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DALLAS (AP) — The championship vision that led Nathan Eovaldi to sign with Texas as a free agent two years ago is the same one that brought him back to the Rangers. A World Series title in his first season was followed by a losing record this year. “I believe in the guys in the group that we have. We were able to do it in ‘23. I don’t feel a lot has changed,” Eovaldi said Friday, a day after finalizing a $75 million, three-year contract . “We had a down year last year, but I've said it before, you learn a lot from losing seasons.” Eovaldi had declined a $20 million player option to become a free agent again and reaching an agreement during the winter meetings in Dallas. Texas also acquired slugging corner infielder Jake Burger in a swap with Miami. Burger had fallen asleep before getting a call late Tuesday night that he had been traded to Texas, where his family was already planning to move after the October birth of a daughter with Down syndrome. “The other city that is really good other than Nashville in terms of children's hospital and resources for her Downs is in Dallas," Burger said. “Not just from the baseball spectrum, from the life aspect as well ... I feel like it was meant to be, and we couldn’t be more more excited about that.” In the Nashville area, Burger lives close to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, whom he plans to visit with soon. His former Marlins manager, Skip Schumaker , was hired last month by the Rangers as as a senior adviser for baseball operations, and Luis Urueta, Miami’s bench coach the past two seasons, recently joined Bochy’s on-field coaching staff for 2025. Burger and Rangers pitcher Dane Dunning were once roommates in the Chicago White Sox organization. Burger hit .250 with 29 home runs and 76 RBIs in 137 games for the Marlins last season, when he started 59 games at third base and 50 starts at first. He was with the White Sox in Texas when he got traded to Miami on Aug. 1, 2023, and four days later hit his first homer with the Marlins at Globe Life Field. When the Rangers made the title run in 2023, Eovaldi was 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six postseason starts. He was the winning pitcher in their World Series-clinching Game 5 at Arizona. He was also part of Boston’s 2018 title. Eovaldi was 12-8 this year with a 3.80 ERA in 29 starts, the last seven scoreless innings in the regular-season finale. He is 24-13 with a 3.72 ERA in 54 starts for Texas the past two seasons. The new deal for the Texas native, who who turns 35 in February, includes a $12 million signing bonus, half payable on Nov. 15, 2026, and the rest on Jan. 15, 2028, and salaries of $18 million next season, $25 million in 2026 and $20 million in 2027. He gets a full no-trade provision. After being welcomed back by Chris Young, the Rangers president of baseball operations, the pitcher said he never felt like he really left. The Rangers stayed in contact throughout the process after he declined his option Nov. 4. “Kind of listening to the market and everything, I’m extremely happy to be back. I’m glad we were we were able to make it all work out,” Eovaldi said. “We had a lot of teams reach out right away and we were in contact with most them across the league. Ultimately we were able to make it back here.” AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlbI Owe Everything To The Delhi High Court: CJI Sanjiv Khanna

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday insisted at a meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump that any settlement with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine had to be "just", as fears grow in Kyiv on the position of the incoming administration. President Emmanuel Macron hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the Elysee Palace, discussing what the incoming American president had termed a world that was a "little crazy". Hours after their meeting, the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden announced a new $988 million military assistance package for Ukraine. The package features drones, ammunition for precision HIMARS rocket launchers, and equipment and spare parts for artillery systems, tanks and armoured vehicles, the Pentagon said in a statement. Zelensky's meeting with Trump just before the three men headed to Notre Dame for the re-opening ceremony of the great Paris cathedral was his first face-to-face encounter with tycoon-turned-politician since his election victory. The meeting was of huge importance to Zelensky, given fears in Kyiv that Trump, who once boasted he could end Russia's war on Ukraine in 24 hours, may urge Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow. It also offered a unique chance for Macron to gain insights into how a second Trump presidency will look when he takes office in January. The trip to Paris is Trump's first international visit since his November 5 election win. "We all want peace. But it is very important for us... that the peace is just for all of us and that Russia, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin