and are still voting,” Rep. Thomas Massie , R-Ky., wrote on X. A number of top party members have struggled with the ailments of old age in the last year, publicly displaying the lack of transparency when it comes to the health and well being of aging Congress members. In February , 82-year-old Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced he would step down after freezing mid-sentence in a public speech. More recently, 84-year-old former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi fell earlier this month at an event in Luxembourg, which eventually led to hip replacement surgery — at the same time she was organizing to stop the 35-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., from serving as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. “The public is entitled to far greater transparency about the health of the elected officials who represent them,” Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., told Politico. “The incapacitation of an elected official is a material fact that should be disclosed to the public, rather than concealed by staff. Transparency, not cover-ups, should be the norm.” Despite the widespread criticism, few serious solutions have been proposed to tackle the country's gerontocracy. In June, North Dakota set an age limit that prevents anyone from running for Congress if they will be over the age of 81 during their term, but it will likely be challenged in court. In 2025, Congress will include 10 senators and 24 House members over 77.5 years, which is the average American life expectancy, Politico reported . Read more about aging in power Mitch McConnell to step down as Senate GOP leader "He struggled": Author who repeatedly interviewed Trump recalls his memory lapses Jon Stewart: Incoherent Trump is "before our eyes becoming Biden" By Marin Scotten Marin Scotten is a news and politics fellow at Salon. 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Angara: Marcos to remedy huge DepEd budget cutThe former Coronation Street star had two stints on the show, finishing seventh in 2012 before taking part in a special South Africa all-stars spin-off 11 years later. Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, is the latest in a series of Corrie actors and actresses to appear on the ITV show, and Helen is backing her former co-star to thrive. “Alan is someone I've known since I was really little, and will be great in the jungle,” she said in an interview associated with WhichBingo . “When you're in Coronation Street; there’s such a social aspect of being part of the show and you meet people from all walks of life. Helen when she starred in I'm a Celebrity... South Africa (Image: ITV) “You hang around for such a long time with people of different ages and different backgrounds, so it really puts you in good stead for appearing on a show like I’m A Celeb. “I definitely think it’s done that for me in my life. So, Alan will be great socially, and he's got a lot about him as a person too. “He knows it's hard. He will definitely be able to do the trials and is a very grounded person as well. He'll be a team player and will smash it.” Flanagan will also be keeping a close eye on Tulisa Contostavlos, revealing her affection for the N-Dubz singer. Alan Halsall in I'm a Celeb (Image: ITV) She said: “I love Tulisa. I have seen lots of her social media stuff; I know her, and she's a really lovely girl. “I think she will do fab in it and is genuinely a nice person as well.” Appearing on I’m A Celeb can be a punishing ordeal, and the 34-year-old admits to being “absolutely horrendous” on the first show. However, we saw a completely different version of the former Corrie star in South Africa, showing her resilience to take on the famous Bushtucker Trials in a much calmer and controlled manner compared to 11 years previously. “I really love the jungle now,” she continued. “I remember when I first did it at 22, and I was absolutely horrendous. I'd get memes sent through by all my family and friends of some embarrassing pictures of me. “But I then went back to do the South Africa show almost two years ago, and I smashed the trials. I felt like I had made my peace with it.” Tulisa in I'm a Celebrity (Image: ITV) Helen’s most recent reality TV experience came on Channel 4’s dating show Celebs Go Dating where she caused a stir by revealing she already had a boyfriend whilst appearing on the programme. He was confirmed to be Robbie Talbot from Liverpool – who she brought onto the show - and the reality TV star has warmly reflected on her experiences. She said: “I loved it and have some great memories of the show, as I was myself. When you do reality shows, you have to be yourself. “I think it can be a little bit difficult as well, because it's so different doing reality TV shows compared to acting. Helen when she appeared on Celebs Go Dating (Image: Channel 4/E4) “You're hiding behind a character as an actress. Whereas, when you do reality TV, you are being yourself. So sometimes, it can be challenging because you're putting yourself out there for the public to comment on you as a person. “But I genuinely loved it and it was nice to bring my boyfriend on the show. One of the reasons why I wanted to do that, was to show that it's a healthy relationship. “I've previously sat watching Celebs Go Dating the year before as a single mum with three children and I thought to myself, 'Am I going to have a healthy relationship?'