Sat, December 14, 2024

by: Buffalo News

Buffalo-area water systems struggle to determine if 100,000 water pipes are lead

Public water agencies in Erie and Niagara counties have yet to identify the material used in more than 100,000 water service lines buried underground, a Buffalo News analysis of state data shows.

by: WPRI 12

RI state government hit by major cyberattack; Social Security, bank numbers believed stolen

The hackers accessed RIBridges, the state's online portal for obtaining social services such as SNAP and Medicaid benefits.

by: The Independent

Trump vows to scrap daylight savings time and looks to axe car crash regulation which highlights Tesla: Live

Navy college football game with reported guests Pete Hegseth, Ron DeSantis, and Daniel Penny in Maryland at 3pm Eastern time

by: UPI

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached over martial law attempt

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached Saturday over his short-lived martial law decree, with twelve lawmakers from his own party joining the opposition to pass the motion in the National Assembly.

by: USA Today

Supreme Court to hear challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions rules

California wants to move away from gas-powered cars. But fuel producers argue the state is acting as a "quasi-federal regulator on global climate change."

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Veterans' claims add $1.8 billion, driving budget further into red

After being left with a huge backlog in veterans' financial assistance claims, the government is facing another $3.5 billion in payments.

by: Toronto Star

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

The federal government announced the plan to temporarily waive the five per cent goods and services tax in a bid to help ease affordability concerns during the holiday season.

by: Doncaster Free Press

Doncaster MP Ed Miliband sets out clean power plan for city and rest of UK

Doncaster MP Ed Miliband has set out his plans to protect households and boost economic growth in Doncaster and across the country as he unveiled his clean power project.

by: Telangana Today

Syria is turning into battleground of geopolitics

The Syria conflict might appear as a domestic civil war aimed at toppling an autocratic ruler but the reality is far more complex with various nations pursuing their strategic interests

by: The New York Times

Trump's Transition Business Largely Happens After Night Falls

At his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, the president-elect has been hosting diplomatic dinners, announcing cabinet picks and firing off texts to his aides — all after the sun goes down.

by: CNN

Georgia political crisis deepens as lawmakers vote in far-right ex-soccer player as president

Georgian lawmakers have voted in far-right former soccer star Mikheil Kavelashvili as next president of Georgia, amid mounting popular anger over the government's halt to EU accession talks.

by: Yahoo

Only when migration is under control will politics return to normal

Is Kemi Badenoch getting it wrong? Why did she devote her weekly opportunity to confront the prime minister at last Wednesday's PMQs to immigration when, just outside, there was a massive demonstration by farmers whose grievance might have given her a stronger card to play?

by: RealClearPolitics

DHS Sec Alejandro Mayorkas: Experts, Our "State-Of-The-Art Technology" Have Not Confirmed Any Drone Sightings

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Friday reacted to unexplained drone sightings and declared them to be "cases of mistaken identity where drones are actually small aircraft and people are misidentifying them.

by: Santa Rosa Press Democrat

A look at the whirlwind events that led to the impeachment of South Korea's president

South Korea's parliament voted to impeach embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law decree this month, a shocking stunt that paralyzed the country's politics, halted foreign policy and spooked financial markets.

by: The Hill

Five ways congressional investigations could change in the next Congress and beyond

The future of congressional investigations could be defined by Republican eagerness to probe private industry and less willingness to defer to the Justice Department, experts say. House

by: Business Insider

Trump inviting Xi to his inauguration is an audacious power play

Trump invited China's president to his inauguration next year, but the move is likely the latest move to imbalance Xi and reset US-China relations.

by: Bar & Bench

Ban 'politricks', not student politics: Kerala High Court on plea to ban on campus politics

There cannot be a complete ban on political activities in colleges but harmful practices arising out of student politics should be eliminated, the Kerala H

by: The New York Times

A.T.F. Braces for a Sharp Change of Course Under Trump

There is little doubt that tumult lies ahead for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, perhaps in the form of even deeper funding cuts.

by: The Boston Globe

A look at the South Korean leader who has been impeached after shocking martial law edict

South Korea's parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, a stunning fall from grace for a man who rose from political obscurity to the height of political power.

by: Baltimore Banner

Maryland makes it easier to determine benefits eligibility with web portal

A new online tool makes it easier for Marylanders to determine whether they qualify for basic government services, such as food benefits and Medicaid, Gov. Wes Moore announced Friday.

by: WKTV

National and International News in Focus: Dec. 13

Among the roughly 1,500 people whose sentences were commuted or who were pardoned by President Joe Biden are a nonprofit leader who supports at-risk youth, a social worker who fosters

by: RealClearPolitics

It's Time For a National Conversation About Left-Wing Violence

Even before we knew the targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione was politically motivated, many leftists were

by: Detroit Free Press

Democrats dash House Republican hopes of votes on tipped wage, paid leave

Michigan House GOP left session with a demand for votes to change paid sick leave and minimum wage laws. Democrats adjourned without taking them up.

by: Graphic

Election 2024: Do Polls Matter?

