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Thousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has transported an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to a U.S. official, who says Travis Timmerman was flown out on a U.S. military helicopter. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Yankees to get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.

Argan, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.375 Per Common ShareNEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi . But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi . Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on the social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. Associated Press writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report.Hewlett Packard Enterprise Reports Fiscal 2024 Fourth Quarter ResultsNovato has repealed a rule that allowed the use of camping gear on public property at night, igniting a new controversy over the city’s approach to homelessness. The City Council voted unanimously on the action Tuesday amid public opposition to the move. The council called a special meeting to revise municipal code. “To me it feels like you’re just dismissing people,” Sara McEvoy, who used to be homeless, told the council. “You don’t care what happens to them, you don’t care where they go. They are basically nonexistent to you and you’ve written them off.” The council’s action involved an ordinance that prohibits camping or camping paraphernalia on public property. The ordinance granted an exception when no shelter beds are available and the camping is involuntary. The exception applied between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. The council amended the ordinance to cancel the exception. It also adopted an urgency ordinance that made the change effective immediately. Many residents at the council meeting spoke out against the repeal, stating it will harm those needing camping gear to survive cold nights. The critics urged a more humane approach. “What happened to democracy and listening to your constituents?” said Jen Mallow, a Novato resident. “If you ban camping, you’re not solving any problem, you’re just shoving it to not in your backyard, putting more pressure on other cities and the county at large.” “These are our people and we have an obligation to take care of them,” Mallow said. “They went to high school, grew up here.” Mallow urged the council to find a sanctioned camping area before moving forward with the ordinance. “These people have a right to care, to dignity,” Mallow said. “It’s the middle of winter, it’s two weeks before Christmas, and you’re talking about banning them as a populace. These are people. It’s not a problem; it’s people.” The City Council did not ask questions regarding the ordinance at the meeting, and there was no discussion by council members before they voted. Asked for a comment on the vote later, the members of the council were either unresponsive or declined to comment. Mallow, a representative of the California Homeless Union, said the city’s action will specifically impact about 40 unhoused people at Hamilton Marsh. Mike Little, a Novato resident, said the action “seems like a targeted attack.” “I don’t think you guys actually care about the camping supplies,” Little said. “I think you care about the homeless people and the disabled homeless people there. It’s a targeted attack and I am going to start a line of homeless gear that is not intended for camping.” The action will not affect the camp at Lee Gerner Park. The city is under a court order not to close the camp while a judge reaches a decision in a pending lawsuit by the California Homeless Union. Campers represented by the union sued the city in 2021 after it adopted camping restrictions. The parties reached a settlement, but in early November the union filed a motion for enforcement of the agreement, according to the organization’s lead lawyer, Anthony Prince. Prince said the city has not fulfilled its settlement requirements. “The Novato City Council has acted in a completely irresponsible and undemocratic way in which they passed this measure,” Prince said. “The public needs to know this isn’t just about the homeless, this is about if Novato is a democratic city.” Prince said the city failed to consult its Housing and Homelessness Committee and the union about the ordinance repeal, which is one of the settlement requirements. Jason Sarris, the committee chair, said the city has suppressed the committee by canceling its meetings, citing staff shortages and the holidays. “Based on the content of all the agendas, which included a discussion of the proposed camping ordinance changes, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the city manager, and by extension city staff, have no intention of letting the Housing and Homeless Committee to weigh in and advise the City Council on homeless policy,” Sarris said. Prince said canceling the committee’s meetings effectively limits public input, a constraint that was compounded by the City Council scheduling its special meeting on a day’s notice and not livestreaming it. “We intend to make a national issue of what’s happened here in Novato,” Prince said. The city, citing pending litigation, declined to comment on why the repeal was considered at a special meeting, whether the Housing and Homelessness Committee was consulted and why the revision to the municipal code was considered an “urgency ordinance.” In a statement on behalf of city staff and the council, spokesperson Sherin Olivero said the ordinance change is similar to ones approved or being considered in other jurisdictions. Olivero also noted the city’s recent partnership with Specialized Assistance For Everyone, a mobile crisis response team of social workers, which offers support for people experiencing mental health emergencies, substance abuse or homelessness. Prince said he is investigating whether the city violated the Brown Act, the state law on open meetings and government transparency. He said the measure had no urgency and lacked supportive documentation and public input. Prince said a driving factor behind the city’s move is a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June involving homelessness policy in Grants Pass, Oregon. The 6-3 decision allowed cities to enforce prohibitions on homeless people sleeping on public property even when shelter beds are not available. “The City Council enacted a measure that is going to increase the risk of harm to hundreds, if not thousands, of its residents by making it criminally punishable to sleep in the city of Novato and to be in possession of items which they call camping paraphernalia but are actually survival items, in the city of Novato,” Prince said. Robbie Powelson, an advocate for homeless people, filed a lawsuit against Novato on Tuesday claiming the city violated the Brown Act and the ordinance did not constitute an urgent matter.

