Australia’s media movers and shakers on who survives in Australian journalism'Out of control': readers' frustration grows with the uncut long grassLuke Littler pleads for former Man United star to return to the club in now-deleted Instagram post after Red Devils man's error in Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen The United star left over a year ago after a successful career at the club Littler called for the player to return in the place of a member of current squad LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Mason Mount? Marcus Rashford? Joshua Zirkzee? Who should Manchester United sell to raise funds? By LEWIS BROWNING Published: 23:41, 12 December 2024 | Updated: 23:42, 12 December 2024 e-mail View comments Luke Littler has pleaded for a former Manchester United star to return to the club in a now-deleted Instagram post after one man's error against Viktoria Plzen. United left it late in their Europa League clash on Thursday night, but a Rasmus Hojlund double salvaged a point for Ruben Amorim 's side as they picked up their first European away win since March last year . It was tough going in the first half of what was a drab game, and they went behind through a goal from former Burnley and Derby man Matej Vydra. But Hojlund scored after good work from Amad Diallo to square things up and he then poked home a pass from Bruno Fernandes to leave United well set to reach the next round. It didn't come easy, though, and questions were again raised around goalkeeper Andre Onana when his pass was intercepted for the opener just days after he was at fault for Morgan Gibbs-White 's effort against Nottingham Forest . And Littler, who is preparing to play in the World Darts Championship, had seen enough as he took to social media to call for David De Gea to return to the club. Luke Littler (pictured) has pleaded for a former Manchester United star to return to the club He took to Instagram in a now-deleted post to call for the return of David De Gea in goal De Gea is playing for Fiorentina in Italy after spending a year as a free agent post-United 'Bring back Dave,' Littler, an avid United fan, posted - as he sat in front of his TV to watch the game - accompanied by a glove emoji. He swiftly deleted the post, however, replacing it with a video of Hojlund scoring the winner and the caption: 'Wohoooooo.' De Gea departed United last year having spent 12 seasons in Manchester before leaving at the end of his contract. He was frozen out by former manager Erik ten Hag despite winning the Golden Glove in his final season. The Spaniard was replaced by Onana, and spent a year out of the game as a free agent before joining Fiorentina in the summer. While he enjoys life in Italy, there continues to be questions around his replacement, who gifted the ball to Pavel Sulc to feed Vydra for the opener on Thursday. He had been trying to pass to Matthijs De Ligt, who was on his heels and the forward got there first. Owen Hargreaves said on TNT Sports after the game of the goal: 'It is both of their faults. He (De Ligt) doesn't want it, he goes back, Onana gives the ball away and isn't in his goal. But Amorim wants De Ligt in there - it is difficult for the CB.' He left the Old Trafford club after 12 years in 2023 having been pushed out by Erik ten Hag Andre Onana was his replacement but made yet another error leading to a goal on Thursday Littler is preparing to play in the World Championship, which gets underway on Sunday United captain Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, said of his goalkeeper : 'We want to play from the back and everyone knows we have to make the right decisions. 'It is not about Andre making the mistake, we don't look at individuals. It is for all the players involved. We have full belief in Andre - he is a clever guy so we don't need to tell him and he will help us from the back. 'It is something we have been doing for a long time. The goalkeepers are good on the ball and can do the triangle, it worked many times but today it didn't. 'We trust him to keep doing the things he thinks are best.' Andre Onana David De Gea Europa League Final Share or comment on this article: Luke Littler pleads for former Man United star to return to the club in now-deleted Instagram post after Red Devils man's error in Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen e-mail Add commentDK Metcalf is happy to block as Seahawks ride streak into Sunday night matchup with Packers
Tejada scores 18, Towson beats Bryant 70-65LONDON — Pooches in pullovers paraded past Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a gathering of dogs in Christmas sweaters to raise funds for rescue charities. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. About 130 pets, and their owners, walked Saturday from St. James's Park and along the Mall, the wide boulevard that leads to the royal palace as part of the Christmas Jumper Parade. Flossie the dog barks Saturday during the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade in central London. Prizes were awarded for best-dressed pets, with contenders including canine Santas, puppy elves and a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and pink jacket adorned with red bows. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. The event was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money for charities that rehome dogs from overseas. People take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. Christmas sweater animal parades have become something of an annual tradition in London. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. There are more to come this year, including an event for corgis — the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed — on Dec. 7 and the dachshund-friendly Hyde Park Sausage Walk on Dec 15. From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport. In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs. Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents' preferences. Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality. The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans. As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed's popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states. With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia. The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles. As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur. The shih tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution. Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall. Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation's capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.' Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman's Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union's executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November's election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!”
