On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The law increases retirement benefits for over 2.5 million public servants, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, by an average of $360 monthly. Retirees will also receive retroactive payments from December 2023. Surviving spouses will see their benefits rise as well, marking a major win for public sector workers and their families.
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French police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old who refused to give up his phone to two teenagers in Paris, police and prosecutors said. The boy was leaving a football training session on Friday evening in southern Paris when the two demanded his phone, the prosecutor's office told AFP. When he refused, one stabbed him in the shoulder and the boy died in hospital.
Following Donald Trump's recent political gains, supporters propose adding his face to Mount Rushmore. This idea was pushed by his ex-aide Corey Lewandowski and quickly backed on social media. Representative Anna Paulina Luna is now preparing the necessary documentation to move forward with the proposal.
US President Donald Trump has decided not to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum following Ontario Premier Doug Ford's agreement to drop surcharges on electricity exports. However, the US government will still proceed with a 25% tariff on these imports, escalating economic tensions between the two countries.
The Israeli military intercepted a missile launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. This marks the latest in a series of attacks, with the missile debris landing near Jerusalem. Recent Houthi attacks follow heightened hostilities since the Gaza war, prompting Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi infrastructure and continued military operations against the rebels.
Munford High School in Tennessee shut down on Thursday after a staff member was discovered deceased in a classroom before school started. Authorities confirmed the incident was contained, ensuring there was no ongoing threat as the investigation continued. More details will follow.
London’s new growth plan aims to boost public services by generating £27 billion in tax revenue. The initiative targets increased productivity and investment, with significant contributions from Indian FDI and students, to revitalize the economy, create jobs, and raise household incomes.
Musk posted on X, questioning Starmer’s accountability for the CPS’s inaction, and criticized Labour MP Jess Phillips for her reluctance to push for further investigation. "Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008–2013," Musk wrote. He implied that exposing these failings would reflect poorly on Starmer, now leader of the Labour Party as well the premier.
The US has removed the $10 million bounty on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Mohammad al-Jolani after he led a successful offensive, ousting Assad from power in Syria. US diplomats met with the new Syrian leadership in Damascus, marking the first high-level visit since the regime change. Discussions focused on counterterrorism, the status of missing Americans, and future relations.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg donated $1 million to Donald Trump's inaugural committee. This followed a Mar-A-Lago dinner where Zuckerberg showcased Meta's smart glasses and aimed to strengthen ties with the incoming administration. The donation comes despite Trump's past criticisms of Zuckerberg and Facebook, including accusations of election interference and threats of imprisonment.
US President Trump reiterated his proposal for the US to take control of Gaza, with international development transforming it into a major development project. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu supports the plan, which has been criticized by rights groups as a violation of international law.