International
A federal committee leaves the decision on the purchase of US Steel in the hands of Joe Biden
The United States Foreign Investment Committee (CFIUS), a federal agency chaired by the Treasury Department, told the White House that it is unable to reach an agreement on the purchase of the steel company US Steel by the Japanese Nippon Steel.
The committee informed Washington that it has not reached a consensus on the risk that the operation – valued at 14.9 billion dollars – would pose in national security, thus passing the final decision to President Joe Biden, who has previously opposed the transaction.
“The CFIUS has notified us that the committee has not been able to reach a consensus on the transaction and has sent it to the president to make a decision,” the American company reported today in a statement released on its social networks.
The company indicated that the operation is “the best way” to ensure that US Steel, its employees, communities and customers, “thris in the future.”
And he added that “it improves US national and economic security through investment in manufacturing and innovation and forges a steel alliance to combat China’s competitive threat.”
“We hope that President Biden does the right thing and adheres to the law,” he said.
Biden, who has previously alleged that “US steel companies should be owned by Americans,” is expected to block the operation before leaving the White House.
Last December, Nippon Steel reached an agreement for the acquisition of the American company that was founded 122 years ago, although since then the operation has been quarantined by the US authorities.
The Japanese company also offered to invest another 2.7 billion in modernizing its plants (which are spread throughout the country), guaranteeing jobs and the majority presence of Americans in its management team and its Board of Directors.
The operation – which would create the third largest steel company in the world – has also been opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, who spoke out “totally against the once large and powerful US Steel being bought by a foreign company.”
They ask Nippon for guarantees
Likewise, the president of the United Steelworkers (USW) union, David McCall, is also against the transaction, who has asked Nippon Steel to guarantee the “protection of jobs,” as he believes that the Japanese company will “abandon” the company.
For his part, the company’s CEO, David Burritt, told The Wall Street Journal in September that if the sale was not authorized, U.S. Steel would have to close plants and eliminate thousands of jobs in the country.
The acquisition, designed to compete against Chinese rivals, would create the third largest steel mill in the world.
After the news was announced, US Steel shares on the Wall Street stock exchange fell by 3% in operations after closing.
International
Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
Hundreds of faithful gathered on Tuesday around the Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is preparing for another quiet Christmas, with no major celebrations due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Local authorities decided to suspend large public celebrations for the second consecutive year, and in Manger Square, there are neither decorations nor the traditional giant Christmas tree, reflecting the somber mood of its residents since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Year 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee.
Afterwards, he will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an occasion in which the pontiff often highlights global conflicts.
Over the weekend, Francis’ remarks calling Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “cruel” sparked criticism from the Israeli government.
International
Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church’s “Holy Year” 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to bring over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome, under the sign of the Jubilee.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee. Throughout the year, pilgrims will be able to pass through this heavy and imposing bronze door, closed during ordinary times, to receive the “plenary indulgence,” the forgiveness of sins according to tradition.
The 88-year-old pope, who faces frequent health issues, will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (to the city and the world) on Wednesday at noon. It is expected that he will address global conflicts and renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, three days after condemning the “cruelty” of the attacks in Gaza, comments which provoked protests from Israeli diplomats.
Security around the Vatican has been reinforced following the deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany. About 700 additional officers have been deployed to Rome, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior.
International
The former president of the United States Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Washington after “develoting a fever”
Former US President Bill Clinton (1993-2001) was hospitalized from Washington to undergo medical tests after “developing fever,” his office reported in a message on social networks.
Clinton, 78, was admitted to the Georgetown University Medical Center in the US capital, Angel Ureña, who served as Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, explained on his X account.
“The former president is still in good spirits and is deeply grateful for the excellent attention he is receiving,” the message deepened.
In 2004, the former president underwent quadruple bahaspas heart surgery and in 2010 he underwent another surgery related to his cardiovascular problems.
The former Democratic leader was hospitalized in 2021 in California for an infection that spread to his bloodstream.
Clinton is one of the four former presidents of the United States who are still alive, along with Donald Trump (2017-2021), Barack Obama (2009-2017), George W. Bush (2001-2009) and Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).
The latter is, at 100 years old, the longest-serving president in the history of the United States.
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