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NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit to the delightful . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. became a thing, as did And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: and kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called which makes its awards season debut at the But perhaps the comes from neither film: , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a with boyfriend on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” sings at channeling . And what was made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear was made to play him. His singalong version of is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? and sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre popcorn bucket. Beyonce And carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by the sweaty romance triangle starring and (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, drops then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for and make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to ! releases her , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy shows in London, we see shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, infielder with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by perched on the , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar , rugby player , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker 's act — even the Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: perky pooch does in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, , Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with ? Why it’s , the now-viral mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. does a pretty good laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? herself. The Democratic candidate three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of , and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake . As for , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Director ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers and, in a veritable tidal wave, which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Similarweb: Rating Downgrade As Upside Is Not Attractive AnymoreNone

Crime is rising in the Virgin Islands. Is New Gun Violence Prevention Office enough?People have being paying tribute to a father was found dead in his home on Christmas Day. Police in Staffordshire were called to the home of Louis Price on Elm Road, Norton Canes, at around 3.25am on December 25. Mr Price, who was in his 30s and lived at the property with his parents, was found injured. He died at the scene despite efforts from paramedics. A 33-year-old woman from Cannock has been arrested on suspicion of murder and she is in custody, the Mirror reports . A resident living nearby, who did not want to be identified, said her heart "goes out" to the man's parents, who were told of his death while they were away on holiday. She told the Daily Mail: "His poor parents were away on holiday when it happened. They usually go away to the Maldives for Christmas and that may have been where they were." "They will be absolutely devastated and my heart goes out to them." The woman added: "It has shocked and saddened the whole little community here. It is beyond belief." Tributes were shared online after news of his death emerged. One social media post said the dad was "a beautiful guy", with another adding: I am in utter shock this has happened! You didn't deserve this. Always there when I needed you! Thank you for always having my back and making me laugh!" And a third wrote: "RIP to Louis Price another good lad gone too early."" Another user posting on Facebook paid tribute saying they were "shocked" by the news: "Rest in peace Louis Price. Proper shocked me this one." A post-mortem examination was scheduled to take place as police appealed for anyone with any information about the incident to contact them on the police non-emergency number 101. Anyone who wants to provide information anonymously can contact police via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Political leaders across party lines gathered at 3, Motilal Nehru Road in New Delhi on Friday to pay their last respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at 92 the previous day. As the nation began a seven-day state mourning, leaders left heartfelt messages in the condolence registers, painting a portrait of a leader remembered for both his economic vision and personal integrity. Union home minister Amit Shah’s described Singh as an “Ajatshatru Rajnitigya” (a politician who has no enemies). “Manmohan Singh ji has set a benchmark in India’s public life. As the Prime Minister, finance minister and Governor of the RBI, his contributions in the country’s development remain unprecedented,” Shah wrote. Some leaders separately too paid tributes. Former President Ram Nath Kovind expressed personal grief, calling Singh’s death “not only a tragedy for the nation but an irreversible loss for me.” Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted Singh’s “indelible legacy” as an educationist, reformer, and public servant. “He was a technocrat who ushered in the economic reforms and liberalisation of 1991, opening the doors to India’s economic progress,” Scindia said in a video message, offering condolences to the deceased leader’s family. At Singh’s residence, where his body lay draped in the Tricolour, two black notebooks filled rapidly with messages from visitors. BJP president JP Nadda praised Singh’s “foresight,” while environment minister Bhupendra Yadav described him as a symbol of “simplicity, honesty, and purity.” Industrialist-turned-politician Naveen Jindal, who worked with Singh for a decade as a Congress MP, wrote in the condolence book: “He was a silent doer and an exceptional leader. He was a legendary example of modesty and humbleness. He will always be source of inspiration not only for Indians, but world over.” Congress leaders’ messages were notably concise. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed pride in having served under Singh, while former colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad prayed for Singh to “have a place in heaven.” Among the most poignant messages was from Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the last Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, who simply wrote: “I have no words to express my sense of loss.” Separately, regional leaders emphasised Singh’s impact on their states. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu credited him for landmark policies including the Right to Information, NREGA, Right to Education, and Aadhaar. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin recalled Singh’s contributions to his state’s infrastructure, including the Metro rail project and declaring Tamil a classical language. Former colleagues in the government shared personal memories. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah highlighted Singh’s recognition of renewable energy, while PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti remembered her first meeting with him in 2002, struck by his humility. RJD president Lalu Prasad, who served as railway minister in Singh’s cabinet, praised his dedication to honesty. The national flag will fly at half-mast across India during the mourning period, which will continue until January 1, as the nation remembers a leader widely praised for his economic reforms and celebrated for his integrity in public life. (With Agency inputs)

By Let Truth Be Told Alliance (L.T.B.T.A.) The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) announcement to investigate its devastating 2024 election defeat is a commendable step; however, the approach to this process will determine the party’s survival and chances in the 2028 general elections. The significant loss, with former President John Dramani Mahahma of the NDC securing 56.55% of the votes against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP’s 41.61%, reflects deep dissatisfaction among many Ghanaians, particularly sympathisers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Coupled with the loss of over 180 parliamentary seats, this defeat highlights systemic failures within the party. To rebuild and regain trust, the NPP must constitute an independent committee free from the influence of current executives to undertake an impartial review. As it stands, the proposed committee risks being dominated by the same party executives whose leadership and strategies are being questioned. This raises serious concerns about the credibility of any findings. Many party members and supporters believe that the leadership’s underperformance was a key factor in the defeat, and allowing them to oversee the investigation would undermine the process. Without transparency and independence, the party’s base will lose faith in its ability to self-correct. The consequences of failing to address these concerns could be disastrous. The Convention People’s Party (CPP), once a dominant political force in Ghana, serves as a cautionary tale. Its inability to confront internal failures led to its decline. The NPP must act decisively to avoid a similar fate. To ensure a credible review, the NPP must set up an independent committee comprising neutral and respected professionals with no ties to the current party executives and the government of Akufo-Addo. This committee should include both local and international organisations with a track record of credibility, such as Global Info Analytics, Fitch Solutions, and reputable audit firms like KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Their expertise would ensure an objective assessment of the election loss, free from bias or internal conflicts. Such a committee would not only investigate the reasons behind the defeat but also examine structural weaknesses, including the processes for electing national executives and flag bearers. Importantly, its findings must be made public. Transparency will demonstrate the party’s commitment to accountability, restore the confidence of its supporters, and rejuvenate its base ahead of the 2028 elections. The party’s failure in 2024 must not be swept under the rug. All actions and inactions that led to the humiliating defeat must be uncovered, and individuals responsible must be held accountable. Whether it is poor governance, misappropriation of campaign funds, ineffective campaign strategies, or internal divisions, the truth must come out, and culprits must face appropriate consequences. Accountability will not only restore trust but also send a clear message that the NPP is serious about its renewal. The NPP’s grassroots support, once its greatest strength, is now disillusioned. If the party does not take bold steps to address its failures, it risks alienating its base permanently. An independent committee and a transparent review process will show that the party values the concerns of its supporters and is willing to make necessary changes. The