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Kremlin denies reports Asma al-Assad is seeking divorce and a return to London | Asma al-Assad

The Kremlin has denied Turkish media experiences suggesting that Asma al-Assad, the British-born spouse of the ousted Syrian chief, Bashar al-Assad, is looking for a divorce and hoping to return to London.

Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow earlier this month, the transponder of his plane switched off as he left to keep away from detection, after a lightning insurgent advance introduced an finish to his household’s 50-year rule.

In a press release attributed to Bashar al-Assad on Telegram, he later insisted his departure from Syria had not been deliberate however that he had been pressured to depart after his place at a Russian-controlled airbase got here “beneath intensified assault by drone strikes”.

His household has lengthy had ties to Moscow, with kin shopping for up tens of hundreds of thousands of {dollars}’ value of properties in Russia through the years.

On Monday, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, additionally rejected Turkish media experiences suggesting Assad had been confined to Moscow along with his property belongings frozen. “No, they don’t correspond to actuality,” Peskov advised a convention name.

Russian state media have but to launch any images of Assad contained in the nation, hinting that Moscow is keen to maintain him out of the headlines because it seeks to forge ties with Syria’s new management.

Whereas the Assads’ standing as world pariahs had left them with restricted journey choices, Russia was touted as a powerful choice as it could in all probability permit for higher medical look after Assad’s spouse, who was identified with leukaemia in Could.

Born within the UK in 1975 to oldsters initially from Syria, Asma al-Assad, 49, grew up in Acton, west London. She left her job as an funding banker in 2000 to marry Assad.

She swiftly grew to become a divisive determine around the globe, accused of utilizing her British schooling and upbringing to attempt to masks the brutality of her husband’s crackdown on dissent.

In 2011, weeks earlier than pro-democracy campaigners started taking to the streets of Syria, Vogue ran a now-removed profile of her titled “A Rose within the Desert”. It described her as “the freshest and most magnetic of first women”, avoiding any point out of the greater than 5,000 civilians already killed by her husband.

In 2020 the US imposed sanctions on the Assads and several other of their kin, with the then secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, describing the measure as an effort to finish the regime’s “useless, brutal struggle” towards the Syrian individuals.

In a press release, Pompeo added: “I’ll make particular notice of the designation for the primary time of Asma al-Assad, the spouse of Bashar al-Assad, who with the help of her husband and members of her Akhras household has turn into one in every of Syria’s most infamous struggle profiteers.”

Whereas her UK belongings have been frozen in March 2012, she retains British citizenship. Earlier this month the UK international secretary, David Lammy, made clear she was not welcome. “I’ve seen talked about in the previous few days, Asma Assad [is] probably somebody with UK citizenship which may try to come back into our nation, and I need it confirmed that she’s a sanctioned particular person and isn’t welcome right here within the UK,” he advised parliament.

The prime minister, Keir Starmer, was additionally requested about whether or not she could be stripped of her British citizenship, as was accomplished with these recognized to have joined the Islamic State group. It was “far too early” to debate such a measure, he stated.

With contributions from Reuters

Asma al-Assad has not filed for divorce from Bashar al-Assad, says Kremlin

Asma al-Assad, 49, was born within the UK to Syrian dad and mom in 1975 and grew up in Acton, west London.

She moved to Syria in 2000 on the age of 25 and married her husband simply months after he succeeded his father as president.

All through her 24 years as Syria’s first girl, Mrs Assad was a topic of curiosity in western media.

A controversial 2011 Vogue profile known as her “a rose within the desert” and described her as “the freshest and most magnetic of first girls”. The article has since been faraway from the Vogue web site.

Only one month later, Mrs Assad was criticised for remaining silent whereas her husband violently repressed pro-democracy campaigners initially of the Syrian civil conflict.

The battle went on to say the lives of round half 1,000,000 folks, together with her husband accused of utilizing chemical weapons towards civilians.

In 2016, Mrs Assad advised Russian state-backed tv she had rejected a deal to supply her secure passage out of the war-torn nation so as to stand by her husband.

She introduced she was being handled for breast most cancers in 2018 and mentioned she had made a full restoration one yr later.

She was recognized with leukaemia and started remedy for the illness in Could this yr, the workplace of then-President Assad introduced.

An announcement mentioned she would “briefly withdraw” from public engagements.

Kansas City’s oldest restaurants: Where you can still eat your way through city history | KCUR

This story was first revealed in KCUR’s Journey e-newsletter. You possibly can signal as much as obtain tales like this in your inbox each Tuesday.

The Kansas Metropolis space is dwelling to some iconic and well-regarded eating places, however do you know that a few of these institutions have existed for a century or extra?

Not all of those eating places have been regularly operated in the identical type, or beneath the identical possession, since they first began serving. However all the members of Kansas Metropolis’s “100-year membership” have drawn upon their authentic ideas to stay a tried-and-true staple of the native eating scene.

Learn on to see which spots have outlined the Kansas Metropolis culinary panorama the longest.