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy voted to pass H.R. 8070, the House version of the Servicemembers Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act, for for the coming fiscal year. Langworthy, R-23rd District, said this year’s NDAA delivers a significant pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, cuts what was termed as wasteful spending at the Pentagon and ensures the U.S. military "remains the strongest fighting force in the world." The House version of the bill also abolishes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) bureaucracy and climate change programs while banning the teaching, training or promotion of critical race theory. "Provisions of this legislation will prepare our counter threats from China, Russia, and Iran, while supporting National Guard deployments to secure our southern border — keeping America safe and strong,” the congressman said. The fiscal year 2025 NDAA will provide junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% pay raise and fully support the deployment of the National Guard at the southwest border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs, Langworthy said. The House bill is also meant to prevent Chinese espionage in the U.S. military, supply chains and research institutions, expand U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully fund cooperative missile defense programs. Other features of the bill include: • Increasing funding for defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense. • Saving $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons and what Langworthy called "bloated Pentagon bureaucracy." • Cutting $4 billion in programs that do not meet requirements. • Permanently banning taxpayer-funded transgender medical treatment for children of servicemembers and countering antisemitism by prohibiting the sale of goods at DOD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in a boycott of Israel. EARLIER THIS WEEK , the House unanimously passed Langworthy’s bipartisan Weather Alert Response and Notification Act (WARN Act, H.R. 2892) to modernize emergency alert systems nationwide. This legislation followed communication failures during Winter Storm Elliott, which claimed more than 40 lives in Western New York and the Southern Tier in December 2022. “People were trapped in their cars for days, many were trapped in their homes without power, and rescue crews struggled to get to those in need,” Langworthy said during remarks on the House Floor. “Some of these deaths could’ve been prevented, but local warning systems failed to adequately communicate the risks to the public. We can’t let this happen again. “Whether it’s a blizzard, a hurricane, a tornado, or other severe weather event, we must ensure that our emergency alert systems are timely, accurate, and capable of reaching everyone,” Langworthy added. “By equipping our communities with clearer, more actionable alerts, we can save lives and prevent tragedies like those experienced during Winter Storm Elliott. Preparation is the key to protecting lives and minimizing damage during these crises.” Specifically, the WARN Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the effectiveness of local, state, and federal emergency alert systems, with a focus on adopting cutting-edge technologies such as mobile alerts and satellite communications. The legislation aims to improve the clarity and reliability of alerts, providing critical support for emergency managers on the front lines of disasters, Langworthy said.
