Thursday, November 28
Democrats secure key gubernatorial victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
Politics

Democrats secure key gubernatorial victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin

Democrats celebrated significant wins in gubernatorial races across the blue-wall states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin on Tuesday, bolstering their ability to counter Republican-controlled legislatures on crucial issues such as abortion rights and election integrity. These victories highlight the ongoing importance of state-level leadership in shaping policy and preserving democratic norms. In Michigan and Wisconsin, Democratic governors Gretchen Whitmer and Tony Evers successfully secured re-election, while in Pennsylvania, Democrat Josh Shapiro triumphed, succeeding outgoing Democratic Governor Tom Wolf. These three states, often referred to as the “blue wall,” played a pivotal role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory over Donald Trump, particularly as Republicans sought to...
Biden calls for tighter gun control laws amid rising mass shootings
Politics

Biden calls for tighter gun control laws amid rising mass shootings

President Joe Biden has urged Congress to take decisive action on gun control, calling for stronger measures to address the ongoing crisis of gun violence in the United States. Speaking from the White House on Thursday, Biden asked lawmakers to prioritize legislation aimed at curbing access to assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. “How many more lives must be lost before we say enough is enough?” Biden implored during his remarks. He emphasized the need for immediate reforms, including raising the minimum age to purchase assault weapons from 18 to 21 and strengthening background checks. These proposals, according to Biden, are “reasonable measures” that could save lives. The debate over gun control reignited following the devastating mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvald...
Uvalde mourns as funerals begin for victims of school shooting
Politics

Uvalde mourns as funerals begin for victims of school shooting

What should have been a week of joy as summer vacation began turned into a week of sorrow for the community of Uvalde, Texas. Instead of celebrating the end of the school year, residents are now mourning the tragic loss of 19 children and two teachers who were killed in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. On Tuesday, the town began the heartbreaking process of laying the victims to rest. A visitation was held for 10-year-old Amery Jo Garza at Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home, located just across the street from Robb Elementary School, the site of the tragedy. Amery, one of the victims, had recently celebrated her 10th birthday and was described as a vibrant child who loved to draw. Her favorite color, purple, was worn by many mourners at the request of her father, Angel ...
U.S. schools heighten security after Uvalde shooting amid wave of threats
Politics

U.S. schools heighten security after Uvalde shooting amid wave of threats

In the wake of the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, schools across the United States are grappling with heightened fears of violence and a surge in copycat threats. The massacre, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers on May 24, has led to increased security measures, the deployment of additional police officers, and restrictions on campus access. For many families and educators, the measures are a grim reminder of the fraught state of school safety in the country. Jake Green, a 34-year-old father from Los Alamos, New Mexico, experienced this unease firsthand when he dropped off his 7-year-old daughter at school and noticed a plainclothes police officer standing nearby. Having grown up near Columbine, Colorado, where two students killed 12 class...
Surgeon General warns of parental mental health crisis, urges expanded support systems
News

Surgeon General warns of parental mental health crisis, urges expanded support systems

The United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued a public health advisory on Wednesday, highlighting the profound impact of stress on the mental health of parents and caregivers. In the advisory, Murthy called on government agencies, businesses, and community organizations to increase resources and implement policies aimed at providing better support for parents, caregivers, and families. This latest advisory is part of a broader effort by Murthy to address pressing public health concerns. In the past, he has used similar advisories to spotlight the dangers of gun violence and the mental health risks associated with social media for young people. Now, his focus has shifted to the challenges faced by parents, acknowledging the cascading effects of their mental health on the well...
President Biden visits Uvalde to grieve with families after school shooting
Politics

President Biden visits Uvalde to grieve with families after school shooting

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Uvalde, Texas, on Sunday to offer condolences to the grieving community devastated by the tragic school shooting that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers. The Bidens arrived mid-morning and spent the day meeting with victims’ families, survivors, and members of the community. Their visit included a stop at a memorial site honoring the victims and attendance at Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. This marks the second time in May that President Biden has traveled to the site of a mass shooting. Earlier this month, on May 17, he visited Buffalo, New York, where he met with the families of the victims of a racially motivated attack that left 10 Black people dead at a supermarket. A community in mourning In a statement rele...
BBVA successfully launches record Tier 2 bond issue amid strong investor demand
Business

BBVA successfully launches record Tier 2 bond issue amid strong investor demand

BBVA has introduced a new issuance of subordinated Tier 2 bonds, raising billions of euros to strengthen its capital structure. These bonds offer a lower repayment priority compared to traditional bonds, meaning that in the event of liquidation, bondholders will be repaid only after other creditors have been satisfied. The newly issued Tier 2 bonds have a six-year payback option, allowing BBVA to repay investors within twelve years at its discretion. The market’s response to the offering has been overwhelmingly positive, with demand exceeding €3 billion—three times the initial issuance volume. This strong investor interest led to a price reduction, with the final price set at “mid swap” + 200 basis points, down from the initial guidance of “mid swap” + 225 basis points. This tran...
Uvalde mourns as funerals begin for victims of elementary school shooting
Politics

Uvalde mourns as funerals begin for victims of elementary school shooting

The town of Uvalde, Texas, has been gripped by sorrow as funerals began Tuesday for the 21 victims of the horrific mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. On May 24, an 18-year-old gunman armed with an assault rifle stormed the school, killing 19 children and two teachers in one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. The first funerals were held for two 10-year-old girls, Amery Jo Garza and Mayte Yuleana Rodriguez. Amery, remembered as sweet, sassy, and full of life, loved swimming and drawing, according to her obituary. Mayte, described as a bright and dedicated student, was passionate about learning and dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, inspired by her love for whales and dolphins. Additional funerals for the other victims are scheduled to take place over the coming w...
European markets end the week on a positive note amid investor optimism
Business

European markets end the week on a positive note amid investor optimism

European stock markets showed resilience this week, with the EuroStoxx 50 gaining 0.4% in early trading on Friday, while Spain’s Ibex 35 saw a modest increase of 0.1%. Despite the Ibex 35’s slower pace, both it and the EuroStoxx 50 are poised to record a positive week overall. Investor sentiment has buoyed markets, as most European indices have now gained over 2.5% compared to the previous month. Driving this optimism has been encouraging economic data from the United States, which has helped ease fears of a potential recession in the world’s largest economy. Globally, stock markets have rebounded after facing declines in the previous week, reflecting improved confidence among investors. The EuroStoxx 50, Europe’s benchmark index, has been on an upward trajectory for the past four months,...
Maryland and Missouri approve recreational marijuana, signaling change in U.S. attitudes
Politics

Maryland and Missouri approve recreational marijuana, signaling change in U.S. attitudes

On Tuesday, Maryland and Missouri voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use, while voters in Arkansas and North Dakota opted against it. This trend reflects a gradual shift toward acceptance of cannabis legalization, even in traditionally conservative areas of the United States. With these new approvals, a total of 21 states have now legalized recreational cannabis. Additionally, South Dakota held a referendum on the issue, but the results were still pending as of Wednesday morning. Proponents of these measures emphasized that the outcomes send a significant message to lawmakers in Washington regarding the growing national support for legalization. “A rising number of voters understand that reforming cannabis laws benefits public health and safety, contributes to criminal ju...