Browne’s Irish Market

Jill Wendholt Silva

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Flatland

Kerry Browne, George Vial and John McClain inside Browne’s Irish Market.

You may consider locations like Boston or Chicago as having America’s deepest Irish-American roots, however Kansas Metropolis’s personal Browne’s Irish Market bears the excellence of the oldest Irish enterprise exterior of Eire, in response to Enterprise Eire.

You possibly can go to a historic piece of Kansas Metropolis whenever you step into Browne’s deli and market at 3300 Pennsylvania. Browne’s has resided on this constructing for over a century, however the enterprise dates again even additional. Irish immigrants Ed and Mary Flavin initially opened in 1887 as Flavin’s Market, at twenty seventh and Jefferson, earlier than it moved to its present location in 1901.

Remarkably, Browne’s at this time is operated by the identical household that initially opened the enterprise practically 140 years in the past. Initially envisioned as a grocery, Browne’s nonetheless sells a big selection of packaged meals imported from Eire — together with Barry’s Irish breakfast tea and Tayto Irish crisps (or potato chips as we name them right here). In addition they promote a broad vary of Irish clothes, items, and reward gadgets like Irish whiskeys and liquors, cookbooks, and jewellery, and scarves.

However you too can head to Browne’s deli for contemporary Irish fare like a reuben with corned beef, their celebrated egg salad sandwich, or a cup of Irish potato soup.

You possibly can be taught extra about how the household has sustained Browne’s over the many years on this article from Flatland.

Courthouse Change

Savannah Hawley-Bates

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KCUR 89.3

Courthouse Change in Independence, Missouri.

Browne’s isn’t the one space restaurant that dates again to the 1800s. Courthouse Change in Independence claims to be “the one restaurant in Missouri serving burgers and beer since 1899.”

The restaurant is located instantly throughout from the Truman Courthouse in downtown Independence Sq.. Entering into the below-ground restaurant actually feels old-timey, with its wood-paneled partitions, low ceilings, and Independence memorabilia on the partitions.

Courthouse Change has not been regularly operated by the identical possession or in the identical location since its authentic founding, nevertheless it actually has deep roots. Father and son pair Joseph Poggenpohl and Joseph Poggenpohl, Jr. opened the institution simply earlier than the flip of the twentieth century, in response to Matt Stewart in his guide “Distinctive Eats and Eateries of Kansas Metropolis.”

In 1907, the Kansas Metropolis Submit marketed Courthouse Change as someplace to get “nice wines, whiskey and cigars” and “Pabst’s Milwaukee Beer.”

The restaurant has additionally seen its share of drama. Describing the Courthouse Change as a “saloon,” the Kansas Metropolis Star reported on a 1909 theft on the institution. After forcing their manner into the constructing, robbers blew up the protected and stole $150 earlier than escaping.

Courthouse Change has existed in its present underground location for the reason that Nineteen Seventies. It serves homestyle favorites like fried rooster, pork tenderloins, and burgers. Whereas it would now not be the identical “saloon,” you’ll be able to actually nonetheless get pleasure from a drink there — they even make cocktails with Polly’s Pop craft soda brewed across the nook in Independence.

Should you determine to make a day of it in Independence, you’ll want to take a look at KCUR’s newbie’s information to Independence to be taught what else you are able to do.

The Savoy at 21c

Missouri Valley Particular Collections

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Kansas Metropolis Pubic Library

The Savoy in downtown Kansas Metropolis first opened in 1903 and was a favourite of Harry Truman.

The Savoy has additionally modified fingers since its authentic opening in 1903. The Savoy was truly acknowledged as the town’s oldest eating institution till it was destroyed by a 2014 fireplace, in response to the guide “Iconic Eating places of Kansas Metropolis” by Andrea Broomfield.

Right now, at The 21c Resort at 219 W ninth Road in downtown Kansas Metropolis, you’ll be able to once more dine within certainly one of Kansas Metropolis’s most legendary eating places. In 2018 the restaurant was restored to keep up the character and options of the unique, and was even designated because the “Greatest Historic Restaurant” in 2023!

The resort initially opened in 1888 because the Thorne Resort, and it grew to become the Savoy in 1894 beneath new possession. When the Savoy Grill opened later in 1903, initially solely males had been in a position to dine and drink there, and ladies had been required to eat in a separate eating room.

With its prime location, the Savoy noticed a few of Kansas Metropolis’s necessary figures and moments over the many years. Broomfield claims that the restaurant continued to serve liquor throughout the Prohibition years due to the affect of crime boss Tom Pendergast.

The Savoy was additionally certainly one of Harry S. Truman’s favourite eating spots each earlier than and after he was elected to the presidency. His favourite seat, sales space 4, now has a plaque commemorating “The President’s Sales space.”

The Savoy remained iconic due to its formidable menu and stylish decor: a grand darkish picket bar, ornamentally carved picket columns, and inexperienced brick partitions. The partitions characteristic murals depicting settlers shifting Westward painted by Edward Holslag (who additionally painted murals within the U.S. Congressional Library in 1892).

