Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ:ONB) Earns Overweight Rating from Piper SandlerKosovo arrests blast suspects, Serbia denies involvement

International Mountain Day, celebrated on December 11, focuses in 2024 on sustainable solutions for mountain regions, emphasizing innovation, climate adaptation, and youth participation to address the challenges faced by mountain communities. For centuries, mountain communities have developed strategies to adapt to harsh conditions while protecting and restoring biodiversity. In 2024, International Mountain Day highlights three key priorities: innovation, climate adaptation, and youth engagement. Innovations are essential to solve the complex challenges in mountain areas, combining technological advances with creative approaches like climate-smart agriculture. Climate change continues to threaten mountain ecosystems, making adaptation strategies critical to reduce vulnerability and improve resilience. These strategies include disaster risk reduction tailored to specific ecosystems and leveraging indigenous knowledge. Youth participation plays a key role in ensuring long-term sustainability. The 2024 theme calls for providing opportunities such as decent jobs, accessible education, and entrepreneurial initiatives to enable youth to contribute to the sustainable management of mountain resources. Mountains are vital ecosystems, supporting 15% of the global population and hosting half of the world's biodiversity hotspots. They are also a crucial source of water, food, and energy for nearly half of humanity. However, mountains are increasingly threatened by climate change, land degradation, natural disasters, and overexploitation. Rising global temperatures have accelerated the melting of mountain glaciers, endangering freshwater supplies for millions of people. Land degradation affects over 311 million people in mountainous areas of developing countries, with 178 million facing food insecurity. International Mountain Day was established in 1992 following the adoption of Agenda 21 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The day was first observed in 2003 after the UN declared 2002 as the International Year of Mountains. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads the global coordination for the preparation and implementation of the event. International Mountain Day continues to raise awareness about the significance of mountain regions, calling for global action to safeguard these natural treasures. On International Mountain Day, the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Iran, Turdakun Sydykov, highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s initiatives to promote sustainable development in mountain regions, addressing climate challenges and international cooperation. Here is the full text of his statement about the international initiatives of the Kyrgyz Republic on promoting sustainable development of mountain regions: 1. Mountain agenda Climate change poses a serious threat to the most important aspects of life in mountain countries. These include an increase in natural disasters, threats to food security, growing hungry populations, the most vulnerable of whom are women and girls, slower economic growth, water scarcity and growing tensions between countries. In the 21st century, mountain countries will face many challenges and problems. In this regard, it is necessary to build in advance a system of joint actions of mountain countries to prevent and mitigate them. The first thing that should be done to achieve this goal is to unite their efforts. Only joint efforts can stop the processes of gradual degradation of mountain regions in the light of climate change. Kyrgyzstan, as a mountainous country, deeply realizes its responsibility to ensure the well-being of mountain regions and their sustainable development. Kyrgyzstan is taking consistent steps within the framework of the UN to gradually build up the global agenda for sustainable mountain development. Since the early 2000s, Kyrgyzstan has been actively working to attract the attention of the world community to mountain issues, in particular, by the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic the following events were held: 1. Declaring 2002 as the International Year of Mountains; 2. Holding the first Bishkek Global Mountain Summit in Bishkek in 2002; 3. Establishment of December 11 as the International Mountain Day at the 57th session of the UN General Assembly; 4. Adoption from 1998 to 2019 by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) of the 13th International Day of Mountains. Adoption by the UN General Assembly (GA) of 13 resolutions on mountain countries (A/RES/53/24, A/RES/55/189, A/RES/57/245, A/RES/58/216, A/RES/59/238, A/RES/60/198, A/RES/62/196, A/RES/64/205, A/RES/66/205, A/RES/68/217, A/71/463/Add.10, A/74/209, A/RES/77/172); 5. Formation of the Group of Friends of Mountain Countries on 29 August 2019, comprising 26 States (Afghanistan, Andorra, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Canada, Georgia, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Peru, Romania, Rwanda, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey and Switzerland); 6. At the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic, the 76th session of the UNGA adopted a resolution to declare 2022 the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development. 7. The 77th session of the UNGA adopted a resolution to declare 2023-2027 as the “Five Years of Action for Development”. “Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions“ (”the Five Years"). The Resolution was adopted unanimously without a vote. 109 UN Member States co-sponsored it. On our initiative and with the broad support of our mountain partners, the “Five-Year Action Plan for the Development of Mountain Regions for the period from 2023 to 2027” is currently being implemented. We have taken a systematic approach to its implementation: at the national level we are implementing the Roadmap, at the international level - the Global Action Plan, which in 2023 and 2024 were presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic at the UN headquarters in New York. It is important for us to ensure access to health care and education, economic and social systems for the inhabitants of mountainous areas. In addition, Kyrgyzstan is initiating the creation of a Global Mountain University, the purpose of which is to create an educational platform for solving current problems facing mountain regions, training personnel, and improving the level of knowledge and