Elon Musk, the world's richest person and one of Donald Trump's closest allies, met with US lawmakers Thursday on his plans for overseeing radical government spending cuts under the incoming administration. President-elect Trump rewarded the Tesla, X and SpaceX chief for his support during the White House campaign by naming him head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, along with another wealthy ally, Vivek Ramaswamy. Although the office, dubbed DOGE, has a purely advisory role, Musk's star power and intense influence in Trump's inner circle bring political clout. As Musk and Ramaswamy strode into the Capitol for meetings with lawmakers, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson touted "a new day in America." "There's an enormous amount of waste, fraud and abuse," he told reporters. "Government is too big, it does too many things, and it does almost nothing well." Musk and Ramaswamy have said they can identify billions of dollars of cuts in spending, sparking questions about whether Republicans will even try to slash politically popular social security programs. Writing in the Wall Street Journal last month, the two businessmen laid out plans for the White House to cut staff, trim government programs and reduce federal regulations, even if it means bypassing Congress, which holds budgetary power. "The entrenched and ever-growing bureaucracy represents an existential threat to our republic, and politicians have abetted it for too long," Musk and Ramaswamy wrote. "We're doing things differently. We are entrepreneurs, not politicians. During Trump's election campaign, Musk vowed to reduce federal spending by $2 trillion. This would represent cutting total US spending by a third, almost certainly meaning devastation of social support programs -- something that has never garnered strong political backing. Musk's emphasis on firing large numbers of government employees, however, echoes Republican talking points about the need to take on an overbearing state and may garner more support. Musk says he is seeking "mass head-count reductions across the federal bureaucracy." Musk suggested banning government employees from working at home as an opening tactic. "Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome." Cuts will also target subsidies to public broadcasters and groups such as Planned Parenthood, which campaigns for abortion access and offers an array of reproductive health services. But DOGE is unlikely, at least initially, to go after welfare programs such as Social Security or health insurance for the poor and seniors, Ramaswamy said in an interview with Axios on Wednesday. Such cuts should be "a policy decision that belongs to the voters" and their representatives in Congress, Ramaswamy said. A reduction in military spending, which climbed to $820 billion in 2023, is also unlikely to be on the table. Musk's new role raises the question of potential conflicts of interest, since he could be issuing policy recommendations that impact directly on his own business empire. Underlining the close connection to DOGE, Musk's favorite cryptocurrency is called Dogecoin. rle/ev/md/sms/md3 4 valve lawn genie 。

Tulsi Gabbard’s history with Russia is even more concerning than you thinkBeneficiaries of the incoming administration’s looser regulation and business-friendly stance put forth strong showings this week. Stocks gained while Bitcoin crushed doubters and the dollar extended gains into an eighth week, the currency’s longest run of the year. Blue chips and small caps led Friday’s equities advance as this year’s big tech winners struggled to gain ground. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% while an equal-weighted version of the gauge — where Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. has the same influence as Nvidia Corp. — climbed 0.8%, on track for an all-time closing high. Listen and follow The Big Take daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1% while an index of bank stocks climbed to the highest in more than two years, the Russell 2000 jumped 1.8%. The small-cap index jumped 4.5% for the week while the biggest technology stocks, like Nvidia, Alphabet Inc. and Facebook-parent company Meta Platforms Inc., lagged. Fundstrat’s Thomas Lee sees room for more gains in small-caps and cyclicals given President-elect’s plans for deregulation and general “animal spirits.” He also sees a “Trump put” keeping the broader market buoyant. That faith that the head of the US government won’t let the economy falter is helping bolster stocks, at least for the moment. “When sentiment reaches a ‘bullish extreme’ is when we see equities priced to ‘perfection,’” according to Lee. “By several measures, we are not there at that point yet.” To Bank of America Corp. strategists the Nasdaq 100, which has rallied more than 4% this month, is approaching a level versus the S&P 500 that could trigger the unwinding of the trade favoring US equities. The tech-heavy gauge ended Friday up 0.2% with a 1.9% weekly gain. Meanwhile, data