big fish casino facebook page Amber Heard stepped into the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni fray on Monday after learning that the crisis control PR firm Baldoni had hired was the same one ex-husband Johnny Depp used during their 2022 defamation trial. “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,’ ” she told NBC News. “I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Wake Forest keeps trying new things early in the season, even if not all of the adjustments are by design. The Demon Deacons will try to stick to the script when Detroit Mercy visits for Saturday's game in Winston-Salem, N.C. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. The aging of the Baby Boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) has significantly increased the share of the U.S. population aged 55+ during the past decade: from 24.9% in 2010, to 30.2% in 2023. And a growing number of these Americans are opting to age in place or downsize—creati... Click for more. American Cities With the Oldest HomebuyersGlobal stocks mostly rose Tuesday, with US and German indices posting records, as markets weighed Chinese stimulus hopes, political tensions in France and the US interest-rate outlook. Germany's blue-chip DAX stock index jumped above 20,000 points for the first time and Paris rebounded even as France braced for new political turmoil. In New York, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq narrowly rose to finish at records, while the Dow pulled back. Oil prices jumped more than two percent following reports that crude exporters were near an agreement to extend production limits. A closely-watched labor market report showed an increase in US job openings in October, but also a decline in new job postings during the month, a less upbeat sign. Samuel Tombs, chief US economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the data overall provides "good grounds" for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates again this month. Still, the choppiness of Tuesday's trading session in New York points to reticence among US investors following a series of post-election records that many pundits believe have left stocks overvalued. "There wasn't a lot of conviction behind the upside moves," said Briefing.com . "The overall vibe in the market was more negative." Stocks in Paris edged higher even as France headed into a new political crisis as opposition lawmakers vowed to topple the minority government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier in a no-confidence vote after just three months in office. Germany's DAX, meanwhile, scored a fresh milestone, defying multiple headwinds battering Europe's biggest economy. The German economy, hit hard by a manufacturing slowdown and weak demand for its exports, has struggled in 2024. Yet the DAX has advanced in large part because companies in the index do heavy business abroad. In addition, the euro's recent weakness has boosted Germany's export-oriented companies, while easing interest rates both in the eurozone and the United States have also helped sentiment. Investors greeted a Bloomberg report that China's top leaders, including President Xi Jinping, would hold a two-day economic work conference next week to outline their targets and stimulus plans for next year. The report followed manufacturing activity data on Monday that suggested China's economic struggles may be coming to an end, but investors are looking for Beijing to step up support for the economy. The news helped push Hong Kong and Shanghai stock markets higher despite Washington announcing new export restrictions taking aim at Beijing's ability to make advanced semiconductors. The moves step up existing US efforts to tighten curbs on exports of state-of-the-art AI chips to China. Beijing hit back by saying it would restrict exports to the United States of some key components in making semiconductors. Oil prices jumped ahead of a meeting Thursday of members of the OPEC oil cartel and its allies "The forecast is that they will announce an extension until the end of the first quarter of 2025, and this should help put a floor under prices," said Trade Nation analyst David Morrison. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 44,705.53 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.1 percent at 6,049.88 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 19,480.91 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.6 percent at 8,359.41 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.3 percent at 7,255.42 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.4 percent at 20,016.75 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.9 percent at 39,248.86 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 1.0 percent at 19,746.32 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 3,378.81 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0511 from $1.0498 on Monday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2673 from $1.2655 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 149.53 yen from 149.60 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.94 from 82.95 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 2.5 percent at $73.62 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 2.7 percent at $69.94 per barrel burs-jmb/dw

