Financial Times – Keir Starmer signals for a tough but fair budget
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has alerted ministers to expect hefty tax raises in this month’s budget rather than cuts to public spending. The funding for the NHS will be protected. The MPs fear fierce public backlash if there is a sharp increase in income tax. Also featured on the front page is the story of the New York mayor election taking place today. Front runner Zohran Mamdani walks with supporters on the final day of campaigning.
The Washington Post – A conference brings wildfire survivors together for community and support
An annual conference organised by the non-profit organisation After the Fire, brings together survivors of the wildfires in California. Together with emergency responders they find communities and share tips. Meanwhile it is reported that most of the donors for the construction of President Trumps new ballroom in the Whitehouse have important business before the administration, such as government contracts.
Le Monde: Risk of standstill in the Parliament due to the Budget
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu must meet with the heads of parliamentary groups on Monday to ensure that the Budgetary debates can continue. There is doubt about the ability to have a budget between now and the end of the year. Furthermore Le Monde reports on the Russian tactic to demoralise the Ukrainians by disrupting the power grid and cutting energy.
The Japan Times: Japanese Universities are moving towards English
More and more universities in Japan are using English as their main language of instruction. The department of engineering in the University of Tokyo has announced that all classes will be taught in English from 2026. This has sparked fierce debate among students and professors alike. Meanwhile the defence forces are dispatching personnel in the region of to assist with the controlling the wild bear population following several attacks. However, they will not be culling the bears.
The Hindu Times: 19 people have died after a bus collision near Hyderabad
A Lorry swerved to avoid a pothole and drove into a bus, tearing into the right hand side of it, killing 19 people. An infant and two drivers are among the dead, 14 others are injured. Meanwhile, revisions of elections polls for 12 states have begun. The commission will publish the draft rolls on December 9, allowing a month after that for objections.
