Thu, December 12, 2024

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: 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

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.

by: MSN

Keith Gerein: Edmonton councillors play the politics of finances, some much better than others

For those who missed it, my last column offered an analysis of Edmonton's latest city budget , particularly the complicated money-moving revisions that enabled a modest improvement to next year's tax hike.

by: MSN

Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer at war over... sandwiches

The Tory leader says lunch is for wimps and sandwiches are not "real food" whereas the Prime Minister likes a cheese toastie

by: MSN

A Pakistani court indicts imprisoned former PM Imran Khan and his wife for corruption

A Pakistani court indicts imprisoned former PM Imran Khan and his wife for corruption - A court in Pakistan has indicted imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife in one of several graf

by: MSN

Sen. Collins Alzheimer's disease care and prevention bill signed into law

A new law is promising more help, and more funding, for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The law, backed by Maine Senator Susan Collins, was signed on Wednesday. Also read: Sen. King's bill aims to study lower-intensity weapon blasts on veteran mental health Collins coauthored the bipartisan bill,

by: MSN

What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP-NORC poll

As several of President-elect Donald Trump's choices for high-level positions in his incoming administration face scrutiny on Capitol Hill, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Americans have their own doubts.

by: MSN

Doctors Say Dealing With Health Insurers Is Only Getting Worse

Medical providers say they are frustrated by the aggravation and expense of convincing insurance companies to pay for their patients' care.

by: The Globe and Mail

Morning Update: A page in Poilievre's playbook

Quebec, N.L. reach agreement on massive Churchill Falls hydroelectric project and pro-Assad Syrians flee to Lebanon

by: MSN

Alberta premier to announce border security plan in response to Trump tariff threat

CALGARY — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to announce today steps the province plans to take to shore up security at the Canada-United States border.

by: MSN

What Elon Musk's DOGE effort to cut government waste could mean for federal employees in Texas

Elon Musk's new government-efficiency department could bring sweeping changes to federal services in Texas — and the employees who administer them. The Texas billionaire has promised to slash as much as $2 billion from the federal budget by eliminating certain agencies and issuing "mass head-count reductions" across the federal workforce,

by: MSN

UN assembly calls for a ceasefire amid tensions with Israel and the U.S.

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 U.

by: MSN

Windsor council asked to follow Halifax's lead and support temporary tent encampments

The former executive director of community legal aid in Windsor says council is giving false hope to people who want encampments eliminated.

by: MSN

Ceasefire in Ukraine may start soon, Poland's government

Despite the extremely difficult situation on the frontline, the prospect of a ceasefire in Ukraine is fast approaching. Ukraine's reconstruction could begin in the second half of 2025, said Paweł Kowal,

by: MSN

Biden issues 39 presidential pardons and commutes 1,500 sentences

US President Joe Biden has issued presidential pardons to 39 Americans convicted of non-violent crimes, and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 other people. The White House described it as the most acts of presidential clemency issued in a single day.

The Al Assad family continues to live in luxury and opulence in Moscow

The former deposed dictator will continue to enjoy luxury in one of the 22 apartments they bought in one of the richest neighborhoods of Moscow. The fortune of the Al-Assad family is estimated at between 1 and 2 billion dollars.

The article from MSN discusses the luxurious lifestyle of the al-Assad family, who have been living in opulence in Moscow despite the ongoing conflict in Syria. It highlights how, while Syria faces economic hardship and devastation from war, members of the Assad family, including Rami Makhlouf, a cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, have been seen enjoying lavish parties and maintaining a high standard of living in Russia. The piece notes the stark contrast between the suffering of the Syrian people and the family's continued wealth and comfort, facilitated by their connections and business dealings in Russia. This lifestyle is supported by their investments and properties in Moscow, showcasing a life of luxury far removed from the realities of the Syrian civil war.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/politics/government/the-al-assad-family-continues-to-live-in-luxury-and-opulence-in-moscow/ar-AA1vJZNL