Economy, pandemic overshadow climate for young U.S. voters

14 Sept 02:16 Key points summarised by AI

Young U.S. voters, despite expressing deep passion for fighting climate change, prioritize immediate concerns such as the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial justice when deciding their vote.
Poll data confirms this shift, showing only 7% of young voters identify environment and climate as their top concern, significantly overshadowed by COVID-19 (25%) and jobs/economy (20%).
Democratic candidate Joe Biden's campaign integrates climate solutions with broader issues like green jobs, economic growth, and public health to appeal to young voters.
President Donald Trump's campaign counters by framing Biden's climate plans as economically damaging, advocating for pro-industry policies to boost the economy while claiming environmental improvements.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.