On eve of impeachment verdict, Trump tees up State of Union

13 Sept 09:40 Key points summarised by AI

President Trump delivered his State of the Union address, framing it as a "Great American Comeback" and leveraging the speech as a pre-election platform.
The address occurred on the eve of his anticipated impeachment acquittal in the Senate, creating a dramatic and politically charged setting within the House of Representatives.
Trump primarily highlighted economic achievements, including low unemployment and new trade agreements, as the core rationale for his second term.
He also addressed key base issues such as immigration, border security, and "American values," while Democrats prepared counter-programming and some boycotted the event.

Civic groups oppose plan to shift Thai PBS, three other bodies to state budget

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.