Townsville Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News. The month of May began with headlines focused on then Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson and ended with him as he continued to cling to his job despite widespread disdain for the alleged lies about his background during local-government elections. Despite the stain on Townsville’s reputation, a tenacious Thompson’s tenuous grasp on power held by the end of the month, even after then Premiere Steven Miles and the 10 sitting councillors called on him to do the right thing and resign following a calamitous media interview. While the Thompson train wreck provided an unwelcome political sideshow, a number of other pressing issues also made headlines. May 2 Townsville DV Toll at Crisis Point Police on the front-line of Townsville’s domestic violence crisis are facing unprecedented challenges , responding to as many as 50 call-outs a day and they anticipate these numbers will only surge. The Townsville Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit say police respond to between 35-50 DV-related call outs every day and anticipate those numbers to rise. Senior Sergeant Adam Golding, Sergeant Elise Feltham and Townsville District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Tom Armitt, launch Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Picture: Shae Beplate. Third time unlucky ... again Mayor Troy Thompson attempted three motions to gain up to three political advisers, which were denied each time because not enough councillors supported the decision. Councillors also identified their preferred option to act as a chief executive officer known as ‘Candidate Z’ after almost two hours in confidential business. May 3 Thugs steal car from wheelchair-bound mum A woman left wheelchair-bound after being struck by a stolen car has been dealt another devastating blow after her modified vehicle was recently stolen by shameless thieves who openly mocked her . Light in the darkness A young Townsville advocate has opened up about her own experiences with sexual assault as she uses her platform to boost awareness and support for survivors to create discussion on how Australians can create safer spaces. Evie Clayton is an advocate for sexual assault and domestic and family violence survivors. Picture: Shae Beplate. May 4 Bonza demise plane awful North-West Queensland community leaders have been left gutted by the collapse of Bonza airline, with residents now forced to fork out up to 10 times more for flights to see family, friends and for specialist medical appointments. May 8 Green light for mine A $300m phosphate mine in the North West has received a green light, with 445 jobs created as part of the project. The state government has granted mining leases to the Paradise South phosphate mine, about 130km northwest of Mount Isa near the Lady Loretta zinc mine, with plans in place for company North West Phosphate to use local services as part of the project. The Burdekin Rum team at ARDO Rooftop: Kelly Shimota, Tim Lamb, Raelene Bates, Warren Tink, Adrian Hogan, Jason Chan, Olivia McCormick, Prue Yeung, Vicki Johnson and Anthony and Sophie Duggan. Picture: Doug Simpson Media NQ distillery in spirited win A North Queensland distillery is continuing to collect accolades for its range of rums. Burdekin Rum’s Premium Aged Rum has won Best of Category for its bottled and blended pot Still Rum and Best of Class f or its bottled and blended Cane Spirit at the American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition 2024. May 11 Danger to our kids Social media has been labelled a public health risk with children and young people exposed to damaging images and content they don’t have the developmental maturity to cope with. Acting Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Catherine McDougall told the Townsville Bulletin’s Future Townsville event that social media access for children was causing distress for young people, with it leading to a rise in hospital admissions. Insulted MPs in fight for Bruce North Queensland MPs are “insulted and infuriated” after the Labor government promised $467m for Bruce Highway works in marginal electorates, with one saying a “big picture plan” is needed. LNP MPs Phillip Thompson and Andrew Willcox have come out swinging after the pre-budget announcement, which will fund works in the Far North and South East. May 14 Department of Environment, Science and Innovation Wildlife Officers remove a saltwater crocodile, also known as an estuarine crocodile, measuring at least four metres in length at Port Hinchinbrook in Cardwell. Picture: Cameron Bates Rogue croc caught at Port Hinchinbrook A monster saltwater crocodile believed to be responsible for an attack on a human and death of at least one pet dog has been captured in spectacular fashion at a North Queensland marina. The saltie, also known as an estuarine crocodile, measuring at least four metres in length was caught in a large metal trap placed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation at Port Hinchinbrook in Cardwell Waterfront, housing top budget list An upgraded waterfront with the Great Barrier Reef education precinct, a fair chunk of Bruce Highway funding, housing investment and workforce shortage assistance are leading the ticket of North Queensland budget priorities as the nation is poised to hear what