Trump's new DOGE commission, tasked with cutting spending, has floated laying off federal workers.Government employees told BI they're preparing by networking and freshening their resumes.Amid the concerns with DOGE, some employees said there could be benefits to its aims.Federal employees are reporting mixed feelings about President-elect Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency and its ideas to cut costs by laying off workers and enforcing return-to-office mandates.Some are worried, some are optimistic, and most are considering their other career options, said 10 people who spoke with Business Insider. Most asked for anonymity for fear of professional repercussions."We're just workers. We work in a nonpartisan way," one Department of Health and Human Services employee said, adding that they're nervous, especially because they recently bought a home. "It kind of feels like we're being villainized."On the other hand, Jesus Soriano, a program director at the National Science Foundation for 13 years who's also president of the agency's American Federation of Government Employees union, said that while employees are scared, there are "reasons for optimism with DOGE."Of Trump's picks to lead the unofficial commission, he said Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy "are technologists.""They have both of them in their own fields translated science into products that have tremendous impact on the public," he said, "and that contribute to America being a preeminent powerhouse."Musk, of course, is CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and other various companies. Ramaswamy started a tech-focused pharmaceutical company called Roivant Sciences.In the wake of the DOGE Commission, many government workers said they were updating their resumes, networking more, or assessing new career options regardless of their political beliefs."Everyone is putting their ducks in a row," a Department of Housing and Urban Development administrative worker of 10 years who worked under Trump's first term told BI. "You can't be lackadaisical, regardless that the government may take forever to do something. You better be one step ahead at all times."While it's still unclear how exactly DOGE would cut government spending, Musk and Ramaswamyeliminate some government agencies, potentially lay off thousands of federal workers, and compel others to return to officeThe federal government is the largest employer in the US, paying more than 2 million civilian workers. The Departments of Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Defense are among the top employers, with workers earning average salaries near $100,000. Just under half of all workers across 24 agencies were telework-eligible as of May 2024, according to an Office of Management and Budget report."Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome: If federal employees don't want to show up, American taxpayers shouldn't pay them for the Covid-era privilege of staying home," Musk and Ramaswamy wrote of their cost cutting plans in a recent op-ed in The Wall Street Journal.Brian Hughes, a Trump-Vance transition spokesman, told BI that the administration "will have a place for people serving in government who are committed to defending the rights of the American people, putting America first, and ensuring the best use of working men and women's tax dollars." He didn't offer any details on potential cuts.Soriano, the National Science Foundation program director, said government workers were "still scared." He said five colleagues he's spoken to are actively seeking new jobs or opting to retire.Increased efficiency is a welcomed idea. In-office mandates, not so much.Trimming government spending and improving efficiency is an idea often discussed on both sides of the political spectrum.President Ronald Reagan pursued a similar goal with the Grace Commission, a team of 160 private-sector executives who proposed more than 2,000 cost-cutting measures. President Bill Clinton also attempted to reduce federal spending and improve government efficiency with the National Performance Review, led by federal employees.The efforts had mixed results. Many proposals from the Grace Commission that relied on congressional acts didn't end up happening, while executive orders were successful in reducing the head count of federal workers. Clinton's panel similarly succeeded in cutting 300,000 federal workers but only managed to get a quarter of proposals that required legislative action through Congress.An operations manager at the US Postal Service who has worked in the department for 27 years told BI that every company has inefficiencies and "that's what we all strive to decrease."However, he has concerns about people stepping in to make suggestions for the Postal Service without having "tribal knowledge" of the department."If you're just going to be appointed to this type of commission or committee with no knowledge of what exactly the Postal Service does, then that could potentially be a problem," he said.DOGE's intent to eliminate remote work is also a concern for some workers. The HUD employee, who had been working remotely, said return-to-office enforcement would "absolutely" be enough to cause them to resign. They're preparing for the potential of layoffs under DOGE by looking at other employment opportunities, and said their colleagues at HUD are taking similar steps.Joyce Howell, an attorney at the Environmental Protection Agency who's been at the agency for over 31 years and serves as executive vice president of its AFGE union said that the incoming administration has stoked concern about layoffs at the EPA and fears that its mission could be compromised."We have town halls once a month, and we've actually broken our Zoom account in terms of the number of people attending," she said of union meetings.Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in the Journal op-ed that the commission would target more than $500 billion in what they calledAn employee at the Food and Drug Administration said that it's not that easy: "We're here to support a mission. We have families to feed, and it's not as easy as just quitting our jobs," the FDA employee said."We're just normal, everyday people we're being portrayed as inefficient, lazy people," the FDA worker said. "It feels like they're coming for us just for their own agenda, not realizing that we're the backbone of the federal government."Another federal government lifer said that many workers like them people who have been there for years are nervous they might be the first to go. The career tenure of a median federal government worker was 6.5 years in 2024, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, well above the median 3.5 years private workers have spent in their roles.One senior official at the Commerce Department told BI they anticipate a civil servant brain drain. "The scientists are the most concerned," the official said, with those in climate, meteorology, and environmental science particularly worried.Meanwhile, the Department of Education has been singled out as an entire agency that could be on the chopping block.Sheria Smith, president of theRather, being turned into a "Schedule F" workforce, which allows government agencies to reclassify workers and remove certain protections that make them easier to fire, could mean that employees who aren't "aligned with the executive wholly" could be laid off based on performance.And given the widespread denigration of the Education Department and return-to-office threats, people are likely looking for other work. "I'd be surprised if they weren't," Smith said.Are you a federal worker willing to share your story? Contact these reporters at aaltcheck@businessinsider.com, asheffey@businessinsider.com, and jkaplan@businessinsider.com, gweiss@businessinsider.com.

Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, Democratic lawmakers and reproductive rights advocates have maintained a clear strategy: Win a more progressive Democratic trifecta in 2024, eliminate the Senate filibuster, and pass comprehensive federal protections. When reporters asked about contingency plans particularly given polls suggesting full Democratic control was unlikely such questions were dismissed, cast as premature or defeatist. Now, with Donald Trumps return to power and Republicans set to control Congress, that strategy is drawing fresh questions. The GOP has signaled some openness to compromise: While campaigning, Trump said he supported abortion exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and protecting the life of the mother, and he promised to mandate insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Several Republican lawmakers have backed their own fertility treatment bills. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) backed a Democratic-led IVF measure and speaks openly about his familys consideration of the procedure. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has pushed legislation to expand over-the-counter contraception.But reproductive rights organizations are doubtful. We are not willing to compromise when it comes to our ability to make decisions about our bodies, lives and future, Gretchen Borchelt, of the National Womens Law Center (NWLC), said on a press call the day after the election. What is the compromise that would provide relief for Amber Nicole Thurmans family whos grieving her every single day? added NWLCs president Fatima Goss Graves, referring to a patient who died from sepsis after being denied care.Vox asked six major advocacy groups if they would consider pushing for new federal protections under a Republican-led Congress, be it for IVF, birth control or abortion. Most avoided giving a direct answer, instead directing the conversation to Republican accountability and the harm caused by abortion bans.The stance reflects a deeper calculation: that accepting anything less than people deserve meaning access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care for any reason would legitimize restrictions and undermine the broader fight for bodily autonomy. When asked about pursuing partial protections versus holding out for more Democrats, groups choose waiting. We are really looking at this from a defensive position, said Ryan Stitzlein, the vice president of political and government relations at Reproductive Freedom for All, the group formerly known as NARAL. We read Project 2025, we are very familiar with the folks in leadership on the Republican side and are preparing for them to levy attacks on reproductive freedom at all levels of government on the administrative side. Polling suggests there may be political opportunitiesDespite the Biden eras surprising bipartisan deals on thorny issues from gun control to climate change, there were never similar attempts to forge bipartisan compromise on reproductive rights. When a small group of Republican and Democratic senators introduced legislation in 2022 to codify elements of Roe, abortion rights groups quickly rejected the idea, arguing in part that it did not go far enough. Even on issues like IVF and birth control, where Republican support seemed possible and anti-abortion groups held less sway, there were no serious efforts to find common ground. To be sure, while many Republicans have sought to reassure voters that they support IVF, their voting record thus far tells a different story. Many of those same lawmakers co-sponsored the Life at Conception Act, which could severely restrict fertility treatments by granting legal personhood from the moment of conception. Republicans have largely voted against Democratic IVF legislation, while claiming theyd support narrower fertility treatment bills and criticizing Democrats for not being open to working on amendments.Related:Alabamas IVF warning to the countryStill, polling suggests potential political opportunities. About 80 percent of voters say protecting contraception access is deeply important to them, and 72 percent of Republican voters had a favorable view of birth control. IVF is even more popular: 86 percent of Americans think it should be legal, including 78 percent of self-identified pro-life advocates and 83 percent of evangelical Christians. Americans support for abortion rights has intensified since the fall of Roe, and this reality shaped some Republicans rhetoric on the campaign trail. Newly elected Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick ran on a platform of fighting restrictions on fertility treatments and proposing a $15,000 tax credit for IVF.Some policy strategists have suggested that, regardless of Republican sincerity, Democrats and abortion rights groups might benefit from pushing votes on new IVF and birth control bills, even if they offer limited protections or codify certain provisions that advocates oppose.Such moves could either win new concrete protections or expose Republican resistance. But Democratic leadership and abortion rights groups for now seem uninterested in this approach, preferring to maintain pressure for comprehensively restoring rights. We havent seen a genuine effort from Republicans that they engage in this conversation, Stitzlein said. Weve seen them propose bills to try to save face in response to Dobbs and the Alabama IVF ruling.Should Democrats keep their red line on abortion exceptions?The political math around abortion exceptions would seem straightforward. Trump ostensibly supports them. Most Americans, including many Republicans, believe abortion should be legal in cases of rape, incest, and threats to theparents life. And women are being demonstrably harmed by the lack of workable exceptions in state bans today. One recent study estimated that more than 3 million women in the US will experience a pregnancy from rape in their lifetime.Yet when asked whether they would consider seeking federal protections for abortion exceptions during Republican control as a harm reduction measure, established advocacy groups showed no interest, pointing to patients like Kate Cox and Amanda Zurawski who almost lost their lives or fertility despite state bans with exceptions.As we are seeing across the country, exceptions often dont work in practice, so people should not take comfort in those or rely on them, Rachana Desai Martin, chief government and external relations officer at the Center for Reproductive Rights, told Vox.This position stems from a core belief: that any engagement with exceptions would validate the broader framework of restrictions. Some doctors on the ground in states with restrictive bans have bemoaned the lack of support theyve received for carving out exceptions. I worry that reproductive rights advocates may be digging into untenable