As women are absent on American currency, “Women On 20s” group is trying to change that through a campaign aiming to see one of 15 female American history-makers on the $20 bill. The group says President Barack Obama would merely need to instruct the Treasury secretary to change how bills are printed to immortalize the contributions of women to… Continue reading Women On 20’s group campaigns to put woman on $20 bill
Category: Economy & Politics
Economy and Politics news articles.
Greece could hire non-professional tax inspectors to tackle evasion
According to a leaked document, the Greek government could hire “non-professional” tax inspectors, including tourists, to spy on tax evaders. Students and housewives could also be used as part of the reported scheme to tackle fraud, which could include hidden cameras and recording devices. It is said to be one of the ideas Greece will… Continue reading Greece could hire non-professional tax inspectors to tackle evasion
Senator Robert Menendez faces federal corruption charges
According to US media reports, the Department of Justice is preparing to bring criminal corruption charges against Democratic Senator Robert Menendez. Robert Menendez is alleged to have used his New Jersey office to promote the interests of a Democratic donor, in exchange for gifts. Attorney General Eric Holder has reportedly given prosecutors permission to proceed… Continue reading Senator Robert Menendez faces federal corruption charges
US adds 295,000 jobs in February 2015
According to Labor Department figures, the US economy added 295,000 jobs in February 2015, while the unemployment rate fell to 5.5% from 5.7%. It was the 12th month running that the economy added more than 200,000 jobs, the longest such run since 1994. The stronger-than-expected jobs figure led to a jump in the value of… Continue reading US adds 295,000 jobs in February 2015
Hillary Clinton email scandal: Former Secretary of State responds to growing controversy
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has responded to a growing controversy over using her private email account for government business. Hillary Clinton urged officials to release those emails, tweeting: “I want the public to see my email.” This came after her emails were subpoenaed by a congressional committee investigating the deadly attack on the… Continue reading Hillary Clinton email scandal: Former Secretary of State responds to growing controversy
Hifikepunye Pohamba wins $5 million Mo Ibrahim Prize for African leadership
Namibia’s President Hifikepunye Pohamba has won the 2014 Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership. The Mo Ibrahim prize is the world’s most valuable individual award. The $5 million award is given each year to an elected leader who governed well, raised living standards and then left office. The previous award was the fourth in five… Continue reading Hifikepunye Pohamba wins $5 million Mo Ibrahim Prize for African leadership
Estonia elections 2015: Taavi Roivas’ ruling party wins parliamentary election
Taavi Roivas’ ruling Reform Party won Estonia’s general elections overshadowed by security concerns sparked by Russia’s role in Ukraine. PM Taavi Roivas, whose party has 30 seats, is set to form a coalition in the 101-member parliament. The results are a blow to the Centre Party, which has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who… Continue reading Estonia elections 2015: Taavi Roivas’ ruling party wins parliamentary election
Estonia elections 2015: Vote begins amid Russia fears
Estonia is voting in a general election overshadowed by security concerns sparked by Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. The Centre Party, which has ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin, is expected to do well. However, the Centre Party is seen as a pariah by other parties, who are likely to band together to renew the current… Continue reading Estonia elections 2015: Vote begins amid Russia fears
Homeland Security avoids partial shutdown after House passes short-term funding bill
The US Department of Homeland Security has avoided a partial shutdown as Congress passed a one-week funding extension, hours before a midnight deadline. The House voted 357-60 in favor of the short-term bill after it had been passed in the Senate. President Barack Obama, who said he would back a short-term deal to avert a… Continue reading Homeland Security avoids partial shutdown after House passes short-term funding bill
Greece bailout: German parliament backs loan extension by 4 months
German lawmakers have voted to extend Greece bailout by another four months. The bailout extension – approved by international creditors last week in exchange for a series of Greek government reforms – needs to be ratified by eurozone members. Some German lawmakers had expressed doubts about the deal and there is substantial public skepticism but… Continue reading Greece bailout: German parliament backs loan extension by 4 months
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner case dismissed by Argentine federal judge
A controversial case against Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and Foreign Minister Hector Timerman has been dismissed by a federal judge on February 26. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and Hector Timerman had been accused of covering up alleged Iranian involvement in a bomb attack against Amia Jewish centre in 1994. Judge Daniel Rafecas said… Continue reading Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner case dismissed by Argentine federal judge
South Korea revokes adultery law after 62 years
South Korea’s top court has revoked a 1953 law under which cheating spouses could be jailed for up to two years. South Korea was one of only three Asian countries to criminalize adultery. About 5,500 people have been convicted in the country since 2008. Out of the nine-judge panel, seven deemed the law unconstitutional. Presiding… Continue reading South Korea revokes adultery law after 62 years
Chicago Mayoral Election 2015: Rahm Emanuel faces run-off against Chuy Garcia
