• Tue, January 7, 2025

by: MSN

Not a 'snowball's chance in hell' of Canada becoming 51st state: Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau clapped back Tuesday at Donald Trump's escalating claims that Canada would be better off if it became the 51st state, and has called for an in-person meeting with premiers in Ottawa next week to address this country's relationship with the United States.

by: MSN

Mark Zuckerberg 'smells the winds' of political change following Meta fact-check removal

Investor and entrepreneur Steve Baxter claims Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has "smelt the winds" of political change but emphasises a public apology is overdue.

by: MSN

Critic: Dept. of Ecology releasing 'out of date' emissions data on climate goals

Newly released emissions data from the Washington State Department of Ecology shows the state is behind on climate goals set by the administration of outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee. According to a Monday news release from the Department of Ecology,

by: MSN

Difficult to define 'freebie', high time 'accepted and legal' answers found: CEC Kumar

It is very difficult to define what a "freebie" is and the Election Commission's "hands are tied" on the issue as it is subjudice, CEC Rajiv Kumar said on Tuesday

by: MSN

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson pauses four-day return to office mandate for city employees

The mayor's office cites budget constraints and a focus on other city priorities but says it's still the goal to have city employees return to the office.

by: MSN

What is WEP and how did it affect the Social Security benefits of thousands?

In a landmark decision, Congress has repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), a formula that previously reduced Social Security benefits for those receiving non-covered pensions. This change,
  • Wed, January 8, 2025

by: dailymemphian

Memphis Parks Director leaving the city

Memphis Parks Director Nick Walker is leaving his post at the end of this month to become the parks director for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Walker leaves for Charlotte after six years heading the division.

by: Slate

Elon Musk Is Living Out His Dark George Soros Fantasy

On his way out the door, Biden almost seemed to be trolling his successor and his supporters with the honorees, who included some of the right's greatest modern villains: Hillary Clinton, Bono, and George Romney (Mitt's deceased moderate father) among them.

by: ABC

What are Linda McMahon's chances to be education secretary?

World Wresting Entertainment co-founder Linda McMahon has been getting high marks from her meetings with the Republican senators who could decide whether she'll be the next secretary of education.

by: ABC

Trump threatens land grabs of Panama Canal, Greenland, even by force. Can he?: ANALYSIS

Authorities of Panama and Greenland have repeatedly said they won't hand over any territory to Trump, with Panama's president declaring that the canal "is going to stay in our hands forever," and Denmark's prime minister insisting "Greenland is not for sale."

by: MSN

Elon Musk's dangerous influence on our politics - The Irish News view

There has been enormous and entirely justifiable alarm over Elon Musk's attempts to place himself at the centre of political developments not only in the US but also increasingly in Europe. Musk, the deeply contentious figure regarded as the world's richest person,

by: MSN

TikTok's fate divides Trump and fellow Republicans as Supreme Court action looms

While President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to block a looming U.S. ban on TikTok in a major case being argued on Friday that pits free speech rights against national security concerns over the Chinese-owned short-video app,

by: MSN

Jean-Marie Le Pen's legacy of provocation and hate speech

Jean-Marie Le Pen's political career was marked by misconduct and provocations, which were met by widespread condemnation in France. FRANCE 24's Charli James and our colleagues at France 2 take a look at some of his most notorious moments.

by: MSN

Venezuelan migrants long for home as Maduro nears start of new term

Venezuelan migrant Mariangela Lozano longs for her homeland, but ahead of Friday's planned inauguration for President Nicolas Maduro's third term, she has begrudgingly opted to remain in Mexico and brave her meager living conditions.

by: MSN

Pope chooses woman as Vatican prefect

A large out-of-control wildfire is threatening many homes and lives in Los Angeles.

by: MSN

Donald Trump won't rule out invading allies to seize land in Panama and Greenland

The future US president told reporters he wouldn't rule out using military force to seize the Panama Canal and Greenland, making the bizarre claim that 'people really don't even know if Denmark has any legal right to it' despite Greenland being part of Denmark since 1814.

by: MSN

New faces, familiar issues mark day one of 2025 Pa. legislative session

A new year means the start of a new legislative session in Harrisburg. Lawmakers returned to the State Capitol for the first time in 2025 to be sworn in.

