NORAD again tracking Santa’s progress
Andrew Coster switches focus from policing to prevention at Social Investment Agency
Rescue team tracking entangled humpback last seen off O.C.’s coastHuman rights are under assault, warns United Nations Secretary General António Guterres. He raised the concern recently in a press release while calling for swift action to protect, defend and uphold all rights for all people. “Today, as the world observes Human Rights Day, the United Nations emphasises all rights are indivisible, whether economic, social, civic, cultural or political, and when one right is undermined, all rights are undermined. Therefore, overcoming injustice and advancing equality for everyone means we must stand up for all rights, always.” On November 25, Barbadians stood in solidarity and took action for 16 days in honour of the victims and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. The Red Shoes Project sought to acknowledge that violence against women is a pervasive global issue that disrupts the lives of countless women and girls, and places a heavy burden on communities. The project was launched with the collective painting of shoes by representatives of all partners along with the Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, as well as volunteers at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus. Each empty pair of shoes symbolised a life cut short, a voice silenced and a future taken away. In addition, the shoes also represented love and unity, a testament to the strength and resilience of women who continue to fight for their lives and rights. UNFPA Caribbean also participated in its own campaign entitled No excuse for GBV , which featured a series of blog posts calling for action to end all forms of violence against women and girls. As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence comes to an end today, the public is reminded of the tens of millions of people who are mired in poverty, hunger, poor health and education systems that have not yet fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations has appealed to all to commit to healing divisions and building peace, standing up for democracy, press freedoms and workers’ rights as well as defending human rights defenders as they carry out their vital work. (PR) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
In a lengthy speech at the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C. think tank, on Tuesday, President Joe Biden forcefully defended his economic legacy and harshly criticized his successor. “Most economists agree the new administration is going to inherit a fairly strong economy, at least at the moment, an economy going through fundamental transformation,” Biden said. “It is my profound hope that the new administration will preserve and build on this progress. Like most great economic developments, this one is neither red nor blue, and America's progress is everyone's progress.” RELATED STORY | What impacts will a Trump presidency have on the economy? The president pointed specifically to record job growth during his tenure and an historically-low unemployment rate, as well as solid GDP performance, major investments in infrastructure and a soaring stock market. Most economists agree Biden’s term in office has coincided with a strong jobs market, and note the economic forecast remains bright – especially when contrasted to that of other peer nations, many of which have struggled to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, Americans by and large disapprove of Biden’s economic tenure, particularly the high costs of goods and services. Though inflation has fallen some, it remains higher than when the president took office and has become a frequent point of attack for Republicans critical of the Biden administration. RELATED STORY | Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy President-elect Donald Trump’s victory last month served in some was as a repudiation of the president’s so-called “Bidenomics” policies, with most voters telling pollsters they were dissatisfied with the state of the U.S. economy and Biden’s handling of the issue. Since Trump’s election, attitudes towards the economy have improved slightly, particularly among Republicans; according to research from Gallup, just eight percent of Republicans in October viewed economic conditions as getting better, compared to 30% last month. Biden himself seemed to acknowledge some missteps in selling his economic vision to Americans. “I also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said. “He signed checks for people for $7,400 bucks,” the president noted of the pandemic-era relief measures. Even though Biden approved similar relief efforts during his term, his name never appeared on American’s checks. “I didn't – stupid,” Biden conceded. RELATED STORY | Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures Seeking to bolster Biden’s economic legacy, the White House on Tuesday launched a new website hailing the “Biden Economy,” featuring statistics about economic performance during his term and complimentary videos from his supporters. Biden’s speach, meanwhile, also served as a warning of sorts to his successor, with the president arguing against tax cuts for the wealthy and the notion that such benefits would “trickle down” to middle class Americans. “You can make as much money as you can, good for you, but everybody's got to be they pay their fair share,” Biden said. Trump has pledged to extend the tax cuts he signed into law in 2017, telling NBC News he intends to submit a tax package to Congress within his first 100 days in office. “They’re coming due and they’re very substantial for people,” Trump said of his 2017 cuts. “That’s what led us to one of the greatest economies ever.” RELATED STORY | Amid corporate layoffs, 36% of workforce turns to gig economy for alternative employment A report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office in December found that failing to extend those tax incentives would have a negligible impact on the economy, though Republicans are expected to pursue them and other business tax breaks after they retake both chambers of Congress next year. Trump has also promised to impose significant tariffs on the import of foreign goods from Mexico, Canada and China – despite economists’ and retailers’ warnings that will drive up consumer prices. Trump in the NBC interview said he couldn’t guarantee the move wouldn’t increase consumer costs, something Biden harshly refuted. “I believe we've proven that approach is a mistake over the past four years,” Biden said. “But we all know in time, we all know in time what will happen.”
They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common W HEN REBELS reached Syria’s capital , Damascus, on December 8th, they did so from two directions. Fighters from the south were the first to arrive. From the north came members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ), a former affiliate of al-Qaeda that had led the push against the country’s dictator , Bashar al-Assad, over the preceding fortnight. The Syrian National Army ( SNA ) and Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ), two other important groups, were also involved in the fight to topple Mr Assad. This was the culmination of 13 years of bloody civil war. Soon after rebels reached the city, the president fled, ending more than 50 years of his family’s rule. Discover more Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU? He is, but things are slowly beginning to change What would it cost to kill coal? The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained Should America ban fluoride in its drinking water? The idea by Robert F. Kennedy junior—nominated by Donald Trump as health secretary—may have teeth Why is Donald Trump keen to use “recess appointments”? The president-elect is testing the loyalty of the Senate’s next majority leader Will Donald Trump’s power be unchecked if Republicans win the House? A “trifecta” of presidency, Senate and House of Representatives would provide a huge opportunity Why The Economist endorses political candidates Our independence is protected by our principles and structureThe Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued two kidnapped young women and apprehended four suspects involved in the crime. According to a press statement released by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation was conducted by officers from the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area. The statement revealed that the rescue mission unfolded after a ransom of N200,000 was paid to secure the victims’ release. “Police operatives attached to the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area on November 27, 2024, by 11:54 AM, arrested one notorious kidnapper and three other accomplices after a ransom of two hundred thousand Naira was paid for the release of the victims in captivity,” the statement detailed. The rescued victims were identified as two females between the ages of 15 and 19 years old. An initial investigation suggests that the suspects, led by 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibesimako from Aboji Village Oba, lured the victims through social media interactions, establishing friendships before holding them hostage. Their release was contingent upon a ransom payment from the victims’ families. The apprehension of this group also sheds light on additional criminal activities in the area. It was discovered that another female victim had previously been kidnapped, forced to pay a ransom, and subsequently released months ago. Following these developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, issued a public warning. He urged young people to exercise caution when interacting with individuals online. Additionally, he directed the immediate transfer of the suspects to the Command’s anti-kidnapping/robbery squad for a thorough investigation.
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Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be differentThe Boston Red Sox continued to rebuild their pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Jovani Morán on Tuesday from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catcher and infielder Mickey Gasper. The 27-year-old Morán appeared in 79 games as a reliever for the Twins from 2021 to 2023, posting a 4.15 ERA, striking out 112 with 52 walks and holding opponents to a .208 batting average. He missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He originally was chosen in the seventh round of the 2015 draft. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.