positions and failing to listen to those affected most by the current reality, wrote one maternal-fetal medicine physician in Tennessee. On the question of codifying emergency medical protections, Planned Parenthood Action Fund stressed in an email that, narrow health exceptions or those that focus only on emergencies are a disservice to patients and their health care providers because every pregnancy is unique. The position is particularly notable given these same groups strong defense of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) at the Supreme Court this year. The groups argued that EMTALA which requires hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment, including emergency abortion care represents a crucial federal protection for women in medical crises. Yet when asked about codifying the Biden administrations interpretation of EMTALA or similar protections through legislation, the groups demurred.Internationally, exceptions have served as imperfect stepping stones to broader rights. Colombias journey from total ban to full decriminalization began with three abortion exceptions in 2006 for health risks, fatal fetal conditions, and rape. Over 16 years, advocates used these flawed measures to help build public support and legal precedent for expanding access, ultimately leading to decriminalizing the procedure up to 24 weeks in 2022.India and Spain followed similar trajectories. Indias 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act initially permitted abortion for married women in cases of rape or health risks, including mental health risk when contraception failed. This framework allowed for significant access, and advocates used it to gradually build broader rights first emphasizing public health arguments around unsafe abortions, then expanding to gender equality concerns. This incremental approach led to significant expansions in 2021 and 2022, including extended gestational limits and broader access for unmarried women. Spains path from its restrictive 1985 law to its 2010 legalization up to 14 weeks followed a similar pattern, with advocates particularly leveraging Spains mental health exception to create de facto broad access.These tensions between principle and pragmatism, between long-term strategy and immediate needs have taken on new urgency as patients in the US encounter the limitations of state-level abortion exceptions. In Louisiana, which has exceptions for protecting life, health, and fatal fetal conditions, almost no legal abortions have been reported since its ban took effect. Doctors say ambiguous laws and criminal penalties make them unwilling to test the rules. But rather than pursue clearer federal standards around exceptions, advocacy groups are betting on abortion rights becoming more prominent as restrictions continue. Americans will continue waking up to stories of women who died preventable deaths because they were denied access to essential health care and voters will continue to see these bans wreak havoc on their families and communities, declared a post-election strategy memo from Emilys List, National Womens Law Center Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Reproductive Freedom for All. With anti-abortion politicians in power, abortion rights will only grow in salience for voters in elections to come.Working with Republicans on even limited protections could also undercut the narrative of GOP extremism a message advocacy groups see as crucial for winning in 2026 and 2028.A high-stakes political betDespite abortion rights proving less galvanizing in the most recent election than Democrats had hoped, reproductive rights groups are betting that voter attitudes will shift as restrictions continue. Currently, 28 million women, plus more trans and nonbinary people of reproductive age, live in states with abortion bans.We have no interest in shrinking our vision, Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive director of Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, said, but the politicians who will soon govern a majority pro-abortion country would do well to expand theirs.In an interview with Vox, Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said she will work with anyone in Congress who wants to collaborate in good-faith to protect abortion rights, but stressed that as Democrats move into the minority, the onus will be on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate with them in a serious way. Asked about potential deal-breakers, Smith declined to discuss specific provisions in the abstract, saying she would wait to see complete proposals.Smiths view captured the movements current predicament: We have been saying for several years after Dobbs that the way to protect peoples access to abortion is to win elections for people who are willing to protect those rights. And that didnt happen, so there is no magic solution here.Update, November 26, 2024, 12:15 pm ET: This story was originally published on November 20 and has been updated to include more context on Indias 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

The Democratic Party struggled in the 2024 elections, losing control of the Senate and the presidency, and failing to regain the House. The party is still assessing what went wrong in those defeats but one bright spot is in southwestern Washington, where Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pulled out a win in Trump country for the second election in a row.In 2024, Gluesenkamp Perez, a moderate Democrat and member of the Houses Blue Dog Coalition, defeated her 2022 opponent in a rematch and widened her margin of victory in the process. She credits her win to her working-class, rural roots and authentic connection to her home district, as well as a focus on issues with bipartisan support, such as right to repair laws.Gluesenkamp Perez and her husband live in unincorporated Skamania County, a wooded region with a population of about 12,000. She co-owns an auto repair and machine shop with her husband, Dean, which he still runs.Gluesenkamp Perez sat down with Today, Explained to discuss her win, where she thinks her party went wrong, and what she hopes to focus on in the next Congress. Below is an excerpt of our conversation, edited for length and clarity. Theres much more in the full podcast, so listen to Today, Explained on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.Noel KingTell me a bit more about yourself. Marie Gluesenkamp PerezI live in a really rural part of a rural county. We get our internet from a radio tower. We get our water from a well. My familys been in Washington state for generations. My dad immigrated here from Mexico and met my mom at Western Washington University. Im just incredibly honored to have a heritage of people who believe in making things that last and who understand the value and the necessity of what we have in Washington state and southwest Washington and a loyalty to a place that is so necessary, and that were increasingly alienated from culturally. Noel KingWhat inspired you to go into politics? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezI was not inspired by politics. My predecessor was one of the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. And I knew everybody that had her yard signs up like clockwork. And they started putting up this guy Joe Kents yard signs. And I started watching his YouTube and was like, This guys got good hair and bad ideas. I remember watching a Republican primary candidate forum on YouTube and somebody asked all of the candidates to name just three lakes in southwest Washington, and he couldnt do it. If youre not doing this because what we have is precious and worth fighting for, why are you doing it? Having a political agenda imported from somewhere else that is so far from our values and our community and our prioritiesNoel KingLets talk about the place. Washingtons Third is a swing district. It was held by a Republican for 12 years before you won in 2022. Donald Trump backed your opponent, Joe Kent, in a big way. Why do you think you won? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezWhat we want in southwest Washington is to see our priorities and our culture reflected in Washington, DC. We dont want a national agenda or a culture from somewhere else, imported and replacing our community, our values, our priorities. And so just a real focus on what my community needs, what our values are, who we are. You know, the district went for Trump by 7 points in 2016. And last time I won by two votes in each precinct. And this time we were able to point to my record. Im in the top 3 percent of most bipartisan voting members of the US House and Im not here to play partisan football. Im here because I see and value what we have, and I know its worth fighting for. Ive never felt entitled to peoples votes. Im not here for an agenda from a think tank somewhere. Noel KingWhy do you think bipartisanship played so well back in Washington Third District? What were you pointing to exactly? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezI was talking to the director of one of our largest labor and delivery wards, and she told me that right now 40 percent of the babies born in her hospital have at least one parent addicted to fentanyl. Forty percent this is generational carnage and its everywhere. People want to stop the flow of fentanyl. I think a lot of us have felt like if this was a thing in the lives of people with more money and influence, it would have been addressed sooner. Noel KingAnd so [youre talking about] immigration, right? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezWere talking about border security. For so long theyve been married, but together theres two issues: immigration and border security. And were saying we cannot wait for a perfect immigration policy to have a secure border to stop the flow of fentanyl. And so that was a big point for me.You know, on the student student loan forgiveness, I looked at the data. My district only holds 3 percent of the federally issued debt. This was a regressive tax policy. If you support progressive tax strategies, you should do that consistently, not just when theres party favors. And I had people protest our auto shop.Noel KingJust to clarify, you voted against President Bidens student debt relief. People looked at you and said, Youre a Democrat, how dare you? Talk to me about how that affected you back home. Marie Gluesenkamp PerezThey were really aggressive on our online reviews. We take real pride in the quality of work we do. People were just bombing it whod never been customers. But I was hearing from my community, We dont want the trades to be considered an afterthought. We dont want to be second fiddle really challenging the idea that academic intelligence is the thing that we should be supporting. We want a level playing field for the trades, for all of the forms of intelligence. We want good jobs that dont require a college degree. We want honors-level shop class in junior high. Those are the things that reflect our values and our priorities. And so thats how I vote. Noel KingThis is where the pushback comes in, when youre in national office and you vote on something that affects everybody in the country. Not many people in your district ended up in a lot of college debt. But all across the United States, many, many, many young people did. Youre in national office. You dont just vote for this little corner of Washington because your vote as one of 435 affects the whole country. How do you respond to that? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezMy job is to represent my community. And I think the way that you arrive at good policy is by having everyone show up at the table with the unique perspectives of their community and loyalty there. And that is how you end up with better policy in the end. You dont get good legislation without having people who are driving trucks and changing diapers and turning wrenches at the table not as an afterthought, but in the inception of the legislation. There are ways that that proposal could have been much more progressive. You know, things like Pell Grants or focusing on the bigger, systemic issue of why college tuition has increased 481 percent since I was born. Thats the systemic solution that I think we need to be considering and evaluating, like how are we going to provide a level playing field for everyone? Noel KingLets talk nationally. Theres another two years to look forward to, in which Democrats will be in the minority in both the House and the Senate. They lost the presidency. How do you think the party moves forward? People are looking at you as the face of a new kind of Democratic politics. Whether you like that or not, people say, We should look at this gal because she seems to be saying something. She won in a Trump district. She seems to be saying something that people who voted for Donald Trump can get behind. Where do the Democrats go? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezWell, again, look, Im not a strategist, but I think 90 percent of Americans agree about 90 percent of the issues. And they have found the 10 things we disagree about to drive a stake through the heart of our community.Noel KingLike what?Marie Gluesenkamp PerezPick anything. Anything thats in the national ads and instead, say, it is not partisan to want to be able to fix your own car; right to repair laws are not partisan; wanting to own a home, not partisan. One of the things I really love about living where I live we dont have trash service. So every six weeks, we go to the dump and take our stuff, and so you have to see everything you bought. There is nowhere else, right? You should have to see all of the tiny little yogurt cups you bought, and have accountability, and not have an idea of the woods as a terrarium or as something thats just a recreational asset, but as something that is living, breathing and relevant. I think were consuming like half the lumber per capita that we were in the 70s. And the reality is a lot of that has been replaced by petroleum-based products. By thinking about things in this hyper-local way, by seeing the trash that you bought, you are able to arrive at a better national and global solution. Noel KingDo you think thats what Republicans did in 2024? Because whether you support Donald Trump or youre a critic of his, one thing that you can say he successfully did is he turned local issues national. Springfield, Ohio, was struggling with an influx of immigrants. There is no reason that somebody in Maine or Florida or Texas should have cared at all about Springfield, Ohio. That was a local issue. Donald Trump took that little local issue, made it a national issue. Some analysts say that is what helped him win. It seems counter to what youre saying, which is that a local issue is a local issue, and we shouldnt make it national because it wont let us win. Marie Gluesenkamp PerezPeople want to be heard. I had a lot of people, colleagues, saying, How do we get people to understand that the economys actually great?Noel KingThis was a Democratic line. Marie Gluesenkamp PerezDont do that. People are putting their groceries on a credit card. You go to Albertsons or whatever, your grocery store, and you feel like youre in a game of chicken with the CEO. Nobody cares about your spreadsheets. I dont know that any political party is doing this very well. But I think theres a lot of work to be done on conveying cultural respect and regard for the people that are building our country, that are growing our food, that are keeping the wheels on the bus and conveying that respect sincerely and thinking and listening with curiosity. That is how we get our country back, how we build community again.We are all very lonely and feeling isolated. Some people think its their civic duty to unfriend somebody on Facebook [over how they voted] that is such an impoverished view of the world. Its isolating, and its lonely. I think getting back to a place where we are finding nonpolitical ways of conveying our values thats progress, that is how you grow the field of people who feel real, that is how you build a coalition that can actually pass useful legislation. Noel KingDo you think theres a kind of snobbery within the Democratic Party where maybe the heroes that the party is choosing are the wrong heroes? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezIt feels like everybody [in Washington, DC] is under 40 and has at least two degrees. And, you know, thats not what the country looks like. Thats not what the value system is everywhere. There are fewer than five members of Congress who actually have a child in day care. Thats why theres not a sense of urgency around the affordability crisis. I was talking to a constituent. She works in child care. She told me she is not legally allowed to peel a banana or an orange, [because] that is considered food prep. They are not a licensed food prep facility. So they can open a bag of chips [but] cant peel a banana. And I went round and round and round for like four months and I had my office talking to local regulators and licensors and elected officials. And they kept saying, Shes dumb, she doesnt understand the rules. Noel KingDoes she understand the rules? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezYes. Their licensors said they would need six more sinks before they were legally allowed to be engaged in food prep. And I dont think this is a small thing. I have a toddler. I know how durable food preferences are. So I introduced a bill that creates a positive right to serve fresh fruits and vegetables. It says, if your state is taking federal dollars for child care, you will not infringe on the right to serve fresh fruits and vegetables. And this is the long work of building strong local agriculture and national health. Noel KingIt is also, if were being honest, in a tradition that more closely hews to what Republicans think. Youre pointing to overregulation and youre saying this is ridiculous. And I can imagine Democrats saying, but what about listeria? Every time you turn on the news these days, there is listeria in something, theres E. coli in something, youre going to give it to the kids. How do you square the party that youre in and the historical positions that its taken on things like regulation? Marie Gluesenkamp PerezI dont know if its necessarily partisan. Parents know that food preferences and children are very durable, so my experience as a young mom is whats driving that, not a partisan agenda. But I think that this is absolutely one of the reasons that theres one licensed day care facility in my entire county. Think about the overhead of installing six different sinks. Noel KingDo you look at legislation like that legislation as something that bridges a partisan divide? The thing that youre looking at for the next two years is Democrats either work with Republicans or get nothing done. And Im wondering if what youre saying here is that, if we have some compromise ideas, at least we can get some things done. Marie Gluesenkamp PerezYeah, I think these issues are too urgent to be delayed. We have got to find some common ground here to work and deliver value to our communities. And so I think theres a lot of work that can be done that is not partisan. Thats good for the country.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

When is the new God Of War out and where will it be set?Michael BeckwithPublished November 26, 2024 6:20pm Whats next in store for Kratos and Atreus? (Sony)With Sony providing no updates on the God Of War series, fans have been left to speculate on what could be next for their favourite angry dad.Although it remains one of PlayStations biggest franchises, the future of the God Of War series is very hard to predict at the moment.After the series was revived with the 2018 game, which doubled as both a soft reboot and continuation, Sony and developer Santa Monica Studio opted to end their new Norse saga after just two games.With God Of War Ragnark offering something of a conclusive end to Kratos journey of redemption, we revisit the biggest rumours surrounding the series to theorise what Sony could have in mind for the future.Is a new God Of War game in development?While theres been no formal confirmation, you have to imagine another sequel is at least being planned. God Of War is a prominent and popular IP, which means theres still money to be made.Theres also no reason to believe any such sequel wont be helmed by Santa Monica Studio. The developer is apparently busy with other unrelated projects, including what could