Melbourne synagogue fire declared a ‘likely’ terrorist attack by police

Melbourne synagogue fire declared a ‘likely’ terrorist attack by police

Victoria police say Friday’s arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne is being treated as an act of terrorism. The Victorian police chief commissioner, Shane Patton, made the declaration about Friday’s Ripponlea fire being regarded as a suspected terrorist attack on Monday morning. He said the decision followed advice provided at a meeting … Read more

Syrians emerging from Assad’s prisons taste ‘beautiful’ freedom as regime topples

Syrians emerging from Assad’s prisons taste ‘beautiful’ freedom as regime topples

Bewildered and elated prisoners have poured out of Syrian jails, shouting with joy as they emerged from one of the world’s most notorious detention systems and walked to freedom following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government. All across Syria, families wept as they were reunited with children, siblings, spouses and parents who vanished years ago … Read more

Colin Jost jokes about ‘hot’ UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter in SNL’s ‘Weekend Update’

Colin Jost jokes about ‘hot’ UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter in SNL’s ‘Weekend Update’

The suspect in the shooting death earlier this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson took center stage during Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update,” with hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che needling the NYPD for not yet having caught the insurance executive’s killer. “This week, New York City officials sent a tough message on crime: If … Read more

Criminals owe record £4.4bn in unpaid fines and court fees

Criminals owe record £4.4bn in unpaid fines and court fees

Criminals owe a record £4.4 billion in unpaid fines and court fees, equivalent to the entire budget originally set aside to build 20,000 prison places, official figures show. Ministers have admitted that unpaid fines have for the first time passed £1 billion with a further £3.4 billion outstanding from legal costs and confiscation orders imposed … Read more