12345 once i caught a fish alive Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he'll “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole. Trump said that he will direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated.” Trump was vague on what specific actions he may take. 21 dead as Mozambique erupts in violence after election court ruling MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country’s highest court confirmed ruling party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections has killed at least 21 people, including two police officers. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court’s announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualties PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members have opened fire on journalists in Haiti’s capital as they were covering the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital, wounding or killing an unknown number of people. The country's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the vicious Christmas Eve attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. Radio Télé Métronome said earlier on Tuesday that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the shooting. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens.Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos has found fatherhood a familiar experience – as it reminds him of his band's early days. Kapranos and wife Clara Luciani welcomed their first child last year, and the 52-year-old told BBC Scotland News departing on tours with his band is now "really difficult." "Saying goodbye to him is hard," says the singer, speaking as his band prepare to release their sixth album, The Human Fear, in January. "I've spent my adult life shirking responsibility, and being as irresponsible as possible, so being presented with responsibility is quite refreshing. "A lot of people said to me that sleep deprivation would destroy me, but it was just like 2004 when the band was kicking off and I never went to bed. "We'd be playing gigs, going out all night and then be up at 6am to fly somewhere. I slept about two hours a night back then, so this is the same - just without a hangover." Kapranos will be forced to say goodbye on a few occasions as 2025 goes on, with a busy year in store for Franz – now revamped and reformatted since those early days, but still adept at writing artful indie pop. Emerging from Glasgow's bustling music scene Kapranos, guitarist Nick McCarthy, bassist Bob Hardy and drummer Paul Thomson enjoyed chart success with inescapable singles like Take Me Out , earned a reputation as one of the country's finest live acts and snagged the Mercury Music Prize in 2004. That victory came as the band thought "anyone but us would win," recalls the singer. "It's quite a Glasgow attitude. You're like 'we're not the sort of people who win prizes'." Success had taken time to arrive. Kapranos was born in England but moved to to Scotland as a child. As a teenager he became entrenched in the 90s Glasgow music scene, running club nights and playing in the likes of cult indie band the Yummy Fur before forming Franz Ferdinand. Much has changed since their debut album won the Mercury, with The Human Fear marking the group's first studio offering since the exit of original drummer Thomson in 2021. Guitarist McCarthy had left in 2016. A new line-up has formed around original members Kapranos and Hardy, with guitarist Dino Bardot, keyboardist/guitarist Julian Corrie and drummer Audrey Tait joining up. Kapranos believes the band's identity is intact despite the changes. "Whenever we do a cover it always sounds like us, and I like that. We did Good Luck Babe [by Chappell Roan] on Radio 2, which is an amazing song but when we play it, it just sounds like Franz Ferdinand. "Bob and I were talking about this before we made this record, that it's good to be at ease with your identity and your sound. "Knowing your voice and who you are is important. You could listen to early Birthday Party records and then those dark sombre ballads Nick Cave has been writing now, and it's still unmistakeably him -it's the same for PJ Harvey or Leonard Cohen. "That really informed us making this record. I wanted people to listen to this and know it's unmistakeably Franz Ferdinand." A greatest hits compilation in 2021 and ensuing tour helped the singer make "peace with everything that we've done before". "I'm not the kinda person who likes to look back," he adds. "Once we make a record I never really listen to it again, so for the tour I was being forced to listen to that music again, and I found I felt pretty comfortable with it." Celebrating the past meant the band were also eager to try new things for the future. The Human Fear is filled with ideas fresh to the group, from orchestral flourishes on recent single Audacious to a bouzouki being used on Black Eyelashes and the Celtic style riff pulsing through Cats. However, while the title might suggest a record bubbling with dread, Kapranos says it's about the opposite. "The greatest moments in life are when you overcome fear," he says, admitting his own childhood terror was the shark in Jaws . "Watching horror films or riding rollercoasters gives you a buzz and we should maybe approach some wider existential fears with the same attitude. "I remember growing up in the 80s and thinking one diplomatic slip-up would mean we'd all be nuclear toast. There's always something to be afraid of, and you can either submit to it or stand up to it." Politics is something Franz Ferdinand have visited before. In 2014 they backed Scottish independence and two years later they released Demagogue, aimed at the then incoming American President Donald Trump. However the second Presidency of Trump is unlikely to spur such a similiar reaction. "Trump's not my favourite man and there's so much in worldwide politics that's disheartening," says the singer. "But it's also disheartening how everyone is going on about politics all the time. I find it wearying and I'm loathe to do my share of it. It should be obvious Trump is an idiot and self-centred, does it need me to say that? "Some of my friends on social media just bang on about it all the time. The arts is a powerful tool of protest and we should continue to do that, but there's a difference between that and low key whinging." They won't remain silent on some issues, though. In 2024 the group were among Scottish musicians raising concerns over possible arts funding cuts , while a short tour saw them road-test new songs in some of the country's smaller venues. UK dates for 2025 include the larger likes of the Barrowland in Glasgow, with a summer show at the city's SWG3 also booked in, but supporting grassroots music remains a passionate subject for the singer. "I spent so many years in the basement of the 13th Note in Glasgow, so it's part of my DNA. "To be in a dingy wee cellar with a band playing loudly - that's my happy place."

