Pensioner Woes: Winter Fuel Payment Cuts and Universal Payments Promised in Scotland

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Pensioners Could Freeze to Death After Labour's Winter Fuel Allowance Cuts
Baroness Altmann warns of cruel and dangerous impact of means-testing the benefit
Winter 2024: first year of means-testing, affecting 10 million pensioners
Means-testing to save £1.5 billion a year by taking away payment from well-off pensioners
Thousands missing out on the benefit and allowance

Scottish Labour Promises to Reinstate Universal Winter Fuel Payments
UK Labour's means-testing policy affects 7.6 million households, leaving 1.3 million eligible
Scottish Labour pledges to go against UK policy and reinstate universal payments in Scotland
Extra money made available for winter payment, but not used by SNP
Scottish Labour's plan to deliver a fairer system for pensioner support

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Scotland
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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.

Franz Ferdinand Rocks Out with New Tracks from Upcoming Album 'The Human Fear'

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Franz Ferdinand Rocks Out with New Tracks from Upcoming Album 'The Human Fear'
Get ready to groove to some fresh beats from Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand! They've just performed two new tracks from their upcoming album 'The Human Fear'.

  • Audacious: This high-energy track is sure to get you moving with its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics.
  • Bar Lonely: This one's a bit more mellow, but still packs a punch with its introspective lyrics and dreamy melody.

With five studio albums and several Grammy nominations under their belt, Franz Ferdinand is back and better than ever. Don't miss out on their latest tunes!

Keywords**: Franz Ferdinand, The Human Fear, indie rock, music, Scotland

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
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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.

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  • *Johnson confident in re-election, but faces opposition from hardliners
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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."

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

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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.

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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.
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