Rrecently wrote a piece for the Centre for International Governance Innovation in which I described the likely outcome of the 2024 elections as follows - "by conventional wisdom, the economic pinch points felt under Ghana's ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government,

by: moneycontrol.com

After poll fight, patch up talks: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar's mother bats for Sharad-Ajit unity

Pune, Dec 14 (PTI) Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar's mother Sunanda has emphasised the need for party factions led by veteran politician Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar to come together as voices for unity emerged from both rival camps.

by: kathmandupost

Oli's China deal copy-paste of the pact I had finalised: Dahal

Maoist chief seeks to present bypoll results as a sign of his party gaining ground and the ruling parties losing support.

by: MSN

'One Nation, One Election' Explained: What Is It And What Will Change In India

Though BJP's allies such as the TDP, Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), all of whom are represented in the Union Cabinet, are supporting the concept, the National Democratic Alliance will need backing from some of the members of the opposition INDIA alliance besides fence-sitters to ensure the passage of the constitutional amendment bill requiring support from two-thirds of the members in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

by: MSN

Singer IU backs impeachment rally with food and coffee for attendees

Singer and actor IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, said Friday that it would provide food and hand warmers for attendees of the impeachment rally near the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Saturday,

by: MSN

Mitch McConnell, Who Had Polio, Reacts to RFK Jr. Ally's Anti-Vaccine Push

McConnell was partially paralyzed when he contracted polio at 2 years old, before vaccinations were available.

by: MSN

Fury after Biden grants clemency to 'kids-for-cash' judge and city coffer embezzler

The victims of a pair of major corruption schemes in Pennsylvania and Illinois are angry Joe Biden granted clemency to the perpetrators. Biden announced on Thursday that he would commute the sentences of 1,500 convicted criminals. White House officials ...

by: MSN

Who is Francois Bayrou? Macron's latest pick to be France's prime minister

Who is Francois Bayrou? Macron's latest pick to be France's prime minister - The 73-year-old has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades and is one of the president's cloest allies

by: MSN

Mitch McConnell warns Trump nominees to 'steer clear' of 'dangerous' polio vaccine skeptics

Outgoing Senate Minority Leader and polio survivor Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a stern warning Friday to incoming members of President-elect Donald Trump's administration who may seek to revoke federal approval of the polio vaccine.

by: MSN

Facing certain defeat, Mayor Brandon Johnson postpones Chicago city budget vote

After the meeting, Johnson acknowledged he does not yet have the votes to pass his $17.3 billion spending plan.

by: MSN

Federal labour minister takes steps to end Canada Post strike

The federal labour minister has taken steps he says should end the Canada Post strike by next week. But is it already too late for Christmas parcels and cards? Sarah MacDonald reports.

by: USA Today

US grand jury charges former Syrian prison official with torture and immigration fraud

Syrian official who immigrated to the US in 2020, was in charge of Damascus prison from 2005-2008 and lied about his crimes to get a US "green card."

by: Washingtonian

Clashes Are Coming for Trump Officials Dining Out in DC

DC restaurants have long prided themselves on being politically neutral spaces. A big political name could be just another diner—no matter the headlines he or she generated by day. And restaurateurs, for the most part, didn't publicly weigh in on partisan issues for fear of alienating any potential customers.

by: MSN

Syrians cheer end of 50 years of Assad rule at first Friday prayers since government fell

Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, gathering in the capital's historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule.

by: Business Standard

Ashok Gehlot demands MoU regarding PKC-ERCP project be made public

This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) on December 17
Fri, December 13, 2024

by: MSN

Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam model of development in country due to 'transparent and efficient' governance

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma declares state a development model due to transparent governance. Launches initiatives in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

by: MSN

Gov. Burgum and Lt. Gov. Miller receive resolutions for water development

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller received resolutions of appreciation at the North Dakota State Water Commission (SWC) today.

by: The Globe and Mail

Trump transition team recommends scrapping car-crash reporting requirement opposed by Tesla

The move could cripple the U.S. government's ability to investigate and regulate the safety of vehicles with automated-driving systems

by: RealClearPolitics

Pomeroy: Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Could Bring Big Changes to NIH and Science Research

Thursday on the RealClearPolitics podcast, RealClearScience editor Ross Pomeroy joined Carl Cannon to discuss how Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Donald Trump's pick to lead the National Institutes of Health, and Robert F.

by: MSN

Trump demands mystery drones are 'shot down' and claims 'government are lying'

Donald Trump is alarmed at the mysterious drones flying across the US, but claims the government must know the truth.

by: MSN

Georgia senate study committee makes recommendations to expand child care accessibility and help providers

The committee identified three weak areas in the industry and those improvements may include a child state tax increase, which could mean more money for families.

by: Sky News Australia

Former Liberal minister in Howard and Abbott governments Kevin Andrews dies following battle with cancer

Tony Abbott has led tributes following the death of his former minister Kevin Andrews after a year-long battle with cancer. Tributes have flown from members of parliament following the death of former Liberal MP Kevin Andrews.

by: Washington Examiner

FBI flap: There is no fourth branch of government

by: MSN

Lawmakers consider effectiveness of orphan oil and gas well program

State officials say oil and gas wells are becoming orphaned faster than they can be plugged. Yet the legislative auditor is optimistic that will improve-- with more information and transparency from recent audits.

by: MSN

Rep. Johnson: Bipartisanship remains a critical factor in shaping policy

With the GOP holding the majority, Johnson said Republicans have a unique opportunity to push their agenda forward, but cooperation is essential.

A.T.F. Braces for a Sharp Change of Course Under Trump

There is little doubt that tumult lies ahead for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, perhaps in the form of even deeper funding cuts.

The article from The New York Times, published on December 14, 2024, discusses the anticipated changes at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under a potential second term of Donald Trump. It highlights how Trump's administration could significantly alter the agency's direction, focusing on reversing gun control measures implemented by the Biden administration. Key points include the potential rollback of regulations on stabilizing braces, ghost guns, and private gun sales, which were tightened under Biden. The article also mentions the possible appointment of a new ATF director who aligns with Trump's views on gun rights, potentially leading to a more lenient enforcement of existing gun laws. This shift is expected to be met with resistance from gun control advocates and could lead to legal challenges, reflecting the ongoing national debate over Second Amendment rights versus public safety.

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/us/politics/atf-braces-for-a-sharp-change-of-course-under-trump.html