Sat, November 30, 2024

by: Brian Stokes

Trump disavowed Project 2025. Now he's hiring its contributors for his administration

Donald Trump distanced himself from the conservative Project 2025 playbook throughout his campaign. Now, he is tapping its contributors to lead his government.

by: Brian Stokes

Prime Minister Trudeau meets Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau landed in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Friday evening to meet with U.S.-president elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, sources confirm to CTV News.

by: Brian Stokes

Louise Haigh resigns as transport secretary over stolen phone fraud offence

Louise Haigh has become the first minister to quit Sir Keir Starmer's government in a blow to the prime minister. The transport secretary has written to Sir Keir tendering her resignation as transport secretary after admitting she pleaded guilty to fraud over a mobile phone claim 10 years ago.

by: Brian Stokes

Democrats Weigh Dumping Nadler, Regrouping to Counter Trump

Some House Democrats want to oust aging committee leaders like Representative Jerrold Nadler in favor of younger lawmakers who they see as better suited to take on the president.

by: Brian Stokes

Kamala Harris for president in '28? How about Gavin Newsom? Who are the early front-runners?

Harris has won five statewide races — in 2010 and 2014 for attorney general, in 2016 for U.S. senator and as vice president on Biden's ticket in 2020 and 2024. She trounced Trump, 58% to 38%, in this year's election.

by: Brian Stokes

Virginia: Solar, data centers, carbon top environmentalists' lists for session

Solar farms, data centers and carbon dioxide are on track to dominate General Assembly discussions on the environment in the 2025 session.

by: Brian Stokes

Many in Louisiana think flood insurance is broken. But what can be done about it?

In October, Cassidy distributed a report to his colleagues called "The Flood Insurance Crisis: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Rising Flood Insurance Premiums," that found NFIP premiums in Louisiana have increased by 234% over the past three years, resulting in 52,000 residents dropping their policies.

by: Brian Stokes

Prime Minister Trudeau's plane lands near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate

by: Brian Stokes

Trudeau lands in Palm Beach, Fla. to meet with president-elect Trump, sources say

An official said the conversation between the leaders was wide-ranging, including trade, border security, fentanyl, NATO and Ukraine

by: Brian Stokes

Sambhal violence: Samajwadi Party calls for 'truth-based investigation'

Further talking about the party's delegation he said that they do not wish to deteriorate the tense situation in the area, and if the district administration have a problem with the delegation

by: Brian Stokes

Irish party leader gives birth on election day

The leader of Ireland's opposition Social Democrats party has given birth on the day of voting in the country's general election.

by: Brian Stokes

Understanding the EFF's defections: impacts on MK Party and South African politics

Explore the implications of the EFF's recent defections to the MK Party and how this shift is reshaping South African politics.

by: Brian Stokes

Besigye's arrest and the tragedy of our politics

by: Brian Stokes

Maharashtra Government Formation Delayed For Next Week Due To Political Turmoil

Maharashtra politics is in a state of Nux which may delay the formation of the new government until next week. The meeting in New Delhi between caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and NCP's Ajit Pawar — steered by Union Home Minister Amit Shah -- was intended to iron out the nitty-gritty of the power-sharing

by: Brian Stokes

'We've have had enough of Starmer's lies' warns farming leader ahead of London showdown

EXCLUSIVE: Liz Webster says many farmers will likely end up selling their land if the situation does not improve.

by: Brian Stokes

Ottawa to announce border-security measures in coming weeks, says senior official

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Wednesday that Ottawa is prepared to pump more money into the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

by: Brian Stokes

Maharashtra CM news live: Shiv Sena hints at major decision today

Speculation continues over the the decision over Maharashtra chief minister and the formation of the Maharashtra government nearly a week after the Maharashtra election results, with Mahayuti alliance leaders holding multiple meetings in Mumbai and Delhi.

by: Brian Stokes

Why Victoria's privacy chief is so worried about facial-recognition technology

Gaming venues and retail are increasingly using off-the-shelf facial-recognition software, sparking high-level concern about potential risks of privacy and data security breaches.

