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betfred odds On November 26, 1924, Mongolia’s government system shifted from a Buddhist monarchy to a constitutional republic, declaring itself the Mongolian People’s Republic. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of Mongolia’s Constitution. On this special occasion, the chairman of the parliament of Mongolia, Amarbayasgalan Dashzevge, gave an interview to The Diplomat on the significance of the 1924 Constitution and the progress the Mongolian legislative branch has made over the last hundred years. On November 26, 1924, Mongolia adopted its first constitution, which ended the religious monarchy and established the Mongolian People’s Republic. From an historical perspective, what did the 1924 Constitution mean for the country’s independence and political system at the time? The 1924 Constitution marked a pivotal moment in Mongolia’s history, solidifying its sovereignty and establishing the Mongolian People’s Republic. The constitution replaced the religious monarchy with a republican government and formalized governance that enshrined principles like separation of religion and state and free education. These changes in principles have laid the foundation for Mongolia’s modern legal framework. Whilst the original constitution did not explicitly address modern democratic values like political pluralism or comprehensive human rights, it was a progressive document for its time. Most importantly, the 1924 Constitution established Mongolia’s state sovereignty and set the stage for subsequent constitutional developments and amendments. Adopted during a period of significant geopolitical uncertainties, the 1924 Constitution followed Mongolia’s national revolution of 1911, which restored its independence from the already collapsing Qing Dynasty. By affirming sovereignty and granting supreme power to its people, the Constitution declared Mongolia’s self-determination and governance through the State Great Assembly, now known as the State Great Khural, an unprecedented move toward participatory leadership in the region. Importantly, by aligning itself with the progressive trends of the early 20th century, it secured international recognition of the Mongolian People’s Republic as a sovereign state. Furthermore, as one of the first Asian nations to adopt a constitution, alongside Japan and China, Mongolia demonstrated regional leadership in constitutional governance. Today, the legacy of the 1924 Constitution endures in Mongolia’s democratic institutions and governance. It laid the groundwork for a century of constitutional evolution, culminating in modern reforms like the 2023 amendments, which enlarged parliamentary representation, from 76 to 126 [seats], and strengthened democratic governance. In 100 years, Mongolia’s legal framework has evolved to address changing societal and economic needs as with the 1940 Constitution achieving international recognition of independence and the 1992 Constitution institutionalizing democratic governance with political pluralism and a comprehensive rights framework. As we reflect on the 1924 Constitution and its consistent evolution over the last hundred years, we are thankful to those initial 77 representatives from across Mongolia who set us on the path toward a modern democracy. Reflecting upon the past 100 years, Mongolia has gone through multiple political systems: a Buddhist theocracy, 70 years of socialism, and over 30 years of multi-party governance. What does the centennial anniversary of the country’s first constitution mean to the Mongolian lawmakers and the Mongolian people? The centennial anniversary of Mongolia’s first constitution is a profound moment and cause for celebration for all Mongolian lawmakers and people. It marks the moment our nation took a transformative step toward sovereignty, equality, and democratic governance, laying a foundation that continues to shape the country’s political and national identity. In honor of this anniversary, the Parliament of Mongolia has decreed and organized several events across the country. Alongside the traditional wrestling tournaments and state ceremonial events, the Great Khural will host an honorary forum, “Effective Implementation of Parliamentary Oversight,” which will explore the implementation of the newly announced “Three Pillars of Excellence” policy. This policy will ensure the adoption of laws that uphold human rights and swiftly address evolving societal needs with timely regulations that adapt to rapid developments, all the while maintaining a clear distinction between legislation and regulations. For the Mongolian people, the 100-year anniversary of Mongolia’s Constitution is an opportunity to celebrate the journey from serfdom to citizenship and the introduction of universal suffrage, gender equality, democratic governance, and religious freedom. It serves as a reminder of Mongolia’s political history, independence, understanding the principles of principles and values. It also stands as an opportunity for Mongolian lawmakers and the public to reflect on the progress and understand that there are always additional measures to enhance and strengthen democracy. This is precisely why the “Three Pillars of Excellence” policy is significant. As Mongolia navigates the complexities of the 21st century, this anniversary and its corresponding legislation only reinforce the nation’s identity as a proud, sovereign democracy built on a century-old foundation of equality and justice. As chairman, how do you think the enlargement of Mongolia’s legislative branch, from 76 to 126 seats, strengthens the country’s political system or democratic institutions? The enlargement of Mongolia’s legislative branch from 76 to 126 seats, alongside the adoption of proportional representation for 48 of those seats, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the country’s political system and democratic institutions. These reforms have enhanced inclusivity and representation within the Great Khural, reflecting a broader commitment to constitutional principles of equality and participatory governance. One of the most significant benefits of this expansion is the diversification of political representation both individually and politically. Proportional representation ensures that smaller parties and minority groups gain a stronger voice in the legislative process, breaking the historic dominance of the two major parties: the Democratic Party and the Mongolian People’s Party. This structural change was evident in the recent 2024 general election, which produced the most diverse parliament in Mongolia’s history, with the