qualifications of specialists who contribute to sustainable mountain development. In turn, Kyrgyzstan does not stand aside, in this year we decided to make a modest voluntary contribution to the budget of the Secretariat of the Mountain Partnership in Rome. Mountain initiatives of the Kyrgyz Republic were reflected in the final reports of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Thanks to the efforts of many mountain countries, the mountain agenda was included in the final document and includes five references to mountains and contains a formal request for a dialog on mountains and climate change. Also, as a result of the forum on the role of mountains under the Nairobi Work Program of the UNFCCC, “Mountains, high latitudes and the cryosphere” was declared a priority thematic area for 2024. The key event to promote the mountain agenda on a global scale was the participation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov in the UN Climate Change Conference - COP29 World Leaders Summit in Baku, which demonstrated the commitment of Kyrgyzstan to address climate issues within the framework of membership in the UNFCCC and the goals of the Paris Agreement, readiness to participate in international climate processes and consistent focus in promoting the mountain agenda at the global level. Kyrgyzstan organized its national pavilion for the first time and an extensive program of side events was held on thematic days. On the margins of the COP29 on November 13 this year in Baku with the participation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov a High-Level Meeting/Dialogue on Mountains and Climate was held. This High-level event was co-organized by Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Azerbaijan, and it was also attended by the Presidents of Mongolia and Nepal. 33 countries supported the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic on the “Call to Action to consolidate the Mountains and Climate Dialogue in the annual calendar of the UNFCCC”. The Kyrgyz side initiated the “Declaration on Climate Change, Mountains and Glaciers”, presented on the margins of the COP29 in Baku, which was supported by 15 countries as the Final Document of the High-Level Dialogue. Kyrgyzstan actively promotes the mountain agenda at three international platforms: the UN in New York, the FAO Mountain Partnership in Rome and the UNFCCC, a group of friends to promote mountain initiatives: the Group of Friends of Mountain Countries of the UN in New York (29 countries), at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan in this year Lesotho joined the group. Member countries of the Mountain Partnership under the chairmanship of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat in Rome (65 countries). In this year, work was carried out to expand the Negotiating Group of the UNFCCC Mountain Partnership, established in December 2023, which initially had Kyrgyzstan and Andorra as members. Also, this year Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Mongolia joined this group. Nepal, Italy, Bhutan, Zimbabwe have expressed their willingness to join thi8s group. The Second Global Bishkek Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25” to be held in Bishkek in 2027 was announced by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov at the General debates of the 78th and 79th session of the UNGA in New York. The Kyrgyz Republic is actively announcing the holding of the Second Mountain Summit among foreign partners. Active work is being carried out to attract investments from international partners. We count on the support of the UN member states and other international and regional organizations in providing practical assistance in holding the Mountain Summit in 2027. The Kyrgyz Republic invites all countries, including, of course, the friendly Islamic Republic of Iran, to participate in the Mountain Summit at a high level. Climate finance We, the UN Member States, meet regularly to discuss climate issues and find solutions. No country remains indifferent and indifferent. But not all of us have equal conditions and opportunities to solve them and realize our climate commitments, including those undertaken within the framework of the UN Convention on Climate Change. In this context, Kyrgyzstan fully supports the position of the esteemed UN Secretary-General on the need to reform the international financial architecture and reduce the debt burden on developing and vulnerable states.Former Director of CARE Ghana, David Kumi, has criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for their handling of recent electoral processes, describing their actions as overly authoritative as per reports from Ghana Web on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Kumi expressed concerns over the EC’s refusal to accept advice or correction, stating that it behaves as if it is infallible. In response to the EC’s statement that re-collation is not a new practice, Kumi questioned the consistency of their stance. He remarked, “Whatever the EC is saying does not make sense because you were the same individual who said the country no longer practices re-declaration and re-collation.” He added that the EC’s contradictory actions raised doubts about their credibility and called for accountability, urging those who feel cheated to seek legal recourse. Kumi further criticized the Commission for disregarding public concerns and failing to offer solutions. “Instead of you telling us something we are willing to hear and taking needed actions, you are doing what will please you,” he said. Kumi also pointed out that the independence granted to the EC by the Constitution might be enabling its disregard for public opinion. He emphasized that the EC has continued to ignore suggestions such as the inclusion of alternative voter identification methods, despite the challenges many Ghanaians face in obtaining their Ghana Cards. “They either take it or leave it, whether good or bad,” he concluded, revealing the Commission’s tendency to act according to their own agenda.Angela Onwuzoo Medical experts have identified Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis as three major factors responsible for the rise in kidney diseases across the globe. The experts also blamed the surge on unhealthy diets, particularly processed foods. According to the World Health Organisation, kidney diseases are now the 10th leading cause of death globally, stating that mortality has increased from 813,000 in 2000 to 1.3 million in 2019. The Nigeria Association of Nephrology says about 20 million Nigerians are presently living with chronic kidney diseases. Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise in an exclusive interview on the worrisome rise, a Consultant Nephrologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Theophilus Umeizudike, identified an increase in Type 2 diabetes which he blamed on the consumption of processed and unhealthy foods as a major cause of kidneys diseases globally. Umeizudike also blamed the rise in kidney diseases on hypertension and glomerulonephritis. The nephrologist explained, “Globally, the cause mainly is because of the increase in Type 2 diabetes which is also rising in our environment. “The reason why Type 2 diabetes is rising globally is because of people abandoning natural foods for processed foods. “So, processed foods are the reasons why people are coming down with Type 2 diabetes and people with Type 2 diabetes come down with kidney diseases later in life. Hypertension is also increasing cases of kidney diseases.” The kidney specialist noted that kidney diseases were on the rise in Nigeria. “In our clime, we have a very young population that are prone to many infections and inflammatory conditions that can affect the kidneys. “Oftentimes, the early signs of infection or inflammation of the kidney are silent. So, years down the line, these things begin to manifest. “In sub-Saharan Africa, we have glomerulonephritis that affects the kidney. It causes kidney damage over months or years usually within a period of five to 10 years. There are viral infections like hepatitis B, C, and HIV that cause kidney diseases”, he said. The nephrologist also attributed the surge in kidney diseases to a lack of access to affordable healthcare. Umeizudike said, “Another cause is that many of these young people do not have access to affordable healthcare. So, they resort to alternative therapies like herbal remedies which can damage their kidneys. “Again, we have a predisposition to coming down with kidney diseases as people of African origin because of gene mutation.” On how people can avoid coming down with kidney diseases, the nephrologist enjoined them to embrace a healthy lifestyle and to go for regular health checks for early detection and proper management. Umeizudike explained that when people keep living on processed foods, the tendency to come down with kidney diseases is high. “Eating processed foods pushes people to Type 2 diabetes and increases the risk of kidney diseases later on in life”, he reiterated. According to him, for someone to know whether he has a kidney issue, the person must go and do a test, adding that without a medical test, kidney diseases cannot be detected. He noted, “Medical tests are very important because early forms of kidney disease are completely asymptomatic. Once people start having symptoms of kidney disease, it means that it has advanced which will then require dialysis or transplant.” He pointed out that everybody should be worried about kidney diseases, assuring however that the risks of kidney diseases could be reduced or avoided through regular health checks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to him, people in their 20s are coming down with kidney diseases. Also, a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, Cynthia Onyekwere, told PUNCH HealthWise that an unhealthy diet was a major contributing factor to the onset of kidney diseases. The dietician explained, “For one to keep kidney diseases away, it is important to pay close attention to his/her diet and make some dietary adjustments by mainly reducing intake of certain foods that can affect renal function negatively. “One of such foods to be reduced is salt. Salt contains sodium which when consumed in excess can cause high blood pressure which can lead to kidney damage. “To achieve a reduced salt intake, one can start by reducing the amount of salt and stock cubes used in cooking, stop adding salt to meals when eating, and limit intakes of pastries and salty snacks. “Also, processed foods can also affect renal function and as such should be consumed in limited amounts. Examples of processed foods include canned meat as well as canned fruits and vegetables. They should be consumed sparingly as they contain a lot of sodium.” Speaking further, Onyekwere noted, “Too much intake of protein can damage the kidneys. Although protein is required for the repair of worn-out tissues and the build-up of new ones, when consumed excessively, it is harmful to the kidneys. This is because it is the kidney that helps the body to get rid of the waste products that are generated after the digestion of protein. “Eating too much protein will place more burden on the kidneys and this can progressively cause damage. People must also be wary of herbal concoctions to ensure optimal renal function. Herbal concoctions in water or alcohol extracts contain substances that may be toxic to the kidneys.” Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: health_wise@punchng. com Tags glomerulonephritis hypertension Kidney diseases type 2 diabetes WHOIN there’s one thing we’ve learned during the holidays, it’s that budget-friendly smartphones are among the most requested gift ideas. Every year, we receive countless messages asking, “What’s a good phone under P10,000?” It’s no surprise—smartphones make for fantastic gifts. They’re practical, versatile and appreciated by just about anyone, whether it’s for a sibling heading back to school, a friend who needs a reliable upgrade, or maybe even a backup phone for yourself. This is probably the sweet spot when it comes to buying a smartphone during this season. Continuing from our Christmas Gift Guide’s theme of thoughtful, memorable gifts, these smartphones are ideal for anyone who values a balance of practicality and useful features. Imagine unwrapping a sleek new phone that performs well, takes great photos, and still leaves some room in the holiday budget—what better way to celebrate the season? In this part of our gift guide, I’ll introduce you to two of my favorite phones under P10,000 that were just recently released—the Honor X7c and the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Transformers edition. One is perfect for those who need a phone that can withstand more than the daily abuse, and the other is one of the best collaborations I’ve seen this year. With these picks, I hope to make your holiday shopping a little easier and a lot more exciting. Let’s dive in. MORE THAT MEETS THE EYE: Tecno SPARK 30 PRO TRANSFORMERS EDITION AS a lifelong Transformers fan and collector, I knew I just had to have the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition Having previously reviewed Tecno’s Camon, Pova, and Spark series—and currently using the Phantom V Flip 2—I’ve consistently been impressed by how much value Tecno delivers at competitive prices. While there have been a few Transformers collaborations before, this is the most affordable at P7,999—and a standout example of how to execute a budget smartphone collaboration perfectly. At a glance, it captures the imagination with its striking Optimus Prime-themed box design, but the appeal doesn’t stop there. The unboxing experience alone is way better than opening some premium flagship. The packaging itself sets the tone, adorned with bold Transformers artwork and a box featuring an embossed Autobot logo. Inside, you’ll find everything you need: the phone, a protective case, a 33W fast charger, a USB-C cable, and a SIM ejector tool. While the essentials are all there, I was hoping to get some collectible freebies like stickers or maybe a collectible card. The Optimus Prime-inspired design is one of the most distinctive features of this special edition. The back panel features a dynamic mix of red, blue and silver accents, reflecting the iconic look of the Autobot leader. It’s not just painted on either—the texture and detailing make the phone feel like a piece of Optimus Prime himself. Whether you’re a Transformers fan or just someone who loves bold, eye-catching gadgets, this phone is a conversation starter. Once powered on, the experience continues with customized Transformers-themed software. There are also a few wallpapers, app icons and ringtones. It’s thoughtful touches like these that make this collaboration feel authentic and exciting rather than just another branding exercise. Functionality is where the Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition proves that there’s more than meets the yes. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is a treat for the eyes, boasting vivid colors, deep contrasts, and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. Watching videos, scrolling through social media, or playing games feels smooth and responsive, and the TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light emission ensures your eyes won’t tire even after prolonged use. The camera setup is another highlight of this phone. The 108MP main sensor delivers sharp, detailed images, making it one of the best cameras you’ll find at this price point. From landscapes to portraits, the photos consistently impress with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. Even in low light, the Super Night Scene mode ensures that your shots retain clarity and brightness. One mode you definitely have to try is Sky Shop. This allows you to change the sky using various filters. AR shop lets you create your own avatar for videos and photos, while the Vlog mode lets you instantly shoot videos that are just the right length for your stories. For selfies and video calls, the 13MP front camera, equipped with dual-color temperature flash, captures clear and flattering images. Under the hood, the Spark 30 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 processor, a solid choice for a midrange device. It handles everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing, and video streaming with ease, and even casual gaming is a breeze. The phone is backed by 8GB of RAM, expandable by another 8GB of virtual memory, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness. With 256GB of storage, there’s plenty of room for photos, apps and games, making it ideal for users who need space but don’t want to splurge on higher-priced devices. Battery life is another area where the Tecno Spark 30 Pro shines. The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day use, even for heavy users. With the 33W fast charger included in the box, you can quickly top up the battery, going from zero to 100 percent in just over an hour. Tecno’s AI Smart Charging feature learns your charging habits to optimize battery health, ensuring it stays reliable over the long term. At an official price of P7,999, almost the same price of a Transformers Masterpiece figure and which can get even lower during online sales events, the Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition offers incredible value. For Transformers fans, it’s more than just a phone—it’s a collectible that blends functionality with fandom. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a Transformers enthusiast or just want a phone that feels unique, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition is a choice that’s hard to beat. HONOR X7c: A SPLASH OF GREAT VALUE WHEN it comes to viral smartphone campaigns, I don’t think any other brand comes close to Honor. The brand has built its reputation on delivering smartphones with exceptional durability, with models like the Honor X9a, X9b, and the more recent X6b standing surviving all sorts of drop and smash tests. The Honor X7c takes that legacy further by adding IP certification, making it one of the most resilient budget phones on the market. For just P8,999, this smartphone is built to withstand the demands of even the most active and daring users. The Honor X7c boasts of an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance. This means it’s protected from splashes and brief immersion, making it a reliable companion for delivery riders braving sudden rain showers, or parents handing it over to kids who aren’t exactly careful with electronics. Its all-angle water resistance isn’t designed for deep water adventures, but it can survive the occasional spill or light drizzle, adding peace of mind in situations where other phones might fail. During the launch, we tested it for several water activities and the phone survived all those slips and dips—just make sure you don’t submerge it for more than a few minutes (or press the volume/power button while underwater) The phone’s durability doesn’t stop there as it also received a 5-star drop resistance certification from SGS Switzerland, meaning the Honor X7c is built to withstand accidental drops and everyday impacts. This ruggedness makes it a practical choice for people who rely on their devices in tough conditions, or want a reliable second phone that can take a beating or their mood swings. It’s a phone you can trust to keep going, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. Besides its durability, the Honor X7c is also a well-rounded performer for its price. Its 6.77-inch TFT LCD display offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is a treat for gaming and when scrolling through social media. While the resolution is capped at HD+, the screen delivers decent quality for casual streaming and everyday use. The 850-nit peak brightness ensures good visibility outdoors, and the ability to dim to just 2 nits make it comfortable to use in dimly lit environments. Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor, which is capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, video streaming, and light gaming. Paired with 16GB of RAM (8GB physical and 8GB virtual) and 256GB of storage, the phone provides smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, photos and videos. It’s not the most powerful chipset on the market, but it’s efficient and gets the job done, making it a dependable workhorse for users who need reliability over raw power. The Honor X7c’s 6000mAh battery is another highlight, delivering impressive longevity that can easily last a full day of moderate use. In real-world testing, it offered over 18 hours of screen time with 20 percent still left in the tank, which is ideal for users who are constantly on the move. And when it’s time to recharge, the 35W SuperCharge technology ensures you won’t be tethered to a power outlet for long. For those moments when every percentage matters, the Ultra Power Saving Mode squeezes out additional usage, perfect for emergencies. Camera performance is respectable. The 108MP main camera captures detailed shots in good lighting, while the 2MP depth sensor adds depth to portrait photography. The 8MP front camera is serviceable for selfies and video calls, though it lacks advanced features like wide-angle shots or stabilization for videos. The Honor X7c’s value lies not just in its affordability but in how well it balances practicality with durability. It’s a phone that can handle the unexpected, from accidental spills to the rigors of everyday use, without compromising on essential features. Like I said, it’s a great choice for messengers/riders navigating unpredictable weather or parents needing a reliable second phone for their young kids. At its core, the Honor X7c is a budget phone that punches above its weight. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overpromise on features. If you’re looking for a phone that works as hard as you do, the Honor X7c delivers exactly that. Final word: When it comes to choosing the best smartphone under P9,000, both the Honor X7c and the Tecno Spark 30 Pro offer incredible value, each catering to different needs and personalities. If durability and dependability are your top priorities, the Honor X7c is a rugged companion that can handle life’s unexpected moments. Its long-lasting battery and solid performance make it a practical choice for active users, parents, or anyone in need of a reliable second phone. On the other hand, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro is a standout for those who appreciate bold designs, great displays, and a better camera. Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply looking for a unique, feature-packed smartphone, this device offers something truly special and deserves a spot on your Christmas list.

A WOMAN who's paid to sleep with men has left people stunned after sharing how she was booked as a "birthday treat" for one woman's husband. Lucy is a sex worker, and was contacted a few months ago by a woman who had come across her page on TikTok, before she'd decided to take the plunge and make a booking. 2 Lucy took to TikTok to share a storytime about how she was booked as a birthday present for a woman's husband Credit: Tiktok/@lucyhuxleyxxx 2 She returned after the two-hour session, to share an update about her "really lovely time" Credit: Tiktok/@lucyhuxleyxxx But the booking wasn't for herself - instead she had decided to gift her spouse a session with Lucy for his big day. It was a two-hour booking, which began with Lucy sitting down with the couple in a hotel bar for a few drinks, before she took the birthday boy upstairs to the room. The woman had told her husband about the birthday surprise last week, and had even told Lucy about his likes and dislikes in the bedroom - down to the kind of lingerie that turns him on. "And now I get to surprise him by doing things he likes without him having to ask for it, which I think is gonna be super fun," she explained in a video on her TikTok page. Read more Sex stories NUDE YEAR From 'permission play' to ‘sobergasms’: the big trends for better sex in 2025 LOO STORY I got chucked out a rave for bonking in a loo - but I'm no 'Bonnie Blue wannabe' She'd then headed out for the booking, before returning to the social media site to share an update later on. Kicking off the clip , Lucy insisted that the booking had gone "really well", and she'd had "so much in common" with the wife. After around 45 minutes drinking together, the wife headed off, so that they could get down to business. "It turns out that this was actually their first dip into non-monogamy," Lucy said, adding that they'd been married for over a decade. Most read in Fabulous TAKE A BOW Shoppers race to River Island for ideal little black party dress for under £50 WALKING ON SUNSHINE Meet the globe-trotting celebs who turned 2024 into one big holiday 'SCREAMS DESPERATION' Lily Phillips is bizarre - she's giving our industry a terrible name SEX-PLOITED Lily Phillips admits the blokes are the only winners after bedding 101 men But it was the woman who had decided "she was interested in her husband being with someone else" and it was "something that she's really into". "I felt very honoured to be a part of their first experience," Lucy grinned. Controversial star Bonnie Blue boasts about sex conquests live on show "And yeah, it was a super lovely time, and I hope that I get to see them again." However, people in the comments section weren't convinced that the session was an ideal birthday treat, with one writing emphatically: "Love is dead". "May this kind of love never find me," another added. "If I was married, I would never share my husband with another person, even if she was a professional," a third commented. "I would die of jealousy and anger. "I don't know how people do it!" What your sexual fantasies say about you By Emma Kenny, a TV presenter and psychologist Raucous Role Play: If your partner enjoys dressing up for fun, it shows creativity and a desire to keep things exciting. However, it might signal that he struggles with responsibility. Multi-Partner Fantasies: Craving variety doesn't always mean he wants to cheat. However, it could indicate deeper feelings of unfulfillment. Power & Control: A little dominance is normal, but if