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Koh Chang: More than 100 budget and luxury hotels apply to join "stay one night get one free scheme"
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Waiting for Tears.
As the Trump haters leave the US, America wins, but their destinations lose. -
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AOC Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene’s New Role in DOGE Commission as ‘Actually Hilarious’
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a prominent figure in MAGA circles, is set to head a new House Oversight Committee Subcommittee that will coordinate with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s so-called DOGE commission. The commission, officially named the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aims to address government spending by proposing significant budget cuts. Despite the weighty mission, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) found humor in Greene’s appointment. “This is good, actually,” Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive icon, remarked on Twitter Thursday. “She barely shows up and doesn’t do the reading.” In her trademark style, AOC likened assigning Greene this role to giving “someone an unplugged controller,” implying Greene’s involvement might be more symbolic than substantive. The DOGE commission was announced earlier this month by President-elect Donald Trump, who tapped Musk and Ramaswamy to lead the effort. The two entrepreneurial heavyweights are tasked with delivering recommendations for slashing federal spending, with Musk floating the possibility of cuts as deep as $2 trillion. While the commission itself lacks the formal authority of a government department, its proposals could shape the fiscal priorities of the upcoming administration. Ocasio-Cortez didn’t hold back in her critique of the collaboration between Musk, Ramaswamy, and Greene. “Absolutely dying at those two now getting assigned the ‘privilege’ of ‘working’ with MTG,” she tweeted. “That is actually hilarious. Enjoy, fellas!” The progressive congresswoman’s pointed comments reflect ongoing tensions between the two political camps. Greene, often a lightning rod for controversy, remains a favorite among Trump loyalists, while Ocasio-Cortez has consistently positioned herself as a vocal opponent of MAGA policies. Their exchanges, often marked by biting humor and sharp criticisms, have become a staple of contemporary political discourse. As the DOGE commission takes shape, Greene’s role and its potential impact on government spending remain to be seen. For now, however, Ocasio-Cortez appears content to sit back and watch the drama unfold, making it clear she doesn’t see Greene’s appointment as a serious threat. Based on a report by Daily Daily Beast 2024-11-23 -
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The Decline of Free Speech: How the UK Became a Third-Class Nation
A global index assessing freedom of expression has placed the UK shockingly low, ranking it in the third tier below nations like Chile, Jamaica, and most Western European countries. This assessment, conducted by the advocacy group Index on Censorship, attributes the UK's decline to a “chilling effect” caused by government policies, policing practices, and the intimidation of journalists. As a parliamentarian, I find this deeply troubling and humiliating. It compels us to ask: how did we get here, and what can be done to reverse this trend? One concerning factor is the police’s overzealous recording of non-crime hate incidents. These are not criminal acts and have no legislative requirement but are actions deemed to cause discomfort. Cases include interrogations over tweeting feminist lyrics or refusing entry to a guide dog in a shop. Such incidents underscore a drift toward policing thought rather than crime, a scenario Orwell himself might have satirized had he been alive. The erosion of free speech is also evident in universities, traditionally bastions of intellectual debate. Kathleen Stock, a professor at Sussex University, faced relentless harassment and was forced to resign for asserting a biological reality: that men cannot become women and vice versa. In another instance, the lack of action against extremists who threatened a teacher at Batley Grammar School for showing a depiction of the Prophet Mohammed starkly contrasts the attention given to trivial non-crime incidents. Threatening someone’s life is undeniably unlawful; producing images, regardless of their controversial nature, is not. Equally alarming is the intimidation faced by journalists and public figures. Former Labour MP Ian Austin, now Lord Austin, was interrogated by police for referring to Hamas as “Islamists,” despite the group being a proscribed organization advocating genocidal aims. Such actions raise questions about whether free speech is being stifled under the guise of protecting sensibilities. As MPs, our right to speak freely in Parliament is protected by the 1689 Bill of Rights, but the press and public enjoy no such guarantees. The role of the press as the Fourth Estate is indispensable in holding power to account. The exposure of the MPs’ expenses scandal by *The Telegraph* is a prime example of this. Although the scandal was a painful chapter for Parliament, it led to improved accountability. The intrusion into the home of *Telegraph* journalist Allison Pearson on Remembrance Sunday highlights how press freedoms are under siege. This incident, reminiscent of authoritarian practices, prompted me to raise the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions. Public reaction suggests