• Thursday, December 19, 2024

by: politicsweb

2024 had both high and low points - COSATU

COSATU celebrated its 39th anniversary on 1 December and marked almost four decades of defending and advancing workers' and working-class communities rights and interests. As the Federation heads towards its 40th anniversary in 2025, it remains determined to wage working class battles and win.

by: BBC

Congress in disarray and shutdown looms as Trump, Musk slam spending deal

The president-elect and Elon Musk rejected the bipartisan spending plan that would prevent a government shutdown.

by: RTE Online

Labour withdraws from government formation talks with FF and FG

The Labour Party has decided to end exploratory government formation talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. In a statement, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said she believed that the policy gap between the parties "is such that it would not be possible to ...

by: NJ.com

GOP senator floats shocking idea for Trump ally Elon Musk

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) floated a surprising new position for tech billionaire Elon Musk after he spearheaded the charge to tank a bipartisan spending deal on Wednesday.

by: Inside Climate News

Social Scientist Dustin Mulvaney Discusses Solar Power, Trump and the Need to Prioritize Environmental Justice

The rapid rise of renewable energy has made aspects of his 2019 book on solar power read like ancient history.

by: WSB Radio

Government shutdown at risk as Trump's demands put Speaker Johnson in a bind

A government shutdown at risk, House Speaker Mike Johnson is fighting to figure out how to meet President-elect Donald Trump's sudden demands — and keep his own job

by: The New Zealand Herald

Policy and priorities, Wellington council in 'shambles', and a historic h?koi: a year in NZ politics - The Front Page

The coalition Government dived in quickly to reverse previous Labour policy and pushed numerous bills through Parliament to meet quarterly deadlines and targets -with a mixed response from voters around some policies.

by: Omaha.com

Nebraska auditor alleges more fraud by contracted DHHS caregivers

Auditor Mike Foley's report on Wednesday follows a similar report his office issued in February. He previously said the DHHS likely mishandled tens of millions of dollars during the 2023

by: Winston-Salem Journal

Two Things: The hits keep on coming for soil and water district candidate; Robinson lands in hot water again

A losing candidate for Forsyth County soil and water conservation district supervisor - the qualified one - takes the high road.The winner, a convicted sex offender, lands in legal jeopardy.

by: CNN

What's at risk if Congress doesn't fund the government by Friday night

Facing intense pressure of the federal government potentially shutting down within days and disaster aid coffers that need replenishment, lawmakers are racing to cobble together a temporary government funding plan after President-elect Donald Trump torpedoed their last package on Wednesday.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

'We've been vindicated': Chalmers says government spending has saved the nation from recession

After coming under fire from for his mid-year budget update, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says: "We've rejected this free advice that says slash and burn in the budget".

by: FOX31 Denver

Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?

Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in Social Security payments under legislation set for a final Senate vote in the coming days. The Social Security Fairness Act would

by: RealClearPolitics

Stephen Miller to Congressional Republicans: Why Are You Not Giving Trump The Best Possible Chance At Success?

The American people elected him to. He should not have to come into office and immediately be saddled with a government funding expiration followed by a debt ceiling expiration. That is what the current plan would do. He would come into office and ...

by: FOX59 News

Where's Biden? Lame-duck president slammed for 'quiet quitting' amid major government funding battle

President Biden was blasted for "quiet quitting" and failing to lead his fellow Democrats amid the fiscal battle in Congress that could lead to a government shutdown just days before Christmas.

by: NBC News

Trump calls for abolishing the debt ceiling

In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said getting rid of the debt ceiling entirely would be the "smartest thing it [Congress] could do. I would support that entirely."

by: CNN

DOGE vs. DEI: Republicans' promise to purge government diversity initiatives could be wide-ranging, and hard to pull off

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the two billionaires tasked with slashing government waste, are expected to recommend an agency-wide purge of spending on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, three sources familiar with their plans tell CNN.

by: RealClearPolitics

Rep. Casar: We're Seeing The Chaos And Billionaire Corruption Of The Trump Era, Elon Musk Is Cosplaying As Co-President

There are a few weeks left until the Democratic Party faces Republican majorities in Congress. After a decisive loss in the presidential election, Democrats have been at odds over their future and direction during the new Trump era.