Broomfield writes that “the cooks labored constantly … to finest different eating places within the high quality of their seafood, first with oysters after which, as refrigeration and transportation know-how improved, with dwell Atlantic lobsters, which they saved in an enormous kitchen tank.”

Right now you’ll be able to have a traditional “nice eating” expertise should you go to The Savoy for dinner. Whilst you can’t discover lobster on the menu in the mean time, you may get an Arctic char filet with turnip cream, braised greens, and cornbread crumb for $40. Whereas entrees are within the eating vary of $27–$40, you too can go for a high-end wagyu tomahawk steak for $185.

Or you’ll be able to go to for a extra budget-friendly brunch on the weekends with classics like an eggs benedict and French toast. The Savoy additionally has pleased hour with discounted menu gadgets, like a smash burger for $15 or oysters for $11.

Dixon’s Well-known Chili

Sylvia Maria Gross

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KCUR 89.3

One other Independence favourite is Dixon’s Well-known Chili, based in 1919.

Downtown Independence can be dwelling to the final standing location of one other century-old restaurant. The restaurant now referred to as Dixon’s Well-known Chili, at 9105 E. U.S. 40 Freeway, initially began in 1919 when founder Vergne Dixon offered chili out of a pushcart. Dixon’s stays family-owned to this present day.

The primary brick and mortar location opened at fifteenth and Olive Road. Dixon’s has stayed true to its authentic recipe of a base of floor beef and beans seasoned with a selfmade chili powder recipe. In distinction to most chilis at this time, Dixon’s comprises no tomatoes, onions, or garlic. You possibly can order it “juicy” with “pure meat juices,” “soupy” with bean broth, or plain.

Clients may add toppings like bitter cream, jalapeño, and grated cheddar cheese. Ketchup is now one of many accessible toppings, however the condiment was “anathema to Vergne Dixon, and if he caught a buyer sneaking it in, he fined them,” in response to Broomfield’s guide. “Grudgingly, he started providing it for an extra nickel.”

In contrast to within the restaurant’s early days, now you can get Dixon’s well-known chili atop a bowl of spaghetti or over a tamale.

Within the Sixties Dixon’s grew to become a franchise, and in its heyday there have been 13 areas. Whereas all the different areas closed over time, Dixon’s Well-known Chili in Independence nonetheless stands.

Like The Savoy, Dixon’s additionally occurred to be certainly one of Harry S. Truman’s go-to spots. The Kansas Metropolis Star article highlighting Vergne Dixon’s 1964 demise made certain to notice that “Mr. Truman as soon as remarked to associates the chili parlor was the primary place he visited when he received out of the military.”

Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque

Carlos Moreno

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KCUR 89.3

Arthur Bryant’s is a part of Kansas Metropolis’s barbecue legacy.

Famed Kansas Metropolis barbecue restaurant Arthur Bryant’s has not hit its century anniversary but, however the restaurant — believed to first open in 1927 — is approaching that milestone.

Within the Nineteen Twenties, Charlie Bryant discovered the craft of barbecuing beneath the “barbecue king” himself: Henry Perry, who had arrived on the town in 1907. You possibly can be taught all about Perry’s affect on Kansas Metropolis barbecue on this Folks’s Historical past of Kansas Metropolis podcast episode.

Charlie Bryant was concerned in a number of eating places all through his lifetime, however his first barbecue spot is believed to have been opened at 14th and Woodland in 1927. He additionally helped Perry function his barbecue stands, and “when Perry suffered a stroke in 1931, he relied closely on former apprentice Charlie Bryant for assist,” in response to Broomfield’s guide. When Perry died in 1940, he left certainly one of his barbecue stands at 1921 East 18th Road to Bryant.

In 1946, Charlie left the BBQ world and handed over his restaurant to his brother Arthur. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque moved in 1958 to its present location at 1727 Brooklyn.

Right now Arthur Bryant’s is widely known as an area establishment that has come to outline “Kansas Metropolis model” barbecue, and is named the birthplace of burnt ends. Arthur Bryant additionally tailored his brother’s barbecue sauce recipe to create the recipe that Kansas Citians know and love (and argue about) at this time.

Additionally, it needs to be famous that, once more, Harry S. Truman was additionally reported to be an everyday at Arthur Bryant’s. In 2014, then-President Barack Obama dined at Bryant’s and had “a half-slab of ribs, a Bud gentle, water and fries,” in response to KMBC 9 Information. He was not the primary sitting President to go to — Jimmy Carter ate at Arthur Bryant’s throughout his presidency in 1979.

You possibly can wait a few years till 2027 to rejoice the 100-year anniversary of Bryant’s barbecue. Or you’ll be able to go now, realizing that Arthur Bryant’s builds upon the Kansas Metropolis custom set into movement by the king Henry Perry.

Kansas Metropolis’s half-century eating places

Carlos Moreno

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KCUR 89.3

City Matter, a Kansas Metropolis staple for over 8 many years, is among the space’s longest working eating places.

