"Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt ceiling between January 14 and January 23," she wrote in a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership, at which point extraordinary measures would be used to prevent the government from breaching the nation's debt ceiling — which was suspended until Jan. 1, 2025. The department in the past deployed what are known as “extraordinary measures” or accounting maneuvers to keep the government operating. Once those measures run out, the government risks defaulting on its debt unless lawmakers and the president agree to lift the limit on the U.S. government’s ability to borrow. "I respectfully urge Congress to act to protect the full faith and credit of the United States," Yellen said. The news came after Democratic President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last week that averted a government shutdown but did not include Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s core debt demand to raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Congress approved the bill only after a fierce internal debate among Republicans over how to handle Trump's demand. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” Trump said in a statement. After a protracted debate in the summer of 2023 over how to fund the government, policymakers crafted the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which included suspending the nation's $31.4 trillion borrowing authority until Jan. 1, 2025. Notably however, Yellen said, on Jan. 2 the debt is projected to temporarily decrease due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments. As a result, “Treasury does not expect that it will be necessary to start taking extraordinary measures on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations," she said. The federal debt stands at about $36 trillion — after ballooning across both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up government borrowing costs such that debt service next year will exceed spending on national security. Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate in the new year, have big plans to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts and other priorities but are debating over how to pay for them.The Liberal government is pulling out the federal wallet to put more money into people’s pockets over the holidays, but its recently announced affordability measures create winners and losers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that the federal government will remove the goods and services tax on a slew of items for two months, starting Dec. 14. But in provinces where the provincial and federal sales taxes are blended together into a harmonized sales tax, Canadians will get a larger break. The federal government also plans to send $250 cheques to Canadians who were working in 2023 and earned up to $150,000. That means Canadians who were not working in 2023, including those who were receiving social assistance or were in retirement, will not be sent a cheque in April. In the House of Commons on Friday, NDP MP Peter Julian called the government out for not including Canadians with fixed incomes. “Why are Liberals excluding seniors and people with disabilities from the real help they need this holiday season? Why won’t Liberals help them, too?” Julian asked during question period. At a news conference on Friday, Trudeau said that the federal government has already stepped up to help the most vulnerable Canadians and that it is now time to give a hand to workers. “Over the past number of years, we have been extraordinarily present in helping the most vulnerable Canadians,” Trudeau said, mentioning the boost to old-age security for seniors aged 75 and older and the Canada Child Benefit. “But as I travel across the country, I do regularly hear from working Canadians who are having trouble making ends meet, but saying, ‘look, I don’t have kids. I’m not a senior yet, and I’m facing challenges.’” The GST break, which is expected to cost the federal government $1.6 billion, will apply to a number of items including children’s clothing and shoes, toys, diapers, restaurant meals and beer and wine. It also applies to Christmas trees — both natural and artificial — along with a variety of snack foods and beverages, and video game consoles. Meanwhile, 18.7 million people will receive a check this spring, costing the government about $4.7 billion.WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift. His presidential transition team did not respond to questions about positions on visas for highly skilled workers or the debate between his supporters online. Instead, his team instead sent a link to a post on X by longtime adviser and immigration hard-liner Stephen Miller that was a transcript of a speech Trump gave in 2020 at Mount Rushmore in which he praised figures and moments from American history. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.
Conor McGregor must pay $250,000 to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules
Here’s What ‘December 3’ Trend Means on TikTok By With the arrival of the last month of the year, has suddenly started becoming prominent on . The widely used video-sharing platform has been the brewing ground for many trends. These viral trends have become a source of entertainment all over the social media scene and turned into an annual tradition. Hence, with the return of the December 3 trend, here is what is its meaning and how people celebrate it. December 3 meaning on TikTok explained As December 3 is around the corner, TikTok users have taken over the platform sharing videos based on the trend. The trend surrounding this specific date has reportedly been generated from the popular song “Heather,” sung by none other than Conan Gray. The first lyric from the song which reads, “I still remember, the third of December, me in your sweater. You said it looked better on me than it did you,” was the main source from where the trend originated. Drawing inspiration from this lyric, the December 3 trend on TikTok revolves around videos of giving sweaters to one’s lover/crush or getting one from them. Although many users share reels about sweaters on December 3, it is unknown whether they actually follow this tradition. Acknowledging the December 3 trend in 2022 in an , Conan Gray wrote, “Happy annual heather day NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The truck market in vietnam size is estimated to grow by USD 1.50 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.05% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: Light-duty trucks, which include compact trucks, pickup trucks, and passenger and cargo vans, are essential commercial vehicles in Vietnam , particularly for intra-city and inter-city transport. These trucks, with a gross vehicle weight under 10 tons, are widely used due to their maneuverability in space-strapped urban areas. In Vietnam , the rising traffic congestion and entry restrictions for heavier vehicles have led to increased adoption of light-duty trucks. The home delivery sector's growth is another significant factor driving demand. Dealers serve as the primary distribution channel for these trucks, and vans are the most popular choice for goods distribution from central hubs. Economic uncertainty and competition pressure compel fleet owners to minimize operational costs, further fueling demand for light-duty trucks. Consequently, the less than 10-ton segment is expected to grow in the Vietnamese truck market during the forecast period. Analyst Review Trucks are essential vehicles in Vietnam's thriving economy, serving various sectors such as logistics, construction, and agriculture. The market for trucks in Vietnam is vast, with a focus on pickup trucks, warehouses, and retail outlets catering to consumers' needs. The demand for trucks is driven by the country's extensive road network and the transportation of goods, including cargo and fuel. Manufacturers prioritize fuel efficiency, safety, and electrification in their designs, addressing the increasing concerns of consumers and governments. Powerful engines and suspension systems are also essential features for handling the rough terrain and heavy loads common in Vietnam . The logistics and e-commerce sectors are significant consumers of trucks, requiring efficient and reliable vehicles for the timely delivery of goods. Trailer tracking and cargo management systems are essential for optimizing supply chain operations and reducing vehicle emissions. Safety is a top priority, with vehicle safety regulations becoming increasingly stringent to protect drivers and other road users. The future of the truck market in Vietnam lies in the adoption of advanced technologies and the development of sustainable transportation solutions. Market Overview The Trucks Market in Vietnam is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for transportation of goods, particularly in sectors like construction, mining, agriculture, and logistics. The market caters to various types of trucks, including heavy duty, medium duty, and light duty, with tonnage capacities ranging from a few tons to several tons. Consumers, fleet owners, logistics companies, and e-commerce sectors are the primary buyers of trucks in Vietnam . The market is also witnessing a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-based solutions as part of the global move towards carbon neutrality and sustainability. Truck manufacturers are focusing on fuel efficiency, safety, electrification, and telematics to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses. These solutions include GPS tracking, connectivity solutions, trailer tracking, and maintenance cost optimization. The logistics industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with the adoption of AI and IoT for fleet management, route optimization, and real-time cargo tracking. Emission norms and vehicle safety regulations are also driving the market, with manufacturers investing in advanced suspension systems, energy storage, and battery design. The market is expected to grow further with the expansion of infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, ports, and cold chain logistics, and the increasing popularity of e-commerce and hyperlocal delivery services. The use of EVs, hydrogen-based vehicles, and alternative fuels is also gaining momentum, with companies like Mullen Automotive and OEMs investing in the development of electric heavy-duty trucks. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vietnam-truck-market-to-grow-by-usd-1-5-billion-from-2023-2028--report-on-ais-impact-on-market-trends---technavio-302328820.html SOURCE Technavio
by Michael West | Dec 28, 2024 | Scam of the Week Support Us here https://linktr.ee/michaelwestmedia.com.au Welcome to Scam of the Week, where we dive headfirst into the best of political and corporate shenannigans. We showcase Rupert Murdoch, Gina Rinehart and other members of the Australian Royal Scamily. Subscribe for blistering exposés, relentless satire, and a few laughs at the expense of the powerful. 🎥 Watch now, and brace yourself for our Scam of the Year! 00:00: Introduction and Current Events 00:27: Discussion on Media Grants and Property Stories 02:36: Government Secrecy and Foreign Armies 03:25: BHP Whistleblower Case 04:00: Australian Review Tribunal 06:15: Nuclear Power Secrecy Plans 08:55: Friendly Geordies’ Leaked Video and Gina Rinehart’s Party 10:49: Duggan’s Extradition and Legal System Criticism 11:19: Matt Canavan’s Nuclear Truth Leak 12:18: Holiday Wishes and Reading Recommendations 12:56: Closing Remarks and happy holidays #ScamOfTheWeek #MichaelWest #GovernmentSecrecy #CorporateGreed #friendlyjordies Michael West established Michael West Media in 2016 to focus on journalism of high public interest, particularly the rising power of corporations over democracy. West was formerly a journalist and editor with Fairfax newspapers, a columnist for News Corp and even, once, a stockbroker. Don't pay so you can read it. Pay so everyone can!
A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says
In a recent surge of violence, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has strongly condemned the militant attacks in the Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi areas of Imphal East district. The unsettling incidents have left four individuals wounded, including a video journalist. Singh, expressing his disapproval on social media platform X, highlighted the unprovoked attacks by Kuki militants as a direct assault on peace and harmony. He emphasized the need for calm and unity among the people while announcing that additional security forces have been dispatched to the affected regions. Amid the chaos, a video journalist, identified as L Kabichandra, sustained a bullet injury, likely from a sniper, while covering the incident. Security forces responded to the firing, and adequate medical assistance is being extended to those injured. The government critiques underline the necessity for coordinated efforts among central forces and state police. (With inputs from agencies.)
