Tag: playbook

  • Senator debuts 26-page DOGE ‘playbook’ as Musk-led agency shakes up government

    Senator debuts 26-page DOGE ‘playbook’ as Musk-led agency shakes up government

    FIRST ON FOX: Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., debuted his annual book of “federal fumbles” that he believes can provide additional ideas for the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as it continues to aggressively slash federal agency spending. 

    The founding Senate DOGE Caucus member filled 26 pages with examples of what he believes are government shortcomings and inefficiencies, as well as the money they waste. 

    In a letter to readers, Lankford wrote, “My goal is to create a roadmap for DOGE, identifying key areas within the federal government and solutions to fix them.”

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    Sen. James Lankford published a 26-page book of “federal fumbles” that he believes could be a playbook for Trump’s DOGE, which is being spearheaded by Elon Musk. (AP/Reuters )

    One of the fumbles cited was related to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was recently dismantled by DOGE. 

    Lankford pointed to a May 2024 report from the Special Inspector General from Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) that showed $11 million in taxpayer cash had gone to the terrorist group the Taliban since 2021, the year President Joe Biden oversaw the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

    This was revealed after USAID had claimed in its own report that no money had been intercepted by the Taliban. 

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    Lankford prescribed implementing a “tougher, more comprehensive screening process to vet organizations and partners receiving aid” to avoid this in the future. 

    Another area highlighted by the Senate DOGE Caucus member was the news broadcasting entities, the U.S. Agency of Global Media (USAGM) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which he said undercut the U.S. on the world stage and at home despite receiving money from Congress. 

    He noted that “956 million was spent showcasing United States government scandals and weaknesses within our country” on Voice of America (VOA) and the office of CUBA Broadcasting (OCB), which serve to provide information to regions with limited freedom of the press. The two organizations are overseen by USAGM. 

    SENATE DOGE CHAIR SAYS SHE SPEAKS WITH ELON MUSK ‘EVERY FEW DAYS’ AS TRUMP ADMIN SLASHES SPENDING

    Capitol Building NPR PBS

    Capitol Building, NPR and PBS graphic (Getty Images)

    Additionally, the Republican remarked that CPB, a private organization which receives money from Congress, in turn provides significant funds to NPR and PBS. The two outlets have long been criticized for a perceived bias against Republicans. 

    In fact, an editor publicly called out NPR last year for its bias, citing examples like Hunter Biden’s laptop and its lack of coverage. This led to a renewed effort from Republicans in Congress to defund CPB.

    The “Playbook for DOGE” also addressed what it labeled “Biden’s Biggest Fumble.” 

    DEMOCRAT SENATOR BACKS TRUMP’S ‘COMMON SENSE MOVE’ TO FIRE THE PENNY

    Migrants storm the gate at the border in El Paso

    A group of migrants rushes a border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, March 21, 2024. (James Breeden for New York Post/Mega)

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    “Arguably the biggest fumble of the Biden administration was the way they handled the southern border. Specifically, how the U.S. Customs and Border Protection released hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens into this country with a piece of paper asking them to self-report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for processing anywhere in the country,” it reads, referring to the immigrants paroled into the country. 

    To address this, Lankford called to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which the Trump administration has indicated it will do. He stressed that “Congress must still pass legislation to prevent any future president from allowing illegal aliens into the country with no vetting and to close the asylum loophole.” 

  • Smart windows take a page from nature’s pinecone playbook

    Smart windows take a page from nature’s pinecone playbook

    Have you ever wondered how a pine cone knows when to open and close? It’s not magic, it’s science. 

    Now, researchers have taken this cue from nature to create something pretty cool for our homes. 

    Let’s dive into how this revolutionary window technology works, keeping your home comfortable without using a single watt of electricity.

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    Solar Gate window facade system (Conné van d’Grachten)

    Nature’s ingenious design

    Pine cones have these amazing scales that respond to moisture. When it’s damp, they close up tight. But when it’s warm and dry, they open wide to release their seeds. This simple yet effective mechanism has inspired scientists to develop a smart window system that could change the way we think about energy efficiency in buildings.

    smart windows 2

    Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)

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    The Solar Gate window system

    Scientists from Germany’s universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed what is known as the Solar Gate window facade system. It’s like having tiny pinecones built right into your windows. These smart windows have special elements that curl up when it’s cool and moist, letting in sunlight to warm your home. But when it’s hot and dry, they flatten out to block the sun and keep things cool inside.

    smart windows 3

    Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)

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    How it works

    The Solar Gate system consists of a gridded array of pine-cone-scale-inspired self-bending elements housed between two panes of glass in an aluminum-frame window unit. Each element is ingeniously crafted with three distinct layers, each serving a unique purpose. The bottom layer is composed of a cellulose powder and a thermoplastic blend that swells when exposed to moisture. Above this lies a middle layer made of thermoplastic, which remains unaffected by moisture.