Kansas Metropolis is dwelling to different eating places which have survived over 75 years. Listed below are some notable examples:

  • The Peanut at 5000 Essential Road, has existed in the identical spot since 1933 — for 91 years! There at the moment are eight areas all through the Kansas Metropolis space.
  • Rosedale Bar-B-Q on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas Metropolis, Kansas, is technically the town’s oldest continuously-running BBQ restaurant. It has been household owned and operated for 90 years, since 1934.
  • City Matter has served burgers downtown for 87 years (since 1937) and presently operates two areas, though it used to have a number of extra across the metro.
  • Dagwood’s Café, additionally on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas Metropolis, Kansas, has been slinging burgers and breakfast for 86 years, since 1938 
  • Winstead’s on the Plaza first opened 84 years in the past in 1940, and there at the moment are three areas. 
  • McLain’s Bakery initially opened in 1945, however received its new possession in 2014 who’ve since expanded to a number of different cafes. 
  • Gates Bar-B-Q first opened 78 years in the past in 1946, and there at the moment are 5 areas round city. 

And for just a few different long-timers which are nonetheless kickin’, take a look at Jasper’s Italian Restaurant (1954), Mugs-Up Root Beer (1956), the Golden Ox (1949) and Andre’s Confiserie Suisse (1955).

Si King given ‘permission’ to grieve Hairy Biker Dave Myers

A one-hour particular referred to as The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Trip Alone in regards to the day, which noticed 46,000 motorcyclists participate, airs on BBC Two on December 23 at 9pm.

Myers died aged 66 in February following a most cancers analysis.

King mentioned he determined to make the documentary after celebrating the thirty second anniversary of their friendship and 23 years of working collectively.

The 58-year-old instructed PA: “It appeared solely proper and becoming that after that date handed that we did one thing and we thought that this was the easiest way to rejoice his life.

“As a result of I believe what Dave Day did was give permission to a wider viewers, I’d say the Furry Bikers household, to start out that grieving course of for my greatest mate.

“So it was twofold, it was permission to grieve, as a result of all of us want that, don’t we, which is why now we have the funeral providers that now we have in our society and all of that, and in addition, he beloved his life.

“Sure it’s poignant, nevertheless it’s a celebration of a joyous man and his time that he shared with us all on the telly.”

The chef and biker mentioned it was “very nostalgic” to collate footage for the programme and added it introduced again “reminiscences of our travels collectively”.

He added: “We’ve been five-and-a-half instances all over the world, we’ve been to the moon and again, actually when it comes to mileage, and most of that was spent within the saddle of a bike as two buddies.

“So, after all, it was extremely nostalgic and one visible picture leaded to the following in your head.

“It was like, oh god, do not forget that? It was simply that plethora of that journey, each bodily and emotional, that we went via collectively as buddies.

“It was a beautiful power to evoke and really particular, it was very particular, and in addition very exhausting once in a while.

“Once I needed to voiceover the present it was powerful, it was a tricky factor to do.”

King mentioned his “journey” along with his greatest good friend after his sickness was “totally different to the remainder of the populace”, saying: “What you see on the telly, is what you get off the telly” with the pair, including that Myers had needed him to proceed his TV profession after his demise.

He mentioned: “We simply did what we did as a result of we have been inquisitive, and we requested questions, and I’ll proceed to take action on Dave’s behalf as nicely.

“He would need me to proceed very a lot, and I do know that for certain, as a result of we had the conversations, that was essential to us each.”


Really useful studying:

Furry Bikers: Si King previews ‘fantastic’ Dave Myers present

Furry Bikers: Lili Myers discusses ‘magical’ Dave Day present

Furry Bikers: Si King opens new restaurant for consolation meals


The TV presenter mentioned he needed these viewing the documentary to study “residing within the second and being joyous” as Myers had been.

He defined: “Life ain’t simple within the fashionable world and it’s to be taken as a celebration, the very last thing that Dave would need can be anyone crying into their soup.

“He used to say on a regular basis, seize life by the balls, give it a shake and see what occurs.

“That was the ethos of all of it, understanding that life throws curve balls at you every so often, so stay within the second, that’s what he’d need individuals to remove.”

The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Trip Alone airs on BBC Two on December 23 at 9pm.

Si King reveals the thing that changed after attending Dave Myers’ bike day celebration

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Si King has mentioned “Dave Day”, a 30-mile bike journey to have a good time the lifetime of fellow Furry Biker Dave Myers, gave him and their followers “permission” to begin grieving.

A brand new one-hour particular known as The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Journey Alone, paperwork the day which noticed 46,000 motorcyclists participate, in addition to the duo’s lengthy profession collectively and their many journeys all over the world.

Myers died, aged 66 in February following a most cancers prognosis. Myers, who hailed from Barrow-in-Furness, first revealed his most cancers prognosis on Agony Uncles, the podcast he shared with King, who just lately shared his all-time favorite reminiscence together with his buddy.

Forward of the published of the documentary on 23 December, King, 58, advised PA he made the choice to make the particular present after celebrating the thirty second anniversary of their friendship and 23 years working collectively.

