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Professor Steve Hanke and John Dramani Mahama Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, Steve Hanke, has labelled President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s plans to renegotiate Ghana’s agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a sign of incompetence. This critique comes as Mahama, fresh from his victory in the 2024 general elections, prepares to review and adjust the nation’s existing development agreements. During a courtesy visit by United Nations Resident Coordinator Charles Abani, Mahama highlighted the need for partnerships that align with Ghana’s current economic realities and his administration’s vision. He stated, “This adjustment is crucial and will help put the new government that will be inaugurated next year on the same springboard with our development partners to begin the rebuilding of the economy and the country.” The President-elect emphasized his intention to engage with international institutions like the IMF and World Bank promptly. “Looking at the existing programmes, we need to tweak them to meet the realities of today,” he added. Responding to the developments in a social media post on December 26, 2024, Steve Hanke stated, “#GhanaWatch: President-elect Mahama wants to renegotiate Ghana’s IMF deal for ‘RADICAL CHANGES’ to smooth loan payments. HERE WE GO AGAIN. More Ghanaian INCOMPETENCE.” Ghana is currently under a 36-month, $3 billion Extended Credit Facility with the IMF. Additionally, the country has agreements with the World Bank, including $250 million each for the Ghana Financial Stability Project and the Ghana Energy Sector Recovery Programme. AM/GA Watch the latest edition of BizTech below: Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channelHome | News | Opinion Renaissance Of Handcrafts In A Digital World Opinion: Renaissance of handcrafts in a digital world Resurgence of crafts in a digital world is about creating a conscious economy that respects resources By Telangana Today Published Date - 29 December 2024, 10:30 PM By Viiveck Verma One might argue that in a world of digital innovation and artificial intelligence, the return to traditional craftsmanship might seem paradoxical, yet it has gained momentum as consumers and creators alike seek connection, authenticity, and sustainability in an era of rapid consumption. Once viewed as remnants of a bygone era, handcrafts are witnessing a renaissance as artisans and enthusiasts rekindle the value of skills passed down through generations. This revival isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past; it represents a growing awareness of the social, economic and environmental potential of craftsmanship in a world that increasingly prizes speed and convenience over substance and soul. Also Read Opinion: Preserve human touch with AI Opinion: Learning from nature Opinion: AI for self-betterment Deep Connect The current demand for handcrafted goods is fueled, in part, by a reaction to the digital saturation that has reshaped modern life. In a society where mass-produced items flood the market and the pace of consumption outpaces any sort of reflection, handmade items offer an appealing counterbalance. They embody uniqueness, with each piece marked by the subtle imperfections that make it genuinely one-of-a-kind. Handcrafted products allow buyers to establish a deeper connection with their purchases, knowing that they are supporting an artisan’s skill, effort and personal touch. This quest for connection is particularly evident in sectors of fashion, home decor and culinary arts, where customers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for items that reflect craftsmanship over mechanical precision. A meticulously hand-stitched leather bag or a bespoke piece of furniture speaks volumes in a world where nearly everything is plucked from an assembly line. People are drawn to the idea of owning something that requires time, care and expertise, qualities that machines, for all their efficiency, struggle to replicate. Economic Empowerment Craftsmanship is, at its core, a cultural and historical repository, preserving traditional techniques, local materials, and native designs. The global resurgence of handcrafted goods has allowed artisans to reclaim their cultural heritage, often transforming it into economic empowerment. Take, for example, the resurgence of demand for Japanese indigo dyeing or India’s intricate block-printing techniques. These crafts not only embody the history and traditions of their regions but also provide livelihoods in areas where other economic opportunities may be scarce. Brands must ensure that their partnerships with artisans are equitable and respect the labour-intensive nature of true craftsmanship Countries around the world are recognising this value. In Mexico, the government has implemented initiatives to preserve traditional crafts like Oaxacan weaving and Alebrije carving, while in Africa, organisations are investing in handwoven textiles to support local economies. These initiatives do so much more than sustain age-old practices. They allow communities to thrive and maintain a unique identity in a globalised world. In fact, it’s not unusual now to find designers, both local and international, collaborating with indigenous artisans to incorporate traditional elements into modern designs, creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. However, while this trend benefits artisans, it also raises ethical considerations. As the demand for handcrafted goods rises, artisans face pressure to produce at a pace that matches mill production, thus contradicting the philosophy of craftsmanship itself. Brands looking to capitalise on the appeal of ‘authenticity’ must tread carefully, ensuring that their partnerships with artisans are equitable and respect the time and labour-intensive nature of true craftsmanship. Otherwise, the industry risks undermining the very principles it aims to uphold. Tech Advantage It may seem that technology is the antithesis of traditional craftsmanship, but the digital age has, paradoxically, been a powerful enabler for the craft revival. Social media platforms like Instagram and Etsy have provided artisans with visibility and a global audience previously unimaginable. Artisans can now share their processes, tell their stories, and showcase their work to consumers across the world, bridging the gap between creator and consumer without the expense of moving themselves or their work. This democratisation of art and craft has allowed small, independent