Latest news with #SteveDavis
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Smethwick's Webb's of Bearwood shop to shut after more than 100 years
A shop that sells "everything for the gardener" is set to close after more than 100 years in of Bearwood, on Three Shires Oak Road in Smethwick, will see its doors shut for the last time on Pauline and Steve Davis recently announced their retirement, saying five generations of their family had been involved in the was first opened in 1921 by Pauline's grandfather Oliver John Webb, and has been passed on down the years. The couple met aged 14, but after school Mr Davis initially worked as a butcher before joining Mrs Davis at the garden shop after about 10 years."It was a bit of a change, butchery to plants," he said, "but we all mucked in and we went on from there."Mr Davis said the teamwork had been the best thing about being part of the were "many, many hours behind the scenes that nobody sees," Mrs Davis said leaving the shop would be a "terrific shock" but that they both wanted to be able to enjoy their retirement while they were still healthy - and the family had plans to move to Cornwall. Mrs Davis said the final day would be emotional, but added she was looking forward to speaking to customers who call in to say will spend a fortnight clearing down the old shop before handing the keys downstairs of the building will remain a commercial unit, she said, and there would be a flat upstairs. The family said the shop was renowned for its wide selection of seasonal plants, perennials, houseplants, and gardening tools, as well as its walled garden gift shop, which offered unique gifts, festive decorations and Christmas trees."The closure of Webb's marks not just the end of a business, but the conclusion of a beloved community institution," they said in a post on social media."Its presence on the high street will be deeply missed by locals who valued its personal touch and commitment to quality."They thanked those who had helped them over the years – including customers as well as friends and family. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners all-time record vs. 2025 opponents
AI-assisted summary The Oklahoma Sooners finished 2-6 in SEC play in 2024 but had key wins against Auburn and Alabama. Oklahoma has a winning all-time record against seven of their 2025 opponents. The Sooners will play Illinois State for the first time in program history to open the 2025 season. The Oklahoma Sooners are under two months away from their second swim through the SEC. Year one didn't go as planned. The Sooners went 2-6 in conference play but picked up a win on the road over Auburn and knocked Alabama out of playoff contention with a huge 24-3 upset win over the Crimson Tide. The Sooners are hoping for a bit more success this year. Though many believe the schedule to be really tough, the Sooners will be better in 2025 than they were a year ago when injuries ravaged the offensive side of the ball. Upgrades at quarterback, offensive line, and running back should create a much more dynamic offense to help a defense that was one of the best in 2024. The Oklahoma Sooners have a winning record all-time against seven of the 12 teams on their 2025 schedule. There is one team they've never played before. Here's a look at Oklahoma's all-time record against the teams on their 2025 schedule. Illinois State Red Birds -- Norman, Okla. Date: Aug. 30, 2025 Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle All-time record: 0-0 When the Oklahoma Sooners welcome the Illinois State Red Birds to Owen Field to open the season, it will be the first meeting between the two teams. After last year's offensive woes, take Oklahoma plus the points and the over. There will be points. Michigan Wolverines -- Norman, Okla. Date: Sept. 6, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 1-0 Last meeting: (1976 Orange Bowl): OU won 14-6 The Oklahoma Sooners closed the 1975 season with a win over No. 5 Michigan in the Orange Bowl, which propelled them to the AP National Championship. Steve Davis, Joe Washington and Tinker Owens led the Sooners to the win. Washington rushed for 73 yards. Oklahoma had an opportunity at the national title thanks to UCLA's upset win over No. 1 Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Said Barry Switzer after the game, 'That inspired us. And we think we are the No. 1 team.' Temple Owls -- Philadelphia Pa. Date: Sept. 13, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 2-1 Last meeting (2024): OU won 51-3 Jackson Arnold threw for four touchdowns in the season opener, three of which went to Deion Burks. But that's about as good as the offense looked all season. Injuries hit the offensive line week one and the Sooners couldn't recover. Date: Sept. 20, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 3-0 Last meeting (2024): OU won 27-21 Michael Hawkins Jr. made a splash in his first collegiate start, showing off the speed and arm strength to create some big plays to lead the Sooners to their first SEC win on the road. Kent State Golden Flashes -- Norman, Okla. Date: Oct. 4, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 1-0 Last meeting (2022): Sooners won 33-3 It was just the second game of the Brent Venables era and the Sooners defense showed out in this one, holding Kent State to just four yards per play. Marvin Mims caught seven passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Texas