US AND CANADA

PANAMA'S PRESIDENT REJECTS TRUMP'S PANAMA CANAL THREAT

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Panama's President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected President-elect Donald Trump's recent threat to reclaim control of the Panama Canal. Trump had accused Panama of charging "exorbitant fees" for the use of the canal, suggesting the U.S. could demand its return if the charges were not reduced. Mulino responded with a resounding defense of Panamanian sovereignty, emphasizing the country's unyielding ownership of the canal.

PLANE CRASH KILLS ONE PERSON

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After a fatal plane crash in Aurora, New York, football player Dion Dawkins is speaking out. According to The New York Times, the Buffalo Bills offensive lineman was informed of the collision that happened close to his property, which caused him to miss a portion of practice on December 19.

PARTY CITY TO CLOSE ITS STORES AMID BANKRUPTCY

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For nearly 40 years, customers flocked to Party City for Halloween costumes, favors for children’s birthday parties and decorations for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Now, the go-to shop for everything from cartoon-themed balloons to Super Bowl decor is closing stores.

PUTIN SIGNALS READINESS TO COMPROMISE WITH TRUMP ON UKRAINE

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In a candid address on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his readiness to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, contingent on mutual compromises. Speaking at his annual televised session, claimedhinted at potential talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to resolve the conflict swiftly. However, Putin's remarks underlined Russia's unwavering stance on key issues, notably Ukraine's NATO aspirations.

TRUMP THREATENS TARIFFS ON EU EXPORTS UNLESS U.S. OIL AND GAS IMPORTS RISE

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President-elect Donald Trump has reignited fears of a transatlantic trade war, warning the European Union (EU) to increase its imports of U.S. oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) or face tariffs on its exports. "I told the European Union that they must make up their tremendous deficit with the United States by the large-scale purchase of our oil and gas. Otherwise, it is TARIFFS all the way!!!" Trump declared on Truth Social.

US AMAZON WORKERS PROCEED TO STRIKE

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Thousands of Amazon workers across the US staged a strike Thursday, the Teamsters Union announced, disrupting operations during the peak holiday shopping season.

STARBUCKS WORKERS LAUNCH FIVE-DAY STRIKE OVER PAY AND WORKING CONDITIONS

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Over 11,000 Starbucks employees across the U.S. have initiated a five-day strike to protest pay disparities, staffing shortages, and demanding schedules. The walkouts began on Friday in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, with the action expected to expand daily and potentially impact hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve.

PARIS HILTON CELEBRATES CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL OF HER CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION ACT

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Congress passed the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act on December 18, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the protection of institutionalized youth. The bill, championed by Paris Hilton, addresses the urgent need for reform in residential youth programs and establishes comprehensive safeguards for vulnerable children.