The ACTUAL NEWS: Friday, November 29th 2024 Recap

President Biden in Nantucket, Biden-Harris Administration Expands Small Business Access to Federal Lending and Contracts, Kellogg’s Plan to End the War in Ukraine, and More Actual News

Nov 29, 2024

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President Biden Joins Nantucket Holiday Traditions Amid Shopping and Tree Lighting

President Joe Biden and his family were seen continuing their longstanding holiday tradition in Nantucket, attending the town's annual tree-lighting ceremony and shopping locally.

Earlier in the day, the President was spotted at Nantucket Bookworks, holding The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi. Outside the bookstore, a reporter called out from across the street to ask for the President's reaction to recent bomb threats against lawmakers and swatting incidents targeting Trump cabinet nominees. President Biden replied, "We're working that hard, the FBI."

When asked about the possibility of speaking with Donald Trump again during the transition period, he simply stated, "I expect so."

In the evening, the Bidens joined a festive crowd for the tree-lighting ceremony in the heart of Nantucket. A representative from the local chamber of commerce expressed gratitude to the First Family for including Nantucket in their holiday celebrations for decades, a sentiment that drew enthusiastic applause.

Following a countdown, the tree was illuminated with colorful lights, met with cheers and clapping from the crowd, including the Bidens. A children's choir then performed classic carols like "Joy to the World" and "The First Noel." President Biden joined the audience in applauding the young performers.

After the ceremony, the President stepped onto a raised platform to greet the choir members personally. In a moment of warmth, the town crier captured a photo of him with the group, adding a personal touch to the festive evening.

The tree-lighting capped off a day of tradition and community engagement for the First Family, underscoring their connection to Nantucket during the holiday season.

Biden-Harris Administration Boosts Small Business Access to Federal Lending and Contracts

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, the Biden-Harris Administration announced significant measures to support small businesses, particularly in underserved communities, through expanded lending and enhanced federal contracting opportunities. These steps aim to build on the record-breaking small business growth seen under President Biden and Vice President Harris.

Key Announcements:

Increased Lending Caps for Underserved Businesses:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) raised the cap on loans from Community Advantage Small Business Lending Companies (CA SBLCs) from $350,000 to $500,000. These mission-based lenders focus on supporting women, people of color, veterans, and businesses in rural and low-income areas.
Improved Federal Contracting Opportunities:
- The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance to enhance the forecasting of upcoming federal contracts, helping small businesses better prepare and compete.
- A record $86 billion in subcontract awards went to small businesses in 2023, with new guidance to expand access further and improve supply chain resilience.
Increased Support for Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs):
Federal R&D investments in SDBs reached an all-time high, with $2.5 billion spent annually on average in FY 2022 and 2023, a significant increase from 2020. The administration also outlined best practices to enhance opportunities for these businesses in critical sectors.

Record-Breaking Achievements:

Over $178.6 billion in federal contracting opportunities went to small businesses in FY 2023, the highest on record.
Small disadvantaged businesses received $76.2 billion in contracts, representing 12.1% of eligible federal dollars.

Historic Small Business Boom:

Under President Biden, American entrepreneurs filed over 20 million new business applications—the most ever in a single presidential term. Business ownership has surged:

Black families: Doubled since pre-pandemic levels.
Hispanic families: Reached a 30-year high.
Asian Americans and women: Achieved historic highs.

These efforts underscore the administration's commitment to ensuring small businesses nationwide have the resources to thrive, from rural towns to urban centers.

Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Ending HIV/AIDS at Home and Abroad

Ahead of World AIDS Day, the Biden-Harris Administration highlighted its continued efforts to combat HIV/AIDS both domestically and globally. Renewing bipartisan commitments, the Administration has focused on science-led strategies, equity, and combating stigma to address the epidemic.

Key Highlights:

Domestic Progress: The updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) targets reducing new infections, improving health outcomes, and addressing social determinants of health. There’s also a push to reform outdated HIV criminalization laws and strengthen community partnerships.