it's always about control, it may hide insecurities. Adventure: Men seeking thrills may push boundaries, so be sure your comfort zone is respected. Passion: If he’s romantic, he’s emotionally tuned in—though occasionally avoiding tough conversations. Flexibility: Openness to new experiences is great, but constant novelty-seeking could mean avoiding emotional connection. Red Flag: If control is his ultimate fantasy, it may signal a deeper struggle with power dynamics. "Same! Just the thought of it makes me angry and uncomfortable," someone else agreed. "It’s so gross," another raged. But others were more on board with the idea. "I wish everyone was this open-minded," one said. "This is real love," another wrote. Read more on the Scottish Sun SNOW WAY Weather maps show heavy snow for Scotland in DAYS – with -2C New Year’s chill NO CRIME Orange Order slam cops after Celtic activist was cleared over 'sectarian rants' As a third added: "There are kinks that make this fun for both partners. "Just because YOU do not like it does not mean the couple in question does not either."ASHEBORO — For the second year, Randolph Community College’s industrial maintenance technician apprentices took their knowledge and enthusiasm for manufacturing into local third-grade classrooms as part of National Apprenticeship Week and Youth and Young Adult Apprenticeship Day. Visits were made to Uwharrie Charter Academy and Lindley Park Elementary School, where apprentices and volunteers from Pexco engaged students in hands-on activities to highlight the vital role of manufacturing in Randolph County, the nation and the world. Through interactive learning, the apprentices guided students in constructing robot arms from popsicle sticks. These activities introduced the young learners to essential manufacturing concepts such as supply and demand, quality control and diagrams and schematics. To complement the hands-on exercises, teachers read “Pete the Cat: Robo-Pete,” a story that resonates with themes of creativity and innovation. “Connecting with younger generations through education and hands-on experiences is critical for fostering an interest in manufacturing and technology,” said Shah Ardalan, president/CEO of Randolph Community College. “Our apprentices serve as inspiring role models, showcasing the exciting possibilities in manufacturing while planting the seeds for the future workforce of Randolph County and beyond.” Launched in 2023, the IMT apprenticeship program offers the opportunity to earn an associate degree in industrial systems technology while gaining hands-on, paid experience with local employers. Current employers include Energizer, Jowat Corporation, Pexco, the Timken Company and the new Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina, plant. For more information, contact RCC Director of Apprenticeships Stacey Miller at 336-318-4958 or apprenticeships@randolph.edu or visit randolphimt.com .

‘Apprentice’ star Sebastian Stan says other actors are ‘afraid’ to talk about Trump biopicRussia warns of Washington's 'extremely hostile' nuclear stance before second Trump termNASHVILLE, Tenn — Josh Heupel made clear his No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers couldn't have started their regular season finale any worse giving up 14 points within the first five minutes. The Vols showed they can finish, which has them on the verge of hosting a College Football Playoff game. Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns rallying Tennessee to routing in-state rival Vanderbilt 36-23 Saturday. “Finishing the way that we needed to and that we wanted to always is sweet, and these guys earned the right for this to be a big game," Heupel said. "They went out, they took it.” The Volunteers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference; No. 8 CFP) needed a big victory to impress the College Football Playoff committee. They beat Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5) for a sixth straight season leaving the Commodores needing to win their bowl game to post their first winning record since 2013. Better yet, the Vols rebounded from a nightmare start giving up the first 14 points by scoring 29 straight points. They led 24-17 at halftime on Iamaleava's first three TD passes. “Once they took the momentum, we kind of allowed them to have it for the rest of the game," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "And you got to credit Tennessee. I mean, obviously, they were playing for the playoffs and credit coach Heupel and his team for their winning performance.” Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for Vanderbilt to stun a mostly orange crowd. Dylan Sampson fumbled on the Vols’ second play from scrimmage, and Sedrick Alexanader's 4-yard TD run on a 26-yard drive put Vandy up 14-0 quickly. Then Iamaleava got Tennessee going with a 28-yard TD pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee got a break when Max Gilbert's 50-yard field goal bounced off the crossbar and over. Iamaleava found Thornton again on an 86-yard catch-and-run TD, then he tossed an 18-yard TD pass to Miles Kitselman. “Nico I just thought played really well throughout the course of the football game ...,” Heupel said. An early interception remained on Iamaleava's mind postgame. He also scrambled six times for 42 yards and wasn't sacked once. “I still feel like I can do better,” Iamaleava said. Iamaleava capped the opening drive of the third quartewith a 14-yard TD pass to Mike Matthews. The Vols added a safety by Tyre West and another Gilbert field goal. Diego Pavia threw a 31-yard TD pass to Richie Hoskins late with Vandy's 2-point conversion failing for the final margin. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS) Shares Up 3.6% – Should You Buy?Who Is Baby John Actress Wamiqa Gabbi? Child Actor From Jab We Met Who Has Become The Latest Internet Sensation

WATCH: Who Wins Cowboys Christmas Skills Competition?Kosovo arrests blast suspects, Serbia denies involvement

