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As a new President of the United States is elected, the NASA administrator role is usually reviewed. With the election of Trump, a new administrator has been chosen, Jared Isaacman. He is a billionaire entrepreneur, an experienced jet pilot and has himself completed to private flights to space. He was also the first to complete a spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission. Isaacman replaces the outgoing administrator Bill Nelson, a former space shuttle astronaut and senator. Jared Isaacman was born on 11 February 1983. At 41, he is probably most well known for commanding the Inspiration 4 mission, the first all civilian spaceflight. He is also well known for initiating the Polaris Program to push forward private space exploration. It was during the Polaris Dawn mission that Isaacman became the first private astronaut to successfully undertake a spacewalk. As a skilled pilot he holds a number of aviation records including having circumnavigated the world in a light jet. His wealth of experience that means Isaacman is well placed to drive NASA forward as it continues partnering with private companies like SpaceX. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Isaacman to serve as NASA’s administrator and, if confirmed, will be the first person to run the agency that has experience in command of a space mission. Previously Isaacman founded the Shift4 Payment financial technology company. He launched the company at the age of 16 and led the organisation into a multibillion dollar success. Clearly having aptitude in the technology sector, Isaacman soon showed his ability manage large organisations, something he can take to his new role managing NASA’s wide ranging portfolio. Like all who take on the administrator role, Isaacman has a vision for NASA. He is keen to drive forward public-private collaboration and global partnerships as a cornerstone to NASA’s mission. Pledging to ensure NASA remains at the forefront of technological development and discovery. The nomination comes at a key point for NASA as the Artemis mission ramps up toward its Moon landings. As part of the announcement on TruthSocial.Com , Trump said “Jared’s passion for space, his astronaut experience, dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe and advancing the new space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new era.“ Even though President-elect Trump has nominated Isaacman, his appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate. If successful he will lead NASA’s 18,000 employees and $25 billion budget! Certainly not a job for the faint hearted. Source : Jared Isaacman’s X Feed2 jong 。

By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .US job growth rebounds in November; unemployment rate ticks up

Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time

Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Australian shares are poised to rise, though futures could fade as selling gathered momentum in New York. Disappointments from Dell and HP – which each were more than 12 per cent lower, and CrowdStrike dragged tech stocks. All seven of the magnificent seven slid, paced by Nvidia. Though the group was paring its earlier losses in mid-afternoon trading. Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In Equity markets Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In MarketsOpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fundEXCLUSIVE Kimberly Guilfoyle puts on a brave face to accept Donald Trump's Greece ambassador nomination after Don Jr.'s betrayal By KAREN RUIZ FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 17:56 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 19:11 EST, 11 December 2024 e-mail 91 View comments Kimberly Guilfoyle officially acknowledged her nomination as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece as it's learned she and fiancé Donald Trump Jr. have called it quits. The Trump campaign advisor, 55, took to social media shortly after the President-elect's announcement Tuesday to say she is 'ready to serve', but stopped short of addressing her crumbling relationship with his son. 'I'm honored to accept President Trump's nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate ,' she wrote in a post. She added: 'As ambassador, I look forward to delivering on the Trump agenda, supporting our Greek allies, and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity.' News of Guilfoyle's new high-profile role broke as news Don Jr .'s romance with another woman reached a fever pitch Monday - when he was snapped holding hands with much younger Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson. DailyMail.com exclusively reported on the budding romance in August when the two were seen locking lips during a brunch date , however, both Don Jr., 46, and Kimberly have remained consistently silent on their relationship status ever since. 'She's putting on a brave front, of course, but she was crushed about Don's very public betrayal,' one source told DailyMail.com on Wednesday. 