Thu, December 19, 2024

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: NBC News

House Republicans have reached an agreement to keep the government funded, a key lawmaker says

In disarray, House Republican leaders have kept their rank-and-file members, as well as senators in both parties, guessing as they work to find a path forward that can satisfy Trump's demands and win enough support to pass the divided Congress and be signed into law by President Joe Biden.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Texas Public Radio

San Antonio City Council approves $87,000 raise for city manager and makes his term indefinite

The San Antonio City Council voted to give City Manager Erik Walsh a nearly $90,000 raise on Thursday, just weeks after voters eliminated a salary cap for the position.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: The Daily Telegraph

Sir Keir Starmer on his time in office: No regrets and I'd do it all again

Sir Keir Starmer has said he has no regrets about the decisions he has made in the past six months and would do nothing differently...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Detroit News

Analysis: 4 takeaways from the GOP's shutdown imbroglio

Sometimes a quote slaps you across the face for its ability to distill a complicated situation. Such is certainly the case with how Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) summarized the GOP's handling of the looming government shutdown. "A fascinating mess," she called it, according to CNN.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: The Boston Globe

Will Trump kick Musk out of Mar-a-Lago?

Donald Trump never wants to be upstaged. After billionaire Elon Musk blew up a congressional funding deal at the last minute, it may be a truism he should heed.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Austin American-Statesman

Military pay during a government shutdown: What service members should know

As many Americans begin their holiday festivities, service members are facing uncertainties as a potential government shutdown looms. Congress had reached a bipartisan agreement Tuesday to keep the government funded through March, but it was toppled ...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Philadelphia Inquirer

Government funding plan collapses as Trump makes new demands days before shutdown

President-elect Donald Trump has abruptly rejected a bipartisan plan to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Detroit News

$1B in disaster aid for Michigan at risk in federal government funding deal

"No one elected Elon Musk," Michigan congresswoman says, decrying the billionaire business mogul's role in derailing a budget deal in Congress.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: The Courier-Journal

If the federal government shut down, how many workers in Kentucky would be affected?

According to data from the U.S. Census and U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Kentucky has 22,079 federal civilian employees. They have an average salary of $82,140. The federal government has closed down 21 times since 1977, most recently in 2018.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: The New York Times

Adams Hosts Fox News at City Hall, as N.Y. Leaders Mute Trump Hostility

In an interview with the conservative network, Mayor Eric Adams criticized the Biden administration and did not take aim at President-elect Donald J. Trump. He is not the only New York Democrat treading lightly.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Austin American-Statesman

Will there be a government shutdown? Live updates on the latest from Congress

WASHINGTON − There is a notable absence of holiday cheer on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers are under the gun to avoid a late-December government shutdown. After Congress reached a bipartisan agreement Tuesday to keep the government funded through March ...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: CBS News

How Trump and Elon Musk derailed bipartisan plans for a funding bill, bringing on risk of shutdown

"My phone was ringing off the hook," Republican Rep. Andy Barr said. "The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk."

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: THE WEEK

Trump, Musk sink spending bill, teeing up shutdown

House Republicans abandoned a stopgap spending package Wednesday evening after President-elect Donald Trump told them to kill the bipartisan legislation and replace it with a more pared-down package that cut out Democratic priorities and also raised the debt ceiling.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Business Insider

Musk's DOGE is pushing the US toward a government shutdown this week. Here's what that means for Americans.

The US government could shut down this weekend, leading to thousands of furloughed employees and reduced services.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: USA Today

Would a government shutdown affect mail delivery? What to know

With a potential government shutdown looming ahead of the holidays, here's what you need to know if mail services will be impacted by it.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

St. Louis native Jasmine Crockett, fiery and focused, wants fellow Democrats ready to rumble

The American people are tired of us bringing a butter knife to a real fight, a real war," the Democrat said in a recent CNN appearance.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: clickondetroit.com

Closures, Social Security checks, furloughs: What a government shutdown might mean

President-elect Donald Trump has now abruptly rejected the bipartisan plan to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown. Instead, he's telling House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans to essentially renegotiate days before a deadline when federal ...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: ABC

Potential government shutdown impacts: Millions of federal workers at risk of furlough

If Congress fails to pass the continuing resolution to fund the government by Saturday, millions of federal workers could head into the holidays without paychecks. They could be furloughed or be asked to work without pay.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Farmers Weekly

FW Survey 2024: Politics and weather weigh heavy on the sector

That UK farming confidence has taken a battering is hardly a secret, but the extent of that decline is quite startling, as evidenced by the results of our

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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 ...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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".

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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 ...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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."

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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 ...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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 ...

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: 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.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: MSN

Why income and tense politics are limiting access to civics classes in California

All high school students are required to take civics, but a lack of money can limit opportunities. And in some communities, parent objections pressure teachers to avoid certain topics.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: Penn Live

A key Trump ally on immigration explains how mass deportations could work

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach expects Trump to take action that will spark a legal challenge over the citizenship status of children born in the U.S. to immigrants living in the country illegally.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: MSN

Minister and relative in chauffeur trip to final

The justice secretary is under attack after a relative joined her in a taxpayer-funded trip to Hampden.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: MSN

What Senate Republicans are saying after Trump tanks government funding bill

As President-elect Donald Trump's comments tanking House Speaker Mike Johnson's short-term government funding bill sent House Republicans into a tailspin Wednesday night, Senate Republicans were left to try to make sense of the remaining pieces.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: FOX59 News

What to expect as Republicans try to salvage spending package, avoid government shutdown

Republicans in the House are not willing to raise the debt ceiling and Democrats claim Republicans have reneged on their deal. Now, chances of a government shutdown are high.

[ Thu, Dec 19th 2024 ]: MSN

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Join Trump for Mar-a-Lago Feast

President-elect Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for another tech bro Wednesday night, with Amazon boss Jeff Bezos spotted at Mar-a-Lago. Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sanchez were seen sauntering into Trump's Florida estate Wednesday night for a dinner with the incoming president.

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

The article discusses a potential expansion of Social Security benefits that could affect millions of Americans. This expansion is part of a broader legislative effort to address the program's funding issues and ensure its sustainability. Key points include:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): There's a proposal to increase the asset limits for SSI, which haven't been updated since 1989. Currently, individuals can have no more than $2,000 in assets, and couples $3,000. Raising these limits would allow beneficiaries to save more without losing eligibility.

  • Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): There's a push to change how COLA is calculated to better reflect the actual costs seniors face, particularly in healthcare, which could lead to higher annual increases in benefits.

  • Minimum Benefit: Proposals include establishing a minimum benefit level to ensure that low-income workers receive a more adequate retirement income.

  • Taxation: Discussions involve increasing the income cap on which Social Security taxes are applied, potentially from $142,800 to a higher amount or even removing the cap entirely, which would increase revenue for the program.

  • Beneficiaries: The changes would primarily benefit low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and those who have worked in low-wage jobs throughout their careers.

    These changes aim to make Social Security more equitable and financially secure for future generations, although they require Congressional approval and face various political and economic challenges.

    Read the Full FOX31 Denver Article at:
    https://kdvr.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-millions-of-people-may-get-expanded-social-security-benefits-who-are-they-and-how-would-it-happen/