committee’s recommendations should serve as a foundation for meaningful reforms. This includes revitalising the party’s structures, strengthening communication with its base, and ensuring that internal elections are fair and inclusive. By doing so, the NPP can rebuild its identity as a party that listens, learns, and leads. The NPP’s current predicament is an opportunity for transformation. By establishing an independent committee, engaging credible organisations, and embracing transparency, the party can rebuild trust and emerge stronger. The alternative, allowing the process to be influenced by internal politics, will lead to further decline and loss of relevance. The time for decisive action is now. The NPP must rise to the occasion, confront its failures, and chart a new course. If it fails to act, the consequences could mirror the collapse of the CPP, leaving the party’s base disillusioned and its legacy in jeopardy. The party must seize this moment to restore hope and lay the groundwork for a victorious 2028. SeLaH!!! Stephen Nana Boakye (Sky B) +233550308147 Nana Yaw Boakye Yiadom Opoku Agyemang +233243065430 ltbta.org@gmail.com

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Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreamsA senior Republican lawmaker urged President-elect Donald Trump’s intervention to avoid a House leadership battle, saying he should reach out to GOP members who haven’t committed to reelecting Mike Johnson as speaker. With the speakership vote scheduled for Jan. 3 and Trump about to take office, the tiny Republican majority in the House is raising the specter of a factional fight among Republicans like the one that led to Kevin McCarthy’s removal as speaker last year. “We have five Republicans that won’t commit to voting for Mike Johnson — and he can only lose one or two votes,” House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said on Fox News’ "Sunday Morning Futures." “It’s a terrible challenge.” Johnson has faced ire from some ultraconservative lawmakers after backing a temporary spending deal that didn’t include Trump’s initial demand for lifting the U.S. debt ceiling. While Trump hasn’t taken a public stand on the speaker’s future, no declared challenger to Johnson has emerged. “I strongly encourage Donald Trump to get on the phone with those five or six members who won’t commit to voting for Mike Johnson, because all this is going to do is delay us,” including on the certification of Trump’s election victory and his early agenda as president, Comer said. New York Representative Mike Lawler warned ultraconservative Republicans against moving to topple Johnson. “The fact is that these folks are playing with fire,” Lawler said on ABC’s "This Week." “And if they think they’re somehow going to get a more conservative speaker, they’re kidding themselves.” Republicans can count on 219 House seats, Lawler said, and need 218 votes to elect a speaker without Democratic support. GOP congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky has said he won’t support Johnson. Lawler called the infighting that led to the October 2023 House vote to oust McCarthy as speaker “the single stupidest thing I’ve ever seen in politics.” “With that said, removing Mike Johnson would equally be as stupid,” he said. Trump’s decisive election victory in November and his sway over House Republicans means he could wield his power to try to install someone else as speaker, though he hasn’t taken a public stand on Johnson’s future. “We can’t get anything done unless we have a speaker, including certifying President Trump’s election on Jan. 6,” Lawler said. “So to waste time over a nonsensical intramural food fight is a joke.” ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Guangzhou-based automaker XPeng is preparing for an exciting year with major expansion plans for 2025. Details about their upcoming ventures emerged on social media platform Weibo, hinting at an ambitious slate of new models and updates set to captivate the automotive market. Starting in the first quarter of 2025, XPeng is set to unveil a newly designed P7i, expected to hold a higher price tag than its predecessor, the P7+. As the year progresses into the second quarter, XPeng will showcase the G7, a sleek B-segment SUV built on the reliable platform shared by the G6 and P7+. This model, priced competitively at around 200,000 yuan ($27,400), is expected to debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. Meanwhile, the company is also giving the G6 a facelift to strengthen its market position against competitors like Tesla’s Model Y. In the third quarter, XPeng’s highlight will be the significant update to its flagship G9 SUV, featuring both extended-range and fully electric options with a refreshed grille design. As 2025 concludes, XPeng plans to release the G01, a spacious six-seater C+ segment SUV, and unveil further updates to the X9 model. On the global stage, XPeng has already made remarkable achievements with over 10,000 vehicles delivered across Europe, solidifying its status as a leading Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, XPeng is expanding its footprint into new regions, having recently ventured into the Middle East and Southeast Asia, marking a significant milestone in its international growth strategy. XPeng’s Bold Move to Redefine the Electric Vehicle Market by 2025 XPeng, a prominent Guangzhou-based automaker, is gearing up for an exciting expansion in 2025, marked by a series of new releases and strategic global