2024-12-28: News Headlines

Michael Roberts (2024-12-28). US economy: an exceptional boom or a bubble to burst? cadtm.org

tvbrics (2024-12-28). Brazilian tourism is expected to inject about US$24 billion into the economy. tvbrics.com 97 per cent of travellers have chosen a national destination…

ecns.cn (2024-12-28). The small Chinese towns making big waves in 2024. ecns.cn As the footsteps of time gently bring us to the end of this year, looking back on 2024, many small Chinese towns are making big waves. Though modest in size, they're brimming with potential, emerging as powerful new forces in China's economy, and carving out their places on the global stage.

ecns.cn (2024-12-28). The Chinese towns we explored in 2024. ecns.cn As the footsteps of time gently bring us to the end of this year, looking back on 2024, we've explored and unlocked many unique Chinese small towns. Though small in size, they're brimming with potential, emerging as powerful new forces in China's economy, and carving out their places on the global stage. From local tales to the global impact, from quiet beginnings to shining success. Let's revisit the places we've explored in 2024. What stories have they written into history?

ecns.cn (2024-12-28). The small Chinese towns making big waves in 2024. ecns.cn As the footsteps of time gently bring us to the end of this year, looking back on 2024, we've explored and unlocked many unique Chinese small towns. Though small in size, they're brimming with potential, emerging as powerful new forces in China's economy, and carving out their places on the global stage. From local tales to the global impact, from quiet beginnings to shining success. Let's revisit the places we've explored in 2024. What stories have they written into history?

The Independent (2024-12-28). What gov't is doing to tame rising public debt. independent.co.ug Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda has outlined plans aimed at reducing its national debt starting in 2027 the year it is forecast to touch 53 percent of the value of the economy (GDP). The country's national debt stands at 25.6 billion (93 trillion shillings) as of the end of June 2024, or about 46.9 …

tn.ai (2024-12-28). SCO Embraces Iran's Initiatives. tn.ai TEHRAN (Tasnim) — The secretary general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) welcomed the initiatives proposed by Iran for the promotion of the organization's economic activities.

Juan M. Garcia (2024-12-28). Peruvian Party salutes Cuban people for defending honor and dignity. plenglish.com Lima, Dec 28 (Prensa Latina) The Peru Libre Party (PPL) congratulated the Cuban people on Friday for defending their honor and dignity with a large popular mobilization against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.

Henry A. Giroux (2024-12-28). Higher Education Must Champion Democracy, Not Surrender to Fascism. truthout.org For decades, neoliberalism has systematically attacked the welfare state, undermined public institutions and weakened the foundations of collective well-being. Shrouded in the alluring language of liberty, it transforms market principles into a dominant creed, insisting that every facet of life conform to the imperatives of profit and economic efficiency. But in reality… |

WSWS (2024-12-28). Rising rents leads to increasing poverty in Germany. wsws.org The policies of federal and state governments of all political colours have led to a massive increase in rents in recent years, which are becoming almost impossible to afford for ever larger sections of the population. At the same time, property companies are making fantastic profits.

The Independent (2024-12-28). For poorest economies, next 25 years could prove decisive. independent.co.ug Without course correction, 20 of 26 countries would remain poor through 2050 ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | The next 25 years could prove decisive in determining whether the world's 26 poorest countries progress to middle-income status, a new World Bank analysis shows. Home to more than 40 percent of people struggling on less than $2.15 a day, …

The Independent (2024-12-28). Poor loan recovery in Kole blamed on political interference. independent.co.ug Kole, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Leaders of Emyooga SACCOs in Kole district have attributed the poor loan recovery rate to political interference, particularly misinformation about the program. Emyooga, a presidential initiative aimed at promoting job creation and improving household incomes, disbursed funds to 33 SACCOs in Kole district in two phases. In the first disbursement, …

Editor (2024-12-28). Buying democracy: The corrupting influence of Elon Musk. mronline.org The billionaire wants to insert the power of his money into British politics, but Reform can be crushed if we mount a campaign of real protest, unafraid to attack Labour, argues John Westmoreland.

