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By ROB GILLIES, Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products , a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said Monday. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders with the United States. He said on social media last week that he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, attended a dinner with Trump and Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Friday. Trudeau requested the meeting in a bid to avoid the tariffs by convincing Trump that the northern border is nothing like the U.S. southern border with Mexico . “The prime minister of course spoke about the importance of protecting the Canadian economy and Canadian workers from tariffs, but we also discussed with our American friends the negative impact that those tariffs could have on their economy, on affordability in the United States as well,” LeBlanc said in Parliament. If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said last week that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on the threat. After his dinner with Trump, Trudeau returned home without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. “The idea that we came back empty handed is completely false,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very productive discussion with Mr. Trump and his future Cabinet secretaries. ... The commitment from Mr. Trump to continue to work with us was far from empty handed.” Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice to be his national security adviser. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.” Hillman, who sat at an adjacent table to Trudeau and Trump, said Canada is not the problem when it comes to drugs and migrants. On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments. “Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. She said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.” Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security.Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday announced that he is asking the legislature for an additional $290 million to support school construction and modernization efforts across Virginia. This latest investment would bring the total funding for the current biennium to $700 million and raise the state’s overall contribution under Youngkin’s administration to nearly $2 billion. Youngkin’s funding request is included in his proposed budget amendments, which he plans to present next week at a joint meeting of the General Assembly’s money committees. According to the governor’s office, the state’s financial commitments have spurred an estimated $3.4 billion in total funding for school construction. The additional support would be made possible through a combination of local government contributions and federal matching funds. “Over the last three years, we have invested historic amounts in our education system, including our public school facilities,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Our record economic growth and the resulting surplus allows us to make this critical investment to ensure every Virginia student has access to high-quality school facilities that support academic success.” Youngkin plans to use the newly announced $290 million in non-general funds to expand competitive grant opportunities for school divisions, particularly in high-need areas. The money would also address critical infrastructure issues, supporting the construction and renovation of schools in urgent need of repair. State officials say the increased funding will provide K-12 students with safer, more conducive learning spaces, a move that has been welcomed by educators and community leaders alike. Local school divisions will be able to apply for grant support to fast-track modernization projects that may have been delayed due to funding shortfalls. The Youngkin administration has framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to support Virginia’s educational system and improve outcomes for students. As schools across the state face aging infrastructure and capacity challenges, this investment aims to reduce disparities in facility quality, especially in underserved areas. “One of our guiding principles since day one of the Youngkin Administration has been to provide safe, vibrant, and healthy learning environments for all of our students,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “This investment in supporting new and refurbished school buildings makes it possible for every community in the commonwealth to have the means to provide a best-in-class education that prepares every student for success in our increasingly demanding knowledge- and skills-based economy.” In 2022, Youngkin’s first year in office, the General Assembly in a bipartisan effort approved a historic $1.2 billion investment in school construction, aiming to modernize aging facilities and reduce funding disparities among school divisions. The sweeping plan combined grants and loans to support renovations, new construction, and capacity expansion for K-12 schools across the commonwealth. Of the $1.2 billion, about $850 million was allocated for grants. This included $400 million in formula-based grants, which provided each of Virginia’s 134 school divisions with a $1 million base allocation. The remaining $266 million was distributed based on the Local Composite Index (LCI) — a state funding formula that considers factors like property values, taxable sales and population data to assess a locality’s financial ability to support its schools. Another $450 million was funneled into the newly created School Construction Fund and Program, a competitive grant program designed to assist divisions with the most critical infrastructure needs. School systems with poor building conditions and limited financial capacity could apply for these funds to support construction, renovation, or expansion projects. This program is primarily funded by 98% of gaming revenue from Virginia’s four new casinos in Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, and Norfolk. The fund is administered by the Virginia Board of Education. Virginia faces a mounting crisis with school infrastructure. Data released by the Virginia Department of Education in 2022 revealed that nearly 1,000 school buildings across the state are at least 50 years old. Replacing these facilities would cost more than $25 billion — a figure far beyond the capacity of most localities. Traditionally, local governments have shouldered the financial burden of school construction, relying on local tax revenue. But for economically distressed areas, particularly in Southwest Virginia and Southside, this has become an increasingly difficult challenge due to population decline and economic hardship. But in April, Youngkin vetoed a bill lawmakers sent to his desk that would have allowed localities to implement a 1% sales tax to help cover the costs of school construction and modernization. The proposal required voter approval through a referendum before the tax could be enacted by local governments. Youngkin acknowledged that school construction is a “worthy cause” but argued that Virginia has already taken substantial steps to address those costs. He contended that citizens should not face additional taxes, particularly the $1.5 billion annually that would have been raised by the 1% sales tax. Prior to 2022, state assistance for school construction was limited, with much of it coming from the Literary Fund, a state-managed pool of money established in Virginia’s Constitution. Funded by sources such as unclaimed lottery winnings, criminal fines, and unclaimed property, the Literary Fund historically provided low-interest loans to support school construction and debt service for technology. However, in recent years, much of the fund’s revenue was redirected to cover teacher retirement costs, leaving fewer resources for school building projects. The 2022 legislative session retooled the Literary Fund’s loan program, significantly increasing its impact. Lawmakers raised the maximum loan amount from $7.5 million to $25 million and capped the interest rate at 2%. These changes made it more feasible for school divisions to finance major construction projects at a lower cost. With the state’s total contribution now approaching $2 billion, education advocates are hopeful the increased funding will lead to long-term improvements in school facilities and better learning conditions for students throughout the commonwealth. Virginia Board of Education President Grace Creasey said Tuesday that the panel will prioritize “those school divisions in greatest need that have missed out on prior grant opportunities,” especially rural divisions.