'Once Don fell for Bettina the writing was on the wall for Kimberly. The split was going to happen quietly after the election, but Daily Mail's photos preempted that. Kimberly Guilfoyle proclaimed she is 'ready to serve' as U.S . Ambassador to Greece following her nomination by President-elect Trump on Tuesday News of the Trump campaign advisor's new role came as Guilfoyle and fiancé Donald Trump Jr., 46, (pictured in August 2023) ended their engagement 'It's a pretty humiliating situation,' the insider added. Despite the photographic evidence and mounting rumors indicating their split, Guilfoyle had remained on the scene as a faithful Trump campaign advisor in the lead up to the election and was snapped alongside his family at the president's victory party last month. But her presence at political events has not been enough to quell speculation, as her notable absence at recent family events further sparked curiosity about the couple's future. In an apparent bid to keep up appearances Tuesday, Don publicly congratulated his estranged fiancée in an X post that she then shared on her social media accounts. 'I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First,' he said. Three months after raising questions about his seemingly cozy relationship with Anderson, Don Jr. all but confirmed their romance over the weekend and Monday night when he was seen celebrating her 38th birthday in Palm Beach . A source confirmed to DailyMail.com on Tuesday: 'There is no more Kimberly and Don – at least not romantically. 'Their engagement hasn't officially been called off yet. They were waiting until after the Inauguration to announce.' Guilfoyle said Tuesday that she was 'honored to accept' Trump's nomination, which requires Senate approval In an apparent bid to keep up appearances Tuesday, Don - who is also yet to address breakup rumors - publicly congratulated his estranged fiancée in an X post that she then shared on her social media accounts Read More Don Jr. breaks silence on Kimberly Guilfoyle split and her move to Greece The source added: 'The truth is Don and Bettina are still very much together. He's crazy about her.' Exclusive DailyMail.com photos showed the two leaving a restaurant hand in hand after a celebratory dinner for the glamorous brunette. The loved-up couple spent nearly two hours at swanky downtown hotspot Buccan, three miles from her West Palm Beach townhouse where they have been spending days and nights, DailyMail.com revealed earlier on Tuesday. Don Jr . dressed in a smart blue suit and white shirt open at the neck, revealed no compunction about showing off his new flame as they emerged from the restaurant just before 10pm. They came out with another couple and Don Jr. could be heard laughing before they bade the others farewell and headed across the street to his vehicle, totally smitten with each other. Anderson – wearing loose and flowing black pants with a black vest-like top and clutching a maroon purse with a gold clasp – stayed close to her man as they approached his pickup truck parked directly opposite the restaurant, their fingers interlocked. Anderson herself also dropped not-so-subtle hints of their romance, sharing photos of a romantic flower delivery on her Instagram story, on which she discreetly tagged her new beau, @donaldtrumpjr at the top left corner. The photo showed a note sent with the flower arrangement reading: Many have said you're aging out but I think you're perfect...happy birthday!' Earlier on Tuesday, exclusive DailyMail.com photos confirmed Don Jr.'s romance with Bettina Anderson after they were seen celebrating her 38th birthday in Palm Beach the previous night The couple's lovey-dovey dinner Monday night came after a lavish weekend of celebration for Bettina's 38th birthday Read More EXCLUSIVE Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson flaunt romance as they leave her birthday dinner hand in hand Anderson responded to her beau's message in a tongue-in-cheek caption saying: 'Tough but fair.' Guilfoyle got engaged to Trump's eldest son on December 31, 2020, but that was not made public until January 2022. The pair began dating in 2018 following Don's divorce from first wife Vanessa Trump . Guilfoyle, a former prosecutor in San Francisco and one-time wife of Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom, became a big name conservative after landing a long-term role with Fox News in 2017. She would soon enter Trump's orbit , becoming one of his political campaign advisers, while embarking on a sensational romance with his eldest son. Once dubbed the 'prom king and queen of MAGA land' Guilfoyle and Don Jr. had bolstered Trump's presidential run with primetime addresses at the National Convention in July and appeared arm-in-arm at rallies across the States but the political love-story would eventually come to a screeching halt. Sources told DailyMail.com at the time that she was 'blindsided' when images emerged late last summer of Don dining with Republican 'it girl' Bettina Anderson, 38. However, just days after that revelation, Guilfoyle was spotted by Don Jr.'s side on his surprise trip to the Balkans. Anderson herself has been dropping not-so-subtle hints of the romance, sharing photos of a romantic flower delivery in an Instagram story, on which she discreetly tagged her new beau, @donaldtrumpjr at the top left corner Don Jr. traveled to Serbia and Romania to deliver the message that a second Trump presidency would ensure an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. This followed another revelation by Daily Mail that Bettina Anderson had