King, 58, mentioned he made the choice to make the documentary after celebrating the thirty second anniversary of their friendship and 23 years working collectively.

‘The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Journey Alone’ airs on 23 December (BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)

He mentioned: “It appeared solely proper and becoming that after that date handed, that we did one thing, and we thought that this was the easiest way to have a good time his life.

“As a result of I feel what Dave Day did was give permission, to a wider viewers, I’d say the Furry Bikers household to begin that grieving course of for my finest mate.

“So it was twofold, it was permission to grieve, as a result of all of us want that, don’t we, which is why we’ve the funeral companies that we’ve in our society and all of that, and in addition, he beloved his life.

“Sure it’s poignant, however it’s a celebration of a joyous man and his time that he shared with us all on the telly.”

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The chef and biker mentioned it was “very nostalgic” to collate footage for the programme, and added it introduced again “reminiscences of our travels collectively”.

He added: “We’ve been five-and-a-half occasions all over the world, we’ve been to the moon and again, actually by way of mileage, and most of that was spent within the saddle of a bike as two buddies.

“So, in fact, it was extremely nostalgic and one visible picture led to the following in your head.

“It was like, oh god, do not forget that? It was simply that plethora of that journey, each bodily and emotional, that we went via collectively as buddies.

“It was a stunning vitality to evoke and really particular, it was very particular, and in addition very onerous every so often.

“Once I needed to do the voiceover for the present it was powerful, it was a tricky factor to do.”

Dave Myers and Si King (BBC/South Shore Productions/PA Wire)

King mentioned his “journey” together with his finest buddy after his sickness was “completely different to the remainder of the populace”, saying “what you see on the telly, is what you get off the telly” with the pair, including that Myers had wished him to proceed his TV profession after his dying.

He mentioned: “We simply did what we did as a result of we have been inquisitive, and we requested questions, and I’ll proceed to take action on Dave’s behalf as nicely.

“He would need me to proceed very a lot, and I do know that for positive, as a result of we had the conversations, that was crucial to us each.”

The TV presenter mentioned he wished these viewing the documentary to find out about “residing within the second and being joyous” as Myers had been.

He defined: “Life ain’t straightforward within the fashionable world and it’s to be taken as a celebration, the very last thing that Dave would need could be anyone crying into their soup.

“He used to say on a regular basis, seize life by the balls, give it a shake and see what occurs.

“That was the ethos of all of it, understanding that life throws curve balls at you every so often, so dwell within the second, that’s what he’d need individuals to remove.”

The Furry Bikers: You’ll By no means Journey Alone airs on BBC Two on December 23 at 9pm.

First day of winter arrives – Bowie News

The entry numbers are in for the 2025 Montague County Youth Honest has 1,160 tasks will likely be thought of by the judges Jan. 8-11 at varied areas within the county.
Youth truthful officers stated of the 1,160 there are 333 college students taking part from golf equipment and faculties all through the county. These contests present one thing for everybody from robotics and skills-a-thons to prime cake bakers and welders.
The house economics divisions will welcome 596 entries up considerably from the 471 this previous 12 months. There will likely be 132 for inventive arts, 64 in cloth development, 160 in meals and 240 in pictures. There are junior and senior divisions for every class.
Dwelling economics entries might be checked in from 7-9 a.m. on Jan. 8 on the Nocona Neighborhood Middle. They are going to be judged that day with outcomes posted at 6 p.m.
The silent public sale for dwelling economics objects will open at 6 p.m. within the present barn and finish at 9 p.m.

Learn the total story on all of the entry numbers in your mid-week Bowie Information.

Prime photograph – Bowie Excessive Faculty welders work on their tasks. (Courtesy images)

Nocona FFA college students have been busy engaged on their youth truthful tasks because the Christmas break arrived this previous week. (Courtesy photograph)

Gaetz paid ‘tens of thousands’ for sex and drugs, ethics report says

Reuters

Former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz spent tens of 1000’s of {dollars} on intercourse and medicines whereas serving as a US congressman, based on a long-awaited report from the Home of Representatives ethics committee.

It follows a years-long investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use by Gaetz, who President-elect Donald Trump needed to function the nation’s high lawman.

The committee additionally discovered proof that Gaetz, 42, obtained items in extra of permissible quantities in connection to a 2018 journey to the Bahamas.

The previous lawmaker has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, saying he’s the sufferer of a smear marketing campaign. Amid the controversy, he withdrew from consideration to function US legal professional normal.

The congressional ethics report discovered that “there may be substantial proof that Consultant Gaetz violated Home guidelines and different requirements of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible items, particular favours or privileges, and obstruction of Congress.”

From 2017 to 2020, Gaetz made funds totalling greater than $90,000 (£72,000) to 12 totally different ladies “that the Committee decided had been probably in reference to sexual exercise and/or drug use”, the report discovered.

Moreover, the report comprises testimony that Gaetz paid for intercourse with a 17-year-old at a celebration in 2017, giving her $400 “which she understood to be cost for intercourse”. Gaetz has denied having intercourse with a minor.

