"They are right" - Pep Guardiola reacts to booing Man City fans after Feyenoord collapseRobert Cardillo, Chief Strategist and Chairman of Planet Federal, to Present at Goldman Sachs Investor Conference
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers Current Records: Sacramento 8-7, Los Angeles 9-7 When: Friday, November 22, 2024 at 10:30 p.m. ET Where: Intuit Dome -- Inglewood, California TV: FanDuel SN - SoCal Follow: CBS Sports App Online Streaming: Catch select NBA matches on Fubo (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.) Ticket Cost: $35.52 The Clippers will be in front of their home fans on Friday, but a look at the spread shows they might need that home-court advantage. They will host the Sacramento Kings at 10:30 p.m. ET at Intuit Dome. The Clippers might want some stickum for this one as the team gave up 22 turnovers on Wednesday. The Kings are hoping to do what the Magic couldn't on Wednesday: put an end to the Clippers' winning streak, which now stands at three games. The Clippers came out on top against the Magic by a score of 104-93. The Clippers smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as the Magic only pulled down two. Meanwhile, the point spread may have favored the Kings last Monday, but the final result did not. They were just a bucket shy of victory and fell 109-108 to the Hawks. The losing side was boosted by Keon Ellis, who went 9 for 15 from beyond the arc en route to 33 points plus six rebounds. Those nine threes gave him a new career-high. Los Angeles' win was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-7. As for Sacramento, their loss dropped their record down to 8-7. Keep an eye on the arc in Friday's contest: The Clippers have been dynamite from deep this season, having made 38.2% of their threes per game. It's a different story for the Kings, though, as they've only made 34% of their threes this season. Given the Clippers' sizable advantage in that area, the Kings will need to find a way to close that gap. The Clippers beat the Kings 107-98 in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Will the Clippers repeat their success, or do the Kings have a better game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough. Sacramento is a 3-point favorite against Los Angeles, according to the latest NBA odds . The line on this game has moved quite a bit since it opened, as it started out with the Clippers as a 5.5-point favorite. The over/under is 220.5 points. See NBA picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now . Los Angeles and Sacramento both have 5 wins in their last 10 games. Nov 08, 2024 - Los Angeles 107 vs. Sacramento 98 Apr 02, 2024 - Sacramento 109 vs. Los Angeles 95 Feb 25, 2024 - Sacramento 123 vs. Los Angeles 107 Dec 12, 2023 - Los Angeles 119 vs. Sacramento 99 Nov 29, 2023 - Los Angeles 131 vs. Sacramento 117 Mar 03, 2023 - Sacramento 128 vs. Los Angeles 127 Feb 24, 2023 - Sacramento 176 vs. Los Angeles 175 Dec 03, 2022 - Sacramento 123 vs. Los Angeles 96 Oct 22, 2022 - Los Angeles 111 vs. Sacramento 109 Apr 09, 2022 - Los Angeles 117 vs. Sacramento 98Mnangagwa hints at cabinet reshuffle amid factional tensions over “ED2030” slogan
Experts say Canada needs to be prepared to take action if U.S. president-elect Donald Trump goes through with his threats of significant tariffs when he takes office in January. Steve Verheul, former chief trade negotiator for Canada, says though the threat may not seem credible to many, the country still needs to take it seriously by engaging with the new administration and considering potential retaliation. "We’re in a very uncertain period right now," said Verheul during an online panel hosted by BMO on Wednesday. Trump has said he will introduce tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports into the U.S. unless they are able to halt the movement of illegal drugs and migrants across their borders. Experts have warned such tariffs would be damaging to the Canadian economy. "Our economies are integrated, our supply chains are closely intertwined, and we would be in for a highly disruptive period of time if such tariffs were to be put in place," said Verheul. "So I think the question now is, how will Canada respond?" Canada will do what it can to try and dissuade Trump from enacting such a dramatic policy, said Verheul, but if Trump makes good on his threat come inauguration day, Canada needs to be ready to retaliate, such as with tariffs of its own. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently flew to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and briefed opposition leaders this week on the government's plan for the Canada-U.S. border. Verheul was joined on the panel by BMO chief economist Doug Porter and Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment officer for BMO Wealth Management in the U.S. Trump initially said he would enact 10-per-cent tariffs on all imports, with a 60-per-cent hit for China. But more recently he threatened Canada and Mexico with 25-per-cent tariffs. Porter said such high tariffs on all imports are unlikely to happen, especially on key imports like energy. Financial markets don't appear to believe the threats will become reality, he said — but that doesn't mean they should be disregarded. "I think we should take the threat seriously, or at the very least prepare and consider what broad-based tariffs could mean for the economy," he said. “The reality is, we're dealing with an overtly protectionist president who is very fond of using tariffs." Verheul said 25-per-cent tariffs across the board would be a significant hit to Canada's economy, which relies heavily on exports to the U.S., as does Mexico. Trump is a "big fan of tariffs," said Verheul, and sees them as a way to bring production back to the U.S., address trade deficits, and increase revenue. But while Trump's interest in tariffs isn't new, Ma said this time around we're dealing with a different Trump, one who is no longer a political outsider. “President Trump is definitely more emboldened with tariffs this time around than he was in 2017, 2018," he said. While Ma also doesn't think the threats of sweeping tariffs are credible, he could see Trump enacting more limited tariffs on certain goods as bargaining chips. The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is up for review in 2026, meaning 2025 is a year for negotiations, said Verheul. "I think there's a good chance that all of these tariff discussions will start to evolve into a renegotiation of the agreement, and we would attempt to address some of those issues within that negotiation," he said. "So hopefully short term, but it's going to be a rocky period and a lot of chaos in the market."The NBA on Saturday suspended three players for their roles in an on-court clash during Friday's game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns. Dallas forward Naji Marshall was suspended for four games and Suns center Jusuf Nurkic for three while Mavericks forward P.J Washington will sit out one game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.China: PH starting arms race in region
