Unretired two-time Pro Bowl LB Shaquil Barrett signs to resume career with Tampa Bay BuccaneersTrump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes office

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) will release a revised edition of Form I-129 , Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on January 17, 2025. The updated form reflects changes outlined in the recently announced H-1B and H-2 modernization final rules, replacing the earlier edition dated April 1, 2024. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast USCIS has emphasized that there will be no grace period for the transition to the new form. Effective January 17, 2025, USCIS will reject any Form I-129 petitions submitted using the 04/01/24 edition. Petitioners must ensure they use the new 01/17/25 edition for submissions on or after this date. A preview of the revised Form I-129 and its updated instructions has been made available, but petitioners are cautioned against filing the new form before the effective date. For those filing Form I-129 on paper by mail, the following rules apply: The 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 will be accepted if received before January 17, 2025. The 04/01/24 edition will not be accepted if received on or after January 17, 2025. The 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 will be accepted only if received on or after January 17, 2025. Form I-129 explained Form I-129, also known as the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, is a critical document used in employment-based immigration to the United States. Employers or prospective employers file this form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to sponsor a nonimmigrant worker for specific employment-based visa categories. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The form is commonly used for various nonimmigrant visa types, including: Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program You Might Also Like: H-1B visa overhaul gets White House nod, providing big relief for international students, entrepreneurs H-1B: For workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher. L-1: For intra-company transferees who work in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles. O-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, arts, education, or athletics. Employers use Form I-129 to establish the necessity of hiring a foreign worker, outlining the job role, qualifications of the worker, and compliance with visa requirements. Proper documentation and adherence to regulations are crucial to ensure a smooth application process. The form also allows for amendments, extensions, or changes to the worker’s employment status, making it a versatile tool in managing employment-based visa statuses. Key updates in H-1B visa rules The H-1B modernization rule introduces several enhancements: Prior Deference for Extensions : USCIS reinstates the “prior deference” policy, simplifying renewals for previously approved H-1B visas and reducing processing delays. Specialty Occupation Definition : Eligibility criteria now require degree fields to directly align with job responsibilities. Flexibility for Nonprofits and Government Research : Cap-exempt H-1B qualifications have been broadened to recognize research as a core activity. F-1 Student Visa Extensions : Automatic extensions will prevent status lapses for international students transitioning to H-1B visas. Entrepreneur Eligibility : Startup founders meeting specific conditions can now qualify for H-1B visas. Lottery changes The updated regulations refine the annual H-1B lottery system , addressing duplicate registrations to promote fairness. USCIS has also strengthened worksite inspection protocols, with penalties for noncompliant employers.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted the significance of these changes, stating, “These improvements provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness, and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation.” You Might Also Like: US says your H-1B visa application will be rejected if you don't follow these new rules

Both Oklahoma and Providence are hoping they'll have key pieces back in place when the two undefeated teams square off in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Wednesday in Paradise Island, Bahamas. The Friars (5-0) are expected to have Bryce Hopkins available, according to a report from Field of 68. Hopkins was averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament Jan. 3. He returned to full-go practices last week, and Tuesday, Providence coach Kim English said Hopkins would be a "game-time decision" against the Sooners. "It's been a process," English said. "We're not rushing it." But English praised Hopkins' progress since the Friars' last game, Nov. 19, when Hopkins went through pregame warmups. "I thought he looked better than I remembered," English said. "He's been in our system for the past year. His patience, his understanding, his versatility on offense and defense ... it's been great to see him in practice." The Sooners (4-0) are hopeful that they'll get Brycen Goodine back. Goodine played for the Friars for two seasons from 2020-22 before transferring to Fairfield for two seasons and then to Oklahoma this offseason. Goodine suffered an ankle injury in the Sooners' opener Nov. 4 and has not played since. "He's a really tough kid and trying to push through it," Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. "It will truly be one of those game-time decisions. He hasn't gone a full practice yet, just been pieces of practices." Playing with Goodine and Jadon Jones, expected to be two of the Sooners' top outside shooters, Moser said he's learned plenty about his team's offense. "When you're down those shooters, it's really a great weapon to know that a lot of other guys can knock down the open shot," Moser said. "It's been a huge takeaway." The Sooners have been led by Jalon Moore, who is averaging 18.8 points per game, and freshman Jeremiah Fears, who is averaging 15.5. Providence has been led by senior guard Bensley Joseph, who is averaging 11.8 points and 4.0 assists per game. Oklahoma has not played a game closer than 16 points yet this season, with an average margin of victory of 24 points. Providence has won its five games by an average of nearly 17 points per game. The teams will square off against either Davidson or No. 24 Arizona in the second round Thursday, with the winners playing each other in one semifinal while the losers play in a consolation semifinal. --Field Level Media

Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picksAdani Enterprises Share Expected To Rise by 57.8% in 24 Months: Ventura Securities

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Carrier Board of Directors Announces an 18 Percent Increase in Quarterly Dividend to $0.225 per ShareTrump asks U.S. Supreme Court to pause law that could ban TikTokEnvironmental Protection Agency officials approved a project on Monday that involves constructing roadways in Florida with a radioactive material called phosphogypsum. The initiative proposed by Mosaic, the largest producer of phosphates in the United States, was determined to be “complete per the requirements of EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants under the Clean Air Act,” according to a posted in the federal register. Current regulations require phosphogypsum to be stored in engineered piles known as stacks, per a report from technology news outlet . But the concluded that “the potential radiological risks from conducting the pilot project meet the regulatory requirement that the project is at least as protective of public health as maintaining the phosphogypsum in a stack.” Mosaic only submitted a proposal for a “small-scale pilot project,” according to the entry in the federal register. The company therefore plans to build four sections of test road at its facility in Polk County, Florida, but will have to seek permission to expand the initiative. “The EPA’s approval applies only to the proposed pilot project and not any broader use,” the agency continued. “Any other use would require a separate application, risk assessment, and approval.” One from the EPA explains that phosphogypsum comes from the waste left behind when phosphate rock is processed to make fertilizer. That process involves removing the phosphorus by dissolving the rock in an acidic solution. “Most of the naturally-occurring uranium found in phosphate rock ends up in the acid and the other radionuclides, including radium, mostly end up in the waste,” the webpage says. Beyond uranium and radium, phosphogypsum contains thorium and emits radon, a gas, as the substance decays. The majority of comments submitted to the EPA with respect to the Mosaic project were negative, expressing skepticism toward using the in public roads. Ragan Whitlock, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, likewise said in a statement provided to that the decision to allow the project was “mind-boggling.” “That dramatically increases the potential for harm to our road crews and water quality,” Whitlock said. “The EPA has bowed to political pressure from the phosphate industry and paved the way for this dangerous waste to be used in roads all over the country,” the attorney contended. We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. .

