News

Can a crippling U.S. rail strike be avoided?

Published

3 years ago

November 30, 2022

A nationwide strike set for Dec. 9 could devastate the economy just before Christmas

On Tuesday U.S. President Joe Biden expressed confidence that a dispute between labor unions and the country’s freight railroads can be resolved.

“Congress, I think, has to act to prevent it,” Biden said. “It’s not an easy call, but I think we have to do it. The economy is at risk.”

The President made the remarks when he briefly spoke to reporters back at the White House following the long Thanksgiving holiday.

Over the weekend, online Black Friday sales in the United States topped a record-breaking $9.12 billion this year.

Despite inflation and other economic concerns, retail experts say it’s a solid start to the holiday shopping season.

During a meeting with Congressional leaders, President Biden discussed future legislative priorities for the lame duck session.

He also told top lawmakers that the looming railroad strike has to be a top priority.

When asked if he was confident that a rail strike would be averted, Biden replied, “I am confident.”

The President made those remarks before a nationwide railroad strike that could ultimately cripple the economy just days before Christmas.

Business groups from across the U.S. are calling on for Congress to take immediate action to avoid a strike set for Dec. 9.

Currently, a coalition of 449 organizations led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said lawmakers need to act before the strike deadline so they can prevent any work stoppage.

If the Biden administration and Congress fail—officials say it could cost the economy an estimated $2 billion per day, making inflation even worse.

Back in September, the Biden administration mediated a tentative agreement between the unions threatening a strike and the railroad companies. The agreement gave rail workers a 24% wage increase from 2020 through 2024 and sign-on bonuses. However, many union rail workers oppose the deal because it lacks sick time, does not address quality-of-life issues, and has laborers working on skeleton crews.

In order to avert a potential work stoppage, all 12 unions involved in negotiations must ratify their new agreements. So far, four unions voted against Biden’s proposal and are waiting for a new deal.

News

U.S. envoys head to Moscow as Ukraine peace talks accelerate

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Published

1 hour ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. envoys to meet Putin, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine war diplomacy.

Senior U.S. envoys are preparing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomatic efforts around the war in Ukraine gather pace. The visit comes after Russia formally requested high-level talks, signalling a potential shift in momentum.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to travel to Moscow following months of behind-the-scenes discussions. The move underscores Washington’s willingness to engage directly as negotiations enter a more decisive phase.

With global attention fixed on the outcome, the meeting could shape the next chapter of the conflict — and determine whether diplomacy can finally overtake military escalation.

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News

Trump drops tariff threat after Greenland framework deal

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

Published

1 hour ago

January 22, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump announces Greenland deal, easing tariff threats amid trade tensions, boosting US markets and sparking Arctic diplomacy debate.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a framework deal involving Greenland, stepping back from earlier threats to impose tariffs on Europe. The shift comes after heightened global concern over trade tensions and geopolitical stability.

The announcement followed Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos and discussions with NATO’s Secretary General.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister has since weighed in, responding to speculation surrounding Greenland’s future and the implications of US involvement.

Markets reacted positively, with US stocks rallying after Trump signalled he would abandon the tariff threats.

While Trump reiterated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, the move has sparked renewed debate about diplomacy, trade, and influence in the Arctic region.

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News

Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.

A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.

Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.

Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.

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