current sitting parliament made up of 25.4 percent women and representation from various Mongolian ethnic backgrounds, including the first Kazakh woman and the first members with disabilities. The reforms also align closely with the spirit of Mongolia’s 1924 Constitution, which envisioned accountable governance and active civic participation. By increasing the number of legislators, the Great Khural becomes better equipped to address the diverse needs of Mongolia’s population, which stretch from urban centers such as Ulaanbaatar to remote grass steppes and the Gobi Desert. These changes fundamentally enhance the capacity of the legislature to address critical social, economic, and regional challenges, ultimately fostering improved policymaking for the entire population. Our mission is to increase transparency and bring legislators closer to the people they serve. Ultimately, the enlargement of the legislative branch strengthens Mongolia’s democratic institutions by fostering inclusivity, enhancing constitutional governance, and promoting a more representative and accountable political system. These reforms position Mongolia as an oasis of democracy, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner on the global stage. Given the rise of authoritarianism around the world, how does the current parliament aim to strengthen Mongolia’s constitution in order to protect the Mongolian people’s rights and their civil liberties? Mongolia’s parliament, the Great Khural, consistently takes proactive steps to strengthen the constitution and safeguard the rights and civil liberties of its people. Over the coming years, the parliament will undertake several constitutional reforms and innovative governance measures such as Parliament 2.0 and the Great Khural’s Strategic Plan. These reforms will enhance the accountability, inclusivity, and transparency of governance, ensuring that citizens’ democratic values and human rights are consistently protected. As the chairman, I was proud to see that the State Great Khural’s Strategic Plan for 2024–2028 was passed by the parliament recently. As a cornerstone of this parliament, it will oversee the development of a humane, civil, and democratic society in our homeland, prioritizing people-centered policies that will strengthen our country’s democracy and guarantee the civil rights of the Mongolian people. The strategy is divided into five goals. Primarily, it aims to reinforce the reforms made before the 2024 general election, which guaranteed improved participation in Mongolia’s democracy and increased transparency of lawmaking. Meanwhile, Goals 2, 3, and 5 seek to adapt the internal workings of the Great Khural as the legislature confronts the technological challenges of our time. The parliament embraces technological innovation by incorporating big data into decision-making, aligning legislation with sustainable development objectives and our desire for a greener planet, and strengthening parliament’s foreign partnerships to improve our institutional capacities. These five goals will ensure that the Great Khural values the fundamental national interests of all Mongolian citizens. As part of these measures, the Great Khural is already implementing legislative initiatives. For example, recent reforms enhance oversight mechanisms and improve the enforcement of anti-corruption laws, addressing one of the key challenges undermining trust in democratic institutions. These efforts coincide with ongoing initiatives to strengthen judicial independence and the rule of law. To further protect civil liberties, platforms like D-Parliament and D-Petition, launched in 2022, enable citizens to engage directly with lawmakers, ensuring that public opinion continue to shape policymaking and policy-decisions. I believe that these digital tools not only promote accountability but also counter authoritarian tendencies by strengthening democratic participation. In an era of democratic regression, Mongolia’s parliament exemplifies how legislative institutions can actively safeguard civil liberties and human rights. By embracing inclusivity, innovation, and accountability, the Mongolian State Great Khural aims to and will ensure that its constitutional framework remains a bulwark against authoritarianism and a guarantor of the Mongolian people’s rights and freedoms. What are some of the challenges Mongolia currently faces in terms of its legal system and how does the new parliament aim to improve these inefficiencies? In comparison to other older democracies in the world, like the United States or the United Kingdom, Mongolia’s democracy is still very young, but the principle and values have derived from historical times. We believe that in a democratic society, there is constant striving to improve the legal system, whether that be by increasing citizen’s participation, improving transparency and accountability in decision-making, or strengthening mechanisms of enforcement. The Mongolian public expect their representatives to develop laws that are inclusive, transparent, and adaptable to contemporary challenges. By aligning legislative drafting and enforcement with modern and emerging issues with human rights principles and evidence-based analysis, the Great Khural seeks to rise to this challenge and eliminate historical inefficiencies in the legal framework. Over the last few years, we implemented legislative measures aimed at addressing these inefficiencies and strengthening the legal framework. A couple notable ones are the anti-corruption initiatives, such as the “Sweeper Act,” which prevents government officials and their families from leveraging public projects for personal gain. The “Glass and Transparency Act” is designed to limit financial entanglement in party politics and parliamentary operations. Additionally, the “Whistleblower Act” further supports transparency by protecting those who expose corruption, offering legal protection and financial rewards to incentivise reporting. Also, important reforms such as empowering the Mongolian Constitutional Court to resolve citizen petitions concerning breaches of constitutional rights, ensuring greater accountability and responsiveness, are something new and needed to be noted. I believe that these changes are important in strengthening Mongolia’s democratic values and will bring positive impact. I would also like to add that the government has now fully implemented an auction system for the sale of coal on the Mongolia stock exchange and is beginning to work with civil society and international experts, such as the IAAC [Independent Authority Against Corruption] and the Brookings Institution. Looking