IMF Upgrades UK Growth Forecast Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its projection for UK growth this year by 0.4% to 1.1%. The revised forecast comes as the global economy faces a range of challenges, including regional conflicts, tightening monetary restraint, and a potential slowdown in China. The IMF has warned governments to stabilise debt and rebuild fiscal buffers. Meanwhile, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to outline tax rises and spending cuts in next week's budget, aiming to generate around £40bn in revenue. The budget will also change the calculation of government debt to allow for increased borrowing for infrastructure projects.

Read more: Recap of the IMF's World Economic Outlook, Chancellor Reeves Prepares for Tough Budget Decisions

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Trump Wants One Big Bill for His Priorities via Budget Reconciliation

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President-elect Donald Trump wants Congress to pass one sweeping bill full of his priorities through the budget reconciliation process, according to newly reelected Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump's plan includes tax cuts, border security, and energy, and he wants to pass 'one big, beautiful bill.' But the House Freedom Caucus has endorsed a two-step plan, which could stand in the way of Trump's desires. Legislation passed via budget reconciliation would need consensus among House Republicans, and the razor-thin GOP majority in the House means a reconciliation package will also be a major challenge to pass. Trump's plan would put the GOP caucus to the test, as they can only have one GOP defection if all members of the House are present.

Jimmy Carter's State Funeral: A Final Salute to the 39th President

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Jimmy Carter's state funeral began with a procession in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, and will continue in Atlanta. The former president passed away at 100 and was honored with a National Park Service salute and a farm bell ringing 39 times. Carter spent most of his life in Plains with his wife, Rosalynn.

The Dramatic Win of House Speaker Mike Johnson: An Inside Look

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Mike Johnson Wins House Speaker Race
Louisiana's Mike Johnson secured a win for House Speaker with the help of Reps. Keith Self and Ralph Norman. In a surprising turn of events, Self and Norman switched their votes at the last minute, giving Johnson the majority he needed to win.

Norman's Role in Johnson's Victory
South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman, one of the lawmakers who switched votes, spoke to President-elect Donald Trump about his priorities. Norman's decision to switch his vote played a crucial role in Johnson's victory.

A Dramatic Turn of Events
The race for House Speaker was filled with drama and uncertainty. But in the end, Mike Johnson emerged as the winner, thanks to the last-minute support of two key lawmakers.

Can Trump Be the Key to Ending the Ukraine War?

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that US President-elect Donald Trump could be crucial in ending the war and stopping Russian leader Vladimir Putin. In a recent interview, Zelenskyy praised Trump's strength and unpredictability, and expressed his hope that Trump would use these qualities to help Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. However, the specifics of Trump's policy towards Ukraine are still unclear, and it remains to be seen whether he will follow through on Zelenskyy's hopes. In the meantime, Ukraine continues to fight for its future, and the world waits to see what role Trump will play in the conflict.

House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy

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House Speaker Race Heats Up: Johnson vs. Roy
House Speaker Mike Johnson is gearing up for a tough re-election battle against Republican holdouts, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas. Johnson has the backing of President-elect Donald Trump, but Roy has yet to make a decision on who to support. The Freedom Caucus has been vocal in their demands for concessions from the speaker, causing tension within the party. The House will vote for a speaker on Friday, and Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote.

  • *Trump and advisers working to strike a deal with Roy
  • *Johnson confident in re-election, but faces opposition from hardliners
  • *House cannot conduct business until a speaker is elected

President Biden Honors Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson with the Presidential Citizens Medal

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In a ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden honored 20 Americans with the Presidential Citizens Medal, including Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, the leaders of the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Biden praised Cheney and Thompson for their 'steadfast commitment to truth' and 'exemplary deeds of service for their country.' The medal is the country's second-highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Secret Deployments and Older Doctors: Key Revelations in Australian Cabinet Records

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Secret Deployments:** Cabinet records from 2003 and 2004 reveal that the Howard government sent military forces to the Middle East months before officially authorizing Australia's involvement in the Iraq war. The national security committee met to ensure the advance deployment was not disclosed, even as the government remained convinced of the presence and potential of weapons.

Older Doctors' Health Checks:** Almost 10% of Australia's GPs are aged over 70, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has expressed concerns about a proposal by the national regulator to introduce health checks for doctors aged 70 and older, fearing it may worsen workforce shortages.

Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker Despite GOP Frustrations

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Trump Backs Johnson For House Speaker**: Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson for re-election, just days before the House will vote for a new leader. Johnson's speakership is in jeopardy after some Republicans expressed frustration with his decision to reach a government funding agreement that had overwhelming Democratic support. But with Trump's endorsement and a slim GOP majority, Johnson's chances of re-election look good. However, the majority is set to become even smaller as several Republican members of Congress are set to be nominated for positions in the Trump administration.

Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Service and Compassion

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The world is mourning the loss of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States who passed away at the age of 100. Carter was known for his tireless advocacy for global health and human rights, and his legacy will live on as a testament to the power of service, decency, and compassion. President Biden has declared a national day of mourning for January 9th, and world leaders including King Charles and President Emmanuel Macron have paid tribute to Carter's life and legacy. In this summary, we take a look at the key events surrounding Carter's passing, and the impact he had on the world.

