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luckycola client The Holiday Bowl went final at 8:46 p.m. on Friday night, as did Washington State's collapse. Not long ago, the Cougars were on the outskirts of the College Football Playoff race. But in the span of 42 days, they lost three consecutive games, their tailback, offensive coordinator, quarterback, head coach and bowl game. They offered an inspired performance against Syracuse at Snapdragon Stadium but, with a battered roster, had too little of everything to keep pace with the Orange in the 52-35 defeat . Now full attention turns to the search that will frame WSU's future. That's critical, especially in the short term. The Cougars need stability atop the program so they can piece together a roster for next season. Far more important is filling the vacancy atop the university: The search for the next president. Kirk Schulz, in charge of WSU since 2016, is stepping down this summer. Will his replacement know if a football is inflated or stuffed? Will he (or she) recognize that a successful football team is the most cost-effective marketing tool for any university, particularly with the enrollment apocalypse fast approaching for universities across the country? Will he (or she) work with Washington State's board of regents, hold firm against the faculty and work with athletic director Anne McCoy to provide the funding necessary for the Cougars to thrive in the rebuilt Pac-12? The leadership structure in Pullman is a bit unusual and requires context. The campus has a chancellor, Dave Cillay, but he reports to Schulz, who oversees the entire WSU system. That reporting line is expected to remain in place when Schulz's yet-to-be-named successor comes aboard in the second half of 2025. "Cillay will not have full control of Pullman campus spending, including athletics," a source familiar with WSU's process told the Hotline (via text message). "The new system president that replaces Kirk will still have ultimate authority." The situation is similar, at least in designation, to the University of California's leadership structure. Except the UC system president, Michael Drake, does not control campus-specific spending. Cal's chancellor determines the Bears' athletic budget. UCLA's chancellor does the same for the Bruins. But WSU's system president, along with the regents, controls the budget in Pullman and the campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Everett and Vancouver, which operate more like satellites than equals. There are roughly three times as many undergraduate students in Pullman than at the four branches combined. The source called it a "bad setup" because "the Pullman chancellor is the most important person; the other system schools are glorified junior colleges." Yet the Pullman chancellor doesn't control the Pullman budget and resource allocation. Schulz began transitioning into his oversight role for the system in 2021 and elevated provost Elizabeth Chilton to the role of chancellor for the Pullman campus. But Chilton "wasn't prepared for the scope of Power Five athletics," the source said, forcing Schulz to retain high-level involvement. (Chilton left Washington State last spring to become president of the University of New Hampshire.) "So much of the dysfunction at WSU goes back to all this system junk," the source said, "instead of focusing all time and efforts on the main campus." Making matters worse for the Cougars: Undergraduate enrollment in Pullman has plunged from 18,346 in the fall of 2019 to just 14,346 in the fall of 2024 — a decline of 22 percent, according to WSU data . More ominous: Enrollment for out-of-state and international students, who pay full-cost tuition, has plunged 37 percent over that span. Add the massive loss of athletic department revenue resulting from the demise of the Pac-12 and the new era of revenue sharing with athletes (in the summer of 2025), and the Cougars are facing a mammoth budget crunch rooted in existential issues, not the day-to-day costs required to operate a major college football program. Will the next WSU president grant Cillay, the Pullman chancellor, control of the athletic department's budget? Given the outsized role the campus plays in the economic model underpinning the entire system, that seems unlikely. Hence the significance of the search for Schulz's replacement. It's not an issue for the Cougars next season: The budget for 2025-26 will be finalized well before the next president takes charge. But Schulz's successor will have authority over athletic department spending in the 2026-27 academic year — the first football season of the rebuilt Pac-12. One area (of several) to watch: Will the salary pool for coordinators and assistant coaches remain steady? The Cougars spent $3.7 million on staff salaries in 2024, according to USA Today's compensation database . That's slightly less than Oregon State ($4.3 million) but considerably more than the top tier of the Mountain West, where Boise State and UNLV spent $2.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Or will the Cougars decrease staff salaries to a level comparable to the middle tier of the Mountain West? Another vital area: The pool of cash assigned to revenue sharing. Most football programs in the Power Four will share roughly $15 million with athletes. The Group of Five schools won't come close to that amount, but where will the Cougars fall relative to Oregon State, Boise State and San Diego State? The future of WSU football is not about one-time allocations. It's not about a $500,000 expenditure here or a $1 million outlay there. Success in the rebuilt Pac-12 depends on the commitment of millions of new dollars over the remainder of the decade. It's about more — much, much more — than picking the right replacement for Jake Dickert.Police officers stand outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday. Lee Jin-man/Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s government early Wednesday lifted the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote, and the declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday (2:30 p.m. Tuesday ET) during a Cabinet meeting. Yoon imposed martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate what he cast as “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Less than three hours later, parliament acted, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.” The president’s surprising move hearkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party’s lawmakers would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifted his order. Woo applauded how troops quickly left the Assembly after the vote. “Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military,” Woo said. While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament’s attempts to impeach key government officials and senior prosecutors and what he called lawmakers’ “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.” Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, claimed that security camera footage following Yoon’s declaration showed that troops moved in a way that suggested they were trying to arrest Lee, Woo and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party. Officials from Yoon’s office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday. U.S. ‘SERIOUSLY CONCERNED’ Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment. Some protesters scuffled with troops ahead of the lawmakers’ vote, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the Assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers, while shouting, “Aren’t you embarrassed?” Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state. When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be employed to restrict the freedom of press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of courts. The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote. Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The military said anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant. In Washington, the White House said the U.S. was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Biden’s administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government. Speaking at an event with Japan’s ambassador to Washington, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, a longtime Asia diplomat, reiterated that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is “ironclad” and the U.S. would “stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty.” Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members based in South Korea. They are not confined to base or under any type of curfew, Ryder said. The South Korean military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools. Soon after the declaration, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions. All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. Television footage showed soldiers who had been stationed at parliament leaving the site after the vote. Hours earlier, TV showed police officers blocking the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the building. An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters, likely from the military, that landed inside the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site. ‘HE HAS NOTHING TO LOSE’ The leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party called the decision to impose martial law “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said Yoon’s announcement was “illegal and unconstitutional.” Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.” Yoon – whose approval rating has dipped in recent months – has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. Yoon’s party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also attempted to pass motions to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations of Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls. During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens,” but he did not elaborate. Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued inter-Korean engagement. Yoon has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee. Sydney Seiler, Korean chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argued that the move was symbolic for Yoon to express his frustration with the opposition-controlled parliament. “He has nothing to lose,” said Seiler, comparing Yoon’s move to the Hail Mary pass in American football, where he hoped for a slim chance of success. Now Yoon is likely to be impeached, a scenario that was also possible before he made the bold move, Seiler said. Natalia Slavney, research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North website that focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoon’s imposition of martial law was “a serious backslide of democracy” that followed a “worrying trend of abuse” since he took office in 2022. South Korea “has a robust history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and swift impeachments,” Slavney said, citing the example of former President Park Geun-hye. Park, the country’s first female president, was ousted from office and imprisoned for bribery and other crimes in 2017. Associated Press writers Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Matt Lee, Didi Tang and Tara Copp in Washington contributed to this report. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. 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After absorbing their worst defeat of the year , the San Jose Sharks will be looking for a response Saturday against the Florida Panthers. The Sharks reverted to some bad habits during their 8-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, as they strayed from their identity and were generally outworked from start to finish. The seven-goal loss was the Sharks’ most lopsided of the season, unceremoniously ending a three-game winning streak. While the Sharks have been playing better hockey l ately, the loss in Tampa offered a blunt reminder that they can still get embarrassed when their details and competitive level are not where they need to be, particularly against playoff-caliber teams. “Break out pucks, defend hard, box out, you name it,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters when asked about the defense’s shortcomings. “What a defenseman’s responsibilities are, we could have done a lot better.” The forward group wasn’t let off the hook, either. “Didn’t pay a