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Ljeonida is a reporter and writer with a degree in journalism and communications from the University of Tirana in her native Albania. She has a particular interest in all things digital marketing; she considers herself a copywriter, content producer, SEO specialist, and passionate marketer. Ljeonida is based in Tbilisi, Georgia.Erie MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners recently approved to increase Local Park Capital Improvement Grant Program funds from $40,000 to $80,000, according to a news release. In a unanimous vote at a recent public meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners decided to double Erie MetroParks Local Park Capital Improvement Grant funding for 2025, the release said. Up until 2024 this contribution has been limited (to $40,000) and the increase will allow qualifying entities like cities, townships and villages within Erie County to receive more assistance for infrastructure improvements to their parks, according to Don Miears, board chairman, in the release. “The Board and I are excited to expand the reach of our grant program! Many of our local partners are doing good, hard work but lack the necessary funding to improve their ball fields or play structures,” said Melissa Price, executive director of Erie MetroParks, in the release. “That’s where we can help.” Funding for this Local Park Capital Improvement Grant Program comes from Erie MetroParks general operating fund. To date, Erie MetroParks has distributed $665,500 to grant recipients to maximize each county resident’s tax dollar by assuring accessibility to quality recreational areas in their own backyard, according to the release. Previous recipients who have received grant funding include organizations and municipalities such as the city of Sandusky, Margaretta Township, Oxford Township, Kelleys Island and many others, the release said. “Grants from Erie MetroParks made it possible to greatly improve the Oxford Township Park such that the residents are now proud of it and use it frequently,” said Oxford Township Trustee Mike Parker in the release. “Grant funds were used to purchase playground equipment that meets the latest in safe, innovative and fun equipment for our township children. “Through the availability of grant funds, the baseball field (Oxford Slugger Field) has been improved so dramatically that out-of-town team visitors remark the ‘it is like the Field of Dreams.’ All of these outstanding improvements were only made possible through Erie MetroParks grants.” Political subdivisions — cities, villages, townships, county, etc. — are eligible to apply for funding, provided the agency is responsible for outdoor park and recreation facilities and is located in all or part of Erie County, the release said. Those eligible will be contacted and sent applications in early 2025. To learn more about the Erie MetroParks Local Park Capital Improvement Grant Program visit eriemetroparks.org/grant.
Ivana Bacik had separate meetings with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris on Tuesday afternoon. Fianna Fail, which won 48 seats in last month’s general election, and Fine Gael, which secured 38 seats, headed up the last coalition in Dublin and are expected to continue that partnership into the next mandate. However, with a combined 86 seats, they are just short of the 88 required for a majority in the Dail parliament. If they wish to return to government together, they would need one smaller party as a junior partner, or a handful of independents. Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have ruled out doing business with Sinn Fein, which won 39 seats. The centre-left Social Democrats and Irish Labour Party, both of which won 11 seats in the election, are seen as the only two realistic options if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael seek to convince a smaller party to join the coalition. In a statement, the Labour Party said Ms Bacik outlined key policy priorities in her meetings with Taoiseach Mr Harris and Tanaiste Mr Martin. “There was discussion in both meetings on policies and manifesto commitments on housing, health, climate, workers’ rights and disability services among other issues,” said the statement. “The parliamentary party will meet at 1pm on Friday where the party leader will provide an assessment of engagement to date and consider the outcome of these meetings.” A spokesman for Mr Harris said there had been a “constructive engagement” with Ms Bacik. “The Taoiseach is grateful for the time and engagement on a range of substantial policy issues,” he said. The spokesman said Mr Harris had also met independent TDs who are aligned together in what is called the regional group. “These meetings have been productive,” he added. Mr Harris and party colleagues are due to meet the Social Democrats on Wednesday. Fianna Fail deputy leader Jack Chambers and Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee met on Tuesday evening for discussions on government formation, with the parties’ full negotiating teams set to meet on Wednesday. Fine Gael said the meeting between Ms McEntee and Mr Chambers was “positive” and focused on the “structure and format” of the substantive negotiations going forward. When the two parties entered coalition for the first time after the last general election in 2020, there was only a three-seat difference in their relative strength. That resulted in an equal partnership at the head of the coalition, with the Green Party as the junior partner. The two main parties swapped the role of taoiseach halfway through the term. With Fianna Fail’s lead over Fine Gael having grown to 10 seats following this election, focus has turned to the future of