Thu, December 12, 2024

by: Los Angeles Times

Column: Amid the chaos of Syria, an American family seeks to bring a missing son home

Austin Tice was kidnapped in Syria 12 years ago. His family has waited with hope and anxiety as the fall of Syria's ruler has opened a window for his return.

by: The New York Times

China Pledges More Stimulus to Shore Up Flagging Economy

At a meeting to set the party's economic policy agenda, China's leadership said it would borrow more and cut interest rates in a bid to bolster growth.

by: Wired

TikTok's Future in the US Is Unclear. We Check Back in With the Billionaire Who Wants to Save It

Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has been talking about buying TikTok since earlier this year. The long shot is getting shorter.

by: WTHR

Mike Braun's journey to the governor's office

News' Dustin Grove sat down with Mike and Maureen Braun at their home in Jasper to discuss their life, their politics and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

by: FOX59 News

Youngkin to draft sanctuary city ban, making state funding contingent on ICE cooperation

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will announce a plan to institute a sanctuary city ban and withhold state funds for policing to such jurisdictions.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Migrant arrivals are finally dropping. But departures are still a big issue

A surge in immigrants calling Australia home is coming to an end. Despite the slowdown, Australia's population grew by 552,000 over the past year.

by: Castanet

GST break and $250 Working Canadians Rebate 'fiscally unwise'

We are just days away from Dec. 14, the day when the Liberal government's temporary expansion of select GST-exempt items is scheduled to take effect.

by: The Independent

White House sees 'no evidence' of threat from drones and says 'many' sightings were of 'manned aircraft'

National Security Council spokesperson says there's 'no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus'

by: Rolling Stone

'It'll Be Brutal': Inside Trump's Planned War on Leakers and the Press

Trump's second term will include more media subpoenas, communications seizures, whistleblower prosecutions, and lawsuits against news outlets.

by: The Irish Times

Labour's government dilemma resolved by the tyranny of the numbers

There is a strong expectation that Labour leader Ivana Bacik will recommend that the party does not proceed with negotiations about joining a coalition government

by: USA Today

Louisville Metro Police and Justice Department agree on civil rights plan

Louisville mayor and police officials joined U.S. Department of Justice representatives to discuss a "civil rights announcement" Thursday morning.

by: Yahoo

FA cannot champion gay rights one week and back a Saudi World Cup the next

For a single illustration of Saudi Arabia's stance on gay rights, you would struggle to surpass the moment when officials from the kingdom's commerce ministry descended on Riyadh shops to seize rainbow-coloured toys and children's clothing.

by: Irish Daily Mirror

Social Democrats to engage in 'focused' Government formation talks

It follows meetings with Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin and the Labour Party this week and last week, which deputy party leader Cian O'Callaghan described as "exploratory".

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Teals stole Liberal seats. Now Dutton's surge could steal them back

Three years ago, the Coalition returning to government in 2025 seemed utterly implausible. It is no longer unrealistic - and the teals know it.

by: USA Today

Sen. Marsha Blackburn introduces DOGE Acts aimed at federal spending, workforce

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn introduced on Wednesday a group of bills seeking to reduce federal agency spending and trim the federal workforce, relocate federal agencies outside of Washington D.C., and require federal employees to report for work in person.

by: Newsroom

From elusive principles to the year's biggest 'loser' - 2024 had it all

Newsroom's annual political awards covers the good, the bad, and the ugly from a phenomenal year in the Beehive and beyond.

by: The New York Times

Seismic Political Shifts Are Likely to Continue

That came through strongly during a discussion on Dec. 4 at the DealBook Summit in New York City about the election and its aftermath. The 10-member election task force, one of four held away from the main stage, included those involved in politics, the media and advocacy.

by: THE WEEK

South Korean president vows to fight removal

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said in televised remarks Wednesday he would not step down, despite urging from his party, and defended his six-hour imposition of martial law on Dec. 3. The brief attempt at military rule led to the arrest of Yoon's former defense minister and embroiled the president in criminal investigations and possible impeachment.

by: The New York Times

How U.S. Firms Battled a Government Crackdown to Keep Tech Sales to China

An intense struggle has unfolded in Washington between companies and officials over where to draw the line on selling technology to China.

by: Toronto Star

Trudeau government unveils 'achievable' new target to cut greenhouse gas emissions

The federal government declared Thursday that Canada will strive to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035 — an "ambitious and

by: Daily Express

Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are on a mission to make every statement meaningless

The Labour Government seems to be on a mission to render political language almost meaningless. Sir Keir Starmer and his Ministers continually make statements that are directly contradicted by their own policies.

by: Toronto Star

Doug Ford to crack down on homeless encampments with tougher trespassing laws and more funding

The premier said his government will earmark an additional $75.5 million on shelters and ensure cities are spending the money to help those in need.

by: NBC News

Jan. 6 defendant invited to Trump's inauguration by former GOP lawmaker

Defendant Russell Taylor organized a group of "fighters" to travel to Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, in response to Trump's tweet telling supporters the day "will be wild."

by: ABC

Man who allegedly assaulted Rep. Nancy Mace released, ordered to stay away from her

Officials said the suspect, James McIntyre, went through security screening prior to entering the congressional building.

by: Richmond

Could 75-cent toll on Chesterfield stretch of Powhite be going away?

While the Chesterfield state of the county address celebrated many 2024 achievements, the event also looked ahead to future projects, leadership and partnerships.

by: Mother Jones

Kash Patel Claims He Played a Major Role in the Benghazi Case. Former Colleagues Say He Didn't.