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Michael Pasquali, photographed at Electric Avenue, 1471 Main St. E. in Hamilton, Ont., is the founder of the Canadian Electric Bike Association. Lipa Islam/The Globe and Mail Shockwaves are reverberating through the e-bike industry in Canada and the United States after a year that saw several prominent brands declare bankruptcy or stop selling in the North American market, citing an inability to compete in an increasingly consolidated environment. Experts say changes that followed the industry’s unprecedented pandemic boom – from a rise in factory direct sales to rapidly evolving technology – have been devastating for independent brands. Vancouver-based DOST Bikes, California-based Juiced Bikes and iGO Electric of Montreal all declared bankruptcy or went into receivership within roughly the past year. Even global brands such as Japanese motor sports giant Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. and Swiss company Stromer recently announced they were pulling their e-bikes out of North America, citing a softened market. The speed and comfort of e-bikes set them apart from traditional bicycles, opening up the age-old mode of transport to a wider range of users. From delivery people to commuters, the resounding sentiment from most e-bike fans is it’s fun to go fast and the power assist makes long trips so much easier. In Canada, the federal standard for an e-bike’s maximum speed is 32 km/h, and range varies from about 50 to 100 kilometres. The pandemic saw e-bike sales soar, as consumers with extra time and pent-up energy splurged on devices to stay active outdoors. In 2022, the Canadian market was worth about $240-million, with about 70,000 e-bikes sold that year, according to Rize Bikes. By 2025, Rize estimates the market will reach $345-million, with more than 100,000 bikes sold annually. Prices range from $14,000 for a Stromer bike to $3,100 for an ENVO and just $600 on Amazon.com Inc. for a bike from an overseas manufacturer. But makers and retailers say the domestic industry is flatlining. While it’s nowhere near taking its last breath, the changing landscape is forcing local brands to carve out a niche for themselves just to survive, in a market that has become dominated by cheap, direct-to-consumer sales. Sam Atakhanov, the founder of multiple e-bike startups, launched DOST Bikes in 2019 – just before the industry took off. “Things were going normal. Then there was that chain of events that happened over the last few years that really crippled our industry,” he said. For Mr. Atakhanov, it all began with Apple’s release of the iOS 14 operating system in September, 2020. The update affected advertisers’ ability to reach their target audiences, which meant Mr. Atakhanov’s ads on Google weren’t working as well as they used to. Then, pandemic supply-chain disruptions threw a wrench into his company’s cash flow, bumping manufacturing lead times from three months to a year, he said. “We’re sitting here with no stock for nearly a year before the money comes in, so we’re living off of lines of credit, our own cash, investment capital. We’re digging ourselves a hole,” he said. While supply chains improved by 2022, Mr. Atakhanov said rising interest rates and a receding customer base were some of the final blows dealt to his business. Retailers had rushed to double their stock during the pandemic, but the high demand disappeared almost as quickly as it came. “Then it’s a vicious cycle, race to the bottom, everybody’s trying to offload,” Mr. Atakhanov said. The last straw for DOST Bikes was when e-bike factories overseas began bypassing local companies, like DOST, to sell directly to North American consumers, Mr. Atakhanov said. “When that happened, our value proposition for all that great design, branding, marketing, all that just went right out the window because a factory can sell for half the price.” DOST Bikes filed for insolvency in December, 2023. “It was death by a thousand cuts,” Mr. Atakhanov said. And it wasn’t unique to DOST, said Haseeb Javed, a member of the product and engineering team at electric mobility company ENVO Drive Systems in Vancouver. He conducts industry research to determine what causes companies to fail and said most of them have a story similar to DOST’s. Based upon his research, Mr. Javed said ENVO has been very careful to diversify where its products are sold so it’s not reliant on a single revenue stream. For example, the company sells through Costco Wholesale Corp., storefronts and direct to consumers online. ENVO also sells more than just e-bikes, with e-scooters, water bikes with pontoons and snow bikes with skis also in its repertoire. Mr. Javed said this helps with the company’s brand awareness. “Some business models are better for this market. But ultimately, I believe that anyone who survived, either you need to be a Chinese factory who is selling at very low margins or you need to have differentiation,” he said. Kevin McLaughlin, the CEO of Zygg E-Bikes, which operates in Toronto and Vancouver, said 2024 has been a challenging year for his subscription-based company. At Zygg, customers can rent or buy new and used e-bikes, a model that sets the company apart from stores that only sell new bikes. He said Zygg is a popular choice with food delivery workers. At the peak of the pandemic, Zygg did about $2.5-million a year in sales. This year, revenues will come in under $2-million. Amid the technological evolution of e-bikes, Mr. McLaughlin said he’s scrambling to modernize his fleet. And bikes that he bought at $2,000 and once sold for $3,000 now have a markup of just $400. “There’s enormous downward pressure,” he said. Mr. Atakhanov said his company has also had to compete with bigger brands that can afford to innovate – and market those innovations – at a much faster pace. For example, tech company DJI created an e-bike drive system that can connect to a user’s smartphone, allowing them to control things such as their bike’s lock status or power assist through an app. “My product, all of a sudden, over the weekend, looks like it’s last year’s model,” he said. While smaller companies may be struggling to keep up, the prevailing sentiment among industry players is that demand for such micromobility devices isn’t going away. Michael Pasquali, the founder of the Canadian Electric Bike Association, said people are going to continue to buy e-bikes even if the industry never again reaches the heights it did during the pandemic.