. I didn't think I'd have a boyfriend for a really long time. “For me, it was nice to show all the single mums that you can have a really nice relationship; you’ve got to be true to yourself if you do a reality show.” Helen admits she is now yearning for a return to acting and highlighted the importance of sharing her personal journey on social media to portray an accurate representation of herself to the world. Helen is backing her Corrie co-star (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) “I'd love to do more acting, as I really do miss it. But I have to work things around my children as well,” she explained. “I love working on social media too and have been working on it properly for about seven years now. It's something that I do really enjoy, and it’s empowering to have your own voice. “You have your own kind of sense of control when you have your social media, but I sometimes have a love-hate relationship with it. “Sometimes I feel it's not good for us to constantly be on our phones all the time and I worry for the younger generation in the sense that social media makes us constantly compare ourselves to others. “It can be bad for your mental health . I hope that this will improve for both children and adults in the future.”
Vikings, Eagles win and move nearer to clinching playoff spotsFor all their moral superiority, it turns out Democrats are every bit as willing to sacrifice democracy to their personal interests as are Republicans. President Joe Biden stood on high ground for the past year as his son, Hunter, moved his way through the courts on felony gun and tax-evasion charges. Asked repeatedly whether he’d pardon his son to spare him from prison, the president was adamant. He wouldn’t do it, he pledged. His allegiance was to the rule of law, he said, and the idea that no one is above it. He respected the legal process and would let the courts do their jobs, he vowed. But as the hour approached for Hunter to be sentenced and packed off to a prison cell, Biden changed his tune. Hunter is a victim of politics, he declared, prosecuted at the behest of the president’s political enemies. Hunter is a good guy, he claimed, who did bad things because of his past addiction to drugs. And so, Biden did what he promised not to do and signed a sweeping pardon sparing Hunter the legal consequences of his crimes. In putting his name on his son’s pardon, Biden laid waste to the foundational principle of our democracy that all Americans are equal under the law. Try to get the mother of a son rotting in prison because his love of crack led him astray to believe the justice her boy received was equal to that meted out to Hunter. The president’s son is now free to resume partying without paying off any of his debt to society. The pardon is the final smackdown to Democrats’ puffed-up claim to be all that stands between democracy and tyranny. That’s never been true, and certainly wasn’t in 2024, a year in which the Democratic Party abandoned democracy wholesale in its quest to hold onto power. Ironically, Biden was one of the main victims. Having won the primary votes necessary to claim the party’s nomination, the president was ousted from his reelection race in an intra-party coup orchestrated by the Democratic elite. The party politburo then abandoned the democratic nominating process and bestowed its nomination on Vice President Kamala Harris, who didn’t win a single primary vote. When it comes to assaults on democracy, however, that usurping of the electoral process pales in comparison with what Democrats did to the centrist No Labels movement. In a year in which a majority of Americans were unhappy with the major-party ballot choices, No Labels sought to offer a third choice selected from the political middle. Democrats declared war. Documents recently unsealed in a No Labels lawsuit against Democratic operatives reveal the length to which the party went to deny voters that option. Allegations raised in the lawsuit accuse party strategists of deploying an all-fronts offensive to intimidate both donors and potential candidates. They launched a false website that presented itself as the official No Labels site, espousing all sorts of extreme positions. Democrats also attempted to use the courts to block ballot access for No Labels and other third-party campaigns, including those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Black activist Cornel West. Democrats will fight hard for your right to vote, as long as you vote for them. So spare us the smug Democratic claim to being the defenders of democracy. It’s a lie. But this is true: There are no righteous political parties. Finley writes for The Detroit News: detroitnews.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!