• Mon, December 16, 2024

by: Houston Chronicle

Fact check: Mike Johnson claims only about 1% of federal employees work in the office

Speaker Mike Johnson's claim seems to reference a survey by a news outlet that says it was not scientific and shouldn't be used to draw conclusions.

by: Fox Business

The federal deficit keeps growing and the Congressional Budget Office has solutions

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released a report analyzing 76 policy options for reducing the federal budget deficit, including spending cuts, entitlement and tax reforms.

by: The West Australian

Federal Government finds $14.6 billion for Budget, not enough to cover $25.1 billion in unavoidable spending

The Federal Government has found another $14.6 billion to cut or shift around within the Budget - but that is not enough to cover 'unavoidable' and 'automatic' spending.

by: The Age

NDIS gets $1b injection to slow growth even as budget slides into deficit

New ways of assessing people for NDIS support will add to a series of changes that are slowing growth of the $47 billion scheme but also revoking people's plans at higher rates.

by: RTE Online

Harris defends Lowry engagement as talks to form next government continue

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said that he will meet the Labour Party this afternoon for what he hopes will be real and meaningful discussions on the formation of the next government.

by: New Republic

Transcript: ABC News' Sudden Surrender to Trump's Fury Alarms Experts

An interview with writer Anne Applebaum about ABC News' abrupt $15 million settlement with Trump—and why it sends ominous signs about the prospect of institutions folding to his authoritarianism.

by: cnbctv18

Kejriwal accuses Centre of failing to ensure women's safety, BJP hits back

Kejriwal claimed that unlike the BJP which does not treat women's safety as a priority, his government has fulfilled all its promises.

by: USA Today

Musk, Ramaswamy promise to make cuts through DOGE. Here's how Georgians could be impacted.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have a singular directive under the new Trump administration: make cuts. How will Georgians be impacted?

by: Business Standard

Centre must act on Bangladesh minority issues: Priyanka Gandhi in LS

As an expression of solidarity with the people of Palestine, Priyanka Gandhi on Monday carried a bag to Parliament that had "Palestine" emblazoned on it

by: Florida Politics

Gunster expands government affairs practice with launch of Arrow Group

The addition of this talented team will significantly expand our statewide presence in public policy consulting.'

by: MSN

Starmer: UK and Norway two of best-placed countries for carbon capture

The Prime Minister travelled to Bergen to meet his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store to mark a new green industrial partnership.

by: MSN

54% of Kenyans doubt IEBC's ability to hold free and fair elections, Infotrak survey

The Infotrak survey established that 54% of Kenyans doubt if IEBC will conduct fair elections in 2027 due to a lack of transparency, corruption, and past records.

by: MSN

EU adopts 15th package of sanctions against Russia

The Council of the EU adopted on Dec. 16 its 15th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the Russian shadow fleet of tankers and the military-industrial complex. The new listings include 54 persons and 30 entities "responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity,

by: MSN

Texas agriculture commissioner criticizes monarch butterfly proposal from the U.S. wildlife officials

The Texas agriculture commissioner criticized a proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend federal protections to the monarch butterflies who migrate across North America. The wildlife service released the proposal Thursday for a 90-day public input period.

by: MSN

PM Memorial writes to Rahul Gandhi: Return Nehru's letters taken by Sonia Gandhi

The Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) has officially requested the return of personal letters written by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, which were sent to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in 2008 during the UPA government.

by: MSN

Labor increases ABC funding and moves to legislate five-year financing terms

In addition to increasing funding for the ABC, Labor says it will seek to legislate five-year funding terms for the ABC and SBS to help prevent "political interference".

by: MSN

Washington Post admits science behind puberty blockers and hormones for minors not clear

The Washington Post argued that the benefits of gender-transition for minors have not been completely proven scientifically despite controversy.

by: MSN

UK politics live: Alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew is 'tip of the iceberg', warns former Tory leader

Alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew is 'tip of the iceberg', warns former Tory leader - Reform UK has threatened to name the alleged Chinese spy with links to Prince Andrew in parliament

by: MSN

Youngkin pledges to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay

A coalition of mid-Atlantic governors including Gov. Youngkin met last week to pledge to clean up the Chesapeake Bay by 2026. Why it matters: That's a year later than the deadline their respective states — Virginia,

by: MSN

Trump's Defense pick has an opening to reshape American classrooms

The Department of Defense Education Activity agency is a high-profile example of a federally run education program that has already been a conservative target.

by: MSN

China to boost direct fiscal support to consumers, party commission says

China will promote stable growth in household income next year by increasing direct fiscal support to consumers and improving social security, a key economics committee of the Communist Party said. China will issue more government bonds,

by: MSN

Crisis in South Korea as President Yoon Faces Impeachment

The Constitutional Court begins impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol, accused of declaring martial law and creating political turmoil. Lawmakers voted to impeach Yoon last Saturday after nationwide protests demanded his resignation.

by: MSN

Factbox-Germany's election in polls, parties and policy debates

Chancellor Olaf Scholz will call on Germany's parliament on Monday to declare it has no confidence in him, taking the first formal step towards securing an early national election in February following his government's collapse.

by: MSN

Canada's premiers meet in Toronto to talk tariffs, trade and health care

Canada's premiers are meeting in Toronto today, and cross-border trade is topping the agenda, on the heels of a tariff threat from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.

by: MSN

Serbia has been illegally spying on political opponents and journalists, Amnesty says

Serbia's secret service and police have been spying on journalists and opposition activists by installing a spyware on their mobile phones, Amnesty International said Monday.

by: MSN

Clarence Page: Kash Patel and his 'bureau of intimidation'

When Merriam- Webster chose" polarization" as the word of the year for 2024, the timing was dramatic for many of us who make our living through words. That observation was confirmed further by President-elect Donald Trump' s choice of his long-standing political loyalist Kash Patel to head the FBI.

by: MSN

Lefty politics is 'all about them' and not public interest

Sky News contributor Joe Hildebrand says progressive politics is "all about them" and slamming Kamala Harris for losing the election which was given to her "on a platter".

by: MSN

The 'next big thing' for business to tackle? Forced migration, says leadership professor

Michael Hastings urged business leaders to "grab" the issue of forced migration and help refugees and asylum seekers gain access to education and work.

by: MSN

Endgame not yet clear as lawmakers await CR

Lawmakers return for what's expected to be the last workweek of the year with no continuing resolution yet in sight. The text of a stopgap spending bill that would continue funding until at least March 14 was not released over the weekend,

by: MSN

Estonia Sanctions Georgian Leaders Over Anti-Democracy Violence

Estonia has taken a firm stance against the Georgian government, announcing sanctions on more than a dozen top officials, including the Georgian prime minister. The move comes after widespread reports of violent crackdowns on pro-European protesters in Georgia.

by: MSN

Border spending, big deficit expected in fiscal update

The federal government's fall fiscal update is expected to show a significant deficit and outline plans for spending on border security to address potential U.S. tariffs under Donald Trump's second presidency.

by: MSN

Last look: America's messed-up housing market

Fareed explains why housing costs have driven inflation in the US and why the housing market is so difficult to fix.

by: MSN

Moldova's Deputy PM Mihail Pop?oi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat in New Delhi

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova to India Mihail Popsoi Lays Wreath at Raj Ghat.

by: MSN

RFK Jr. Has a Battle Plan to Get Senate Confirmation

The health secretary nominee, after meeting resistance in some corners, plans to play down his vaccine skepticism and pro-abortion stances.

by: MSN

What Jacob Zuma said about political unity among black parties

MK Party president Jacob Zuma said during the party's one-year anniversary celebration that black political parties should unite to gain a two thirds majority.

by: MSN

Germany's Scholz expected to lose confidence vote, triggering early election

Polls suggest that a February election would result in a rightward shift, at a moment when Europe's largest economy is faltering.

by: MSN

Members of Congress send TVA letter calling for brakes on 'polluting' and 'unreliable' gas

