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Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone 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: @phillip020
NoneNew England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers said his legal team is cooperating with the NFL’s ongoing investigation, but isn’t sure when he might be back after being removed from the commissioner exempt list and becoming eligible to participate in practice and play in the team’s games. Peppers was back in the Patriots’ facility Tuesday and participated in a workout with his teammates for the first time since being placed on the list on Oct. 9, two days after he was arrested and charged with shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and choking her. The league said Monday that its review is ongoing and is not affected by the change in Peppers’ roster status. He has missed the Patriots past seven games. His next court date is set for January. Peppers spoke for just over two minutes before the Patriots practiced on Tuesday and said he has spoken both with team ownership and that his legal team is cooperating with the NFL’s investigation. “I’m not at liberty to discuss any details. I’m thankful that the league let me get back to doing what I love to do and I’m just going to let the legal proceedings play out,” Peppers said. He declined to address any specifics on his case under the advice of his lawyer. Peppers played in the first four games of the season and missed one with a shoulder injury before going on the exempt list, which allows NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to place a player on paid leave while reviewing his case. Asked if he expects Peppers to play again this season, Patriots coach Jerod Mayo left the possibility open Tuesday. “To me I think it’s just respect for the legal process to let that stuff play out,” Mayo said. “For us inside these four walls, as long as he’s doing the right thing, I expect him to play when he’s ready to go.” Braintree police said they were called to a home for an altercation between two people on Oct. 7, and a woman told them Peppers choked her. Police said they found at the home a clear plastic bag containing a white powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Peppers, 29, pleaded not guilty in Quincy District Court to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance believed to be cocaine. At a court appearance last week a trial date was set for Jan. 22. A 2017 first-round draft choice by Cleveland, Peppers spent two seasons with the Browns and three with the New York Giants before coming to New England in 2022. He was signed to an extension this summer.Pundits and analysts will scratch their heads for years to come, trying to understand how Donald Trump won an unprecedented second term. With an overwhelming majority in the popular vote and the Electoral College, expert models, polls and “vibes” never prepared them for this upset as they gleefully and obediently prepared for President Kamala Harris. Thankfully, looking beyond the political rhetoric, America dodged a big bullet Nov. 5th. After twenty-five years in Navy Special Operations, including combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, and managing a $140 billion budget for our military, I cannot help but assess threats wherever I go. I look for potential dangers – finding primary and secondary escape points when I walk into a room, step out of a vehicle or fly into a new area. Threat assessment is merely putting yourself in the enemy’s place and determining where they would strike. So, what are the threats that lurk in our shadows? Over the last four years, I have witnessed the rapid decline of safety and security in our country. Under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, America’s enemies have numerous options to attack – whether through a military that aids our enemies and leaves our allies behind, a wide-open southern border or leaders more focused on the issues that divide us. The Biden-Harris administration left our military and allies at risk during the disastrous and tragic Afghanistan withdrawal that left eleven Marines, one sailor and one soldier dead. We saw the Pentagon obsess over Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; hiring drag queens instead of addressing all-time lows in military recruitment. Our Democrat leaders’ complacency led our country down a dark path of rising crime rates, terror attacks and wars across the world. Under President Trump, that all ends. One of my greatest honors is proudly serving our country. I spent twenty-five years in the Navy to repay my debt to America – the country that saved my life. We must undo the Biden-Harris administration’s failures and rebuild our military. We need to modernize and innovate our armed services. Fifteen years of infighting within Congress, an inability to get things done and Continuing Resolutions have hampered our ability to compete with China and Russia in technological innovation. I spent four years in the Pentagon managing a $140 billion budget, defining requirements and next-generation equipment for Sailors. I understand how our leaders have placed unnecessary restraints on the military defense industry. The truth is that the United States is trailing far behind our adversaries. A potential conflict against China will be predominantly a Navy and Marine Corps fight. Deferred upkeep and maintenance, compounded by supply chain shortages, have left us with a Navy fleet consisting of ships that cannot get underway, aircraft that cannot fly and submarines that cannot dive. The workforce industrial base cannot produce ships and submarines at the rate needed to attain the required 350 inventory for any worldwide response quickly. Furthermore, the antiquated acquisition process has caused serious delays in the production of