Catamist News

Labour Manifesto: Tax Hikes, Public Energy, Growth

The UK Labour Party officially launched its general election manifesto on June 13, 2024, promising "Change" with a core focus on economic growth, public services reform, and climate action. This ambitious document outlines plans for tax increases on non-domiciled individuals and private equity executives, the creation of a publicly owned clean energy company, and significant NHS waiting list reductions, aiming to present a fresh vision for the country.

4 min read

Israel Court Ends Ultra-Orthodox Draft Exemption

Israel's Supreme Court has unanimously ruled to end decades of military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, mandating their conscription and cutting state funding for yeshivas that harbor draft dodgers. This landmark decision, driven by calls for equality and wartime manpower needs, creates significant political instability for Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition and reshapes the relationship between the state and the Haredi community.

US Heat Dome Brings Triple-Digit Threat

A massive heat dome is currently engulfing the United States, bringing dangerously high, triple-digit temperatures and widespread heat advisories to over 100 million Americans from the Midwest to the Northeast. This extreme weather event poses severe risks to public health and critical infrastructure, prompting urgent warnings and the opening of cooling centers as it is expected to persist for several days.

Russia Claims Rozdolivka in Donetsk Push

Russia's defense ministry announced on June 28, 2024, that its forces seized Rozdolivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, a tactical gain that could facilitate further advances towards the strategic stronghold of Siversk. While Ukraine has not confirmed this claim, fierce fighting continues in the area as Russia pursues its objective to fully secure the partially occupied Donetsk region amidst slow but steady territorial gains.

Macron Allies Warn of 'Civil War' in France

French President Emmanuel Macron's allies are sounding urgent alarms about a potential "civil war" scenario ahead of snap parliamentary elections, called after his centrist alliance suffered a heavy defeat in European polls. This dire warning highlights profound anxieties as both the far-right National Rally and a newly formed left-wing alliance gain significant ground, plunging France into intense political uncertainty.

Europa Clipper Arrives at KSC for Oct Launch

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft has arrived at Kennedy Space Center, initiating final preparations for its October 10, 2024 launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This critical mission aims to investigate Jupiter's moon Europa, specifically its vast subsurface ocean, which is considered a prime candidate for potentially harboring extraterrestrial life.

Biden Imposes New Border Asylum Limits

The Biden administration has implemented significant new executive actions to restrict asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border, allowing for rapid deportations once daily migrant encounters surge above 2,500. This controversial policy, aimed at deterring illegal immigration, has drawn praise from some for its pragmatic approach but faces strong condemnation from immigrant advocates who label it an "asylum ban.

SCOTUS Denies Trump Immunity Claim

The U.S. Supreme Court has decisively rejected former President Donald Trump's claim of absolute presidential immunity, clearing the way for his criminal prosecution related to the January 6 Capitol attack. This landmark ruling not only allows Special Counsel Jack Smith's election interference case to proceed but also firmly establishes that no former president is above the law.

ECB Holds Rates, Eyes 2026 Cut Amid Inflation

The European Central Bank maintained its key interest rates, signaling a potential cut in early 2026 as it carefully monitors the ongoing downward trend in Eurozone inflation. This widely expected, data-dependent decision aims to avoid premature easing and is contingent on inflation consistently moving towards the ECB's 2% target.

OpenAI Forms New Safety Committee Amid Departures

Amidst public scrutiny and high-profile departures from its safety teams, OpenAI has launched a new Safety and Security Committee to oversee its AI safety initiatives. This committee, initially led by CEO Sam Altman and board members, will spend 90 days developing public recommendations to ensure safety remains central to the company's mission.

Assam Floods: 1.6M Affected, 29 Dead

Devastating monsoon floods have ravaged India's Assam state, affecting over 1.6 million people and claiming at least 29 lives as overflowing rivers submerge vast areas and disrupt daily life. Rescue efforts are underway, but with more heavy rainfall predicted, the crisis is expected to worsen, posing further challenges for relief operations and displaced residents.

Starmer, Sunak Clash in Final Debate

In their high-stakes final televised debate before the UK's July 4 general election, Labour leader Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fiercely battled to sway undecided voters. They presented starkly contrasting visions for the nation, with Starmer emphasizing economic stability and NHS revitalization, while Sunak defended his party's record and warned against Labour's spending proposals.

4 min read

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Labour Manifesto: Tax Hikes, Public Energy, Growth