on Friday showed S&P Global flash November composite output index for service providers and manufacturers advanced to 55.3 — the highest level since April 2022. The yield on the 10-year Treasury dropped around one basis point to 4.42%. “The US flash PMIs for November were bullish in aggregate thanks to strength in services,” according to Vital Knowledge’s Adam Crisafulli, who said the details suggested a goldilocks scenario, “with favorable growth developments and cooling price pressures.” The dollar registered its longest streak of weekly wins since September 2023. A Bloomberg gauge of the currency’s strength has risen around 2.6% so far this month, adding to October’s gains of nearly 3%. “The US dollar’s run can continue,” said Peter McLean, head of multi-asset portfolio solutions at Stonehage Fleming. “We also have those geopolitical tensions, which are escalating at the moment. It’s natural for investors to seek refuge in the dollar.” Bouts of volatility, driven by escalations in the war in Ukraine earlier in the week, eased Friday. The ongoing conflict helped to push WTI crude above $71 a barrel while gold traded at over $2,700 an ounce, and had its best week since March 2023. The rally in Bitcoin set a fresh high Friday as the world’s biggest cryptocurrency races toward $100,000. The latest developments included Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler’s decision to step down in January. His tenure was marked by a flurry of crypto enforcement actions, which the industry expects will peter out under Trump. In Europe, S&P Global’s composite Purchasing Managers’ Index for the euro area dipped back beneath a level that indicates contraction in November. The region’s sovereign bonds rallied while the euro dropped to a two-year low. Asian equities are on pace for their first back-to-back monthly losses this year amid dollar strength and lingering concerns over the Chinese economy. Still, the region’s more favorable valuations versus the US market are aiding recovery in some assets. Elsewhere in Asia, Adani Group companies advanced after a $27 billion rout on Thursday following a US indictment against Gautam Adani over allegations of bribery. The company denied the allegations. Corporate Highlights: Some of the main moves in markets: Stocks Currencies Cryptocurrencies Bonds Commodities This story was produced with the assistance of Bloomberg Automation. With assistance from Margaryta Kirakosian, Andre Janse van Vuuren and Sujata Rao. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.San Domenico played a solid game at both ends of the court during Saturday’s 69-25 victory over American Canyon. The Panthers were strong defensively, holding American Canyon to single-digit scoring in every quarter. San Domenico closed the door on the Wolves with a 30-point lead in the third quarter. Gavin Early led a balanced Panthers attack with 16 points, eight rebounds, six steals and six assists. Chidera Oneukwu finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Omar Willimas, Kris Jakstas and Irakli Jokhadze all chipped in 10 points apiece. • Marin Catholic fell 49-37 to Urban in the Wildcats’ boys basketball season debut on Saturday. Jake Ryan led Marin Catholic with 10 points as the Wildcats (0-1) battled uphill all day. The Wildcats are scheduled to join the Montgomery High tournament field on Thursday. Girls basketball San Domenico faced a big test in Friday’s Pinole Valley Tip-Off Classic during a 76-33 loss to defending NorCal Division I champion Bishop O’Dowd. Tosia Konczak led the Panthers with 13 points and Carly Amborn added 11. Bishop O’Dowd was paced by a 24-point outing from Jayla Stokes, daughter of former 49ers receiver JJ Stokes. San Domenico faced Justin-Siena in Napa on Saturday.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Cesar David Martinez-Gonzalez, 39, of Chester, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from his role in a conspiracy to smuggle and exploit South American migrants for personal financial gain. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero following the proceedings before United States District Court Judge Gerald A. McHugh on Tuesday, November 26. Martinez-Gonzalez admitted to participating in a scheme to facilitate illegal entry into the United States for dozens of South American migrants. Court records detail how Martinez-Gonzalez organized and financed efforts to bring these individuals into the country unlawfully, exploiting their vulnerable circumstances for his own profit. The scheme involved coordinating with human smugglers in Mexico, commonly referred to as “coyotes,” to guide migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. Martinez-Gonzalez provided the finances necessary for the “coyotes” to transport the individuals across the Rio Grande and through breaches in the border wall. Upon arrival in the United States, the migrants were provided with specific information designed to secure their release on parole by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Once