Rep. Steve Cohen and Sen. Ed Markey led a Congressional pack echoing concerns of environmental groups regarding TVA's fossil fuel plans.

by: MSN

Let's talk about Bidenomics

A version of this article originally appeared in Quartz's members-only Weekend Brief newsletter. Quartz members get access to exclusive newsletters and more. Sign up here.

by: MSN

What to expect from Yoon's impeachment trial: Time frame, procedure and more

The case was officially filed on Monday, meaning that the court will have 180 days to produce a final decision on whether the president is dismissed from office

by: MSN

Smuggling of cash, drones and Starlink into Russia continues despite increased customs controls and sanctions

Estonia is still recording violations of import rules to Russia, despite introducing enhanced customs controls on the EU's eastern border with Russia and sanctions against the aggressor country. Source: European Pravda,

by: MSN

Flash villas, cars and drugs: Assad's legacy in Latakia

The drive winds between manicured lavender-lined lawns to a crescent-shaped home with a gleaming swimming pool on the Syrian coast: Bashar al-Assad's holiday hideaway disgusts those who now come here.

by: MSN

EV rule change in England under Labour government could be 'fatal'

Industry leaders have warned billions of pounds in UK investment and thousands of jobs are at risk if the Labour Party government considers weakening zero-emission vehicle sales targets.

by: MSN

Maharashtra: Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi leaves for Mahabaleshwar

Pune (Maharashtra), December 16 (ANI): Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi left for Mahabaleshwar in Pune on December 16. He arrived in Pune on December 15. Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma's Deepti Sadhwani's Stunning 17-Kg Weight Loss Transformation

by: MSN

Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Palestine' bag to Parliament in solidarity with Palestinians

In a show of support for the people of Palestine, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday carried a bag to Parliament that had "Palestine" emblazoned on it. The Congress general secretary has been raising her voice against Israel's actions in Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

by: MSN

Nigel Farage refuses to take 'woke' anti-bullying training for MPs

Nigel Farage refuses to take 'woke' anti-bullying training for MPs - Nigel Farage's spokesman said he has 'not taken part in "Behaviour Code Awareness Training" and has no intention of engaging with t

by: MSN

Aadhar Update: The Government gave big relief, and again extended the last date for updating Aadhar..

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has once again given a big relief to the people by extending the deadline for Aadhaar update by 6 months. Earlier, the last date for an Aadhaar update was 14 December 2024,

by: MSN

Government releases economic statement today as Freeland faces heavy pressure over deficit

The federal government unveils its long-awaited fall economic statement today — putting to rest weeks of speculation about a higher-than-projected deficit and the potential failure of other fiscal "anchors" Ottawa claimed would keep its budget on track.

by: MSN

Metro mayors to control railways and housing in 'landmark' devolution plans

Mayors of large cities and regions across England will soon be able to take control of local infrastructure and skills projects under a new devolution bill, which was introduced in Parliament today. The English Devolution White Paper will give metro mayors - directly elected regional leaders who chair combined authorities - significant new powers in

Metro mayors to control railways and housing in 'landmark' devolution plans

Mayors of large cities and regions across England will soon be able to take control of local infrastructure and skills projects under a new devolution bill, which was introduced in Parliament today. The English Devolution White Paper will give metro mayors - directly elected regional leaders who chair combined authorities - significant new powers in
The article from MSN discusses the UK government's plan to devolve more powers to metro mayors, focusing on control over railways and housing. This initiative, part of a broader devolution framework, aims to enhance local governance by allowing mayors to manage local rail services, potentially improving transport efficiency and integration with local needs. Additionally, the devolution includes greater control over housing, enabling mayors to address local housing shortages more effectively by tailoring development to regional demands. This move is seen as a significant step towards decentralizing power from Westminster, fostering regional economic growth, and responding more directly to community needs. The plans are part of ongoing discussions and negotiations between the central government and local authorities, with the goal of implementing these changes in the near future.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/metro-mayors-to-control-railways-and-housing-in-landmark-devolution-plans/ar-AA1vVr91

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