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ph365 Florida Lawmaker Switches to Republican Party After Winning Election as a Democrat: 'I'm Tired of Being the Party of Protesting'Jan. 20th is just around the corner. It is Day 1 in the tariff wars that our next president is intent on launching. The corporate world is trying to dissuade him from that course of action, with no success. It is an economic fact that the cost of tariffs is passed on to the consumer. If tariffs are high enough, some imported products simply cease to be available, which can cause supply chain interruptions. At some point, buyers balk at paying higher prices. When that happens, tariff costs hit business profit margins directly. Everyone loses. In the last column, I explained why Donald Trump is adamant that tariffs are the only way to turn around the trade imbalances that have plagued our country as far back as the aftermath of World War II. In his first term, Trump's tariff policies were partially successful but not without a cost. In his first term, Trump's tariff policies were partially successful but not without a cost. Some countries hit back with their own tariffs. Our farmers were hurt so badly that Trump was forced to authorize a multibillion-dollar package of direct aid to keep many farmers afloat. Yet, the MAGA math suggests that whatever harm is done will be worth it in the long run. However, an important element in this equation is being ignored by Trump and many economists. We will use Germany as just one example. As the powerhouse of Europe, Germany has been enjoying large trade surpluses with the U.S. for many years. Back in the heyday of mercantilism (16th to 18th centuries), a country would take these trade surpluses and convert them into piles of silver and gold that would sit in their monarch's coffers for years. That is not the case today. Germany, as well as China, Japan, and most other European nations have much higher savings and investment rates than we do in the U.S. Why should that matter? Because instead of hoarding their cash profits on trade (the modern-day equivalent of precious metals), they have been taking their current account trade surpluses and recycling those capital flows back into the U.S. and other countries. Those flows find their way into building new plants and equipment in the U.S., creating jobs, investing in our technology, and purchasing our stocks and bonds. This flow of funds allows the American consumer to continue to save less and spend more. The risk is that by raising tariffs, we reverse this process. These offending nations would see their current account trade surplus go down as their exports to the U.S. slowed. That means they would have less capital to invest back in America. I see other differences between the Trump approach and the mercantilists of old. Back in those days of colonial expansion, currencies did not represent the value they do today. Only gold and silver were considered stores of wealth. Today, nations can do more than just raise tariffs in response to a burgeoning tariff war. President-elect Donald Trump, shown during a recent news conference, has already telegraphed his intent to levy tariffs on America's trading partners. Since Trump has already telegraphed his intent to levy tariffs on America's trading partners, exporters have already acted by using their currency to lessen the impact on their trade balance. How? By reducing the value of their currencies against the dollar. If Mexico, for example, is hit with a 10 percent tariff on exports and allows its' currency to depreciate versus the dollar by 10 percent, the price to importers remains the same. No harm is done, and it is business as usual. This is why the U.S. dollar has been strengthening against just about every currency all year. Another area where Trump departs from the mercantilist model is government control. He believes in the heavy hand of government as far as trade is concerned, but he is in the opposite camp where rules, regulations, and taxes by the same government are concerned. Unlike the nations of old, he does not believe that wealth is finite, nor should it be measured by the amount of gold, silver, or even crypto that a nation holds. That puts him at odds with the core belief that supported mercantilism. As for acquiring colonies, his policy appears to be both nationalist and anti-imperialistic. Trump has shown himself to be against foreign entanglements and has no interest in acquiring territory (unlike China, Iran, Russia, and other quasi-mercantilist societies). He does not see it as America's role to right every wrong or spend money or American lives on people and causes which he believes has nothing to do with our interests. That does not mean he plans to withdraw America from the global scene as many might fear. The U.S. is just too big an entity to accomplish that. Instead, because of his mercantilist leanings, if other nations want us to intervene then they must be prepared to pay for that privilege. He has made that point with Taiwan, and with the countries that comprise NATO, and will do so at every opportunity, in my opinion. Many voters see our new president as a strong leader. They applaud his desire to wield more power and authority than others have done in his office. Given the present populist era where distrust of government and our economic system are at historical highs, this is not surprising. Although he has a soft spot for pomp and circumstance and may envy autocratic leaders, he seems less interested in power for power's sake. Time and again, the mercantilist in him, appears to support one conclusion: if there is an advantage to be had (whether in finance, economics, or policy) by simply cutting a deal, that is what he will do.

