As of December 23, 2024, here are the latest stories making headlines around the globe:

Labor Strikes and Worker Actions

Starbucks Workers Strike:

Employees at Starbucks across major US cities such as Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles have gone on strike as part of a campaign organized by Starbucks Workers United (SBWU). SBWU demands that Starbucks make sufficient progress towards wage and working conditions before Christmas Eve by December 24. Starbucks also appeals to its customers not to purchase from their stores during this time as they claim that they represent a horde of over 525 unionized stores in 45 different states.

Public Health Concerns

Avian Influenza Outbreak:

This specific subtype of bird flu, known as H5N1, has recently designed ruffling feathers, causing a stir through spreading from poultry to cattle and infecting raw or uncooked milk. California authorities and many other states have announced states of emergency to expedite their responses toward mitigating this disease. Vaccines and tests accompany the flu, but they are nowhere to be seen as the nation is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is essential to abide by established guidelines the managers and supervisors set.

Economic and Financial Updates

Stock Market Movements:

Only U.S. stock index futures experienced slight inflation following the passage of a bill to control the government’s budget, indicating that a shutdown has not occurred. Meanwhile, investors await any further news or developments following the Federal Reserve’s recent announcement regarding the cut in interest rate, which markets have predicted will drop by around two 25-basis points through 2025.

It is worth mentioning that several companies, such as Qualcomm and Apple, have reported an increase in their premarket share due to good news.

Changes in Payments by Social Security

Because of the Christmas holiday season, millions of US citizens will receive their Social Security checks one day sooner, in this case, on Monday. Suffolk County generally pays its checks on the fourth Wednesday of the month; this time, the checks will be paid on December 24. Also, there is SSI, and its January payment will be made on December 31 since it’s supposed to be paid on New Year’s Day. Because of this annual adjustment, due to rising costs, the maximum monthly SSI will go up in 2025 from $943 to $967 in 2025.

Retail and Consumer News

Shopping During the Holiday Season:

December 23 is a holiday, so a number of consumers will go shopping, and most shops, like Walmart and Target, are expected to have their doors open from 7 am to midnight. Target business hours on December 23 are from 7 am to 12 midnight, and on December 24, are from 12 noon to 8 pm. For their part, Walmart hours on December 23 are 6 am to 11 pm, and on December 24, they are 6 am to 8 pm. Both stores will be shut down during the Christmas holidays on the 25th.

Sports Highlights

NFL Victory:

The Washington Commanders finally won their game against the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing their record to 10-5, the best they have achieved since 1991.

In his rookie season, quarterback Jayden Daniels earned historical fame by passing for five touchdowns while rushing for more than 65 yards in a single match. The impact of the victory boosts the playoff chances for the Commanders as they prepare to go head-to-head with the Atlanta Falcons.

College Football Playoffs:

The first round of the College Football Playoffs 2024 was kicked off with the top seeds putting in great performances, headlined by …Ohio State and Notre Dame. These relationships further raise debates on the need to keep a 12-team playoff format, given the range of capabilities on display.

Political Developments

Government Shutdown Averted:

President Biden signed a bipartisan funding bill over the weekend, thus preventing a government shutdown and ensuring that operations are not halted until March 14. Such an action reassures people during the holiday period and also prevents the likelihood of disruptions to federal services.

House Ethics Report on Matt Gaetz:

House Ethics Report of Former Congressman Matt Gaetz released its investigation reports on their findings. The public has received reports from the House Ethics Committee, which received compelling evidence that the former Congressman had sex with an underage sex worker, 17, and was using drugs while he was in office. Such findings seriously impact future relations for Gaetz and are sure to raise issues concerning the ethics of public servants, too.

Such activities mark a vibrant period for different sectors in America as we draw toward the end of the year.