be a new sci-fi title, but there are signs its begun work on a new God Of War as well.Plus, shortly after God Of War Ragnarks release, director Eric Williams expressed an eagerness to continue working on the series: I remember talking to someone from another game company, where they were trying to get me to leave. They said, Do you just want to be known as the God Of War guy for the rest of your life? That was your big pitch to dissuade me? Because yes, I kind of do.Last year, there were rumours of Santa Monica developing either God Of War Ragnark DLC or one of Sonys half-sequels in the same vein as Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and Spider-Man: Miles Morales.Its possible those rumours were referring to the free Valhalla DLC that was announced at that years The Game Awards, which acted as an epilogue to the main story, but a half-sequel does seem entirely plausible.Any full-fledged sequel is probably years away from coming out, so a smaller scale game would help whet fans appetites until then and perhaps bridge the gap to whatever pantheon of gods Kratos takes on this time. If Kratos is even the main character next timeWhat is the setting for the next God Of War?The most common guess for the setting of the new God Of War is ancient Egypt but despite that being a long-running theory amongst fans theres never been any evidence for it.Some concept artwork has been misconstrued to indicate that Egypt is next but beyond it being a logical choice theres nothing concrete pointing towards it.A more recent and popular rumour claims Sony plans on releasing remasters of the original Greek God Of War games, with XboxEras Nick Baker claiming to have heard something similar.Again, theres no hard evidence for this, but its entirely plausible given Sonys been mining older titles for remasters, such as Horizon Zero Dawn and The Last Of Us Part 2, to pad out its release schedule amid a dearth of original first-party titles.The PlayStation 2 era games are very different from the Norse ones in terms of tone and gameplay though, so its debatable how much theyd appeal to people that only came on board with the 2018 game.Wed be remiss not to mention a God Of War TV show is also in the works at Amazon. But theres similarly little information about that project, with a Deadline report saying works starting over from scratch after the departure of the showrunner and three executive producers. Kratos may no longer be the main protagonist (Sony Interactive Entertainment)When will a new God Of War game be announced?There was speculation recently of a God Of War related announcement happening on the horizon, which originated from a livestream by Christopher Judge, the voice actor for Kratos.A short clip of Judge vaguely promising multiple announcements before signing off with Kratos iconic boy line quickly made the rounds, leading some to think he was teasing a reveal for a God Of War sequel or the aforementioned remasters.More TrendingVoice actors have never been a reliable source for game announcements though, and sure enough Judge had to post a statement stressing he knows nothing about any future games.You cant tease something you know nothing about, wrote Judge. I will be making announcements in the near future, I can guarantee none of them will be about OUR beloved God Of War. I am awaiting updates just like everyone else.Any official announcement of a new God Of War would no doubt be saved for either a dedicated PlayStation showcase or a major gaming event like The Game Awards.The Game Awards 2024 are coming up on December 13, but despite Judges comments theres so far been nothing to indicate Sony will have any gaming announcements during the event. Whatever the next game involves, its bound to give Kratos an excuse to kill another pantheon (Sony)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Ravenswatch its very brown (Nacon)Hades is the inspiration for a new four-player co-op game that features an inspired array of folklore heroes, from Sun Wukong to the Pied Piper.Roguelikes have always been popular with indie developers, because they let you stretch relatively modest amounts of content a very long way. The runaway success of Hades has done nothing to dim that enthusiasm and that appears to be the main inspiration for Ravenswatch, which is another story-driven action roguelite, this time built around folklore characters rather than Greek mythology.With nine heroes to choose from, five of whom youll need to unlock by completing the opening chapter with different characters, the first thing that strikes you is their diversity. Scarlet is Red Riding Hood, but rather than hiding from the Big Bad Wolf shes co-opted it, turning into a werewolf every time it gets dark in the games fast-moving day/night cycle.Theres also Beowulf, who specialises in crowd control; Sun Wukong, who would have been relatively unknown in the West until Black Myth: Wukong gave him some much-needed profile raising; and more unexpectedly, The Pied Piper, who attacks at range using notes from his pipe, and auto-spawns rats that you can direct to attack enemies.Each comes with a number of special moves on brief cooldown timers, and one ultimate that takes longer to recharge. You unleash these as often as you possibly can, taking on groups of mainly melee-based enemies that stand waiting for you in the games procedurally generated levels, making use of the mini-map in the corner of the screen to help locate points of interest as you explore, slowly removing the fog that covers it.While procedural generation is a roguelike standard, it does mean levels are totally un-memorable, their walls and fences gating off power-ups, forcing you to navigate your way around them, while making little architectural sense and looking visually uninteresting. The game also has bizarrely long load times, which actually made us think the game had crashed the first time we played it.Each of the three chapters is played against a timer, with the boss turning up after a set number of in-game days. That means youre always working against the clock, killing enemies for experience points, snagging new abilities and power-ups, and adding to your health until the inevitable chapter ending showdown. Because youre never completely sure whereabouts everything is, that means some runs are randomly a lot easier.You will at least find that the heroes are completely unique, and some prove to be far more useful in combat than others. Scarlet, with her nightly werewolf cycle, is great. Enemies also change slightly after dark although just looking at the screen its impossible to tell day from night making the rhythm of her runs totally different from the feel of other heroes.The Pied Pipers ranged attacks manage to set him apart, making his runs a little closer to a twin-stick shooter. The Snow Queen has a distance attack, but it only ever points the way shes