Cho Kuk, a close confidant of President Moon Jae-in, resigned as justice minister in October amidst a growing corruption scandal involving his family. The allegations against Cho and his family members include academic fraud, financial irregularities, and abuse of power. Despite vehemently denying any wrongdoing, Cho has faced mounting pressure to be held accountable for the alleged misconduct.By CLAIRE RUSH President-elect Donald Trump has once again suggested he wants to revert the name of North America’s tallest mountain — Alaska’s Denali — to Mount McKinley, wading into a sensitive and decades-old conflict about what the peak should be called. Related Articles National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process Former President Barack Obama changed the official name to Denali in 2015 to reflect the traditions of Alaska Natives as well as the preference of many Alaska residents. The federal government in recent years has endeavored to change place-names considered disrespectful to Native people. “Denali” is an Athabascan word meaning “the high one” or “the great one.” A prospector in 1896 dubbed the peak “Mount McKinley” after President William McKinley, who had never been to Alaska. That name was formally recognized by the U.S. government until Obama changed it over opposition from lawmakers in McKinley’s home state of Ohio. Trump suggested in 2016 that he might undo Obama’s action, but he dropped that notion after Alaska’s senators objected. He raised it again during a rally in Phoenix on Sunday. “McKinley was a very good, maybe a great president,” Trump said Sunday. “They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people.” Once again, Trump’s suggestion drew quick opposition within Alaska. “Uh. Nope. It’s Denali,” Democratic state Sen. Scott Kawasaki posted on the social platform X Sunday night. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski , who for years pushed for legislation to change the name to Denali, conveyed a similar sentiment in a post of her own. “There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali — the Great One,” Murkowski wrote on X. Various tribes of Athabascan people have lived in the shadow of the 20,310-foot (6,190-meter) mountain for thousands of years. McKinley, a Republican native of Ohio who served as the 25th president, was assassinated early in his second term in 1901 in Buffalo, New York. Alaska and Ohio have been at odds over the name since at least the 1970s. Alaska had a standing request to change the name since 1975, when the legislature passed a resolution and then-Gov. Jay Hammond appealed to the federal government. Known for its majestic views, the mountain is dotted with glaciers and covered at the top with snow year-round, with powerful winds that make it difficult for the adventurous few who seek to climb it. Rush reported from Portland, Oregon.However, amidst the celebrations and accolades, the specter of Barcelona loomed large. The Spanish giants had included a buy-back option in Phuket's contract, allowing them the first refusal should they choose to bring him back to the Camp Nou. While Phuket remains fully committed to his current club and focused on further success in the MLS, the potential return to Barcelona adds an intriguing subplot to his already compelling journey.By encouraging Liu Chuanxing to adopt a more aggressive playing style, the head coach aims to instill a sense of urgency and intensity in the team's defense. Effective defense is a cornerstone of any successful basketball team, as it not only disrupts the opponent's offensive flow but also creates opportunities for fast breaks and scoring chances. Liu's increased defensive presence can serve as a catalyst for the team to step up their defensive effort collectively, leading to a more formidable defensive unit on the court.

Jack, a devoted fan of rice dumplings, had always looked forward to the annual tradition of indulging in these delicious treats. However, this particular incident left a bitter taste in his mouth, quite literally. After the initial shock and discomfort of biting into the hard object, Jack carefully examined the contents of the dumpling only to discover a small, but undoubtedly solid, piece of what seemed to be a bamboo splinter.

Olympian Motors And NVIDIA Pioneer The First AI-Powered EV Platforms

As we move forward, it is essential for all citizens to remain vigilant, engaged, and united in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. The events unfolding in South Korea serve as a reminder of the importance of democracy, the rule of law, and the responsibility of those in positions of authority to serve the interests of the people.One of the key projects that Huawei undertook was the establishment of a digital education platform for the island's schools. Through this platform, students and teachers were able to access online resources, virtual classrooms, and interactive learning materials. This not only improved the quality of education but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the island's educators.