the next generation of submarines and frigates. We need new leaders to balance the capacity and capabilities of the Navy. Simply put, if we cannot have more ships and submarines in time then we must make the existing ships more lethal with electronic warfare and hypersonic weapons. Again, this takes visionary leadership which has been nonexistent in the Pentagon. But even if the Navy has all the ships and aircraft it requires, it does not have the manpower required to operate. We need alpha men and women — the best of the best — to want to serve our country. With a strong Commander-in-Chief like President Trump who respects their service and will continue to give them the resources they need, we can rebuild our military. On Nov. 5th, a silent majority said, ‘Enough is enough’ and elected President Trump. Enough of putting illegal aliens before our homeless veterans. Enough of enabling China, Russia and North Korea while stifling our allies like Israel. Yes, America dodged a big one one on election day. Our country’s motto is E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, One. We are not bigots, racists, deplorables or garbage. We are Americans! President Trump is here to save America and our best days are ahead of us. I stand with millions of other Americans ready to step up and do anything President Trump needs to serve this country. Hung Cao is a retired Navy Captain who served in Special Operations for 25 years. CAPT Cao is the author of Call Me an American, serves as a senior advisor with POLARIS National Security and was the 2024 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Virginia. The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller.
By CHRISTINE FERNANDO CHICAGO (AP) — As Donald Trump’s Cabinet begins to take shape, those on both sides of the abortion debate are watching closely for clues about how his picks might affect reproductive rights policy in the president-elect’s second term . Trump’s cabinet picks offer a preview of how his administration could handle abortion after he repeatedly flip-flopped on the issue on the campaign trail. He attempted to distance himself from anti-abortion allies by deferring to states on abortion policy, even while boasting about nominating three Supreme Court justices who helped strike down the constitutional protections for abortion that had stood for half a century. In an NBC News interview that aired Sunday, Trump said he doesn’t plan to restrict medication abortion but also seemed to leave the door open, saying “things change.” “Things do change, but I don’t think it’s going to change at all,” he said. The early lineup of his new administration , including nominations to lead health agencies, the Justice Department and event the Department of Veterans Affairs, has garnered mixed — but generally positive — reactions from anti-abortion groups. Abortion law experts said Trump’s decision to include fewer candidates with deep ties to the anti-abortion movement could indicate that abortion will not be a priority for Trump’s administration. “It almost seems to suggest that President Trump might be focusing his administration in other directions,” said Greer Donley, an associate law professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Karen Stone, vice president of public policy at Planned Parenthood Action Fund , said while many of the nominees have “extensive records against reproductive health care,” some do not. She cautioned against making assumptions based on Trump’s initial cabinet selections. Still, many abortion rights groups are wary, in part because many of the nominees hold strong anti-abortion views even if they do not have direct ties to anti-abortion activists. They’re concerned that an administration filled with top-level officials who are personally opposed to abortion could take steps to restrict access to the procedure and funding. After Trump’s ambiguity about abortion during his campaign, “there’s still a lot we don’t know about what policy is going to look like,” said Mary Ruth Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis School of Law. That approach may be revealed as the staffs within key departments are announced. Trump announced he would nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department, which anti-abortion forces have long targeted as central to curtailing abortion rights nationwide. Yet Kennedy shifted on the issue during his own presidential campaign. In campaign videos, Kennedy said he supports abortion access until viability , which doctors say is sometime after 21 weeks, although there is no defined timeframe. But he also said “every abortion is a tragedy” and argued for a national ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a stance he quickly walked back. The head of Health and Human Services oversees Title X funding for a host of family planning services and has sweeping authority over agencies that directly affect abortion access, including the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The role is especially vital amid legal battles over a federal law known as EMTALA, which President Joe Biden’s administration has argued requires emergency abortion access nationwide, and FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Mini Timmaraju, president of the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, called Kennedy an “unfit, unqualified extremist who cannot be trusted to protect the health, safety and reproductive freedom of American families.” His potential nomination also has caused waves in the anti-abortion movement. Former Vice President Mike Pence , a staunch abortion opponent, urged the Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said the group had its own concerns about Kennedy. “There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary,” she said. Fox News correspondent Marty Makary is Trump’s pick to