Vish Soroushian (2024-12-28). Coalition of labor, community, and faith groups wins victory for the BDS movement in California. mondoweiss.net Organizers in Alameda County, CA, scored a BDS victory in December when the Board of Supervisors voted to develop an ethical investment policy that could divest tens of millions of dollars from companies profiting off Israeli genocide and apartheid.

Michelle Chen (2024-12-28). Other States Banned Forced Prison Labor. Why Didn't California? truthout.org Despite the state's Democratic majority, more than 53 percent of Californians voted against a ban on slave labor in state prisons. Proposition (Prop) 6 would have amended the state constitution by removing a provision that allows incarcerated people to be forced to work. Though it would not ban "voluntary" work in these facilities, it would prevent prison authorities from compelling an individual… |

Yakov M. Rabkin (2024-12-28). When Homes Were Turned Into Huts. pressenza.com There is something strange about the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which occurs a few days after Yom Kippur. One is required to leave one's usual home and move to temporary, flimsy huts exposed to the vagaries of the weather. The holiday embodies the memory of protecting former slaves who dwelled in huts on their journey from Egypt. It is the only holiday referred to as "the holiday of our joy." This takes place in the fall, when it can become cold and rainy, especially in northern latitudes. The huts may be elaborately decorated, but they remain vulnerable. It is particularly meritorious to begin building one's sukk…

Rhoda Wilson (2024-12-28). US Federal Reserve system is designed to funnel wealth to the banking elite. expose-news.com The Federal Reserve is not a government agency. It is a private central bank that was created to make money for the international banking elite. The system is designed to produce debt …

The Independent (2024-12-28). Masindi Port, Laropi bridge construction to commence next financial year. independent.co.ug Masindi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The construction of a new bridge at Masindi Port, and Laropi is expected to commence in the next financial year. The Laropi bridge which will be constructed in partnership with the African Development Bank will be 1,200 meters wide across the Nile, 2m shoulders, 2m walkway and standard Paved Class …

Vish Soroushian (2024-12-28). Palestine Solidarity Coalition Wins Major Local BDS Victory in California. truthout.org Organizers and workers from across Alameda County, California, scored a major victory for the BDS movement on December 10th, successfully pressuring the Board of Supervisors to vote to develop an ethical investment policy that, when implemented, could move tens of millions of dollars in investments out of companies profiting off of Israel's genocide and system of apartheid. |

Guest Blogger (2024-12-28). Next EV Battle Pits Truckers And Red States Against California-Led 'Cartel'. wattsupwiththat.com Fully electrifying the U.S. commercial truck fleet could cost nearly $1 trillion in infrastructure investment alone, according to a report from Roland Berger released in March by the Clean Freight Coalition. Conventional trucks can travel up to 2,000 miles without refueling, compared to up to 500 miles for current electric semi-trucks, according to a May 2023 report from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. All electric semi-trucks can also take more than an hour to recharge.

Editor (2024-12-28). Western Marxism, anti-communism and imperialism. mronline.org Since the 1990s, Western Marxists have replaced imperialism with global capitalism that is untethered to Western imperialism. Western Marxists have also deemed socialist projects as a betrayal of their utopian views rooted in the Hegelian "purity fetish."

Elsy Fors Garzon (2024-12-28). Minimum wage increase of 9.5 percent stands out in Colombia. plenglish.com Bogotá, Dec 28 (Prensa Latina) The decision of the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, to decree an increase of the minimum wage by 9.5 percent starting in 2025, stands out among the events of the week that ends today.

Robert Hunziker (2024-12-28). The Leading Edge of Global Heat — Arabian Peninsula. pressenza.com Major portions of the Arabian Peninsula are already exceeding 2 ∞C above pre-industrial and likely headed for a staggering temperature rise over the coming decades. This disturbing news comes via a major new study by Saudi Arabia's most prestigious university. | The epicenter of world oil and gas production is in the direct line of fire of unnerving acceleration of global warming. This news comes from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, ranked in the top 1.2% of best global universities and published as a peer-reviewed study: Abdul Malik, et al, Staggering Temperature Rise Pred…

UMMID (2024-12-28). Bitcoin loses esteem after crossing $100,000 historic mark. ummid.com Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, after a remarkable feat of crossing $100,000 mark earlier this month ago, showing signs of losing esteem.