If you're going Black Friday shopping this week, here are a couple of tips to help you from falling victim to a scam. AUSTIN, Texas - The Black Friday shopping frenzy is just a few short days away, whether you're headed to a store or online. "We're going to see a record number this year," said Jason Meza, with the Better Business Bureau Serving the Heart of Texas. If you're going to be hitting the brick-and-mortar stores, it's important to read the fine print before you go. "Every doorbuster sale has exclusions. Discounts have terms," said Meza. "Usually it's between these hours, in-store purchases, no return policies. All that is built into a discount or deal. Everybody wants to bargain, but at what price are you willing to take for that deal?" That's why it's key to clarify those policies ahead of time. It's also important to read product reviews of those big-ticket items, compare prices among retailers, and beware of gift card scams. Yes, scammers are now stealing numbers off of gift cards, before you even buy them in the store. Imagine living next to a new neighborhood development, but the developer never finishes construction. That's the reality for some people in South Austin, who say a so-called "ghost neighborhood" is unsightly and potentially dangerous. "As soon as you register it, the funds will go away," said Meza. To avoid getting ripped off, check the gift card closely. "Make sure that the packaging isn't tampered with and then register it on site with the cashier. That way they can verify the amount is on that card," said Meza. If you miss a deal in-store on a sought-after item, be very careful when trying to find it online. You could get saddled with a fake. "Nike is the most frequently impersonated brand," said Meza. "Other top brands like NFL clothing, Apple gadgets, Louis Vuitton handbags, Tiffany Jewelry, Lego." MORE 7 ON YOUR SIDE STORIES: Often times these knockoff items come from knockoff websites. "We see it could be one character or one number off from the real retailer's URL website that people end up on through social media through a link that came through an email, and that one character will make all the difference. You pay money for an item that never comes, or if it does, it's a counterfeit or a knockoff." If you plan to shop online, especially on Cyber Monday, you want to avoid following email or social media links. Instead, sign up for deals directly with the retailer. You should always double-check those URLs, use a credit card instead of a debit card, and check your statement and credit report afterward to make sure there are no fraudulent charges. Whether you're shopping virtually or in person, remember to get that gift receipt, just in case. "Gift receipts go a long way online as well. Make sure the recipient can return that item," said Meza. Also, this holiday season, the Better Business Bureau recommends avoiding those Secret Santa or Secret Shopper deals online. Often times, those are scams. The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak

Restaurateur 'King of Mayfair' Richard Caring launching major campaign to help victims of domestic violence By JAMES REYNOLDS Published: 23:52, 26 November 2024 | Updated: 23:59, 26 November 2024 e-mail View comments Victims of domestic violence and abuse will receive a vital lifeline over the festive season - thanks to billionaire restaurant tycoon Richard Caring and his wife Patricia. The couple have teamed up as part of a major campaign to help deliver life-saving change to vulnerable women and children in desperate need. The Caring Family Foundation (TCFF) has pledged a whopping £225,000 in new grants which will be distributed by the end of the year to deliver a massive boost to a string of organisations providing frontline rescue services. It comes as charities are bracing for a spike in cases over the Christmas period when those at risk are often at their most vulnerable. In all, eight organisations will benefit from the cash boost including those who provide specialist services to the most marginalised members of the community. The £225,000 in donations will come as a massive boost to linked organisations (File) Patricia Caring, Richard Caring and children attend The Caring Family Foundation & The Birley Clubs Festive Wonderland at The Dorchester on November 24 Richard Caring, Patricia Caring and children attend The Caring Family Foundation & The Birley Clubs Festive Wonderland at The Dorchester on November 24 Richard Caring and his wife Patricia helping to cook the free meals for children across the UK It means the foundation - set up in 2019 - will have provided £400,000 in domestic abuse services in the past 12 months alone. Mr Caring - dubbed the King of Mayfair - owns The Ivy brasserie chain. His hospitality business empire also includes top-end London restaurants Scott's, J Sheekey and Sexy Fish as well as world-famous private members club Annabel’s. Read More Billionaire restaurateur 'King of Mayfair' Richard Caring to hand out one million free meals Patricia said of the initiative: ‘The services these organisations provide are nothing short of life-changing and life-saving, offering hope and healing to women and children when they need it most. ‘At The Caring Family Foundation, we are deeply committed to supporting local recovery efforts, ensuring these women receive compassionate care and the tools to rebuild their lives. ‘Our vision is a world free from violence against women - a future where every woman and child can thrive without fear or harm.’ The foundation announced the grants to mark this week’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 24). They said the pledge will help support vital services across the UK and recognises ‘the urgent need to support survivors, especially during the festive season when domestic violence is known to escalate’. According to the foundation, an average of two women lose their lives every week at the hands of a current or former partner in the UK - while police record a domestic abuse offence every 40 seconds. A spokesperson for the foundation said the renewed funding commitment ‘seeks to address this surge in need by providing life-saving resources to domestic abuse organisations’. The domestic abuse fund was first launched last year to support 16 ‘by and for black and minoritised' domestic abuse organisations in partnership with Women's Aid. In the UK in 2023, more than £250,000 was given in grants, benefitting thousands of women and children. The new cash injection will help vital and underfunded UK organisations in the coming weeks - distributed among the eight organisations that offer critical support to women and children fleeing abuse. The foundation said the donations reflect its commitment to ensure survivors ‘can live in safety, with a life free from abuse’. Donations will help fund the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by the charity Refuge, which offers emergency support and advice to thousands of survivors experiencing domestic abuse across the UK every year. Other beneficiaries include five Women's Aid member organisations such as Latin American Women’s Aid with funds going towards hiring specialist staff to provide ‘adequate trauma-informed and culturally sensitive services’ to an estimated 96 women in the coming year. Nikki Bradley, director of services at Women’s Aid, said she was ‘delighted’ the five organisations - which face ‘systemic structural inequalities which compound those faced by survivors themselves’ - will receive grants of up to £30,000 each She said: ‘These grants will ensure that the selected organisations are able to support even more survivors and increase the accessibility of their services. ‘Grant funding such as this is vital to breaking down these inequalities and delivering lifesaving change. We look forward to continuing to work with the foundation in this area.’ Another charity to benefit is Karma Nirvana which supports survivors of honour-based violence through a national helpline, professional training, and a new national counselling service. The funding will create ‘a safe and trauma-informed space’ for 52 women through virtual counselling. The Angelou centre, whose services include four dedicated bed spaces in a life-saving shelter, will also benefit along with Panahghar, which provides refuge, counselling, and immigration support for black, Asian and minority ethnic women. The Women and Grace charity, which supports women affected by female genital mutilation, Solace Women’s Aid and Advance charities, which both support to women and children suffering abuse, are also among recipients. The foundation also backs projects in Brazil where Mrs Caring hails from. Richard and Patricia Caring with staff members at the Felix Project Sabine Getty (L) and Astrid Harbord attend International Women's Day for The Caring Foundation in March 2020 Cherie Spriggs, Patricia Caring, Salma Hayek Pinault and Skye Gyngell attend International Women's Day for The Caring Foundation with Salma Hayek at Annabel's on March 8, 2020 in London, England Vanessa Redgrave attends International Women's Day for The Caring Foundation on March 8, 2020 in London, England The foundation’s funding has supported the opening of a centre offering social, legal, housing and psychological services to survivors of domestic abuse in the South American country. It has led to more than 27,000 support sessions being delivered to domestic abuse survivors in the country where eight women experience domestic abuse every minute. The TCFF says its vision is ‘to build a world free from hunger, harm, and hurt, where women and children can thrive’. It is calling on the public and businesses to join their efforts in supporting survivors and preventing violence against women. Their spokesperson added: ‘’By raising awareness and vital funds, together we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.’ London Share or comment on this article: Restaurateur 'King of Mayfair' Richard Caring launching major campaign to help victims of domestic violence e-mail Add commentThe incident took place in a quiet suburban neighborhood, where the CEO was reportedly at home with his family when the suspect, armed with a firearm, entered the premises. The suspect, identified as a former employee of the insurance company, reportedly had a history of grievances with the CEO over work-related issues.