artisans to find buyers from across the globe, who appreciate their work, sidestepping the need for intermediaries and allowing for more direct and profitable transactions. Technology has also enhanced collaboration between artisans and designers across borders. Digital tools enable designers to experiment with traditional motifs, adapting them into new forms with hybrid aesthetics that appeal to modern tastes. However, the question remains: to what extent can digital tools coexist with or enhance traditional craftsmanship without diluting it? There is a fine line between innovation and appropriation, and as the craft industry expands, it must navigate this balance carefully. While technology facilitates access and expands markets, the essence of craftsmanship, the focus on skill, patience, and artistry, must not be compromised. Automation can certainly replicate techniques, but it cannot capture the human intention behind each individual creation. A handcrafted object possesses an emotional resonance precisely because it was made by human hands, a quality that cannot be digitised. Sustainable Consumption The revival of craftsmanship dovetails with the increasing consumer awareness around sustainability. The fashion and home goods industries, notorious for their environmental impact, are under scrutiny as consumers seek more eco-friendly options. Handcrafted goods, with their emphasis on quality and durability, offer an appealing alternative to fast fashion and disposable decor. Products made by artisans tend to be designed for longevity rather than obsolescence, contributing to a more sustainable consumption model. For instance, a handwoven rug made with natural dyes or a piece of pottery crafted from local clay typically has a lower carbon footprint than its mass-produced equivalents. Artisans are often more in tune with sustainable practices, sourcing materials locally and producing in small batches, avoiding overproduction. The craft revival isn’t merely about celebrating tradition; it’s about creating a conscious, circular economy that respects resources and values durability over trend-driven consumption. As the digital world accelerates, the slow, methodical pace of craftsmanship offers a welcome counterpoint. For all the advancements in technology, the resurgence of traditional crafts reveals a universal human truth: people crave meaning and connection in their lives. Craftsmanship, with its emphasis on skill, artistry and cultural resonance, offers a tactile and emotional depth that digital products often lack. Yet, as this revival continues, it is crucial to protect the integrity of traditional crafts, ensuring they are not commodified to the point of losing their authenticity. (The author is the founder & CEO, Upsurge Global, co-founder, Global Carbon Warriors, and Adjunct Professor, EThames College) Follow Us : Tags Handcrafts Opinion Viiveck Verma Related News Opinion: Integrate geocaching with green Opinion: Ambition and well-being Opinion: Embrace imperfection Opinion: Learning from nature

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TOKYO (AP) — Troops surround South Korea's parliament overnight when the president declares martial law. He accuses pro-North Korean forces of plotting to overthrow one of the world’s most vibrant democracies. Lawmakers voice outrage and vote to end the declaration, and the president lifts the decree before daybreak. President Yoon Suk Yeol spread fear and confusion through South Korea overnight by issuing his sudden edict late Tuesday, the first martial law declaration since more than four decades ago when the country was controlled by a dictatorship. The declaration, the rushed vote by lawmakers to overturn it and the president's lifting of martial law soon afterward were moments of high drama for an unpopular leader who has struggled with political deadlock in an opposition-dominated parliament and scandals involving him and his wife. While there was no direct evidence presented, Yoon raised the specter of North Korea as a destabilizing force. Yoon has long maintained that a hard line against the North is the only way to stop Pyongyang from following through on its nuclear threats against Seoul. Amid the surreal scenes of troops massing around parliament, here are some things to know as this story unfolds: Immediately after Yoon's declaration the military chief called in key commanders for talks. South Korean troops set up barricades and then made their way into parliament. The leader of the main opposition, which controls parliament, ordered lawmakers to return to the building, where they eventually voted to lift the declaration of martial law. Yoon lifted the martial law decree around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. Yoon's declaration had been accompanied by an accusation that the opposition was engaged in “anti-state activities plotting rebellion.” But he did not explain what that means, and provided no specific evidence. The vague statement is reminiscent of the heavy-handed tactics of the South Korean dictatorships that ended in the late 1980s. A series of strongmen repeatedly invoked North Korea when struggling to control domestic dissidents and political opponents. The opposition lambasted Yoon's move as un-democratic. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, called Yoon’s announcement “illegal and unconstitutional.” But the sudden declaration was also opposed by the leader of Yoon's own conservative party, Han Dong-hoon, who called the decision “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” “The people will block the president’s anti-constitutional step. The military must be on the side of the public in any case. Let’s resolutely oppose it,” Kim Dong Yeon, the opposition party governor of Gyeonggi province, which surrounds Seoul, wrote on X. Average South Koreans were in shock. Social media was flooded with messages expressing surprise and worry over Yoon’s announcement. “Martial law? I thought it was deepfake content, but is it really a martial law decree?,” one X user wrote. “I first thought about a war with North Korea when he said he would impose a martial law,” another X user wrote. There were quick claims that the emergency declaration was linked to Yoon’s political struggles. His approval rating has dropped, and he has had little success in getting his policies adopted by a parliament that has been controlled by the opposition since he took over in 2022. Conservatives have said the opposition moves are political revenge for investigations into the opposition leader, who is seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027. Just this month, Yoon denied wrongdoing in an influence-peddling scandal involving him and his wife. The claims have battered his approval ratings and fueled attacks by his rivals. The scandal centers on claims that Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee exerted inappropriate influence on the conservative ruling People Power Party to pick a certain candidate to run for a parliamentary by-election in 2022 at the request of Myung Tae-kyun, an election broker and founder of a polling agency who conducted free opinion surveys for Yoon before he became president . Yoon has said he did nothing inappropriate. South Korea became a democracy only in the late 1980s, and military intervention in civilian affairs is still a touchy subject. During the dictatorships that emerged as the country rebuilt from the destruction of the 1950-53 Korean War, leaders occasionally proclaimed martial law that allowed them to station combat soldiers, tanks and armored vehicles on streets or in public places to prevent anti-government demonstrations. Such scenes are unimaginable for many today. The dictator Park Chung-hee, who ruled South Korea for nearly 20 years before he was assassinated by his spy chief in 1979, led several thousand troops into Seoul in the early hours of May 16, 1961, in the country’s first successful coup. During his rule, he occasionally proclaimed martial law to crack down on protests and jail critics. Less than two months after Park Chung-hee’s death, Maj. Gen. Chun Doo-hwan led tanks and troops into Seoul in December 1979 in the country’s second successful coup. The next year, he orchestrated a brutal military crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising in the southern city of Gwangju, killing at least 200 people. In the summer of 1987, massive street protests forced Chun’s government to accept direct presidential elections. His army buddy Roh Tae-woo, who had joined Chun’s 1979 coup, won the election held later in 1987 thanks largely to divided votes among liberal opposition candidates. AP writers Kim Tong-hyung and Hyung-jin Kim contributed to this story.

DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Miller had 24 points in SMU's 98-82 victory over Longwood on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Miller had 24 points in SMU's 98-82 victory over Longwood on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Miller had 24 points in SMU’s 98-82 victory over Longwood on Sunday. Miller also added five rebounds and seven assists for the Mustangs (11-2). Yohan Traore added 20 points while going 7 of 10 from the floor, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and 4 for 4 from the free-throw line while and grabbed 11 rebounds. Matt Cross shot 6 for 10 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 19 points. The Mustangs prolonged their winning streak to seven games. The Lancers (11-4) were led in scoring by Elijah Tucker, who finished with 20 points and six rebounds. Longwood also got 19 points and 11 assists from Colby Garland. Emanuel Richards had 12 points. SMU took the lead as time expired in the first half on a jumper by Chuck Harris and did not give it up. Traore led their team in scoring with 15 points in the first half to help put them up 45-43 at the break. SMU pulled away with an 18-2 run in the second half to extend a nine-point lead to 25 points. They outscored Longwood by 14 points in the final half, as Miller led the way with a team-high 13 second-half points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementYour Guide to Navigating an Unpredictable Trump EraAP News Summary at 5:46 p.m. EST

After the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that claimed 38 lives, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday offered his apologies to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Describing the incident as a "tragic incident," Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday apologised to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev after the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that resulted in the deaths of 38 passengers. Putin described the incident as a “tragic incident” and conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. “(President) Vladimir Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Kremlin said in a statement according to news agency Reuters. “It was noted in the conversation that the Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, which was travelling according to its schedule, repeatedly tried to land at Grozny airport. At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defence systems repelled these attacks,” it added. Azerbaijan plane crash An Azerbaijan Airlines plane named Flight J2-8243 crashed on Wednesday near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, erupting in a ball of fire after diverting from southern Russia, where Ukrainian drones had reportedly been attacking several cities. The crash has raised suspicions. Some Western experts and the US said that a Russian anti-aircraft missile might have been responsible. Many airlines have since suspended flights to Russian cities. Moscow, however, has avoided from commenting on reports that the plane may have been accidentally shot down by its air defence. More flight cancellations hit region Turkmenistan Airlines became the latest carrier to announce flight cancellations on Saturday. It halted its Ashgabat-Moscow-Ashgabat service from December 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025 and did not offer any explanation. This came after the suspension of Flydubai flights between Dubai and southern Russian cities like Mineralnye Vody and Sochi, which was scheduled from December 27 to January 3. The Embraer 190, which was travelling between Baku and Grozny, crashed near the western Kazakh city of Aktau, located on the Caspian Sea. Click for more latest World news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Adan Khan is an emerging journalist with a keen focus on crime and politics. With a talent for making complex issues accessible, he has quickly become known for his ability to clarify intricate topics. Now with a year of experience in the news industry, Adan remains committed to delivering the truth, regardless of its difficulty. His writing seeks to make critical subjects both clear and engaging, offering readers insightful perspectives and guiding them through challenging issues. Dedicated to continuous growth, Adan is here to inform, engage, and make a meaningful impact in journalism.