Longhorns -- Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas Date: Oct. 11, 2025 All-time record: Texas leads 64-51-5 Last meeting (2024): Texas won 34-3 For the second time in the Brent Venables era, the Oklahoma Sooners failed to score a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns. They needed a drive in the final minutes of the game just to get them in position to kick a field goal and avoid the shutout. If there's a game the Sooners need to win on the schedule this year, it's OU-Texas. Date: Oct. 18, 2025 All-time record: South Carolina leads 1-0 Last meeting (2024): South Carolina won 35-9 You can't take anything away from last year's matchup. The Oklahoma Sooners were down 21-0 in the first five minutes of the game due to turnovers on the Sooners' first three possessions. The offensive line had perhaps its worst game of the last 25 years and the offensive performance led to a change at offensive coordinator. Ole Miss Rebels -- Norman, Okla. Date: Oct. 25, 2025 All-time record: Ole Miss 0-2 Last meeting (2024): Ole Miss won 26-14 The Oklahoma Sooner led the Rebels at halftime of last year's game in Oxford. The offense struggled to do anything in the second half. The Sooners couldn't pass protect, and they had a hard time running the ball. The Sooners are hoping for a bounce back offensive line performance in 2025. Tennessee Volunteers -- Knoxville, Tenn. Date: Nov. 1, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 3-2 Last meeting (2024): Tennessee won 25-15 It was an electric atmosphere in Norman for Oklahoma's first SEC conference game. Though the offense sputtered behind three Jackson Arnold turnovers in the first half, we got out first glimpse of Michael Hawkins Jr.. His potential is off the charts. Date: Nov. 15, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 4-2-1 Last meeting (2024): OU won 24-3 Oklahoma threw just 12 passes in their win over Alabama. Jackson Arnold and Xavier Robinson combined to carry the ball 43 times for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Kip Lewis had his second interception return for a touchdown in the game. Date: Nov. 22, 2025 All-time record: OU leads 67-25-5 Last meeting (2024): Mizzou won 30-23 From 1902 to 1945, neither team had a leg up in the series with a head-to-head record of 16-16-4. Since 1946, the Oklahoma Sooners have gone 51-8-1 over Missouri. Jim Tatum got it started, and Bud Wilkinson turned what was once a tight rivalry into a one-sided affair, winning 14 in a row for Oklahoma, representing the longest winning streak in the series. Date: Nov. 29, 2025 All-time record: LSU leads 3-1 Last meeting (2024): LSU won 37-17 Oklahoma won the first meeting between the two teams back in 1950, but the LSU Tigers have rattled off three in a row in the series since 2004. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X@john9williams.
Malay Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
DOGE in disarray: Leadership vacuum looms large after Musk exit
WASHINGTON, June 5 — The Department of Government Efficiency, the brainchild of Elon Musk that upended Washington with its rapid-fire drive to slash thousands of federal jobs and cut costs, is effectively leaderless now that the billionaire and his deputy have stepped down, US lawmakers heard on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump's budget chief, Russ Vought, told a congressional committee that efforts are under way to establish new leadership at DOGE, but its staff currently answer to Trump's cabinet secretaries. 'The Cabinet agencies that are in charge of DOGE, the consultants that work for them are fundamentally in control of DOGE,' Vought said. 'We're in the midst of establishing the leadership on an ongoing basis.' Vought's comments will only add to the uncertainty around the future of DOGE and its cost-cutting effort following Musk's announcement last week that he was ceasing work as a special government employee. A key lieutenant, Steve Davis, who was in charge of day-to-day running of DOGE, has also left. The White House has said that DOGE's mission will continue in the absence of Musk, who has since publicly broken with Trump over his sweeping tax cut and spending bill, calling it a 'disgusting abomination.' The rapidly receding power and influence of DOGE was almost unthinkable as recently as a few weeks ago when it dominated the political landscape in Washington with its aggressive push to fire a swath of government workers. Trump established DOGE to streamline what he says is a bloated and inefficient government. DOGE struggled to cut costs but was more successful in pushing thousands of workers to quit or take early retirement after threatening dismissal without benefits. It is unclear if DOGE and its cadre of young computer technicians will survive in Washington without Musk, especially as some members of Trump's cabinet have soured on DOGE's tactics. — Reuters
Reuters
04-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Elon Musk's DOGE exit leaves leadership vacuum at unit