Young Boys players pay tribute to teammate Meschack Elia in Champions League game after his son diedThe stage is set for a historic clash in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs as the New York Red Bulls take on New York City FC at Citi Field on Saturday, November 23rd. Kickoff is at 5:30 PM ET , and the match will be streamed live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in both English and Spanish. Both teams boast passionate fanbases and a fierce competitive spirit, making this a must-watch encounter for any Major League Soccer fan. This highly-anticipated matchup marks the first-ever playoff edition of the iconic Hudson River Derby. The Red Bulls , hungry for their first MLS Cup title since 2018, are riding high after defeating the defending champions, Columbus Crew , in a thrilling penalty shootout victory after Round One. NYCFC, meanwhile, look to continue their dominance over their crosstown rivals, having already secured a season sweep against them in the regular season. How to subscribe to MLS Season Pass to watch the NYC FC vs. New York RB matchup Where can I watch MLS Season Pass? MLS Season Pass, your gateway to every Major League Soccer match, is available on the Apple TV app. Watch live games, replays, highlights, and exclusive content across a wide range of devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and cable set-top boxes. Additionally, you can access MLS Season Pass on the web at tv.apple.com/sports , expanding your viewing options to Android and Chrome OS devices. Note: Content availability may vary depending on your location. If you’re having trouble finding MLS Season Pass, ensure your device has the latest software update. How much is MLS Season Pass? Watch the race for the 2024 MLS Cup for only $9.99. If you are subscribed to Apple TV+, you will get it for free! Renews at full price in 2025. New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls matchup info Tune in to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV at 5:30 PM ET for comprehensive coverage of the NYCFC vs. New York RB matchup. Enjoy expert commentary from Steve Cangialosi and Danny Higginbotham (English) and Bruno Vain and Andres Agulla (Spanish). Get ready for in-depth analysis and live action, with the pre-game show, Countdown to Kickoff, starting at 5 PM ET on New York Red Bulls Radio. Estudió Ciencias de la Comunicación en la Universidad San Martín de Porres y ejerce el periodismo desde hace 10 años en las ediciones web de varios medios nacionales. Actualmente se desempeña como Analista SEO del Núcleo de Audiencias del Grupo El Comercio.CRM Lead Management Market is Booming Worldwide | Big Giants Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 12-12-2024 12:03 AM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited CRM Lead Management Market HTF MI recently introduced Global CRM Lead Management Market study with 143+ pages in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status (2024-2032). The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence. Some key players from the complete study are Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, Pipedrive, Freshsales, Keap, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Bitrix24, SugarCRM, Zendesk, Nimble, Copper, Creatio, Insightly, Capsule, Apptivo, amoCRM, Nutshell, Salesflare. Download Sample Report PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/3387199-2020-2025-global-crm-lead-management-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global CRM Lead Management market is expected to grow from $18 Billion USD in 2024 to $35 Billion USD by 2032, with a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2032. The CRM Lead Management market is segmented by Types (Contact Scoring, Lead Tracking, Pipeline Management, Campaign Analytics), Application (Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, E-Commerce) and by Geography (North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA). Definition: A module within CRM software that focuses on tracking, nurturing, and managing potential customers (leads). It provides tools for scoring, prioritizing, and automating follow-ups to optimize conversion rates and improve sales pipelines. Dominating Region: • North America Fastest-Growing Region: • Asia-Pacific Market Trends: •AI-Driven Lead Scoring, Chatbots, Integration with ERP Systems Market Drivers: •Need for Lead Conversion, Rise in Automation Tools Market Challenges: •Data Duplication, Resistance to Adoption, Budget Constraints Have a query? Market an enquiry before purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/3387199-2020-2025-global-crm-lead-management-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: In-depth analysis of CRM Lead Management market segments by Types: Contact Scoring, Lead Tracking, Pipeline Management, Campaign Analytics Detailed analysis of Tank Container Shipping market segments by Applications: Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, E-Commerce Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions: • The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.) • North America (United States, Mexico & Canada) • South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.) • Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) • Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia). Buy Now Latest Edition of CRM Lead Management Market Report 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=3387199?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash CRM Lead Management Market Research Objectives: - Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years. - To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks). - To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market. - To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. - To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies. FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS: In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry. • Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies) • Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates) • Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles) • Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development) • Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions) • Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability) Get 10-25% Discount on Immediate purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/3387199-2020-2025-global-crm-lead-management-market-report-production-and-consumption-professional-analysis?