the rotating taoiseach arrangement and whether it will operate again in the next mandate and, if so, on what basis. There are similar questions around the distribution of ministries and other roles. While Mr Martin has so far refused to be drawn on the specifics, he has suggested that he expects Fianna Fail’s greater strength of numbers to be reflected in the new administration. However, Mr Harris has insisted that Fine Gael’s mandate cannot be taken for granted when it comes to government formation. Richard Boyd Barrett from People Before Profit-Solidarity, which won three seats, urged Labour not to “prop up” up a Fianna Fail/Fine Gael administration. “We think that’s a huge mistake,” he told reporters in Dublin. “They shouldn’t do it. They should learn the lessons of the past and actually work with other parties of the left to form a decent left opposition to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and campaign on the issues that matter.” His party colleague Paul Murphy pointed to the experience of the Green Party, which lost all but one of its 12 seats in the election. “In reality, what is going to happen is a changing of the mudguard for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael,” he said. “And for those who are now auditioning to be a new mudguard for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, there is a very, very sharp and stark lesson in what happened to the Green Party – obviously almost entirely wiped out. “We think it is a very major mistake for anyone who has the perception of being left, with the votes of people who are looking left, to seek to go into coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.”A massive shift is underway across Australia’s sizzling property market, with the data throwing up 8 key real estate trends to watch in 2025. The Property Outlook Report 2025 has been released naming eight key areas to watch across 2025 in both residential and commercial property. Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee. Report co-author Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said financial markets think the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut interest rates twice in the second half of the year. But, she said, that prediction could change depending on how inflation and the economy play out. “The most important is inflation. While it’s now back within the RBA’s target range, there are risks it could rise again. One big unknown is what happens in the United States. With Donald Trump winning the presidential election, this will boost government spending and put high taxes on Chinese goods. This could push up prices worldwide, including in Australia, making it harder for the RBA to cut rates.” Ray White Property Outlook Report 2025 says RBA will follow global rate cuts in 2025. $900k in a year: Qld’s price growth boom suburbs Qld cricket power couple’s multimillion dollar bounce back Ms Conisbee said the health of the economy would also be crucial for any rates movement in 2025. “If people start spending less in shops, house prices fall significantly, or unemployment begins to rise, the RBA might need to cut rates sooner than planned. They’ll be watching these signs closely throughout the year.” She said there will be rate cuts in 2025 but their timing and size will depend on how inflation behaves, what happens to the global economy and how the Aussie economy holds up across 2025. Ms Conisbee says there are signs that the Australian housing market is cooling into 2025, but the picture varied across the country with Perth, South-East Queensland and Adelaide still strong and Sydney and Melbourne slowing considerably and almost flat. “This pattern is likely to continue in early 2025, driven by several factors. More homeowners are feeling the strain of high mortgage payments, and we’re seeing an increase in property listings as some decide to sell. This higher supply of homes for sale could put downward pressure on prices in some areas.” But she said strong population growth, high building costs, and high expectation of rate cuts in 2025 should prevent any significant drop in house prices. Property prices were expected to be supported by continued strong population growth. Paved in gold: City’s richest streets revealed Unfixed fixer-upper’s crazy profit in just 4 months Strong population growth created “a natural floor for how far prices might fall”. “This is particularly true in Perth and Brisbane where growth remains very strong, but is also the case in Melbourne and Sydney where international migration will remain strong, although potentially at lower levels compared to 2024.” She said the cost of building new homes has not come down so there are fewer dwellings being built which pushes more buyers to existing homes that in turn supports high prices. “The outlook suggests a period of modest price growth or stability rather than significant falls. Markets that have already slowed, like Sydney and Melbourne, might stay flat until rate cuts begin. Meanwhile, cities with stronger economic conditions like Perth could continue to see some growth, though likely at a slower pace than in 2024. The key timing to watch will be when interest rates start to fall, as this could mark a turning point for price growth in the larger markets.” Ray White senior data analyst Atom Go Tian. Ray White senior data analyst Atom Go Tian expects shifts across Australia’s premium property markets that is the top 5 per cent of the market in each region. “The pecking order of Australia’s premium property markets is experiencing its most dramatic realignment in years,” he said. “with traditional hierarchies being challenged and new players climbing to the fore.” Luxury refers to houses in the top 5 per cent of the