A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok's petition to overturn the law — which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — and rebuffed the company's challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment. “The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” said the court's opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, though its unclear whether the court will take up the case. “The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the TikTok ban was conceived and pushed through based upon inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people,” Hughes said. Unless stopped, he argued the statute “will silence the voices of over 170 million Americans here in the US and around the world on January 19th, 2025.” Though the case is squarely in the court system, its also possible the two companies might be thrown some sort of a lifeline by President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the presidential campaign that he is now against such action . The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, was the culmination of a years-long saga in Washington over the short-form video-sharing app, which the government sees as a national security threat due to its connections to China. “Today’s decision is an important step in blocking the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok to collect sensitive information about millions of Americans, to covertly manipulate the content delivered to American audiences, and to undermine our national security,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Friday. The U.S. has said it’s concerned about TikTok collecting vast swaths of user data, including sensitive information on viewing habits , that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion. Officials have also warned the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that’s difficult to detect — a concern mirrored by the European Union on Friday as it scrutinizes the video-sharing app’s role in the Romanian elections. TikTok, which sued the government over the law in May, has long denied it could be used by Beijing to spy on or manipulate Americans. Its attorneys have accurately pointed out that the U.S. hasn’t provided evidence to show that the company handed over user data to the Chinese government, or manipulated content for Beijing’s benefit in the U.S. They have also argued the law is predicated on future risks, which the Department of Justice has emphasized pointing in part to unspecified action it claims the two companies have taken in the past due to demands from the Chinese government. Friday’s ruling came after the appeals court panel, composed of two Republican and one Democrat appointed judges, heard oral arguments in September. In the hearing, which lasted more than two hours, the panel appeared to grapple with how TikTok’s foreign ownership affects its rights under the Constitution and how far the government could go to curtail potential influence from abroad on a foreign-owned platform. On Friday, all three of them denied TikTok’s petition. In the court's ruling, Ginsburg, a Republican appointee, rejected TikTok's main legal arguments against the law, including that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. He also said the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to "suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok. “Content on the platform could in principle remain unchanged after divestiture, and people in the United States would remain free to read and share as much PRC propaganda (or any other content) as they desire on TikTok or any other platform of their choosing,” Ginsburg wrote, using the abbreviation for the People’s Republic of China. Judge Sri Srinivasan, the chief judge on the court, issued a concurring opinion. TikTok’s lawsuit was consolidated with a second legal challenge brought by several content creators - for which the company is covering legal costs - as well as a third one filed on behalf of conservative creators who work with a nonprofit called BASED Politics Inc. Other organizations, including the Knight First Amendment Institute, had also filed amicus briefs supporting TikTok. “This is a deeply misguided ruling that reads important First Amendment precedents too narrowly and gives the government sweeping power to restrict Americans’ access to information, ideas, and media from abroad,” said Jameel Jaffer, the executive director of the organization. “We hope that the appeals court’s ruling won’t be the last word.” Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers who had pushed for the legislation celebrated the court's ruling. "I am optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok to allow its continued use in the United States and I look forward to welcoming the app in America under new ownership,” said Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China. Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who co-authored the law, said “it's time for ByteDance to accept” the law. To assuage concerns about the company’s owners, TikTok says it has invested more than $2 billion to bolster protections around U.S. user data. The company has also argued the government’s broader concerns could have been resolved in a draft agreement it provided the Biden administration more than two years ago during talks between the two sides. It has blamed the government for walking away from further negotiations on the agreement, which the Justice Department argues is insufficient. Attorneys for the two companies have claimed it’s impossible to divest the platform commercially and technologically. They also say any sale of TikTok without the coveted algorithm - the platform’s secret sauce that Chinese authorities would likely block under any divesture plan - would turn the U.S. version of TikTok into an island disconnected from other global content. Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in purchasing the platform. Both men said earlier this year that they were launching a consortium to purchase TikTok’s U.S. business. This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said unnamed participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital.The US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) will release a revised edition of Form I-129 , Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on January 17, 2025. The updated form reflects changes outlined in the recently announced H-1B and H-2 modernization final rules, replacing the earlier edition dated April 1, 2024. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast USCIS has emphasized that there will be no grace period for the transition to the new form. Effective January 17, 2025, USCIS will reject any Form I-129 petitions submitted using the 04/01/24 edition. Petitioners must ensure they use the new 01/17/25 edition for submissions on or after this date. A preview of the revised Form I-129 and its updated instructions has been made available, but petitioners are cautioned against filing the new form before the effective date. For those filing Form I-129 on paper by mail, the following rules apply: The 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 will be accepted if received before January 17, 2025. The 04/01/24 edition will not be accepted if received on or after January 17, 2025. The 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 will be accepted only if received on or after January 17, 2025. Form I-129 explained Form I-129, also known as the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, is a critical document used in employment-based immigration to the United States. Employers or prospective employers file this form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to sponsor a nonimmigrant worker for specific employment-based visa categories. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The form is commonly used for various nonimmigrant visa types, including: Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program You Might Also Like: H-1B visa overhaul gets White House nod, providing big relief for international students, entrepreneurs H-1B: For workers in specialty occupations requiring specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher. L-1: For intra-company transferees who work in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles. O-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, arts, education, or athletics. Employers use Form I-129 to establish the necessity of hiring a foreign worker, outlining the job role, qualifications of the worker, and compliance with visa requirements. Proper documentation and adherence to regulations are crucial to ensure a smooth application process. The form also allows for amendments, extensions, or changes to the worker’s employment status, making it a versatile tool in managing employment-based visa statuses. Key updates in H-1B visa rules The H-1B modernization rule introduces several enhancements: Prior Deference for Extensions : USCIS reinstates the “prior deference” policy, simplifying renewals for previously approved H-1B visas and reducing processing delays. Specialty Occupation Definition : Eligibility criteria now require degree fields to directly align with job responsibilities. Flexibility for Nonprofits and Government Research : Cap-exempt H-1B qualifications have been broadened to recognize research as a core activity. F-1 Student Visa Extensions : Automatic extensions will prevent status lapses for international students transitioning to H-1B visas. Entrepreneur Eligibility : Startup founders meeting specific conditions can now qualify for H-1B visas. Lottery changes The updated regulations refine the annual H-1B lottery system , addressing duplicate registrations to promote fairness. USCIS has also strengthened worksite inspection protocols, with penalties for noncompliant employers.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted the significance of these changes, stating, “These improvements provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness, and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation.” You Might Also Like: US says your H-1B visa application will be rejected if you don't follow these new rules