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    The top layer consists of flexible biocomposite filaments that serve to hold the entire structure together. When exposed to moist air, the bottom layer expands, causing the element to curl upwards. Conversely, in dry conditions, it returns to its flattened state. This simple yet effective mechanism allows the window to respond automatically to changing weather conditions, providing optimal shading and light penetration as needed.

    smart windows 4

    Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)

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    Real-world testing

    The Solar Gate system underwent rigorous real-world testing to prove its effectiveness. In a comprehensive year-long study, researchers installed 424 Solar Gate elements in the south-facing skylight of a research building at the University of Freiburg. The results of this extensive trial were nothing short of impressive.

    During the cool, wet winter months, the elements responded by curling upwards, allowing ample sunlight to penetrate the building. This natural response effectively warmed and illuminated the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial heating and lighting. Conversely, as the seasons changed and brought warmer, drier summer conditions, the elements automatically flattened out.

    This flattening action served to block excess sunlight, effectively keeping the building’s interior cool and comfortable without the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. The test demonstrated the system’s ability to autonomously adapt to changing weather conditions, providing optimal comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.

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    smart windows 5

    Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)

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    The future of energy-efficient buildings

    This innovative approach to building technology has far-reaching implications beyond just window systems. Researchers have already begun exploring similar biomimetic principles in a variety of applications. For instance, studies have investigated the development of shading systems using wooden slats that can open and close in response to environmental conditions.

    In the realm of textiles, scientists are working on “smart” clothing fabrics that can adapt to ambient temperature, providing optimal comfort for wearers. Perhaps most intriguingly, these principles are even being applied to the field of robotics, with researchers developing tiny mobile robots that can respond to environmental stimuli in ways inspired by natural mechanisms. As we continue to draw inspiration from nature’s ingenious designs, the potential for creating more sustainable and responsive technologies seems boundless.

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    smart windows 6

    Solar Gate window facade system (ICD/IntCDC University of Stuttgart)

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Nature never ceases to amaze us with its ingenious solutions, and the Solar Gate window system is a brilliant example of how we can harness these natural wonders. By mimicking the pinecone, scientists have created a game-changing technology that could revolutionize how we approach energy efficiency in our buildings. It’s exciting to think about a future where our homes and offices adapt to the environment just like living organisms do. Who knew that the key to smarter buildings was hiding in our forests all along?

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  • Eli Manning says Peyton Manning trying to ‘steal’ 2025 Pro Bowl playbook

    Eli Manning says Peyton Manning trying to ‘steal’ 2025 Pro Bowl playbook

    For the third consecutive year, the Manning brothers will return as head coaches and go head-to-head in an action-packed Pro Bowl weekend, featuring star offensive and defensive players from the AFC and NFC.

    Peyton Manning, two-time Super Bowl champion and arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, will coach the AFC. Eli Manning, two-time Super Bowl champion who infamously beat Tom Brady to win both games, will coach the 2025 Pro Bowl’s NFC team.

    “Peyton kind of keeps trying to steal my strategies,” Eli told Fox News Digital. “He keeps trying to steal my playbook.”

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    Former NFL players Peyton Manning, left, and Eli Manning are going head-to-head for a third consecutive year as head coaches for the 2025 Pro Bowl between the AFC and the NFC. (Harry How/Getty Images)

    Last year, Eli’s NFC squad triumphed against Peyton’s AFC roundup in a final 64-59.

    In 2023, Eli beat Peyton 35-33.

    “It’s been a lot of fun coaching the Pro Bowl these last two years,” Eli said. “Especially beating Peyton these last two years.”

    The sibling rivalry is clearly alive and well in the Manning family, as Eli pointed the finger at Peyton for lacking the necessary skills to beat him, especially with regard to the game’s skills challenges.

    “He didn’t think about, and he didn’t really worry about, the skill challenges last year,” Eli told Fox News Digital. “He was all worried about the playbook and the X’s and O’s on the field where we just dominated him in the skills.

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    “Peyton’s not good at dodgeball. Peyton’s not good at ping pong. He’s not good at pool,” Eli said. “All he did was play football growing up, so he never learned any other skill. He didn’t know how to coach the players in some of those skills.”

    Eli touted his superior past of playing tug-of-war as one of his many advantages against his brother.