The Division of Justice additionally investigated an allegation that he had intercourse with a minor however in the end didn’t file any felony prices towards him.

In a last-minute court docket submitting on Monday, Gaetz sought a short lived restraining order to forestall the report’s launch. He accused the ethics committee of making an attempt to train its jurisdiction over a non-public citizen.

The committee’s 42-page report accuses Gaetz of being “uncooperative” all through its evaluation, and that he would continuously “deflect, deter, or mislead” the panel “in an effort to stop his actions from being uncovered”.

Regardless of a subpoena, he by no means appeared earlier than the committee to testify.

Gaetz represented Florida’s first congressional district within the US Home of Representatives, having come to energy in the identical election in 2016 that propelled his ally Trump to the White Home the primary time.

Gaetz bought married in 2021 to his present spouse, Ginger, who has supported the previous Florida congressman as he is confronted the allegations.

She posted a photograph on X of her husband with the caption “unemployment has by no means regarded so good” after he withdrew his title to function legal professional normal after resigning from Congress.

Gaetz was believed to be past the attain of the committee when he resigned from Congress final month, following his nomination by Trump to function US legal professional normal – America’s high regulation enforcement official who heads the Division of Justice.

Trump picked Gaetz partly as a result of he’s an ultra-loyalist who had additionally pledged to tackle the “weaponised” authorized system that supporters consider focused Trump.

He has been one in every of Trump’s most strident defenders on Capitol Hill. However many Republicans in Congress, together with these tasked with voting on such nominations, had been aghast on the alternative and efficiently challenged it.

Gaetz dropped out simply eight days after being nominated by Trump amid a groundswell of controversy. Trump then tapped former Florida legal professional normal Pam Bondi as his nominee for legal professional normal.

Trump has not but commented on the report’s findings.

Whereas it’s uncommon for the committee to launch its findings after a lawmaker leaves public workplace, the report famous {that a} “majority” of members discovered it was within the public curiosity to take action on this occasion.

An intense debate had erupted over whether or not or not the report must be launched, notably after Gaetz withdrew his title from consideration for the highest justice division position.

He mentioned that he hoped to keep away from a “needlessly protracted Washington scuffle”.

Gaetz’s slated position as legal professional normal was a type of that required the affirmation of US senators, and it didn’t appear that he had the required help.

The secretive ethics committee had investigated Gaetz on and off since 2021 – not solely on the claims about intercourse and medicines, but in addition on allegations he accepted bribes and misused marketing campaign funds. In all circumstances, he strongly denied any wrongdoing.

Home Republicans beforehand blocked Democratic efforts to unveil the outcomes of the report, however two of them later voted to take action, based on CBS.

On Monday, Gaetz posted on X that the committee selected to launch the report near Christmas “and never in a courtroom of any sort the place I might current proof and problem witnesses”.

Final week, he posted that the ethics committee planed to “publish a report on-line that I’ve no alternative to debate or rebut as a former member of the physique.”

He acknowledged in a earlier publish on X that his 30s was an period of “working very onerous – and taking part in onerous too”.

“It is embarrassing, although not felony, that I in all probability partied, womanized, drank and smoked greater than I ought to have earlier in life,” he wrote. “I dwell a distinct life now.”

A number of Home Democrats criticised their former colleague and Trump for having chosen him as an ally.

Rep Glenn Ivey, one of many 5 Democrats on the ethics committee, mentioned the allegations towards Gaetz present there is a sample by Trump of not “placing individuals in these positions who’re actually as much as doing the job”.

“President-elect Trump ought to have thought twice earlier than he nominated Matt Gaetz and among the different nominations he is made, I feel would bear reconsideration as effectively,” he informed CBS Information, the BBC’s US associate.

Since leaving Congress, Gaetz has signed a deal to turn out to be an anchor on One America Information Community (OAN). He’ll be part of the conservative information community in January.

He has additionally began promoting personalised video messages on the video platform Cameo.

What’s in the House ethics report on Matt Gaetz

Home investigators stated Gaetz paid greater than $90,000 (£71,843) to ladies for intercourse and medicines, however created an advanced net of transactions that had been laborious to hint, in keeping with the report.

“The committee was unable to find out the complete extent to which Consultant Gaetz’s funds to ladies had been compensation for participating in sexual exercise with him,” the report discovered.

He allegedly used his good friend Joel Greenberg, at present serving 11 years in jail for crimes he stated he dedicated with Gaetz, as a frequent go-between and logged onto Greenberg’s account on SeekingArrangement.com, which payments itself as a “luxurious relationship web site”, to work together with younger ladies.

Gaetz additionally paid ladies straight, typically by way of platforms resembling Venmo, in keeping with the report. However the committee stated he typically used one other individual’s PayPal account or an account linked to an electronic mail handle with a pretend title.

He additionally obscured funds, the panel wrote. In a single instance, he gave a university scholar a cheque made out to “money” with “tuition reimbursement” within the memo line. The girl stated she obtained it after a bunch encounter, which “may doubtlessly be a type of coercion as a result of I actually wanted the cash”.