ahead, the Parliamentary Strategic Plan 2024-2028 commits the parliament to strengthening oversight mechanisms by consistently monitoring enacted laws for effectiveness and relevance. It also emphasizes leveraging innovations such as big data and e-parliament technologies to streamline processes and enhance public access to information. On this centennial anniversary of the original constitution, the Mongolian government and the Mongolian people celebrate the progress we have made at creating a legal system that is transparent, participatory, and capable of addressing Mongolia’s current and future challenges. Much progress has been made. Yet, there is much more to be done.FBI, as most Americans know, is short for Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to the agency’s official seal, the letters also stand for Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity. One thing the letters don’t represent is vengeance. But Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI director, seems prepared to use the nation’s premier law enforcement organization for just that. Patel served in Trump’s first administration in various roles but has made his name mostly from his fierce loyalty to the 45th president. When Trump was accused of unlawfully retaining government documents after his presidency ended in 2021, Patel claimed to have witnessed Trump declassify them all. In 2023, Patel produced the recording “Justice for All,” featuring Trump reciting the pledge of allegiance over voices of jailed Jan. 6 defendants singing the “Star-Spangled Banner,” an effort to normalize the attack on the U.S. Capitol as a patriotic protest. Patel even penned a trilogy of children’s books called The Plot Against the King. The books feature a conspiracy against “King Donald” that is thwarted by a loyal wizard whose name is ... “Kash.” Nothing subtle here. Volume 1 is all about how “Keeper Komey’s spying slugs” falsely accused King Donald of cheating to win the election by working with Russia. The reference to former FBI Director James Comey’s investigation into connections between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia is barely veiled. In addition to Patel’s obsequious loyalty to Trump, he holds radical views about the agency he has been chosen to lead. Shortly after the November election, Patel said he would “shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state.” Other disturbing ideas for the agency appear in another of Patel’s books, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy. There, Patel suggests moving the agency out of Washington “to curb FBI leadership from engaging in political gamesmanship.” As a former career prosecutor, I worked closely with the FBI for almost 20 years. I know from that experience that the FBI operates under its Domestic Investigations Operations Guide, which requires investigations to be predicated on credible allegations and forbids the agency from opening investigations based on politics or First Amendment-protected activity. Patel proposes to turn that mission on its head. Patel once proposed using the law “criminally or civilly” against Trump’s political rivals. “We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media,” he told Steve Bannon on the War Room podcast. Patel’s bad ideas don’t end there. The former public defender and prosecutor also wants to strip the FBI of its intelligence mission. Perhaps as payback for the investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 election, Patel would eliminate the FBI’s role in counterintelligence investigations. Such a move would badly damage America’s national security. With the Central Intelligence Agency restricted to conducting operations outside the United States, the FBI is the only agency that protects American interests from spy operations conducted within our borders by Russia, Iran, China and other hostile foreign adversaries. Patel has also written that he wants to shrink the FBI’s office of general counsel, the agency’s in-house lawyers. The FISA warrant of Trump campaign aide Carter Page, which the Justice Department’s inspector general found included a false statement by an FBI lawyer, was a black eye for the office, but certainly no reason to eliminate it. Patel argues incorrectly that the office engages in “prosecutorial decision-making.” In fact, only the prosecutors at the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have the authority to file criminal charges. Instead, the general counsel’s office provides legal advice to agents to ensure compliance with law and policy on matters such as wiretaps, searches and arrests. If anything, the office needs more lawyers to ensure appropriate rigor in reviewing documents. One hopes the Senate takes seriously its advice and consent role regarding a nominee as dangerous as Patel. Senators would do well to heed the advice of William Barr, who served as attorney general during Trump’s first term. Barr wrote in his memoir that he opposed Patel’s appointment then even as the FBI’s deputy director. Barr said he told White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows that the appointment of Patel would occur over his “dead body.” Patel, Barr wrote, had “virtually no experience that would qualify him to serve at the highest level of the world’s preeminent law enforcement agency” and that even considering him for the No. 2 job showed a “shocking detachment from reality.” It may be that Trump is simply using Patel for the anchoring effect his nomination will have. By setting expectations so low, any other candidate will look good by comparison. Just as the nomination and withdrawal of Matt Gaetz for attorney general may have softened up the Senate for the eventual appointment of Pam Bondi, perhaps Patel is just there to pave the way for the nominee who comes next. Let’s hope it is someone who shares the values of fidelity, bravery and integrity.

Trump's lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money convictionBEIRUT, Lebanon — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. In the hours leading up to the Cabinet meeting, Israel carried out its most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah in the final hours before any ceasefire takes hold. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East, but neither he nor Netanyahu have proposed a postwar solution for the Palestinian territory, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” Netanyahu's office later said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but "reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. ___ Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed.

