News

The U.S. is divided on whether to send Ukraine more money

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

The Democratic-led U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a long-sought $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, although it faced an uncertain path ahead in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

After months of negotiations and political infighting, the lawmakers approved the measure in a 70-29 vote that comfortably exceeded the chamber’s 60-vote threshold for passage and sent the legislation on to the House. Twenty-two Republicans joined most Democrats to support the bill.

“It’s certainly been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but the security of Western democracy,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in the Senate shortly after the predawn vote.

Pass the House

Schumer told a news conference later on Tuesday he was confident the bill would pass the House with support from both parties if Republican Speaker Mike Johnson would allow a vote.

“I call on Speaker Johnson to rise to the occasion, to do the right thing: Bring this bill to the floor quickly,” Schumer said.

Johnson issued a statement before the Senate vote faulting it for lacking conservative provisions to stem a record flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting he would not schedule a vote any time soon.

His refusal could force Democrats to attempt a rare maneuver known as a “discharge petition,” which allows members to force a House vote if they can obtain the signatures of at least 218 representatives, more than half the House’s members. The last successful discharge petition was filed in 2015.

News

Tasmania AFL team confirmed: Macquarie Point stadium legislation passes

Tasmania joins AFL with the Tassie Devils set for 2028; legislation passed for Macquarie Point stadium.

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Tasmania joins AFL with the Tassie Devils set for 2028; legislation passed for Macquarie Point stadium.

Tasmania is officially joining the AFL! After a marathon debate, the Legislative Council has passed the Macquarie Point stadium-precinct legislation 9-5. This milestone paves the way for the Tassie Devils Football Club to join the AFL in 2028, marking a historic moment for Tasmanian sport.

In an exclusive segment of Footynomics: The Business of Sport, Professor Tim Harcourt discusses the significance of this legislation, the social and economic impact of a new AFL team, and why this process took longer than expected.

We also explore what comes next for Tasmania, the AFL, and the broader implications for sports both in Australia and internationally.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#TasmaniaAFL #TassieDevils #AFLExpansion #Footynomics #MacquariePoint #SportsEconomics #AustralianFootball #TickerNews

News

Australian Dollar hits five-week high amid weak GDP and US Dollar

Australian dollar hits five-week high amid soft US dollar, traders eye RBA policies and Fed meeting impacts.

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Australian dollar hits five-week high amid soft US dollar, traders eye RBA policies and Fed meeting impacts.

The Australian dollar has surged to a five-week high as disappointing GDP data and a softer US dollar reshape trader expectations. Market participants are closely watching the Reserve Bank of Australia’s next policy meeting to gauge future interest rate decisions.

We sit down with Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX to break down what these developments mean for the Australian economy and global markets. From Q3 growth figures to inflation indicators, Steve explains the key drivers behind the Aussie dollar’s recent gains.

Traders are also keeping an eye on the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting, as a weaker US dollar could have further implications for the Australian currency. Stay informed with expert insights and what to expect in the weeks ahead.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#AustralianDollar #ForexNews #AUD #GDPUpdate #USdollar #InterestRates #RBA #MarketAnalysis

News

EU launches antitrust probe into Meta over WhatsApp AI policy

EU probes Meta’s WhatsApp AI chatbot policy for potential antitrust violations affecting third-party developers and competition.

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

Harvey Vargas

EU probes Meta’s WhatsApp AI chatbot policy for potential antitrust violations affecting third-party developers and competition.

The European Commission has opened an antitrust investigation into Meta over WhatsApp’s new AI chatbot policy. The inquiry examines whether the policy restricts third-party AI developers from accessing WhatsApp’s business tools, potentially breaching EU competition rules.

Meta updated its terms, effective January 2026, which have already barred new AI providers since October 15. The rules prohibit AI developers from using WhatsApp as their primary service, affecting a number of AI companies looking to integrate with the platform.

The EU’s competition commissioner is considering interim measures to ensure fair competition. If Meta is found in violation, it could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Meta #WhatsApp #EURegulation #AIChatbots #TechNews #Antitrust #DigitalCompetition #MetaAI