Qatar tribune Nolan Finley If Donald Trump doesn’t kill Elon Musk before Musk offs Vivek Ramaswamy, together the three best bros have a chance to achieve something every administration promises, but none has delivered: Rid the federal budget of waste, fraud and inefficiency. President-elect Trump tasked Musk, the X and Tesla chairman and richest man in the world, and Ramaswamy, a bio-tech billionaire and former presidential candidate, to head the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. It’s not clear whether DOGE will operate inside or outside of government — only Congress can approve a new government department. Keeping it on the outside in an advisory and advocacy role would protect it from getting sucked into the bureaucratic quicksand and avoid the irony of creating another federal agency in the name of shrinking the size of the government. Finding squandered dollars will be the easy part. The Pentagon, where much of the spending abuse is housed, has an inspector general who regularly issues reports on $34 screws and $640 toilet seats. And the General Accounting Office has pinpointed $250 billion in taxpayer dollars across the government lost to waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement annually. A truism of the federal budget is that once it goes up, it never comes down. So, the massive deficit outlays for COVID-19 relief have remained in the budget even though the emergency has subsided. A federal budget that totaled $4.4 trillion in 2019 now stands at $6.5 trillion, and the deficit has doubled to $1.8 trillion from $984 billion. Every dollar of federal spending has its own constituency. Even the slightest trims are deemed “draconian” and raise dire alarms about grannies being rolled off cliffs and children left to misery. Countering the spending lobby will take every bit of Musk’s marketing genius and Ramaswamy’s intense focus. The pair are talking about “gamification,” a technique long deployed by software developers to spur a competitive environment through the use of such things as points and leaderboards. Musk is already using his social media platform, X, to highlight examples of waste and bloat. Wednesday, he targeted the legion of “climate advisors” who earn six figure salaries and are deployed throughout the bureaucracy. Included on the list is the niece of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Keeping waste and the deficit constantly in front of taxpayers through social media campaigns and internet memes is designed to create a movement in support of spending cuts and minimize the political impact on those who ultimately will have to vote to put the reductions in place. It’s a brilliant strategy that affirms the wisdom of bringing experts from outside or government to do the work the bureaucrats have proven incapable of doing. It comes with a risk. Spending advocates are already trying to undercut Musk’s credibility because his SpaceX and other enterprises benefit from government grants. The bigger challenge, though, will be keeping the team together. At the moment, there’s no one closer to Trump than Musk. He has been job-shadowing the president-elect since before the election and is even showing up in family photos. If politics hold true to form, that will stir jealousies and make Musk a target of those he is displacing. There’s also the question of how long two massive egos such as Musk and Ramaswamy can share the spotlight, particularly considering Ramaswamy is the most irritating person in politics. But if Trump can hold the band together, this could be the best and last shot the nation has for heading off a debt-driven economic catastrophe. Copy 24/11/2024 10
Meet My Pal, the Ancient Philosopher
Moore's 33 lead Norfolk State past High Point 77-74
Upgraded injury status positive sign for RB Breece Hall's Week 15 availability | Sporting NewsOklahoma residents on Sunday mourned the death of former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris , a trailblazer in progressive politics in the state who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1976. Harris died on Saturday at 94. Democratic Party members across Oklahoma remembered Harris for his commitment to economic and social justice during the 1960s — a period of historical turbulence. Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970 and helped unify the party after its tumultuous national convention in 1968 when protesters and police clashed in Chicago.TORONTO - The co-founders of two of Canada's top artificial intelligence firms say companies in the country are buzzing with excitement around the technology but turning that enthusiasm into products and tools takes too long. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * TORONTO - The co-founders of two of Canada's top artificial intelligence firms say companies in the country are buzzing with excitement around the technology but turning that enthusiasm into products and tools takes too long. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TORONTO – The co-founders of two of Canada’s top artificial intelligence firms say companies in the country are buzzing with excitement around the technology but turning that enthusiasm into products and tools takes too long. Cohere co-founder Nick Frosst says he has grown used to being approached by Canadian firms wanting to work with AI but they’re slow to actually implement the technology. Frosst says it is hard to pinpoint where that lack of urgency comes from but he thinks part of it is embedded in Canada’s culture. Nicole Janssen, the co-founder of AltaML, has had a similar experience. She says it takes 18 months for companies reaching out to her business to commit to using AI and then another 18 months to start doing something with it. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. She says the danger in this long lead time is that people get tired of devoting energy and resources to projects that are not immediately giving them a return on their investment and then this work falls to the wayside. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Advertisement