or any other aggressor has no possibility of ever returning," Zelensky said according to the presidential website. "And this is the most important thing -- a just peace and security guarantees, strong security guarantees for Ukraine," he added. Trump has scoffed at the billions of dollars in US military assistance to Ukraine and has spoken of forcing a quick settlement. But Zelensky also thanked Trump for his "unwavering resolve" describing the talks as "good and productive". Trump and Macron embraced and shook hands several times on the steps of the French presidential palace, with Trump given a full guard of honour despite not yet being in office. "It seems like the world is going a little crazy right now and we will be talking about that," Trump told reporters as he prepared to sit down for the talks with Macron. Despite tensions between the two men during his first term, Trump hailed his ties with the centrist French leader, saying: "We had a great relationship as everyone knows. We accomplished a lot." Macron told Trump it was "a great honour for French people to welcome you" for the re-opening ceremony at Notre Dame, which was devastated by a blaze in 2019 during Trump's first term. "You were president at that time and I remember the solidarity and the immediate reaction," Macron added, speaking in English. When he first took office in 2017, Trump's ties with Macron -- then also a fresh face on the world stage -- began warmly despite their obvious political differences. Their long and muscular handshakes -- which saw each man seek to assert his superiority -- became a light-hearted focus of attention before ties cooled, then soured, following disputes about climate change, trade and defence. Trump earlier wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States should "not get involved" in the situation in Syria, where fast-moving rebel forces say they have begun to encircle the capital Damascus. The Republican's return to power has rung alarms in Paris and many European capitals after his promises on the campaign trail to force an end to fighting in Ukraine and levy tariffs on trading partners. In his own reaction to the discussions, Macron wrote on social media: "Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security." European allies have largely enjoyed a close working relationship with Biden on the crisis in the Middle East, but Trump is likely to distance himself and ally the United States even more closely with Israel. In a sign of the importance of Trump's one-day trip to Paris, he was accompanied by his pick for White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, as well as his Near East and Middle East advisors, Steve Witkoff and Massad Boulos, according to a guest list issued by the Elysee Palace. Tesla tycoon and Trump advisor Elon Musk, who was also on the line during a phone call between the incoming president and Zelensky last month, also flew into the French capital was present at the Notre Dame ceremony. sjw/adp/jj

Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season due to a broken collarbone, head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Monday, leaving the Raiders with a short week to determine their starter. Minshew suffered the injury when he was sacked and landed on his left shoulder late in the fourth quarter of Las Vegas' 29-19 home loss to the Denver Broncos. Former starter Aidan O'Connell, who was sidelined by a thumb injury in Week 7, could return off injured reserve in time for the Raiders (2-9) to face the two-time reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs (10-1) on Friday in Kansas City. "We'll see if Aidan is good to go," Pierce said. "He's been ramping up." O'Connell entered the 21-day practice window on Monday as the Raiders determine when to activate him. "Seeing him able to grip the ball comfortable, hopefully, no pain there, and just being able to be efficient," Pierce said. "To put a player out there that's hurting or injured still, that's not to the benefit of the player or our team." O'Connell, 26, has played in four games this season, starting two (both losses). He is 52 of 82 (63.4 percent) for 455 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. As a rookie last season, O'Connell started 10 of 11 games, going 5-5, and completed 213 of 343 passes (62.1 percent) for 2,218 yards, 12 TDs and seven interceptions. The Raiders selected O'Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. "Obviously at the quarterback position, you've got to be smart," Pierce said. "I think with Aidan, his future's much brighter looking ahead. ... I'll have to really rely on our doctors and medical staff." Desmond Ridder replaced Minshew and went 5 of 10 for 64 yards. Ridder, 25, has appeared in three games this season for Las Vegas and is 16 of 26 (61.5 percent) for 138 yards and one TD. Ridder played the previous two seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft. For his career, he is 338 of 529 (63.9 percent) for 3,682 yards, 15 TDs and 12 interceptions in 22 games (17 starts, 8-9 record). Minshew, 