HIV incidence among Americans aged 13+ decreased by 12% from 2018 to 2022, including a 30% drop among youth aged 13-24.
New infections among gay and bisexual men dropped 16% for Black men and 20% for White men, though Hispanic/Latino men showed no decline and made up 39% of new cases in 2022.
HIV-related deaths declined by 25%, reflecting improved early diagnosis and treatment access.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) usage rose from 25% in 2020 to 36% in 2022 among eligible individuals.

Global Efforts: The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) launched a five-year strategy to end HIV/AIDS as a global public health threat by 2030. Since its inception in 2003, PEPFAR has:

Saved over 25 million lives.
Facilitated the birth of 7.8 million HIV-free babies across 55 countries.

The Administration’s efforts are driving significant progress toward the goal of ending the epidemic, though disparities persist, particularly for Hispanic/Latino men in the U.S.

Connecticut Democratic Lawmakers Targeted with Bomb Threats

Five Democratic U.S. lawmakers from Connecticut, including Representatives Jim Himes, Jahana Hayes, John Larson, and Joe Courtney, reported receiving bomb threats at their homes on Thanksgiving Day. The threats, which were investigated by local authorities, did not result in the discovery of any explosives. Hayes disclosed that police had been alerted to an email claiming a pipe bomb had been placed in her mailbox, but no bombs were found. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, also a Democrat from Connecticut, was reportedly targeted as well. The incidents come amid a broader wave of bomb threats and "swatting" aimed at prominent figures, including members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team. Authorities are continuing investigations into these incidents, which are seen as acts of intimidation or harassment.

Canada's Uranium Industry Braces for Potential Tariffs Amid U.S. Supply Shortages

Canada's uranium industry, poised to meet growing U.S. demand following Russian restrictions on uranium exports, is now facing uncertainty due to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada. While Canadian uranium miners, including NexGen Energy and Cameco, are positioning themselves to supply U.S. energy companies, particularly with rising nuclear power demand, they are concerned about how tariffs might inflate uranium prices. Canada, the world's second-largest producer of uranium, exports 85% of its output, and U.S. utilities are increasingly seeking diversified sources to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian supply. With U.S. nuclear reactors dependent on uranium imports, Canadian miners are in a strong negotiating position, but the imposition of tariffs could disrupt trade and fuel price increases. This comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, including a Russian move to restrict uranium exports to the U.S., further tightening supply.

Blinken Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Ukraine Amid Escalating Russian Attacks

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha to discuss battlefield developments and forthcoming U.S. security and budgetary assistance. Blinken offered condolences for casualties caused by Russia's recent missile barrage on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and pledged support for enhanced protections as winter nears.

He also outlined U.S. plans for sustained aid to Ukraine, to be addressed in upcoming NATO and Ukraine Defense Contact Group meetings. Reaffirming the U.S.’s unwavering support, Blinken emphasized the importance of a sovereign Ukraine and a just peace aligned with the U.N. Charter.

Keith Kellogg's Plan for Ending the War in Ukraine: Key Proposals

CNN published the future plan of Trump’s special envoy for ending the war in Ukraine, Keith Kellogg:

The front line will be frozen by a ceasefire and the introduction of a demilitarized zone.
Sanctions will be partially lifted.
A complete lifting of sanctions is possible after the signing of a peace agreement to settle the situation in Ukraine.
A tax will be introduced on the export of Russian energy sources, with the funds used to rebuild Ukraine.
The return of occupied territories will only occur through diplomatic channels, likely after Putin exits Russian politics.