Minnesota firearms deer harvest remains above 2023 after third weekend, DNR saysBasalt Insulation Tapes Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030 12-28-2024 12:32 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Basalt Insulation Tapes Market The basalt insulation tapes market represents a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, shaped by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. In this comprehensive report, we provide an in-depth exploration of the market, designed for a wide range of stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our goal is to equip industry participants with essential insights that enable informed decision-making in an ever-changing market environment. This analysis not only examines the current state of the basalt insulation tapes market but also forecasts its future trends. Scope and Purpose This report serves as an extensive resource, thoughtfully curated to deliver actionable intelligence to industry stakeholders. It covers critical elements such as market dynamics, competitive environments, growth opportunities, challenges, and regional differences. The insights provided go beyond mere descriptions, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders to refine their strategies and make informed choices in a competitive market. Request for Sample Report: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Basalt-Insulation-Tapes-Market/request-for-sample-report Comprehensive Market Analysis We are committed to providing a thorough analysis that explores every aspect of market growth, including shifts in consumer preferences and technological innovations driving demand for basalt insulation tapes products. We also address the challenges faced by the industry, such as economic uncertainties and intense competition, offering insights to help stakeholders navigate these complexities. Key Players in the Basalt Insulation Tapes Market: Newtex Davlyn Group Basalt Fiber Tech McAllister Mills Texpack E. Bourgeois Siltex Sealco Industrial Group Co., Ltd. Colan Australia Sinograf CG TEC GmbH EAS Fiberglass Co.,Ltd SUNPASS GROUP Hitex Composites HANTAI New Materials BSTFLEX Sichuan Jumeisheng New Material Technology Ningguo Xinmao Fiberglass Products Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Material Strategic Guidance for the Future This report invites stakeholders to delve into a detailed examination of the competitive landscape. By profiling key players in the basalt insulation tapes market and analyzing their strategies, we offer crucial insights to help industry participants make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about outpacing competitors or learning from successful approaches, our analysis is designed to guide stakeholders toward success. Anticipated Insights Understanding the diverse segments within the basalt insulation tapes market is critical to success. Our report breaks down segment sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends, offering actionable insights that allow stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and optimize resource allocation. The knowledge provided empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the basalt insulation tapes market with clarity and confidence. Balancing Market Forces and Strategic Impact This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping the basalt insulation tapes market. By evaluating both the drivers of market growth and the obstacles that could impede it, stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of the market's dynamics. For manufacturers, this analysis helps align innovation efforts with consumer demands and regulatory trends, while investors and decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of economic risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing them to make more informed strategic choices. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently and successfully navigate the basalt insulation tapes market. Competitive Landscape Our in-depth examination of the basalt insulation tapes market's competitive landscape highlights key players, scrutinizing their strategies and impacts on the industry. By analyzing the approaches of major companies, stakeholders gain a valuable understanding of market dynamics and can leverage these insights to identify growth opportunities, innovate, and make informed strategic decisions. Market Segmentation The report begins with a detailed analysis of the unique characteristics defining each segment within the basalt insulation tapes market. Segmentation can occur across various dimensions, including product types, customer demographics, or specific use cases. Understanding these differences allows stakeholders to tailor their strategies, products, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each segment, enhancing competitive positioning and maximizing opportunities for success. Market Segments: Product Type: Plain Twill Application: Transportation Machinery Manufacturing Oil and Gas Electricity Others Market Size and Segment Growth Potential A crucial part of the report focuses on understanding the size and significance of each market segment. We provide quantitative data that illustrates the market share and contribution of each segment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and investment. This section offers insights into the growth potential of each segment, including factors driving future expansion, evolving consumer preferences, and technological adoption. Conclusion This report serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders in the basalt insulation tapes market, offering comprehensive insights into market segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. By understanding the market's complexities and emerging opportunities, industry participants can make well-informed decisions that drive success and innovation in this rapidly evolving market. Other Reports Aluminum Storm Doors Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Aluminum-Storm-Doors-Market Wound Skin Substitutes Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Wound-Skin-Substitutes-Market ESP Hot Rolled Coil Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/ESP-Hot-Rolled-Coil-Market Irreversible Temperature Indicator Labels Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Irreversible-Temperature-Indicator-Labels-Market "Contact Us Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited Contact No: +91 7580990088 Email Id: sales@dhirtekbusinessresearch.com" "About Us Dhirtek Business Research & Consulting Pvt Ltd is a global market research and consulting services provider headquartered in India. We offer our customers syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our objective is to enable our clientele to achieve transformational progress and help them to make better strategic business decisions and enhance their global presence. We serve numerous companies worldwide, mobilizing our seasoned workforce to help companies shape their development through proper channeling and execution. We offer our services to large enterprises, start-ups, non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies. The renowned institutions of various countries and Fortune 500 businesses use our market research services to understand the business environment at the global, regional, and country levels. Our market research reports offer thousands of statistical information and analysis of various industries at a granular level." This release was published on openPR.Comedians Tim McDonald and Melanie Bracewell stole the show at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in Sydney, cracking up the crowd with jokes about many of the famous faces in the room. The stars of Channel 10’s The Cheap Seats hosted the glitzy ceremony on Wednesday night which was held at Sydney’s White Bay Power Station. Some of the big name attendees included Sam and Lara Worthington, American actor Cooper Koch, radio star Jackie O, country singer Orville Peck and lead singer of the 1975, Matty Healy. McDonald and Bracewell got the show off to a cracking start with a hilarious opening monologue. Here are some of their best lines. Melanie Bracewell. Picture: Jonathan Ng Tim McDonald. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images McDonald: Tonight is all about honouring the unsung heroes. Bracewell: Yes, hot, rich, successful people. Tonight we honour the next generation of Aussie talent ... and where better to do that than right here ... McDonald: At a 112-year-old decommissioned power station. Some of you may recognise us from Channel 10 ... Bracewell: Which was also decommissioned in 1984. McDonald: A lot of outstanding people are here tonight. Bracewell: [social media stars] The Inspired Unemployed are here. McDonald: You mean Jack and Falcon? Bracewell: No, sorry, Osher Gunsberg and Daniel Ricciardo. McDonald: Jackie O is here tonight. Bracewell: Jackie O released a book this year, and that’s so exciting. Finally, someone that talks about her life for five hours every day was ready to share her story. McDonald: In all seriousness, Jackie’s book bravely recounts her struggles with addiction ... to Prada handbags and 20 year old men. Bracewell: And just for the influencers in the room, a ‘book’ is like a really long Instagram caption. Jackie O. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images MORE: Jackie O: My ‘soulless’ $11m deal during addiction The hosts also got a big belly laugh later in the night as they presented an award. “The next award is for International Sensation,” McDonald said. “Which is also the name of my conditioner,” Bracewell joked. Who won the awards? The night belonged to actor Sam Worthington who was named Man of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year awards in association with Defender. The Avatar star was presented the award by his wife, Lara, who revealed that she was asked to photograph her husband for the GQ MOTY cover. “Over weeks I created mood boards of actors and artists that I know Sam loves and is inspired by,” she said on stage. “I went back and forth thinking, should I shoot it on film or digital? What location? How many days would we need? “I had it all planned out and it was perfect,” she said, before declaring that her hard work ultimately proved pointless on the day of the shoot. “Sam gave me less than an hour and said he would only wear his own clothes,” she said, eliciting a big laugh from the crowd. “My husband is impulsive, fearless and raw. He just dives in, and did not care about my mood boards.” Earlier, Sam had an awkward red carpet moment when he jumped in to correct a Seven reporter’s gaffe , referring to his wife Lara by her maiden name. Sam Worthington and Lara Worthington at the 2024 GQ Australia Men Of The Year Awards. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images Some of the other winners included: Actor of the Year – Felix Mallard International Sensation – Gabbriette Sportsperson of the Year – Emma McKeon Sporting Icon – Eddie Betts International Actor – Cooper Koch Breakthrough Sportsperson of the Year – Noemie Fox International Musician of the Year – Orville Peck Other highlights from the ceremony Orville Peck delighted the crowd with a hilarious speech as he accepted his award on stage. “Some of you may know me as Orville Peck, the country star, and some of you may know me as the yodelling poof who wears a mask,” he said. “Either way, I’m very happy to be here.” The queer country pop star also raved about the local talent. “I really love Australia ... you gave us (AFL player) Bailey Smith, Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman, so on behalf of gay people everywhere, thank you very much,” he joked. Orville Peck. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images Cooper Koch. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Cooper Koch also gave a sweet speech when accepting his award. The actor, who recently played Erik Menendez in the Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story , paid tribute to the incarcerated brothers. “I really want to thank Erik and Lyle and all child sexual abuse victims for their strength and their courage,” he said. “You are not alone, and I hope that we can bring them (Erik and Lyle) home in 2025.” The GQ MOTY 2024 issue of GQ Australia will be on sale on Friday December 13, as a glossy special edition magazine available exclusively in The Australian . More Coverage Moment Worthington shuts down Oz reporter Nick Bond Brand’s ‘Freak Off’ antics while married Joshua Haigh Originally published as GQ Men of the Year Awards 2024: Comedians roast famous guests Awards Don't miss out on the headlines from Awards. Followed categories will be added to My News. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Awards Jackie O stuns at GQ Man of the Year Awards Hollywood stars and even a beloved young royal stepped out for the GQ Men of the Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday evening. Read more Awards ‘Not invited’: Influencers rage at snub It appears a bunch of well-known names were left off this year’s guest list at the TikTok Awards. Read more
NoneKeion White Urges Patriots to Make Changes After Chargers Loss: 'What Are We Doing?'
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Syracuse Orange are set to clash with the Washington State Cougars in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl today – Friday, Dec. 27 – at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free. The DirecTV Holiday Bowl will broadcast live on FOX at 8 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. Pacific). Fans without cable can catch the game at no cost via FuboTV or DirecTV Stream , which both offer free trials. FuboTV is also offering $30 off your first month. Another option is Sling TV , which has promotional offers for new customers. How do I watch Syracuse vs. Washington State for free? Watch Syracuse vs. Washington State on FuboTV for free Watch Syracuse vs. Washington State for free on DirecTV Stream Who is announcing Syracuse vs. Washington State? Gus Johnson (play-by-play) and Joel Klatt (analyst) will be the announcers while Jenny Taft reports from the sidelines. What are the latest odds for Syracuse vs. Washington State? Spread: CUSE: (-17.5), WSU: (+17.5) Moneyline: CUSE: (-950), WSU: (+625) Point total: 59.5 Odds from DraftKings Here’s more information on how to watch this game on TV and streaming services. What: College football DirecTV Holiday Bowl: Syracuse vs. Washington State When: Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 Time: 8 