28, completed 25 of 42 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Broncos. He finished his first season with the Raiders with 2,013 yards, nine TDs and 10 picks on 66.3 percent passing. He joined the Raiders in free agency after stints in Jacksonville (2019-20), Philadelphia (2021-22) and Indianapolis (2023) and won the starting job in camp. But he was benched multiple times for O'Connell as the Raiders struggled as a team. --Field Level MediaNEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global barite market size is estimated to grow by USD 353.88 million from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.25% during the forecast period. Increase in oil and gas drilling activities is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising use of barite in middle Eastern oil and gas industry. However, volatility in oil and gas prices poses a challenge. Key market players include Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd., BARIT MADEN TURK A.S ., Barium and Chemicals Inc., CIMBAR Performance Minerals, CSGLOBAL, Dev International, Guizhou Red Star Development Co. Ltd., IBC Ltd., Mil Spec Industries Corp., Milwhite Inc., Newpark Resources Inc., Sachtleben Minerals GmbH and Co. KG, Schlumberger Ltd., Sojitz Corp., SVA S.r.l., The Cary Co., Emprada Mines And Minerals LLC, J and H Minerals Pvt. Ltd., PVS global trade Pvt. Ltd., and Vishnu Chemicals Ltd, Ashapura Group; Demeter O&G Supplies Sdn Bhd; Excalibur Minerals Corp.; International Earth Products LLC; P & S Barite Mining Co., Ltd.; PVS Chemicals; SLB; The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF The Barite mining market is experiencing significant growth due to its extensive applications in various industries. One of the major sectors driving this demand is the Plastics industry, where Barite is used as a weighting agent in the production of plastic products, especially those based on petroleum. With increasing energy demand and the expansion of the Plastics industry, the market for Barite is expected to grow. Barite is also widely used as a radiation-proof material in structures shielding against gamma rays and X-rays. In the Oil & Gas industry, Barite is used as a drilling mud additive, improving the drilling process's efficiency. As a filler in paints and coatings, Barite enhances product quality and durability. In the Industrial sector, Barite is used in rubber products, cable cars, submarines, and ballast tanks for weight and stability. The Fine chemical market, particularly the Powder segment, is another significant consumer of Barite, used in the production of Barium sulfate, a key ingredient in X-ray machines, shielding panels, CT scans, and diagnostic tests. Barite is also used as a filler agent in the Paints industry, Coatings industry, and Cement industry. With the growing demand for white paint applications, the market for Barite is expected to expand. The Mining sector, including Oil & Gas and Mining, uses Barite for various purposes, such as in oil drilling, sedimentary rock analysis, and as a substitute for Calcite, Silica sand, or Celestite. Barite's versatility and wide range of applications make it an essential mineral in numerous industries, from the Plastics industry to the Oil & Gas sector and beyond. Despite its numerous applications, the Barite mining market faces challenges such as increasing competition from Barite substitutes like Nano-silica grains and the environmental impact of mining, including the carbon footprint. However, with ongoing research and development, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Barite suppliers play a crucial role in meeting the market's demand for this versatile mineral. USP Barite, with its high purity levels, is in high demand in various industries, including the Pharmaceutical industry for the production of Iodine and tablets/capsules. In summary, the Barite mining market is experiencing growth due to its extensive applications in various industries, including the Plastics industry, Oil & Gas sector, and the Industrial sector. Despite challenges, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by increasing energy demand and the expanding applications of Barite in various industries. The Middle East , home to significant oil and gas producers like Saudi Arabia , Iran , the UAE, and Iraq , witnessed growth in the barite market in 2021. Saudi Arabia , a major exporter of oil and gas globally, saw an increase in completed projects in its oil and gas sector due to substantial investments. This boosted the country's upstream and downstream capabilities, enabling it to reap benefits from cost-effective contracts and engineering services. In 2021, Saudi Arabia's oil industry, the largest contributor to its GDP, experienced in projects, driving the demand for barite in the region. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! • The Barite mining market faces challenges from the increasing use of plastic and petroleum-based products, which have a larger carbon footprint compared to barite. However, barite's unique properties as a radiation-proof material make it essential in various industries. In the energy sector, barite is used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for oil and gas exploration. In the industrial sector, barite is used as a filler in various applications such as automotive soundproofing material, brake linings, and X-ray machines. Barite suppliers face competition from substitutes like calcite and silica sand. The fine chemical market, particularly the powder segment, is a significant consumer of barium sulfate, the primary component of barite. The paints and coatings industry uses barite as a filler agent, while the rubber industry uses it for hydrostatic pressure applications. The demand for barite in radiation shielding applications, such as shielding panels in X-ray machines and CT scans, is expected to grow due to the increasing use of diagnostic medical tests. The USP barite market is driven by the demand for iodine in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of tablets and capsules. The prices of oil and gas, the primary consumers of barite in the drilling industry, impact the barite market. Barite is also used in various applications in the cement, cosmetics, and diagnostic medical tests industries. The mining of barite involves challenges such as the extraction of barite from sedimentary rock and the transportation of heavy barite ore using cable cars, submarines, and ballast tanks. The oil & gas industry's shift towards tight oil resources and the use of nano-silica grains as barite substitutes pose additional challenges to the barite mining market. • The price of crude oil significantly impacts the financial performance of upstream oil and gas companies. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average price of crude oil rose from USD8 /bbl to USD81.80 /bbl between 2020 and 2022, reducing its discount to the North Sea Dated to its lowest level since March 2022 at USD12.20 /bbl. However, in April 2020 , the benchmark price for US crude oil briefly turned negative due to the global economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and an oil market collapse. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that global oil demand decreased by 25% year-over-year (y-o-y) in April 2020 , primarily due to a significant decline in domestic and international transport operations. These fluctuations in oil prices and demand can significantly impact the profitability of companies in the oil and gas industry. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This barite market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Powder 1.2 Lumps 2.1 Drilling mud 2.2 Chemical manufacturing 2.3 Paints and coatings 2.4 Others 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Powder- The global barite market is experiencing notable growth, particularly in the barite powder segment. Barite powder, derived from the mineral barite or barium sulfate (BaSO4), is commonly used as a filler in various industries such as paints, plastics, and engine compartments for sound reduction. In the construction industry, it serves as a substitute for sand, enhancing the mechanical performance of concrete. Barite powder production surpassed 7.5 million metric tons in 2022. The oil and gas industry remains a significant consumer, while improvements in its use in the construction sector contribute to market expansion. Emprada Mines and Minerals Private, based in India , is among the providers of barite powder in various grades, catering to diverse applications. The powder's unique properties, including radiation shielding capabilities and improved mechanical strengths like compressive, flexural, splitting tensile, and modulus of elasticity, make it a valuable addition to various industries. These factors underpin the positive growth trajectory of the global barite powder market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The Barite Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for barite in various industries, particularly in the Plastics and Petroleum-based products sectors. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulfate, is widely used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for the oil and gas industry. In the Plastics industry, barite is used as an industrial filler in the production of plastic products, reducing their carbon footprint by improving density and reducing the need for additional raw materials. The Powder segment of the Barite Market is expected to dominate due to its wide application in various industries, including the production of radiation-proof structures for shielding against gamma rays and X-rays. The Barite Mining Market is expected to grow due to the increasing energy demand and the need for drilling mud in the oil and gas industry. Other significant applications of barite include use in the Fine Chemical Market, as a filler in rubber, and as a hydrostatic pressure agent in brake linings. The Barite market is witnessing significant growth due to its extensive applications in various industries, particularly in the production of Plastic and Petroleum-based products. Barite, a mineral