market. Sydney still has a major lead on other markets sitting above $4m across its top 5 per cent, despite having the slowest growth rate in years, but other areas like regional Queensland’s coastal markets have also surged. “The Gold Coast, with an impressive 50 per cent growth over five years, has finally achieved what many predicted: overtaking Melbourne as the second most expensive luxury market,” he said with its top 5 per cent of houses priced at $2.54m compared to Melbourne’s $2.51m. He said the Sunshine Coast looks to be following suit in by the end of 2025, having seen a 48.73 per cent five-year growth rate, with its top 5 per cent price now at $2.37m. Brisbane, Perth – both with the top 5pc over the $2m mark after 5-year growth of 55 and 53pc respectively were rising fast, as well as Adelaide which has its top 5 per cent above $1.8m off 5-year growth of 56pc. “Looking ahead, the market appears to be trending toward a new baseline, with all major cities except Darwin expected to reach or exceed the $2m mark for luxury properties.” Mr Tian said the property restructuring is seeing the creation of a “Golden Arc”, stretching from the Gold Coast to Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast which will emerge stronger in 2025 – all three having overtaken Melbourne in the last two years. “The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have established themselves as Australia’s second and third most expensive housing markets, with remarkably similar geometric mean house prices of $1.18m and $1.14m respectively. Both regions have also witnessed an identical 76 per cent increase in prices over the past five years.” “Brisbane, while still more affordable at a geometric mean house price of $996,000, is also showing signs of joining its coastal counterparts to complete the Golden Arc. The city has the second-highest five-year growth rate of 83.5 per cent, trailing only Adelaide.” Sydney’s average house price rose to $1.59m in 2024, staying ahead of the pack, but other cities are chasing strongly. A mid market was now developing across Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide within a 17 per cent price range of each other, he said. “Five years ago, these markets were spread across an 80 per cent price range. This compression suggests that Perth and Adelaide may soon overtake Melbourne in terms of house prices, further contributing to the formation of a distinct mid-market cluster between $850,000 and $1m.” “In summary, we can expect several key developments. Perth and Adelaide may surpass Melbourne in price, reinforcing the shift in the mid-market cluster. The Golden Arc is likely to emerge with Brisbane joining the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as premium markets. Finally, Sydney’s isolation at the top is expected to widen, further emphasising the “two-speed” nature of the market.” Mr Tian said the million-dollar club was set to rise significantly across regional Australia, having already gone from just two areas five years ago to 20 locations in 2024 – with four more on track to hit it in 2025 and a further seven serious contenders for seven-figure medians through the year. “The Sunshine Coast Hinterland, currently at $972,787, is projected to reach $1.05m, supported by an impressive 8 per cent average annual growth over the past decade,” he said. “Both Ormeau-Oxenford in the Gold Coast and Newcastle in regional New South Wales, currently hovering around $960,000, are expected to reach $1.03m, driven by consistent 7 per cent annual growth rates. Lake Macquarie-East completes this emerging group, with current house prices of $955,128 expected to rise to $1.02m in the coming year.” Four more areas in regional Australia will have $1m medians in 2025, with seven more on the verge of joining the club. The seven other areas that are serious contenders for strong price growth into the one million mark have current medians around the $850,000 to $910,000 level with decade-long growth rates around 5 to 8pc – including Augusta-Margaret River-Busselton in Western Australia’s Bunbury region which will be regional WA’s first in the elite club, and several other contenders across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as well regional NSW. Key features of these growth prospects are waterfront and oceanside locations, satellite cities or areas within commuting distance of major metropolitan centres, and lifestyle appeal. Ray White Group head of research Vanessa Rader. When it comes to commercial property, the retail sector is set to shine brightest in 2025, according to Ray White Group head of research Vanessa Rader, “a significant shift from recent years where industrial assets dominated”. She said retail assets had already led total returns for two consecutive quarters with a 2.8 per cent total gain in the latest results, making up 41.1 per cent of all commercial transaction numbers in late 2024 – a massive gain considering its long term average is 28 per cent. ”Despite ongoing discussion about the threat of online retail, physical stores have shown remarkable resilience. Online spending accounts for just 11.4 per cent of total retail transactions and has remained relatively stable over recent years.” The retail sector remains strong especially across metropolitan areas and despite the online threat. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith Its strength was in metro markets, she said, with neighbourhood and subregional centres also showing resilience in the right retail mix, with food, supermarkets and services driving consumer spending. “Limited new supply against strong population growth has driven improved occupancy and rental performance in select markets. The retail landscape is also evolving, with entertainment offerings likely to emerge as a key component of successful centres, creating lifestyle destinations rather than pure shopping venues.” She said “investor attention is clearly pivoting towards retail assets. The sector’s ability to adapt and evolve, combining traditional brick-and-mortar retail with emerging entertainment offerings and online integration, positions it as the commercial property sector to watch in 2025.” Ms Rader sees a structural shift underway in the office market, “driven by evolving tenant demands and intensifying environmental, social and governance (ESG) pressures”. She said B-grade and lower quality assets would struggle without significant capital investment. “If future take up of space echoes results seen in the post pandemic era, vacancies for secondary assets across all Australian markets will reach 22 per cent (from current 15.9 per cent) in the next five years, even considering consistent withdrawal of stock.” “Prime markets however will continue to thrive, vacancies will move downward from the current 13.7 per cent to 5.4 per cent by late 2029, opening up potential for new development.” End-of-trip facilities are now par for the course to attract top tier tenants. She said significant capex was needed to bring older assets up to scratch, given tenant demands for end-of-trip facilities, sophisticated airconditioning systems and smart building technology. Lenders were also seeing this with a looming credit squeeze for the secondary sector set to force some owners to look at alternative uses, including conversion to residential or mixed use “where planning regulations permit”. “The secondary office sector faces a turning point. Buildings unable to meet rising environmental standards and tenant expectations risk becoming stranded assets. The market is likely to see an increase in opportunistic investors targeting these assets for conversion or redevelopment, particularly in locations where alternative uses can unlock greater value.” Ms Rader also expects a dynamic shift via private investors across commercial property in 2025, with “anticipated interest rate reductions expected to reignite transaction activity across all sectors”. “Private investors, armed with improved debt serviceability and renewed confidence, are likely to lead this resurgence. The expected easing of monetary policy should create a more favourable environment for leveraged buyers, potentially driving increased competition for quality assets as debt costs moderate.” Targets include metro retail assets underpinned by strong trade area demographics and essential service offerings. Service stations and retail centres will attract strong private investor interest in 2025. “Neighbourhood centres anchored by supermarkets, combined with healthcare services and daily needs retail, will likely remain highly sought after.” Across industrial assets, private investors were increasingly focusing on the smaller end of town such as industrial units and last-mile logistics facilities, particularly those with value-add potential, she said. “2025 could mark a turning point for the office sector as the market finally adjusts to hybrid working patterns.” “Childcare centres and service stations, delivering annual rental increases with long lease terms, remain highly sought after by yield-focused investors.” The ability to move quickly on opportunities would become increasingly valuable in 2025, she said, “as the market transitions to a more favourable lending environment”. FOLLOW SOPHIE FOSTER
Doha: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday reacted to President-elect Donald Trump 's threat to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS nations, stating that India has "no interest" in weakning the US dollar. Speaking at the Doha Forum on Saturday, Jaishankar reflected on the positive relationship India had with the first Trump administration, highlighting the restart of the QUAD under Trump's presidency. "We had a good relationship, a very solid relationship with the first Trump administration, yes there were some issues mostly trade related issues, but there were a whole lot of issues on which Trump was very international, and i remind people that it was actually under Trump that the QUAD was restarted," he said. He also noted the personal connection between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Trump, which has contributed to the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. "There a personal relation between PM Modi and Trump...Where the BRICS remarks was concerened. We've always said that India has never been for de-dolarisation, right now there is no proposal to have a BRICS currency. The BRICS do discuss financial transrations...US is our largest trade partner, we have no interest in weakning the dollar at all," he added. 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EAM Jaishankar is on a official visit to Qatar and Bahrain from December 6-9. In Bahrain, he will co-chair the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) with Foreign Minister of Bahrain; Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. EAM will also participate in the 20th edition of IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain on December 8. Earlier on September 9, EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Saudi Arabia. The two leaders discussed taking forward bilateral ties. Sharing details regarding his meeting with Qatar PM, Jaishankar stated, "Began the day with a good meeting with PM & FM of Qatar @MBA_AlThani_. Discussed taking India-Qatar bilateral ties forward. Appreciated his insights and assessments on regional developments." The two leaders had earlier held a meeting in Doha in June. The two leaders had held talks