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THE Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years risks leaving the UK hooked on high migration, experts have warned. Sir Keir Starmer last week vowed to go on an ambitious housebuilding frenzy — meaning the construction of around 900 a day for half a decade — to give families the “security” of their own home. But politicians and construction bosses warned the worthy aim risks turning into a humiliating flop because the UK has failed to train enough homegrown builders. The building industry says it is in “freefall” and needs another 300,000 workers over the next five years just to keep up with demand. And a woeful failure to train enough brickies, electricians and carpenters has left the UK reliant on foreign migrants at our building sites. Celebrity builder Ian Hodgkinson — who appears on hit TV show DIY SOS — said the target cannot be hit without bringing in more foreign workers. READ MORE ON HOME BUILDING He said the pledge is “teetering on the edge of disaster” and immediate action is needed to stop the housing crisis spiralling further out of control. Chris Philp , the shadow home secretary, warned that No 10 must “avoid reaching for high immigration to hit these construction targets”. Reform Party leader Nigel Farage said the housing crisis is caused by sky-high migration and demanded the “madness” of hiring brickies abroad to end. Currently, the UK is only on track to build around one million new homes over five years. Most read in The Sun Earlier this year, the Construction and Industry Training Board estimated that another 250,000 builders were needed in the next four years just to keep up with demand. The Home Builders Federation estimates that an extra 300,000 will be needed to hit the Government’s target. This would include 95,000 bricklayers, 37,000 carpenters and 15,000 plasterers. Yet they also warned Brits on vocational construction courses are not getting the skills they need and often not going into the building trade at all. Building firms are hiring foreign workers instead. This is fuelling sky-high net migration — which stood at 728,000 in the year ending in June. A long list of construction jobs are on the shortage occupation list, meaning bosses can hire from abroad. This includes bricklayers, welders, stonemasons, roofers, carpenters, joiners and other construction workers. Some 12,700 construction workers applied for visas to the UK between January 2021 and September 2024, according to the Home Office . There is no limit to how many “dependent” family members they can bring with them. But an estimated 120,000 foreign builders went home during the pandemic , leaving construction firms desperately short-staffed. The big building companies are only too happy to pay for foreign labour from abroad Mr Hodgkinson said there is no way the 1.5 million target would be hit without more foreign workers. He said: “Training new workers takes time — years, not months. “Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on housing targets, and construction companies are struggling to keep up with demand. The maths simply doesn’t add up: fewer workers, more houses, and no realistic solution to bridge the gap.” Britain is also facing a shortage of building supplies, he warned. Building 1.5 million homes will mean getting around six billion bricks, 20 million tons of concrete and five million tons of timber. Writing in The Sun on Sunday, Mr Farage says hiring foreign workers will backfire because it fuels migration and makes it harder for Brits to find a home. He says: “The big building companies are only too happy to pay for foreign labour from abroad. Not the answer “The reason is very simple indeed. They are just cheaper. But that means the immigration numbers go up, which means an even higher demand for housing. This takes us straight back to square one. This madness has got to end.” Tory frontbencher Mr Philp also warned immigration is not the answer. He said: “The British people overwhelmingly believe — and I agree — that immigration is far, far too high. “Importing workers to build new homes will actually make the housing crisis worse as they have to live somewhere themselves.” READ MORE SUN STORIES Housing minister Matthew Pennycook yesterday vowed that Britain would not rely on foreign workers to hit the building target. He said Britain must “do more to upskill our own workforce” and promised to ramp up apprenticeships. The Government has announced another 5,000 construction apprenticeships a year. By Nigel Farage , Leader of Reform THE Prime Minister has reiterated his determination to build 1,500,000 homes over the next five years — and to do so by whatever means necessary. If he has to rip up the planning rules he says that he will. The country desperately needs more houses as there is not only a shortage but the problem of affordability. More houses in theory should mean cheaper houses. But how on earth do you get to build them all? What he did not say — and what so few in our public life dare to mention — is the real reason behind this crisis. It is of course mass immigration — on a scale we have never seen before in this country. We are living through a population explosion which means we have to build one new home every two minutes just to keep up. It is a truly frightening statistic. To achieve these targets we are going to need tens of thousands more construction workers on site up and down the country. And this is where another problem begins. The big building companies are only too happy to pay for labour from abroad. The reason is very simple indeed. They are just cheaper. But that means immigration numbers go up. And that means an even higher demand for housing. This takes us straight back to square one. This madness has got to end. It is time our education system stopped pushing so many teenagers on to university to study social sciences. In most cases these students