Jenkins Sets Grizzlies Coaching Record At Just 40 Years OldLOS ANGELES (AP) — Right when the Los Angeles Rams' offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right when the Los Angeles Rams' offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right when the Los Angeles Rams’ offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Although the Rams (10-6) are closing in on an NFC West title and another playoff berth with a five-game winning streak, the way they’re doing it makes their postseason prospects quite unpredictable. The methodology has been strange, but the results are not: After holding off Arizona 13-9 on Saturday night, Los Angeles has won nine of 11 and is very close to claiming its fourth division title and sixth playoff berth in coach Sean McVay’s eight seasons. “I’m proud of this group and the way they battled back,” Matthew Stafford said. “A lot of people doubted us, and a lot of people wrote us off at 1-4. To be able to sit here with our record what it is right now, I feel proud of this group.” The Rams hadn’t held three straight opponents to single-digit scoring since 1975, but rookie coordinator Chris Shula’s defense has done it with a strong front and a little luck on the back end, including the last-minute interception by Ahkello Witherspoon on a pass that deflected off star Arizona tight end Trey McBride’s head at the goal line. Kyler Murray threw it before McBride was probably ready because Shula had called a zero blitz on first down at the Los Angeles 5. “I want to make more plays to make sure they don’t have to do as much as they did (against Arizona), but I’m proud of them,” Stafford said of the Rams’ defense. “It’s awesome to watch where they were in training camp to where they are now. Shula is doing a hell of a job. We all knew he would. Those guys are playing hard for him.” But the Rams have scored more than 21 points just once during their five-game winning streak, their longest since their Super Bowl championship season in 2021. They’ve managed only three touchdowns in their last three games while scoring fewer than 20 points each time out, although that stretch includes games played in the rain (San Francisco) and in subfreezing temperatures (New York Jets). Against the Cardinals in Inglewood’s ideal weather, the Rams’ offense still produced one TD, a season-worst 12 first downs and only 257 total yards — 139 fewer than Arizona. The running game struggled again, as it often does when all five starting offensive linemen aren’t healthy, while the entire roster aside from Puka Nacua combined for just seven receptions for 60 yards — a surprising number for a McVay offense. “I don’t think there’s one thing I can point to,” McVay said Sunday. “I could go on and on about some of the things, starting with me, but then also about our execution in terms of getting connected in the run game, targeting the right way, making sure that the ball is going where it should go, and guys that I know are capable of playing the way that we’ve seen. If they do that, then I know that it’s not as far as sometimes it can feel like. But ultimately, we’ve got to do it.” What’s working The young front four remains the strength of the defense. Jared Verse had a tremendous game on the edge against Murray and Arizona’s running game, while fellow rookie Braden Fiske and second-year pros Kobie Turner and Byron Young all recorded sacks. What needs help The Rams again failed to establish the running game despite never trailing Arizona. Kyren Williams got his second-fewest carries of the season (13, with just five in the second half), while rookie Blake Corum was barely involved. Los Angeles’ 3.9 yards per rush is the second-lowest mark in the NFL even though Williams began Sunday third in the league with 1,299 yards. Stock up Witherspoon not only made the game-saving interception, but the eight-year veteran who went unsigned until September also has seized the starting cornerback job from Cobie Durant, who didn’t play on defense against the Cards despite being healthy again. McVay said Witherspoon’s play during Durant’s brief injury absence resulted in the change. Stock down Cooper Kupp had one catch against Arizona, and he has just 12 receptions in the past five games, matching the least productive five-game stretch of his eight-year career. Stafford has said the Rams need to get their Super Bowl 56 MVP more involved, and Kupp says he’s healthy — yet it isn’t happening. Injuries McVay believes the Rams stayed healthy outside of a stinger for rookie safety Kam Kinchens, but they felt the absence of RT Rob Havenstein, who injured his shoulder last week during an unpadded practice. Backup Joe Noteboom committed three holding penalties and got beaten repeatedly. Key number Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 4 — Stafford’s consecutive games without taking a sack. That’s the longest streak of his 16-year career, yet he has only one 200-yard passing game in that stretch. Next steps The Rams began Sunday preparing as if they’ll play the Seahawks (9-7) next Saturday, although the game could happen a day later. McVay won’t show his cards, but if the Rams have clinched, they seem likely to rest several regulars for the playoffs. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL Advertisement Advertisement
A 9-year-old boy recovering from a serious crash in a school zone last year received a special gift from the California Highway Patrol and a local supporter, CHP Madera said in a social media post. Related Story: Axel Hernandez Franco, then 8, was struck by a speeding vehicle on Sept. 19, 2023, while crossing Ellis Street to reach Liberty Charter School, formerly known as Ezequiel Tayofa Alvarado Academy. The crash, which occurred around 7:20 a.m., left Axel with major injuries. Authorities later determined that both the driver and Axel, who ran outside the crossing guard’s area without stopping to look both ways, were at fault. Related Story: After undergoing multiple surgeries and continuing physical therapy, Axel is now 9 and in good spirits, authorities said. CHP Madera, with support from and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Education, Enforcement, and Awareness Program grant, presented Axel with a John Deere bicycle, a helmet, and safety accessories. Related Story: The gift was accompanied by bicycle and pedestrian safety training for Axel and his mother. Axel also received a commemorative CHP patch. The CHP reminds drivers to use extra caution in school zones, where children’s behavior can be unpredictable, and to slow down and remain distraction-free in areas with high pedestrian activity. —Marqeta, Inc. Stockholder Alert: Robbins LLP Reminds Investors of the MQ Class Action Lawsuit'Virtua Fighter 5 REVO' Is a Remaster of SEGA's Fighting Game, Making Its Way to PCs for the First Time