widespread agreement that police resources are better spent tackling real crimes like shoplifting and burglary, which currently have abysmal resolution rates. Criticism of the government for failing to enforce the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act and the Left's tendency toward moral authoritarianism further complicate the issue. Free speech and press freedom should transcend political lines, serving as tools for justice and democracy, particularly for the disenfranchised. Constituents often approach me for advice on engaging the media to amplify their struggles, underscoring the press's critical role in bridging the gap between citizens and the state. As Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, aptly stated, “The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” These words serve as a timeless reminder of the value of free speech and press freedom, ideals we must strive to uphold for the sake of our democracy. Graham Stringer is the Labour MP for Blackley and Middleton South Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-23 -
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Pam Bondi Tapped to Lead Justice Department After Gaetz Withdrawal
Following Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from consideration, Pam Bondi has emerged as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Justice. Known for her staunch loyalty and long-standing support of Trump, Bondi is seen as an ideal choice to further his vision of a government shaped by unwavering allies. Bondi’s unwavering endorsement of these falsehoods persisted, even as court rulings repeatedly debunked the claims. Her role in amplifying these narratives has solidified her as one of Trump’s most loyal advocates. Now, as she prepares to take the reins at the Department of Justice, Bondi is poised to wield significant influence as the nation’s top law enforcement official. Her appointment signals Trump’s continued strategy of surrounding himself with allies deeply committed to his agenda, ensuring minimal resistance as he seeks to reshape the government according to his vision. Bondi's confirmation will undoubtedly provoke debate, given her controversial history and close ties to Trump. However, her legal credentials and steadfast loyalty make her a fitting addition to the president-elect’s inner circle, solidifying her place as a key figure in the administration's next chapter. Based on a report by Sky News 2024-11-23 -
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Climate Talks in Turmoil Over Fossil Fuel Debate and Financial Commitments
A fierce dispute has erupted at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, as negotiators from nearly 200 countries grapple with contentious issues surrounding fossil fuels and financial aid for climate action. Leading nations, including the UK, the European Union, New Zealand, and Ireland, have denounced a draft agreement as a step backward from previous commitments to phase out planet-warming fossil fuels. "Standing still is retreat, and the world will rightly judge us very harshly if this is the outcome," said UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband. Echoing this sentiment, the EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, described the proposal as "unbalanced, unworkable, and unsubtle." Tensions are also high among developing nations, who expressed frustration over the absence of a concrete financial framework to support their climate efforts. They argue that wealthy countries are reneging on promises made in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which pledged financial aid to help poorer nations transition away from fossil fuels and prepare for climate impacts. "This is not even a joke. This is an offense to the demands of the global south," said Bolivia's lead negotiator, Diego Pacheco. He criticized the lack of clear financial commitments, stating, "This is a finance COP and needs political will to provide finance, and anything less is a betrayal to [...] the Paris Agreement and to millions of people around the world." The G77+China group, representing developing nations, has called for $1.3 trillion in annual funding by 2030, drawn from both public and private sources. However, no official figure has been presented, and negotiators like Evans Njewa, chair for the Least Developed Countries Group, remain skeptical. "I have heard figures in the corridors, but nothing official," he said, noting concerns about the balance between grants and loans to avoid exacerbating existing debt. The fossil fuel debate has further polarized the talks. At COP28 in Dubai last year, countries agreed to "transition away from fossil fuels," a landmark decision hailed as a significant step forward. However, current proposals appear to dilute this language. Samoan Minister Cedric Schuster, speaking on behalf of small island nations at the forefront of climate impacts, warned, "We cannot afford to undermine the progress achieved less than a year ago in Dubai." US Climate Envoy John Podesta also expressed disappointment. "We are surprised that there is nothing that carries forward...what we agreed last year in Dubai," he said, adding that failure to act decisively would let down "the millions of people already feeling the effects of extreme weather." Diplomatic frustrations have also been directed at COP29’s hosts, Azerbaijan. Critics claim the draft agreement reflects the priorities of oil-rich nations, including Saudi Arabia and the Like-Minded Developing Countries group, which includes China, India, and Bolivia. Ireland’s Environment Minister Eamon Ryan remarked that the current proposal treats the Dubai agreement as optional. "We all know that there has been backsliding...and that has to stop in the interest of the Arab group too," he said. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "Failure is not an option." As negotiations continue, the stakes remain high, with world leaders under pressure to bridge the gap between ambition and action, ensuring both robust mitigation measures and financial support for those most vulnerable to the climate crisis. Based on a report by BBC 2024-11-23 -
