y love

Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systemsWhen Elon Musk first suggested a new effort to cut the size of government, Donald Trump didn't seem to take it seriously. His eventual name for the idea sounded like a joke too. It would be called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, a reference to an online meme featuring a surprised-looking dog from Japan. But now that Trump has won the election, Musk's fantasy is becoming reality, with the potential to spark a constitutional clash over the balance of power in Washington. Trump put Musk, the world's richest man, and Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, in charge of the new department, which is really an outside advisory committee that will work with people inside the government to reduce spending and regulations. Last week, Musk and Ramaswamy said they would encourage Trump to make cuts by refusing to spend money allocated by Congress, a process known as impounding. The proposal goes against a 1974 law intended to prevent future presidents from following in the footsteps of Richard Nixon, who held back funding that he didn't like. “We are prepared for the onslaught from entrenched interests in Washington," Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal. ”We expect to prevail. Now is the moment for decisive action." Trump has already suggested taking such a big step, saying last year that he would “use the president’s long-recognized impoundment power to squeeze the bloated federal bureaucracy for massive savings.” It would be a dramatic attempt to expand his powers, when he already will have the benefit of a sympathetic Republican-controlled Congress and a conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court, and it could swiftly become one of the most closely watched legal fights of his second administration. “He might get away with it," said William Galston, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank. “Congress’ power of the purse will turn into an advisory opinion.” Musk and Ramaswamy have started laying out their plans Right now, plans for the Department of Government Efficiency are still coming into focus. The nascent organization has put out a call for “super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries willing to work 80+ hours per week on unglamorous cost-cutting.” Applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes through X, the social media company that Musk owns. In the Wall Street Journal, Musk and Ramaswamy provided the most detailed look yet at how they would operate and where they could cut. Some are longtime Republican targets, such as $535 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Other plans are more ambitious and could reshape the federal government. The two wrote that they would “identify the minimum number of employees required at an agency for it to perform its constitutionally permissible and statutorily mandated functions,” leading to “mass head-count reductions across the federal bureaucracy.” Civil service protections wouldn’t apply, they argue, because they wouldn’t be targeting specific people for political purposes. Some employees could choose “voluntary severance payments to facilitate a graceful exit.” But others would be encouraged to quit by mandating that they show up at the office five days a week, ending pandemic-era flexibility about remote work. The requirement “would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome.” Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said such cutbacks would harm services for Americans who rely on the federal government, and he suggested that Musk and Ramaswamy were in over their heads. “I don’t think they’re even remotely qualified to perform those duties," he said. "That’s my main concern.” Kelley said his union, which represents 750,000 employees for the federal government and the city of Washington, D.C., was ready to fight attempts to slash the workforce. “We’ve been here, we’ve heard this kind of rhetoric before," he said. "And we are prepared.” Federal regulations would be targeted for elimination There was no mention in the Wall Street Journal of Musk's previously stated goal of cutting $2 trillion from the budget, which is nearly a third of total annual spending. Nor did they write about “Schedule F,” a potential plan to reclassify federal employees to make them easier to fire. Ramaswamy once described the idea as the “mass deportation of federal bureaucrats out of Washington, D.C.” However, Musk and Ramaswamy said they would reduce regulations that they describe as excessive. They wrote that their department “will work with legal experts embedded in government agencies, aided by advanced technology," to review regulations that run counter to two recent Supreme Court decisions that were intended to limit federal rulemaking authority. Musk and Ramaswamy said Trump could “immediately pause the enforcement of those regulations and initiate the process for review and rescission.” Chris Edwards, an expert on budget issues at the Cato Institute, said many Republicans have promised to reduce the size and role of government over the years, often to little effect. Sometimes it feels like every budget item and tax provision, no matter how obscure, has people dedicated to its preservation, turning attempts at cuts into political battles of attrition. “Presidents always seem to have higher priorities," he said. “A lot of it falls to the wayside.” Although DOGE is scheduled to finish its work by July 4, 2026, Edwards said Musk and Ramaswamy should move faster to capitalize on momentum from Trump's election victory. “Will it just collect dust on a shelf, or will it be put into effect?" Edwards said. "That all depends on Trump and where he is at that point in time.” Ramaswamy said in an online video that they're planning regular “Dogecasts” to keep the public updated on their work, which he described as “a once-in-a-generation project” to eliminate “waste, fraud and abuse.” “However bad you think it is, it’s probably worse,” he said. Musk and Ramaswamy will have allies in Congress House Republicans are expected to put Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump ally from Georgia, in charge of a subcommittee to work with DOGE, according to two people with knowledge of the plans who were not authorized to discuss them publicly. Greene and Rep James Comer, the Kentucky Republican who chairs the House Oversight Committee, have already met with Ramaswamy, the two people said. Musk brought up the idea for DOGE while broadcasting a conversation with Trump on X during the campaign. “I think we need a government efficiency commission to say like, ‘Hey, where are we spending money that’s sensible. Where is it not sensible?’” Musk said. Musk returned to the topic twice, volunteering his services by saying “I’d be happy to help out on such a commission.” “I’d love it,” Trump replied, describing Musk as “the greatest cutter.” Musk has his own incentives to push this initiative forward. His companies, including SpaceX and Tesla, have billions of dollars in government contracts and face oversight from government regulators. After spending an estimated $200 million to support Trump's candidacy, he's poised to have expansive influence over the next administration. Trump even went to Texas earlier this week to watch SpaceX test its largest rocket. DOGE will have an ally in Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican who has railed against federal spending for years. He recently told Fox News that he sent “2,000 pages of waste that can be cut” to Musk and Ramaswamy. “I’m all in and will do anything I can to help them," Paul said.y love 。