Gaetz has posted on social media that he gave cash to ladies he was concerned with as presents, not funds. The committee discovered that two ladies, aged 27 and 25, didn’t contemplate their relationships transactional.

One other lady who was thought of his girlfriend invoked her Fifth Modification proper towards self-incrimination when requested if she was given cash for intercourse or medication, or to pay others.

The committee tried to show Gaetz often paid for intercourse by way of proof resembling a textual content message the place he reportedly balked at a lady’s request that he ship her cash after he accused her of “ditching” him one night time. The girl then asserted she was “handled in another way” than different ladies he was paying for intercourse.

In one other message, his then-girlfriend stated that he and Greenberg had been “just a little restricted of their money stream” and requested a bunch of ladies “if it may be extra of a buyer appreciation week”.

Just a few months later, in keeping with the committee, she wrote: “Btw Matt additionally talked about he’s going to be a bit beneficiant reason for the ‘buyer appreciation’ factor final time.”

As a Congressman, Gaetz earned $174,000 (£138,843) a yr.

His internet price is bigger: On his most up-to-date federal monetary disclosure, exterior filed in August, he reported proudly owning belongings price a minimum of $575,000. His father Don Gaetz, who co-founded hospice supplier Vitas Healthcare, has a fortune of about $35m, Forbes reported.

Milwaukee vs. Cleveland Game Review & 3 Takeaways from Cavaliers beating Bucks

After the elation of profitable the NBA Cup on Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks regarded drained and outdated in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers final night time, dropping 124-101 with out Damian Lillard, who missed with a calf pressure. Giannis Antetokounmpo was beneath the usual he set for himself over the previous month and by some means nonetheless had 33 factors, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Khris Middleton additionally regarded extra like himself, ending with 14 factors and three assists. It was a really balanced assault from the Cavs, with six gamers scoring in double digits, however Donovan Mitchell starred with 27 factors and 6 assists. Learn our full abstract of the sport right here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast Bucks In Six Minutes beneath.

What Did We Study?

This recreation was all the time going to be a slog and really tough to win with out Dame’s potential to get into the enamel of the defence. Having mentioned that, I believed the eye to element was very underwhelming. Perhaps this was all the time going to be a loss, however the way in which the group went about it didn’t precisely encourage a lot confidence. The perfect groups don’t beat themselves, and it was evident that the Bucks weren’t all that dedicated to fixing the puzzle Cleveland offered. Doc spoke concerning the lack of combat postgame:

“We have been flat early. I truly contemplated not taking part in anybody within the second half, actually. I simply thought we have been flat, drained, no matter you need to name it. It was a tricky turnaround—we knew that. We’ve bought to maneuver the ball extra. We didn’t run a variety of stuff tonight. We’ve bought to get extra organised. We don’t do that usually, however we have now video games like that, and when that occurs, we often don’t win these video games. And that was tonight.”

When requested if he discovered something about this recreation, Rivers answered, “there’s no barometer, there’s no learn on tonight’s recreation, I’m simply going to say that. We discovered nothing.”

Three Issues

When Dame is out, you may actually inform.

It’s good that Khris may help with some of the playmaking and scoring that Dame leaves when he’s absent, however this group is actually restricted in these departments with out Lillard. The Bucks rank 24th in help proportion within the NBA, which implies they rating largely off particular person creation. Fortunately, the Bucks have two of the very best creators within the recreation, to allow them to get by on that technique. However when one in all Lillard or Antetokounmpo is out… there aren’t many others who could make performs. And that was very evident final night time with how typically the offence was lowered to standing round. It’s a weak spot to observe. How a lot can the entrance workplace do about it? Most likely not lots.

“Bucks position participant Whac-A-Mole” was on full show.

It was evident that Andre Jackson Jr. was the very best defender for both Donvan Mitchell or Darius Garland, and on the similar time, this seems to be a actually unhealthy matchup for him on offence—like, among the many worst AJax will run into. The Cavs simply put Evan Mobley on Andre and let Mobley roam, mainly betting that if Jackson needs to shoot from three, advantageous. If he needs to play within the dunker spot and problem the Cavs’ twin towers on the rim, additionally advantageous. So Doc put Trent in, and he was at the very least a menace offensively, however he additionally couldn’t actually restrict both of these guards, particularly Mitchell. That is the place having a Herb Jones-type—a hybrid of those two gamers—can be such a useful deadline addition. However till then, I wish to name this recreation “Bucks position participant Whac-A-Mole.”

Milwaukee solely misplaced badly in a single key space.

As I touched on within the speedy recap, the Bucks misplaced the three-point battle by 30 factors final night time, and that was the sport. However they performed Cleveland to a attract many different key areas. Factors within the paint: Bucks received 48-40. Second-chance factors: Cavs received 9-12. Quick-break factors: Bucks received 10-7. Perhaps that’s a constructive they depart with.