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Deadly Forecast: How Climate Change Could Claim 30 Million Lives by 2100
A chilling new study from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry has quantified the devastating human toll of climate change, projecting that 30 million people could die by the end of the century due to air pollution and extreme temperatures. Using advanced numerical simulations, researchers assessed the mortality impacts of these interconnected threats, painting a stark picture of a future where the consequences of inaction could become insurmountable. "In 2000, around 1.6 million people died each year due to extreme temperatures, both cold and heat," explained Dr. Andrea Pozzer, the study’s lead researcher. "By the end of the century, in the most probable scenario, this figure climbs to 10.8 million, roughly a seven-fold increase." Air pollution, another deadly byproduct of climate change, also presents a grim trajectory. "In 2000, annual deaths from air pollution were about 4.1 million," Dr. Pozzer added. "By the century's close, this number rises to 19.5 million, a five-fold increase." These findings arrive in the wake of a United Nations report warning that the planet is on track for a catastrophic 3.1°C of warming by the century's end unless urgent action is taken. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute analyzed data spanning from 2000 to 2090 in 10-year intervals, revealing that the global death toll will vary significantly by region. South and East Asia are expected to bear the brunt of these mortality rates, driven by aging populations and the persistent impact of air pollution. However, high-income regions, including Western Europe, North America, and Australasia, face a different risk profile. In these areas, deaths linked to extreme temperatures are predicted to surpass those caused by air pollution, a shift already visible in countries like the United States, England, France, Japan, and New Zealand. This trend is also expected to extend to Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Poland and Romania, as well as parts of South America, including Argentina and Chile. By 2100, extreme temperatures are projected to pose a greater health risk than air pollution for a fifth of the global population. "Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a direct threat to public health," emphasized Dr. Pozzer. His sentiment was echoed by Jean Sciare, director of the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center at The Cyprus Institute, who warned, "These findings highlight the critical importance of implementing decisive mitigation measures now to prevent future loss of life." The UN's recent emissions report further underscores the urgency of the situation. According to the report, the world is teetering on a dangerous precipice, with temperature increases of 2.6°C to 3.1°C likely if nations fail to fulfill their climate action promises. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres painted a stark picture of humanity’s precarious position, stating, "The world is teetering on a planetary tightrope. Either leaders bridge the emissions gap, or we plunge headlong into climate disaster – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most." The sobering message from scientists and policymakers alike is clear: without swift and comprehensive action, the toll of climate change on human lives will only continue to grow, demanding an unprecedented global mobilization to avert catastrophe. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-11-23 -
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Trump's Storm Looms Over the ICC
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is bracing for turbulence with Donald Trump’s return to power soon. The former president’s allies have already launched an aggressive counterattack following the ICC’s announcement of arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials over the Gaza conflict. The fiery rhetoric and pointed threats suggest Trump’s administration will adopt a combative stance against the global tribunal. “The ICC has no credibility, and these allegations have been refuted by the U.S. government,” declared Representative Mike Waltz, Trump’s incoming national security adviser, on X (formerly Twitter). Waltz defended Israel’s actions, stating, “Israel has lawfully defended its people & borders from genocidal terrorists. You can expect a strong response to the antisemitic bias of the ICC & UN come January.” "The ICC’s arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant is outrageous, unlawful, and dangerous. Leader Schumer should bring a bill to the floor sanctioning the ICC. If he chooses not to act, the new Senate Republican majority next year will." One immediate consequence could be the end of U.S. cooperation with the ICC on investigations into Russian war crimes in Ukraine. This sentiment was voiced by Senator Jim Risch, the incoming chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “While I supported the work the ICC was doing to prosecute Putin for his war crimes in Ukraine, I