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It seemed like companies couldn’t hire information technology analysts fast enough in 2014 when Michael Deneen began his IT career. Job counts nationally soared in the 2010s and early 2020s, but then the market flattened and a profession that looked like it might grow uninterrupted started shedding jobs. Laid off twice this year from Minnesota IT jobs, Deneen said he’s found it hard to snag the next gig. “Before I could have three, four offers lined up and would have to choose between them,” the Columbia Heights man said. “It’s like I’m struggling to even get a foot in the door in places that I’m more than qualified for.” ADVERTISEMENT Even with the state’s relatively low 3.5 percen t unemployment rate, some mid-career Minnesotans and those just coming out of college are seeing a job market now that worries them. Recent layoffs at Cargill in the Twin Cities and last week’s announcement that Arctic Cat, the Minnesota snowmobile maker, will shutter its manufacturing operations next year in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, have added to the anxiety. Analysts say Minnesota’s job market remains robust, but for some there’s a skills matchup problem as some sectors grow while others flatten or decline. “I’m not gonna lie, it’s been hard,” Deneen said of finding the next IT job. “I’ve had a lot of self-doubt now, like questioning is this really an industry I am good at? Is this something I should even be in anymore? I’m also 40. It’s like, I can’t really switch careers at this point.” ‘Shouldn't be this way’ Health care, government, leisure and hospitality and transportation are among the Minnesota sectors that continue to show strong job growth, according to state data. Other industries are growing slower, including construction and manufacturing. “We’ve heard from some folks that maybe it has taken a little longer than what they remember in the past if they were previously unemployed. Some individuals don’t say that at all,” said Sara Garbe, workforce development supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “November and reaching December, we certainly see a slowdown of hiring and folks may mention things like that they’ve heard from recruiters that maybe a decision won’t be made until after the holidays or after the first or the last quarter of the year,” added Garbe, whose staff works with new job seekers and those in mid-career. For recent college grads who haven’t landed work, the holiday season can bring its own pressures. ADVERTISEMENT Raina Hofstede, 22, studied English at Harvard University. Since graduating in May and coming back to Minnesota, she said job prospects have been nearly nonexistent. “I feel kind of directionless in the time period that I’m waiting,” said Hofstede, who grew up in Coon Rapids. “I feel like I really want to plan. I’m at a point where, like, I’d love to get things moving.” She’s applied to post-undergrad internships and career-advancing work. She’s looking into publishing, creative writing spaces and museums and hopes a stint working in comedy clubs while at Harvard might intrigue an employer. The search and the uncertainty around it is a grind, she acknowledged. “I think, as time goes on, and this feels sad, but I think as time goes on, my belief in myself slowly drops a little bit more with more rejections, and so I feel like I’ll be applying to less and less competitive things as I move forward,” Hofstede said. ' Minnesota showed strong steady job growth coming out of the Great Recession in 2009, reaching nearly 3 million jobs by February 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic torpedoed that growth — the state lost more than 400,000 jobs, nearly 14 percent of its employment, in the span of a few months. Job counts didn’t return permanently to pre-pandemic levels until September last year. The current state and national unemployment rates are relatively low, although they have ticked up over the past year. Minnesota’s unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. unemployment rate at 4.2 percent. Based on the most recent data, Minnesota has six unemployed people for every 10 job openings where nationally there are nine unemployed people for every 10 openings. ADVERTISEMENT Knowing that doesn’t make it easier for those looking for work, waiting for answers from prospective employers. “It just kind of feels like they have no respect for a candidate or their time, or them as a person,” Deneen said of the current market. “It’s an entire game, and it shouldn’t be this way.” ‘A little community’ Garbe said technology is transforming job searches in ways that may make landing work more challenging for some in mid-career or just starting out. Companies are using automated systems or in some cases artificial intelligence systems to screen applicants before a human gets to them. She encourages job seekers to reach out to one of DEED’s more than 50 CareerForce offices across the state where analysts can review resumes or cover letters with job seekers and offer help with writing and strategy. They can also connect people to needed training or certifications. Garbe also suggests reflecting on what you’ve accomplished to boost your self-confidence if you get overwhelmed. Social media has become a resource for job seekers as they look. Groups on Reddit like r/StudentJobSearch have become a space for venting and advice with conversations about job searching and applications. LinkedIn is also seeing similar support groups, including two Deneen is in that focus on networking and project management. ADVERTISEMENT Hofstede said she’s found solace leaning on those around her who are going through these same experiences. She and a group of new graduates meet at their public library to sift through job postings and work on cover letters and resumes together. “Something of a little community of people who are unemployed and looking for jobs, and I like having the friends support,” she said. “It is harder to go through something uncertain like this alone.”
