Fri, December 13, 2024

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: AZ Central

Supreme Court to hear challenge to California's pace-setting vehicle emissions rules

The issue is whether the Environmental Protection Agency can allow California to impose emissions standards on new vehicles that are tougher than the federal government's. The Clean Air Act permits that under certain conditions. That provision was ...

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: The New York Times

Emmanuel Macron Appoints Key Ally as France's New Prime Minister

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday tapped François Bayrou, a veteran centrist politician and one of his top allies, as the new prime minister, a move that few expect would stabilize France's roiling politics.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Page threatens to pause senior tax freeze in St. Louis County. Council scoffs.

County Executive Sam Page said the council must pass a budget Tuesday or risk the county pausing in-person applications for the senior property tax freeze. Some councilmembers called his bluff.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: CNN

Trump says GOP will try to eliminate Daylight Saving Time

President-elect Donald Trump said on Friday the Republican Party would try to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, calling it "inconvenient" and "costly."

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: KSBW The Central Coast

Meet the faces of Trump's upcoming administration

Among those named are several celebrity figures like TV show host Mehmet Oz, better known as Dr. Oz, who Trump tapped for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator. There's also former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon who was picked to lead the Department of Education and former NFL player Scott Turner named to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: NJ.com

CNN analyst: Here's why Trump pick RFK Jr. has strong support among Americans

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Kennedy to lead the Health and Human Services Department shortly after winning the White House last month. Enten said that new Fox News polling showed that Kennedy has more support among Americans than not to be confirmed by the Senate.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: AARP

AARP Urges Passage of Prescription Drug Legislation by Year's End

You could earn AARP Rewards points when you use our free financial resources. Help Register Login Login Hi, %{firstName}% Hi, %{firstName}% Games Car rental AARP wants Congress to move ahead with legislation aimed at making it harder for drug companies to block less expensive versions of medications from coming to market.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: FOX59 News

European countries put freeze on Syrian asylum claims after Assad's fall, unclear if US will follow

European countries are freezing asylum cases from Syrian migrants after the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad, raising questions about how the U.S. will handle claims.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSNBC

Billionaires and Democrats paying lip service to Trump are in for a rude awakening

Bending the knee because you agree with him on Israel, deregulation or cutting government spending won't fix the gaping wound in American democracy.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Graphic

Mahama warns of last-minute liabilities from outgoing government

President-elect John Mahama has expressed concern over reports of last-minute mass recruitments and contract signings by the outgoing government, warning that such actions could create liabilities for the incoming administration.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: PBS

What another Trump administration could mean for crypto

Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 for the second time ever on Wednesday, after hitting the milestone the first time in early December, a surge fueled by optimism that the Trump administration would be more friendly to the cryptocurrency industry.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Friends and partners weigh up Canberra's 'relentless' Pacific push

The federal government has closed out the year with a flurry of Pacific announcements designed to shore up Australia's strategic position and push back on China's ambitions in the region.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: PBS

IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes, braces for cuts under Trump and GOP majority

However, the legislative mechanism keeping the government afloat inadvertently duplicated the one-time cut. Treasury officials warn of dire consequences if the funding is effectively rescinded through inaction. Trump last week announced plans to nominate ...

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: The Independent

Survivors 'let down' by Government as it rejects proposals to ban deepfake abuse

Survivors will feel "let down" by the Government's rejection of proposals to crack down on deepfake abuse, Parliament has heard. Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge said she was "devastated" that ministers were not backing her proposed legislation banning the creation and solicitation of intimate images of people without their consent.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: The Bismarck Tribune

Lt. Gov.-elect Michelle Strinden ready for new role in Bismarck

Michelle Strinden will soon resign from the North Dakota House and officially become the state's next lieutenant governor on Dec. 15. Here's a glimpse into her background.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: USA Today

What is Voice of America? What to know about US news agency Trump wants Kari Lake to lead

Here's a look at what Voice of America does ahead of Kari Lake possibly taking over as director under Donald Trump.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Sydney Morning Herald