price,” Warsofsky said. “You watch (the Lightning), they’re blocking shots. (Mikey) Eyssimont), (Luke) Glendining (when it’s) 8-1. And that’s the price to pay to win games in this league and that’s what we’ve got to learn.” The Sharks have done a fairly good job this season of responding after blowout defeats. After an 8-3 road loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Oct. 18, they returned home and played a much more competitive game two days later against the Colorado Avalanche in a 4-1 loss. Two days after getting blown out 7-3 by the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 26, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit in the final five minutes of the third period against the Utah Hockey Club and won 5-4 in overtime. Now the Sharks face the reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers, who, before Friday, were the third-highest scoring team in the NHL at 3.78 goals per game. Florida entered Friday tied for first place in the Atlantic Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs. “I’m not deflated. It’s an 82-game season,” Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro said after Thursday’s loss. “We’ve got another game in a couple of days and another opportunity to play a really good hockey team and surprise them. So it’s not deflating, but it’s definitely not something that’s acceptable, so we’ve got to be better.” The Sharks have lost 10 straight games to the Panthers, with their last victory in South Florida coming on Dec.1, 2017. The Sharks might have to face the Panthers without rookie forward Will Smith, who did not practice Friday. Warsofsky told San Jose Hockey Now that Smith is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, although it remained unclear when the 19-year-old was injured. Against the Lightning, Smith played late into the third period and finished with 15:50 in ice time. Smith has 11 points in 23 games this season and has recently been playing on a line with Mikael Granlund and Klim Kostin. Regardless of who plays against the Panthers, the Sharks still need to prove that they can consistently produce a strong performance against quality opponents. “We’ll obviously take a look at everything and talk within the group and figure it out,” Sharks winger Luke Kunin said, “so it doesn’t happen again.” GOODROW RETURNS: Forward Barclay Goodrow, who has been on injured reserve since Nov. 28 with an upper-body ailment, skated Friday, per San Jose Hockey Now. Goodrow was injured by a high hit from Ridly Greig in the Sharks’ Nov. 27 game against the Ottawa Senators. He is questionable to play against the Panthers. TEDDY BEAR TOSS: The San Jose Barracuda are hosting its annual Teddy Bear Toss at Tech CU Arena on Saturday when it plays the Coachella Valley Firebirds at 6 p.m. Fans are urged to bring stuffed animals to the game and throw them on the ice after the Barracuda scores its first goal. The Barracuda will then distribute some of the stuffed animals to children at local Kaiser Permanente hospitals, as well as other kids who might not get a gift during this time of year. The AHL franchise is also joining forces with San Jose-based Working Partnerships USA, which, per the team, helps to tackle “the root causes of inequality and poverty by leading collaborative campaigns for quality jobs, healthy communities, equitable growth, and a vibrant democracy.” For Saturday’s game, the Barracuda will also wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, with part of the proceeds going to Working Partnerships. The team is also giving away Barracuda stockings to the first 1,500 fans in the building.JHVEPhoto In the spring, I believed that shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation aka Wabtec ( NYSE: WAB ) were railing along to set fresh highs in the process. Supported by growing revenues and earnings, themselves supported by long-term tailwinds on the If you like to see more ideas, please subscribe to the premium service "Value in Corporate Events" here and try the free trial. In this service we cover major earnings events, M&A, IPOs and other significant corporate events with actionable ideas. Furthermore, we provide coverage of situations and names on request! The Value Investor has a Master of Science with specialization in financial markets and a decade of experience tracking companies via catalytic company events. Value In Corporate Events Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). 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Buy these ASX ETFs for crypto, income, and buy and hold investingDodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child, the player announced Saturday. Ohtani, who set an MLB record this year before going on to win his first World Series title , made the announcement in a post to Instagram with the caption: "Can't wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!" Earlier this year, he became the first Major League Baseball player to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a single season, solidifying his place in baseball history with the record-setting ball later selling for $4.4 million . That was just a little over a month before the Los Angeles Dodgers would face off with the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic. LA's victory in the series, complete with records set by Freddie Freeman and a historic comeback in the final game, was celebrated with the city's first Dodgers parade since 1988 . It was a whirlwind end to Ohtani's first season with the Dodgers, which started off with a $700 million contract announced in December 2023 — the most lucrative signing of an MLB player in the league's history. Tanaka, a professional basketball player, appeared alongside Ohtani in a post to social media earlier this year after the player revealed just weeks before that he's married . At the time, he didn't say who his spouse was but wrote of her affectionately. "Not only have I begun a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have (begun) a new life with someone from my native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married," he posted to Instagram. Marissa Wenzke is a journalist based in Los Angeles. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from UC Santa Barbara and is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School.Injured Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts won't play Sunday against Dallas