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BEARSKIN LAKE — A charity group has distributed 100 refurbished laptops to schools in three remote First Nation communities in Northern Ontario. Corporations for Community Connections Inc (CFCC) donated the laptops to Fort Severn, Bearskin Lake and Muskrat Dam as a continuation of a 14-year relationship with Siemens Energy Canada. These laptops hitched a ride with the Santa Run last Wednesday . Philip Schaus, the president and CEO of CFCC, said that to remain competitive, high-tech companies driven by technology cannot continue to use the same laptops for over about three years. He said their group intercepts these computers at the end of their corporate life, organizes workshops with the companies' employees to refurbish them and after giving them a new life, distributes them to people without access to the internet rather than sending them to landfills. “The fact is that the world generates e-waste at a rate that equals the Great Wall of China every year and yet more than half the population of the world doesn’t have access to the internet, which in our digital world is really depriving them of the opportunity to get access to opportunities and fulfill their potential,” said Schaus. These high-end and durable business computers typically retail around $1500 to $2000 a computer. Schaus said the purpose of distributing these laptops is really to ‘reinforce education with access to this technology for students.’ Loretta Mickenack, the principal at Michikan Lake School in Bearskin Lake, received 30 laptops. She said the laptops will help ensure every student has their own laptop because they had a few late enrollments this year. “When they go out for high school, they need to be aware of how to use the technology, especially when they go into grade 9 they start using the Chromebooks and using Google Classroom and stuff like that so that will help them to be ready,” said Mickenack. Ardelle Kamenawatamin, a Band Councillor in Bearskin Lake, also thanked everyone for coming and the computers. “It was a surprise. Like I don’t know anything about the computers, but the staff here in the school they sure can put good use to them because they’re so active with the kids in here,” said Kamenawatamin. “Like I see it. My kids have great teachers. I have four children in school here, so they’re doing well with their schooling here, so I love it.” Unlike their typical workshops, held where the computers end their corporate life, Schaus said they initially brought some of these computers up to Thunder Bay for a workshop at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School to refurbish them. Later in the week, he added that students from Oakville — where they often do their workshops — flew up on Friday also to learn how to fix the computers, diagnose problems with them and repair them. “The reason for doing this is because we’re sending these computers to oftentimes very remote communities where they don’t have a lot of computer technology specialists and so what we want to do is we want to use this opportunity to train them on how to make these computers have a longer life, so that the computers get dispersed and continue providing service over a longer life,” said Schaus. Cheryl Thomas is head counsellor in Fort Severn where the school received 28 refurbished laptops. She said there are many challenges with getting new computers in her community. “It means a lot. I saw a lot of kids smiling. Totally made their day and having the laptops donated to us — I really appreciate it for the school,” said Thomas. 'It’s a great opportunity for them to use them as learning tools,' she added.