lead the FDA, which plays a critical role in access to medication abortion and contraception. Abortion rights groups have accused him of sharing misinformation about abortion on air. Russell Vought , a staunch anti-abortion conservative, has been nominated for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought was a key architect of Project 2025 , a right-wing blueprint for running the federal government. Among other actions to limit reproductive rights, it calls for eliminating access to medication abortion nationwide, cutting Medicaid funding for abortion and restricting access to contraceptive care, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives such as IUD’s. Despite distancing himself from the conservative manifesto on the campaign trail, Trump is stocking his administration with people who played central roles in developing Project 2025. Trump acknowledged that drafters of the report would be part of his incoming administration during the Sunday interview with NBC News, saying “Many of those things I happen to agree with.” “These cabinet appointments all confirm that Project 2025 was in fact the blueprint all along, and the alarm we saw about it was warranted,” said Amy Williams Navarro, director of government relations for Reproductive Freedom for All. Dr. Mehmet Oz , Trump’s choice to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a former television talk show host who has been accused of hawking dubious medical treatments and products. He voiced contradictory abortion views during his failed Senate run in 2022. Oz has described himself as “strongly pro-life, praised the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade , claimed “life starts at conception” and referred to abortion as “murder.” But he also has echoed Trump’s states-rights approach, arguing the federal government should not be involved in abortion decisions. “I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that’s always allowed our nation to thrive to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves,” he said during a Senate debate two years ago. An array of reproductive rights groups opposed his Senate run. As CMS administrator, Oz would be in a key position to determine Medicaid coverage for family planning services and investigate potential EMTALA violations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump taps his attorney Alina Habba to serve as counselor to the president National Politics | With Trump on the way, advocates look to states to pick up medical debt fight As Florida’s attorney general, Pam Bondi defended abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. Now she’s Trump’s choice for attorney general . Her nomination is being celebrated by abortion opponents but denounced by abortion rights groups concerned she may revive the Comstock Act , an anti-vice law passed by Congress in 1873 that, among other things, bans mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion. An anti-abortion and anti-vaccine former Florida congressman, David Weldon, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which collects and monitors abortion data across the country. Former Republican congressman Doug Collins is Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs amid a political battle over abortion access and funding for troops and veterans. Collins voted consistently to restrict funding and access to abortion and celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade. “This is a team that the pro-life movement can work with,” said Kristin Hawkins, president of the national anti-abortion organization Students for Life.Argentina’s top security and foreign-currency trading market, MAE, and Matba Rofex, the country’s leading future market, will merge into a new institution, which will be named A3. MAE and Matba Rofex’s shareholders approved the merger on November 20 following two extraordinary meetings. The goal is “combining the strengths of the two institutions to consolidate itself as a modern and efficient market,” according to a communiqué. MAE was launched in 1989, and it trades financial instruments such as fixed income, equities, foreign currencies, repo transactions, and derivatives, among others. Matba Rofex was created when Matba and Rofex, both founded in 1907, merged in 2019 and is Argentina’s main commodities, foreign currencies, and financial assets’ futures and options trading market. It also calculates and publishes financial and agricultural reference indexes. According to the communiqué, the “A” in A3 refers to “Argentina,” and the three stands for the three “key actors in the local capital market” — MAE, Matba, and Rofex. The new trading market, A3, will offer “agricultural and financial products in both spot and futures and options trading, as well as bilateral and over-the-counter operations,” according to a press release. Operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025. Robert Olson, the head of MAE who will be nominated to chair A3, said the merger is “a crucial step for the growth of the Argentine capital market” that will enhance “liquidity and simplify trading processes.” Andrés Ponte, current director of Matba Rofex and A3’s future vice-president, said the new trading market will be a step towards “the consolidation of the Argentine capital market.” “The integration will accelerate the development of the local capital markets, adding the best of both entities,” said Diego Fernández, who will be the CEO of A3. “We will provide greater efficiency and better technology to our users and greater value to our shareholders,” he added. Tomás Godino, who will be the controller of the merged company, emphasized said the new trading market will have “a nationwide geographic scope” and will generate “the possibility of generating strong product synergies between the agricultural, financial, and banking sectors.”