Elsy Fors Garzon (2024-12-28). Serbians express solidarity with Cuba. plenglish.com Havana, Dec 28 (Prensa Latina) The Serbian-Cuban Association of Belgrade reaffirmed its solidarity with the socialist project of Cuba, as reported today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Caribbean nation.

Pablo Rafael Fuentes (2024-12-28). Manifiestan en Serbia solidaridad con Cuba. radiohc.cu La Habana, 28 dic (RHC) La Asociación Serbio-Cubana de Belgrado reafirmó su solidaridad con el proyecto socialista de Cuba, según notificó hoy el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la nación caribeña.

Felix Abt (2024-12-27). China's Economy is Developing Tremendous Strategic Strength Instead of Collapsing as the Western Media Falsely Claim. covertactionmagazine.com [The article can be watched as a video here] In their reporting on China, the Western mainstream media conjure up a massive real estate crisis, enormous youth unemployment and a severe economic crisis. But the collective West is harming itself with illusions about China's economy, as you will see below. "China is in the midst …

Ben Norton (2024-12-27). Billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy is a Wall Street speculator accused of pump-and-dump schemes, not a scientist. geopoliticaleconomy.com While he misleadingly presents himself as a "scientist", billionaire DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy is just another Martin Shkreli-style Wall Street speculator accused of running pump-and-dump schemes.

Rogé Karma, Portside. (2024-12-27). The Walmart Effect. popularresistance.org No corporation looms as large over the American economy as Walmart. It is both the country's biggest private employer, known for low pay, and its biggest retailer, known for low prices. In that sense, its dominance represents the triumph of an idea that has guided much of American policy making over the past half century: that cheap consumer prices are the paramount metric of economic health, more important even than low unemployment and high wages. Indeed, Walmart's many defenders argue that the company is a boon to poor and middle-class families, who save thousands of dollars every year shopping there.

Michael Roberts (2024-12-27). US economy: an exceptional boom or a bubble to burst? cadtm.org

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). CCPIT firmly opposes U.S. 301 investigation against China's semiconductor industry. ecns.cn The USTR's announcement of a so-called Section 301 investigation into the Chinese semiconductor industry has drawn firm opposition from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). China launches safeguard investigation into imported beef: MOFCOM. ecns.cn China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Friday to launch a safeguard investigation into imported beef, starting from December 27, 2024.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). China 2024 in the eyes of foreign friends. ecns.cn What does China look like in the eyes of foreign friends this year? Visa-free policy, low-altitude economy, rural rejuvenation, colorful culture… They shared various views on China 2024.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). Localities get more say with special bonds. ecns.cn China is allowing local governments to invest in more areas with their special-purpose bonds while also simplifying the approval process, which analysts said will help boost domestic demand and support the country's overall growth in the face of persistent global headwinds.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). BRI trade boosts exporters' profits. ecns.cn China's trade with other countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative will keep growing in 2025, fueled by many emerging economies' surging demand for products to meet their need for green transformation, consumption upgrade and industrialization.

infobrics (2024-12-27). International Trade Solutions Offered by the BRICS Summit. infobrics.org The fast-paced development of digital trade and support at the level of micro, small and medium enterprises in creating and integrating them into joint global value chains and global production networks with the help of appropriate innovative digital infrastructure and inclusive institutional architecture, offers significant opportunities for the Russian economy and Russia's foreign trade. In this sense, the decisions adopted at the BRICS Kazan Summit can serve as a strong foundation for carrying out the corresponding transformation with a focus on regional and local readiness to implement this transformation eff…

WSWS (2024-12-27). New Zealand economy in deepening slump. wsws.org Amid the historic decline in the position of New Zealand capitalism, the ruling elite is intensifying its assault on the working class.