This pocket camera has fully replaced my iPhone for video shooting - and it's a must for travelingAMES, Iowa — Rocco Becht threw for two touchdowns and ran for another and No. 17 Iowa State's defense came up with big stops in the second half to help the Cyclones beat Kansas State 29-21 on Saturday night for the first 10-win season in program history. Iowa State (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten, No. 18 CFP) needed BYU to beat Houston on Saturday night to secure a spot in next week's conference championship game against Arizona State. Becht’s first touchdown pass, a 15-yarder to Jayden Higgins, came after Myles Purchase recovered Avery Johnson’s errant pitch on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Becht’s 9-yard TD pass to Jaylin Noel came after Joey Petersen picked up Keagan Johnson’s fumble. Noel went over 1,000 yards receiving for the season with the catch. Becht's 5-yard run put the Cyclones up 24-14 at half. A safety and Kyle Konrardy’s 20-yard field goal gave Iowa State an eight-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Wildcats (8-4, 5-4, No. 24 CFP) turned over the ball on downs at the Cyclones’ 35 when a pass went off Garrett Oakley’s hands on a fourth-and-2 with 4:59 left. They got the ball back for a final possession with no timeouts and 1:11 left when Kyle Konrardy missed what would have been a game-clinching 37-yard field goal. K-State went nowhere, with Avery Johnson knocked out of the game on third down and Ta’Quan Roberson throwing incomplete on fourth-and-15. Becht took a knee, and the fans poured out of the stands to celebrate with the Cyclones on the field. Kansas State cornerback Keenan Garber, left, breaks up a pass intended for Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall Avery Johnson threw touchdown passes of 28 and 65 yards to Jayce Brown in the first half, and his 7-yarder to Oakley pulled K-State within 24-21 late in the third quarter. He threw for 220 yards and ran for 64 on 13 carries, and Brown caught three balls for 106 yards. The Cyclones made a huge stop earlier in the third after DJ Giddens’s 36-yard run set up K-State inside the 5-yard line. They kept the Wildcats out of the end zone, and then Darien Porter blew through the right side of the line to block Chris Tennant’s 21-yard field-goal try. The defense recorded a safety when Jacob Ellis chased Avery Johnson into his own end zone. Johnson desperately unloaded the ball and was called for intentional grounding. The Takeaway Kansas State: The Wildcats failed to play spoiler after finding out their chances at potentially making the Big 12 championship game were squashed earlier in the day. Their two turnovers, having a field goal blocked, giving up a safety and failing to convert two fourth-and-2s hurt. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell reacts to a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall Iowa State: The Cyclones secured their first 10-win season in their program's 133-year history and turned into temporary BYU fans in the wake of their win. Poll implications Iowa State looks to climb a couple of spots following its win. Up next Kansas State: Will play in a bowl game. Iowa State: Will play in a bowl game and possibly the Big 12 championship game.Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | 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 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
By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 13: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed Tribhuvan University (TU) to make appointments of vacant deans and campus chiefs based on meritocracy and in a way that ensures effective functioning of the university. Speaking at TU’s Senate Meeting held in Kirtipur on Thursday, PM Oli, who is the Chancellor of TU, emphasised that the responsibility of the university operation lay with the Vice-Chancellor. He reiterated that he has consistently stressed to the Vice Chancellor the need for impartial and merit-based operations at TU. After the Senate members raised concerns about the delay in appointing recommended deans and campus chiefs, PM Oli instructed that these appointments be completed by December 22. “Everyone should have access to quality education. Social issues must be fully integrated into the education system. While the education sector should function with open mind, Tribhuvan University must adhere to its established rules and legal framework,” he said. Stating that TU’s autonomy is not personal and a matter of delegating authority through the Senate, Prime Minister Oli said, “Meritocracy at TU is desirable, but it must be genuine. There should be no drama in the name of meritocracy.” He clarified, “Media reports have speculated about Chancellor’s interference, but as the Chancellor, it is my duty to ensure the right actions are taken. I do not interfere, but I have emphasised that meritocracy must prevail.” He further questioned, “Is it not my responsibility to tell this to the Vice Chancellor?” He stressed the need to conduct Senate meetings in a dignified, structured, constructive, and mature manner instead of engaging in prolonged debates and disputes. He urged the officials to bring well-prepared agendas to the table and called on Senate members to actively contribute to presenting agendas that lead to positive outcomes. Representatives from community campuses, professors, staffs, and students expressed dissatisfaction during the meeting, citing inadequate preparation by TU officials for the proposals presented and a lack of adherence to TU’s established procedures. In response, PM Oli conducted discussions on the meeting’s agenda. Prime Minister Oli affirmed his commitment to addressing the problems and demands faced by universities in a systematic manner. He also called on the relevant stakeholders to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence during the amendment of TU’s Act and Rules. The meeting approved a 12-point policy, including the introduction of a service eligibility training exam for entry into TU services. Prime Minister Oli has scheduled an informal discussion on various university reform issues for December 22.