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TikTok's future in the U.S. appeared uncertain on Friday after a federal appeals court rejected a legal challenge to a law that requires the social media platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company or be banned by mid-January. A panel of three judges on The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled unanimously that the law withstood constitutional scrutiny, rebuffing arguments from the two companies that the statute violated their rights and the rights of TikTok users in the U.S. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jalen Hurts is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, forcing the Philadelphia Eagles to play against Dallas without their star quarterback. The Eagles will turn to backup Kenny Pickett on Sunday because Hurts is still dealing with the lingering effects of a concussion suffered against Washington. Hurts was injured early at Washington after his head slammed against the ground on one run and he was hit in the helmet by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu at the end of another. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said the Eagles would lean on the medical staff on a daily basis to know where Hurts — who threw two touchdown passes and ran for a pair of scores in the first meeting against Dallas in November — was in his recovery from the head injury. The 26-year-old Hurts did not practice this week, leaving Pickett — who suffered a rib injury in relief action against the Commanders — in line for his first start as an Eagle. Pickett was 14 of 24 for 143 yards against the Commanders, throwing a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and an interception. Pickett is from New Jersey and said when he was acquired from Pittsburgh that he had “great memories” of going to games at Lincoln Financial Field with his dad and grandfather since he was 5. The chance to run out of the home team tunnel — which he could get Sunday if he’s the starting QB — left him absolutely delighted. “It's a big opportunity,” Pickett said this week. “I've been working hard to stay ready. I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation. Now, having a week to practice, I'll feel even better going into the stadium.” Pickett, a first-round pick out of Pitt in 2022, went 14-10 as a starter for the Steelers. The Eagles will bump third-stringer Tanner McKee to the backup spot. The Eagles also signed QB Ian Book this week to the practice squad. There has been recent precedent for quarterbacks to play a week after entering the league’s concussion protocol. Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence sustained a head injury while scrambling up the middle on the team’s final drive in Week 15 loss to Baltimore last season. Lawrence misfired on seven of his final eight passes after the hit, a stretch that raised concerns on the sideline about his health. Lawrence reported symptoms after the game. He entered the protocol but was cleared in time to start the next game at Tampa Bay. The Eagles (12-3) could decide to play it safe and rest Hurts with the team needing a win against Dallas or the New York Giants to clinch the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Hurts shook off a sluggish start over the first four games and has thrown 18 touchdowns against just five interceptions to turn the Eagles into Super Bowl contenders. Thanks in large part to the tush push, Hurts has 14 rushing touchdowns this season. The Eagles won the Super Bowl for the 2017 season behind backup QB Nick Foles when starter Carson Wentz went down with a late-season injury. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Kings fire coach Mike Brown less than halfway through his 3rd season, AP source saysAn online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press Dec 27, 2024 10:43 AM Dec 27, 2024 10:50 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Vivek Ramaswamy arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, to meet with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and billionaire Elon Musk as they convene a meeting of the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, as envisioned by President-elect Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) WEST 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. Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Science News A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says Dec 27, 2024 10:01 AM Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals' Dec 27, 2024 9:55 AM One owl rescued by a Minnesota woman is euthanized; efforts to save the other continue Dec 27, 2024 7:52 AM

Ben Stelter, the young Edmonton Oilers superfan who captured the hearts of the entire city and the team, is being honored in a special way this holiday season. The inaugural Ben’s Cup minor hockey tournament kicked off Friday . The event brings together 32 teams from Edmonton to raise funds for the Ben Stelter Foundation. The tournament is a tribute to Ben’s lasting impact on the community and his deep connection with Oilers captain Connor McDavid. McDavid shared many memorable moments with the young fan. Ben Had a Special Bond with the Oilers Ben’s bond with the team was not just one of admiration but mutual inspiration. His energy, courage, and infectious personality touched the hearts of the Oilers players. He also became an integral part of the Oilers’ journey. Ben’s Cup serves as a celebration of Ben’s influence on the community and his role in motivating the team. The event supports the Foundation that provides vital assistance to children battling cancer. It is a reminder of how one young life can leave an indelible mark on a city and a team. Benn created a legacy that will endure for years to come. The inaugural Ben’s Cup will be a holiday season minor hockey tournament. It includes 32 teams from the Edmonton area. These teams will compete in a tournament that will help to raise crucial funds for the Ben Stelter Foundation. This event supports youth hockey and is a powerful tribute to Ben’s infectious personality. It also highlights his family’s unwavering commitment to helping other children battling cancer. Ben’s Cup and the All-Star Game Support Cancer Research Featuring 16 Under-11 and 16 Under-13 teams, Ben’s Cup also includes a special All-Star game spotlighting the top 40 fundraisers. The event has already raised more than $400,000 for the Foundation, which supports cancer research, medical equipment, and special experiences for kids and families facing cancer. Ben’s father, Mike Stelter, who is also fighting cancer, hopes the tournament will grow each year, bringing the community together while providing vital support for children in need. As Oilers captain Connor McDavid shared, Ben’s spirit lives on through events like Ben’s Cup , and his legacy continues to inspire everyone who knew him. This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office