In the realm of black and white noir films, gangster movies have always held a special place in the hearts of cinephiles. The gritty underworld, the conflicted characters, and the intricate web of alliances and betrayals have fascinated audiences for decades. Among the timeless classics in this genre is "Four Seas Brothers," a film that has now been reimagined with a fresh approach to storytelling.CreateAI Announces Results of 2024 Annual Meeting of StockholdersFurthermore, the update will feature enhancements to the game's visuals and audio, ensuring a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience. Players can expect stunning graphics, lifelike animations, and dynamic sound design that will transport them to a world brimming with beauty and danger. The attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship in every aspect of the game's development promise to captivate players and leave them in awe of the fantastical world of "Black Myth: Wukong."

In conclusion, the recent fire at Alibaba's cloud computing data center has not impacted their cloud services, thanks to the company's advanced infrastructure, stringent security measures, and proactive response protocols. Customers can rest assured that their data and applications remain secure and accessible, underscoring Alibaba's dedication to providing reliable and resilient cloud services.

John Stankey to Update Shareholders at UBS Global Media & Communications Conference on December 10Criticism of Israel or the war in Gaza doesn't amount to anti-Semitism, the foreign minister says, as Australia grapples with an increase in the vile sentiment. or signup to continue reading Many in Australia's Jewish community are feeling scared and unsafe and anti-Semitism must be rejected at every turn, Penny Wong says. "We know that cruel acts of anti-Semitism evoke some of the darkest episodes in the history of the Jewish people," she said in a major foreign policy speech at the University of South Australia on Monday night. "We condemn and reject anti-Semitism wherever it occurs - acts of hate have no place in Australia." But people needed to respectfully disagree on points of difference and avoid "misrepresenting views and exaggerating differences" to stop the conflict in the Middle East spurring friction in Australia, she said. "It's not anti-Semitic to expect that Israel should comply with the international law that applies to all countries," Senator Wong said. "Nor is it anti-Semitic to call for children and other civilians to be protected or to call for a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security." Her comments followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticising the Australian government for holding an "extreme anti-Israel position" that he linked to a firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue. Mr Netanyahu and Jewish groups in Australia were critical of the federal government voting in support of a pro-Palestinian motion at the United Nations. The motion was supported by almost 160 members while only a handful, including the United States and Israel, voted against it. Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal said it wasn't necessarily anti-Semitic for people to call for a two-state solution or the recognition of Palestinian statehood. The internationally accepted definition of anti-Semitism "makes it clear that criticism of Israel in a form that you would normally criticise another country, like its policies, is fine", she said. "But criticism of Israel, which damns it as a country that should be abolished, that should no longer exist, that all the Jews should disappear - that is anti-Semitic." It was the same definition Senator Wong referenced in her speech as both called for anti-Semitism to transcend politics and for the community to come together after the synagogue attack. People needed to avoid "exploiting the trend towards echo chambers where people only hear bad things about others and don't see for themselves what's good about others", Senator Wong said. In all the discussions of the Middle East, the Jewish community felt like the hostages taken by Hamas - scores of which remain captive in Gaza - have been forgotten. "There are these credibly important souls that have been suffering for an enormous length of time and they need to be at the forefront of our collective thinking to bring them home," Ms Segal said. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement8. Corruption Allegations: There have been persistent allegations of corruption and cronyism within Governor LeRage's administration. Public trust in government institutions has eroded as a result.

The Canadian government may face early resignation, and its leader, Justin Trudeau, could lose his chances of remaining prime minister. The political crisis erupted all of a sudden with the resignation of Chrystia Freeland, a Canadian politician of Ukrainian descent, from her positions as deputy prime minister and finance minister. Freeland cited disagreements with Trudeau over economic policy ahead of Donald Trump's announced introduction of trade tariffs on Canada as the reason for her departure. Read more about the implications of this development, including its impact on Ukraine, in the article by Dmytro Sherengovsky, Program Director of the Dnistrianskyi Centre – Trudeau, it's time to say goodbye! How Chrystia Freeland's resignation signals big changes in Canada. The official reason for Freeland’s resignation, and likely the final straw , was her divergence from Trudeau on Canada’s response to Trump’s pledge to impose 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless these countries address illegal migration and drug trafficking (particularly fentanyl) to the United States. These accusations are not entirely groundless, as both Canada and Mexico have more liberal immigration policies and less restrictive entry conditions compared to the US, which migrants often exploit. Additionally, some Canadian and Mexican exports are exempt from tariffs under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), a compromise deal crafted during Trump’s first term. This announcement caught Canada off guard , as 75% of its exports are to the US. Freeland advocated for a tougher Canadian response, significant government spending cuts, and preparation for economic tightening during Trump’s presidency. Meanwhile, in late November, Trudeau decided to waive taxes on certain goods and services (toys, food, decor, entertainment, etc.) in several provinces for the Christmas season, extending through February 2025. This clear populist move aimed to counteract the government's declining ratings and bolster the Liberal Party's support. Tensions between Trudeau and Freeland had been building for years, becoming apparent as early as the 2018 NAFTA renegotiations. By 2024, the rift had reached a breaking point. Freeland pushed for deeper spending cuts, while Trudeau focused on expanding social programmes and promoting the green transition. Conspiracy theories circulated that Trump had demanded Freeland’s removal as a condition for negotiating with Trudeau, citing her tough stance during NAFTA talks and her strong pro-Ukraine position, which could hinder Canada’s alignment with Trump’s vision for a rapid peace deal on terms unfavorable to Ukraine. Although this theory is speculative, its context contains some elements of truth. Trump had frequently used criticism of Freeland as a political tool during NAFTA negotiations, reportedly referring to her as an unwelcome negotiator, according to Politico . Freeland's resignation exposed divisions within the Liberal Party that had previously been kept out of public view. To address internal party issues, Trudeau employed his usual tactic of reshuffling the cabinet. These changes "awakened" Canada’s opposition. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced that "the Liberals don’t deserve another chance" and pledged to call for a vote of no confidence at the next parliamentary session starting on 27 January. If the opposition unites (and it seems likely they will), they could secure enough votes to pass the motion of no confidence. Interestingly, this political crisis in Canada poses no risks for Kyiv and could even bring additional benefits.