Whats going on in the World

[longcast]

CCP-tied group is quietly fueling US-based climate initiatives: tax filings

FIRST ON FOX: A climate nonprofit in China with former Chinese government officials wired millions of dollars to fuel eco initiatives in the U.S. last year, according to tax forms.

www.foxnews.com

 

[longcast]

US Customs to suspend railway operations at international crossings into Texas starting Monday

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will suspend all railway operations across international bridges in El Paso and Eagle Pass, Texas beginning Dec. 19, 2023 at 8 a.m.

www.foxnews.com

 

[longcast]

BP pauses oil tanker traffic through Red Sea amid Houthi rebel attacks

BP oil says the "deteriorating security situation" in the Middle East has forced it to halt shipments through the Red Sea on Monday.

www.foxbusiness.com

 

[longcast]

Small Social Security COLA could leave retirees struggling to get by next year

Social Security beneficiaries are set to receive a 3.2% payment bump in 2024, but many recipients say the increase is not enough to offset high inflation.

www.foxbusiness.com

But even with the payment increase, retirees say they are worried about keeping up with stubbornly high inflation. Although the consumer price index has fallen considerably from a peak of 9.1%, it remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.

On top of that, prices are up a stunning 17.23% when compared with January 2021, before the inflation crisis began.

 

[longcast]

Boston Globe demands Harvard state clearly if president plagiarized: 'It matters'

The Boston Globe argued Harvard must clearly state whether university president Claudine Gay was guilty of plagiarism, to set a standard for students and faculty.

www.foxnews.com

 

[longcast]

Gov. Abbott set to sign two border bills into law Monday

One is to pay for more barriers along the border and the other will make it a state crime to cross the border illegally.

www.kens5.com

Also up for Abbott's signature is Senate Bill 4, which allows police in Texas to arrest people for illegally crossing the border from Mexico.

It is already illegal to enter the U.S. without permission under Federal law.

 

[longcast]

Some companies revise diversity policies amid conservatives’ lawsuit threat

Several major U.S. companies changed their internal diversity policies and programs amid legal threats from conservative groups opposed to DEI initiatives, per a Reuters analysis.

www.foxbusiness.com

At least six major U.S. companies, including JPMorgan Chase, revised their diversity policies after they were among the 25 firms that received public shareholder letters since 2021 that said their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs constitute illegal discrimination and breach the directors’ duties to investors.

 

[longcast]

Israeli hacker group takes credit for cyberattack shutting down majority of Iran's gas stations: reports

A massive cyberattack has disrupted operations at nearly 70% of the gas stations in Iran, with an Israeli hacking group taking credit, reports say.

www.foxbusiness.com

 

[longcast]

James Biden given loan, didn't provide services to Americore despite promises to use last name, trustee says

James Biden, brother of President Biden didn't provide services to a hospital operator despite promising his name could bolster funding ,a company representative said.

www.foxnews.com

 

[Roccus7]

Some companies revise diversity policies amid conservatives’ lawsuit threat

Several major U.S. companies changed their internal diversity policies and programs amid legal threats from conservative groups opposed to DEI initiatives, per a Reuters analysis.

www.foxbusiness.com

At least six major U.S. companies, including JPMorgan Chase, revised their diversity policies after they were among the 25 firms that received public shareholder letters since 2021 that said their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs constitute illegal discrimination and breach the directors’ duties to investors.

Add this one to my Dibs on Popcorn Concessions...

 

[longcast]

Add this one to my Dibs on Popcorn Concessions...

You can only have one! Choose wisely, lol.

 

[longcast]

Los Angeles' new wealth tax could be a model for broke blue cities across America

The city of Los Angeles and the legislators responsible for California's financial quagmire have devised a fresh tactic within the confines of the conventional playbook.

www.foxnews.com

Despite being the most heavily taxed state in the United States, California finds itself grappling with a staggering $68 billion budgetary deficit. Contrary to the metaphorical richness associated with the Gold Rush era, California's fiscal situation resembles Fool's Gold.

Even Gov. Gavin Newsome couldn’t admit in his recent debate against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that the net migration out of California is reaching epic proportions more often than not over one word… TAXES.

Enter Los Angeles' latest stratagem, instated on April 1, 2023 – the "mansion tax." This levy imposes an additional 4% tax on homes exceeding $5 million and a 5.5% tax on those surpassing $10 million paid for by the buyer.

 

[jpd]

Los Angeles' new wealth tax could be a model for broke blue cities across America

The city of Los Angeles and the legislators responsible for California's financial quagmire have devised a fresh tactic within the confines of the conventional playbook.

www.foxnews.com

Despite being the most heavily taxed state in the United States, California finds itself grappling with a staggering $68 billion budgetary deficit. Contrary to the metaphorical richness associated with the Gold Rush era, California's fiscal situation resembles Fool's Gold.

Even Gov. Gavin Newsome couldn’t admit in his recent debate against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that the net migration out of California is reaching epic proportions more often than not over one word… TAXES.

Enter Los Angeles' latest stratagem, instated on April 1, 2023 – the "mansion tax." This levy imposes an additional 4% tax on homes exceeding $5 million and a 5.5% tax on those surpassing $10 million paid for by the buyer.

Lot of houses going to drop down just below those thresholds.

 

[longcast]

Lot of houses going to drop down just below those thresholds.

Interesting "rentals" in lieu of proceeds.
Interesting side "contents" transactions.

 

[jpd]

New regional plates are pretty cool...

 

[wader]

New regional plates are pretty cool...

View attachment 72477

View attachment 72478

got 'em down here

 

[longcast]

Pilot, photographer killed after local news helicopter crashes in New Jersey

A local news helicopter crashed in a wooded area in New Jersey on Tuesday night, killing a pilot and a photographer who worked at the news station for years.

www.foxnews.com

 

[longcast]

Harvard admits more instances of 'duplicative language' found in President Gay's work amid plagiarism claims

Harvard President Claudine Gay is to request corrections to her 1997 dissertation after the university found more "duplicative language" in her work.

www.foxnews.com

 

[longcast]

Amazon under fire for selling hidden cameras disguised as ordinary objects

A West Virginia man is accused in a lawsuit of recording an underage foreign exchange student he was hosting in his home by using a hidden camera.

www.foxnews.com

 

[longcast]

'Anti-woke' beer makers make splash for saving women's sports with Riley Gaines calendar fundraiser

Conservative Dad's Ultra Right Beer, a self-described 'anti-woke' company, launched a campaign that has so far netted thousands of dollars for Riley Gaines' organization.

www.foxbusiness.com