Meme coins have exploded onto the cryptocurrency scene over the past few years. What started as a niche market filled with jokes and playful tokens has transformed into a serious investment avenue, attracting millions of enthusiasts and investors alike. From Dogecoin to Shiba Inu, these coins have proven they can deliver impressive returns, often driven by community engagement and social media buzz. As December 2024 rolls in, new meme coins are hitting the presale market, providing fresh opportunities for those looking to get in on the action. One of the most exciting entrants this month is BTFD Coin (BTFD) , which is set to take the meme coin frenzy to a whole new level. With its unique Play-to-Earn (P2E) game , attractive staking rewards, and a vibrant community known as the "Bulls Squad," BTFD is making waves in the crypto community. The presale has already begun, and savvy investors are jumping on this chance to secure their spot before the price skyrockets. If you’re looking for the best new meme coin presales in December 2024, you’ll want to keep an eye on these exciting projects. Let’s examine the top five meme coin presales you should attend this December. Each project offers something unique and could be the next big hit in the crypto space. 1. BTFD Coin: The Game-Changer of Meme Coins BTFD Coin is not just another meme coin; it’s a game-changer! This project combines entertainment with real earning potential through its innovative Play-to-Earn game. Players can earn BTFD tokens while having fun, making it an attractive option for gamers and investors alike. The added bonus? Staking rewards that offer a high Annual Percentage Yield (APY). This means that simply holding onto your BTFD tokens can earn you passive income—who doesn’t love that? The presale for BTFD is starting at an incredibly low price of $0.000004 per coin, with analysts predicting a listing price of $0.0006 after the presale wraps up. If you invest $7,500 during stage 6 at a price of $0.000058, you could snag about 129.196 million BTFD coins. When the price hits that expected $0.0006, your investment could balloon to a staggering $77,517! That’s a massive 934% return that can’t be overlooked. Why did this coin make it to this list? BTFD’s unique features, strong community backing, and promising market predictions position it as one of the best new meme coin presales in December 2024. Don’t miss out on your chance to join the Bulls Squad and be part of this exciting journey! 2. Mog Coin: The Philanthropic Meme Coin Mog Coin is making its debut this December, and it’s already turning heads. This new meme coin is all about building a community around the love of pets and animals. With a mission to support animal welfare organisations, Mog Coin is designed to create a positive impact while rewarding its supporters. The coin is not just about profits; it’s about purpose, which resonates with many investors who want their money to make a difference. The presale for Mog Coin is generating buzz, especially among animal lovers and those looking to invest in socially responsible projects. Analysts are optimistic about its growth potential, predicting that as the community expands, so will the value of MOG tokens. The combination of meme culture and philanthropy could be a winning formula for this new coin. Why did this coin make it to this list? Mog Coin’s unique approach to combining meme culture with social impact makes it a standout choice among the best new meme coin presales in December 2024. If you’re passionate about pets and want to invest in a project that gives back, Mog Coin could be your perfect fit! 3. Notcoin: The Cheeky Community Builder Next up is Notcoin, which has captured attention with its cheeky name and playful branding. This project aims to redefine what a meme coin can be, offering a platform where users can create and share their own memes while earning tokens. The community-driven aspect of Notcoin encourages creativity and engagement, making it a fun and interactive investment. The presale for Notcoin is attracting a lot of interest, especially from younger investors who are keen on joining the meme revolution. Analysts are bullish about its potential, predicting that as more people get involved, the demand for NOT tokens will rise. The combination of fun, community, and potential profits makes Notcoin a compelling option. Why did this coin make it to this list? Notcoin’s focus on creativity and community engagement positions it as a strong contender among the best new meme coin presales in December 2024. If you’re looking for a fun investment with real potential, Notcoin deserves a spot on your radar. 4. Turbo: The Speedy Investment Opportunity Turbo is revving up for its presale this December, and it’s all about speed and excitement. This meme coin is designed for fast transactions and aims to create a lightning-fast ecosystem for traders and investors. With a sleek branding strategy and a focus on user experience, Turbo is set to attract a wide audience. The presale is generating buzz, particularly among those who are tired of slow transaction times in the crypto world. Analysts believe that Turbo’s focus on speed and efficiency will resonate with investors, leading to significant price appreciation once it hits the market. The excitement around this project is palpable, making it one to watch. Why did this coin make it to this list? Turbo’s emphasis on speed and user experience makes it a standout option among the best new meme coin presales in December 2024. If you’re looking for an investment that promises quick returns and innovative technology, Turbo could be your answer. 5. Dogs: The Furry Friend of Meme Coins Last but not least is Dogs, a meme coin that’s all about celebrating our furry friends. This project aims to harness the power of community and social media to create a fun and engaging platform for dog lovers and crypto enthusiasts alike. With a strong focus on community events and promotions, Dogs is set to create a loyal following. The presale for Dogs is gaining traction, especially among pet owners and meme coin fans. Analysts are predicting that as the community grows, so will the demand for DOGS tokens. This combination of love for pets and the potential for profit makes Dogs an appealing investment. Why did this coin make it to this list? Dogs’ community-focused approach and fun branding position it as a top choice among the best new meme coin presales in December 2024. If you’re a dog lover looking to combine your passion with investment, Dogs might just be the perfect pick for you. Conclusion As December 2024 approaches, the meme coin market is buzzing with new opportunities. From the innovative BTFD Coin and the socially conscious Mog Coin to the playful Notcoin, speedy Turbo, and community-driven Dogs, there’s a lot to get excited about. Now’s the time to act! Don’t miss out on these presales that could lead to significant returns. Make sure to get involved and secure your spot in the best new meme coin presales in December 2024. Your future self will thank you! Find Out More: Website: https://www.btfd.io/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/BTFD_COIN Telegram: https://t.me/btfd_coin Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.Regal Rexnord Co. (RRX) To Go Ex-Dividend on December 31stBy CLAIRE RUSH PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Googly eyes have been appearing on sculptures around the central Oregon city of Bend, delighting many residents and sparking a viral