projects will get the green light or further funding. Townsville Enterprise has released its priorities for the budget , which includes $100m worth of investment into the GBR education precinct, which would include a new aquarium. May 15 Townsville Bulletin front page, May 15, 2024. Picture: Supplied We deserve better North Queensland’s leaders have come out swinging after last night’s Federal Budget ‘snubbed’ the region, including t he absence of any mone y to rebuild Townsville’s Reef HQ aquarium. Crime far from kid’s play A young Mackay family who moved to Townsville to seek medical treatment for their darling baby girl has received a harrowing introduction to the scourge of local youth crime. Ashleigh Connell, a married mum with 21⁄2-year-old twins Noah and Gracie, said she was prepping breakfast when she noticed “an internal door to the garage was open”. “As I walked outside and notice the side gate open I peered around the corner and my heart fell to the floor,” she said. “My driveway was empty and my new car was gone.” May 16 Robert Malayta, 18, drowned in the Ross River trying to flee police. Teen’s haunting last words as he vanished “Big bro, help” were the last words spoken by a First Nations teenager before he perished in a treacherous river while fleeing from police after reluctantly going for a joy-ride in a stolen car, a pre-inquest into his death has heard . The body of Robert “Robbie” Malayta, 18, was discovered a day later on February 25, 2022, in the Ross River at the Riverway Precinct in Kirwan, Townsville. May 21 Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter and KAP Mundingurra candidate Michael Pugh at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Picture: Evan Morgan MP demands answers as crime cripples As serious youth crime continues to plague Townsville, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has demanded the Miles Government to provide an urgent update on the progress of its intensive on-country program. Dametto’s call for action comes in the wake of a Townsville boy facing nearly 50 charges related to a series of alleged vehicle, property, and violence offences committed during a three-week rampage. He says it’s already been two months since expressions of interest for the program wrapped up but the public are still waiting for answers. May 23 State’s hotspot of crime Townsville has become the epicentre in the Queensland Police Service’s battle against youth crime, with Taskforce Guardian working overtime to clean up the city’s streets. Since its inception 12 months ago, Taskforce Guardian has launched 13 deployments across the city, surpassing all other police districts across the state . Their efforts within Townsville’s district have resulted in 286 arrests, 871 charges and 129 diversions away from the court system into anti-crime programs. Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson seated next to Councillor Brodie Phillips. Picture: Evan Morgan Mayor not in the SAS Townsville’s mayor has produced his military service number to “put an end” to speculation , however the full contents of his record reveal he did not spend five years in the army or the SAS as he told voters. May 27 Dogs of war Soldiers from across the globe have descended on North Queensland for this year’s Brolga Run Exercise. Troops from Japan, PNG and the US are mucking in together with the locals in pursuit of perfection, but no bond is stronger than the one between our sappers and their canine companions . Australian Army soldier Sapper Flynn Skerke-Irwin and Explosive Detection Dog Ethan from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment during Exercise Brolga Run 2024 in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. May 30 Twist in murder case A Townsville massage parlour owner allegedly killed his wife’s lover in a frenzied stabbing attack when he found out about their affair. Lar Sue, 31, has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his wife’s lover above a Thai restaurant on Monday. Sue allegedly confronted his wife and the other man in a Kirwan unit and stabbed him multiple times. May 31 Townsville Bulletin front page, May 31, 2024. Picture: Supplied What a crock Townsville’s embattled mayor is facing fresh allegations of deception, conceding he misled voters about his education, business nous and military career and blaming “100 plus” concussions for his poor memory. Troy Thompson has also apologised to veterans for embellishing his military service in an explosive national television interview in which he disputed lying about his career, saying he “firmly believed” he had given the right information. More Coverage Powders, bars, and banjoes: Our biggest February headlines Cyclones, crime and controversy: Our biggest January headlines Originally published as Townsville Bulletin newspaper headlines for month of May, 2024 Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories News Get job ready: Business offers 17 free training opportunities Staying true to a promise to his grandmother, a Townsville businessman is offering free training to 17 school leavers, unemployed, or under-employed people. Find out more. Read more Townsville ‘We’re always here, always ready’: Christmas Day on the job Essential workers across Townsville spent Christmas Day at work, but they still had plenty of festive spirit. Read about their Christmas. Read more