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  • Pakistan warns that Afghanistan is becoming ‘hub for terrorists’

    Pakistan warns that Afghanistan is becoming ‘hub for terrorists’

    ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan ’s military on Tuesday warned that Afghanistan is becoming a “hub for terrorists and non-state actors,” widening its allegations to assert that its Taliban government is…

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  • US Department of Labor announces availability of $145M in funding to support performance-based Registered Apprenticeship expansion – U.S. Department of Labor (.gov)

    1. US Department of Labor announces availability of $145M in funding to support performance-based Registered Apprenticeship expansion  U.S. Department of Labor (.gov)
    2. DOL Offers $98 Million to Expand Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Programs  ohsonline.com
    3. U.S. Labor Department opens $98m fund for youth pre-apprenticeships with AI literacy requirement  EdTech Innovation Hub
    4. U.S. Labor Department Announces $98M YouthBuild Funding for Workforce Training  Construction Owners Club
    5. U.S. Labor Department Launches $35.8M Manufacturing Apprenticeship Fund  Thomasnet

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  • Astrobites at AAS 247: Day 1

    Astrobites at AAS 247: Day 1

    The starless gas cloud Cloud-9. The magenta area shows the radio emission from the cloud, and the dashed circle shows the region of brightest radio emission. Cloud-9’s discovery and follow-up investigation were reported at AAS 247….

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  • US oil refiners gear up for comeback of Venezuelan crude

    US oil refiners gear up for comeback of Venezuelan crude

    Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for free

    US refiners are braced for a surge in Venezuelan crude that would make them early winners of President Donald…

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  • Scrapbooks as Visual Diaries | The Art Institute of Chicago

    Scrapbooks as Visual Diaries | The Art Institute of Chicago

    These personal, hand-assembled volumes serve as inventive diaries. Using a range of media from photographs and sketches to fabric swatches and handwritten notes, each one captures the rhythms of daily life, the evolution of ideas, and…

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  • Space scientists discover first relic cloud that never formed stars – Nonstop Local News

    1. Space scientists discover first relic cloud that never formed stars  Nonstop Local News
    2. NASA’s Hubble Examines Cloud-9, First of New Type of Object  NASA Science (.gov)
    3. Hubble reveals universe’s first failed galaxy  Daily Times
    4. Mysterious space…

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  • Tax revenues robust in 2025 and sustained investment in public services and infrastructure – Tánaiste Simon Harris & Minister Jack Chambers

    • Tax revenues in 2025 amounted to €105.7 billion, up by €8.6 billion (8.9 per cent), on 2024.
    • Of this:
      • Income tax receipts amounted to €36.6 billion, up by €1.5 billion (4.3 per cent);
      • Corporation tax receipts of €32.9 billion are up by €4.8 billion (17.2 per cent);
      • VAT receipts of €22.9 billion were €1.1 billion (5.1 per cent) higher.
    • Total gross voted expenditure amounted to €109.4 billion, €5.7 billion (5.5 per cent) ahead of 2024 and €0.6 billion (0.5 per cent) behind profile.
    • An (underlying) Exchequer surplus of €3.8 billion was recorded last year.

    An underlying Exchequer surplus of €3.8 billion was recorded last year.

    On the revenue side total underlying tax receipts amounted to €105.7 billion in 2025, an €8.6 billion (8.9 per cent) increase on 2024.

    In terms of direct taxes income tax receipts of €36.6 billion are up on the previous year by €1.5 billion (4.3 per cent) reflecting the strength of labour market. Corporation tax receipts amounted to €32.9 billion last year, €4.8 billion (17.2 per cent) ahead of 2024.

    In terms of indirect taxes, VAT receipts for the year amounted to €22.9 billion, €1.1 billion (5.1 per cent) higher than 2024, demonstrating the resilience in consumption. Excise receipts were €6.5 billion, up by €0.2 billion (3.0 per cent).

    Non-tax revenue in 2025 was €3.5 billion, up by €1.9 billion on 2024, largely driven by transfers to the Exchequer arising from the CJEU judgement (mainly interest payments).

    Total gross voted expenditure amounted to €109.4 billion, €5.7 billion (5.5 per cent) ahead of 2024 and €0.6 billion (0.5 per cent) behind profile.

    In terms of the bottom line, an underlying Exchequer surplus of €3.8 billion was recorded in the year, an improvement of €2.0 billion on the previous year (the headline surplus was €7.1 billion).

    Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris T.D. said:

    The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers T.D. said:

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    Unless stated, all figures in this press release exclude the impact of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruling of September last year.

    In 2025 €3.3 billion was received (€1.7 billion in corporation tax receipts and €1.6 billion in non-tax revenues) in the first half of the year.

    Fiscal Monitor December 2025

    Analytical Exchequer Statement December 2025

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  • Bidirectional Associations between Substance Abuse and Psoriasis: A Pr

    Bidirectional Associations between Substance Abuse and Psoriasis: A Pr

    Introduction

    Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and inflammatory skin disease, which is characterized by dry, itchy, and raised skin plaques with silvery scales.1–3 Substance abuse pertains to the harmful use of psychoactive substances, such as…

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  • What does the US raid in Venezuela mean for China’s designs on Taiwan? | Taiwan

    What does the US raid in Venezuela mean for China’s designs on Taiwan? | Taiwan

    The sight of a hostile regional superpower launching an overnight raid to depose the leader of a smaller neighbouring country could easily have sent pulses in Taiwan racing.

    The US on Saturday revealed the details of a surprise raid to capture…

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  • New York Stock Exchange Partners with America250 to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 5, 2026) — America250, the nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, today announced a partnership with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to support nationwide programs and initiatives that reflect on America’s economic history, civic values, and future aspirations ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

    For more than two centuries, the New York Stock Exchange — the world’s largest stock exchange — has grown up alongside our nation, with our markets and country evolving together since George Washington was sworn in as our first President at Federal Hall on Wall Street, the site of America’s first capital.

    As the nation stands on the cusp of its 250th anniversary, this partnership will highlight the role of entrepreneurship, free markets, and innovation in shaping the American story — while inspiring future generations to participate in the nation’s economic and civic life.

    “America250 is honored to partner with the New York Stock Exchange, an institution that reflects the dynamism and enduring strength of the American economy,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “This partnership will help us tell a more complete story of our nation — one that recognizes how economic participation and innovation have empowered generations of Americans and will continue to shape the next 250 years.”

    As part of the collaboration, NYSE will support America250 initiatives that elevate financial literacy, spotlight American companies and workers, and connect historical reflection with forward-looking conversations about economic opportunity.

    “For nearly two and a half centuries, the New York Stock Exchange has played a central role in America’s growth, prosperity and evolution,” said Lynn Martin, President, NYSE Group. “As we approach this historic milestone, we are proud to partner with America250 to celebrate the principles that have powered the world’s most dynamic economy — opportunity, resilience and a commitment to innovation — and continue to define our nation.”

    The partnership will culminate in NYSE’s participation in major America250 milestones and events throughout 2026, offering Americans meaningful opportunities to reflect on the nation’s past and envision its future.

    About America250 America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

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