-- Amazon Web Services Recognizes Solution as a Top AI/Blockchain Product at re:Invent Conference -- NEW YORK and CHESTERFIELD, Mo. and BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgetower Capital, a leading global provider of AI and Web3 platform services and infrastructure, InterVision Systems, a premier Managed Service Provider and leader in innovative IT solutions, and ProvLabs, a provider of enterprise-grade APIs and SaaS solutions that enable regulated firms to deploy digital assets on Provenance Blockchain, have launched a breakthrough Sovereign AI Data Lineage solution solving significant corporate and regulatory concerns about data use in AI LLM models globally. The solution was recognized by Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a top Blockchain/AI solution at its re:Invent 2024 conference last week. "This is an extremely strong solution expertly filling a growing need in a massive market," said Jonathan Lerner, CEO of InterVision Systems. "We are excited to partner with Bridgetower and to have the solution recognized and validated by AWS is encouraging and gratifying." Bridgetower's Sovereign AI Data Lineage Solution is a part of a transformative proprietary suite of AI and Web3 services developed in partnership with InterVision Systems to accelerate adoption of the technologies in a variety of industries around the world. The solution is being integrated by Provenance, the world's largest public Layer 1 blockchain measured by real-world assets controlling approximately 70% of all RWAs ledgered on public blockchains. As a leading financial services blockchain, Provenance has facilitated more than $41 billion in financial transactions. "The Provenance Blockchain was purpose-built for regulated financial and data services, with interoperability, confidentiality, and privacy incorporated directly into the protocol," said Anthony Moro, ProvLabs CEO. "Sovereign data lineage is crucial for highly regulated entities and is a perfect fit for the Provenance Blockchain ecosystem. ProvLabs' ProvConnect and BlockVault services remove the friction of bringing this solution to life on-chain. We are thrilled to be participating." "Bridgetower's roots are anchored in blockchain technology aimed at real world solutions. By partnering with world-class companies, we are seeing the results of a patient and purposeful strategy," Bridgetower CEO Cory Pugh. "Our Sovereign AI Data Lineage solution is at the nexus of blockchain and AI – two of the centuries most transformative technologies - and will have a meaningful impact on the continued acceleration of AI models for the public and private sectors." Bridgetower's solution innovatively uses Blockchain-Integrated Traceability to maintain immutable records of data transformations and robust traceability of data being sourced and utilized across the full stack of AI services including model creation, fine tuning and inference. The solution provides rich benefits of explainability, transparency and predictability for all solution sets inside the AI stack. It addresses a high-demand and critical need for corporations and regulators around the world who are rapidly developing their own LLM models in every sector of public and private entities.The solution solves cross-border compliance, complex proof-of-authenticity, and data immutability via decentralized autonomous consensus and secure deployment and directly addresses concerns held by regulators and corporations around the world regarding data protection and authenticity for the rapidly developing use of AI and LLM models. The AI Data Lineage solution features: To view a demonstration of the solution click here. About Bridgetower Bridgetower Capital is a global leader and pioneer in the convergence of blockchain and AI, the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. Bridgetower's blockchain offerings include a customizable Web3 architecture with robust API layers and a full end-to-end Web3 platform. Bridgetower's AI services include AI modeling, training Large Language Models (LLM), offering GPUs as a service, and complete blockchain data authenticity and validation. Bridgetower is strategically located in global blockchain hubs including the United States, the UK, Switzerland and Abu Dhabi. About InterVision Systems InterVision is a leading IT managed services provider, delivering and supporting cloud, security and innovation for mid-to-enterprise and public sector organizations throughout the US. With 30 years of experience and one of the most comprehensive solution portfolios, InterVision