leave with large debts around their neck and with no advancement in the work marketplace. So I want to encourage our young people to become plumbers, carpenters and bricklayers. They will earn a far better living with a trade and a skill set for their future. There are also vast numbers of young people on disability benefits — in many cases, through conditions such as depression. To begin, we ought to try to inspire these young people so that they can do so much better for themselves and in their lives. Therefore they would be much happier and fulfilled. British workers need to fill this new huge demand placed on our construction industry. And if that means that the big building companies have to pay higher salaries and therefore make smaller profits then overall this has to be a good thing — not a bad thing. Equally there are those living on disability benefits that are using this support as a lifestyle choice. If necessary we will have to force these people back to work. And where better could they be used than on construction sites earning decent money? The population explosion can and must be stopped. We have to start saying British jobs for British workers — and actually mean it.Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”
In the last three months, 6 analysts have published ratings on Winnebago Industries WGO , offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish. The following table encapsulates their recent ratings, offering a glimpse into the evolving sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months. Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish Total Ratings 4 2 0 0 0 Last 30D 1 0 0 0 0 1M Ago 0 0 0 0 0 2M Ago 2 2 0 0 0 3M Ago 1 0 0 0 0 Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $68.0, a high estimate of $70.00, and a low estimate of $64.00. Experiencing a 4.67% decline, the current average is now lower than the previous average price target of $71.33. Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Winnebago Industries. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets. Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target Michael Albanese Benchmark Maintains Buy $70.00 $70.00 Michael Swartz Truist Securities Lowers Buy $64.00 $68.00 Michael Albanese Benchmark Maintains Buy $70.00 $70.00 Tristan Thomas-Martin BMO Capital Lowers Outperform $70.00 $75.00 Craig Kennison Baird Lowers Outperform $64.00 $70.00 Michael Albanese Benchmark Lowers Buy $70.00 $75.00 Key Insights: Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Winnebago Industries. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company. Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Winnebago Industries compared to the broader market. Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Winnebago Industries's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time. Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Winnebago Industries's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table. Stay up to date on Winnebago Industries analyst ratings. If you are interested in following small-cap stock news and performance you can start by tracking it here . Delving into Winnebago Industries's Background Winnebago Industries manufactures Class A, B, and C motor homes along with towables, customized specialty vehicles, boats, and parts. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Winnebago has been producing recreational vehicles since 1958. Revenue was nearly $3 billion in fiscal 2024. Winnebago expanded into towables in 2011 with the acquisition of SunnyBrook and acquired Grand Design in November 2016. Towables made up 83% of the firm's RV unit volume, up from 31% in fiscal 2016. The company's total RV unit volume was 38,796 in fiscal 2024. Winnebago expanded into boating in 2018 with the purchase of Chris-Craft, bought premium motor home maker Newmar in November 2019, and bought Barletta pontoon boats in August 2021. It also is developing electric and autonomous technology. A Deep Dive into Winnebago Industries's Financials Market Capitalization Analysis: Positioned below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization faces constraints in size. This could be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity. Revenue Growth: Winnebago Industries's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 31 August, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -6.5% . This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Discretionary sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers. Net Margin: Winnebago Industries's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching -4.04% . This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health. Return on Equity (ROE): Winnebago Industries's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive -2.25% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital. Return on Assets (ROA): Winnebago Industries's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive -1.21% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns. Debt Management: Winnebago Industries's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.58 , reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach. The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions. Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors. Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now? Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.రమణ గాడి కాలర్ గంజీ పెట్టింది కాదు...దానికి బాగా పొగరు ఉంటుంది...ముట్టుకుంటే కలిపోతుందని చెప్పు🔥 ALL SPECIAL SHOWS SOLDOUT 😎 Extra shows being added⏳ @urstrulymahesh #GunturKaaram 🦁 pic.twitter.com/XyLDDAuzkj The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Read More Shriya Saran stuns in a stunning display of ethnic wear How to make Kashmiri-style Methi Mutton at home 8 plant milks and how to consume them Shriya Pilgaonkar's stunning look commands all eyes Remembering RJ Simran Singh: The girl next door with timeless style How to make spicy Chicken Seek Kebabs at home Is your partner manipulative? How to know 10 Vedic baby names after Indian sages 10 Gen Z words that became popular in 2024 and what do they meanUNC football head coach Bill Belichick is not expected to attend the Tar Heels' Fenway Bowl game against UConn, per ESPN's Pete Thamel . Belichick signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the Tar Heels to coach the team for the 2025-2029 seasons. In the meantime, interim coach Freddie Kitchens is leading the team on the field after UNC parted ways with ex-head coach Mack Brown. Kickoff in Boston's Fenway Park is slated for Saturday morning at 11 a.m. ET. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .
Centre To Build Manmohan Singh's Memorial In Delhi, Last Rites To Be Held At Nigambodh Ghat TodayBeirut: Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital Damascus and with the government forced to deny rumours that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country. The lightning rebel advance suggests that Assad’s government could fall within the next week, US and other Western officials said. A giant portrait of Syrian president Bashar Assad sets on a building, as empty streets seen in Damascus, Syria, on Saturday. Credit: AP Since the rebels’ sweep into Aleppo a week ago, government defences have crumbled at a dizzying speed as insurgents seized a string of major cities and rose up in places where the rebellion had long seemed over. The twin threats to the strategically vital city of Homs and the capital, Damascus, now pose an existential danger to the Assad dynasty’s five-decade reign over Syria and the continued influence there of its main regional backer, Iran. The rebels’ moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of the southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaeda and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. People arrive at the Jordanian side of the border as others wait in their cars, after a ban on crossings into Syria, on December 7, 2024 in Jaber, Jordan. Credit: Getty Images The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition”. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people”. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria’s border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told the Associated Press, and those still open had run out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle [in Damascus] or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018 when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a years-long siege. The UN said it was moving non-critical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: Backed by Russia and Iran – both of which are bogged down in separate conflicts. Credit: Saudi Press Agency/AP Assad rumours Syria’s state media denied social media rumours that President Assad had left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus. Assad has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the US should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a UN resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. A Syrian opposition fighter holds a rocket launcher in front of the provincial government office. Credit: AP Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit on Saturday to discuss the situation. No details were immediately available. The insurgents’ march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. An insurgent commander, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaeda, ditching hardline officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani. Credit: Al Jazeera Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began on November 27, during which rebel fighters captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city. Opposition activists said insurgents entered Palmyra on Friday, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites, that had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra, including the main Baath City, activists said. The Syrian Observatory said government troops had withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and were sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian Army said in a statement that it had carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists”. The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area”, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar’s top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there was a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. AP, Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter .
In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that dismissal is warranted because of the “overwhelming national mandate granted to him by the American people on November 5, 2024.” They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. The Manhattan district attorney, they claimed, had engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but have indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies any wrongdoing. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, would also allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and have since been selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. A dismissal would erase Trump’s historic conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Trump takes office on Jan. 20. Merchan hasn’t set a timetable for a decision. Merchan could also decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. Prosecutors had cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump has pledged to appeal the verdict if the case is not dismissed. He and his lawyers said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers cited the ruling to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. Prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office. Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes.
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