• Sun, January 5, 2025

by: WESA

Special elections cost Pa. at least $1M last legislative session

It has cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $1 million since 2023 to run special elections replacing members of the legislature who left office early.

by: Newsday

Blakeman: Flags in Nassau will be lowered to honor Jimmy Carter

Critics had assailed the Nassau County executive for not ordering flags at half-staff to honor the 39th president.

by: Reuters

Syrian caretaker government to hike public sector salaries by 400% next month

Syria's finance minister said on Sunday the government would hike salaries for many public sector employees by 400% next month after completing an administrative restructuring of ministries to boost efficiency and accountability.

by: Governing

Ten of the Biggest Issues to Watch in 2025

State officials face challenges from shrinking revenue and major changes from Washington in shared programs such as education and Medicaid.

by: MSN

Canada's Justin Trudeau may resign today amid stiff internal rebellion: Report

The development comes as polls show that Justin Trudeau's Liberals will lose badly to the opposition Conservatives in the upcoming federal election slated to be held in October this year.

by: MSN

Labor spending 'record amounts' of taxpayer's money: Shadow Treasurer

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor has blasted the Labor Party saying the government under them has been spending "record amounts" of taxpayer's money.

by: MSN

Canada's Justin Trudeau likely to resign as Liberal Party leader this week: Report

Justin Trudeau has been under mounting pressure since Chrystia Freeland's resignation as his finance minister on 16 December.

by: MSN

Info chief says PAS will stand up for all whose constitutional rights are violated, even Lim Guan Eng and Najib, because 'we're all Malaysians'

PAS is ready to support any Malaysian whose constitutional rights are violated, even if it involves its political rivals such as DAP and Umno leaders, the Islamist party's information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said today.

by: MSN

'You can run but you can't hide': DOJ lawyer resigns and immediately gets threat from MAGA

A Department of Justice attorney resigned from his post, and was immediately targeted by a Donald Trump legal ally. Trump and his team are reportedly looking for retribution specifically against Jay Bratt,

by: MSN

Yediyurappa urges Congress govt in Karnataka to withdraw bus fare hike

Veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday condemned the Congress government's decision to hike the fare of state transport buses in Karnataka and urged it to withdraw the

by: MSN

Sen. Adam Schiff says the New Orleans attack shows Kash Patel shouldn't lead the FBI

Calif., said Sunday that the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans shows Kash Patel "should not be confirmed" as President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the FBI.

by: MSN

Higher Social Security payments coming for millions of people from bill that Biden signed

President Joe Biden on Sunday signed into law a measure that boosts Social Security payments for current and former public employees, affecting nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from their time as teachers,

by: MSN

Biden Signs Social Security Fairness Act: When Do Higher Payments Start?

For decades, Americans have seen lower Social Security checks if they fall into the circumstances under the WEP and GPO.

by: MSN

Why are Thailand and Cambodia clashing over Koh Kood island?

Parts of the popular island of Koh Kood are claimed by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh, but the real roots of the dispute run much deeper.

by: MSN

Lawmakers to discuss Oahu's future landfill with environmental, water officials

Oahu's future landfill is on the agenda at the State Capitol this week. Two legislative committees plan to meet with city environmental and water offi

by: MSN

Republican Mike Johnson reelected House speaker in dramatic floor vote

Republican Mike Johnson narrowly won reelection Friday as House speaker on a first ballot, overcoming hard-right GOP holdouts in a tense standoff and buoyed by a nod of support from President-elect Donald Trump.

by: MSN

COMMENTARY: Among challenges Trump faces in 2nd term: keeping sight of low-, middle-income voters who elected him

Every new president faces challenges starting a new term, and Donald Trump is in for some big ones. Looming large among them is the need for him to not disappoint the low- and middle-income voters who got him elected.

by: MSN

Trump appoints lawyer Stanley Woodward to White House role

Donald Trump has named Stanley Woodward to join his White House legal team, which will include working with chief of staff Susie Wiles. Woodward has represented multiple close associates of Trump and some defendants in the Jan.