released, they were transported at Martinez-Gonzalez’s expense to Chester, Pennsylvania. Upon arrival in Chester and surrounding areas, the migrants found themselves burdened with fabricated “debts” imposed by Martinez-Gonzalez and his associates. These debts, well above the costs incurred to facilitate their travel and housing, could only be repaid through grueling labor under exploitative conditions. Migrants were required to work long hours in low-paying jobs, turning over half of their wages to satisfy the alleged debts. Martinez-Gonzalez further assisted them in obtaining fraudulent identification documents to secure employment in these roles. U.S. Attorney Romero condemned the exploitation, saying, “Martinez-Gonzalez took advantage of vulnerable migrants for his own financial benefit. He induced them to come to the United States, then imposed thousands of dollars of so-called ‘debts,’ which they had to repay through weeks or months of labor. My office and our partners will continue to target these human smugglers, who both prey on disadvantaged populations and flout our country’s immigration laws.” Martinez-Gonzalez’s plea acknowledges his central role in a conspiracy that violated immigration laws and exploited the financial and legal vulnerabilities of migrants. The maximum sentence he faces is 120 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 18, 2025. The investigation leading to the charges and guilty plea was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara A. Solow, Louis D. Lappen, Eileen Castilla Geiger, and Andrew Jenemann. Legal experts note that the outcome of this case sends a clear signal that individuals engaged in such conspiracies will face significant legal consequences. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .Former Gogglebox star Stephen Webb was flooded with support after revealing a heartbreaking loss. The star, 53, shared that his dog, who he shared with ex Daniel Lustig, had died. Taking to Instagram, Stephen posted a touching tribute alongside a sweet photo of their poodle, writing: "Today we said goodbye to the kindest little girl. Our princess RIP @lustig75." Daniel also took to social media to express his grief, uploading a poignant video montage with Princess over the years. He captioned it: "Today we said good bye to our princess. Such a beauty." Read more Wayne Rooney hints at I'm A Celeb appearance as he shares special exit gift for Coleen Fans rushed to support the former couple, One wrote: "Sending you the biggest love the paw print they leave on our hearts stay forever". Another said: "Omg I'm so sorry. Sending lots of love." A third fan added: "So sorry for your loss". Stephen and Daniel announced they were quitting Channel 4 show Gogglebox last year. They later announced they had decided to split after six years of marriage but would remain good friends. Later opening up about why their marriage broke down, Stephen told The Sun: "We both kind of switched off and stopped working at it. The longer you leave it, the more it deteriorates to a point where there's no going back. "I'm a firm believer in that life is about change and now I'm just looking forward to the next chapter of my life." He also expressed gratitude for the "amazing time" shared with Daniel over their 11-year relationship. Stephen made his first appearance on Gogglebox in 2013 and Daniel joined him on the show in 2019. Daniel and Stephen are also business partners, co-managing two successful hair salons in West Sussex. Stephen recently appeared on Celebs Go Dating but failed to find love. In a recent podcast interview, Daniel opened up about their current dynamic, describing how they remain best friends and housemates.When rescue from modern slavery does not mean freedom: Research flags harsh reality of post-rescue life

Shimmick corp director Goldsteen sells $1.06 million in stock

Hornets star LaMelo Ball (calf) out at least two weeksOTTAWA — A Liberal MP says his committee colleagues are wasting time by launching a third inquiry into the former employment minister instead of focusing on important legislation for Indigenous Peoples. Jaime Battiste, who is Mi’kmaq, said there has been an “attack” on fellow Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault, who left his position as employment minister on Wednesday after allegations of shifting claims of Indigenous identity and questions around his past business dealings. Boissonnault has been the subject of two parliamentary probes, and Battiste said a third one by the Indigenous and northern affairs committee is “a waste of time, and it seems to be the Conservatives’ way of ensuring that nothing gets done in the House of Commons.” The Conservatives, NDP and Bloc Québécois all supported pushing ahead with the third study, even after Boissonnault left cabinet. Though Liberal MPs did not object to the motion Thursday, Battiste said the committee’s time would be better spent studying legislation on important issues such as First Nations policing, a modern treaty commissioner