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. Pacific) Where: Snapdragon Stadium | San Diego, Calif. Channel: FOX Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $30 off first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling TV (half off first month) Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse , Comcast Xfinity , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice , Cox , DIRECTV , Dish , Verizon Fios Here is more information on the Syracuse vs. Washington State matchup from the AP: SAN DIEGO (AP) — Syracuse coach Fran Brown and Washington State acting coach Pete Kaligis shared a heartfelt hug after their Holiday Bowl news conference on Thursday. Kaligis can certainly use all the support he can get, especially an embrace and some encouraging words from the opposing coach. No. 22 Syracuse (9-3, No. 21 CFP), led by national passing leader Kyle McCord, is a 17-point favorite according to BetMGM in Friday night’s Holiday Bowl against the depleted Cougars (8-4), whose season has nosedived since mid-November. After beating future Pac-12 opponent San Diego State 29-26 on Oct. 26 at Snapdragon Stadium, coach Jake Dickert, quarterback John Mateer and the rest of the Cougars were 7-1 and about to jump into The Associated Press Top 25. Now the Cougars are barely recognizable as they return to Snapdragon. Dickert was hired away by Wake Forest, Mateer transferred to Oklahoma and running back Wayshawn Parker left for Utah. Numerous coaches, including the offensive and defensive coordinators, are gone, and more than 20 players have entered the transfer portal. The Cougars, who lost their last three games, are a prime example of how college football’s rapidly changing landscape can dramatically affect a program. “Going into the ins-and-outs of the game tomorrow doesn’t matter,” Kaligis said. “We are who we are, we have what we have. I know that’s for both of us.” Kaligis said players who entered the portal after Dickert left can suit up Friday night. “I know we came here with 98 guys. That’s who we’re going to show up on the field with.” The state of the game Kaligis said relationships between players and coaches are more important than ever, even if there’s less time to develop trust “and coach them the right way.” “When a staff (member) leaves and guys get in the portal, it’s because of the relationships they have garnered with their position coaches. When that position coach isn’t guaranteed, he’s going to be there, that’s who that young man trusts,” Kaligis said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time,” he added. “What’s been hard for me, I spent 13 years at Wyoming, I saw three graduating classes. I remember I was the longest-tenured coach there. To see them all the way through. When I came to Wazzu, I was their fourth D-line coach.” The Cougs improved to 8-1 by beating Utah State 49-28 on Nov. 9 but then lost three straight, including to Oregon State in the de facto championship game between the two teams left in the Pac-12. They also lost to New Mexico and Wyoming, two of the Mountain West teams that weren’t invited to join the reconstituted Pac-12 starting in 2026. Airing it out McCord, who transferred from Ohio State, rewrote the Orange’s record book this season with 4,326 yards passing, 29 touchdowns and 367 completions. He’s well within range of breaking Deshaun Watson’s ACC single-season record of 4,593, which he set in 15 games in 2016. Orange goals A win will give Syracuse 10 wins for the first time since 2018 and just the third time since 2000. Brown can become the second Syracuse coach since World War II to record 10 wins in his first season, joining Paul Pasqualoni, who did it in 1991. In their final regular-season game, the Orange rallied from a 21-0 deficit for a 42-38 win against then-No. 6 Miami that knocked the Hurricanes out of ACC title contention and ended their College Football Playoff hopes. McCord threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns. “We want to go out and have a good game,” Brown said. “We have an opportunity of winning 10 games, which means you’re starting to become a successful program, right? Our players haven’t had a chance of winning a bowl game. So there’s a lot of things that are on the line for us to really be able to build our program and being able to move forward.” Series history This will be the teams’ second meeting. Syracuse beat Washington State 52-25 in 1979. Stories by Robert Fenbers Oklahoma vs. Navy FREE STREAM today: Where to watch Armed Forces Bowl How to watch Seattle Seahawks game on Amazon Prime Video tonight for free Where to watch Nuggets vs. Suns NBA Christmas game FREE STREAM todayChance of direct attack by Russia ‘remote’, says UK armed forces chief
Amazon has restocked its deal on the Lego Christmas Tree 2-in-1 building set , which was one of the most popular Lego deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Normally $45, the 784-piece Christmas Tree set is on sale for only $31 (was $45) . And if you want Santa to place some presents under the tree, Lego Santa's Sleigh is discounted to $28 (was $40). Amazon also has the 200-plus piece Nutcracker Lego set for just $7.79 (was $13), too. Lego Christmas Tree (784 pieces) -- $31 ( $45 ) Lego Santa's Sleigh (343 pieces) -- $28 ( $40 ) Lego Nutcracker (208 pieces) -- $7.79 ( $13 ) Lego Gingerbread Ornaments (190 pieces) -- $9.09 ( $13 ) These are all seasonal exclusives, so they won't be available to purchase for much longer, regardless of when the deals expire.Globe Soccer Awards 2024: Full list of winners
Government ministers mocked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and former first lady Bushra Bibi in the early hours of Wednesday for allegedly fleeing as law enforcement agencies took action to disperse PTI protesters from Islamabad’s D-Chowk. Protesters earlier gathered at the site for the party’s protest to demand PTI founder Imran Khan’s release, among other things, amid reports of intense tear gas shelling by security forces to curtail the large crowds. The PTI convoys have been plying roads countrywide since Sunday. A Dawn.com correspondent reported that PTI protesters began retreating from D-Chowk in the face of heavy teargas shelling and action by the authorities as the Pakistan Rangers began arresting people. A statement posted on state broadcaster PTV ’s X account, attributed to “security sources”, said Blue Area was cleared and no operation was ongoing at the moment. What we know so far: Addressing a press conference later at D-Chowk, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi quipped while questioned about CM Gandapur and Bushra Bibi’s whereabouts that they were “fleeing till as of now”. Naqvi further said: “They ran away in front of you, not one or two or three but thousands of people ran away.” He said it was a priority to restore the roads that were closed for traffic in the capital. He announced that schools would reopen on Thursday. “Mobile and internet services will be restored by morning. You will find all roads in working condition by morning.” He hoped that tomorrow would herald a “new dawn”, saying the administration would try to remove all containers by morning. Addressing a press conference soon after him at