Article content Donald Trump said Sunday that he will be president of the U.S. — not Elon Musk. “No, he’s not taking the presidency,” Trump told a conservative audience in Phoenix, addressing growing complaints about the outsized role the Tesla boss has already had in his incoming administration. “You know, they’re on a new kick,” he said. “All the different hoaxes. The new one is that President Trump has ceded the presidency to Elon Musk. No, no, that’s not happening.” That Trump would be compelled to address Musk’s power is testimony to the unusual influence that the world’s richest man has displayed in a second Trump presidency that won’t begin for another month. Trump has tapped Musk to head a cost-cutting and deregulation effort he calls the Department of Government Efficiency. It’s not an official department, but rather a small group of people working from the Washington offices of Musk’s SpaceX and organized around an account on Musk’s social media platform, X. The appointment has already brought complaints of conflicts of interest, as Musk’s many businesses — including car-maker Tesla, tunnel-drilling Boring Co., rocket-launcher SpaceX and its sister satellite company Starlink — are regulated by the federal government and receive federal contracts. Musk also was an early and vocal opponent of a budget compromise in Congress last week, amplifying criticism of the bill — much of it misleading — on X. The bill failed and was replaced by a slimmed-down version that prevented a government shutdown. Trump has marveled at the South Africa-born billionaire’s technological acumen, and credited Musk with helping to win Pennsylvania. Musk contributed a total of $238.5 million to a pro-Trump political action committee, making him the largest single donor in the US election. “Isn’t it nice to have smart people we can rely on? Don’t we want that?” Trump asked a gathering of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA. “But no, he’s not going to be president, that I can tell you,” Trump said. “And I’m safe. You know why? He can’t be. He wasn’t born in this country. Ha ha ha.”LONDON — Pooches in pullovers paraded past Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a gathering of dogs in Christmas sweaters to raise funds for rescue charities. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. About 130 pets, and their owners, walked Saturday from St. James's Park and along the Mall, the wide boulevard that leads to the royal palace as part of the Christmas Jumper Parade. Flossie the dog barks Saturday during the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade in central London. Prizes were awarded for best-dressed pets, with contenders including canine Santas, puppy elves and a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and pink jacket adorned with red bows. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. The event was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money for charities that rehome dogs from overseas. People take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. Christmas sweater animal parades have become something of an annual tradition in London. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. There are more to come this year, including an event for corgis — the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed — on Dec. 7 and the dachshund-friendly Hyde Park Sausage Walk on Dec 15. People are also reading... Most popular dog breeds in the US and the states where they're #1 Most popular dog breeds in the US and the states where they're #1 From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport. In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs. Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents' preferences. Chihuahua Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality. French bulldog The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans. As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed's popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states. Golden retriever With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia. The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles. German shepherd As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur. Shih tzu The shih tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution. Yorkshire terrier Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation's capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.' Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Goldendoodle Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
Empowering Global Talent: Ayda Akalin Joins Better You by Neeraj to Reveal Secrets of U.S. Immigration Success
CNN's Van Jones admits Democrats are 'relieved' after Kamala's humiliating 'brat to flat' lossWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports, saying that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. The incoming president posted on social media that he met Harold Daggett, the president of the International Longshoreman's Association, and Dennis Daggett, the union's executive vice president. “I’ve studied automation, and know just about everything there is to know about it,” Trump posted. “The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen. Foreign companies have made a fortune in the U.S. by giving them access to our markets. They shouldn’t be looking for every last penny knowing how many families are hurt.