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Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, vowed to go to "war" to defend the H-1B visa program for foreign tech workers late Friday amid a dispute between President-elect Donald Trump's longtime supporters and his most recently acquired backers from the tech industry. In a post on social media platform X, Musk said, "The reason I'm in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B." "I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend," he added. Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in South Africa, has held an H-1B visa, and his electric-car company Tesla obtained 724 of the visas this year. H-1B visas are typically for three-year periods, though holders can extend them or apply for green cards. Musk's tweet was directed at Trump's supporters and immigration hardliners who have increasingly pushed for the H-1B visa program to be scrapped amid a heated debate over immigration and the place of skilled immigrants and foreign workers brought into the country on work visas. Trump has so far remained silent on the issue. The Trump transition did not respond to a request for comment on Musk's tweets and the H-1B visa debate. In the past, Trump has expressed a willingness to provide more work visas to skilled workers. He has also promised to deport all immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally, deploy tariffs to help create more jobs for American citizens, and severely restrict immigration. The issue highlights how tech leaders such as Musk — who has taken an important role in the presidential transition, advising on key personnel and policy areas — are now drawing scrutiny from his base. The U.S. tech industry relies on the government's H-1B visa program to hire foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labor force that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens. The altercation was set off this week by far-right activists who criticized Trump's selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, to be an adviser on artificial intelligence, saying he would have influence on the Trump administration's immigration policies. On Friday, Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump confidante, critiqued "big tech oligarchs" for supporting the H-1B program and cast immigration as a threat to Western civilization. In response, Musk and many other tech billionaires drew a line between what they view as legal immigration and illegal immigration. Musk has spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars helping Trump get elected president in November. He has posted regularly this week about the lack of homegrown talent to fill all the needed positions within American tech companies.

Somewhere over the rainbow there exists a magnificent movie version of Gregory McGuire’s 1995 wonderfully revisionist, not to mention delightfully feminist, fantasy novel “Wicked.” Alas, Jon M. Chu’s big, bland, and bloated journey through the glittering land of Oz is not it, my pretties. The two-part, $320 million film adaptation thoroughly lacks the pluck and spirit of the blockbuster Broadway musical, which made its debut in San Francisco in 2003. As a longtime theater critic, I hate to pour a bucket of water on this almost-three-hour movie adaptation. But despite its undeniable star power. this empty-headed screen adaptation melts in the imagination. Pop singer Ariana Grande does indeed sparkle as Galinda, the soon-to-be Good Witch, and she’s certainly a superb hair flipper, but she lacks sassiness and there’s zilch chemistry between her and the green goddess Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as two college frenemies who grow into the mythical witches of lore. Erivo is suitably likable as the hated Elphaba but there’s no sign of a formidable power lurking within. A lot of the plucky numbers sputter. Grande’s cutie-pie wardrobe is a real stunner, a cheeky cross between Elle Woods style and Barbie couture that fills you with an inexplicable and deep yearning to wear more pink. For all the film’s weaknesses, Paul Tazewell’s gorgeous costumes are so sharply on point they draw blood. Let’s not even talk about Glinda’s obsession-worthy assortment of shoes. The feminism may fall flat here but the fashion truly soars to new heights. Many a stocking will surely be stuffed with “Wicked” bling this Christmas. For the record, the campy cameo spotlighting Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, the original marquee stars, only serves to remind us how much their deeply-felt camaraderie buoyed the musical back in the day. Those two Broadway divas had a visceral girl-power vibe that almost made you jealous of their BFF bond, onstage and off. Their buoyant chemistry is much missed here. It should be noted that this Fiyero, the delish Jonathan Bailey, of “Bridgerton” fame,” looks as dashing as ever astride a horse and that’s no small delight. Bailey also seems more adept with a song and dance number than some of the other stars here. He imbues “Dancing through Life” with an elan and effortlessness that makes some of the other musical interludes, such as pithy hit “Popular,” come off as a tad forced. The labyrinthian revolving library set (production designer Nathan Crowley outdoes himself), which takes a page from the Hogwarts aesthetic, is also a dazzler. Sadly, however, the stalwart Michelle Yeoh, who seems like such inspired casting as Madame Morrible, the haughty headmistress of Shiz University, gets thoroughly overshadowed here and the estimable Jeff Goldblum, who should be stealing the show, as the suitably smarmy snake oil peddler turned politician, his wonderful Ozness himself, doesn’t have that much to do in the lumbering part one. Chu seems to be going for a sense of existential ennui when a good old-fashioned shake-the-rafters mood would be more fitting. It’s also unfortunate that the sluggish pacing undercuts the cautionary tale here. Look past the flying monkeys and malapropisms and there is a chilling warning about the danger of charlatans who seize political power by stoking bigotry and eroding civil rights until all but the bravest are scared into silence. L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 fable has sharper special and political resonance now than ever before. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain, indeed. Perhaps the movie would cast a more bewitching spell if it weren’t dragged out into two parts. The first installment ends just as Elphaba is coming into her power, in a duly high-flying “Defying Gravity” interlude, and before any real romance can blossom. Stretching out the Broadway narrative to twice its length, while adding no discernible depth, casts the film’s flaws into high relief. The irresistible pacing and tempo that powered the stage musical have all but vanished. Die-hard “Wicked” fans may not mind but casual YA fantasy fans, like my 14-year-old, may well miss what all the fuss is about. To be sure, the real magic here comes from the marvelous special effects. Chu, deservedly beloved for “Crazy Rich Asians,” creates a glittering visual fantasia that delights the eye, from the splashy underwater wonders of the ballroom to the glittering turrets of Emerald City, but often leaves the heart and mind rather bored. Lest you think I’m far too jaded to judge this “Wicked” because I’m old enough to remember the 2003 world premiere, suffice to say my kiddo was also less than impressed by the cinematic spectacle and has informed me that she will not be accompanying me for Part 2. I’ll have to ease on down the road without her. Contact Karen D’Souza at karenpdsouza@yahoo.com.