In his 2023 book, Government Gangsters, which claims a supposed Deep State has been plotting against Donald Trump for years, Kash Patel, whom Trump has tapped to replace Chris Wray as FBI director, recounts his three-year stint as a mid-level attorney at the Justice Department.

by: MSN

Lithuania's new government takes office amid controversy over antisemitism

Lithuania's new centre-left government took office on Thursday, led by Social Democrat Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and including a party whose leader is on trial accused of antisemitic statements.

by: MSN

Maddow Blog | Poll on Trump's transition process offers good (and bad) news

Survey data suggests a narrow majority of Americans approve of Donald Trump's shambolic transition process, but other modern presidents have fared better.

by: MSN

Government urged to grant more court sitting days to tackle prison population

Government urged to grant more court sitting days to tackle prison population - Tory Kieran Mullan said: 'If the judiciary had come to us and asked for more sitting days, we would have responded to that,

by: London Evening Standard

Government to scrap some T-levels as part of review into post-16 education

Education minister Janet Daby said about 70% of vocational courses that the Conservatives had slated to cut will be kept.

by: Daily Express

Keir Starmer's farming policy is more sinister and socialist than anyone dares believe

Keir Starmer doesn't seem to care that his policy will destroy the lives and livelihoods of generations of farmers.

by: MSN

Romania and Bulgaria to fully join Schengen Area in January 2025

"It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members," said Hungary's Minister for Home Affairs Sándor Pintér. "Lifting checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between those member states has been a top priority for the Hungarian presidency,

by: MSN

Finnish PM calls for increased support for Ukraine and common European defence

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has said it is critical that the international community continue to help Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Source: Orpo in an interview with the Japanese broadcaster NHK,

by: MSN

Column: Trump-friendly billionaires are taking aim at the federal agencies that protect workers and consumers

SpaceX and Amazon want key federal regulatory agencies to be declared unconstitutional. The losers would be workers and customers of financial firms

by: MSN

John Rustad vows to 'do politics differently' after caucus tensions boil over

The B.C. Conservatives have been the official Opposition for less than two months and internal discord is forcing party leader John Rustad to answer how he'll keep his new coalition together. In a year-end interview,

by: MSN

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan and wife indicted in another graft case, Geo TV reports

A Pakistani court indicted imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife on fresh charges of illegally selling state gifts on Thursday, local broadcaster Geo reported. The indictment was the latest in dozens of cases against the 72-year-old former cricket star,

by: MSN

Schumer says Senate will vote on Social Security changes

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday he's "doing everything" he can to try to pass legislation that would enact some Social Security before Congress ushers in a new class next month.

by: MSN

Three Possible Tax Impacts for Retirees Under Trump

Trump term affect your tax bill in retirement — or the inheritance tax bill for your heirs? This pro has three predictions.

by: WESA

DA Zappala sues Allegheny County, retirement board over 'Ponzi scheme' pension system

Zappala called the situation "one of the most serious unfunded pension crises in the history of the Commonwealth."

by: MSN

GOP governor-elect reveals what Musk, Ramaswamy will find when tackling government spending

Indiana Governor-elect and current U.S. Republican Senator Mike Braun on how DOGE will impact federal spending and waste and ways the Senate operated during his congressional term.

by: MSN

Russian official responsible for missile upgrades striking Ukraine eliminated

In Moscow, Mikhail Shatsky, deputy general designer of the Mars Design Bureau and head of the software department, was eliminated. He was engaged in the modernization of Kh-59 missiles to the Kh-69 level,

by: Cleveland.com

Ohio House passed bill would limit wealthy people's ability to file defamation, libel suits: Capitol Letter

The bill would dilute the ability of well-heeled plaintiffs to file abusive defamation or libel lawsuits aimed to stifle legitimate criticism.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Pay up by January 1 or face huge penalties, government tells Zuckerberg

Meta, Google and TikTok will within the scope of the charge, referred to as a News Media Bargaining Incentive, as they earn Australian revenue of more than $250 million.

by: BBC

First Minister's Questions: John Swinney challenged over falling teacher numbers

by: MSN

UN votes for Gaza ceasefire; US and Israel oppose

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Wednesday calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Nine countries voted against its adoption, including Israel and the USA.

by: MSN

Government adopts the Adjustments Appropriation Bill to help fund 2025

This Bill aims to provide for the adjustment of appropriations from the National Revenue Fund to cater to the state's financial needs for the 2024/2025 fiscal period.

by: MSN

Scoop: Biden issues record clemency and pardons for nearly 1,500 Americans

President Biden's executive action is the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history by any American president. President Joe […]

by: MSN

New Lithuania government takes office amid controversy over antisemitism

Lithuania's new centre-left government assumed office on Thursday, led by Social Democrat Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas and including a party whose leader is on trial accused of antisemitic statements.

St. Paul City Council passes budget but Mayor Melvin Carter says it cuts critical necessities including police and fire

Wednesday night, the St. Paul City Council passed a budget that includes a 5.9% property tax increase instead of Mayor Melvin Carter's proposed 7.9% hike. Carter says increase is necessary to maintain critical services including police and fire.

The St. Paul City Council has passed a budget for 2024 that includes a 4.7% property tax levy increase, but Mayor Melvin Carter has expressed concerns over the budget's cuts to essential services. The budget reduces funding for the police and fire departments, which Carter argues are critical necessities. Specifically, the council's decision to cut $1.3 million from the police department and $1.5 million from the fire department has led to the mayor's disapproval. Despite these cuts, the budget still allocates funds for new initiatives like a child care center at the Rondo Community Library and a new Office of Neighborhood Safety. Carter has indicated he might veto the budget, highlighting the potential negative impacts on public safety and the city's ability to respond to emergencies.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/st-paul-city-council-passes-budget-but-mayor-melvin-carter-says-it-cuts-critical-necessities-including-police-and-fire/ar-AA1vKcxZ