Julius Businge (2024-12-27). Uganda's economy exhibited resilience amidst global challenges in 2024. independent.co.ug Strategic efforts in inflation management, interest rate stabilization, and infrastructure investment formed the backbone of the country's economic resilience Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Uganda's economic performance in 2024 highlighted its ability to navigate global and domestic challenges while leveraging opportunities to bolster growth. Strategic efforts in inflation management, interest rate stabilization, and infrastructure investment …

Richard C. Cook (2024-12-27). Syria: Chaos in the Process of Development. Richard C. Cook. globalresearch.ca I have received the following New Year's update from my confidential on-the-ground correspondent in Syria: | The catastrophic economic conditions resulting from theft of Syrian oil, gas, wheat and cotton fields, and Western sanctions, led Al-Assad's Syrian government to seek rapprochement …

aljazeera (2024-12-27). India announces seven days of mourning for ex-PM Manmohan Singh. aljazeera.com Singh, one of the architects of India's economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, held office from 2004 to 2014.

The Independent (2024-12-27). Let us support Dr Musenero's push to make science speak to economics. independent.co.ug Leveraging the Power of Partnerships in Science, Technology and Innovation to foster Socio-Economic Transformation: The Road Ahead COMMENT | ANDREW BESI | "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." — Sir Arthur C Clarke The name Dr. Monica Musenero evokes mixed emotions amongst many Ugandans. For some, she is, in an often ignoramus manner, scolded …

John W. Whitehead (2024-12-27). The Child that Christmas Forgot: How Would Jesus Fare in the American Police State? globalresearch.ca The modern-day church has largely shied away from applying Jesus' teachings to modern problems such as war, poverty, immigration, etc., but thankfully there have been individuals throughout history who ask themselves and the world: what would Jesus do?

Luis Linares Petrov (2024-12-27). Colombia announces new cycle of aid program for vulnerable people. plenglish.com Bogotá, Dec 27 (Prensa Latina) The Department of Social Prosperity of Colombia reported that more than 500 thousand Colombian households, classified as low-income, will receive a monetary transfer starting today as part of the sixth payment cycle for banked households of the Renta Ciudadana program.

Luis Linares Petrov (2024-12-27). Chilean government debates pension reform. plenglish.com According to the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Jeannette Jara, it is important to reach an agreement that allows progress toward a more fair and supportive system. "Chile cannot permit itself to leave so many people behind. The pension system has to change," she said. | In statements to the local press, Jara pointed directly to the Pension Fund Administrators (AFP), which make millions in profits and offer miserable retirements, and warned that the AFPs have profits of more than 400 million dollars to date, while pensions continue to fall. | The interim government spokesperson, Aisén Etcheverry, also jo…

Orlando González Cruz (2024-12-27). Nuevo laboratorio en Centro de Investigaciones del Deporte. radiohc.cu La Habana, 27 dic (RHC) El primer laboratorio del país para la evaluación del sistema nervioso autónomo fue inaugurado este jueves en el Centro de Investigaciones del Deporte Cubano (CIDC).

Staff (2024-12-27). Cuba y Panamá reinician su colaboración en el programa de alfabetización. cubadebate.cu Cuba y Panamá suscribieron este viernes un convenio que da continuidad en 2025 al programa de alfabetización basado en el método pedagógico de la nación caribeña "Yo sí puedo". El documento que sienta las bases del programa conocido como "Muévete por Panamá" fue suscrito en el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social (Mides).

John White (2024-12-27). The End Days? World War, Tech Takeover, and Global Warming. counterpunch.org One can be excused for worrying over what tomorrow might bring as expanded battle lines are redrawn across the globe, the world's wealthiest nation ever consumes itself in a cataclysm of partisan hate amid a growing digital reformation, and unchecked carbon emissions continue to cause more environmental disaster by the day. Will nuclear conflict, machine control, or climate breakdown ultimately destroy our pale blue dot of a planet or is it all just more apocalyptic blather that never comes to pass?