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Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all advanced to the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals with with two games to spare on Thursday. Late substitute Lina Hurtig scored the winner in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Juventus in London. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.Forte added six rebounds and five assists for the Coyotes (9-4). Cameron Fens added 17 points while going 5 of 8 and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line while grabbing six rebounds. Isaac Bruns had 13 points and shot 4 for 10 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line. Marko Maletic led the Leathernecks (6-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points. Julius Rollins added 13 points for Western Illinois. Sean Smith had 11 points. South Dakota's next game is Thursday against Utah Tech on the road. Western Illinois hosts Tennessee Tech on Tuesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

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Photo by Liam Richards /Saskatoon StarPhoenix Saskatchewan Rush defender Matt Hossack moves the ball against the Vancouver Warriors in NLL action at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, SK on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Darren Zary Saskatoon StarPhoenix It’s a second go-round for Matt Hossack on the Saskatchewan Rush. Both parties couldn’t be more excited about this reunion after they won a National Lacrosse League championship together back in 2018. The Rush claimed Hossack in the Panther City Lacrosse Club dispersal draft during the off-season. Now they’re back together again as Saskatchewan (1-0) plays its National Lacrosse League home-opener Saturday night against the Halifax Thunderbirds. “That’s the guy we wanted and that’s the guy we got,” says Rush co-coach Jimmy Quinlan, whose team welcomed back Hossack with open arms. “He was very good when he left us and having to watch him grow on another team was tough, but to get him back is unbelievable. He’s a true professional on and off the floor. And he’s smart. “For me, it’s his IQ. You never have to question his effort or his attitude. He’s always moving in the right direction for the group and we’re lucky to have him. We were happy he was there (available in dispersal draft).” Hossack arrived back in Saskatchewan with nervous excitement. Indeed, green and black butterflies floated around in his stomach. “Talking to Keener (Rush general manager Derek Keenan) at the beginning of camp, I had butterflies again – it’s been probably been a few years,” admits Hossack, who was originally taken by the Rush in the second round, 14th overall, of the 2016 NLL Draft out of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Taken by Panther City in the 2021 NLL expansion draft as the No. 1 pick, Hossack would be re-claimed by Saskatchewan, sixth overall, in this year’s Panther City dispersal draft. “When I first went to Panther City, I had a lot of butterflies doing that because there are so many unknowns,” explains Hossack, a native of Port Perry, Ont.. “What I liked about coming back here is I know a lot of people and faces in the front office and all the lacrosse staff. “That gives me a good feeling, having that sense of home and something I know, something already that I’m coming back to, but the butterflies came because there are so many new guys on the team and it’s a completely different group than what I’m used to. It’s certainly exciting for me.” It’s a new-look defensive corps for Hossack with the likes of Bobby Kidd III, Isaac Ngyou, Connor McClelland, Matt Acchione, Jake Boudreau, Adam Jay, Jake Naso, Holden Garlent, Ryan Barnable and Jerrett Smith joining him and veteran Mike Messenger. “I’m really excited about the group,” says Hossack, who captained Panther City. “I think it’s a lot better than what maybe I expected or what I saw from the outside and to see how much the guys care and what they’re working on at times, guys take feedback really well and they’re talking all the time. To see that each weekend, I feel we’ve gotten a little better towards achieving certain things and we’ve got to continue to do that.” Through 114 pro games, the right-handed defenceman has scooped up 617 loose balls, caused 142 turnovers, scored 22 goals and added 55 assists. “I certainly take pride in being the leader out there when it’s necessarily my turn to do that,” says Hossack. “As a veteran, what you always go back to is you try to claim and capture some of that new energy that Acchione, Levi Anderson and those guys bring to the team because they’re so new, so fresh, and it reminds you of what it was like when you were a rookie in the league or new in the league. You try to continue to capture that and I think that’s really important.” Hossack says he was able to come out of his shell in Panther City. “I’m super grateful for that opportunity because I grew so much as a vocal leader, as someone who’s typically more quiet and a leader by example. That hasn’t changed. I’m still a little more of a leader by example but I’ve learned how to find my voice more and speak up when times are necessary and I think that’s the biggest part of my game and showing a little bit more emotion when it’s necessary to give guys a bit of a jump. “As much as it stings a little to put so much effort into building the (Panther City) program down in Fort Worth there, there was definitely a sense of excitement to be able to come back around full circle and be back here in Sask.” dzary@postmedia.com -Advertisement-AI in cybersecurity a battle between protection and exploitation: ExpertsFormer US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100