    “I almost went pro in tug-of-war years ago,” Eli said.

    The youngest Manning brother added that Peyton’s preparation includes studying and consulting with experts for the skills challenges, a relay race and dodgeball, among others.

    “I’ve just got to really rely on my instincts and, in my experience, playing flag football,” Eli said of his own strategy.

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    Peyton and Eli Manning sitting

    Former NFL Superbowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, right, talk prior to the SEC Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 3, 2022 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

    Above all else, Eli said he is excited to arrive in Orlando, Florida, and celebrate a season of successful football.

    “That’s what this is all about,” he said. “All of these guys had unbelievable seasons.”

    Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Myles Garrett, Cameron Heyward and Joe Thuney are among the AFC team’s headliners who earned their spot on the roster.

    Jared Goff, Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Lane Johnson, Nick Bosa and Justin Jefferson are among the NFC athletes set to deliver a riveting flag-football performance on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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    “I watch these guys every Sunday competing on the AFC and NFC side,” Eli said. “To get to know them a bit, to get to hang out with them and see their personalities off the field is what I look forward to the most.”

    In partnership with Knob Creek, Eli launched a single barrel bourbon, Eli Manning’s 2025 Bold Pick, just in time for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LIX.

    “I got to go down to Kentucky and hand pick this bourbon,” Eli told Fox News Digital.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

  • New Republican leader Lisa McClain talks messaging ‘playbook’ in the Trump era

    New Republican leader Lisa McClain talks messaging ‘playbook’ in the Trump era

    EXCLUSIVE: Leading the House Republican communications policy under a president like Donald Trump, who is known to frequently air his thoughts on the public stage, is likely not an easy task.

    But Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., the new House GOP Conference Chair, argues that the outspoken commander-in-chief makes her job easier – in part, because of his simple but ubiquitous tagline.

    “If you take a look at the last election cycle, Republicans had the winning message, and it was simple, it was consistent, and it was easily repeatable, right?” McClain said. “So, ‘Make America Great.’ Make America ‘blank’ again. Make America strong again. Make America energy independent. It was simple and it was concise. And the message worked so well that it didn’t matter if you were in a [moderate or heavily Republican] district.”

    “Everyone’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. They have a playbook that they can all sing from, so to speak.”

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     Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., is the new No. 4 House Republican leader (Tom Williams)

    McClain, now the No. 4 House GOP leader, has been in senior leadership for just over three weeks. But she’s largely shunned the solo stage that comes with the role in favor of shining that spotlight on lesser-known members of the GOP.

    She has co-authored op-eds with rank-and-file lawmakers and promoted interview opportunities on issues that affect their home states. McClain told Fox News Digital that she saw her job as elevating the existing qualities that helped members of the conference win their elections.

    “People want to help. They want to be engaged. They want to feel part of something. And I think my job as conference chair, I can help give them a platform,” she said. 

    Like Trump, she made her living in business before coming into politics. Before being elected to Congress in the 2020 races, McClain ran a 700-person financial planning company in her home state of Michigan.

    Asked why she decided to run, McClain joked, “I blame it on my daughter.”

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    Trump mar-a-lago

    McClain said President Trump’s messaging style makes her job easier. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

    “So we have Sunday dinner, and that’s kind of my time to hold court,” she recalled. “I was on my soapbox about something. And my daughter Ryan looked at me…’You can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.’ She was being sassy. ‘Why don’t you run for Congress and do something about it?’ So that kind of planted the seed.” 

    But since being elected, McClain said she’s carried at least one lesson over from the business world – relationships.

    “We are stronger together as a team. And the more people you have on the team, the better you are,” she said.

    Just this week, she and a team of House GOP leaders sat down with Trump to discuss his agenda.

    Those relationships extend past her fellow lawmakers, however. 

    House Republican leadership

    McClain will now be a regular presence at the House GOP weekly leadership press conference, alongside Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer. (Getty Images)

    Her predecessor, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. – whom McClain heaped praise on during her interview – was known to operate with a tight circle and largely kept the media at arm’s length.

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    But McClain is known for her open demeanor with journalists, both through informal chats on Capitol Hill and occasionally sparring with members of the media on more difficult issues.

    “You want to tell a story, I also want to tell a story. So if we work together, as long as we’re fair or respectful to each other, I think we can work together to help shape that narrative on what the story is we’re trying to tell,” McClain said. “Because at the end of the day, if I don’t share my narrative with you on what’s the story we’re trying to tell, you’re going to come up with a story on your own. So why wouldn’t we work together to share that story? It just makes sense.”