growth. With a focus on innovative designs and competitive pricing, XPeng aims to capture a significant slice of the electric vehicle market. Future Innovations and Model Updates XPeng’s plans for 2025 include launching several newly designed models. Among these is the P7i, set for release in the first quarter with a higher price point than its predecessor, the P7+. This premium release underscores XPeng’s commitment to delivering enhanced features and advanced technology to consumers. April’s Shanghai Auto Show will witness the debut of XPeng’s G7, a B-segment SUV, continued on a tried and tested platform shared with the G6 and P7+. Priced competitively at 200,000 yuan (approximately $27,400), the G7 is poised to attract buyers seeking innovation and affordability. As the market becomes increasingly competitive, XPeng is also looking to give its G6 model a facelift to better rival leading competitors like Tesla’s Model Y. This move is part of XPeng’s strategy to maintain its strong position in the growing electric SUV market. Strategic Global Expansion XPeng is not only focused on the domestic market but is also making its presence felt internationally. The company has reported delivering over 10,000 vehicles in Europe, marking it as a notable player among Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturers. Recent expansions into the Middle East and Southeast Asia further showcase XPeng’s ambitions in regions with emerging markets. Insights Into Upcoming Models The conclusion of 2025 will see the introduction of the G01, a C+ segment SUV designed to offer a roomy, six-seater option for families looking for space without sacrificing style or performance. Alongside, XPeng is planning updates to the X9 model, expected to enhance its appeal further. Predictions and Market Trends The electric vehicle market is on the brink of significant transformations, with companies like XPeng leading the charge. By expanding its offerings and innovating its existing models, XPeng is aligning itself with global trends towards sustainable and technologically advanced transportation solutions. With XPeng’s strategic moves, industry insiders predict a competitive landscape with significant advancements in EV technology and customer-focused enhancements. As a result, consumers can look forward to increasingly sophisticated and sustainable vehicle options in the coming years. Conclusion XPeng’s ambitious plans for 2025 signify more than just a series of new car launches; they represent a bold commitment to reshaping the electric vehicle market both in China and worldwide. With a diverse range of new models and international outreach, XPeng is set to become a formidable force in the automotive industry. For more information on XPeng’s electric vehicle innovations, visit their official website: XPeng Motors .AP News Summary at 2:01 p.m. EST

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Venture capital (VC) activity in India has witnessed significant growth from January to November 2024, with investments reaching $16.77 billion across 888 deals, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). Venture capital activity in India from January to November 2024 has surged to US$ 16.77 billion across 888 deals, reflecting a robust 14.1 per cent increase in value and a 21.8 per cent rise in deal count compared to the same period in 2023, according to figures gathered by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). The technology sector emerged as the frontrunner, attracting $6.50 billion, a remarkable 52.5 per cent increase year-over-year. Consumer discretionary investments followed with $2.30 billion, up 32.2 per cent, while the financial sector saw a slight decline to $2.20 billion, the IBEF report said. Noteworthy deals included KiranaKart Technologies ( Zepto ) at $1.3 billion and Poolside AI SAS at $500 million. Industry leaders express optimism about continued momentum into 2025, with expectations for more initial public offerings (IPOs) and increased activity in later-stage funding rounds as funds that have been cautious begin to deploy capital. Experts like Bhaskar Majumdar and Sajith Pai foresee a positive shift in the Indian startup ecosystem, anticipating "great easing" in 2025. Despite concerns about the economy's reliance on the India1 engine, which comprises around 30 million households contributing significantly to GDP, optimism remains high due to ongoing capital flows supported by savings. The energy transition presents new opportunities in electric mobility and green hydrogen sectors. At the same time, traditional areas like fintech and e-commerce continue to attract investment. Additionally, there is a growing focus on intellectual property (IP) -led businesses, particularly deep tech, with significant investments in robotics, drones, and semiconductor technologies. As the landscape evolves, the influence of the US market under the new administration could shape global capital flows, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Indian startups, the IBEF report added. ( With inputs from IANS) Market Outlook: PMI, auto sales and global economic cues key triggers for next week Women investors in mutual funds grow 2.5 times in 2024: Groww report Maruti 800 architect Osamu Suzuki passes away; leaves behind a legacyDana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Political Moves Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Tuition Costs Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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