-
Headline News For Monday December 23rd, 2024
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.
-
4 Replies
-
What are the updates on sanctuary cities and states? Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other governors of blue states are vowing to fight Border Czar Tom Homan and his army of ICE on mass deportations. The state police and county sheriff of blue states will not cooperate with federal ICE agents. Please give us the latest updates?
-
A brutal confrontation occurs between US immigration authorities and the so-called “sanctuary” states, with Illinois being a typical example. President-elect Donald Trump has put into office “mass deportation” Tom Homan as the new “border czar” with the responsibility to kick out every undocumented. They have already made Chicago the first site for implementing enforcement measures; Homan’s complaints against the local leadership are straightforward – those are sanctuaries.
Illinois’ Analysis
Governor JB Pritzker’s Response:
Pritzker has reaffirmed Illinois’s resolve to keep undocumented immigrants safe by maintaining that it is still a haven state. He is prepared to support federal agents in identifying violent offenders, but he opposes mass deportation of the law-abiding, unlawfully present populations. Pritzker has also expressed a willingness to speak to Homan regarding these matters.
Herman Legislation:
Several laws have been instituted in Illinois restricting local police from working with federal immigration agencies, consolidating its sanctuary nature. These restrictions are meant to protect law-abiding illegal inhabitants from federal raids.
US Response
Tom Homan’s Strategy:
Homan has made it clear that large-scale deportation discrimination, as deportation operations in those cities with sanctuary policies, will be conducted, with the first city being Chicago. He has attacked the local authorities for operating in isolation and suggested that non-support for federal immigration enforcement efforts would lead to losing federal grants to the locality.
Possibility of Grant Restriction:
The Trump administration has suggested that all federal grants be banned for those localities that remain sanctuary and refuse to collaborate with ICE, which would affect their budgets and programs.
Snowball Effect:
Other blue states are gearing up for stronger federal enforcement and have begun fortifying their sanctuary policies. Measures include drafting bylaws to minimize collaboration with ICE agents and preparing lawsuits against federal infringements on their sovereignty. The Canadian Border Agency has also beefed up its border patrolling and monitoring procedures.
Sanctuary Measures Reactions
Democratic governors and attorneys general are on the offense and are already taking steps to counter federal action toward undocumented residents and other vulnerable resources. Among those being taken is preparing for a legal tussle to counter any circumvention of state laws.
The peace treaties have reached a stalemate, as federal and state institutions have set up a border confrontation between legal and operational sanction enforcement and sanctuary policies.
-
-
Matt Gaetz is not liked by both sides of isles
Breaking News on Gaetz.
-
Is THIS why the Legacy Media so desperately wanted Kamala Harris to beat Donald Trump? Was it all just business? In today’s live Trish Regan Show, Trish slams the legacy networks while reporting that it’s about time that face the music. Their industry is changing; No one is watching them and that’s a good thing for the country.
Meanwhile, New York leadership is under new pressure amid calls for the Governor, Kathy Hochul, to secure the subway and the city.
And, would Joe Biden really turn over the reigns to Kamala Harris? We discuss.
https://www.youtube.com/live/q7eNgrzwk9Y?si=p9n2EbWJobseeZbz