by: MSN

Cecilia Sala heading home after being released by Iran

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been released by Iran and is on her way back to Italy, the premier's office said on Wednesday. "The aeroplane bringing the journalist Cecilia Sala back home took off a few minutes ago from Tehran,

by: MSN

Trump is considering a national economic emergency declaration to allow for new tariff program, sources say

President-elect Donald Trump is considering declaring a national economic emergency to provide legal justification for a large swathe of universal tariffs on allies and adversaries, four sources familiar with the matter told CNN,

by: MSN

Trump's Tariffs: President-Elect Can't Guarantee Prices (And What That Means for Your Money)

President-elect Donald Trump's promise to levy strict tariffs -- essentially, taxes and trade penalties -- upon America's trade partners has made many economists, as well as everyday Americans,

by: MSN

Akron City Council debate continues over nearly $700,000 proposal to audit police use of force policy

The proposed audit comes after multiple high profile officer-involved shootings over the last few years, including the deaths of Jayland Walker and Jazmir Tucker.

by: MSN

Jimmy Carter's Funeral: Will Schools, Colleges, NADAQ And NYSE Remain Shut On Thursday?

A national mourning to honour former President Jimmy Carter's has been announced on January 9, 2025 Federal Agencies and financial markets will remain closed. Here are latest details on NYSE, NASDAQ,

by: MSN

Risk of Israel-Turkey war in new Syria assessed by Israeli government commission

The risk of Syria becoming the stage for a direct conflict between Turkey and Israel must be seriously addressed, an Israeli government commission has warned. Turkey could even come to pose a greater threat to Israel via its presence in Syria than Iran did through its alliance with the Bashar al-Assad regime that fell a month ago,

by: MSN

Tehran releases Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from prison

Sala has been detained in Iran since 19 December, three days after she arrived in the country on a journalist visa. View on euronews

by: MSN

Poll sees fewer respondants say they have deep connection to Canada

Canadians are feeling less patriotic, at least according to an Angus Reid national survey that asked people if they have a deep emotional attachment to the country. Almost half answered no. People in Saskatchewan were even less keen on Canada.

by: MSN

Four out of ten Germans worried about political future

A new survey has found that many Germans have lost faith in their political leaders. The ruling SPD was seen as having "trust" and "competence" issues.

by: MSN

Elon Musk's attacks on Europe's leaders and embrace of its far right signals to U.S. allies their relationship is set to change

After exerting significant influence over the U.S. elections in November—using millions in PAC funding to support President-elect Donald Trump's win and a GOP majority in Congress—Musk is now making his political preferences clear in Europe.

by: MSN

Soaring electricity bills could hobble California's green energy push: report

Soaring monthly electricity bills charged by PG&E and its utility siblings could hobble California's quest for a green energy Holty Grail, a disquieting new state report shows. PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison levy charges for monthly bills that are far higher than the national average,

by: MSN

Fahmi: Efforts underway to return Palestinians in Malaysia for medical care, govt coordinating with Egypt

He said while the process is still ongoing, the medical care they are receiving in Malaysia will continue as planned. "Regarding the recent situation at Wisma Transit involving

by: MSN

Trump won't rule out use of military force to take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal

In a Mar-a-Lago news conference, President-elect Donald Trump said he would not rule out the use of military force to seize control of the Panama Canal and Greenland, as he declared U.S. control of both to be vital to American national security.

by: MSN

NATO Nation's Final Warning To U.S.-backed Militia; 'YPG Has To Go,' Turkey Tells Jolani | Syria

Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan warned the new Syrian rulers of a cross-border offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia if it does not disband the group. Earlier, Turkish President Erdogan too claimed that the circle is closing for the separatist organisation.

by: MSN

In exclusive sit-down, Biden reveals his biggest regret and the compliment Trump gave him

Biden said he is considering preemptive pardons for public figures such as former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney and former senior health official Dr. Anthony Fauci who have been threatened with investigation and prosecution by incoming president Donald Trump.

by: MSN

Biden on his son, Hunter, and his controversial pardon: 'Thank God he's doing really well'

"He's doing great, God love him," Biden said, the most animated he would be during a 55-minute interview about policy, politics and his legacy. "Thank God he's doing really well. He's been straight and sober." He called him "a very bright guy" who was now ...

by: MSN

Live Briefing: Trump says 'all hell will break out' if no hostage deal by inauguration