Farewell, Jimmy Carter: The 39th President's Lifelong Sports Fandom & Legacy Remembered

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Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at 100.
Sports world honors Carter's lifelong fandom:

  • Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank: "He was a great American, a proud Georgian, and an inspirational global humanitarian."
  • Atlanta Braves: "He served both his country and home state with honor his entire life."
  • Atlanta Hawks: "President Jimmy Carter represented all the best of Georgia."

Carter's sports legacy:

  • First president to invite Super Bowl champs to the White House
  • Sports fan: Georgia native, supporter of Atlanta's pro teams

World leaders' tributes: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Royals

Kemi Badenoch vs Nigel Farage: A Feud Escalates

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Kemi Badenoch's feud with Nigel Farage has escalated, with reports of Badenoch urging GB News to cut airtime for Farage. Farage has hit back, demanding an apology from Badenoch for accusing him of lying about his party's membership. This comes after Farage claimed that Reform UK has more members than the Tories, which Badenoch has branded fake. The row has sparked concerns over regulatory action and the broadcaster's role in offering a platform to critics.

South Korea: Political Turmoil and a Deadly Plane Crash

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South Korea is grappling with political turmoil and a tragic plane crash. The country's parliament has seen intense battles, leading to the impeachment of two leaders in a month. Meanwhile, a deadly plane crash has taken the lives of 179 people. As investigations continue, families mourn their loved ones, and the world expresses condolences. Amidst the chaos, South Koreans hope for stability and justice.

Georgia Inaugurates Controversial President Amid Protests

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German Interior Minister Slams Far-Right AfD Over Christmas Market Attack

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German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has called out the far-right AfD party for exploiting a tragic Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany. Faeser urged the party to stop using the attack for political gain, noting that it only shows their character. The attack, which killed five people and injured over 200, has sparked a debate on migrant and security policy in the country.

South Korea Plunged into Political Crisis: Acting President Impeached

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South Korea's Political Crisis Deepens:** Acting President Han Duck-soo has been impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Han, who became acting president after Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, had clashed with the main opposition Democratic Party over filling three vacant seats on the Constitutional Court. The court is currently reviewing Yoon's impeachment. What Happens Next? Han's powers will be officially suspended, and deputy prime minister and finance minister Choi Sang-mok will take over. The Constitutional Court will decide whether to dismiss or reinstate Han. The impeachments of the country's top two officials worsen its political turmoil and deepen its economic uncertainty.

Farewell to Former Indian PM, Manmohan Singh: A Man of Great Integrity and a Landmark Economist

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Manmohan Singh, India's former prime minister, passed away at the age of 92. Widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, Singh was a mild-mannered technocrat who became one of India's longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years. He was chosen to fill the role by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Singh's sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers, but he was known for his personal integrity. After relinquishing the post of prime minister, Singh adopted a low profile. He leaves behind a legacy of economic liberalization, a landmark nuclear deal with the US, and a reputation as a man of great personal integrity.

NY Governor Fires 14 Workers Over Prisoner Death; Subway Crime Surges Despite Governor's Claims

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has fired 14 workers at a state prison following the death of an incarcerated man. The incident, which took place at the Marcy correctional facility in central New York, involved an attack on Robert Brooks, 43, who died in a local hospital a day after the attack. Meanwhile, despite Hochul's claims that crime has decreased on the NYC subways, a woman was set on fire and burned to death on a train just hours after the governor touted her efforts to make the subway safer.

Manmohan Singh: The Economist Who Transformed India

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Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the US, has passed away at the age of 92. Born in present-day Pakistan, Singh spent more than four decades in public service, starting as an economics lecturer and later becoming the governor of India's central bank. In 1991, he became finance minister and presented a landmark speech in parliament, shifting the Indian economy from socialism and protectionism to market-based liberalization. Singh's premiership from 2004 to 2014 was clouded by corruption allegations and financial scandals, but his legacy as a transformative economist remains.

Democrats in Turmoil, Biden's Controversial Decision, and a Violent Gang on the Loose

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What's Happening in the World Today?

  • Democratic Party in Trouble:* With the Democratic Party facing a crisis, experts are questioning what comes next after the recent elections.
  • Biden's Decision Criticized:* President Biden's decision to reclassify 37 of 40 federal death row inmates' sentences has sparked controversy.
  • Violent Migrant Gang Spreading:* A violent migrant gang is spreading across the US, with reported activity in 19 states.
  • Trump's Acting Credits:* Did you know that Trump has more acting credits than just his famous Christmas cameo?

Farage Offers to Help Mandelson in US Role

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Nigel Farage has offered to help Lord Mandelson, the incoming US ambassador, in his new role by using his connections with the Trump administration. Despite their political differences, Farage believes he could be a useful asset for fostering good US-UK relations. He is particularly willing to assist with talks on trade, tariffs, intelligence-sharing, and countering terrorism, as many members of the president's cabinet are his friends. However, he fears that the government may be too split to take up his offer. Mandelson has been warned that he will need a thick skin to weather regular attacks from Trump's allies, but with his experience in the hard world of diplomacy, he is expected to succeed as ambassador to Washington.