Drone operators worry that anxiety over mystery sightings will lead to new restrictions

None

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker.” Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. 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. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. ___ Tucker reported from Newtown, Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement

Google Brings ‘Emotion To Captions’ With New Expressive Captions FeatureMissouri governor denies clemency, clears way for execution of man convicted of killing girl

Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systemsMysuru: The social welfare department has introduced an innovative transparency initiative for its hostels and residential schools, implementing a new system to showcase meals served to children, alongside facilities including cleanliness and hygiene. The programme, which commenced in Chamarajanagar district on Saturday as a pilot scheme, enables the public to observe, examine, and provide feedback on the breakfast and lunch served to students in the department's educational facilities. Bidar is another district where this pilot scheme is launched. Chamarajanagar district houses 22 residential schools and 56 hostels operated by the department. Wardens at these facilities are tasked with uploading photographs of daily meals. Parents and the public can access information about the meals at any time. The department has activated an X account and website - https://foodswdgok.in/ - for public access to view daily meal details from the hostels and residential schools. The pilot scheme includes uploading photographs of all three daily meals for public scrutiny. The system aims to ensure transparency regarding student facilities. The initiative provides public access to various aspects, including meal quality, hostel and dormitory hygiene standards, and biometric attendance records. This represents a new approach to demonstrate accountability in govt-run residential schools and hostels regarding meal quality and student welfare. "This website is also monitored by the central office of the department. The department has a system of extending greater responsibility for the welfare and transparency of students through govt institutions," said social welfare minister HC Mahadevappa. "Chamarajanagar and Bidar districts have been selected for a pilot project where the public can view the breakfast and lunch services provided in the hostels and residential quarters of the social welfare department through the website and its X account. Based on the success of these two districts, the aim is to expand this project to the rest of the districts," he said. MSID:: 115868212 413 |Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn’t install more automated systems

Rams claim CB Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from WashingtonElon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy spoke with large groups of lawmakers Thursday about slashing government spending once President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Their plans could have an outsized impact in Maryland.

Georgetown ventures out of D.C. for first time to face West Virginia

Some charges dropped against former Palo Verde coach accused of sexual abuse

Rams claim CB Emmanuel Forbes off waivers from Washington

Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.Robot vacuums have come a long, long way from their early days. When I was a kid, my mom got our first robot vacuum, and I remember it being somewhat of an investment—it was pretty expensive and required us to set up little boundaries all around the house. These days, robot vacuums are cheaper and much smarter. They make little maps of your home and avoid obstacles all on their own. If it's been a while since you surveyed the robot vacuum market, or if you're just in need of an upgrade, there's no better time to get shopping than right now. Here are some early deals ahead of the official Black Friday shopping holiday to get your cleaning on track. Roborock Q5 Max+ I used to nanny for a couple that had a Roborock like this one and, after tucking the kids into bed, I would watch it automatically undock and clean, idly marveling at how efficiently they had managed to outsource so many of their responsibilities, both to people like me and devices like that. I hope they're doing well now, but I know their floor is still spotless because these things work; it was fast, pretty quiet, and always put itself back on the dock when it was done. The Roborock Q5 Max+ is down to $299.99 from $449.99, which is a good deal when you consider it has a docking station, self-empties, and can clean for up to seven weeks without you ever needing to manually dump out any dust. Roborock Qrevo S Another option in the Roborock family is the Qrevo S . Yes, even with a Black Friday deal, it still costs $459.99—but it's usually almost $800. For all that money, you'll get not just a robot vacuum, but a mop, too, plus all the other great features the brand is known for, like self-emptying and long life. Vacuum/mop combos are, in my opinion , the future of cleaning, so take that future a step further by making yours automatic. Shark AV2511AE AI For some reason, I trust companies that make both vacuums and air-based hair tools, since they clearly have a good understanding of suction. That is to say, I trust Shark and Dyson. Shark's AV2511AE AI , a very smart robot vacuum, is down to $299.99 from $599.99, which is a major deal, especially considering all it can do: After cleaning in a pattern that enables it to go over the same area more than once, it empties itself and even cleans its own brush roll. It also creates a map of your home and doesn't need to be emptied for 60 days. iRobot Roomba Q0120 I would be remiss not to include a Roomba here because these things are the veterans in the game, and they've withstood the test of time. What I especially like is that with this Black Friday deal, a sturdy Roomba is as cheap as the off-brand ones usually are: The Q0120 is $149, down from $249. While the off-brand ones will do the job and everything, there's something comforting about knowing you have access to real customer service and clear instructions for fixing any issues that come up, which can't always be said about the random brands all over Amazon. This one uses three different cleaning modes, depending on your floor type, and vacuums in straight lines, easily mapping your home over time. iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Finally, there's another Roomba with a great deal for Black Friday—and this one is one of those vacuum/mop combos I love so much. The Combo i5+ is $299.99 instead of $549.99. It cleans in rows, empties itself, and uses patented technology to detect dirt so it can focus on cleaning exactly where that is.None