D-Chowk, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar similarly pilloried Gandapur and Bushra Bibi for allegedly fleeing the protest. Saying that he visited till the end of Blue Area, Tarar said: “Sadly I must say this was not a final call but a miscall.” He blasted the KP chief minister, saying it was the second time he had “fled” a protest after a previous disappearance in October’s protest. Meanwhile, the minister claimed that “running away” had become a “hobby” for the former first lady. “Is this a hobby? was it a 100-metre race in a school?” Tarar said as he wondered at a final call where “everyone ran away”. The minister said the call had actually damaged the PTI and it would not be able to recover from it. “They won’t dare after today,” he said, calling on Gandapur and Bushra to “never again turn towards Islamabad.” Referring to PTI protesters, Tarar claimed that he had gone from D-Chowk to 7th Avenue and “you will not believe how they’ve run away from here. They’ve abandoned their cars, sandals and some even their clothes here”. He alleged that documents were also found detailing a plan to enter the Red Zone to attack parliament and government property, and target state officials. Tarar said the whole route at D-Chowk was clear and roads were reopening as well. Meanwhile, the PTI claimed otherwise, sharing what it said was footage of protesters still at D-Chowk as many leaders and individuals associated with the party derided the news regarding CM Gandapur and Bushra Bibi as propaganda and “fake news” to divert attention from the protest. Questioned about media reports earlier regarding the alleged arrests of the two, the PTI’s media cell told Dawn.com the rumours were “not true”. Dawn.com correspondents reported that there were blackouts in many areas of Islamabad, including D-Chowk, Jinnah Avenue, G6, G8 and G9. The PTI also shared footage of alleged firing by law enforcement agencies at party protesters, claiming that intense shelling was under way. Scores of people were injured, including journalists who were reportedly attacked by demonstrators, as dozens of PTI supporters allegedly beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration extended the shutdown of all educational institutes for another day on Wednesday. D-Chowk, a roundabout in Islamabad’s heavily fortified Red Zone, has long served as a spot for political protests. The junction leads to critical government buildings, including Parliament House, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Pakistan Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s Office. On Nov 13, Imran issued a “ final call ” for nationwide protests on Nov 24, demanding the restoration of the PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of detained party members and the reversal of the 26th Amendment , which he said has strengthened a “dictatorial regime”. Meanwhile, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the KP chief minister’s adviser on information, said that Imran had agreed to the government’s suggested proposal to move the venue of the party’s protest from D-Chowk to the sub-urban areas but Bushra Bibi and the party had refused the suggestion. Last night, Naqvi seemed to confirm talks with the protesting opposition party, saying that the government had offered Sangjani — the same venue on the outskirts of Islamabad where the PTI held its Sept 8 rally — for the protest. Late-night media reports had suggested that PTI leaders were trying to prevail upon Bushra Bibi, who is leading the main caravan of protesters coming from KP to Islamabad, to accept the proposal to change the protest venue. However, Barrister Saif said while speaking in an interview on Samaa News programme ‘Nadeem Malik Live’ today: “Our announcement since the beginning was regarding D-Chowk ... but the administration was not giving permission for it and then the Islamabad High Court issued an order [against it] as well so in this situation, a suggestion came from them (the government) to hold a rally in Islamabad’s suburbs and then granting permission could be considered. “We took that suggestion to Khan sahib and he expressed agreement after discussion that alright we are ready to hold it there. But the issue that arose was when we discussed the matter with our fellows so the party refused to accept it and they kept on insisting that we will go towards D-Chowk. Mainly, Bushra Bibi said she would only go to D-Chowk and told people to sit there.” He said Bushra Bibi was an “important personality” for the party in a political sense and was worthy of tribute and praise for her part in leading the PTI. Barrister Saif later said in an interview on Geo News show ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ that no commitment was made by the PTI to change the protest venue to Sangjani and it was merely a suggestion from the government. He reiterated that the party’s senior leadership did not agree with the move. Earlier, the PTI shared a video on X of CM Gandapur addressing protesters while leading a convoy towards D-Chowk. The post used a hashtag of “first release, then negotiations”. Similarly, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan told Dawn.com : “There is no hope of talks between the government and PTI yet. The government has not made any contact yet.” Responding in kind, Interior Naqvi similarly ruled out any negotiations with the PTI while addressing a press conference with Tarar in Islamabad. Meanwhile, CM Gandapur said Imran had always talked about remaining peaceful and upholding the rule of law and warned the people to beware of elements among them who might try to instigate wrong acts. View this post on Instagram He renewed his vow to reach the planned protest venue. “We have to reach D-Chowk,” he told protesters near D-Chowk, who replied to his call with chants of “D-Chowk”. “Till Imran Khan doesn’t give orders [...] we have to protect him (Imran),” the PTI leader, accompanied by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan at the container, asserted. “We are peaceful. Let us hold a sit-in in a peaceful manner,” he added. A message posted on Imran’s X account also urged protesters to not back down till the party’s demands were met. The post alleged that law enforcement agencies “fired and shelled our workers and martyred and injured the peaceful citizens” on the interior minister’s orders, adding that he would have to answer for it. “The citizens were not only peaceful but also kept rescuing the police and rangers who were shelling and firing.” Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, and PTI supporters attend a rally demanding his release, in Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — Reuters/Waseem Khan Earlier, Bushra Bibi vowed to be the last woman standing at D-Chowk and said she would not leave without Imran, while addressing a large crowd of protesters at Blue Area alongside Gandapur and Ayub. She lamented Imran’s treatment in both Attock and Adiala Jail, questioning how an ex-premier could be treated the way he had been. “Khan is standing because of you and will continue standing for you, and you must promise that until Khan is with us, you will not leave D-Chowk. “I promise that I will be the last woman here, I will not leave D-Chowk without him. If anyone tells you otherwise, it is a lie,” she said to cheers from the crowd. “Muslims don’t hit other Muslims, so then why are you shelling us?” she questioned. View this post on Instagram Separately, following reports of heavy teargas shelling at protesters, Barrister Gohar called upon the government to “refrain from [firing] at innocent people”. “I called upon the government to refrain from firing at innocent people,” Gohar said on X . “I appeal [to] all PTI’s workers and supporters to remain peaceful in their struggle. I want to tell you all that we are very much hopeful of early release of [Imran] Khan sab , InshaAllah.” Visuals shared by a Dawn.com correspondent present at the scene at around 3pm showed dozens of PTI protesters gathering near Islamabad’s D-Chowk and climbing up containers placed there to obstruct their way. Army personnel were also standing on top of a container, the correspondent said. View this post on Instagram Later visuals showed protesters converging about 550 metres away from D-Chowk, where as many as three layers of containers could be seen piled atop each other. This screengrab shows the pin location of where PTI protesters had gathered at around 3pm on Nov 24, according to footage shared by a Dawn.com correspondent. — via Google Maps In a post on X , the PTI appealed to Islamabad’s residents to bring various items — including Betnesol-N eyedrops, rose water and drinking water — to the protesters to reduce the effect of teargas. The government and the PTI have apparently opened a ‘back-channel’ for the sake of negotiations. Naqvi said that they had offered the PTI an agreement to hold their rallies in Sangjani, which the party agreed to twice but did not abide by the “ceasefire”. Mohsin Naqvi speaks at D-Chowk on Nov 26, 2024. — DawnNewsTV “So much so that they had asked us to open the routes to Sangjani,” he said while speaking to the media at D-Chowk earlier today. “We have spoken with them in every way. [...] I had said this yesterday too that let’s stand at the D-Chowk right now and start firing there, then no person would be seen there. “But we do not plan to do that,” the minister asserted. The interior minister said he had informed the Islamabad inspector general that it was up to him to tackle the protesters “however he wishes”. “We will definitely support him.” While confirming reports of the army being deployed in Islamabad, the interior minister said that the forces’ priority was to protect the visiting Belarusian delegation and the Red Zone. “Your head of state is in the Red Zone right now and his protection is of the utmost importance for us,” Naqvi said, referring to PM Shehbaz. He alleged that the PTI was using resources of the KP government led by it, including teargas shells. “Their entire leadership does not want this bloodshed, except for one secret hand behind them controlling every single thing,” he said. When asked about the number of PTI protesters heading for Islamabad, Naqvi said there were “three to four convoys”, claiming all of them were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI supporters attend a rally demanding release of former prime minister Imran Khan, in Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — Reuters Dawn quoted police officers as saying that the convoy of the PTI leaders and workers coming from KP comprised over 34,000 persons. Meanwhile, Naqvi said three Rangers personnel and a Punjab policeman lost their lives on Monday, in what he said was an “attack by miscreants”. Addressing the media at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Naqvi said: “Yesterday, a total of our four people were martyred, including three Rangers and a Punjab police official.” Stating that two Rangers and four Islamabad policemen were in critical condition, Naqvi said two additional superintendent of police (ASP) and a superintendent of police (SP) were among the injured. The minister further said that 70 Punjab cops were also injured, five of whom were in critical condition. Barrister Saif called for an inquiry in response to the government’s allegations and said the PTI was ready to face any investigation. In an earlier statement issued by his ministry, Naqvi had said four Rangers personnel had lost their lives in an alleged attack, condemning it in the strongest terms. Meanwhile, state-run Radio Pakistan reported the deaths of five personnel, including three Rangers and two Punjab police. “Scores of others were injured in attacks by the violent PTI workers,” the report claimed, adding that 22 vehicles of the Punjab police had been damaged. “The police have arrested several violent protesters, while [the] process of identifying the perpetrators is underway,” the state media asserted. A previous report had also stated that “five other Rangers personnel and several police officials sustained severe injuries”. While an updated report did not specify the cause of the deaths, an earlier version, citing security sources, had said “miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel” on Srinagar Highway in Islamabad. The report had said a “bunch of miscreants, equipped with weapons and ammunition, pelted stones at the Rangers personnel and carried out indiscriminate firing on the security personnel at Chungi No 26 in Rawalpindi”. Resultantly, the report said, a ranger personnel sustained serious injuries and was shifted to Rawalpindi Combined Military Hospital in critical condition. A press release from the Inter Services Public Relations today said the funeral prayers for the three were offered at Chaklala Garrison with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in attendance. “Pakistan cannot afford any chaos and bloodshed for achieving vested political purposes. These acts of violence are unacceptable and highly condemnable which are bordering the limits of restraint by the law enforcement agencies. The entire nation pays homage to the martyred Rangers soldiers and all those police officials who have embraced martyrdom and those who are injured during these riots,” the press release quoted the prime minister as saying. On the other hand, PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram alleged that six people died due to shooting by the “fascist government”. He further claimed that 45-60 injured were reported to be admitted to the Polyclinic and Pims hospitals for treatment. The party earlier claimed that “paramilitary Rangers shot live ammunition” at its protesters in Islamabad, resulting in the death of two and injuring another four. “Participants claim they saw at least six people being shot, two of whom died on the spot and four were taken to hospital,” the party said on X . In a separate post , the party claimed that the “unarmed” party workers were under intense tear gas shelling by law enforcement agencies. The “fake” government is willing to go to any extent to maintain its illegal occupation, the party said. It added that the government, through its use of state institutions against its own people, was “not only inciting hatred among Pakistanis but also becoming the cause of Pakistan’s disgrace in front of the world”. Tarar, while speaking to the media earlier, lamented that PTI leadership like Bushra Bibi was “hiding in Shaheed-i-Millat” while allegedly sending children and labourers “to the front lines”, who he claimed were throwing tear gas at the police. Attaullah Tarar speaks to media in Islamabad. — DawnNewsTV “The state is being very patient and not giving in to the demands simply because Bushra Bibi planned this and wants bloodshed and bodies to pile up,” he said. Tarar issued a challenge to Imran, saying: “Bring your three children to the front lines, Tyrian, Qassim, Suleiman.” The minister stressed that the PTI chooses to hold a protest only when a foreign delegation visits from overseas. “Why at this location? Because they are enemies of the state and want to spread anarchy, which we will not allow.” “We are responding, but not the way you want, that we respond to your bullets with bullets,” the minister asserted. According to Tarar, he spoke to protesters who admitted that they were paid for attending the protest. Tarar also noted that Rangers, police and the armed forces have been deployed in the capital. Separately, a resolution demanding a ban on the PTI was submitted in the Punjab Assembly by PML-N MPA Hina Pervez Butt. It said the assembly strongly condemned the PTI’s “attack on the federation in droves” and criticised the alleged actions of protesters. PM Shehbaz also condemned the “attack by protesters” as state media reported that four Rangers personnel and two cops were left dead as a vehicle “rammed” into them. In his statement, PM Shehbaz said the “attack” was carried out “using a vehicle on Srinagar Highway. He directed that those involved in the incident be identified immediately and brought to justice. The premier also ordered that the best possible medical facilities be provided to the Rangers and police personnel “injured in the attack”. He said that “attacks on police and Rangers, under the guise of a so-called peaceful protest”, were condemnable. PM Shehbaz noted that police and Rangers were assigned to maintain law and order in Islamabad, asserting, in an apparent reference to the PTI, that an “anarchist group seeks bloodshed”. He emphasised that this was not a peaceful protest, but extremism. The prime minister said Pakistan cannot afford any form of chaos or bloodshed. “Bloodshed for nefarious political agenda is unacceptable and highly condemnable.” Naqvi also vowed to hold the miscreants involved to account, reaffirming his support for the families of the deceased. Policemen fire tear gas shells to disperse PTI supporters during a protest to demand the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, in Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — AFP PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the incident as well, terming it “outright terrorism” and calling for the suspects involved to be brought to justice. “The Rangers and police personnel who embraced martyrdom were brave sons of the nation,” he said in a statement . “The PPP’s stance about the right to peaceful protest [compared to] mischief and terrorism is clear,” the PPP chief said. Meanwhile, as tensions between PTI protesters and the government heightened, the Pakistan Army was called into Islamabad on Tuesday to “deal with miscreants”, state-run Radio Pakistan reported . “Under Article 245, the Pakistan Army has been called in, and orders have been issued to deal with the miscreants with an iron hand,” Radio Pakistan stated. “Clear orders have also been issued to shoot miscreants and troublemakers on sight,” it added. Citing security sources, the report said all necessary measures were being taken to “counter terrorist activities by disruptive and extremist elements”. While the Associated Press of Pakistan reported the same citing security sources, it is not confirmed whether a notification for the requisition has been issued so far. Dawn.com has reached out to the interior ministry for a comment. International rights organisation Amnesty International called on the government to immediately rescind the alleged “shoot-on-sight” orders and also to fully protect and ensure the rights of protesters. “The authorities must exercise maximum restraint, aiming to prevent and de-escalate violence and to avoid the use of force. “Any use of force must be lawful and no more than is necessary and proportionate and the authorities must take all necessary measures to prevent arbitrary deprivation of life, including by ensuring that law enforcement actions are adequately planned to minimise the risk to life. There must also be effective accountability for any unlawful use of force.” It said the severe restrictions on assembly, movement and mobile and internet services, as well as arbitrary detentions of “thousands of protesters across Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad”, were a grave violation of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, movement and expression. A Dawn.com correspondent also reported seeing troops of the Pakistan Army deployed at D-Chowk. Pakistan Army stands guard near D-Chowk, Islamabad on Nov 26, 2024. — Photo by Umar Bacha Naqvi hinted at the move yesterday, stating that the government would deal with violent protesters with an iron hand . He warned that he would not hesitate to impose a curfew or invoke Article 245, which empowered the government to call armed forces for security purposes. The PTI’s protest, which the government is determined to foil with force, was originally scheduled to be staged on November 24 . However, the party’s convoys took a breather on Sunday night as PTI leaders said they were in “ no hurry ” to reach the federal capital for their ‘do or die’ protest. The PTI protesters, some of them employing industrial fans to counter tear gas, crossed Islamabad’s Toll Plaza on Monday night as the government vowed to not spare those behind a cop’s death in “violence of miscreants”. As PTI workers from across the country attempted to defy arrests, baton charges and tear gas to participate in the agitation, around 800 PTI leaders and supporters were arrested from across Punjab as well as in and near Islamabad on Sunday. In an update, capital police officials told Dawn that during the ongoing protests, over 500 local PTI leaders and workers have been arrested in Islamabad. Anticipating more arrests, the Islamabad administration declared the Crime Intelligence Agency’s building in the federal capital as a sub-jail to detain PTI leaders and workers. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that PTI’s planned protest is unlawful and directed the federal government to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order in Islamabad without disrupting public life, particularly as the Belarusian president’s arrival coincided with the protest. Separately, the Pakistan Cricket Board said that it postponed the last two matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series due to “political activity” in the federal capital. According to a press release , the PCB said the last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium but both boards will now collaborate to finalise new dates to complete the series. It added that the Shaheens lead the series, having won the two four-day matches 1-0 and the opening 50-over match on Monday by 108 runs. Additional input from APP.