drives business outcomes with an unparalleled focus on the customer and employee experience to help organizations be more competitive, compliant, and secure. The company has headquarters in St. Louis with locations in Boston, Richmond, Roanoke, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, San Jose, Kosovo and India. Experience us at intervision.com . About ProvLabs ProvLabs (Provenance Blockchain Labs, Inc.) is a blockchain infrastructure technology company that provides mission-critical APIs and SaaS solutions that enable the deployment of real-world assets at scale on Provenance Blockchain. ProvLabs' solutions provide a frictionless path to Web3 enablement and are built specifically for Provenance Blockchain Network, the world's largest public Layer 1 blockchain network as measured by real-world assets with over $13 billion in total value locked and over $41 billion in supported transactions. Learn more at ProvLabs.io, and follow us on X and LinkedIn. Notes to editors Media contacts: Bridgetower Capital: Todd Wolfenbarger / todd@bridgetowercapital.com InterVision Systems: kate_johnson@blastmedia.com Alyssa Rinehart BLASTmedia for InterVision intervision@blastmedia.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bridgetower-capital-launches-sovereign-ai-data-lineage-solution-and-partners-with-intervision-systems-and-provlabs--facilitator-of-41b-of-financial-transactions--to-authenticate-ai-data-globally-302330822.html SOURCE InterVision
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Even as the dust has begun to settle on the 2024 presidential election, the divisions that have been building during the past decade remain stark. Sadly, it seems that every election has left us more fractured, with political differences turning into fundamental battles of good vs. evil; absolute right vs. absolute wrong; and angels vs. demons. With emotions still running deep and a political system designed to amplify our differences, it’s no wonder our personal relationships often pay the ultimate price, remaining fractured long after the last vote has been counted. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content.
'This is terrorism': University of Michigan regent's home vandalizedWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.
More details revealed of Geocon's plans for the Phillip Pool redevelopmentA MUCH loved car garage is closing down permanently after 40 years as locals reminisce over "first class" service. Devoted customers were devastated to hear the team at Briggate Service Garage in Whittlesey, Peterborough will be shutting up shop imminently. The popular garage has provided "excellent service" for more than four decades but will see it's last motor on December 20. It comes as owner Paul heads into "well deserved retirement", his dedicated staff announced on social media . In a statement on Facebook they wrote: "Briggate Service Garage is closing on 20th December 2024. "We would like to extend our thanks to all of our loyal customers over the years for their support, it has been a pleasure to serve everyone and Paul is now heading into a well deserved retirement. Read More "I’m sure all our customers past and present would join us in wishing Paul and his very able team all the best for whatever is next, and in extending our thanks to him for working so hard at Briggate Service Garage for the last 40 years." Fans of the garage were disheartened to hear of the impending closure, but showered Paul with well-wishes. "Years of excellent service for all the family over the years Paul enjoy your retirement you will all be missed," wrote one customer. Another added: "Thank you Paul to you and your team over the last 25+ years. A truly exemplary service. Most read in Motors "You have worked hard and deserve many happy years not worrying about opening up. "Although a lot of people in Whittlesey will really miss you, your team and the service you provided. Happy retirement." A third agreed: "Happy retirement Paul. Thank you for your service over the years . You and your team have always been first class. Take care." "Thankyou for everything you have done for me and mum over the years. Sooo many years you have fixed our cars, towed us home . All the best," penned someone else. This comes as a beloved family-run car dealership has apologised to customers after closing down with no warning. Customers will now have to go five miles out of their way to get hold of cars from one of the world's biggest brands. Locals of Newton Abbot, Devon , were left baffled late last month when