Security

President Biden Set to Sign Landmark Bill Granting Full Social Security Benefits to Millions of Retired Public Workers

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WASHINGTON — Nearly three million retirees who have been denied full Social Security benefits due to their public pensions are set to receive them thanks to new legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden on Monday. The Social Security Fairness Act eradicates longstanding federal policies that have reduced benefits for public service workers, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters. For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) diminished the Social Security payments of individuals whose careers were predominantly in positions not covered by Social Security. This legislation, long overdue, … Read more

Trump Urges Supreme Court to Delay TikTok Ban, Touting Unique ‘Deal-Making Expertise’ to Resolve Security Concerns

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Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump, known for his critical stance against TikTok during his administration, is revisiting the issue as he re-enters the political arena. In his previous term, Trump made headlines by attempting to ban the popular social media app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, citing national security concerns. His efforts were halted by judicial intervention, but the sentiment persisted into the Biden administration, which also considered a ban slated to take effect in 2025. Amidst ongoing litigation concerning the app’s future in the United States, Trump’s legal team … Read more

Taiwan Faces Security Risks as Defense Budget Slashed Amid Rising Chinese Military Threats

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Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense sounded alarms this Wednesday regarding a substantial proposed budget cut that could detrimentally affect the island’s security stance amid growing military threats from China. Opposition parties, in control of the majority in Parliament, have passed a law to reallocate funds, slashing the defense budget by approximately T$80 billion ($2.45 billion) to channel more financial support to local municipalities. This decision, coinciding with regional nations bolstering their defense expenditures, could see Taiwan’s defense budget plummet to below 2% of its GDP from a previously planned 2.4%. The Ministry of … Read more

Illinois Rolls Out New Laws in 2023: Tighter Security on Catalytic Converter Sales, Aid for Vehicle Theft Victims, Enhanced Road Safety Measures, and Honors for Gold Star Families

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois will usher in the new year with several newly enacted laws spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, aiming to enhance public safety, support crime victims, and honor military families. These measures, passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law, respond to growing concerns over catalytic converter theft, vehicle crimes, and the challenges faced by those affected. One significant change targets the rampant increase in the theft of catalytic converters—essential car components often targeted for the precious metals they contain. To combat this, Illinois has implemented stringent requirements for … Read more