Reading archive 2024-11-21

10 programs that could be on the ‘government efficiency’ chopping block: Vivek Ramaswamy, Elon Musk’s partner at President-elect Donald Trump’s planned spending panel, suggested defunding programs that Congress no longer authorizes. Here are some of those.

Musk, Ramaswamy vow ‘mass head-count reductions’ in U.S. government: The leaders of President-elect Donald Trump’s new DOGE panel have promised extensive cuts to federal regulation, spending and personnel.

Amid budget cuts, American University may restructure School of Education: Facing a $60 million budget shortfall, the university’s acting provost said American is poised to restructure the School of Education, prompting panic among students.

Homicide suspect to judge: ‘I don’t think anyone actually, really dies.’: A judge in Montgomery County, Md., ordered Tiffany Zhang, 29, to be transferred from jail to a state hospital.

Her son was robbed and left for dead. Two teens have been arrested.: D.C. police said a 14- and 16-year-old were arrested in connection with the death of Bryan Smith, a beloved local DJ and hairstylist.

How to get started on Bluesky, the app some X users are defecting to: Some people say they’re quitting Elon Musk’s X. For real this time.

Scientists discover unusual new bacteria in deep-sea coral: The finding points to a life form that requires few genes to function

Mysterious chemical byproduct in U.S. tap water finally identified: Scientists discover formula and structure of chlorine-related molecule and urge tests for possible toxicity.

Opinion How a progressive Democrat won in a swing state that went for Trump: Sen. Tammy Baldwin talks about her reelection victory in Wisconsin.

Opinion The GOP is setting a trap on trans rights. Sarah McBride has an answer.: The first trans member of Congress issued a response to cruelty that was a work of political artistry.

Millions may not have health coverage if subsidies return to pre-Biden level: Patients, medical providers and insurers fear a shake-up in the Affordable Care Act marketplace unless Republicans extend the subsidy expansion slated to expire next year.

Top senator calls Salt Typhoon ‘worst telecom hack in our nation’s history’: The severity of the Chinese breach highlights the need for more telecommunications regulation, lawmakers say.

Jan. 6 rioter found guilty of plotting to kill FBI agents, DOJ says: Edward Kelley had created a “kill list” of FBI agents and other federal employees who investigated his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, the Justice Department said.

RFK Jr. weighs major changes to how Medicare pays physicians: Kennedy and advisers say the system drives doctors to perform costly surgeries rather than combating chronic disease.

Police arrest man suspected in a dozen sex assaults in D.C.: Federal prosecutors described Uwana Ubom as "a serial sexual predator’ with attacks dating to 2021.