the Swanson Motor Company suddenly closed its doors. Elsewhere, a major dealership was forced to close down five showrooms after the business fell into administration. READ MORE SUN STORIES Marsh Holdings Limited, based in Exeter, Devon, has been forced to shut up shop - just months after it sold its Kia franchise. Meanwhile, another dealership cleared the forecourt after 30 years of business - blaming a popular car brand's failures. Dacia Sandero - £13,795 Citroen C3 - £13,150 Fiat Panda £14,750 Dacia Spring (EV) - £14,995 Dacia Sandero Stepway - £15,295 Kia Picanto - £15,595 Hyundai i10 - £16,030 Toyota Aygo X - £16,140 Fiat 500 Hybrid - £16,800 Dacia Duster £17,295Abee's 25 lead UNC Asheville over Saint Andrews 120-64Embiid scores 31 in triumphant NBA return for 76ers
Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’
Henry Cejudo believes one hypothetical UFC matchup would surpass the fanfare of Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall next year. 2025 figures to be another monumental year in the Octagon for the UFC brass, fighters, and fans. Several high-profile matchups are already on tap for UFC 311 , including the UFC lightweight title clash between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. The UFC is in active negotiations between UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall for a 2025 clash. Jones most recently defended the heavyweight belt at UFC 309 and despite teasing retirement, he pivoted on that stance after finishing Stipe Miocic. Fans continue to clamor for the UFC to book the Jones vs. Aspinall fight, which Dana White has already called the biggest heavyweight clash in the promotion’s history. But for Henry Cejudo, a potential champion vs. champion super fight could surpass the intrigue surrounding Jones vs. Aspinall. READ MORE: ‘He was insane’... Luke Rockhold names toughest sparring partner out of Cain Velasquez and Daniel Cormier Henry Cejudo: Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is the UFC’s biggest possible blockbuster During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cejudo made a bold claim about a potential Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria showdown. “Personally, I believe this fight could be potentially bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall,” Cejudo said of Makhachev vs. Topuria. “Competitively, of course. And it’s not just that, it’s the simple fact that Ilia Topuria has a chance to become champ-champ. “At heavyweight it’s about who is the undisputed champion. But in this position, if Ilia does win, that puts him in the category of...people will give him his flowers.” Topuria recently announced a planned move to lightweight as opposed to defending the featherweight belt for his next fight. A rematch with Alexander Volkanovski was proposed after his latest win over Max Holloway , but it’s uncertain if that’ll hold. Topuria and Makhachev have traded barbs in the media over the last year. If Makhachev gets past Tsarukyan in their UFC 311 rematch, a clash with Topuria could make sense for both sides. Topuria claimed he’ll become the first fighter to submit Makhachev in his UFC career. Makhachev’s lone defeat was by knockout against Adriano Martins at UFC 192. READ MORE: Two new fights announced for first UFC event of 2025, including a ‘banger’ that’s been dubbed ‘Clone Wars’ by fans Ilia Topuria targeting lightweight move in 2025 Topuria’s potential addition to the UFC lightweight addition is an intriguing storyline heading into 2025. Makhachev has retained the belt against most of the top contenders, and Topuria would be a fresh challenge for the titleholder. Topuria competed at lightweight once during his UFC tenure, a come-from-behind finish of Jai Herbert in March 2022. He’s undefeated in his career with featherweight wins over Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell, and Ryan Hall. If Topuria fulfills his promise to move to lightweight, a clash with Makhachev could be on the horizon. Makhachev and Topuria’s superstardom makes Cejudo believe it’s a bigger fight than Jones vs. Aspinall. READ MORE: Brock Lesnar went to crazy lengths to avoid ‘jitters’ in UFC debut: ‘It’s a different game’