by: MSN

A country that has flown under the radar could be Europe's next superpower

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have predominantly held sway over European power dynamics. Yet, recent developments indicate a geopolitical shift, with Poland rapidly positioning itself as a burgeoning superpower in Eastern Europe, poised to play a pivotal role on the continental stage.

by: MSN

Syrian interim government raises wages amid economic crisis

The Syrian interim government, which assumed power after President Bashar al-Assad's fall and escape, announced on Sunday that it will raise the salaries of public sector employees by 400 per cent starting next month.

by: MSN

Tributes paid to former Welsh minister Baroness Jenny Randerson

Tributes paid to former Welsh minister Baroness Jenny Randerson - Lady Randerson served as a Lib Dem councillor, Welsh Assembly member and minister in both the Welsh and UK governments.

by: MSN

Speculation grows that Austrian far right leader Herbert Kickl will be asked to form a government

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Sunday announced that he would meet with far-right politician Herbert Kickl as speculation grows that he will ask the Freedom Party leader to form a government.

by: MSN

Schiff: 'Kash Patel should not be confirmed' to lead the FBI

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) says he believes Kash Patel, President-elect Trump's pick to run the FBI, is unqualified to run the bureau, especially in light of the New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans.

by: MSN

Trump and lawyers given a 'shot across the bow' from judge before hearing: legal expert

While speaking with her guests on Sunday afternoon, MSNBC host Jen Psaki singled out an admonishment made by Judge Juan Merchan in his sentencing ruling on Friday aimed at Donald Trump's lawyers and asked for an interpretation.

by: MSN

Retired General Has No Idea 'How We Got in This Mess' Over Musk's Government Ties

A top former military official has expressed shock and disbelief at the sheer extent to which the US national intelligence and communication apparatus has come to rely on services provided by Elon Musk's companies.
  • Mon, January 6, 2025

by: NDTV

Elon Musk, Pakistani Grooming Gangs: UK Political Flashpoint Explained

The world's richest man, Elon Musk, has sparked a political storm in the UK by launching a series of controversial posts targeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour government.

by: Sky

Can Starmer silence Musk?

The drama is also back - with Elon Musk causing more than a stir in British politics after changing his mind about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. It comes after Musk launched an attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his safeguarding minister Jess Phillips over their handling of past grooming gang cases.

by: ITV

Elon Musk says Nigel Farage 'doesn't have what it takes' to lead Reform

Musk's criticism of Farage comes weeks after the pair had a "great" meeting in the USA amid rumours of a large donation to. | ITV National News

by: CNN

Four years after his supporters invaded the US Capitol, Trump is more powerful than ever

Late on a day of chaos and blood on January 6, 2021, it was unimaginable that Donald Trump — who summoned a mob to Washington and told the crowd to "fight like hell" — would get anywhere near the presidency again.

by: BBC

Findlay rejects FM's 'preposterous' Budget claim

John Swinney is expected to say that if MSPs do not back his plans they risk "feeding the forces" of populism.

by: Yahoo

Jimmy Carter raised climate change concerns 35 years before the Paris Accords

When Jimmy Carter chose branding designs for his presidential campaign, he passed on the usual red, white and blue. "The minute it was announced, we all had the shirts to put on — and they were green,

by: MSN

H1B Debate: 'Contrary To Perception, U.S. Non-Immigrant Visas Lead To Exploitation Of Indians...'

US President-elect Donald Trump is in an unusual position, while he has to ensure his mega-donors and supporters like Musk are happy with his administration's decisions regarding H1B visas, he also has to assure his mass supporters that this won't be done at their cost.

by: MSN

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh offers prayers at Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati

Guwahati (Assam) January 06 (ANI): Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh on January 06 offered prayers at Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. HMPV Virus First Case in India: Bengaluru Reports Infection in 8-Month-Old Baby Netizens Crown Shahid Kapoor ...

by: MSN

Ukraine fires US missiles, Moscow sees red and destroys eight of them

On January 4, the Russian armed forces claimed to have intercepted eight American ATACMS (Army TACtical Missile System) missiles fired by Kiev. The Ukrainians targeted Russian territory with American weapons,

by: MSN

Justin Trudeau - latest: Canadian prime minister 'ready to resign' as early as today over Trump tariff row