President-elect Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of paying celebrities millions of dollars to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris – including MSNBC host Al Sharpton who he ripped as a “con artist.” “Are the Democrats allowed to pay $11,000,000, $2,000,000, and $500,000 to get the ENDORSEMENT of Beyoncé, Oprah, and Reverend Al?” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “I don’t think so! Beyoncé didn’t sing, Oprah didn’t do much of anything (she called it “expenses”), and Al is just a third rate Con Man. So what is going on here???” “Totally against the law, and I have heard there are many others!!!” he added. It’s unclear how Trump came up with the figures he posted. Both Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey joined Harris on her failed presidential campaign trail. Sharpton, the civil rights leader who hosts MSNBC’s “Politics Nation,” interviewed Harris in October and also held a get-out-the-vote rally to boost the veep’s candidacy. Sharpton’s National Action Network nonprofit received $500,000 from Harris weeks before the interview, according to the Washington Free Beacon. MSNBC has said it has no knowledge of the donation, and reps for Sharpton didn’t immediately return messages Saturday. Winfrey has insisted she wasn’t “paid a dime” by Harris’ failed presidential campaign — saying her production company Harpo Productions netted $1 million for its work on the star-studded “Unite for America” virtual-town-hall event in September. Harris’ campaign paid Beyoncé’s production company Parkwood Production Media $165,000 in November – a month after both women appeared at an event in Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston, according to multiple reports.
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For the first time in over a decade, Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh will coach opposing teams. Jim's Los Angeles Chargers will host John's Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football . It's the third time they'll square off, with Baltimore last defeating Jim's San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl on Feb. 3, 2013. The Week 12 rematch won't be easy for their parents, but Jack and Jackie Harbaugh aren't in Inglewood for Monday's game. Last week, Jack said on The Lounge podcast that they'll be in Florida with their daughter Joani, son-in-law Tom Crean, and two grandchildren. Monday marks the couple's 63rd wedding anniversary, and they'll stay down south for Thanksgiving. "We are choosing to go down there and celebrate Thanksgiving with them and be able to watch the game with them," Jack said . "And we'll have a lot of fun and enjoyment doing that." Speaking to reporters Wednesday , Jim said his mom and dad "rightfully" decided to spend Thanksgiving with Joani while the brothers remain focused on football. He called it "really cool" that he and his brother will face each other on their parents' anniversary. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Jack wouldn't play favorites ahead of the matchup. While the former coach typically watches and discusses game film with his sons, he hasn't this week to stay neutral. John tried to help his parents navigate the uncomfortable moment by reminding them that Monday's game isn't the Super Bowl. Unlike their last encounter, both brothers will keep fighting for a playoff spot regardless of the Week 12 outcome. However, Jack doesn't expect to feel much calmer once the primetime game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET. "I'm sure it'll be about the way it was in the Super Bowl. My nerves were good until kickoff," Jack said. "Once the ball was kicked off and then all at once, your body goes into a different mode – one of absolutely nothing that you can do personally to affect the outcome, but you're emotionally charged to be a part of it and to see how it all comes together. "I'm a total fan. And I'm going to watch and enjoy a great competition." Related: Jim Harbaugh Has Blunt Mindset Heading Into Game Against His Brother
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Fans can't wait for Timothee Chalamet's next film from director of Netflix hitFirst Quarter MICH_Mullings 2 run (Zvada kick), 6:44. MICH_FG Zvada 56, 1:09. Second Quarter NW_FG Akers 28, 6:25. NW_FG Akers 26, 1:57. MICH_Loveland 3 pass from Warren (Zvada kick), :08. Third Quarter MICH_Mullings 10 run (Zvada kick), 12:10. MICH_Mullings 1 run (Zvada kick), 5:12. Fourth Quarter MICH_D.Edwards 20 run (Zvada kick), 13:40. MICH_FG Zvada 28, 5:22. MICH_safety, 4:28. MICH_Dunlap 20 run (Mentzer kick), 4:10. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_Northwestern, Porter 7-24, Komolafe 7-24, (Team) 1-(minus 1), Himon 2-(minus 2), Hilinski 1-(minus 14), Lausch 7-(minus 35). Michigan, Mullings 12-92, Edwards 10-65, Dunlap 1-20, J.Marshall 7-17, Morris 1-9, F.Moore 1-7, B.Hall 2-0, Warren 1-(minus 9). PASSING_Northwestern, Lausch 10-21-2-106, Hilinski 2-3-0-11. Michigan, Warren 26-35-1-195. RECEIVING_Northwestern, Henning 4-16, Kirtz 3-67, Lang 1-14, Wagner 1-7, Porter 1-5, Gordon 1-4, D.Gray 1-4. Michigan, Morris 7-64, Edwards 4-17, Loveland 3-22, F.Moore 2-26, Bredeson 2-19, Mullings 2-17, O'Leary 2-10, Bell 1-8, Klein 1-8, Ka'apana 1-4, B.Hall 1-0. MISSED FIELD GOALS_None.New Year’s opening hours 2025 – Tesco, Asda and Aldi reveal January 1 closing times
