Roger W. Watson

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will take the helm of the new Department of Government Efficiency. In a statement, Trump expressed confidence in their abilities to help reshape federal operations, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, significantly cut unnecessary regulations, reduce wasteful spending and reorganize federal agencies. As Trump prepares for his inauguration on January 20, 2025, he has revealed key appointments for his next Cabinet. Musk, known for his leadership of electric vehicle maker Tesla, social media platform Musk has been a notable supporter of Trump, investing millions in his campaign and often…

In Kansas City, a transformative program is helping veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Air Force veteran Heather O'Brien, who served in a challenging internment camp in Iraq, returned home struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. A toy labradoodle named Albus and the Dogs 4 Valor initiative, part of the Olathe, Kansas-based organization The Battle Within, were instrumental in his recovery journey. Dogs 4 Valor is designed to assist veterans and first responders in collaboration with their caregivers, addressing issues such as depression and anxiety. Program director Sandra Sindeldecker notes that many veterans with PTSD often remain isolated at home,…

Joel Embiid is set to make his long-awaited return to the Philadelphia 76ers this week, bringing a glimmer of hope to a team that has struggled mightily without him. The two-time scoring champion is expected to start against the New York Knicks as the teams advance to the round-robin round of the NBA Cup, marking his first appearance of the season after a series of setbacks. A turbulent season so far Embiid's journey has been tumultuous — from winning Olympic gold to signing a contract extension to dealing with a knee injury and a three-game suspension for an altercation with…

Former Federal Reserve policymaker Loretta Mester has indicated that the US Federal Reserve may implement fewer interest rate cuts than previously expected next year, particularly if President-elect Donald Trump's proposed global tariffs are implemented. Speaking at UBS's annual European conference in London, Mester stressed that the Fed's monetary policy will be significantly influenced by the fiscal strategies of a future Republican administration. Mester noted that the market's revised expectations for interest rate cuts may actually be correct, suggesting that the number of cuts may be fewer than the four previously expected. “Next year, the pace of cuts will be influenced…