What happens next to workers in 'slavery-like conditions' at BYD's site in Brazil?The Reform UK leader pushed back against reports suggesting that legal action would be the next step, saying he would make a decision in the next couple of days about his response if there is no apology for the “crazy conspiracy theory”. Mr Farage also said the party has “opened up our systems” to media outlets, including The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, in the interests of “full transparency to verify that our numbers are correct”. His remarks came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of “fakery” in response to Reform claiming they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. Mrs Badenoch said Reform’s counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. A digital counter on the Reform website showed a membership tally before lunchtime on Boxing Day ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party during its leadership election earlier this year. Mr Farage, on whether he was threatening legal action or not, told the PA news agency: “I haven’t threatened anything. I’ve just said that unless I get an apology, I will take some action. “I haven’t said whether it’s legal or anything.” He added: “All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action. “I will decide in the next couple of days what that is. So I’ve not specified what it is.” Mr Farage, on the move to make membership data available to media organisations, said: “We feel our arguments are fully validated. “She (Mrs Badenoch) has put out this crazy conspiracy theory and she needs to apologise.” On why Mrs Badenoch had reacted as she did, Mr Farage said: “I would imagine she was at home without anybody advising her and was just angry.” Mr Farage, in a statement issued on social media site X, also said: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. “Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News and FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. “I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch apologises.” A Conservative Party source claimed Mr Farage was “rattled” that his Boxing Day “publicity stunt is facing serious questions”. They added: “Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year.” Mrs Badenoch, in a series of messages posted on X on Thursday, said: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.” There were 131,680 Conservative members eligible to vote during the party’s leadership election to replace Rishi Sunak in the autumn. Mrs Badenoch claimed in her thread that “the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election”. Elsewhere, Mr Farage described Elon Musk as a “bloody hero” and said he believes the US billionaire can help attract younger voters to Reform. Tech entrepreneur Mr Musk met Mr Farage earlier this month at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform. Mr Farage told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on and, frankly, that’s only just starting. “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course, you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. “And I think we’re beginning to get into that zone – we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real – Elon helps us with that mission enormously.”
Philadelphia star quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled for Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, with the Eagles expected to start Kenny Pickett. Hurts missed practice all week, and head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed before Friday's session that Hurts remains in the concussion protocol, adding, "It's going to be tough for him to make it this week." Hurts and Pickett (ribs) were both injured during last weekend's 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders, but Pickett was a full participant in Thursday's practice and was limited on Friday. The Eagles also have Tanner McKee as the emergency third quarterback and signed Ian Book to the practice squad this week. Pickett, who grew up as an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, N.J., will have a chance to help Philadelphia (12-3) clinch the NFC East title in his first start for the franchise. "I'm very excited. It's a big opportunity," he told reporters Thursday. "I've been working hard to stay ready and I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation and now having a week to practice, I'll feel even better going into the stadium. So, I'm excited. I just want to get the win." Pickett relieved Hurts in the first quarter against Washington and completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Prior to that, he had appeared in three games in mop-up duty. "He's done a great job," Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said on Friday. "He did a great job last week. I know he had a few hiccups, but overall he's doing a great job. It's not his first rodeo. We have a lot of confidence in him, I do, and I'm excited. "(He's) poised, confident. He comes in, he's commanding the huddle and that's what you want to see." Pickett, 26, compiled a 14-10 record as the starter for the Steelers from 2022-23 after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round (20th overall) in 2022. After the Steelers acquired Russell Wilson in March, Pickett was traded along with a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-rounders. Pickett has completed 62.3 percent of his pass attempts for 4,622 yards with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 29 career games. He has rushed for 303 yards and four scores. Hurts, 26, has completed 68.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,903 yards with 18 TDs and five picks in 15 starts. He has rushed for 630 yards and is tied for the NFL lead with 14 rushing touchdowns. --Field Level MediaIn Defense of 'Over-Editing': 3 Reasons I Love It and Reject the Criticism