Canadian prime minister 'ready to resign' as early as today over Trump tariff row - Pressure is growing on Canada's leader from within his Liberal Party over his handling of US president-elect Donald

by: MSN

TN Governor Ravi boycotts Assembly, leaves House in a huff

by: MSN

Blinken Says Russia Plans To Share Advanced Satellite Tech With N. Korea

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that the United States believed Russia was expanding space cooperation with North Korea in exchange for its contribution of troops to fight Ukraine. "The DPRK is already receiving Russian military equipment and training.

by: MSN

World News Live Today January 6, 2025: Over 500 Afghan children killed or injured by explosive remnants in 2024: UNICEF

Get real-time updates on international politics, economic changes, conflicts, and environmental issues. Access the latest breaking news and in-depth stories as they happen, keeping you informed of events shaping the world.

by: MSN

'No politics in cinema': Pawan Kalyan's 'powerful lines' at Game Changer event get praise from Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his favourite part of the speech by actor-Deputy CM of AP Pawan Kalyan.

by: MSN

Elon Musk vs Keir Starmer: A Look Into UK's 'Pakistani Grooming Gangs' Row

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has made several accusations against UK PM Keir Starmer over the past few weeks. The Tesla chief has been posting about child grooming gangs and mass rapes in the country,

by: MSN

Albanese already signalling another Labor term would be on the 'national credit card'

Sky News host James Morrow slams Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "splashing the cash" in Queensland and signalling another Labor term would be on the "national credit card".

by: MSN

Stoke-on-Trent City Council to unveil latest budget cuts and council tax hike

Cash-strapped Stoke-on-Trent City Council is set to unveil its latest budget proposals. The council will launch a public consultation on its draft budget for 2025/26 on January 6, with the elected members due to approve the final proposals on February 27.

by: MSN

7 turning points that triggered Trudeau's likely resignation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly preparing to resign amid mounting dissent within his Liberal Party. Sources suggest his announcement could come as early as Monday, ahead of the Liberal Party caucus on Wednesday.

by: MSN

Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act. Millions of people could see more in benefits as a result.

President Joe Biden signed a bill on Sunday that will repeal two laws previously preventing many public employees from receiving Social Security benefits.

by: MSN

Israel Thwarts External Threats While Amplifying Internal Ones

December, the Wall Street Journal featured an upbeat interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Jewish state's remarkable military achievements over the last several months gave Netanyahu much about which to boast.

by: MSN

Biden signs Social Security bill, says American retirees deserve 'economic security and dignity'

President Biden on Sunday signed a Social Security bill repealing two statutes that have diminished payouts to public sector workers including firefighters and teachers for years. "The bill I'm signing today is about a simple proposition,

by: MSN

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expected to announce resignation after mounting calls for him to step down: report

Lefty Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation from office this week, according to a report. Three sources told the Globe and Mail, a Canadian outlet, on Sunday that Trudeau,

by: MSN

North Korea Launches Suspected Ballistic Missile, Japan Says

North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile Monday, Japan's coast guard said, ratcheting up tensions in the region as political turmoil continues in neighboring South Korea.

Special elections cost Pa. at least $1M last legislative session

It has cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $1 million since 2023 to run special elections replacing members of the legislature who left office early.
The article from WESA discusses the financial implications and logistical challenges of holding special elections in Pennsylvania in 2024. It highlights that the state's House of Representatives has been operating with a slim majority, necessitating special elections to fill vacancies. These elections come with significant costs, estimated at around $250,000 to $300,000 per election, covering expenses like poll workers, voting machines, and security. The article notes that these costs are particularly burdensome for counties, especially smaller ones, due to the need for additional resources and the potential for low voter turnout. Furthermore, the timing of these elections, often scheduled on off-cycle dates, adds to the complexity and expense. The piece also touches on the political dynamics, where control of the House could shift with each special election, influencing legislative priorities and the passage of bills.

Read the Full WESA Article at:
https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2025-01-05/pennsylvania-legislature-special-elections-2024-costs

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