New Year 2025 travel alert! Looking for a unique way to celebrate the New Year 2025? From fireworks to cultural experiences and lively parties, here are 10 must-visit destinations for New Year's Eve celebrations. ET Year-end Special Reads Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 2025 outlook: Is it time for cautious optimism or rekindling animal spirits? 2024: Govt moves ahead with simultaneous polls plan; India holds largest democratic exercise New York City, USA: Following the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, confetti is thrown into the air. With its yearly New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, where fireworks are set off at midnight, New York City is getting ready to welcome the year 2025. Officials and organisers say they are ready to welcome the crowds and guarantee their safety as throngs of revellers usher in the New Year 2025 under the bright lights of Times Square. NYC is well-known for its spectacular ball drops in Times Square, which are accompanied by fireworks, music, and other festivities. One of the most exciting locations to ring in the new year is here. ALSO READ New Year Eve 2025: The Best Parties and Events Worldwide Sydney, Australia: Early fireworks lit up the Sydney Opera House during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney, Australia. Sydney's famous harbour fireworks show provides breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The city's pleasant summer weather only adds to its appeal. 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Tokyo, which blends modern and traditional elements in an unusual way, celebrates New Year's Eve with spectacular fireworks, countdown parties, and temple visits. The energetic city hosts a variety of cultural events and exciting parties. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: Brazil hosts one of the world's largest New Year's Eve celebrations on Copacabana beaches, featuring a view of Christ the Redeemer and millions of white-clad revellers dressed in white for good luck. Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival, renowned for its torchlight procession, live music, street parties, and Europe's largest fireworks display, is a top-tier New Year's celebration. Paris, France: France's Paris Paris's Eiffel tower is illuminated and at its most spectacular on New Year's Eve. All night long, the city is filled with amazing light and fireworks displays. With glitzy festivities along the Champs-Élysées and a breathtaking light display at the Eiffel Tower, the City of Lights shines even brighter on New Year's Eve. Many like a stylish party on the Seine or in Montmartre. Berlin, Germany: Germany's Berlin An image of Berlin's famous Brandenburg Gate's quadriga on New Year's Eve. With a huge street party at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin hosts one of the largest outdoor New Year's Eve celebrations in Europe. Anticipate an electrifying atmosphere, live music, and fireworks. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai, United Arab Emirates On New Year's Eve, fireworks burst at Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world. Dubai is a popular destination for New Year's Eve around the world because of its spectacular fireworks displays, particularly over the Burj Khalifa. The city provides countless entertainment options and extravagant events in addition to opulent parties. Bangkok, Thailand: To commemorate the beginning of the New Year, people in Bangkok light incense sticks at a shrine and hang Chinese lanterns. Bangkok is a fun place to start the year because of its vibrant street parties and rooftop bars. The allure is increased by the city's lively atmosphere, street cuisine, and riverfront fireworks. Cape Town, South Africa: Enjoy a beautiful view of Table Mountain while celebrating New Year's Eve in style. A massive party is held at the V&A Waterfront, complete with live music, fireworks, and a vibrant atmosphere that lasts the entire night. FAQs Where can I have a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration? New York City's Times Square and Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival provide family-friendly activities such as fireworks, music, and safe environments. Which location is known for the most spectacular fireworks displays? Dubai's Burj Khalifa leads the way with breathtaking and extravagant fireworks that draw visitors from all over the world. 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Peshawar stun Lahore Whites to win crucial game in Quaid TrophyYOUR favorite childhood toys might still be on store shelves today - but the price tag could give you sticker shock. While a number of iconic toys from decades past are still being sold, hefty price tags on some beloved items might stop buyers in their tracks this holiday season thanks to rising costs due to inflation . Silly Putty, a stretchy material that debuted in 1955, cost just $1 when it first arrived on the scene in an ounce container. Now, shoppers can get their hands on the blobs for $21.24, which is a 2000% price jump. Today's price adjusted for inflation would be $11.73, meaning it's $9 more than its original cost, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index inflation calculator. Silly Putty isn't the only nostalgic toy affected by "toyflation," according to ABC affiliate WMTW. READ MORE ON TOYS MOVIE-THEMED TOYS Star Wars action figures were a hit after the first movie came out in 1977. At the time, the toys retailed at an average price of $2.28 per toy, which would come out to $10.68 in today's adjusted price. The individual items now go for about $16 each on Amazon , while sets of three cost about $30. Transformers toys ranged between $3 and $5 in 1984, which would be about $12 adjusted with today's prices. Most read in Money Now, the toys cost about $25 each on