WASHINGTON, June 4 (Reuters) - The Department of Government Efficiency, the brainchild of Elon Musk that upended Washington with its rapid-fire drive to slash thousands of federal jobs and cut costs, is effectively leaderless now that the billionaire and his deputy have stepped down, U.S. lawmakers heard on Wednesday. U.S. President Donald Trump's budget chief, Russ Vought, told a congressional committee that efforts are under way to establish new leadership at DOGE, but its staff currently answer to Trump's cabinet secretaries. "The Cabinet agencies that are in charge of DOGE, the consultants that work for them are fundamentally in control of DOGE," Vought said. "We're in the midst of establishing the leadership on an ongoing basis." Vought's comments will only add to the uncertainty around the future of DOGE and its cost-cutting effort following Musk's announcement last week that he was ceasing work as a special government employee. A key lieutenant, Steve Davis, who was in charge of day-to-day running of DOGE, has also left. The White House has said that DOGE's mission will continue in the absence of Musk, who has since publicly broken with Trump over his sweeping tax cut and spending bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination." The rapidly receding power and influence of DOGE was almost unthinkable as recently as a few weeks ago when it dominated the political landscape in Washington with its aggressive push to fire a swath of government workers. Trump established DOGE to streamline what he says is a bloated and inefficient government. DOGE struggled to cut costs but was more successful in pushing thousands of workers to quit or take early retirement after threatening dismissal without benefits. It is unclear if DOGE and its cadre of young computer technicians will survive in Washington without Musk, especially as some members of Trump's cabinet have soured on DOGE's tactics.
The Independent
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Top DOGE officials are already fleeing as Musk leaves government
Top officials at the Department of Government Efficiency are set to leave their roles following the departure of DOGE head Elon Musk. Three officials – adviser Steve Davis, adviser and spokesperson Katie Miller, and attorney James Burnham – are leaving the administration, a White House official told The Hill. Davis served in a leadership role at DOGE and has worked with Musk at several of his companies, including the Boring Company, SpaceX, and X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Serving as DOGE's 'chief operating officer,' Davis spoke to Fox News in March, calling the work an 'inspiring mission' that was 'worth doing.' Davis also appeared at a briefing alongside Musk at the White House with a small group of reporters, when Musk spoke about DOGE's work and its future. Miller is the wife of Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and was also part of the first Trump administration. She was named to the DOGE advisory board in December. Burnham was DOGE's general counsel. He's also the president and founder of Vallecity Capital LLC and earlier served as a Supreme Court clerk for Justice Neil Gorsuch. On Wednesday night, Musk took to X to share his gratitude to President Donald Trump. 'As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,' he said. 'The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government.' Yet Musk earlier this week courted controversy as he slammed the large spending package put forward by Trump and congressional Republicans, which passed the House last week, and is currently expected to massively balloon the debt to $4 trillion even amid huge cuts in public services. 'I was, like, disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decrease it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing,' the billionaire told CBS. Both Musk and the other top officials at DOGE were limited by a 130-day restriction on their status as Special Government Employees. Musk has said that he will return full-time to his companies. Musk is stepping down just after a former DOGE associate has said that he was removed after an interview in which he spoke about his work was published earlier this month. Engineer and tech startup founder Sahil Lavingia wrote in a personal blog post that he 'got the boot' from DOGE the day after Fast Company published an interview with him. In the interview, he discussed finding fewer inefficiencies than he had expected. He was assigned as the senior adviser to the chief of staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Government Executive noted. 'I would say the culture shock is mostly a lot of meetings, not a lot of decisions,' Lavingia told Fast Company. The outlet noted that Lavingia noticed that there were plenty of mission-driven people working in the government. 'But honestly, it's kind of fine — because the government works. It's not as inefficient as I was expecting, to be honest. I was hoping for more easy wins,' he said. Fiscal conservatives, meanwhile, are frustrated that the spending cuts put forward by DOGE aren't being codified, and worried about Trump's spending plan boosting expenditures. 'To see Republicans in Congress cast aside any meaningful spending reductions ... is demoralizing and represents a betrayal of the voters who elected them,' Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X. Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on Wednesday: 'Personally I want to pass DOGE cuts every single week until the bloated out of control government is reigned back in. As a country, we cannot survive our national debt and honestly, we may be past the point of return. We should be aggressively attacking our debt and aggressively, cutting all waste fraud, and abuse and unnecessary programs.'