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury convicted two men on Friday of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, an Indian national who prosecutors say went by the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Shand, 50, an American from Florida, were part of a sophisticated illegal operation that has brought increasing numbers of Indians into the U.S., prosecutors said. They were each convicted on four counts related to human smuggling, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the country illegally. “This trial exposed the unthinkable cruelty of human smuggling and of those criminal organizations that value profit and greed over humanity,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said. “To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, a mother and two children froze to death in sub-zero temperatures on the Minnesota-Canadian border,” Luger added. The most serious counts carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told The Associated Press before the trial. But federal sentencing guidelines rely on complicated formulas. Luger said Friday that various factors will be considered in determining what sentences prosecutors will recommend. Federal prosecutors said 39-year-old Jagdish Patel; his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik, froze to death Jan. 19, 2022, while trying to cross the border into Minnesota in a scheme Patel and Shand organized. Patel is a common Indian surname, and the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel. The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports said. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. Much is rooted in economics and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Before the jury’s conviction on Friday, the federal trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, saw testimony from an alleged participant in the smuggling ring, a survivor of the treacherous journey across the northern border, border patrol agents and forensic experts. Defense attorneys were pitted against each other, with Shand’s team arguing that he was unwittingly roped into the scheme by Patel. Patel’s lawyers, The Canadian Press reported , said their client had been misidentified. They said “Dirty Hary,” the alleged nickname for Patel found in Shand’s phone, is a different person. Bank records and witness testimony from those who encountered Shand near the border didn’t tie him to the crime, they added. Prosecutors said Patel coordinated the operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. The trial included an inside account of how the international smuggling ring allegedly works and who it targets. Rajinder Singh, 51, testified that he made over $400,000 smuggling over 500 people through the same network that included Patel and Shand. Singh said most of the people he smuggled came from Gujarat state. He said the migrants would often pay smugglers about $100,000 to get them from India to the U.S., where they would work to pay off their debts at low-wage jobs in cities around the country. Singh said the smugglers would run their finances through “hawala,” an informal money transfer system that relies on trust. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates more than 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the U.S., behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. Jamie Holt, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said the case is a stark reminder of the realities victims of human smuggling face. “Human smuggling is a vile crime that preys on the most vulnerable, exploiting their desperation and dreams for a better life,” Holt said. “The suffering endured by this family is unimaginable and it is our duty to ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.” One juror Kevin Paul, of Clearwater, Minnesota, told reporters afterward that it was hard for the jurors to see the pictures of the family’s bodies. He said he grew up in North Dakota and is familiar with the kind of conditions that led to their deaths. “It’s pretty brutal,” Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine having to do what they had to do out there in the middle of nowhere.” Goldberg reported from Minneapolis.
Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020AmpliTech Group Announces Closing of $1.4 Million Registered Direct OfferingWASHINGTON – A couple of lawmakers on Capitol Hill are trying to pull federal financial aid funding from colleges that participate in commercial boycotts of Israel, a longstanding student demand that has become more widespread since the war in Gaza broke out last year. The Protect Economic Freedom Act, introduced by Reps. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., on Tuesday, highlights an issue on which some Democrats have demonstrated a willingness to side with Republicans , who have relentlessly scrutinized colleges' handling of antiwar protests amid a rise in discrimination complaints from Jewish students. The measure has little chance of passing before a new Congress is seated next year, when the lawmakers plan to reintroduce it. The legislation follows warnings from Republican attorneys general around the country who have threatened to enforce state antiboycott laws against colleges that approve divestment policies. As the chair of the education panel in the U.S. House of Representatives, Foxx oversaw congressional hearings focused on antisemitism on college campuses that led to the ouster of several Ivy League presidents in the past year. Gottheimer is part of a group of congressional Jewish Democrats who found a rare area of bipartisan agreement in criticizing college administrators amid the campus turmoil prompted by the Israel-Hamas war. Gottheimer is a fierce critic of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, or BDS, movement, which gained steam on college campuses over the spring. Divestment, explained: Pro-Palestinian protesters urge universities to divest from Israel. What does that mean? "The new bipartisan Protect Economic Freedom Act will give the Department of Education a critical new tool to combat the antisemitic BDS movement on college campuses," Gottheimer said in a statement on Tuesday. "Now more than ever, we must take the necessary steps to protect our Jewish community." Through loans or grants, millions of college students in the U.S. rely on some form of federal financial aid. To receive that money, there are already lots of stipulations, including that colleges follow antidiscrimination laws. Technically, the federal Education Department has the power to yank schools' funding if an investigation finds they violated those laws, but that outcome rarely occurs. Most colleges, even private ones, receive some form of funding from the federal government. Access to those dollars has become more of a political cudgel recently, as lawmakers in Washington have ratcheted up their scrutiny of universities. Last spring brought calls from students nationwide who demanded their colleges sever ties with the Israeli government, and some schools took steps to assuage them. In May, the board of trustees at Union Theological Seminary in New York City endorsed a proposal to divest from companies that, according to the school , "support and profit from the present killing of innocent civilians in Palestine." San Francisco State University said in August that its foundation would stop investing in companies that make money from weapons manufacturing. At other schools, however, protest momentum has slowed as school administrators rejected divestment propositions. Read more: GOP officials say states could punish colleges that divest from Israel. Could they? Zachary Schermele covers education and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele .
The Sacramento Kings fired coach Mike Brown on Friday, ESPN and The Athletic reported, halfway into his third season at the helm. Brown, 54, guided the Kings to the Western Conference playoffs in his first year on the job (2022-23), when he was voted NBA Coach of the Year, and to the play-in round last season. The team awarded him with a three-year contract extension reportedly worth $30 million in July. But Sacramento is 13-18 this season, 12th place in the 15-team West. The Kings have lost five in a row -- all at home -- after the Detroit Pistons beat them 114-113 on Thursday. It was unclear who would take over for Brown in the immediate future. The Kings visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday before returning home for three more games next week. Brown went 107-88 in his two-plus seasons leading the Kings, who hired him after a six-year run as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. Brown went 305-187 in six seasons coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers and 42-29 in parts of two seasons with the Lakers. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A motorist says he "still can't get rid of the stench" in his car following a sewage spill on the M8 - despite taking his vehicle through a car wash twice. The westbound slip road on the M8 at junction 25A for Braehead was shut due to “contaminated water” on the route at around 8.30am on Friday. Scottish Water said a burst sewer main caused some localised flooding of the carriageway and surrounding area near Braehead Shopping Centre in Renfrewshire. One motorist said on social media that his car had been “completely engulfed in raw sewage”. He added: “Been through car wash twice now and still heavily contaminated and stench is terrible.” People travelling to the shopping centre were advised to leave the M8 at J26 and take Renfrew Road to the mall. Scottish Water said at 5pm on Friday the road had reopened following a clean-up. The firm said in a statement: “Scottish Water used all resources available to complete this work and enable the road to be reopened as quickly as possible in order to help alleviate traffic congestion in the area. “The utility, which is now planning repair work for the burst main in liaison with Amey Highways, apologises for the inconvenience and disruption to road users, and thanks them for their patience and understanding during this incident.” Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile , select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .Vow ASA: Mandatory notification of trade by primary insiders and their close associates