Inside the fiery meeting that would define the government's relationship with Israel

Fallout from the war in Gaza has created a deepening rift in relations between Australia and Israel. The hostilities are political and personal.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: WTHR

Journey to the governor's office | Mike Braun talks life, politics and legacy

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.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Mother Jones

The Trump Conflicts of Interest Policy Could Be Even Worse Than Last Time

Truth-telling independent media is one remaining bulwark against an autocrat's unrestrained exercise of power. At a time when billionaire owners of corporate media are making accommodations to political leaders, our nonprofit newsroom cannot be bought, bent, or broken. Depend on it, and please stand with us.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Coalition is playing voters for mugs once again with its nuclear costings

The opposition finally unveiled its much-promised nuclear energy costings yesterday. It will be hoping Labor continues to prove it is not very good at politics.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

'Unlikely' Labour will go into government with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail - Bacik

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said they have not yet had a 'substantive' response to their policy priorities outlined during formation talks.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Three-day Capitol climate sit-in ends with HEAT Act push

Demonstrators gathered at the State Capitol in Albany for a three-day sit-in, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act and the New York HEAT Act

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Quebec, Ottawa announce $100-million deal to fight homelessness

The federal and provincial governments have announced a $100-million agreement to help fight homelessness in Quebec.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: PBS

What does a Trump administration mean for crypto

Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 for the second time ever on Wednesday, after hitting the milestone the first time in early December, a surge fueled by optimism that the Trump administration would be more friendly to the cryptocurrency industry.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Thousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall

Thousands of Syrians gathered Friday in Damascus' historic main mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, while giant crowds celebrated in the capital's largest square.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Turning up the heat on Chinese government hackers requires a new approach, experts say

Nation-state hackers continue to exploit the weak U.S. response to cyberattacks, according to experts. Why it matters: The ongoing Chinese hack of U.S. telecommunications networks is considered the "worst telecom breach" in American history — but it remains to be seen if the U.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: NBC News

Trump Cabinet picks sand down their conservative media personas: From the Politics Desk

With Trump saying the U.S should avoid involvement in Syria, Gabbard told reporters Tuesday as she met with senators: "I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statement President Trump has made over the last few days with regards to the developments in Syria."

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

'Moderate' Rebels Destroy and Desecrate Assad Family Tomb

A contingent of the rebel force that recently took power in Syria has destroyed the tomb of the founder of the Assad ruling family. According to the BBC, the tomb of former Syrian President Hafez al-Assad -- whose son,

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Rhode Island leaders attend Rhode Island Energy, Environment and Oceans Leaders Day

Numerous Rhode Island leaders will attend a discussion about energy and environmental policy on Friday. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will house the 15th Rhode Island Energy, Environment and Oceans Leaders Day.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Graphic

Last-minute mass recruitments will burden the next government - John Mahama

President-elect John Mahama has expressed concern over reports of last-minute mass recruitments and contract signings by the outgoing government, warning that such actions could create liabilities for the incoming administration.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad's inner circle and where are they now?

After insurgents toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad this month, many senior officials and members of his dreaded intelligence and security services appear to have melted away. Activists say some of them have managed to flee the country while others went to hide in their hometowns.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Toronto Star

Doug Ford to crack down on homeless encampments with fines for drug use 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.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Hungary's Foreign Minister and his Russian counterpart discuss Ukraine

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó had a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During the conversation, they discussed Ukraine, according to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: BBC

Macron picks centrist Bayrou as French PM in bid to end political instability

President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist leader François Bayrou as France's next prime minister, in a bid to end months of political turmoil. A Macron ally, Bayrou is a mayor from the southwest and leads the MoDem party. The president's task is to ensure he lasts longer than his predecessor.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Half of Americans have no confidence in Trump's Cabinet picks: Poll

About half of U.S. adults are "not at all confident" in President-elect Trump's ability to appoint qualified people to his administration, per an AP-NORC poll released on Friday. Why it matters: The lack of confidence from respondents undercuts Trump's claim to have won a mandate from voters as he finalizes Cabinet picks and fine tunes policy proposals.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Channel 4 News

France's fourth PM in a year: what challenges lie ahead?