can no longer support an organization that has blatantly chosen to disregard its mandate,” Risch stated. Risch has also championed legislation aimed at sanctioning ICC officials, a move that has sparked significant discord within Congress. The proposed sanctions bill is a priority for Republicans and could further inflame tensions between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. A Republican Senate aide, speaking anonymously, remarked, “His bill will absolutely be a priority next Congress if Biden or Schumer don’t act sooner.” The implications of the ICC’s actions extend beyond U.S. domestic politics. European allies are now in a precarious position, caught between adhering to international law and maintaining relations with Washington. The arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant mean they could face detention in any of the 120 countries that are ICC members. This includes key U.S. allies such as the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands, where the ICC is based. The Dutch government has already stated it would comply with the court’s ruling. Such developments threaten to exacerbate already fraught relations between the U.S. and Europe under a Trump presidency. With both Washington and its allies grappling with the fallout of the ICC’s decision, the stage is set for a contentious chapter in international diplomacy. For the ICC, a storm is undoubtedly on the horizon. Based on a report by Politico 2024-11-23 -
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Biden Administration Implements Looser Immigration Policies Ahead of Transition to Trump
The Biden administration has quietly begun implementing a series of policy changes that loosen restrictions on migrants entering the U.S. illegally, aiming to preempt President-elect Donald Trump’s promised immigration crackdowns. According to Homeland Security sources, these last-minute changes could significantly alter how migrants are monitored and processed, particularly in New York City, which has become a focal point of the migration crisis. One of the central initiatives involves launching an ICE Portal app in New York City by early December. This app will allow migrants to bypass in-person check-ins at local ICE offices. Homeland Security sources have expressed concerns about the app’s reliability, noting its vulnerability to glitches and its inability to check for prior arrests or outstanding warrants—functions currently tied to the in-person system. In the program’s first phase, up to 100,000 migrants are expected to be enrolled, raising fears that it could facilitate the evasion of immigration authorities. The new app has faced significant issues during pilot testing in other cities, according to sources. For instance, it has failed to work on Android devices and does not consistently collect GPS data when used on laptops. When functioning on smartphones, the app only tracks the user’s location for seven days, limiting ICE's ability to maintain oversight. By contrast, the current system requires migrants to provide proof of address and continuously monitors for arrest records, ensuring ICE can respond swiftly to non-compliance or criminal activity. In New York City, where the app will debut, ICE is already overwhelmed. Official documents reveal that as of early last year, the city’s ICE office was fully booked for appointments through October 2032. Meanwhile, over 223,000 migrants have arrived in the city since the crisis began, with 58,000 still housed in taxpayer-funded shelters. Former acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan criticized the administration’s actions, labeling them an “obstructionist transition.” He argued, “What they’re trying to do in the last final day, they’re going to try to put up as many roadblocks and obstacles and throw as many grenades as they can on their way out.” He also warned that any attempt by Trump to reverse these policies could face significant delays due to legal challenges, a tactic that was successfully employed to stall Trump’s immigration measures during his first term. Other policy changes include allowing migrants to contest electronic monitoring through the ICE “Alternatives to Detention” program. These proposed regulations would give migrants the right to request reviews of their monitoring status, potentially leading to downgrades or termination of tracking entirely. Critics argue that such changes could create administrative burdens for ICE officers, who may opt to terminate cases rather than navigate the appeals process. One Homeland Security source explained, “It gives the alien the ability to get off the program entirely,” adding that the new rules would likely overwhelm ICE with paperwork, leading to decreased enforcement. These developments come amid broader concerns about the impact of loosening migrant monitoring. One source emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust tracking system: “We need that information that if these people don’t go to court, they have absconded, they have a final order of removal. We need that data … to go start looking for people.” Despite the growing criticism, the Biden administration appears committed to pushing through these changes before the January transition. However, the implications of these policies are likely to be felt long after the outgoing administration departs, setting the stage for legal and procedural battles as the new administration attempts to assert control over the nation’s immigration system. ICE has yet to comment on these developments. Based on a report by NYP 2024-11-23
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