by: FOX59 News

Congress agrees to fully fund Baltimore Key Bridge rebuild in plan to avert government shutdown

Congressional leaders struck a deal to avert a government shutdown that includes a provision to cover the cost of rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

by: Austin American-Statesman

When is the government shutdown deadline? What to know as shutdown looms

In the midst of a looming government shutdown, President-elect Donald Trump has come out against Congress' plan to fund the government through March. Trump's statement comes after Congressional leaders released the text of a short-term bill to keep the ...

by: FOX59 News

Trump says Mike Johnson will 'easily remain speaker' if he acts 'decisively and tough' on spending bill

EXCLUSIVE: President-elect Donald Trump told Fox News Digital that House Speaker Mike Johnson will "easily remain speaker" for the next Congress if he "acts decisively and tough" and eliminates "all of the traps being set by Democrats" in the spending package.

by: Detroit News

Analysis: Musk's dangerous, exaggerated conflation of social media and democracy

Knee-jerk opposition to spending money on the government was popular on the right before Musk decided to make politics his second career. Republican acquiescence to his push Wednesday was often less about being convinced by his argument (such as it was ...

by: The New York Times

Trump Transition Live Updates: Republicans Search for Path to Avert a Shutdown After Trump Smashes Speaker's Deal

President-elect Donald J. Trump denounced a bipartisan spending deal that would fund the government until mid-March, telling Republican lawmakers that it would be "suicidal" to vote for it. His intervention all but buried the agreement with government funding scheduled to lapse in less than two days.

by: Detroit News

UK considers Musk-proofing donation rules amid Farage talks

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government is talking to Britain's election watchdog about tougher rules on political donations, amid fears that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage may secure funding from Elon Musk.

by: The New York Times

Elon Musk Flexes His Political Strength as Government Shutdown Looms

The world's richest man led the charge to kill a bipartisan spending deal, in part by promoting false and misleading claims about it.

by: MSN

'It'll be a Biden shutdown': Trump tries to shift blame ahead of a potential disaster

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday helped to blow up a bipartisan deal to keep the federal government open, and he's already trying to shift the blame. In an interview with ABC News' Jonathan Karl,

by: MSN

Putin admits Russian inflation is an 'alarming signal' and the economy is 'overheating'

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that inflation is a problem in Russia and that the country's economy is overheating.

by: MSN

Here's what's in the spending bill that's drawing the ire of Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy

On Wednesday congressional leadership unveiled legislation to punt the government funding deadline down the road, but that bill was pronounced dead only hours after it was revealed.

by: MSN

President-elect Trump's government shutdown demands throw Congress into chaos

Massive data breach at federal credit union exposes 240,000 members Lyudmila Trut, Soviet scientist who sped up evolution with tame foxes that began to look like dogs Zelenskyy rejects Putin's call to downsize Ukraine's Armed Forces: Strong, large army is best

by: MSN

Network of lawyers and advocates being built to support those targeted by vengeful Trump

Network of lawyers and advocates being built to support those targeted by vengeful Trump - A network of nonprofit organizations intends to create a support system for those targeted

by: MSN

Scalise doesn't rule out chance of government shutdown

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise on Thursday said Republicans would aim to avoid a government shutdown beginning Saturday, but that "we're not the only ones that control that."

by: MSN

Fixing The Media And Campaign Spending By The Rich

Virtually everyone, except Elon Musk, agrees that the rich have too much political power these days. When a single individual can put tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars behind their favored candidate,

by: MSN

Donald Trump May Block US Government And Military From Buying More EVs

Military vehicle manufacturers have already invested in EVs. The incoming President may scrap a mandate for government fleets to only include EVs by 2027. Donald Trump is due to return to the Oval Office next month,

by: MSN

Somerset Council says government cash not enough

Council leaders say that government money to run local services next year is nowhere near enough.

by: MSN

Elon Musk considers funding Nigel Farage's populist party, a move that could shake up UK politics