A Macron-ally and leader of the centre-right MoDem party, François Bayrou is disliked by the left and distrusted by the right. In other words he faces the same problems as his predecessor.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Tren de Aragua terrorism tool of Venezuelan government, says former Venezuelan military officer

A former high ranking Venezuelan military officer is sounding the alarm about the migrant gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) being used as a tool of the Venezuelan government to sow violence and discord throughout the United States.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Voters split on whether Trump is serious about going after political enemies: Survey

Voters are split on whether President-elect Trump is serious about going after his political enemies during his second stint in the White House, according to a new survey released on Thursday. The Monmouth University poll found that 48 percent of respondents said Trump is serious about going after his political foes,

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

GOP rep calls to strip power from DC and for Black Lives Matter Plaza to be 'paved over'

One House Republican who has long sought to curtail Washington, D.C.'s sovereignty is now pushing for President-elect Donald Trump to help him not only tighten Congress' screws on D.C.'s elected government,

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Senate Democrats livid with exiting Sinema, Manchin: 'Pathetic'

Senate Democrats were livid after Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), two longtime members of their caucus, voted Wednesday to block President Biden's nominee, Lauren McFerran, to serve another five-year term on the National Labor Relations Board.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Two Virginia women who came to Congress on a mission prepare to leave at a critical moment

Democratic Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Jennifer Wexton roared into Washington six years ago as part of a record wave of women vying for House seats, many on a mission to push back against the politics of Donald Trump.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: PBS

Only 3 in 10 Americans highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military, AP-NORC poll says

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have recently elected Donald Trump to a second term, but that doesn't mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet — or effectively manage government spending ...

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Washington Examiner

Oct. 7 changed the Middle East forever

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Trump's Cabinet picks: When did this all begin and why

The president's Cabinet includes officers of the executive branch departments and is a vital and foundational element of the United States government. Though the word "cabinet" is not mentioned in the Constitution,

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

German federal government and states agree digital education package

Germany's federal government and the 16 states have agreed a package that provides funding for equipping schools with laptops and modern IT infrastructure for the next six years, Education Minister Cem Özdemir announced in Berlin on Friday.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: Rolling Stone

Meet the New FBI Boss. He Sued the Old Boss. And Got Laughed Out of Court

Patel nonetheless casts this memo as a world-shaking unmasking of the "Deep State" — which he describes in his 2023 book Government Gangsters as a "cabal" of "incestuous, power-hungry, unelected oligarchs in Washington who hate us."

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: McClatchyDC

'Enough is enough': After Mitch McConnell's latest fall, MAGA calls for his retirement

A Tuesday fall marked another health episode spurring calls for 82-year-old Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell's retirement.

[ Fri, Dec 13th 2024 ]: MSN

Trump's new 'AI czar' really doesn't want MAGA world to remember his reaction to Jan. 6

Trump announced he would appoint David Sacks as his "AI and crypto czar," despite his pushback against the president-elect just a few years before.

Friends and partners weigh up Canberra's 'relentless' Pacific push

The federal government has closed out the year with a flurry of Pacific announcements designed to shore up Australia's strategic position and push back on China's ambitions in the region.

The article from ABC News discusses Canberra's ongoing efforts to strengthen its ties with Pacific Island nations, highlighting a strategic push to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region. Key points include Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong's diplomatic visits to Pacific nations, emphasizing security, climate change, and economic partnerships. The article notes the establishment of new embassies, increased aid, and infrastructure projects aimed at fostering closer relationships. It also mentions the challenges Australia faces, such as competition from China's Belt and Road Initiative and the need to address climate change concerns, which are paramount for Pacific Island countries. The narrative underscores the geopolitical chess game in the Pacific, with Australia's relentless diplomatic efforts seen as both a response to regional dynamics and an attempt to secure its own strategic interests.

Read the Full Australian Broadcasting Corporation Article at:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-14/canberras-relentless-pacific-push/104723598