by: Brian Stokes

New European Commission takes hold in a polarised EU

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and her new commission won a clear majority in Strasbourg on Wednesday but rarely has the political mood in the chamber felt so fractious, writes Ton

by: Brian Stokes

'An existential issue': Property speculation threatening Victoria's food bowl

Farmers and government MPs want stronger protection for prime land on the outskirts of Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat, but are voluntary legal contracts enough?

by: Brian Stokes

Election 2024 live updates: Exit poll shows tight race between main three parties as counting to begin at 9am

If the exit poll findings are borne out when the votes are counted, it suggests a return of a coalition based around Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is likely

by: Brian Stokes

Maharashtra government formation LIVE updates: Eknath Shinde is being sidelined, claims Shiv Sena leader

Oath-taking ceremony of the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra would likely be held on December 5 at Azad Maidan. Follow The Hindu for more updates.

by: Brian Stokes

Politics latest: First Starmer cabinet member quits amid scandal; MPs to debate assisted dying

Louise Haigh has quit as transport secretary after Sky News revealed she pleaded guilty to an offence connected with incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013. Meanwhile,

by: Brian Stokes

The general election campaign: the highs, the lows, and the outright clangers

Fri, November 29, 2024

by: Brian Stokes

These loyal aides stuck by Trump. Now they're back for 'unfinished business'

Donald Trump has rapidly assembled his next White House team, with several veterans from his first term planning to move aggressively on Day One.

by: Brian Stokes

Politics latest: Starmer votes in favour as assisted dying bill advances after historic vote

MPs have voted in favour of the assisted dying bill. Louise Haigh has quit as transport secretary after Sky News revealed she pleaded guilty to an offence connected with incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.

by: Brian Stokes

Texas is gearing up in a big way for Trump's mass deportation campaign

Gov. Greg Abbott and other top officials have used tools of the state to dramatically escalate anti-immigrant policy and legislation locally while steering a similar narrative nationally.

by: Brian Stokes

MPs vote in favour of allowing assisted dying in England and Wales after emotional Commons debate

MPs have taken the historic step of voting in favour of a bill which would legalise assisted dying. It follows five hours of debate and means terminally ill adults can choose to end their life.

by: Brian Stokes

The Supreme Court restrained Trump last time. Will it do so again?

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. could play a pivotal role. During Trump's first term, Roberts often joined the four liberal justices in ruling against the president's initiatives. In the last term, Roberts sided with his fellow conservatives in the high-profile cases that divided the court along ideological lines.

by: Brian Stokes

Republican rappers Kneecap win High Court battle for UK government grant - Kemi Badenoch refusal of money "unlawful"

Controversial rappers Kneecap have won a fight for UK government cash they were refused by Kemi Badenoch. At the High Court in Belfast this morning, the government's own lawyers conceded the case, accepting Mrs Badenoch acted unlawfully in refusing a £14,250 grant Kneecap applied for last year.

by: Brian Stokes

A feud within the Jackson County Legislature could cost residents millions. It's become a pattern

Two factions within the Jackson County Legislature risk losing federal relief funds because they can't agree on how to spend them. It's the latest point of contention in a consistently difficult relationship between legislators and the county executive.

by: Brian Stokes

Justice Dept. Girds for a Test of Its Independence

President-elect Donald Trump's plans to install loyalists have left officials fearful that he intends to carry out his threats of retribution but hopeful that rule-of-law norms can hold.

by: Brian Stokes

German Government Plans Billions of Euros in New Chip Subsidies, Bloomberg News Reports

(Reuters) - The German government is preparing billions of euros of new investments into the country's semiconductor industry, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. The subsidies are expected to be about 2 billion euros ($2.11 billion), Bloomberg reported, citing two people who attended an event about the funding plans.

by: Brian Stokes

Elon Musk and Sylvester Stallone attended Trump's Thanksgiving dinner that's all over social media

Videos circulating online showed Elon Musk attending the event at Mar-a-Lago alongside his mother, Maye, and the actor Sylvester Stallone.

by: Brian Stokes

POLL: Should the rest of the UK follow Scotland and bring back Winter Fuel Payment?