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitorsATLANTA (AP) — Even the woeful NFC South, where no team has a winning record, can’t hide the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive shortcomings. Three straight setbacks, including an ugly to the Los Angeles Chargers, has left the Falcons 6-6 and feeling the pressure. Only a tiebreaker advantage over Tampa Bay has kept the Falcons atop the division. Now the Falcons must prepare to visit streaking Minnesota, which has . Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett knows the Falcons must solve the flaws which have been exposed in the losing streak. “It’s now or never,” Jarrett said. “You have to flip the mindset fast.” Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions in the loss, matching his career high. Coach Raheem Morris said he didn’t consider playing rookie Michael Penix Jr. against the Chargers and won’t think about this week. Morris acknowledged the Falcons can’t expect to win when turning the ball over four times. It was the latest example of Atlanta’s offensive decline. In the three-game losing streak, Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns. The Falcons were held under 20 points in each loss. What’s working If not for the rash of interceptions which has contributed to the scoring problems, more attention would be devoted to the surge of big plays on defense. The defense forced two fumbles and set a season high with five sacks, including two by Arnold Ebiketie. The Falcons ranked last in the league with only 10 sacks before finding success with their pass rush against Justin Herbert. Herbert was forced to hold the ball while looking for an open receiver, so some credit for the pass-rush success belongs to Atlanta’s secondary. The Falcons gave up only two first downs in the second half and 187 yards for the game. What needs help Cousins, 36, was expected to be the reliable leader on offense after he signed The four interceptions were his most since 2014 with Washington. Cousins now will be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons as he returns to Minnesota, his NFL home from 2018-23. Cousins has thrown 13 interceptions, one shy of his career high set in 2022. His passer rating of 90.8 is his lowest since his 86.4 mark as a part-time starter in 2014 with Washington. “Certainly when you haven’t played at the standard you want to a few weeks in a row, you know, you do want to change that, turn it around,” Cousins said. Stock up Running back Bijan Robinson had his busiest day of the season, perhaps in an attempt to take heat off Cousins. Robinson’s 26 carries set a career high. He ran for 102 yards with a touchdown, his third 100-yard game of the season. He also was heavily involved as a receiver with six catches for 33 yards. With 135 yards from scrimmage, Robinson has eight games this season with more than 100 yards combined as a rusher and receiver, the second-most in the league. Stock down Tight end Kyle Pitts had no catches on only two targets. He has only six catches in the last four games after appearing to establish momentum for a big season with two seven-catch games in a span of three weeks in October. Morris noted the Falcons have “so many people that we’ve got to get the ball to” but noted he’d like to see Pitts more involved. Injuries Younghoe Koo’s were such a concern that kicker Riley Patterson was signed to the practice squad on Friday and added to the active roster Saturday. Patterson was on the inactive list as Koo was good on two of three field goals, missing from 35 yards. Koo has made 21 of 29 attempts this season. He did not have more than five misses in any of his first five seasons with Atlanta. Key number 70 — WR Drake London had nine receptions for 86 yards, giving him 70 catches for the season. London, a 2022 first-round draft pick, is the first player in team history with at least 65 receptions in each of his first three seasons. While Ray-Ray McCloud III led the team with a career-best 95 yards on four catches against the Chargers and Darnell Mooney has had some big games, London has been the most consistent receiver. Next steps The Falcons face a difficult test Sunday in their visit to Minnesota (10-2), which has five straight wins and is 5-1 at home. ___ AP NFL:

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Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Executive of Tyler Perry Studios dies when plane he was piloting crashes in Florida ATLANTA (AP) — The president of Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios has died when the small plane he was piloting crashed on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The studio confirmed on Saturday that Steve Mensch, its 62-year-old president and general manager, had died Friday. The crash happened in Homosassa, about 60 miles north of Tampa. Photos from the scene show the plane having come to rest upside down on a road. Mensch helped advocate for Georgia’s film tax credit of more than $1 billion a year. Perry hired Mensch to run his namesake studio in 2016. Mensch died as Perry released his war drama, “The Six Triple Eight." The film was shot at the Atlanta studio. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel.

Sean Penn blames Hollywood’s “extraordinary cowardice” for “limiting” film