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Points Covered in Table of Content of Global CRM Lead Management Market: Chapter 01 - CRM Lead Management Executive Summary Chapter 02 - Market Overview Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors Chapter 04 - Global CRM Lead Management Market - Pricing Analysis Chapter 05 - Global CRM Lead Management Market Background or History Chapter 06 - Global CRM Lead Management Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application) Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide CRM Lead Management Market Chapter 08 - Global CRM Lead Management Market Structure & worth Analysis Chapter 09 - Global CRM Lead Management Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms Chapter 11 - CRM Lead Management Market Research Methodology Key questions answered • How Global CRM Lead Management Market growth & size is changing in next few years? • Who are the Leading players and what are their futuristic plans in the Global CRM Lead Management market? • What are the key concerns of the 5-forces analysis of the Global CRM Lead Management market? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? • What are the different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global CRM Lead Management market? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions like North America, LATAM, Europe, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia. Nidhi Bhawsar (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Phone: +15075562445 sales@htfmarketintelligence.com About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies. We offer services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. This release was published on openPR.

Juan Soto gets free luxury suite and up to 4 premium tickets for home games in $765M Mets dealHopes for a Santa Claus rally on Wall Street fell Friday as tech stocks slid lower, while a weaker yen lifted Japanese equities. US indices slid lower at the opening bell, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite losing two percent during morning trading. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.

Arsenal defender Gabriel kept Viktor Gyokeres quiet — then had the audacity to steal the in-demand Sporting Lisbon striker's trademark goal celebration. After heading in Arsenal's third first-half goal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Gabriel linked the fingers of his hands and placed them over his eyes, before laughing with his teammates. It was most likely a dig at Gyokeres, the Sweden striker who has quickly become one of European soccer's hottest properties . Because that is how Gyokeres celebrates his goals. “It's fun that he likes my celebration,” Gyokeres told Viaplay after the match. “He can steal it if he cannot come up with his own.” Gyokeres has scored 24 goals for Sporting in all competitions and was coming off netting four for Sweden in a Nations League match against Azerbaijan. Earlier in the first half, Gabriel had enjoyed tackling and dispossessing Gyokeres near the Arsenal area — waving both his arms in a gesture to the crowd. Gabriel's goal made it 3-0 to Arsenal at halftime and the English team went on to win 5-1, with Gyokeres failing to score. He did hit the post with a shot late in the game, however — after Gabriel had gone off with an injury. “Today he wasn't that dangerous,” Arsenal striker Kai Havertz said of Gyokeres, “but I think it's because we defended very well.” AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerSome tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Federal hostility could delay offshore wind projects, derailing state climate goals 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

The reform commissions' works would have been more effective had they held discussions with political parties before submitting their reports, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. "We have heard that the commissions will prepare their proposals and submit them to the government, and then the government will discuss those with political parties. If discussions with political parties had been held beforehand, it would have been more effective and better," Fakhrul said. The BNP secretary general made the remarks at a dialogue on "Which Path to Unity", organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka yesterday. He urged the reform commissions to ensure public engagement in the process. "Reform commissions will hold discussions with the government, which will take time. In our view, the more the time passes, the bigger the problems grow," he said. "Who will implement these proposals?" Fakhrul asked, alleging that the administration and government machinery are still not free from fascism. "If the foundation isn't strong, imposing changes from the top won't lead to quick progress. We need to fix the system and strengthen institutions. Only by building institutions that support democracy can we make it successful," he said. Fakhrul clarified it is a misconception that his party is solely focused on elections and not on reforms. "We have been sincere about reforms from the very beginning. Unfortunately, we're now hearing statements that the BNP does not want reforms, but only elections. This is not correct." Fakhrul said the BNP is committed to participating in elections only after necessary reforms to ensure a free, fair and credible voting process. "We keep talking about elections because it's the main gateway to democracy and the democratic process," he said. Fakhrul also said people must keep in mind the ongoing struggle for democracy since the Liberation War. "We must not forget 1971," he remarked. Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists endured a lot of oppression in their fight against fascism and continued their movement, trying to remain vocal for a long time. "At that time, we didn't see many people by our side. Now, we see many, and it feels very good. We are becoming even more inspired," he added. Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said reforms are a "grand dream, but unity is essential". "We must move towards elections. But before that, people need relief. Don't mislead people favouring reforms. Attention must be given to these issues. Don't just focus on superficial discussions while neglecting people's livelihoods and security," he urged. He also said that the extent of looting during the Awami League regime was unimaginable for the public until research revealed an inherited dire economic situation which needs to be fixed. Stressing the importance of universal human rights, Debapriya said, "We must ensure the rights of those who are marginalised, affected by river erosion, indigenous communities, Dalits, and those facing discrimination based on gender, religion, or sexual identity. "Their rights to live, speak, assemble, and earn a livelihood must be guaranteed. We need to build a united Bangladesh where this is assured. We must come to a consensus on a minimum common ground." He added, "... If there's a robbery at 11:00pm in the most affluent neighbourhoods, if we don't have security, how long should we wait for reforms? If this is the state of law and order inside the Secretariat, what will happen to general citizens? Whom should we turn to?" Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to a caretaker government, said aspirations for justice and dignity came to the forefront after the July uprising. He pointed out three uncertainties regarding Bangladesh's future. "The first is the dire economic situation and illegal land grabbing. The second is whether we can change the prevailing political culture. The third is the capability of the interim government to tackle the existing challenges". To address these issues, he suggested three measures: the effective functioning of the government, meaningful reforms, and a political transformation. Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Electoral Reform Commission, said, "We are the beneficiaries of the mass uprising. We owe a debt to the martyrs and the injured who brought us to this point. To repay this debt, we need to carry out reforms and hold fair elections." He said that people urged him to reform the electoral system to prevent corrupt individuals from becoming lawmakers. Highlighting the use of money as a primary cause of electoral irregularities, he called on young people and politicians to take action and put an end to this practice. Writer and professor Salimullah Khan remarked, "There should be a consensus on minimum reforms for our future. However, we must ensure these reforms do not take too long." He emphasised the need to define the minimum reforms necessary for holding elections. "For reforms to be effective, they must focus on improving the living standards of ordinary people," he added. He also urged political parties to disclose their funding and its sources and establish internal democracy within their organisations. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said forging unity is challenging, but stressed that it must be achieved through incorporating everyone's opinions. She also emphasised the need for a national consensus on reforms. "If we hesitate about reforms this time, there will be no stability in the country again," she warned. Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said fascist collaborators have been given different positions over the last 15 years and they cannot be removed in a day or two, or even in four months. People should put pressure on the government and support efforts to remove them, he added. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "I want to send a message to the chief adviser: reform proposals may be submitted by December. Once they are submitted, they should be reviewed, and another public dialogue should be held focusing on the common reform proposals from the political parties and other stakeholders. This could pave the way for national consensus." He said that minimum reforms required for a fair general election must be implemented. "Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to support the interim government for as long as necessary to achieve this." Nasiruddin Patwari, convenor of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said they want a Bangladesh where political parties would be held accountable to the people rather than to any individual or family. "In the future, politics will no long center on any individual or family. In the new political settlement, there will be no room for 'Mujibism or Hasina'. Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki said a consensus among political parties on key issues like reforms and elections is crucial for a bright future. "This consensus would help the country move forward," he added. Basudeb Dhar, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said a conspiracy is afoot to undermine national unity. "The fire at the Secretariat and the attacks on religious minorities are part of this conspiracy." Tania Rab, senior vice president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, pointed out that people had two key expectations -- control over the prices of essentials and security -- and these expectations should be met. Nurul Haque Nur, president of a faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad, called upon political parties to address election-related issues through mutual discussions rather than creating controversies. Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed said the reform process lacked focus on education, a key sector. He stressed the need for a reform commission on education. Eminent photographer Shahidul Alam said reforms should be inclusive and focused on the ordinary people. Reforms should ensure the betterment of everyone, including workers and day labourers. Business leader Fazlul Haque expressed concern that the economy had been overlooked in the reform process over the last few months. He called for the unity among the business community, excluding the oligarchs, to ensure economic stability. Brig Gen (retd) Hasan Nasir, a member of the commission on reinvestigation of the 2009 BDR mutiny, and journalist Mushfiq Fazal Ansari also spoke at the event, among others. The reform commissions' works would have been more effective had they held discussions with political parties before submitting their reports, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said. "We have heard that the commissions will prepare their proposals and submit them to the government, and then the government will discuss those with political parties. If discussions with political parties had been held beforehand, it would have been more effective and better," Fakhrul said. The BNP secretary general made the remarks at a dialogue on "Which Path to Unity", organised by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka yesterday. He urged the reform commissions to ensure public engagement in the process. "Reform commissions will hold discussions with the government, which will take time. In our view, the more the time passes, the bigger the problems grow," he said. "Who will implement these proposals?" Fakhrul asked, alleging that the administration and government machinery are still not free from fascism. "If the foundation isn't strong, imposing changes from the top won't lead to quick progress. We need to fix the system and strengthen institutions. Only by building institutions that support democracy can we make it successful," he said. Fakhrul clarified it is a misconception that his party is solely focused on elections and not on reforms. "We have been sincere about reforms from the very beginning. Unfortunately, we're now hearing statements that the BNP does not want reforms, but only elections. This is not correct." Fakhrul said the BNP is committed to participating in elections only after necessary reforms to ensure a free, fair and credible voting process. "We keep talking about elections because it's the main gateway to democracy and the democratic process," he said. Fakhrul also said people must keep in mind the ongoing struggle for democracy since the Liberation War. "We must not forget 1971," he remarked. Fakhrul said BNP leaders and activists endured a lot of oppression in their fight against fascism and continued their movement, trying to remain vocal for a long time. "At that time, we didn't see many people by our side. Now, we see many, and it feels very good. We are becoming even more inspired," he added. Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said reforms are a "grand dream, but unity is essential". "We must move towards elections. But before that, people need relief. Don't mislead people favouring reforms. Attention must be given to these issues. Don't just focus on superficial discussions while neglecting people's livelihoods and security," he urged. He also said that the extent of looting during the Awami League regime was unimaginable for the public until research revealed an inherited dire economic situation which needs to be fixed. Stressing the importance of universal human rights, Debapriya said, "We must ensure the rights of those who are marginalised, affected by river erosion, indigenous communities, Dalits, and those facing discrimination based on gender, religion, or sexual identity. "Their rights to live, speak, assemble, and earn a livelihood must be guaranteed. We need to build a united Bangladesh where this is assured. We must come to a consensus on a minimum common ground." He added, "... If there's a robbery at 11:00pm in the most affluent neighbourhoods, if we don't have security, how long should we wait for reforms? If this is the state of law and order inside the Secretariat, what will happen to general citizens? Whom should we turn to?" Hossain Zillur Rahman, former adviser to a caretaker government, said aspirations for justice and dignity came to the forefront after the July uprising. He pointed out three uncertainties regarding Bangladesh's future. "The first is the dire economic situation and illegal land grabbing. The second is whether we can change the prevailing political culture. The third is the capability of the interim government to tackle the existing challenges". To address these issues, he suggested three measures: the effective functioning of the government, meaningful reforms, and a political transformation. Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Electoral Reform Commission, said, "We are the beneficiaries of the mass uprising. We owe a debt to the martyrs and the injured who brought us to this point. To repay this debt, we need to carry out reforms and hold fair elections." He said that people urged him to reform the electoral system to prevent corrupt individuals from becoming lawmakers. Highlighting the use of money as a primary cause of electoral irregularities, he called on young people and politicians to take action and put an end to this practice. Writer and professor Salimullah Khan remarked, "There should be a consensus on minimum reforms for our future. However, we must ensure these reforms do not take too long." He emphasised the need to define the minimum reforms necessary for holding elections. "For reforms to be effective, they must focus on improving the living standards of ordinary people," he added. He also urged political parties to disclose their funding and its sources and establish internal democracy within their organisations. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said forging unity is challenging, but stressed that it must be achieved through incorporating everyone's opinions. She also emphasised the need for a national consensus on reforms. "If we hesitate about reforms this time, there will be no stability in the country again," she warned. Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said fascist collaborators have been given different positions over the last 15 years and they cannot be removed in a day or two, or even in four months. People should put pressure on the government and support efforts to remove them, he added. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said, "I want to send a message to the chief adviser: reform proposals may be submitted by December. Once they are submitted, they should be reviewed, and another public dialogue should be held focusing on the common reform proposals from the political parties and other stakeholders. This could pave the way for national consensus." He said that minimum reforms required for a fair general election must be implemented. "Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to support the interim government for as long as necessary to achieve this." Nasiruddin Patwari, convenor of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, said they want a Bangladesh where political parties would be held accountable to the people rather than to any individual or family. "In the future, politics will no long center on any individual or family. In the new political settlement, there will be no room for 'Mujibism or Hasina'. Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki said a consensus among political parties on key issues like reforms and elections is crucial for a bright future. "This consensus would help the country move forward," he added. Basudeb Dhar, president of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said a conspiracy is afoot to undermine national unity. "The fire at the Secretariat and the attacks on religious minorities are part of this conspiracy." Tania Rab, senior vice president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, pointed out that people had two key expectations -- control over the prices of essentials and security -- and these expectations should be met. Nurul Haque Nur, president of a faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad, called upon political parties to address election-related issues through mutual discussions rather than creating controversies. Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed said the reform process lacked focus on education, a key sector. He stressed the need for a reform commission on education. Eminent photographer Shahidul Alam said reforms should be inclusive and focused on the ordinary people. Reforms should ensure the betterment of everyone, including workers and day labourers. Business leader Fazlul Haque expressed concern that the economy had been overlooked in the reform process over the last few months. He called for the unity among the business community, excluding the oligarchs, to ensure economic stability. Brig Gen (retd) Hasan Nasir, a member of the commission on reinvestigation of the 2009 BDR mutiny, and journalist Mushfiq Fazal Ansari also spoke at the event, among others.Will Anderson good to go for Texans, Shaq Mason ruled out

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. Announces Closing of Public OfferingThe Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it vehemently condemns the recent racially charged remarks made by Government Member of Parliament Everald Warmington targeted at Opposition leader Mark Golding. During a political meeting at the Tivoli Gardens High School in Kingston, Warmington declared that "he would rather die than be led by a white, British man," referring to Golding. He further suggested that the Opposition leader should "seek office in Britain, where he believes he would be more comfortable." The PSOJ says these inflammatory remarks, delivered from a position of political authority and before an audience at an educational institution, represent a dangerous and deliberate attempt to inject racial division into Jamaica's political discourse. “These statements are particularly alarming as they threaten to resurrect one of the darkest chapters in Jamaica's political history,” said the organisation in a statement today. “The PSOJ must emphasise that such rhetoric eerily echoes the divisive political discourse in Jamaica's past which was marked by deep social upheaval, economic instability, and tragic political violence. We cannot and must not allow our nation to be dragged backwards into an era where political differences were inflamed by racial and class divisions, resulting in profound national trauma that took generations to heal,” it added. PSOJ renewed its call for Warmington to be held accountable for his conduct. “We especially condemn that these statements were made at the Tivoli Gardens High School, an educational institution where young minds are shaped. The corrosive effect of such rhetoric on our youth cannot be understated. This incident poses a serious risk of normalising discriminatory speech among our future generations, who deserve exemplary leadership from their elected officials rather than displays of divisive politics that harken back to our nation's darkest days.” The PSOJ says the Office of the Political Ombudsman, now operating within the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), should urgently intervention in the situation. “The current situation demands a comprehensive review of enforcement mechanisms within the Political Code of Conduct, with the establishment of clear, enforceable consequences for breaches of this nature. “The integration of the political ombudsman's office into the ECJ framework makes this moment particularly crucial for demonstrating institutional effectiveness in addressing serious violations of political conduct. The PSOJ acknowledges this dual mandate but emphasises that this restructuring must not result in any diminishment of the office's authority to address such egregious breaches of proper political conduct.” The PSOJ says Jamaica's business community stands united in rejecting any attempt to reintroduce divisive racial politics into the national discourse, saying such behaviour not only undermines democratic principles and social cohesion but also threatens the stable business environment that is crucial for sustained economic growth and development. “Our international partners and potential investors closely monitor our political stability and social climate. The inflammatory rhetoric of this nature risks damaging Jamaica's reputation as a mature democracy and an attractive destination for investment.” Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com .

Big Ten After Dark is probably a suitable stage for the 5-5 Trojans and 4-6 Bruins on Saturday night from the Rose Bowl

Westchester Soccer Club Debuts New Home Kit to Kick Off Upcoming SeasonLil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National Championship