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. At the heart of the dispute is whether ports can install automated gates, cranes and container-moving trucks that could make it faster to unload and load ships. The union argues that automation would lead to fewer jobs, even though higher levels of productivity could do more to boost the salaries of remaining workers. The Maritime Alliance said in a statement that the contract goes beyond ports to “supporting American consumers and giving American businesses access to the global marketplace – from farmers, to manufacturers, to small businesses, and innovative start-ups looking for new markets to sell their products.” “To achieve this, we need modern technology that is proven to improve worker safety, boost port efficiency, increase port capacity, and strengthen our supply chains,” said the alliance, adding that it looks forward to working with Trump. In October, the union representing 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for three days, raising the risk that a prolonged shutdown could push up inflation by making it difficult to unload container ships and export American products overseas. The issue pits an incoming president who won November's election on the promise of bringing down prices against commitments to support blue-collar workers along with the kinds of advanced technology that drew him support from Silicon Valley elite such as billionaire Elon Musk. Trump sought to portray the dispute as being between U.S. workers and foreign companies, but advanced ports are also key for staying globally competitive. China is opening a $1.3 billion port in Peru that could accommodate ships too large for the Panama Canal. There is a risk that shippers could move to other ports, which could also lead to job losses. Mexico is constructing a port that is highly automated, while Dubai, Singapore and Rotterdam already have more advanced ports. Instead, Trump said that ports and shipping companies should eschew “machinery, which is expensive, and which will constantly have to be replaced.” “For the great privilege of accessing our markets, these foreign companies should hire our incredible American Workers, instead of laying them off, and sending those profits back to foreign countries,” Trump posted. “It is time to put AMERICA FIRST!” ___ Josh Boak, The Associated PressDecember 27, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by University of Bologna Exploiting an ingenious combination of photochemical (i.e., light-induced) reactions and self-assembly processes, a team led by Prof. Alberto Credi of the University of Bologna has succeeded in inserting a filiform molecule into the cavity of a ring-shaped molecule, according to a high-energy geometry that is not possible at thermodynamic equilibrium. In other words, light makes it possible to create a molecular "fit" that would otherwise be inaccessible. "We have shown that by administering light energy to an aqueous solution , a molecular self-assembly reaction can be prevented from reaching a thermodynamic minimum, resulting in a product distribution that does not correspond to that observed at equilibrium," says Alberto Credi. "Such a behavior, which is at the root of many functions in living organisms, is poorly explored in artificial molecules because it is very difficult to plan and observe. The simplicity and versatility of our approach, together with the fact that visible light—i.e., sunlight—is a clean and sustainable energy source, allow us to foresee developments in various areas of technology and medicine." The study was published in the journal Chem The self-assembly of molecular components to obtain systems and materials with structures on the nanometer scale is one of the basic processes of nanotechnology. It takes advantage of the tendency of molecules to evolve to reach a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, that is, of minimum energy. However, living things function by chemical transformations that occur away from thermodynamic equilibrium and can only occur by providing external energy. Reproducing such mechanisms with artificial systems is a complex and ambitious challenge that, if met, could enable the creation of new substances, capable of responding to stimuli and interacting with the environment, which could be used to develop, for example, smart drugs and active materials. The molecular fit The interlocking components are cyclodextrins, hollow water-soluble molecules with a truncated cone shape, and azobenzene derivatives, molecules that change shape under the effect of light. In water, interactions between these components lead to the formation of supramolecular complexes in which the filiform azobenzene species is inserted into the cyclodextrin cavity. In this study, the filiform compound possesses two different ends; since the two rims of the cyclodextrin are also different, insertion of the former into the latter generates two distinct complexes, which differ in the relative orientation of the two components. Complex A is more stable than complex B, but the latter forms more rapidly than the former. In the absence of light, only the thermodynamically favored complex, namely A, is observed at equilibrium. By irradiating the solution with visible light, the azobenzene changes from an extended configuration akin to cyclodextrin to a bent one incompatible with the cavity; as a result, the complex dissociates. However, the same light can convert the azobenzene back from the bent to the extended form, and the dissociated components can reassemble. Because complex B forms much faster than A, under continuous illumination a steady state is reached in which complex B is the dominant product. Once the light is turned off, the azobenzene slowly reverts to the extended form, and after some time only the A complex is observed. This self-assembly mechanism coupled with a photochemical reaction makes it possible to harness the energy of light to accumulate unstable products, thus paving the way for new methodologies of chemical synthesis and the development of dynamic molecular materials and devices (e.g., nanomotors) that operate under non-equilibrium conditions, similar to living beings. The study is the result of a collaboration between the Departments of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari," Chemistry "Ciamician" and Agricultural and Food Science and Technology of the Alma Mater, the University of Coruña in Spain and the Isof-Cnr institute in Bologna. More information: Light-driven ratcheted formation of diastereomeric host-guest systems, Chem (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2024.11.013 . www.cell.com/chem/fulltext/S2451-9294(24)00597-7 Journal information: Chem Provided by University of Bologna
Jhon Duran suspended for three games as Aston Villa lose appeal into red cardRare foreign-born CEO says Japan needs immigration to thrive