Amazon. SILLYBANDZ Even Sillybandz, a more modern toy first released in 2009, has fallen prey to toyflation. The rubber bands cost $2.50, about $3.65 in today's prices, per 12-pack at the height of their popularity when kids would collect different shapes of the bracelets and trade them on playgrounds. A six-pack of Sillybandz now cost $3.95 each. While toyflation has upped the cost of Sillybandz and Transformers, other toys have gotten cheaper throughout the years. RUBIK'S CUBE The famously confusing Rubik's Cube was invented in 1974 by Hungarian puzzler Erno Rubik and immediately found global popularity among kids and adults alike. Beloved toys have become more expensive over the years thanks to rising costs. Some of the nostalgic items hit by toyflation include: Silly Putty Star Wars action figures Transformers Sillybandz Lego sets Source: Hearst Television The puzzle's original price in 1980 was $7.49, which would be $27.65 today. However, shoppers can find it for $9.36 on Amazon. LITE-BRITE The Lite-Brite, which allowed kids to create glowing artwork with light-up pegs, was introduced in 1966. The popular toy was marketed by Hasbro as a "magic light box" and sold for $7.98 in 1967, which would be a whopping $74.53 today. Shoppers can get a Lite-Brite set for $15.49 on Amazon. POTATO HEAD When Mr. Potato Head debuted in 1952, his plastic body parts came with a real potato as a head. After parents complained about their kids' toys rotting, toymakers made the move to plastic in 1964. The iconic toy continued to be popular throughout the years as it was featured in the Toy Story movies, which first came out in 1995 starring Tom Hanks . The toy, including the real spud, cost less than a dollar when it debuted in 1952. Today's adjusted price would be about $11.59. Read More on The US Sun Potato Head , which rebranded and dropped the "Mr." in 2021, is now on Amazon for $7.99 each. The whole family set is available for $19.99.

Cash position at over $125 Million in just under 7 months as a public company Financing provides cash runway to expedite cutting-edge portable nuclear microreactor technologies, auxiliary businesses, seek complimentary acquisitions and drive growth towards initial revenue generation New York, N.Y., Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) ("NANO Nuclear” or "the Company”) , a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing portable, clean energy solutions, today announced the closing of a private placement with three accredited institutional investors for gross proceeds of approximately $60 million to NANO Nuclear, before deducting offering expenses. In the private placement, NANO Nuclear sold 2,500,002 shares of common stock and five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to an additional 2,500,002 shares of common stock, or 100% warrant coverage, at a combined purchase price of $24.00 for each share and associated warrant. The warrants are exercisable for $26.00 per share. The proceeds from this financing significantly augments NANO Nuclear's cash on hand to over $125 million. With this cash on hand, NANO Nuclear will be able to more readily advance and expedite its cutting-edge microreactors, auxiliary businesses, seek complimentary acquisitions and drive growth towards initial revenue generation. "We are humbled to be supported by a growing number of institutional investors,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. "We will continue to work extremely hard to establish NANO Nuclear as one of the leaders in the U.S. advanced nuclear energy market. With over $125 Million now in our treasury, we are positioned for rapid growth, to drive stockholder value and to realize our vision of becoming a leading, diversified, and vertically integrated advanced nuclear energy company.” The Benchmark Company, LLC acted as sole placement agent for the transaction. The securities sold in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the SEC or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The Company has agreed to file, by January 15, 2025, a registration statement with the SEC covering the resale of the shares of common stock and shares of common stock underlying the warrants issued in the private placement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc. NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable microreactor technology, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S. Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear's products in technical development are "ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and "ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor , each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT) , a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America. HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF) , a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear's own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry. NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS) , a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear's developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS' initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon's surface. For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/ For further information, please contact: Email: [email protected] Business Tel: (212) 634-9206 PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE: NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE NANO Nuclear Energy TWITTER Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear's management in connection with this news release or related events contain or may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements (including statements related to the closing, and the anticipated benefits to the Company, of the private placement described herein) related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "potential”, "will", "should", "could", "would" or "may" and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE”) or related state nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings . Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Black Friday deals are everywhere right now, and many of the major streaming services will probably announce special promotions to entice new customers soon, too. If you’re thinking about “cutting the cord,” or switching from a traditional cable provider to a streaming service , this might be a good time to try it. “The deals that will be coming out will be attractive to new subscribers and most likely will be basic plans with ads,” Chad Gammon, an Iowa-based certified financial planner, said in an email interview. While some streaming services might also offer deals on plans without ads, Gammon, who owns Custom Fit Financial, said they’ll come at a higher cost. So keep an eye out for the deals, but make sure you look at the terms and conditions, too. Some streaming services will roll out their Black Friday prices in the coming days — and some have already started offering deals. For example, ESPN+ is running a promotion offering 12 months for the price of nine, as long as subscribers choose the annual plan. That deal is good through Dec. 2. Last year’s Black Friday deals can be a good indication of what’s to come. "Past Black Friday deals, like Hulu's $1.99/month offer, really show the range of savings,” Clay Cary, a senior trends analyst at CouponFollow, said in a prepared statement. “More often than not, bundles like Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ tend to give the most value if your household uses multiple platforms," Cary said. We contacted these services about their Black Friday plans. Disney+ said there are no deals to announce quite yet. Hulu and ESPN+ did not respond to requests for information. While you’re waiting for the deals to drop, consider the different streaming plans, your budget, and whether one service can give you all the programming you want. Streaming services present themselves as cheaper alternatives to cable companies with long contracts, poor service, lots of commercials and expensive monthly contracts. But do they make good on that promise? You might think you’re scoring a great streaming service deal only to realize it’s for the version with ads. Pay attention to other details, too. A streaming service might offer a seasonal deal, but on a plan that limits the number of devices that can stream at once, and video quality can vary. Crackdowns on password sharing have also hit the streaming world hard and frustrated many consumers — and the alternatives aren’t great. “Paid-sharing options, like Netflix's, haven't been popular because they feel like an extra charge without added value,” Cary said. “For budget-conscious viewers, these changes could push them toward free ad-supported services instead.” If you were hoping to cut ties with your cable provider, you might have to think twice. You’ll still need the internet to use your streaming service. Many households bundle cable and internet costs, so if you cut cable, you will need to get a price for an internet-only plan. If multiple people in your household are streaming at once, you might find your old internet speed isn’t cutting it. A boost in internet speed will cost more, so you’ll need to adjust your budget accordingly. If you’re a sports fan with kids in the house and a spouse who likes shows from premium channels, you might have to sign up for three different streaming services to get all the content you want. Signing up for multiple streaming services can get pricey and can also be a real headache. Gammon described this as “subscription fatigue,” where people subscribe to multiple services and end up not using them because they can’t find which programs are on which streaming service. To stay within your budget, Cary said consumers should focus “on platforms that align with what you actually watch rather than trying to subscribe to everything.” The excitement of scoring a cheap deal won’t last forever. “When promotional deals lapse, prices can spiral upward alarmingly, doubling in some cases,” Cary said. “To avoid such surprises, set a reminder before the discounted rate expires to review your subscription,” he said. Before signing up, ask yourself: How do streaming services fit into my budget? In a 50/30/20 budget , streaming services fit squarely into the 30% wants category, alongside travel, entertainment and dining out. If your budget is tight, check your current memberships, because some major retailers offer significant discounts or free subscriptions on streaming services. For example: While most of these offers are for base-level plans with ads, tapping into existing benefits is a low-stakes way to try out one of these platforms. More From NerdWallet Amanda Barroso writes for NerdWallet. Email: abarroso@nerdwallet.com . The article Black Friday Streaming Deals: Read the Fine Print First originally appeared on NerdWallet.Premier League ref David Coote WON’T appeal sacking after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder

Trump turns to outsider to shake up Navy, but his lack of military experience raises concernsCongress seeks to ban Chinese drones that are widely used in US