composed of barium sulfate, is widely used as a weighting agent in drilling mud for Oil & Gas industry to enhance drilling efficiency. It also finds extensive usage in Radiation-proof structures as a radiation shielding material against Gamma rays and X-rays. In the Plastics industry, it acts as an industrial filler, reducing the carbon footprint by improving the density and durability of the final product. The Powder segment holds a major share in the market due to its wide applications in various industries, including the Fine chemical market, Paints and coatings, Textiles, and Rubber. Barite is also used in Hydrostatic pressure testing as a replacement for water and sand. In the Energy sector, it is used in the production of Nuclear fuel, Cable cars, Submarines, and Ballast tanks. In the Medical industry, it is used in X-ray machines, Shielding panels, CT scans, Diagnostic tests, Tablets, and Capsules. Barite is also used in the production of White paint applications, Adhesive industry, and Rubber industry. The demand for Barite is driven by the increasing Energy demand, Natural gas resources, Sedimentary rock, Lead, Zinc, Silver, and Oil prices. Barite suppliers are exploring new opportunities in Nano silica, Celestite, and Barite substitutes like Nano-silica grains to cater to the evolving market trends. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Powder Lumps End-user Drilling Mud Chemical Manufacturing Paints And Coatings Others Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America Application 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

Sports Medicine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report Forecast Period 2024-2031. 12-25-2024 07:25 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Orion Market Research Sports medicine market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to the gradual transition from proactive to preventive care regarding sports injuries. The increased number of people participating in sports and fitness-related activities has created a huge demand for sports medicine as a preventive care approach. Get Sample Copy of this Report at https://www.omrglobal.com/request-sample/sports-medicine-market-size According to the International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical Science, acute injuries were more commonly found in team sports, while overuse injuries were presented in individual sports. Another study observed that training was responsible for 83.0% of the injuries, technique (46.0%), equipment (37.0%), and nutrition (30.0%). Intervention strategies proved to help prevent injuries. This included psychological and behavioral interventions (97.0%) and nutritional changes (50.0%). full report of Sports Medicine Market available https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/sports-medicine-market-size by Product (Reconstruction and Repair Products, Support and Recovery Products, and Accessories), and by Application (Back & Spine Injuries, Elbow & Wrist Injuries, Hip & Groin Injuries, Knee Injuries, Shoulder Injuries, and Others) Market Players Outlook The major companies serving the global sports medicine market include CONMED Corp., Johnson & Johnson Inc. (DePuy Synthes), Medtronic PLC, RTI Surgical, Inc., and Stryker Corp. among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. Recent Development In May 2023, Banner Health opened Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale, a comprehensive destination for sports-centered clinical services and performance-boosting programs. The center offers access to quality sports medicine services and professional performance analytics under one roof for injury prevention, repair, and recovery, as well as technical analysis and custom programs. The Report Covers Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031. Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment. Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions. Key companies operating in the sports medicine market. Based on the availability of data, information related to new products, and relevant news is also available in the report. Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future. Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies. Competitive strategies by identifying 'who-stands-where' in the market. For More Customized Data, Request for Report Customization https://www.omrglobal.com/report-customization/sports-medicine-market-size Media Contact: Company Name: Orion Market Research Contact Person: Mr. Anurag Tiwari Email: info@omrglobal.com Contact no: +91 780-304-0404 About Orion Market Research Orion Market Research (OMR) is a market research and consulting company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team of analysts and consultants. OMR offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, consulting and other research-based services. The company also offers Digital Marketing services through its subsidiary OMR Digital and Software development and Consulting Services through another subsidiary Encanto Technologies. This release was published on openPR.