and clean water for First Nations. “It’s very much my fear and frustration that politics is now becoming more important at the Indigenous and northern affairs committee than actually Indigenous Peoples that we’re there every day to try to make life better for,” he said. Boissonnault came under intense scrutiny after the National Post reported that a company he previously co-owned described itself as wholly Indigenous-owned in order to apply for government contracts set aside for Indigenous businesses. He has been described as Indigenous multiple times in communications from the Liberal party, and in 2018 referred to himself as “non-status adopted Cree” — a statement he has repeated on other occasions. He also said his great-grandmother was a “full-blooded Cree woman.” He has since clarified that his adoptive mother and brother are Métis, and he apologized for his shifting claims last Friday. The House ethics committee has separately investigated Boissonnault’s past business dealings after media reports alleged he remained involved in the company he co-founded after he was re-elected in 2021. Opposition MPs on the Indigenous and northern affairs committee passed a motion on Tuesday — a day before Boissonnault left cabinet — for the employment minister to appear as a witness to discuss his claims to Indigenous identity. But because Boissonnault is no longer in cabinet, the Liberal chair of the committee ruled Thursday that newly minted Employment Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is technically the person the motion called to testify. “I figured this might happen,” said Conservative MP and committee member Jamie Schmale. “If there are games to be played here and we have Minister Petitpas Taylor attend, I don’t think that goes to the spirit of the House order. I don’t think it would be very responsible to go against that ... It’s Randy Boissonault that the House determined it needs and is ordered to appear along with several other witnesses. That’s who we expect to be in that seat.” A new motion from the Conservatives calls directly for Boissonnault to appear at the committee. One of the key concerns raised about Boissonnault in recent weeks is related to the government’s Indigenous business procurement strategy. A directory provides the federal government with names of businesses it could consider using to meet its Indigenous procurement target, which states a minimum five per cent of the total value of government contracts should be held by Indigenous-owned businesses. Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu told a House of Commons committee on Tuesday that the company Boissonnault founded was not listed on that directory. Battiste suggested the committee will now be in a position of determining who is eligible for Indigenous programming and determining who is Indigenous, and as a First Nations person he does not agree with that. “I have a lot of concern because no First Nations, Métis or Inuit in this country are asking committees — who are filled with non-Indigenous Peoples — to determine our identity, who we are.” Schmale, NDP MP Lori Idlout and Bloc MP Sebastian Lemire, who are all members of the committee, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press

Apple Cash is more than just a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service — it can be used to shop online, in stores or to make in-app purchases.Northwestern Lehigh football’s Zimmerman has record night to send team back to state final

BARMM health workers get ₱840 million back payPALERMO, Calif. (AP) — Two children were wounded in a shooting Wednesday at a small religious K-8 school in Northern California and the shooter died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot, sheriff’s officials said. The children’s conditions were not immediately known. The shooting occurred Wednesday afternoon at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a private, K-8 school in Palermo, a community of 5,500 people about 65 miles (104 km) north of Sacramento. Related Articles National News | Abandoned mines in the US pose dangers to people and property when land gives way National News | Dog food recalled in 7 states for salmonella risk after puppy litter gets sick, FDA says National News | White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign National News | Powell: Fed’s independence from politics is vital to its interest rate decisions National News | United Healthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said the 911 calls reported “an individual on campus who had fired shots at students,” and said that the shooter did not appear to have a connection to the school. The motive was not immediately known, he continued. One student was flown to a nearby hospital, Honea said. Authorities rushed students to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene to be reunited with their families, the sheriff’s office said. The school has been open since 1965 and caters to fewer than three dozen children, according to its website.