sensation covered widely by news outlets and featured on a popular late-night talk show. Related Articles National News | Biden’s commutation in ‘kids for cash’ scandal angers some Pennsylvania families National News | Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings National News | FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup National News | OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco apartment National News | Judge rejects an attempt by Trump campaign lawyer to invalidate guilty plea in Georgia election case On social media, the city shared photos of googly eyes on installations in the middle of roundabouts that make up its so-called “Roundabout Art Route.” One photo shows googly eyes placed on a sculpture of two deer, while another shows them attached to a sphere. It’s not yet known who has been putting them on the sculptures. “While the googly eyes placed on the various art pieces around town might give you a chuckle, it costs money to remove them with care to not damage the art,” the city said in its posts. The Facebook post received hundreds of comments, with many users saying they liked the googly eyes. “My daughter and I went past the flaming chicken today and shared the biggest laugh,” one user said, using a nickname for the “Phoenix Rising” sculpture. “We love the googly eyes. This town is getting to be so stuffy. Let’s have fun!” Another Facebook user wrote: “I think the googly eyes on the deer specifically are a great look, and they should stay that way.” Others said the city should focus on addressing more important issues, such as homelessness, instead of spending time and money on removing the googly eyes. Over the years, the city’s sculptures have been adorned with other seasonal decorations, including Santa hats, wreaths, leis. The city doesn’t remove those, and views the googly eyes differently because of the adhesive, Bend’s communications director, Rene Mitchell, told The Associated Press. “We really encourage our community to engage with the art and have fun. We just need to make sure that we can protect it and that it doesn’t get damaged,” she said. The post and its comments were covered by news outlets, and even made it on a segment of CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert .” The city regrets that its post was misunderstood, Mitchell said. “There was no intent to be heavy-handed, and we certainly understand maybe how that was taken,” she said. “We own this large collection of public art and really want to bring awareness to the community that applying adhesives does harm the art. So as stewards of the collection, we wanted to share that on social media.” The city has so far spent $1,500 on removing googly eyes from seven of the eight sculptures impacted, Mitchell said, and has started treating some of the art pieces, which are made of different types of metal such as bronze and steel. The “Phoenix Rising” sculpture might need to be repainted entirely, she said. For some, the googly eyes — like the other holiday objects — provide a welcome boost of seasonal cheer. “I look forward to seeing the creativity of whoever it is that decorates the roundabouts during the holidays,” one social media commenter said. “Brings a smile to everyone to see silliness.”

DALLAS — More than 60 years after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated , conspiracy theories still swirl and any new glimpse into the fateful day of Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas continues to fascinate . President-elect Donald Trump promised during his reelection campaign that he would declassify all of the remaining government records surrounding the assassination if he returned to office. He made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bended to appeals from the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld. At this point, only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination have yet to be fully released, and those who have studied the records released so far say that even if the remaining files are declassified, the public shouldn’t anticipate any earth-shattering revelations. “Anybody waiting for a smoking gun that’s going to turn this case upside down will be sorely disappointed,” said Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” which concludes that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Friday’s 61st anniversary is expected to be marked with a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m. in Dealey Plaza, where Kennedy’s motorcade was passing through when he was fatally shot. And throughout this week there have been events marking the anniversary. Nov. 22, 1963 When Air Force One carrying Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy touched down in Dallas , they were greeted by a clear sky and enthusiastic crowds. With a reelection campaign on the horizon the next year, they had gone to Texas on political fence-mending trip. But as the motorcade was finishing its parade route downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository building. Police arrested 24-year-old Oswald and, two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. A year after the assassination, the Warren Commission, which President Lyndon B. Johnson established to investigate the assassination, concluded that Oswald acted alone and there was no evidence of a conspiracy. But that hasn’t quelled a web of alternative theories over the decades. The collection In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. Trump, who took office for his first term in 2017, had boasted that he’d allow the release of all of the remaining records but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released during President Joe Biden’s administration, some still remain unseen. The documents released over the last few years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. Mark S. Zaid, a national security attorney in Washington, said what’s been released so far has contributed to the understanding of the time period, giving “a great picture” of what was happening during the Cold War and the activities of the CIA. Withheld files Posner estimates that there are still about 3,000 to 4,000 documents in the collection that haven’t yet been fully released. Of those documents, some are still completely redacted while others just have small redactions, like someone’s Social Security number. There are about 500 documents where all the information is redacted, Posner said, and those include Oswald’s and Ruby’s tax returns. “If you have been following it, as I have and others have, you sort of are zeroed in on the pages you think might provide some additional information for history,” Posner said. Trump’s transition team hasn’t responded to questions this week about his plans when he takes office. A continued fascination From the start, there were those who believed there had to be more to the story than just Oswald acting alone, said Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of the assassination from the building where Oswald made his sniper’s perch. “People want to make sense of this and they want to find the solution that fits the crime,” said Fagin, who said that while there are lingering questions, law enforcement made “a pretty compelling case” against Oswald. Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said his interest in the assassination dates back to the event itself, when he was a child. “It just seemed so fantastical that one very disturbed individual could end up pulling off the crime of the century,” Sabato said. “But the more I studied it, the more I realized that is a very possible, maybe even probable in my view, hypothesis.”DETROIT (AP) — If Donald Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea, including additional 10% taxes on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday on Truth Social threatening the tariffs on his first day in office could just be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. High food prices were a major issue in voters picking Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, but tariffs almost certainly would push those costs up even further. For instance, the Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said Tuesday that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when other countries retaliate. “Tariffs distort the marketplace and will raise prices along the supply chain, resulting in the consumer paying more at the checkout line,” said Alan Siger, association president. Mexico and Canada are two of the biggest exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables to the U.S. In 2022, Mexico supplied 51% of fresh fruit and 69% of fresh vegetables imported by value into the U.S., while Canada supplied 2% of fresh fruit and 20% of fresh vegetables. Before the election, about 7 in 10 voters said they were very concerned about the cost of food, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. “We’ll get them down,” Trump told shoppers during a September visit to a Pennsylvania grocery store. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. People looking to buy a new vehicle likely would see big price increases as well, at a time when costs have gone up so much they are out of reach for many. The average price of a new vehicle now runs around $48,000. About 15% of the 15.6 million new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year came from Mexico, while 8% crossed the border from Canada, according to Global Data. Much of the tariffs would get passed along to consumers, unless automakers can somehow quickly find productivity improvements to offset them, said C.J. Finn, U.S. automotive sector leader for PwC. That means even more consumers “would potentially get priced out,” Finn said. Hardest hit would be Volkswagen, Stellantis, General Motors and Ford, Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska wrote Tuesday in a note to investors. “A 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada would severely cripple the U.S. auto industry,” he said. The tariffs would hurt U.S. industrial production so much that “we expect this is unlikely to happen in practice,” Roeska said. The tariff threat hit auto stocks on Tuesday, particularly shares of GM, which imports about 30% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, and Stellantis, which imports about 40% from the two countries. For both, about 55% of their lucrative pickup trucks come from Mexico and Canada. GM stock lost almost 9% of its value, while Stellantis dropped nearly 6%. It's not clear how long the tariffs would last if implemented, but they could force auto executives to move production to the U.S., which could create more jobs in the long run. However, Morningstar analyst David Whiston said automakers probably won't make any immediate moves because they can't quickly change where they build vehicles. Millions of dollars worth of auto parts flow across the borders with Mexico and Canada, and that could raise prices for already costly automobile repairs, Finn said. The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. said tariffs on tequila or Canadian whisky won’t boost American jobs because they are distinctive products that can only be made in their country of origin. In 2023, the U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of tequila and $108 million worth of mezcal from Mexico and $537 million worth of spirits from Canada, it said. “Tariffs on spirits products from our neighbors to the north and south are going to hurt U.S. consumers and lead to job losses across the U.S. hospitality industry,” it added. Electronics retailer Best Buy said on its third-quarter earnings conference call that it runs on thin profit margins, so while vendors and the company will shoulder some increases, Best Buy will have to pass tariffs to customers. “These are goods that people need, and higher prices are not helpful,” CEO Corie Barry said. Walmart also warned this week that tariffs could force it to raise prices. Tariffs could trigger supply chain disruptions as people buy goods before they are imposed and companies seek alternate sources of parts, said Rob Handfield, a professor of supply chain management at North Carolina State University. Some businesses might not be able to pass on the costs. “It could actually shut down a lot of industries in the United States. It could actually put a lot of U.S. businesses out of business,” he said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who talked with Trump after his call for tariffs, said they had a good conversation about working together. "This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on and that’s what we’ll do,” Trudeau said. Trump's threats come as arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico have been falling . But arrests for illegally crossing the border from Canada have been rising over the past two years. Much of America’s fentanyl is smuggled from Mexico, and seizures have increased. Trump has sound legal justification to impose tariffs, even though they conflict with a 2020 trade deal brokered in large part by Trump with Canada and Mexico, said William Reinsch, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a former Clinton administration trade official. The treaty, known as the USMCA, is up for review in 2026. In China’s case, he could simply declare Beijing hasn't met obligations under an agreement he negotiated in his first term. For Canada and Mexico, he could say the influx of migrants and drugs are a national security threat, and turn to a section of trade law he used in his first term to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum. The law he would most likely use for Canada and Mexico has a legal process that often takes up to nine months, giving Trump time to seek a deal. If talks failed and the duties were imposed, all three countries would likely retaliate with tariffs on U.S. exports, said Reinsch, who believes Trump's tariffs threat is a negotiating ploy. U.S. companies would lobby intensively against tariffs, and would seek to have products exempted. Some of the biggest exporters from Mexico are U.S. firms that make parts there, Reinsch said. Longer term, Mary Lovely, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said the threat of tariffs could make the U.S. an “unstable partner” in international trade. “It is an incentive to move activity outside the United States to avoid all this uncertainty,” she said. Trump transition team officials did not immediately respond to questions about what he would need to see to prevent the tariffs from being implemented and how they would impact prices in the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Tuesday that Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own. Sheinbaum said she was willing to talk about the issues, but said drugs were a U.S. problem. ___ Rugaber reported from Washington. AP reporters Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, Stan Choe and Anne D'Innocenzio in New York, and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.