facing, limiting its usefulness, and Aladdin, while mainly melee, can throw his scimitars, a feature that fails to make up for the fact that his abilities generally feel pretty lacklustre.Thats a wider problem in Ravenswatch than some unexciting special moves. You start each run drastically underpowered, with the initial batch of upgrades you collect hopefully fixing that before you have to face the first chapters boss. But it soon becomes clearly that its primarily designed with four-player co-op in mind.Played solo, the over-simplicity of the combat, and the fact that your single defensive move is on a cooldown timer, means battles lack nuance, degenerating into slugfests where you simply unleash as many special moves as you can until everyones dead.If you die, a teammate can bring you back to life, or in an emergency you can use one of your partys limited supply of raven feathers for an instant revive. Playing solo, all you have are the feathers, although youll also find there are fewer monsters to fight, helping you to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmingly outnumbered.More TrendingThe cel-shaded graphics are reminiscent of developer Passtech Games last action roguelike, 2020s Curse Of The Dead Gods. It looks fine, even if levels tend to have a muddy monotone to them, with only small splashes of fairly muted colour. Enemies are similarly brown, their slim variety eventually making chapters feel samey, especially given how unrewarding some of the heroes are to play.If youve got friends who are planning to buy Ravenswatch, theres fun to be had smashing your way through its three chapters and final boss together. Played solo its harder to recommend, the unsophisticated combat never feeling interesting enough to sustain motivation. Especially as each heros story which is read out at the end of their runs accompanied by nothing but still images feels tacked on rather than integral to the game.The success of Hades may have made top-down roguelites more viable but the problem for other developers is that its set such a high standard that anything else tends to pale by comparison. The focus on co-op was a good idea but even then Ravenswatch struggles to feel like even second best.Ravenswatch review summaryIn Short: A co-op action roguelite with simplistic, special move-based combat and some heroes that dont quite pull their weight, which while fine in multiplayer is not satisfying enough to take on solo.Pros: Unusual collection of folk heroes with very distinct abilities and theres definitely fun to be had in co-op.Cons: Combat is dull without multiplayer. Not much enemy variety, heroes arent well balanced, and its mid-brown cel-shaded graphics get monotonous.Score: 5/10Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PCPrice: 24.99Publisher: NaconDeveloper: Passtech GamesRelease Date: 28th November 2024Age Rating: 18 Ravenswatch we have no idea why this is rated 18 (Nacon)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

By Germain Lussier Published November 26, 2024 | Comments (2) | Let the games begin. Again. Squid Game 2 is coming. Image: Netflix Player 456 is back in the game, but this time hes got a plan. That seems to be whats teased in the new trailer for Squid Game 2, the highly anticipated, seven-episode second season of Netflixs biggest show of all time. When last we saw 456 (The Acolytes Lee Jung-jae) he was the last one standing from the games but vowed to bring them down. This season, we see thatsomehow he does get back in and now is using his prior knowledge for good. But will the others trust him? Lets watch the new trailer and figure it out. What stands out most about this second trailer is that we finally see a few of the new games. We see the standard Red Light, Green Light from season one, but also something with rainbow circles on the ground as well as a giant merry-go-round surrounded by doors. Any ideas?Its probably bad for 456 that he doesnt know these new games but thats to be expected. The trailer also shows him being escorted somewhere by the game masters and a showdown with the man in charge himself. They were waiting and ready for him. In addition, we see shots of the players fighting each otheralways a terrifying notionas well as 456 playing possum when one of the guards comes to check on him. Is he alone? Are others with him? We know that Squid Game 2 is just the second act of the full story, so were guessing the seven episodes that drop on December 26 will only solve part of the mystery. But its a continuation we have been patiently waiting for for a long time now and we cant wait to go back.What are your thoughts on the new trailer for Squid Game 2? Are you going to binge the new episodes immediately? Let us know below. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Isaiah Colbert Published November 26, 2024 By Isaiah Colbert Published November 26, 2024 By Isaiah Colbert Published November 25, 2024 Justin Carter and Isaiah Colbert Published November 25, 2024 By Justin Carter Published November 24, 2024 By Isaiah Colbert Published November 22, 2024

With Wickeds current perch atop pop cultures social-media obsessions, along with all the pink sparkly cosplay and meme-able holding space moments, there were inevitably also gonna be some disparaging grumbles. Not about the movie itselfmost people are freaking out with delight over thatbut over more esoteric concerns. The latest involves an alleged pay disparity between stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande so distressing, Universal made the rare move of actually responding directly to the rumors. Variety writes this came after a New York Post story that sourced unsubstantiated claims by TikTok and Reddit users who believed Grande (a Nickelodeon star turned Grammy-winning pop star) had earned several million dollars more than Erivo (a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner, as well as a two-time Oscar nominee). Unsurprisingly, the studio felt compelled to speak out. Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder, a spokesperson for Universal said in a statement quoted by Variety. The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.How much those equally balanced paychecks were worth, however, is still a mystery. Wickeds box-office take thus far (it had the biggest-ever opening for a Broadway adaptation, according to the trade) would certainly justify generous salaries for its starsand bodes well for 2025s Wicked Part Two, which will wrap up the story a year from now. Will you be ready for a fresh avalanche of Wicked-adjacent rumors to take over the internet all over again? Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Andaluca Park / ADORAS Atelier ArquitecturaSave this picture! ADORAS Atelier ArquitecturaAlcal de Henares, SpainArchitects: ADORAS Atelier ArquitecturaAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:70245 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:ADORAS Atelier ArquitecturaManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: CIN Performance Coatings, Paviprint terra, Saura, SimonMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Andaluca ParkThe historic city of Alcal de Henares, nestled in the valley of the Henares River at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, has experienced significant urban growth since the 1960s. Over the decades, this expansion created neighborhoods lacking proper planning, fragmenting its landscape identity and reducing it to residual transit spaces.Save this picture!In this context, the City Council, in collaboration with ADORAS atelier arquitectura, launched a project to restore the dialogue between the city and the green areas of District V. This led to the renovation proposal for Andaluca Park, inaugurated in 1993, which had gradually become a transit space disconnected from its original purpose: to provide a safe, pleasant place that invites permanence and fosters a sense of belonging.Save this picture!The proposal began with a thorough diagnosis and a process of community engagement to restore the park's main purpose, creating a space of high ecological value and social cohesion, focused on users and rooted in its identity: the Henares River and the Andaluca Gate.Save this picture!The park was previously dominated by hard transit surfaces (4,665 m) compared to green areas (1,861 m). To revitalize the park, it was redesigned as a green tapestry filled with meadows and trees, while paths were minimized to just a diagonal accessible routeused most frequently by localsand a smaller one leading to the bus stop. A meticulous landscape study was conducted to enhance the parks biodiversity by expanding flowerbeds, vegetation, and introducing new shrub species, organized according to their water requirements to improve irrigation efficiency. This resulted in an increase of green areas by 4,896 m and a reduction of hard surfaces by 1,630 m. The project also reconnected the park with its historical fabric by emphasizing two key elements. The first, the Henares River, was reflected through an elevated illuminated pergola that sinuously traverses the park, mimicking the river's meanders. This functional and sculptural element provides identity and a sense of belonging to the neighborhood.Save this picture!The second element, the Andaluca Gatea replica featuring Andalusian detailswas highlighted through an integral mural created by an Andalusian artist. Additionally, a flamenco stage was incorporated as a central dance floor, celebrating this internationally recognized art form.Save this picture!The study of the surroundings and community feedback helped identify the social and generational diversity of the area, resulting in the design of an inclusive space for everyone. The illuminated pergola allows the park to be enjoyed at night, while the dance floor fosters interaction and a festive atmosphere. Open spaces for childrens play, sports activities, and a designated area for pets complete the offerings.Save this picture!Custom furniture was also designed, including the "Banco Kaze," inspired by air movements. This multigenerational bench allows for rest, interaction, and play, meeting the needs of students from three nearby schools.Save this picture!Andaluca Park exemplifies how green spaces can regain their value and identity, offering residents a place that strengthens their sense of belonging and enhances urban quality of life.Save this picture!Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Alcala de Henares, Madrid, SpainLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialsSteelConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on November 27, 2024Cite: "Andaluca Park / ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura" [Parque Andaluca / ADORAS Atelier Arquitectura] 27 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023997/andalucia-park-adoras-atelier-arquitectura&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

The Shop Downstairs / LAR+DSave this picture! Studio PeripheryArchitects: LAR+DAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:58 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Studio Periphery Lead Architects: Cheung Yu Ting, Clifford See More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The Shop Downstairs is a playful and tongue-in-cheek reference to the essential commercial hubs that energize Singapore's public housing communities. Tucked quietly between a row of shops in a charming neighborhood, the optical store's entrance is intentionally skewed, drawing customers in with a welcoming, off-center foyer. The store's design follows an open-plan layout that fosters a seamless flow of activity, creating a relaxed and accessible shopping environment.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The material palette, which echoes the textures and tones of older Singaporean housing estates, is used not just for finishes but also as functional elements within the space. Notably, the island display at the center of the shop is integrated into the floor's terracotta tiles, creating a cohesive visual connection between the display and its surroundings.Save this picture!Save this picture!To address the challenges of a tight construction timeline, a series of modular display units were designed to be prefabricated off-site and assembled quickly. These units line both sides of the store, while rounded edges were incorporated to soften the otherwise sharp, orthogonal character of the space. This design choice helps balance the shop's skewed layout, ensuring a harmonious and visually engaging atmosphere. Glass block partitions further enhance the space by creating subtle separations for private areas, while maintaining an open, airy feel throughout. The translucent partitions allow light to filter through, preserving the shop's lightness and openness, despite its relatively small size.Save this picture!Save this picture!Blending functional elements with a sensible aesthetic results in a balance between practical design and visual appeal. The use of familiar materials allows the space to be cohesive with its surrounding community but stands out as a unique retail experience.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Singapore, SingaporeLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeLAR+DOfficePublished on November 27, 2024Cite: "The Shop Downstairs / LAR+D" 27 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024047/the-shop-downstairs-lar-plus-d&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Old station modeled using the Random Flow addon in Blender.Shops:blendermarket.com/creators/blenderguppygumroad.com/blenderguppyPatreon:patreon.com/blenderguppy#shorts #b3d #blender3d #3d #3dmodeling #blendermarket #conceptartist #3dmodel #blenderaddon #3dmodel