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, has not served in the military or had a civilian leadership role in the service. While officials and defense experts said the Navy is in they cautioned that Phelan’s lack of experience could make it more difficult for him to realize Trump’s goals. Trump late Tuesday nominated Phelan, a major donor to his campaign who founded the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment on his qualifications. According to his biography, Phelan’s primary exposure to the military comes from an advisory position he holds on the a non-profit that supports the defense of Ukraine and the defense of Taiwan. Not all service secretaries come into the office with prior military experience, but he’d be the first in the Navy since 2006. Current Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth similarly does not have prior military service. She, however, has spent her career in a host of defense civilian positions. The appointment comes at a critical moment for the Navy, which has been stretched thin with deployments around the world and must contend with a shrinking fleet even as the naval forces of its main rival, China, are growing. Trump has campaigned on expanding the Navy and would need to fight bureaucratic inertia to do so. But it’s uncertain whether a secretary with no military experience — either in uniform or as a defense civilian — would be well-positioned to lead that effort. “It will be difficult for anyone without experience in the Pentagon to take over the leadership of a service and do a good job,” said Stacie Pettyjohn, a senior fellow and director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security. “Services are sprawling organizations with distinct cultures, subcultures and bureaucratic interests, and where decisions are made through many formal processes. To change a service’s plans, one must understand this Byzantine landscape.” Experts said Phelan’s nomination reflects that Trump is seeking service branch heads who will not push back on his ideas — but that Phelan’s lack of experience is likely to create issues and delays of its own, They say the Navy can’t afford to lose time. One of the Navy’s biggest challenges is preparing for a potential military confrontation with China over Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as its own. ” ,” said Brad Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “The success or failure in addressing key problems in the U.S. Navy over the next couple years may have a decisive effect on war and peace in the Taiwan Strait and elsewhere.” Trump has called for a 350-ship Navy since his 2016 presidential campaign, but he experienced first-hand the difficulty in realizing that goal, given the challenges to shipbuilding and the erratic and often delayed congressional budget process. There are just under 300 battle force ships in the fleet — vessels that have a direct role in conducting combat operations. “The Navy is stretched covering Europe, and the Pacific. Strategists have wanted to pull back from Europe and the Middle East, but recent conflicts have prevented that,” said Mark Cancian, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “So the next secretary will have a shrinking fleet, expanded overseas commitments, and an uncertain budget environment.” The Marine Corps has called for 31 amphibious warships to help it maintain a close-to-shore presence around the globe. The Navy regularly has had to extend the deployments of its aircraft carriers and escorting destroyers, for example, to respond to the unstable security situation in the Middle East. Each extension can create rippling effects: Ships don’t get maintained on schedule, and forces get tired of the lack of predictability for their families and leave the service. Service branch chiefs spend vast amounts of time not only responding to the White House but also appeasing members of Congress in frequent hearings on Capitol Hill, shaping budget requests, holding constant meetings on service member issues, attending industry conferences and filling speakers requests. That all requires a nuanced understanding of the service that a secretary is leading, because major change in any of the branches often involves a lengthy process to review directives and past policy. Any changes to the many weapons systems the Navy and Marine Corps need and pursue are subject to lengthy contract award challenges. “The Navy’s problem here is money,” Cancian said. “Even if the defense budget goes up, there will only be a relatively small increase available for shipbuilding. (If) the budget stays steady or goes down, then the Navy will have a major problem. The fleet will continue to shrink.” Trump has signaled through multiple appointments, such as his selection of SpaceX founder Elon Musk to co-lead a nongovernmental Department of Government Efficiency, that he seeks to cut through red tape. But the service secretary can’t do that without moving through Congress, which has produced many of those regulations and processes the military must follow. “It might help that he has a personal relationship with the president. However, his lack of experience in defense and the Pentagon will hurt the Navy,” Cancian said. “It will take him a while to learn the levers of power.” Tara Copp, The Associated Press

Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January

Janet Yellen tells Congress US could hit debt limit in mid-January

Black Friday Streaming Deals: Read the Fine Print FirstA TikTok sale under Trump? Experts say it could actually happen this time