Bonus Bucks Bits

  • Bobby had some downright embarrassing efforts on each ends final night time. Chief amongst them, this sequence:
  • In stark distinction to his final go to to Cleveland, AJ Inexperienced couldn’t get something going, going 0/4 and a -20. Though, many gamers have been round that plus/minus mark, to be truthful.
  • There was some worrying Ryan Rollins footage just a few weeks again the place it regarded as if he didn’t need to use his left arm. Throughout his fourth-quarter run final night time, I didn’t discover any favouring of the correct arm.
  • The reply to the playmaking guard query, long run, would possibly truly be AJ Johnson.
  • The Cavs figuring out Ty Jerome—and him turning out to be an actual discover—is what the Bucks want to copy if they’re to maximise their probabilities of contending sooner or later with minimal draft picks.
  • At the very least former Buck Sam Merrill didn’t mild Milwaukee up, ending 1/5 from deep.

Up Subsequent

The Bucks are again at dwelling tonight in opposition to the Washington Wizards at 7:00 PM CST. Watch the sport on FanDuel Sports activities Community Wisconsin.


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‘Squid Game’ Recap Heading Into Season 2

[This story contains spoilers from Squid Game season one.]

Three years after taking Netflix by storm to develop into the streamer’s hottest sequence of all time, Squid Recreation returns Dec. 26 with its extremely awaited sequel season. Set within the aftermath of the primary finale, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s thriller seems to plunge deeper into the titular competitors’s violent historical past, with Lee Jung-jae as soon as once more braving the video games as Seong Gi-hun.

Earlier than diving into Squid Recreation 2, you’re most likely questioning if it is advisable recall each single element concerning the unique. That reply is sophisticated. You don’t want to recollect each character and beat, however there are positively recurring figures and plot factors it’s best to refresh your self on earlier than hitting play. In case you don’t have time for the total rewatch, right here’s a pocket-sized primer on what it is advisable know earlier than Squid Recreation 2 (trailer, under).

Filmed and set in South Korea, Squid Recreation adopted Gi-hun, a down-and-out gambler and deadbeat father, regardless of his love for his child. He usually gambles and runs schemes alongside his finest good friend Jung-bae (Lee Search engine optimisation-hwan), set to return in season two. Jung-bae barely registers in season one, nevertheless, as an more and more determined Gi-hun takes an enigmatic salesman (Gong Yoo) up on a suggestion to earn actual cash taking part in within the Squid Recreation, leaving his world behind. (That salesman, by the way in which? Additionally set to return in season two.)

After sleeping by means of a gas-filled limousine trip, Gi-hun wakes up sporting a inexperienced jumpsuit, in an enormous bunk corridor, alongside a small military of equally dressed people. They’re all right here to compete for an insane sum of money, all having signed on earlier than absolutely understanding the foundations of the sport. They determine the foundations out rapidly, with an enormous swath of rivals dying within the opening Crimson Mild Inexperienced Mild recreation, an immediately iconic sequence. A majority of the survivors vote to finish the Recreation and go residence. However inside per week, these exact same survivors resolve to return, preferring their odds in a sequence of loss of life matches to their odds of surviving at residence.

So the video games go on, with all eyes on Gi-hun and an accompaniment of fellow contestants, allies and enemies alike. The eyes belong to a masked determine referred to as the Entrance Man, performed by Lee Byung-hun, whose undercover brother of a cop Jun-ho (Wi Ha-Joon) has infiltrated the sport, hoping to seek out his long-missing sibling. The Entrance Man and Jun-ho have a quick however tense reunion in season one, ending with Jun-ho shot and presumed useless — however very a lot nonetheless alive, if out of the equation.

Each the Entrance Man and Jun-ho will play roles in season two, however different returning gamers? Not a lot, contemplating how season one ended with the deaths of each single considered one of Gi-hun’s allies. As the only survivor of the sport, Gi-hun walks away with more cash than he may ever spend in his lifetime. However the associated fee far outweighs the reward, as a 12 months on from his victory, Gi-hun seeks down the architect of the sport, Oh Il-nam (Oh Yeong-su), a dying outdated man who pretended to be Gi-hun’s ally within the recreation.

With “Participant 001” useless, Gi-hun lacks any actual leads on find out how to cease the sport, so he does what anyone else would do in his sneakers: dye his hair sizzling pink and head out to the US, the place his daughter now lives. However proper earlier than he boards the aircraft, Gi-hun will get a cellphone name from the Entrance Man, and the siren tune of revenge units in. The season ends with Gi-hun turning proper round, vowing vengeance — and that’s precisely the place we’ll start when Squid Recreation 2 drops all episodes on Dec. 26.

“He’s a really modified particular person,” Lee not too long ago teased of his Gi-hun when Squid Recreation returns for a season that has already been nominated for a Golden Globe. “How he perceives the circumstances round him and engages with the world, he’ll nearly seem to be a special particular person. He’s goal-driven greater than anything — and he has an especially sturdy conviction to place an finish to the sport.”

The conflict between Lee’s Participant 456 and the Entrance Man will proceed till the sequence finale with the already confirmed season three, which will probably be launched in 2025.