Steve Witkoff, Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, told reporters that "good progress" had been made toward a deal that would free Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

by: MSN

Far-right leader pledges to 'govern Austria honestly' and makes demands of potential partner

Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl said Tuesday in his first comments after being tasked to form a new government that he aspires to "govern Austria honestly" as he prepared for talks on a potential coalition with conservatives who criticized him sharply in the past.

by: MSN

Start of Virginia's General Assembly session delayed because of Richmond water outage

Winter weather and citywide water outage coupled with special elections that could potentially flip control of the Virginia statehouse have set state lawmakers up for an unusual start to this year's General Assembly session.

by: MSN

Off The Rails And Off To The Races

The guard rails are down and Trump's own comments are making clear his id has been fully unleashed. We are about to jump into the gulf. Indeed, after monologuing nearly a half hour of threats against friendly nations,

by: MSN

UGC draft on VC appointments sparks federalism debate in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed the step taken by the central government to allow governors the authority to appoint Vice Chancellors and other non-academic members.

by: MSN

Is Israel's government listening? British minister won't say if her country's views are ignored

A senior British minister has refused to say whether she thought the Israeli government "listened" to UK complaints over its actions in Gaza and its ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Anneliese Dodds,

by: MSN

Texas Oil and Gas Association set new record in state and local taxes and state royalties

This includes over two billion for Texas independent school districts and over one billion from property taxes for counties related to oil and gas, pipelines and utilities. Todd S

by: MSN

Iran tells France to review 'unconstructive' approach ahead of meeting

Iran's foreign ministry called upon Paris to review its "unconstructive" approach, a few days before Tehran is set to hold a new round of talks about its nuclear programme with major European countries.

by: MSN

Taiwan Issues Warning Over China's Push to Grant Local IDs and Citizenship to Taiwanese

Taiwan fears China's issuance of local IDs to its citizens could undermine sovereignty and lead to forced integration.

by: MSN

JESSE WATTERS: Trump has got his eye on a country, an island and a canal

Fox News host Jesse Watters discusses how President-elect Donald Trump suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico and his interest in Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal on "Jesse Watters Primetime."

by: MSN

U.S. refunding application fees for immigration program for citizens' spouses

The U.S. government will issue refunds to tens of thousands of unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens who applied for a Biden administration program that was struck down in federal court, according to internal government documents obtained by ...

by: MSN

Plains post office renamed after Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter

The Plains Post Office at 119 Main Street will now be designated as the "Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office."

by: MSN

Elon Musk Says 'Thank You, Britain!' After Poll Reveals Britons Celebrate His Involvement In UK Politics

Elon Musk's foray into UK politics is striking a chord with the British public, as highlighted by a recent poll and his warm acknowledgment of their support. The 53-year-old billionaire sparked further conversation by responding to a Good Morning Britain poll that gauged British sentiment about his political influence.

by: MSN

Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia To Be Elected Unopposed At BCCI SGM

Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia will be elected BCCI secretary and treasurer, respectively, unopposed on January 12 after being the only two names featuring in the final list of contesting candidates.

by: MSN

US says Sudanese rebel force has committed genocide and imposes sanctions on the group's leaders

The Biden administration said Tuesday it has determined that Sudan's Rapid Support Force rebel group and proxies are committing genocide in the country's civil war and has imposed sanctions on the group's leaders.

What is WEP and how did it affect the Social Security benefits of thousands?

In a landmark decision, Congress has repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), a formula that previously reduced Social Security benefits for those receiving non-covered pensions. This change,
The article discusses the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), a rule implemented in 1983 to adjust Social Security benefits for individuals who receive pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security, like certain government positions. WEP modifies the formula used to calculate Social Security benefits, reducing them to account for what is perceived as an unintended advantage in the original benefit calculation for those with pensions from non-Social Security covered employment. This provision primarily affects public sector workers such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters in states where they do not pay into Social Security. The article explains that WEP aims to make the benefit formula fairer by reducing benefits for those who have worked in both covered and non-covered employment, although it has been a source of confusion and contention, with many affected individuals feeling their benefits are unfairly cut. There's ongoing debate and legislative efforts to reform or repeal WEP, reflecting its significant impact on the retirement planning of many public servants.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/what-is-wep-and-how-did-it-affect-the-social-security-benefits-of-thousands/ar-AA1x8YSO