on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors and addressing key regional challenges. Jaishankar conveyed warm greetings and wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar Amir Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Qatar PM. Further, he underscored the robust nature of the India-Qatar relationship, emphasising cooperation in political, trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )REGINA - Saskatchewan’s fall legislative sitting ended Tuesday with political barbs traded across the aisle after Premier Scott Moe promised a better tone two weeks ago. The swipes began when Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck told the assembly Moe should offer immediate affordability relief, including suspending the 15-cent-a-litre gas tax and scrapping the provincial sales tax on ready-to-eat grocery items and children’s clothing. In reply, Moe said there is no sales tax on groceries and that Beck should go speak to federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “What we see unfortunately from members opposite, Mr. Speaker, decade after decade, leader after leader is the same old questions, the same old tactics and the same old NDP,” Moe said. The remarks drew ire from Opposition members, with one saying the Saskatchewan Party deserves a lump of coal for Christmas. “The premier knows full well we don’t support the carbon tax, but what he doesn’t seem to understand is how much families in this province are struggling,” Beck said. The jostling continued. Upon questioning for not removing the PST from children’s clothing, Crown Investments Minister Jeremy Harrison told the house that New Democrats don’t know how to grow the economy. He also urged heckling Opposition member Nathaniel Teed to get up and speak. “I’d encourage the member for Saskatoon-Meewasin to get up and ask the next question if he has so much to say from his chair,” Harrison said. “What we are committed to — and what this session really has been focused on — is affordability.” In late November, Moe had promised better civility in the assembly and that government members would not send the Speaker harassing text messages. Earlier this year, former Speaker Randy Weekes accused government members of bullying him. Moe told reporters Tuesday he’s leaving it up to others to judge whether the tone has changed. “We are not the Opposition. We are the government of Saskatchewan,” Moe said. “We should conduct ourselves accordingly, and I would hope throughout this abbreviated session this fall that the people of Saskatchewan can be proud of the individuals.” Beck told reporters her party will remain tough on issues of affordability, health care, education, crime and homelessness. “Decorum is important, but that doesn’t mean that we should put on kid gloves when it comes to the very real issues that are facing Saskatchewan people,” she said. The Opposition introduced six emergency motions in the assembly this sitting, including ones that urged the province to suspend the fuel tax, remove the PST, launch a committee to fix health care and investigate high food prices in the province’s remote north. Each motion failed after they were rejected by government members. “We believe Saskatchewan people do need some affordability relief,” Beck said. “We will continue to push for the things that Saskatchewan people tell us are most important to them.” Moe said the province has introduced its own affordability measures and is also prepared to strike a task force with nurses and doctors to address health-care issues. His government passed legislation last week that provides broad income tax relief, saving an average family of four more than $3,400 over four years. Another bill keeps the carbon levy off home heating. Saskatchewan has not remitted carbon levies to the federal government in the past year, arguing it should be exempt after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a carve-out for heating oil. The federal government has said it reached a deal with Saskatchewan over the issue by securing 50 per cent of what was owed until the dispute is resolved. “This session was largely about setting the foundation for both enacting our platform but providing the change that Saskatchewan people have asked for, and we feel that we have done that,” Moe said. The legislative sitting is to resume in the spring with the provincial budget. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There’s going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he’s pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. But on Wednesday, Trump posted on social media that he had spoken with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and she had agreed to stop unauthorized migration across the border into the United States. Trump also posted on Monday that Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl. Democrats and business groups warn of risks from Trump’s tariff threats Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation . House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum initially said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” Similarly, the Canadian government has also started to explore retaliatory tariffs if Trump takes action. House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans’ coming control of both the House and Senate. “This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November’s election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world’s second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump’s tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they are now seen as part of the policy toolkit by the United States and other countries. Trump’s first term tariffs had a modest impact on economy Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared with the overall economy. America’s gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. Trump wants much more far-reaching tariffs going forward The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump’s tariffs — if they’re imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices. This would mirror price increases by many companies in 2022 that were made possible because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which pushed up food and energy prices and gave the companies cover to further raise their own prices. “I’m very worried about the total indiscriminate tariffs on more than China — that it gives cover to firms to jack up prices,” said Jen Harris, a former Biden White House official who is now director of the Economy and Society Initiative at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. But what Trump didn’t really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. __ AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City. Josh Boak, The Associated Press
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. “Definitely it will be a challenge if Roquan can’t go,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We’re holding out hope and everything like that. I think it’ll just be by committee. Not one person is going to replace Roquan. Roquan’s an every-down linebacker.” Although the Ravens lost 18-16 last weekend, Baltimore didn't allow a touchdown. That was an encouraging sign for a team that ranks 26th in the league in total defense. Baltimore is on the road Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens appear to have dodged one potential nightmare. Star safety Kyle Hamilton injured an ankle against Cincinnati on Nov. 7, but he was able to play almost every defensive snap the following week against Pittsburgh. But Smith was injured in that game and didn't practice Thursday or Friday. Linebacker Malik Harrison had a season high in tackles last weekend and figures to have a significant role if Smith can't go. “We tell these guys, ‘You’re one play away to going in there — you never know, so you got to stay ready.’ Malik — he was ready,” Orr said. “I thought he went in there and did a good job, especially after the first series, he settled down. That’s what we expect from him.” It's hard to tell whether last week can be a significant turning point for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens allowed only 10 points in a dominant win over Buffalo in Week 4, then yielded 38 against Cincinnati the following game. After allowing 10 against Denver, the Ravens were picked apart by the Bengals again a few days later. So they still haven't shown they can play a good game defensively and then build on it. “I think it’s easier said than done. It’s something that we kind of got caught up saying against Buffalo and then coming up the next week and not doing," Hamilton said. "We’re aware of it now and know that we played a good game, but I think we can get a lot better, and I think that’s kind of the mindset everybody on defense has right now.” Hamilton's ability to make a difference all over the field is part of what makes him valuable, but positioning him deep is one way the Ravens can try to guard against big passing plays. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson threw for only 205 yards against Baltimore. That's after Joe Burrow passed for 428 and four touchdowns in the Ravens' previous game. “I’ve always seen myself as a safety. A versatile one, but at the end of the day, I think I play safety,” Hamilton said. “If I’m asked to go play safety, I feel like that’s not an issue for me to play safety if I’m a safety.” NOTES: In addition to Smith, WR Rashod Bateman (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle) C Tyler Linderbaum (back) and CB Arthur Maulet (calf) missed practice Friday. WR Nelson Agholor (illness) returned to full participation after missing Thursday's practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLWicked unveils the tyranny of feminine niceness – and that’s why your daughters must see it
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How to Download TikTok Videos: A Comprehensive GuideIowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. Former starter Cade McNamara is not ready to return from a concussion, so Iowa (6-4, 4-3) turns to former walk-on and fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton to lead the offense in College Park, Md. "Confident that he'll do a great job," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Stratton on his weekly radio show. "He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame. And he's got a good ability to throw the football, and he's learning every day. ... We'll go with him and see what we can do." Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Stratton came on in relief against the Bruins and completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards. Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017-23. "We've all got business to take care of on Saturday," Kirk Ferentz said. "I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I'm glad he's with good people." Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend. "It's been a challenging last few weeks to say the least," Locksley said. The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry. "With running backs, it's not always about speed. It's about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing," Locksley said. "This guy is a load and runs behind his pads." Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040). --Field Level Media
No, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not announced plans to ban Hershey's chocolate
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