Amid interparty friction over immigration, particularly H-1B visas for specialized foreign workers, President-elect Donald Trump has voiced support for the visas, aligning with Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda. Why It Matters Prior to winning the 2024 election, Trump pledged he had "nothing to do with Project 2025," a nearly 900-page policy agenda spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, and called parts of it "ridiculous and abysmal." On Saturday, however, after nearly a week of interparty contention over H-1B visas, with many supporters criticizing top Trump advisers Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk for their support of the program, Trump told the New York Post , "I've always liked the visas. I have always been in favor of the visas. That's why we have them." In June 2020, Trump temporarily suspended the program, freezing access to new H-1B visas, via executive order. It did not affect individuals already holding H-1B visas. Newsweek has reached out to Trump's press team for comment via email on Sunday. His support, which contradicts the beliefs of many Trump loyalists, largely reflects the sentiment of Project 2025—a policy agenda applauded by many of Trump's supporters. What To Know The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers with specialized knowledge or expertise. Tech companies, financial institutions, and universities are often the most frequent sponsors. In 2024, Amazon , Google , Meta and other major companies dominated the market, each receiving several thousand visas. Tesla , the electric car company owned by Musk, reportedly brought hundreds of employees to the U.S. through the program last year. There is a federal annual cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas that can be issued and an "additional 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education are exempt from the cap," according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The visas provide workers with temporary stay in the U.S. Earlier this week, Indian American entrepreneur and venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan's appointment as Trump's artificial intelligence (AI) policy adviser caused a stir among supporters . In addition, Ramaswamy called out American work culture in a social media post, and Musk said there aren't enough "super talented" engineers in the U.S. Ramaswamy's lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter , argued that tech companies need foreign workers because Americans don't have a good enough work ethic and that American culture "venerated mediocrity over excellence." On Friday, Musk's rhetoric on the topic became heated when he vowed to "go to war " to defend the visa program. Many Trump supporters have spoken out against the comments and advocated for the removal of the H-1B visas, emphasizing their support for Trump's pledge to crack down on immigration. However, Project 2025's immigration policy supports the visa program with reforms. It describes the program as "oft-abused" and aims to "transform the program into an elite mechanism exclusively to bring in the 'best and brightest' at the highest wages while simultaneously ensuring that U.S. workers are not being disadvantaged by the program." The policy agenda notes that "H-1B is a means only to supplement the U.S. economy and to keep companies competitive, not to depress U.S. labor markets artificially in certain industries." It is unclear how much of the agenda Trump may incorporate into his policy focus. While he has often distanced himself from the agenda, he told Time last month, "I don't disagree with everything in Project 2025, but I disagree with some things." He added, "They have some things that are very conservative and very good. They have other things that I don't like." What People Are Saying Musk said on Friday via X : "The reason I'm in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX , Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B. Take a big step back and F*** YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend." Laura Loomer, a conservative commentator said in a Thursday X post : "I have always been America First and a die hard supporter of President Trump and I believe that promises made should be promises kept. Donald Trump promised to remove the H1B visa program and I support his policy. Now, as one of Trump's biggest supporters, I'm having my free speech silenced by a tech billionaire for simply questioning the tech oligarchy." Gabe Guidarini, an Ohio field representative for Turning Point Action, wrote in a Tuesday X post : "The H1B issue is going to be the defining issue of 2025. College students who have paid tens of thousands of dollars for job credentials should not have to compete with foreign labor when they enter the workforce. We will remember who didn't stand up against this." Political satire account, Jesus Freakin Congress, who has over 14,600 followers on X, formerly Twitter, posted on the platform yesterday : "I hate to break it to everyone, but...H1B visas were always a part of Project 2025. It clearly stated so in the immigration section. When you voted for Trump, you voted for H1B visas." What Happens Next The debate over H-1B visa reforms continues, and the new administration, set to take office on January 20, 2025, is expected to weigh various immigration reform policies. While Trump's plans to crack down on illegal immigration have broad support across his base, the president-elect will have to walk a tightrope on legal immigration following his inauguration if he is to avoid alienating a powerful section of his supporters. In June, Trump suggested international students graduating from American universities should be given green cards during an interview on the All-In podcast. "If you graduate or you get a doctorate degree from a college, you should be able to stay in this country," he said.United Airlines' Use Of Generative AI Results In 6% Improvement In Overall Customer Satisfaction