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been forced into a tough run-off election after failing to gain 50% of voters in his re-election bid. Rahm Emanuel had 45% of the vote while his main challenger, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, gained 34%. Chuy Garcia was successful in garnering support from those who have been unhappy with Rahm Emanuel’s… Continue reading Chicago Mayoral Election 2015: Rahm Emanuel faces run-off against Chuy Garcia
Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh court orders opposition leader arrest
A warrant for the arrest of Bangladesh’s opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been issued amid a political stand-off in the country. The court in Dhaka issued the arrest warrant after Khaleda Zia failed to appear in connection with a corruption case. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader denies embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in… Continue reading Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh court orders opposition leader arrest
Keystone XL: Barack Obama vetoes pipeline bill
President Barack Obama has vetoed the Keystone XL oil pipeline bill. The Republican-led Congress sent the bill to the president on February 24. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama vetoed the bill “without any drama or fanfare or delay”. The 875-mile pipeline would carry tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska… Continue reading Keystone XL: Barack Obama vetoes pipeline bill
Greece bailout: Eurogroup approves reform plans
The Eurogroup has approved a list of reforms submitted by Greece as a condition for extending its bailout by four months, officials say. Eurozone finance ministers said they had agreed to begin national procedures – parliamentary votes in several states to give the deal final approval. The measures offered by Greece include combating tax evasion… Continue reading Greece bailout: Eurogroup approves reform plans
Greece bailout: Government sends reform list to creditors
The Greek government has submitted a list of reform proposals to its bailout creditors, the European Commission announces. The list was received “on time”, a spokesman tweeted. The measures include combating tax evasion and tackling fuel and tobacco smuggling. PM Alexis Tsipras is trying to balance satisfying the demands of creditors with meeting his pre-election… Continue reading Greece bailout: Government sends reform list to creditors
Greece misses deadline for reform list
Greece has missed the February 23 deadline in sending a list of reforms aimed at securing a bailout extension to EU partners. The Greek government will send the list on Tuesday morning, officials say. The list must be approved by international creditors to secure a four-month loan extension. Analysts say the deal’s collapse would revive… Continue reading Greece misses deadline for reform list
Greece to submit list of reforms to international lenders
The Greek government is preparing to present a list of reforms to lenders in order to secure a bailout extension. The list to be submitted on February 23 must be approved by international creditors to secure a four-month loan extension. Analysts say a collapse of the deal would revive fears of a Greek exit from… Continue reading Greece to submit list of reforms to international lenders
Greece bailout: PM Alexis Tsipras hails Brussels agreement and warns of real difficulties
Greece’s anti-austerity PM Alexis Tsipras has warned of “real difficulties” ahead, as his government faces February 23 deadline to submit a list of reforms to lenders. Under a deal agreed on February 20, the list must be approved by the international creditors in order for Greece to secure a four-month extension of its bailout. “We… Continue reading Greece bailout: PM Alexis Tsipras hails Brussels agreement and warns of real difficulties
Greece bailout extension agreed after Eurogroup talks in Brussels
Greece and the eurozone finance ministers have reached a deal to extend its bailout by four months after talks in Brussels. The extension will allow Greece to negotiate a follow-up arrangement with creditors. “The Greek authorities have expressed their strong commitment to a broader and deeper structural reform process aimed at durably improving growth and… Continue reading Greece bailout extension agreed after Eurogroup talks in Brussels
Pat Martin leaves Canadian House of Commons during vote because of tight underwear
Canadian House of Commons member Pat Martin rushed out of the parliament and nearly missed a procedural vote because of his tight underwear. His cut-price and, as it turned out, overly tight underpants made it difficult for him to sit through a one-by-one vote, Pat Martin told a bewildered Speaker Andrew Scheer. However, the opposition… Continue reading Pat Martin leaves Canadian House of Commons during vote because of tight underwear
Maureen McDonnell to be sentenced on eight public corruption counts
Maureen McDonnell, the wife of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, could become the first modern-day governor’s spouse sent to prison for felonies she was convicted of committing while she held the mostly ceremonial position. Maureen McDonnell will be sentenced on February 20 in US District Court on eight public corruption counts. Federal prosecutors have recommended… Continue reading Maureen McDonnell to be sentenced on eight public corruption counts
Greece bailout: Germany rejects six-month loan extension request
Germany has rejected Greece’s request for a six-month loan extension to eurozone. The rejection came despite the European Commission calling the Greek request “positive” only minutes earlier. Greece had sought a new six-month assistance package, rather than a renewal of the existing deal that comes with tough austerity conditions. However, a German finance ministry spokesman… Continue reading Greece bailout: Germany rejects six-month loan extension request
Greece submits loan extension request to eurozone
Greece has submitted a loan extension request to the eurozone on February 19 after weeks of wrangling over its international bailout. The country is seeking a six-month assistance package, rather than a renewal of the existing deal which comes with tough austerity conditions. Details of the request have not been made public, but any deal… Continue reading Greece submits loan extension request to eurozone