T he political moment with potentially the most far-reaching implications for British taxpayers came on Monday — not in Westminster or Washington but in Mauritius. Navin Ramgoolam, the new prime minister of the Indian Ocean island, informed the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, that his government did not accept the agreement, signed by his predecessor on October 3, in which Britain committed itself to handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. As part of the deal, the UK has been granted a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, the largest island and home of a strategically vital US airbase. “We have made a counter proposal,” Ramgoolam informed his MPs after the call. His deputy, Paul Bérenger was blunter: “They are nitpicking about the compensation toPresident-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urge judge to toss his hush money convictionVan Nistelrooy has replaced Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium and saw Jamie Vardy open the scoring after just 98 seconds. Bilal El Khannouss and Patson Daka added goals after the break to ensure the Dutchman started with three points in style. Starting with a win! 🤩 Delivered by @bcgame #LEIWHU pic.twitter.com/X90nFSbMLm — Leicester City (@LCFC) December 3, 2024 His task is to keep the Foxes in the Premier League this season and after ending a five-game winless run they moved up to 15th, four points clear of the relegation zone. West Ham’s hierarchy will have seen what impact a managerial change can have as the jury remains out on Lopetegui, with away fans making their feelings clear by chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning”. Niclas Fullkrug scored a consolation goal at the death but it counted for nothing and forthcoming games against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton could determine the Spaniard’s future. When Van Nistelrooy went to bed last night, even he would not have dreamt of his side starting as well as they did as they went ahead with less than two minutes on the clock. One of the Dutchman’s first conversations following his appointment was to take Vardy to task for breaking his record for scoring in the most consecutive Premier League games nine years ago. And the veteran striker rolled back to the years as, living on the shoulder of the West Ham defence, he raced clear from El Khannouss’ through-ball and slotted into the corner. The linesman’s flag immediately went up but a lengthy VAR review ruled Vardy had timed his run perfectly and the goal stood. Vardy could have added a second from a similar move but this time Lukasz Fabianski denied him. The Dutchman quickly learned about the frailties of his side as West Ham created a raft of chances in search of an equaliser. Jarrod Bowen forced Mads Hermansen into a stretching save when he cut in from the right before Ings’ header crashed into the post and Max Kilman slipped at the crucial point from the rebound. Bowen, a constant threat, sent a ball across face of goal which evaded everyone before the England international was denied by a reflex save from the busy Hermansen. The Danish goalkeeper needed to be alert to tip over Mohammed Kudus’ deflected effort early in the second half before he was saved by the referee’s whistle after after his attempted punch went into his own goal, Tomas Soucek the man penalised. Leicester remained a threat on the counter-attack and that is how they doubled their lead just after the hour. Kasey McAteer was set clear down the left and his ball inside was perfect for El Khannouss to find the bottom corner from 15 yards. It was almost three as Fabianski produced an acrobatic save from Wilfred Ndidi’s header before Leicester needed a heroic piece of defending to keep their 2-0 lead intact. Crysencio Summerville bundled the ball goalwards and it was heading over the line until Conor Coady adjusted his feet and poked it clear. The Foxes, who also had a goal from substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid chalked off by VAR, wrapped things up in the 90th minute when Daka broke clear and emphatically converted into the roof of the net. West Ham did get on the scoresheet when Fullkrug headed a corner home, but the game was already done.

AP News Summary at 6:33 p.m. EST

A ninth American telecommunications firm has fallen victim to a significant Chinese espionage operation, according to White House reports. The breach, part of the scheme named 'Salt Typhoon,' provided Beijing officials access to private US texts and calls. This revelation comes after the Biden administration revealed the extent of the hacking campaign earlier this month, already implicating eight other telecom companies and numerous other nations. Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger announced the latest victim after providing guidance for companies on identifying intruders. The hacking operation undermined telecom networks to retrieve call records and access private communications. While the FBI hasn't named any victims, officials believe high-level US government members and political figures were targeted. Neuberger stressed the urgency for compulsory cybersecurity measures, a topic for the Federal Communications Commission's agenda next month. (With inputs from agencies.)