Second young person on run from boot camp

COPPERAS COVE — For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and coming together with family and friends. Yet for some, in spite of the gifts, music, good food, and events, there is a struggle with depression, stress, and more. A Copperas Cove church wants people to know they are not alone. On Sunday, Dec. 1, at 9:30 and 11 a.m., Cadence City Church in Copperas Cove will devote its two service times for the 7th annual Mental Health Sunday. Jo Anne Harrison, M.Ed., LPC-S, is the founder of Killeen-based Restorative Hope Sanctuary, a Christian counseling facility which also uses equine therapy and talk therapy by licensed counselors. “This really means a lot to me, because of what God lets me do in the world. I’m super pumped about being able to share with people and get them hooked up with resources that they may need,” Harrison said. This year, Harrison has spearheaded the event for the church and has engaged with a lineup of counselors, mental health organizations, and community professionals to present their services and missions. The idea is to provide encouragement for those struggling with issues — and possibly the stigma — of looking for help. “We want to give people tools that when they do need them, they know where to look. Because if you don’t know where to look, then you try to suffer in silence,” Bernier said. On Dec. 1, the church hopes that those who attend the services will get connected with a group or organization that can help them. About Cadence City Church Cadence City Church is a nondenominational church with a vision to help people know God, find freedom, discover their purpose, and make a difference. Cadence started in 2018, bringing life-giving experiences, as well as community events and outreaches to the Central Texas area. Cadence City Church meets on Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m. at 815 E. Business 190 next to Dollar Tree. More information about Cadence City Church can be found at www.cadencechurch.com or on its social media site, https://www.facebook.com/cadencechurchtx . Organizations confirmed at this time include: Restorative Hope Sanctuary (Killeen) Mindful Primary & Psych Care (Killeen) Bring Everyone In the Zone (Killeen) Eleftheria Equine Therapy Center (Killeen) FBCTI Faith Based Counselor Training Institute (FBCTI) (Temple) 411 House (Temple) Boys Matter 2 Men (Killeen) - Dr. Elizabeth Jennings and Donte Jennings Hearts Renewed Counseling (Harker Heights) Luxe Living Life Coaching (Harker Heights) Aware Central Texas Central Counties Services

NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the U.S. but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. Then Wednesday's targeted fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk thrust the executive and his business into the national spotlight. Thompson, who was 50, had worked at the giant UnitedHealth Group Inc for 20 years and run the insurance arm since 2021 after running its Medicare and retirement business. As CEO, Thompson led a firm that provides health coverage to more than 49 million Americans — more than the population of Spain. United is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, the privately run versions of the U.S. government’s Medicare program for people age 65 and older. The company also sells individual insurance and administers health-insurance coverage for thousands of employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year, making it the largest subsidiary of the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group. His $10.2 million annual pay package, including salary, bonus and stock options awards, made him one of the company's highest-paid executives. The University of Iowa graduate began his career as a certified public accountant at PwC and had little name recognition beyond the health care industry. Even to investors who own its stock, the parent company's face belonged to CEO Andrew Witty, a knighted British triathlete who has testified before Congress. When Thompson did occasionally draw attention, it was because of his role in shaping the way Americans get health care. At an investor meeting last year, he outlined his company's shift to “value-based care,” paying doctors and other caregivers to keep patients healthy rather than focusing on treating them once sick. “Health care should be easier for people,” Thompson said at the time. “We are cognizant of the challenges. But navigating a future through value-based care unlocks a situation where the ... family doesn’t have to make the decisions on their own.” Thompson also drew attention in 2021 when the insurer, like its competitors, was widely criticized for a plan to start denying payment for what it deemed non-critical visits to hospital emergency rooms. “Patients are not medical experts and should not be expected to self-diagnose during what they believe is a medical emergency,” the chief executive of the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter addressed to Thompson. “Threatening patients with a financial penalty for making the wrong decision could have a chilling effect on seeking emergency care.” United Healthcare responded by delaying rollout of the change. Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the married father of two sons in high school, was set to speak at an investor meeting in a midtown New York hotel. He was on his own and about to enter the building when he was shot in the back by a masked assailant who fled on foot before pedaling an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away, the New York Police Department said. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were looking at Thompson's social media accounts and interviewing employees and family members. “Didn’t seem like he had any issues at all,” Kenny said. "He did not have a security detail.” AP reporters Michael R. Sisak and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Murphy reported from Indianapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!