Russia Tests NATO’s Resolve Amid Growing Tensions

Bruno Kahl, head of Germany's BND intelligence service, revealed that Russian officials question NATO's commitment to its mutual defense clause, Article 5, particularly in the face of a limited Russian intervention under the pretext of protecting Russian minorities. While no concrete plans for war exist, Kahl warned that such scenarios could increase the risk of conflict. He also highlighted concerns about the U.S. commitment to NATO’s security, especially given past statements from President-elect Donald Trump. Kahl noted Russia’s focus on creating divisions within NATO rather than large-scale territorial expansion. Additionally, Russia is suspected of interfering in Germany's upcoming election, stoking political divisions. Tensions between Germany and Russia also escalated following the expulsion of two ARD journalists from Russia.

The right-populist German party Alternative for Germany in its final draft of the election program insists on Germany's withdrawal from the European Union, Spiegel reported citing a document.

European and Iranian Diplomats Meet in Geneva to Discuss Nuclear Tensions Ahead of Trump's Return

European and Iranian diplomats are meeting in Geneva to explore the possibility of renewed talks aimed at defusing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional security before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The meeting, which includes Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhteravanchi and senior diplomats from Britain, Germany, and France (E3), marks the first diplomatic engagement since the U.S. election. The discussions aim to assess whether a framework for future negotiations can be established before Trump takes office, especially given his anticipated "maximum pressure" policy towards Iran. Since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran has accelerated its nuclear activities and limited monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Despite the strained relationship, European officials are pressing Iran to engage in good faith talks and agree on a roadmap for potential negotiations. The discussions also cover Iran's military support for Russia and its broader regional role, amid growing concerns about escalating conflicts with Israel. If successful, the talks could pave the way for some easing of sanctions in exchange for nuclear concessions, though significant challenges remain.

Saudi Arabia Adjusts Defense Pact Strategy Amid Regional Tensions and Gaza Conflict

Saudi Arabia has shifted its pursuit of a comprehensive U.S. defense treaty to a scaled-down military cooperation agreement, aiming to enhance joint exercises, missile defense, and advanced technology partnerships. This change follows mounting public anger over Gaza, prompting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to tie normalization with Israel to concrete steps toward Palestinian statehood.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains allegedly interested in normalization but faces domestic opposition to concessions. As both leaders navigate domestic pressures, the U.S. hopes to finalize the revised pact before President Biden’s term ends. Complicating matters, Donald Trump’s return to the White House raises uncertainties about future peace processes, given his controversial "Deal of the Century."

The proposed agreement, while stopping short of a binding treaty, underscores Riyadh's desire for security guarantees amid rising tensions with Iran and regional instability.

Bolsonaro Eyes Political Comeback with Anticipated Support from Trump

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is planning a political resurgence, expressing optimism about backing from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Bolsonaro suggested that Trump's leadership might include economic pressure on current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro, barred from office until 2030 and facing criminal charges for allegedly orchestrating a coup, denies wrongdoing and claims persecution by Lula and left-leaning judges, calling it a "witch hunt."

This week, Brazil's federal police presented evidence to the Supreme Court linking Bolsonaro to a conspiracy to overturn the 2022 election results. The report, based on extensive investigations, identified Bolsonaro as the leader of the alleged plot.

Both Bolsonaro and Trump's incoming administration have yet to comment on the matter.

China Warns U.S. Over Taiwan Relations Ahead of President Lai's Pacific Trip

China has called on the United States to exercise "utmost caution" in handling relations with Taiwan, as Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te begins a Pacific tour that includes stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, opposes international engagements by Taiwanese leaders, especially involving the U.S.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated President Xi Jinping's stance, urging the U.S. to oppose Taiwan's independence and support peaceful reunification with China. Mao warned against "separatist acts" and any form of U.S. support for Taiwan's leaders.

President Lai, who rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, emphasized strengthening Taiwan’s international partnerships during his visit to Pacific allies. His stops include the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, countries with formal ties to Taiwan.

In response to Lai's trip and U.S. stopovers, Chinese military drills near Taiwan are anticipated, with Taiwanese officials considering them a likely reaction to the diplomatic tour.

AM and PM ACTUAL NEWS LIVESTREAMS (11/29/24)

That’s it from me for now. Thank you so much for reading. Have a peaceful weekend!

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