It's a photo that sent a tremor through British politics: Elon Musk flanked by British politician Nigel Farage and a wealthy backer, in front of a gilt-framed painting of a young Donald Trump. Taken this week at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida,

by: MSN

Putin says he is ready to negotiate and compromise with Ukraine

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said that Russia was prepared to negotiate and compromise with Ukraine and complained that "the other side" - meaning Ukraine - was refusing to reach an agreement. Source: Vladimir Putin during a press conference on 19 December Quote from Putin: "We have always said we were ready to negotiate and compromise.

by: MSN

Looming government shutdown a 'terrifying preview' of Trump and DOGE

U.S. President Trump and his allies, including billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, are blowing up bipartisan efforts to prevent a government shutdown that could begin this weekend with statements opposing a proposed stopgap measure.

by: MSN

Brussels diplomacy: Zelenskyy advocates for energy security and peacekeeping mission

He met with French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and several European leaders at the European Council meeting and reiterated Ukraine's commitment to strengthening ties with NATO and the EU.

by: MSN

Democrats have become 'distant and detached' from Americans, Biden official Rahm Emanuel warns

Longtime Democrat operative Rahm Emanuel offered advice for the party to reset after losing the election in an opinion piece for the Washington Post.

by: MSN

Trump's government shutdown demands throw Congress into chaos

Trump's sudden decision leaves House Speaker Mike Johnson scrambling to salvage a new plan, days before Friday's deadline to keep government open.

by: MSN

DOGE and reforming government: Panacea or possible?

The much-hyped Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has pledged to identify trillions of dollars of cost cuts from the federal budget -- but is it possible?

by: MSN

Poll Reveals Low Approval for Pete Hegseth and RFK Jr.

According to a recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have low approval ratings among adults in the United States.

by: MSN

Withdraw policy to recruit guest lecturers in govt schools and colleges in Himachal: CPM

The Himachal Pradesh State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned the state government's decision to recruit guest lecturers in government schools and colleges.

by: MSN

Political Perspectives: Trump's rising stature and popularity

by: MSN

Senior Tory MP calls on Government to fast-track Ukraine's Nato membership

Father of the House Sir Edward Leigh said the UK should "stiffen the sinews" when it comes to the US president-elect.

by: MSN

Looming government shutdown could hurt military families, veterans

Plans to avert a partial government shutdown starting this weekend appeared scuttled after President-elect Donald Trump opposed the bipartisan deal.

by: MSN

Wake up with the Washington Examiner: How the continuing resolution died and set up an unexpected shutdown fight

by: MSN

Trump's words of opposition stop a bipartisan budget deal in its tracks with Musk's help

President-elect Donald Trump delivered a likely death blow to bipartisan congressional budget negotiations, rejecting the measure as full of giveaways to Democrats after billionaire ally Elon Musk whipped up outrage toward the bill and cheered on Republican lawmakers who announced their opposition.

by: MSN

Government called on to change presumptive contact laws after Sara Sharif murder

The Government has heard calls to change laws on presumptive contact to protect vulnerable children in light of the murder of Sara Sharif. The body of Sara, 10, was discovered at her family home in Woking,

2024 had both high and low points - COSATU

COSATU celebrated its 39th anniversary on 1 December and marked almost four decades of defending and advancing workers' and working-class communities rights and interests. As the Federation heads towards its 40th anniversary in 2025, it remains determined to wage working class battles and win.

The article from Politicsweb discusses the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)'s reflections on the year 2024, highlighting both the highs and lows. COSATU acknowledges the progress made in economic recovery, with a GDP growth of 0.6% in the third quarter, and the stabilization of the energy sector, reducing load shedding. They also commend the government's efforts in addressing crime, corruption, and infrastructure development, particularly in transport and logistics. However, COSATU points out significant challenges including persistent unemployment, especially among the youth, and the ongoing issues with crime and corruption which continue to undermine economic stability. The union federation also expresses concern over the slow pace of transformation in key sectors like mining and manufacturing, and the need for more decisive action on land reform and economic inclusion. Overall, while there are signs of recovery and improvement, COSATU emphasizes the necessity for continued and intensified efforts to tackle deep-seated socio-economic issues.

Read the Full politicsweb Article at:
https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/2024-had-both-high-and-low-points--cosatu