Fluence Energy, Inc. ( NASDAQ:FLNC – Get Free Report )’s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $16.13, but opened at $15.75. Fluence Energy shares last traded at $15.91, with a volume of 117,344 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes FLNC has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Fluence Energy in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $26.00 target price on the stock. BNP Paribas upgraded Fluence Energy from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $22.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on Fluence Energy from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Wednesday, November 27th. Susquehanna lifted their price target on Fluence Energy from $23.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a “positive” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price objective on Fluence Energy from $25.00 to $24.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 7th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Fluence Energy has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $26.65. View Our Latest Report on FLNC Fluence Energy Trading Up 2.8 % Fluence Energy ( NASDAQ:FLNC – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 25th. The company reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.23 by $0.11. Fluence Energy had a net margin of 0.89% and a return on equity of 4.10%. The company had revenue of $1.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.28 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.02 EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 82.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Fluence Energy, Inc. will post 0.56 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In other news, Director Herman E. Bulls bought 10,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 23rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $15.57 per share, with a total value of $155,700.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 75,861 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,181,155.77. This represents a 15.18 % increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Company insiders own 0.41% of the company’s stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fluence Energy Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Fluence Energy by 73.7% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 536,184 shares of the company’s stock worth $12,177,000 after purchasing an additional 227,549 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Fluence Energy in the third quarter valued at $5,742,000. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Fluence Energy by 11.8% during the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 166,613 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,644,000 after buying an additional 17,551 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Fluence Energy by 4.2% during the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,508,003 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,253,000 after acquiring an additional 60,633 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. raised its holdings in shares of Fluence Energy by 76.2% in the 3rd quarter. Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. now owns 25,760 shares of the company’s stock worth $585,000 after acquiring an additional 11,138 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 53.16% of the company’s stock. About Fluence Energy ( Get Free Report ) Fluence Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, offers energy storage products and solution, services, and artificial intelligence enabled software-as-a-service products for renewables and storage applications in the Americas, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company sells energy storage products with integrated hardware, software, and digital intelligence. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Fluence Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fluence Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .DETROIT (AP) — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don’t buckle up. Related Articles National News | Former TV host Carlos Watson gets nearly 10 years in prison in case about failed startup Ozy Media National News | TikTok asks the Supreme Court for an emergency order to block a US ban unless it’s sold National News | Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect National News | Trump migrant deportations could threaten states’ agricultural economies National News | Federal Reserve is likely to slow its rate cuts with inflation pressures still elevated The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren’t fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver’s seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don’t fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn’t be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver’s seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026. Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data. The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.

NASHVILLE, Tenn (AP) — Josh Heupel made clear his No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers couldn't have started their regular season finale any worse giving up 14 points within the first five minutes. The Vols showed they can finish, which has them on the verge of hosting a College Football Playoff game. Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns rallying Tennessee to routing in-state rival Vanderbilt 36-23 Saturday. “Finishing the way that we needed to and that we wanted to always is sweet, and these guys earned the right for this to be a big game," Heupel said. "They went out, they took it.” The Volunteers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference; No. 8 CFP) needed a big victory to impress the College Football Playoff committee. They beat Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5) for a sixth straight season leaving the Commodores needing to win their bowl game to post their first winning record since 2013. Better yet, the Vols rebounded from a nightmare start giving up the first 14 points by scoring 29 straight points. They led 24-17 at halftime on Iamaleava's first three TD passes. “Once they took the momentum, we kind of allowed them to have it for the rest of the game," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "And you got to credit Tennessee. I mean, obviously, they were playing for the playoffs and credit coach Heupel and his team for their winning performance.” Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for Vanderbilt to stun a mostly orange crowd. Dylan Sampson fumbled on the Vols’ second play from scrimmage, and Sedrick Alexanader's 4-yard TD run on a 26-yard drive put Vandy up 14-0 quickly. Then Iamaleava got Tennessee going with a 28-yard TD pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee got a break when Max Gilbert's 50-yard field goal bounced off the crossbar and over. Iamaleava found Thornton again on an 86-yard catch-and-run TD, then he tossed an 18-yard TD pass to Miles Kitselman. “Nico I just thought played really well throughout the course of the football game ...,” Heupel said. An early interception remained on Iamaleava's mind postgame. He also scrambled six times for 42 yards and wasn't sacked once. “I still feel like I can do better,” Iamaleava said. Iamaleava capped the opening drive of the third quartewith a 14-yard TD pass to Mike Matthews. The Vols added a safety by Tyre West and another Gilbert field goal. Diego Pavia threw a 31-yard TD pass to Richie Hoskins late with Vandy's 2-point conversion failing for the final margin. Tennessee shook off yet another slow start. The Vols may move up a spot or two . The biggest question is whether the Vols get to host a playoff game at Neyland Stadium where they went undefeated. Tennessee put together TD drives of 91 and 96 yards in the first half. The Vols then beat Vandy at its own game of keepaway after not even managing 10 minutes of possession in the first half. They finished with the edge in that stat outgaining Vandy 538-212. Vanderbilt had some of the best offensive success against Tennessee in the first half of any opponent this season. The Commodores had 114 yards rushing and 17 points by halftime against a defense that came in ranked sixth nationally allowing just 98.8 yards a game. The Vols also held 10 opponents under 20 points this season. Lea said the Commodores ran just 11 plays to Tennessee's 44 after halftime. The Tennessee running back, who set the program record with 22 rushing TDs this season, didn't reach the end zone for the first time this season. Sampson finished with 178 yards rushing to reach 1,485 yards for the season, topping the school mark of 1,464 set by Travis Stephens in 2001. “I don’t know if anybody’s played the position better than he has this year,” Heupel said of a running back who wasn't among the Doak Walker finalists. “He’s special. He's dynamic.” Tennessee waits to hear its spot in the CFP field, while Vanderbilt learns its bowl destination Dec. 8. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football.GoldenEye, Jamaica: the low-key hideaway steeped in A-list history

Red Cat Holdings Reports Financial Results for Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 and Provides Corporate UpdateDETROIT (AP) — Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don’t buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren’t fastened. The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver’s seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don’t fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn’t be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver’s seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026. Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data. The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.

French Embassy sponsors French League of Legends champs to train in KoreaHUNTERSVILLE, N.C., Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL), the nation's leading builder of luxury homes, today announced its newest master-planned community, Overbrook Estates , is coming soon to Huntersville, North Carolina, located off Highway 77 and Gilead Road. Construction of the Sales Center and model homes will begin in early spring 2025 and sales are expected to start in late spring 2025. Overbrook Estates will include 357 new homes, including ranch and two-story single-family home designs. Home buyers will be able to choose from nine exquisite home designs across three collections ranging from 3,030 to 3,905+ square feet, with 3 to 6 bedrooms, 2.5 to 5.5 baths, and 2- to 3-car garages. Each home will be built with the outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and value for which Toll Brothers is known. Homes are anticipated to be priced starting from the $600,000s. Home buyers will experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio . The state-of-the-art Design Studio allows home buyers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers professional Design Consultants. "We are excited to bring our luxury home brand to the Huntersville community with Overbrook Estates by Toll Brothers,” said Ryan Switzer, Division President of Toll Brothers in Charlotte, North Carolina. "Conveniently located just off Highway 77 and Gilead and close to Lake Norman, this stunning new luxury home community will offer residents resort-style living and easy access to everything this vibrant area has to offer.” Home buyers will enjoy proximity to nearby shopping, dining, arts and entertainment, and recreational destinations, including Birkdale Village, Historic Downtown Huntersville, McDowell Creek Greenway, as well as nearby Lake Norman. The community will feature future onsite amenities including a pool and cabana. Overbrook Estates is also just a short drive away from the excitement of Uptown Charlotte. Children will have the opportunity to attend school in the Mecklenburg County School District. Major highways including Interstates 77 and 485, and Route 73 are easily accessible from Overbrook Estates, offering homeowners convenient access to Uptown Charlotte, Morrisville, Davidson, and Lake Norman. For more information and to join the Toll Brothers interest list for Overbrook Estates, call (866) 232-1719 or visit TollBrothers.com/Charlotte . About Toll Brothers Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded 57 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TOL.” The Company serves first-time, move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyers, as well as urban and suburban renters. Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, as well as in the District of Columbia. The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, smart home technology, and landscape subsidiaries. The Company also develops master-planned and golf course communities as well as operates its own lumber distribution, house component assembly, and manufacturing operations. In 2024, Toll Brothers marked 10 years in a row being named to the Fortune World's Most Admired CompaniesTM list and the Company's Chairman and CEO Douglas C. Yearley, Jr. was named one of 25 Top CEOs by Barron's magazine. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com . From Fortune, ©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Contact: Andrea Meck | Toll Brothers, Senior Director, Public Relations & Social Media | 215-938-8169 | [email protected] Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00efb8b7-140d-4d66-b421-027fcf5a2e3d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/41410aba-2b25-42e2-8259-4256b403d6e7 Sent by Toll Brothers via Regional Globe Newswire (TOLL-REG)

Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020