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Nottingham Forest sweating on key fitness doubt for Arsenal clashDonald Trump is weighing in on the growing controversy over mystery drones flying across America ... and the president-elect says he wants to shoot the damn things out of the sky if the government doesn't start giving straight answers! DT posted a message on his Truth Social platform Friday ... and in true Trump fashion he didn't mince words -- "Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" Some are worried the mysterious drones are up to no good, and they may be carrying hazardous materials, or could possibly take down airliners. They've reportedly been seen in several states, including New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Connecticut ... and possibly elsewhere. As we reported ... some New Jersey politicians are irate with the federal government's response to the spate of recent drone sightings, and a Tennessee Congressman also had some harsh words about the feds' response -- or lack thereof. Multiple lawmakers tell us they want the feds spring into action before their constituents to take matters into their own hands and mistakenly shoot a plane out of the sky instead of a drone. Congressman Tim Burchett says America's being tested by outside forces ... and he wants the drones knocked down. The New Jersey politicos, and Burchett, have warned that everyday citizens are going to start taking matters into their own hands and using shotguns to take down the offending aircraft. Yesterday, the FBI and DHS released a joint statement on the drone sightings reported in NJ -- "Upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space." But that is apparently not enough for the 47th president-to-be ... he's demanding answers, or action!Raiders' QB Gardner Minshew Out for Season with Broken Collarbone, Las Vegas Scrambles for Replacement Before Chiefs Game

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The Australian share market may be trading within sight of a record high, but that doesn't mean there aren't any cheap ASX shares out there. For example, the two shares listed below could be undervalued and offer major upside according to analysts. Here's why they think they are cheap: ( ) Goldman Sachs thinks that this embattled fund manager's shares have been oversold in recent months. Especially after its funds under management (FUM) were only modestly impacted by its investments in the Adani Group. It explains: We retain our Buy rating on GQG: We lower our PT to $2.80 from A$3.00 to reflect the relatively muted impact on flows to date despite an outsized share price reaction resulting in a year P/E of FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury convicted two men on Friday of charges related to for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, an Indian national who prosecutors say went by the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Shand, 50, an American from Florida, were part of a sophisticated illegal operation that has brought increasing numbers of Indians into the U.S., prosecutors said. They were each convicted on four counts related to human smuggling, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the country illegally. “This trial exposed the unthinkable cruelty of human smuggling and of those criminal organizations that value profit and greed over humanity,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said. “To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, a mother and two children froze to death in sub-zero temperatures on the Minnesota-Canadian border,” Luger added. The most serious counts carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told The Associated Press before the trial. But federal sentencing guidelines rely on complicated formulas. Luger said Friday that various factors will be considered in determining what sentences prosecutors will recommend. Federal prosecutors said 39-year-old Jagdish Patel; his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik, froze to death Jan. 19, 2022, while trying to cross the border into Minnesota in a scheme Patel and Shand organized. Patel is a common Indian surname, and the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel. The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports said. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. Much is rooted in economics and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Before the jury’s conviction on Friday, the federal trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, saw testimony from an in the smuggling ring, a of the treacherous journey across the northern border, border patrol agents and forensic experts. Defense attorneys were pitted against each other, with Shand’s team arguing that he was unwittingly roped into the scheme by Patel. Patel’s lawyers, The Canadian Press , said their client had been misidentified. They said “Dirty Hary,” the alleged nickname for Patel found in Shand’s phone, is a different person. Bank records and witness testimony from those who encountered Shand near the border didn’t tie him to the crime, they added. Prosecutors said Patel coordinated the operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. The trial included an inside account of how the international smuggling ring allegedly works and who it targets. Rajinder Singh, 51, testified that he made over $400,000 smuggling over 500 people through the same network that included Patel and Shand. Singh said most of the people he smuggled came from Gujarat state. He said the migrants would often pay smugglers about $100,000 to get them from India to the U.S., where they would work to pay off their debts at low-wage jobs in cities around the country. Singh said the smugglers would run their finances through “hawala,” an informal money transfer system that relies on trust. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates more than 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the U.S., behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. Jamie Holt, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said the case is a stark reminder of the realities victims of human smuggling face. “Human smuggling is a vile crime that preys on the most vulnerable, exploiting their desperation and dreams for a better life,” Holt said. “The suffering endured by this family is unimaginable and it is our duty to ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.” One juror Kevin Paul, of Clearwater, Minnesota, told reporters afterward that it was hard for the jurors to see the pictures of the family’s bodies. He said he grew up in North Dakota and is familiar with the kind of conditions that led to their deaths. “It’s pretty brutal,” Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine having to do what they had to do out there in the middle of nowhere.” Goldberg reported from Minneapolis.

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