been featured in a video schmoozing with the former president's son, his ex-wife and their daughter at a party in Florida, with Kimberly nowhere in sight. Sources close to the couple at the time insisted Kimberly had been invited but had a speaking engagement that night. Greece Share or comment on this article: Kimberly Guilfoyle puts on a brave face to accept Donald Trump's Greece ambassador nomination after Don Jr.'s betrayal e-mail Add commentNEW YORK , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RIA Eyewear (" RIA "), a New York -based performance eyewear company, is thrilled to announce that professional golfer Rocco Mediate has joined the brand as its latest ambassador. Mediate, renowned for his charismatic personality and remarkable on-course achievements, will bring his years of professional golf experience to further RIA's commitment to performance and innovation. Rocco's impressive career includes 6 PGA Tour victories along with 5 wins on the PGA Tour Champions, including the Senior PGA Championship. With his latest PGA Tour Champions victory, Mediate has now won PGA Tour-sanctioned events in 5 decades. As one of the game's greats, Mediate will be an integral part in representing RIA Eyewear's commitment to providing athletes with high-quality eyewear, designed for optimal performance on the course. "I'm excited to partner with RIA Eyewear," said Mediate. "Their commitment to innovation and quality is something I truly admire. In golf, having the right equipment can make all the difference, and I believe RIA's eyewear will help me—and golfers everywhere—perform at our best." RIA Eyewear is dedicated to enhancing the visual experience for golfers. With their proprietary Golf HD+ technology, RIA's lenses are designed to provide optimal contrast on the course while keeping golfers' eyes feeling fresh and protected during long rounds in the sun. "Rocco is not only a world class golfer but also an inspiration when it comes to pushing the boundaries of product development," said Jordan Kemp and Chris Hanson , co-founders of RIA Eyewear. His passion for the sport and commitment to excellence makes him a great ambassador for RIA." The addition of Rocco Mediate to RIA's ambassador team comes as the company continues to expand its collection in response to the overwhelming success of its proprietary Golf HD+ lens technology. RIA's Golf HD+ lens offering was designed with ZEISSTM, the global leader in lens optics, using rigorous color science research to find the balance between enhanced contrast and eye comfort, all while providing 100% UVA/B protection. RIA's lenses are specifically not polarized to help golfers maintain their depth perception, making it easier to see slopes and breaks on the greens. All of RIA's performance frame styles are handmade in Italy and built to stand up to the most challenging conditions. To find out more about RIA Eyewear, visit www.riaeyewear.com About RIA Eyewear RIA Eyewear is an independent performance eyewear brand started in 2017 to give athletes a visual edge on the court and course while protecting their eye health. RIA's lenses are developed through extensive color science research with world-renowned lens maker Carl ZEISS to enhance a wearer's visual acuity and eye comfort. With a growing list of pro ambassadors from the golf, tennis, and pickleball pro tours, including Rocco Mediate , Kim Clijsters , and the Bryan Brothers, RIA is changing the way golfers and racquet sport athletes see the game for the better. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ria-eyewear-welcomes-golf-legend-rocco-mediate-as-new-brand-ambassador-302325280.html SOURCE RIA Inc

The Trump Organization: Everything to know about the Trump family businessVANCOUVER — A confidence agreement between British Columbia’s New Democrats and the provincial Green Party stabilizes David Eby’s bare-majority government, while putting Green election promises on the legislative agenda. The agreement announced Friday outlines the basis on which the Greens’ two-member caucus will provide confidence to Eby’s party, which won election with 47 seats in B.C.’s 93-seat legislature in October’s provincial election. The deal features key elements of the Greens’ election platform, including a commitment to growing a community health centre model for primary care and expanding public coverage of psychology services at a cost of $50 million. Deputy premier Niki Sharma said the framework focuses on areas of agreement between the two parties, while recognizing their positions won’t always align. The balance struck is “a way to keep government stable for four years ... without erasing the distinct identity that we both have as political parties,” she said Friday. The seven-page agreement says the house leaders of the NDP and the Greens “agree to establish a relationship of trust based on good faith and no surprises.” While set to last four years, it is subject to annual agreement at each parties discretion. It was important to the Greens throughout the negotiations to be able to disagree with government positions, Sharma told a news conference. “I know that we’ll have differences of opinions moving forward, but the fact that we can show a pathway where two political parties in a time of great polarization can come together for British Columbians, I think is a profound thing.” The October election saw two new Green members win seats, lawyer Rob Botterell, representing Saanich North and the Islands, and geological engineer Jeremy Valeriote in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, while the B.C. Conservatives won 44 seats. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad said after the election that he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its “destructive policies.” When he was asked about the agreement on Friday, Rustad said he has always assumed the Greens would back the NDP. Eby is “fooling himself” if he thinks having the support of the Green Party is going to make it easier to pass legislation, Rustad said in an interview. “We are going to make it very difficult for him to move anything through the legislature that is continuing the destruction of British Columbia,” he said. “A week can be a long time in politics, so we’ll see what January brings. I don’t want to say anything further at this point.” The stability of Eby’s government had appeared shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she was temporarily stepping away due to a cancer diagnosis, though she said she intended to participate in important votes. Eby said in a statement Friday that the agreement with the Greens will “strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians.” While his party and the Greens are distinct and won’t always agree, the premier said they have “many shared values.” He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they will work together on, including health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy. “We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people,” Eby said. Additional policy commitments outlined in the deal that reflect the Green platform include expanding access to housing aid for elderly renters and building 30,000 more units of non-market housing than the government had pledged. The agreement also commits to a review of B.C.’s forests to “address concerns around sustainability, jobs, environmental protection an the future of the industry.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press

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DA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump's hush money case while upholding convictionWASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday passed a $895 billion measure that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed the House by a vote of 281-140 and will next move to the Senate, where lawmakers had sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said service member pay has failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. “No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted,” said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. “This bill goes a long way to fixing that.” The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation’s borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators had wanted to increase defense spending some $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a “tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions within the bill. “We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it,” Wicker said. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many non-defense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, have proven effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. “These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives,” Smith said. “And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar servicemembers' children from having access to that.” Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted upon the ban and said the provision “taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation.” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, “I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates.” Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, “and yet, here it is in this bill.” Branden Marty, a Navy veteran who served for 13 years, said the loss of health coverage for transgender medical treatments could prompt some with valuable experience to leave the military, affecting national security because “we already struggle from a recruiting and retention standpoint.” He also said the bill could regularly force service members into difficult choices financially. “It will be tough for a lot of them because of out-of-pocket expenses, especially enlisted members who we know already struggle with food insecurity,” said Marty, the father of a transgender teenager. “They don’t get paid very much, so they’re going to be making a lot of choices on a day-to-day, tactical level.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team was not telling Democrats how to vote on the bill. “There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well,” Jeffries said. Overall, 81 Democrats ended up voting for the bill and 124 against it. On the Republican side, 200 voted for the bill and 16 against. “It’s disappointing to see 124 of my Democrat colleagues vote against our brave men and women in uniform over policies that have nothing to do with their intended mission,” Johnson said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration had requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January.

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