Mike Ludwig (2024-12-27). Gas Exports and AI Boom Poised to Spike Energy Prices for Consumers Under Trump. truthout.org As the Biden administration scrambles to shield President Joe Biden's climate legacy from Donald Trump in its waning days, the president-elect is staring down serious political dilemmas over the future of energy. Two remarkable trends — a rush to lock-in major fracked gas exports for decades to come, and Big Tech's growing thirst for energy to run supercomputers at artificial intelligence… |

The Independent (2024-12-27). Karamoja women trained in financial literacy. independent.co.ug Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Straight Talk Foundation, with support from Welt Hunger under the Grow Together project, has trained 152 women in financial literacy across Napak and Moroto districts.The nine-month training focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and the production of reusable pads. The project targeted vulnerable women to equip them with business management …

WSWS (2024-12-27). Macy's, Big Lots join other US retailers in shutdown of thousands of stores. wsws.org The store closures are driven by cautious consumer spending due to inflation, higher interest rates and crushing levels of household debt.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). Chinese table tennis star Fan Zhendong announces to quit world ranking over new rules. ecns.cn Chinese table tennis star and Olympic champion Fan Zhendong announced his decision to withdraw from the world rankings on Friday, citing new regulations introduced by World Table Tennis (WTT) that impose fines for non-participation.

Brian Berletic (2024-12-27). Washington's Unstoppable Superweapon. orinocotribune.com By Brian Berletic — Dec 24, 2024 | As geopolitical tensions escalate, the U.S. wields its most formidable weapon—not military might, but a sophisticated network of political and informational control that reshapes nations and regions to serve its interests. | In recent months, even across the collective West's media, growing admissions are being made about both Russia and China's superior military industrial capacity. With Russia's first use of the intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, it is admitted that Russia (and likely China) possess formidable military capabilities the collective We…

Robert Hunziker (2024-12-27). The Leading Edge of Global Heat — Arabian Peninsula. counterpunch.org Major portions of the Arabian Peninsula are already exceeding 2 ∞C above pre-industrial and likely headed for a staggering temperature rise over coming decades. This disturbing news comes via a major new study by Saudi Arabia's most prestigious university. The epicenter of world oil & gas production is in direct line of fire of unnerving acceleration

Staff (2024-12-27). Primer ministro de Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, inauguró empresa agroindustrial en Mayabeque. cubadebate.cu El miembro del Buró Político y primer ministro, Manuel Marrero Cruz, inauguró este jueves la empresa agroindustrial 13 de Agosto, ubicada en la provincia de Mayabeque, cuya misión principal es la producción de alimentos desde un enfoque más integral y sostenible, teniendo al municipio como instancia fundamental de la vida económica y social del país.

WSWS (2024-12-27). Syracuse Opera files for bankruptcy, one of numerous smaller companies in the US in trouble or simply closing down. wsws.org Classical music ensembles and opera companies face immense difficulties, aside from a handful of prestigious, well-endowed institutions.

Kari Polanyi Levitt (2024-12-27). June 14, 2024, Kari's 101th Birthday: The Importance of Karl Polanyi's Analysis to Understanding Current Neoliberalism. globalresearch.ca First published on May 20th, 2016 | Laissez faire was planned, explained Karl Polanyi in The Great Transformation: The origins of the market system go back to the intentional project of institutional transformation initiated in England in the 19th century, establishing …

Roger D. Harris, John Perry, Popular Resistance. (2024-12-27). What's Left In Latin American And The Caribbean: Year 2024 In Review. popularresistance.org The progressive regional current, the "Pink Tide," could be better called "troubled waters" in 2024. The tide had already slackened by 2023 compared to its rise in 2022, when it was buoyed by big wins in Colombia and Brazil. Then, progressive alternatives had sailed into power replacing failed neoliberal policies. Since, they have had to govern under circumstances that they inherited but were not their own making. | Brazil's "suicidal veto" in August, which excluded Venezuela and Nicaragua from the BRICS trade alliance, was indicative of triangulating between the US and regional allegiances.

ecns.cn (2024-12-27). Amazon forces Temu merchants to choose side. ecns.cn According to foreign media reports, the American e-commerce giant is adjusting its business strategy to address growing competition from Chinese platforms.

Vijay Prashad (2024-12-27). Resist, my people, resist: The Fifty-Second Newsletter (2024). mronline.org With a year marked by genocide and conflict almost behind us, we welcome the new year with struggle; may it bring us closer to a socialist world where the dreams of humanity can finally awaken.

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