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Operation Choke Point 2.0: How The Feds Are Seeking To 'Debank' Targeted IndustriesNorth Korea's Kim vows the toughest anti-US policy before Trump takes officeSome quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”

Stock up on these popular board games for your next get-togetherTEHRAN - In an analysis, Farhikhtegan discussed the Western support for inflaming unrest in Iran. The paper said: The Leader of the Revolution said that the enemies are trying to undercut the security and stability of the country to create chaos and disturbance in Iran. Anthony Blinken, while admitting the difficulty of sabotage in Iran, said the U.S. prefers support for rebellion inside Iran. This means a chaotic design is underway. If in the past years, the Western powers - with the Zionists behind the scenes - were taking steps to create chaos in Iran, these days, especially after the new developments in Syria, now they are openly talking about stoking chaos. In addition to Netanyahu's messages and the repetition of the slogan of "woman, life, freedom", the ambassador of the Zionist regime to the United Nations said in Farsi during the meeting of the Security Council: "People of Iran, do not miss this historic opportunity." This statement shows that the support for chaos has entered a new stage and reached the official statement of the Western and Zionist authorities. Therefore, we should be aware of actions to destabilize the situation of the country with foreign designs. In a commentary, Hamshahri discussed the Westerns’ view about the strategic relationship between Iran and Hezbollah and said: Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government, Zionist-Western officials and media outlets consider the cutoff of Iran's logistical route to Hezbollah as very important in weakening the Lebanese resistance movement and a "great victory" for Tel Aviv. However, Western experts acknowledge that despite the fall of the Assad government, Iran's support for Hezbollah will not hit a deadlock and there are alternative ways. Experts believe that the air route to Beirut is not the only option for Iran to support Hezbollah, and Iran's land routes through Iraq and then Jordan and the West Bank as well as maritime routes to Lebanon's coast in the Mediterranean are still considered possible options. Based on these concerns, the new Syrian government has banned any Iranian flights from crossing the country's skies. This action, above all, derives Tel Aviv's concerns about Iran's continued support for the resistance movement of the Lebanese and Palestinian people. In an article, the Iran newspaper discussed the events in Syria and the change of conditions. It wrote: As it is clear, the military operation by "Tahrir al-Sham" that led to the fall of the Bashar government was mainly directed by Turkey and Iran has faced a new reality. Also, though the flag of the Damascus embassy in Tehran has been lowered, it is not supposed to remain so. The world of politics in the Middle East has changed. After 13 years of fighting terrorism in Syria and Iraq, Tehran wants to find a place for itself in the frontline of diplomacy. While Turkey’s role in the fall of Assad was instrumental, Iran believes that this situation will not last long. Turkey's conflict with the Kurds has already worried Washington and Tel Aviv, and this has created a deep gap in favor of Iran. Although it is said what has happened in Syria has made the situation difficult for Iran, Tehran believes in its ability to negotiate with all actors. The story of the relationship between Iran and Russia is as old as history and this shows that the two nations have gone through many ups and downs together. Relations between Tehran and Moscow have entered a new phase in recent decades. No matter how hard Iran tried, it could not prevent Europeans from accusing the Islamic Republic of selling arms (drones) to Russia in its war with Ukraine. Also, regarding Syria, it is said that the Russians did not do as much as they should to support the resistance front. On the other hand, the Russians have also taken certain decisions against Iran in the Persian Gulf and the South Caucasus. These moves have brought about a sharp reaction from the Iranian government and people. With all these challenges, it seems that the relations between the two countries are tied together on the international scene. If the Russians do not support Iran's interests, it will be a loss for them because Iran will continue its path in any situation. If the Russians want to take actions that are not beneficial for Iran, Tehran will reconsider its relations. We hope that the visit of Russian officials to Tehran will prevent anti-Iran moves.