INEC chair commends Ghana poll, highlights lessons for NigeriaDoug Pederson spoke to the media this week about preparing to play C.J. Stroud and the Texans. On his assessment of Houston’s offense and Texans QB C.J. Stroud Doug: He's an exceptional quarterback. A good young quarterback in this league that the league needs. He's an exciting player. I don't know everything that goes on down there. I'm sure there's been injury, guys have missed. He's missed his playmakers from time to time. And then there's the film. There's the film out there. There are ways to—what he's put on film, the explosive plays, things of that nature, defenses have time to scheme that, to play defense against it. So, it's the natural progression. He's going to continue to make his plays and lead that football team and continue to be a great player. He's just going to continue to get better each and every game, each and every season. I think one thing, and I don't know C.J. personally other than just talking to him when we play, but he knows that he's a piece of that offense, right? He's a piece of that team and he's going to continue to improve and get better to help his team win just like Trevor is here or [DE] Josh [Hines-]Allen is here. They’re one piece to the big picture, to the whole pie. On when he will make a decision on who will start at quarterback on Sunday vs. Houston Doug: Well, we'll find out today. We'll see where Trevor's at today. Then he's got tomorrow off, come in, get treatment, and see where he's at on Wednesday. See how he feels. He's feeling better today, so that's positive.Thousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has transported an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to a U.S. official, who says Travis Timmerman was flown out on a U.S. military helicopter. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Yankees to get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.
Chris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level Media
Secretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”Ministers warned of cuts as ‘every pound’ of spending to face review
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Fletcher Abee's 25 points helped UNC Asheville defeat Saint Andrews 120-64 on Saturday. Abee shot 8 for 12 (6 for 10 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Bulldogs (4-4). Connor Dubsky scored 20 points while going 6 of 12 from the floor, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and 3 for 4 from the line. Jordan Marsh had 14 points and finished 6 of 10 from the field. The Knights were led by Escamilla Mateu, who posted 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Ma'Nas Drummond added 14 points for Saint Andrews (NC). Caleb Brown finished with 13 points and two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Best Companies Of 2024: Artificial Intelligence Plays, Consumer Stocks Stood OutPanelists Roma Daravi and Xaviaer DuRousseau discuss several topics on ‘Fox News @ Night,’ including Time magazine naming President-elect Trump ‘Person of the Year.’ President-elect Trump on Friday posted a message on his Truth Social account that contrasted his 2023 mugshot with his Time magazine cover. Trump was named Time’s Person of the Year this week, which included a cover and an in-depth interview as he prepares to take office for the second time. "How it started, how it’s going," Trump wrote with his mugshot on the left side and his Time cover on the right. TRUMP SPEAKS ON BEING NAMED TIME PERSON OF THE YEAR FROM THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE "How it started, how it’s going," Trump wrote with his mugshot on the left side and his Time Magazine cover on the right on Truth Social. (Donald Trump/Truth Social) Trump’s mugshot was taken in May 2023 when he was processed at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta after being indicted on election racketeering charges. The magazine announced Trump, who faced an assassination attempt last summer and won the first nonconsecutive U.S. presidential term since Grover Cleveland in the 19th century, had been named its Person of the Year Thursday. TRUMP PROMISES ‘TREMENDOUS INCENTIVE’ ON TAXES DURING SECOND TERM President-elect Trump speaks at a reception at the New York Stock Exchange after being named Time's Person of the Year for the second time Dec. 12, 2024, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Trump, in a ceremony after the announcement, called it an "honor." 'Thank you very much for doing it," he said. "Thank the whole group at Time. Really professional people." Trump, during a ceremony after the announcement, called it an "honor." (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP He was first named the magazine’s Person of the Year after his first presidential win in 2016.Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’AP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:17 p.m. EST