The devolved Scottish Government has announced that all pensioners in Scotland will receive a winter heating payment in 2025/26.

by: Brian Stokes

Ghana Elections 2024: Bawumia, Mahama and other presidential candidates sign peace pact

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Former President John Dramani Mahama , have arrived at the Kempinski Hotel to sign a peace pact towards the 2024 General election.

by: Brian Stokes

Sheinbaum responds to Trump claim that she pledged to "stop migration" and close the border

by: Brian Stokes

techUK responds to the Curriculum and Assessment Review

In its response, techUK emphasised the need to embed technology, and digital and essential skills, across the curriculum.

by: Brian Stokes

Mischa Fubler welcomes new role in government

Mischa Fubler was sworn in as a Junior Minister of the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Public Works at Government House yesterday. The Progressive Labour Party election candidate, who was sworn in

by: Brian Stokes

Every Scottish pensioner to get winter fuel payment. Will Labour follow and finally U-turn on cuts?

The Scottish government will reintroduce universal winter fuel payments for pensioners - but will the UK government do the same?

by: Brian Stokes

Maharashtra CM LIVE updates: Eknath Shinde cancels Mahayuti meeting in Mumbai today as suspense over CM continues

BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde and NCP leader AJit Pawar reached the residence of Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday to hold a key meeting over the CM's post.

by: Brian Stokes

Rise of School Fires in Kenya: Is It Time to Abolish Boarding Education?

Are you looking for details about the rise of school fires in Kenya? Check out this article for more information about the cause of arson in Kenyan schools.

by: Brian Stokes

A guide to tech billionaire Peter Thiel's Washington web

The PayPal co-founder has woven himself throughout Washington, amassing influence with elected and un-elected political players alike.

by: Brian Stokes

Politics latest: MPs to debate assisted dying; First Starmer cabinet member quits amid scandal

Louise Haigh has quit as transport secretary after Sky News revealed she pleaded guilty to an offence connected with incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013. Meanwhile,

by: Brian Stokes

PM and Social Democrat candidate Marcel Ciolacu pulls out of Romania's presidential elections

Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) who ranked third in the first round of the presidential elections, announced that he is withdrawing from the race regardless of the result of the vote recount that might bring him the second place and

by: Brian Stokes

Irish rap group Kneecap defeats British Government after 'illegal' attempt to 'silence them'

Irish language rap group Kneecap has won its legal battle against the UK government. The dispute was over former business secretary Kemi Badenoch refusing them a £14,250 funding award. The UK Government has just conceded withholding the fund was 'unlawful.'

by: Brian Stokes

Presidential Office "Promotion of the impeachment of the Board of Audit and Inspection undermines constitutional order"

Anchor] The presidential office strongly criticized the Democratic Party of Korea's push to impeach the chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection,

by: Brian Stokes

The Economist sees 'maverick' Gadkari as Modi's successor, and India's top-down approach to education

International media also examines how India can achieve its industrialisation dreams, only if it would just get out of its own way.

Retired Texas teachers could see a bump in Social Security payments under proposal in Congress

About 300,000 retired Texas educators, police officers and firefighters would see an extra $360 per month under a tweak to Social Security passed in Congress.

The article from the Houston Chronicle discusses the ongoing debate over whether Texas teachers should be included in the Social Security system. Currently, Texas is one of a few states where public school employees do not participate in Social Security, instead relying on the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). This exclusion stems from historical decisions where Texas opted out of Social Security for its teachers to avoid the dual contribution to both Social Security and TRS. The article highlights the financial implications for teachers, especially those who have worked in other states or in private sectors where they contributed to Social Security, leading to potential benefit reductions due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). There's a growing push among educators and some legislators to reconsider this stance, arguing that inclusion in Social Security would provide a more robust retirement safety net. However, opposition comes from concerns over increased costs to the state and potential changes to the current pension system. The debate reflects broader national discussions on retirement security for public employees.

Read the Full Houston Chronicle Article at:
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/article/social-security-texas-teachers-19946704.php