Suncorp's 'digital insurer' policy transformation program will empower it to deliver improved customer and employee outcomes SYDNEY, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duck Creek Technologies, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has announced a new partnership with Suncorp, one of Australia's and New Zealand's largest general insurers. Duck Creek will deliver cloud-native, low-code core insurance delivery solutions as part of Suncorp's recently announced 'digital insurer' policy transformation program. Duck Creek's SaaS solutions will replace multiple on-premises legacy systems and help Suncorp achieve its customer-outcome and value focused strategies. The multi-year agreement for Duck Creek policy, billing and Clarity (data, insights and AI) solutions is an important milestone, and will underpin the next era of technology modernisation and process simplification for Suncorp. Duck Creek's cohesive and comprehensive suite is expected to reduce Suncorp's technological complexity, support their ability to deliver enhanced customer value and personalisation, and improve operational efficiency. Suncorp aims to develop more customer-centric, data-driven and brand-specific propositions and experiences without the associated complexity; and deliver value to market faster and more efficiently across its personal and commercial brands in Australia and New Zealand. "Modernising our core insurance platforms will help us deliver innovative and affordable customer propositions, simplify and streamline our operations, and importantly enable our people,” said Lisa Harrison, Chief Executive Consumer Insurance at Suncorp. "Through a rigorous RFP process, we selected Duck Creek as it has a proven track record both globally and locally.” "This is a multi-year program designed to roll out new capabilities in a safe, smart and efficient way. We have assigned dedicated business and technical leadership to work alongside Duck Creek and our integration partner, with strong governance structures and oversight. "We look forward to a successful ongoing partnership with Duck Creek to help deliver this important program,” Ms. Harrison said. "Suncorp is pushing the boundaries of insurance innovation. They appreciate that they're not in the business of just insuring assets, but of delivering confidence and better experiences and outcomes for their policyholders,” said Christian Erickson, Managing Director (APAC) of Duck Creek Technologies. "Duck Creek's vision, to transform insurance technology, helping insurers be smarter, faster and more efficient, and provide the best protection for people and businesses, is aligned with Suncorp's, as a future-focused and protection-driven insurer. This makes us ideal partners and we're honored to be a part of helping deliver Suncorp's strategy. We believe Suncorp will push us to think and innovate differently and we are excited for the outcomes we will achieve together.” The unique modular architecture of Duck Creek's OnDemand platform will help accelerate Suncorp's innovation timelines, reducing new product time-to-market from months to weeks and product amendments from weeks to days. The OnDemand platform will also help Suncorp increase automation, eliminate manual processes and enhance data-driven decision making. "Our policyholder-centric solutions are designed to equip Suncorp to overcome any technological obstacles and refocus resources toward delivering new innovative customer propositions and experiences," Mr. Erickson said. About Duck Creek Technologies Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite , and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand . Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information - LinkedIn and X . About Suncorp Group Suncorp Group is an ASX-listed Trans-Tasman insurance company, headquartered in Brisbane, Australia. With a heritage dating back more than 100 years, Suncorp provides insurance products and services through some of Australia and New Zealand's most recognisable brands. Media Contacts: Duck Creek Chris Hamilton [email protected] Suncorp James Spence [email protected]Photo: Contributed The Leafs are quickly losing ground in their division and on the season after dropping two games on the weekend to division rivals. The latest chapter of the Highway 3 battle fell to the Rebels as they overcame a 2-1 deficit midway through the second period in front of 425 Castlegarians (maybe some Nelsonites) and dented the twine three times — adding in an empty net goal as well — en route to a 5-2 victory. Cale Nachai scored his third goal of the season while Xaiden Bignell added his sixth. Jacob Armstrong made 32 saves and allowed four goals. The Leafs outshot Castlegar 39-37. The Rebels win was only the seventh against the Leafs in the last five years, compared to 21 losses, as the Heritage city crew has been largely dominate. It was also the first time in four tries that the Rebels have beaten the Leafs this season. On Saturday night the Leafs returned home to face the Neil Murdoch Division leading Beaver Valley Nitehawks (15-6-2) — and second in the KIJHL — at the Nelson and District Community Centre. Over 800 people saw the Leafs have no answer for one of the KIJHL’s top clubs, despite opening the scoring on a goal by Carsyn Crawford (7). The Nitehawks added two to take a 2-1 lead after one period, add another in the second before Kane Kennedy scored his 12th goal of the season early in the third period to give the Leafs some life. Less than three minutes later Boris Hristov scored on the power play to end the Leafs comeback, with Brett Moch adding another power play marker 10 minutes later. The Nitehawks scored an empty net goal as well. Armstrong made 34 saves on 39 shots, while the Leafs managed 30 shots on Nitehawks goaltender Landan Uzeloc. The losses drop the Leafs record to 12-13, leaving them stalled in third in the Neil Murdoch division, three points ahead of the Rebels. As well, the Leafs have stumbled to only one win in the last five games, getting outscored 26-9 in that stretch.

Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff is retiring from football with one season of eligibility left, the Lexington-Herald Leader reported Sunday. The publication said the school confirmed Vandagriff's retirement. Vandagriff didn't play in the Wildcats' season finale against Louisville. He passed for 1,593 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 11 games this season. Kentucky has added former Incarnate Word signal-caller Zach Calzada out of the transfer portal since the end of the season. Calzada also was the starting quarterback in 2021 for Texas A&M and the 2025 season will be his seventh as a college player. Vandagriff was a five-star recruit in the 2021 class who initially committed to Oklahoma before flipping and choosing Georgia. However, he didn't get much playing time in three seasons with the Bulldogs with Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck ahead of him. He chose to transfer following the 2023 season. This season, Vandagriff was benched on two occasions and only topped 200 passing yards twice. He had a good chance at a third 200-yard outing on Nov. 2 when he had 123 midway through the third quarter before getting knocked out of the 28-18 loss to then-No. 7 Tennessee due to a concussion. Cutter Boley started the 41-14 loss to Louisville. Another quarterback, Gavin Wimsatt, entered the transfer portal after throwing four interceptions in 39 attempts this season. --Field Level MediaTopline The federal prosecutions of Donald Trump officially came to an end Tuesday when a federal appeals court dismissed Trump’s case for allegedly withholding White House documents, after Special Counsel Jack Smith asked on Monday that the felony charges against Trump be dropped—ending the historic saga. Key Facts Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here . Crucial Quote Trump responded to the cases being dropped, saying on Truth Social these cases—and the others he has faced in New York and Georgia—were “empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” He continued : “It was a political hijacking, and a low point in the History of our Country that such a thing could have happened, and yet, I persevered, against all odds, and WON.” What To Watch For Smith’s two cases were dismissed without prejudice, meaning the federal government could try and charge Trump again after he leaves office—though it’s unclear if they will, and if doing so would be allowed under the statute of limitations. Key Background Trump was charged by the Justice Department in August 2023 with trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, one of four indictments brought against Trump at the state and federal level—a historic move, marking the first time a former president has faced criminal charges. Trump attempted to have the charges thrown out by arguing he had “presidential immunity,” and the Supreme Court ultimately sided with him, ruling mostly in his favor by saying he could not be charged for any activities that were “official” presidential duties. After the court’s ruling, Smith’s team issued a new , slimmed down indictment against Trump in August for the same four felonies. The second indictment more clearly argued Trump was not acting as president in his efforts to overturn the election, but was acting as a presidential candidate. Separately, Trump was indicted in the federal documents case last June for allegedly withholding national security documents and obstructing justice. Prosecutors alleged Trump intentionally tried to conceal classified documents and prevent them from being returned to the government, leading to 40 federal felony charges . Trump argued he was legally allowed to have the documents because of the Presidential Records Act, though experts said his argument was flawed. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges brought against him and described them as a “witch hunt” by President Joe Biden’s DOJ in an attempt to ruin his presidential campaign. In October before he was elected, Trump said if he returned to the White House he would “fire [Smith] within two seconds” and called the prosecutor a “scoundrel” and a “very dishonest man.” Tangent Last week, Trump’s criminal sentencing in his New York hush money case was postponed indefinitely . Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and was scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 26, but Judge Juan Merchan paused the sentencing and asked for briefs on whether the case should be dismissed to be filed by Dec. 9. There’s not yet a clear path forward for when the sentencing could take place, but prosecutors proposed sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office. Meanwhile, Trump’s criminal charges in Georgia for trying to reverse his election loss are on hold amid an appeals court fight over the prosecutor. Further ReadingThe man wanted over Melbourne's infamous Easey Street murders has boarded a plane back to Australia. or signup to continue reading Perry Kouroumblis was arrested at Rome's Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in September over the slaying of Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, in January 1977. The friends were found dead with multiple stab wounds in their home on Easey Street in Collingwood. Ms Bartlett's 16-month-old son Gregory was found unharmed in his cot. The 65-year-old Kouroumblis was pictured by several media outlets being escorted onto a Qatar Airways flight which departed at Monday afternoon local time. He will return to Melbourne on a second flight via Doha that is expected to land on Tuesday night. Kouroumblis previously told Italian authorities he was "happy" to be extradited but a judge will have final sign off. Charges have not been laid and he maintains his innocence. Kouroumblis' lawyer, Serena Tucci, said her client was prepared to face trial and his extradition could happen without a court appearance. "It's very possible that the judge's signature could happen right as the guards are there at the prison, and within an hour, he's gone," she told the ABC last month. Victoria Police had an INTERPOL red notice alert out for Kouroumblis on two charges of murder and one of rape. But he was not able to be arrested in Greece due to a 20-year statute of limitation on the initiation of murder charges. Ms Armstrong and Ms Bartlett were last seen alive on January 10, 1977, and their bodies were found three days later. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has described the murders as "an absolutely gruesome, horrific, frenzied homicide". The force offered a $1 million reward in 2017 to catch those responsible. The women went to school together at Benalla in Victoria's north and their families said their deaths changed many lives "irrevocably". DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. 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