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(TNS) — The Pentagon has shipped anti-drone technology to an area of New Jersey located where sightings of mysterious aircraft have set residents on edge and drawn accusations that the federal government isn’t taking the incidents seriously. The Defense Department provided equipment capable of detecting drones and disabling them, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said at a briefing on Thursday. He added that the equipment includes a system called DroneBuster, a hand-held jammer used by the Army and Marines. “The majority of that capability has deployed, the rest should be arriving very shortly, if not imminently,” Ryder said. He had said earlier that much of the equipment would be sent to Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and production facility in Morris County. Ryder has said the government had no involvement in the drone flights, which have confounded officials in New York and New Jersey and prompted arguments that the Biden administration wasn’t doing enough or taking the matter seriously. Most of the aircraft, he has said, are most likely commercial or hobbyist drones. On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned drone flights over nearly two dozen areas of New Jersey. The reports reports include nighttime sightings of drones as large as 6 feet (1.83 meters) in diameter that “operate in a coordinated manner” and travel with their lights switched off, Dawn Fantasia, a New Jersey assemblywoman, posted to X last week after being briefed by local law enforcement. Witnesses have said they’ve seen several low-hanging drones at once in the night sky, some of which hover in one spot. President-elect Donald Trump has called for the government to provide answers or shoot the drones down. He’s said, without citing evidence, that the American military knew where the devices originated. More than 1 million drones are registered to fly in the U.S., with around 8,500 in flight on any given day, a vast majority of which are recreational or hobbyist used for architectural, engineering, farming or law enforcement purposes, according to Ryder. ©ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AP) — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's home was broken into during Monday Night Football in the latest home invasion of a pro athlete in the U.S., authorities said Tuesday. No one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies weren't immediately able to determine what items were stolen. A person who is employed by Burrow arrived at the Anderson Township home Monday night to find a shattered bedroom window and the home in disarray. The person called their mother, and then 911 was contacted, according to the report. Deputies reached out to neighbors in an attempt to piece together surveillance footage. “Our investigators are exploring every avenue,” public information officer Kyla Woods said. The homes of Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were broken into in October. In the NBA , Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2 and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr.'s home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a Minnesota Vikings game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information. Both the NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players after those break-ins, urging them to take additional precautions to secure their homes. In league memos previously obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL said homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.” And the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
MONTRÉAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / December 20, 2024 / Valsoft Corporation Inc. ("Valsoft") , a Canadian company specializing in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, has solidified its position as a leader in the local government software sector with the acquisitions of Keystone Information Systems ("Keystone") and Cott Systems ("Cott Systems"). These acquisitions mark a significant expansion of Valsoft's portfolio in the local government sector, enabling them to provide enhanced solutions to school boards, local governments, and other public-sector organizations. Founded in 1975, Keystone has earned a reputation as a trusted provider of enterprise-wide ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) applications, for small and mid-sized public sector organizations. The functional depth and integration of its complete product suite simplifies complex tasks and interdepartmental workflows, enabling greater efficiency and productivity. "This acquisition is more than a transaction; it's an investment in Keystone's legacy," said Judson B. Van Dervort, Jr., President and CEO of Keystone Information Systems. "Joining Valsoft provides a secure foundation for Keystone's current and future customers and employees, through continued innovation and growth, ensuring we can exceed customer expectations and continue our positive impact on the communities we serve." Valsoft's acquisition of Keystone expands its growing portfolio in the local government sector, reinforcing its ability to support mission-critical services for public organizations. "We are thrilled to welcome Keystone to the Valsoft family," said Costa Tagalakis, Investment Partner at Valsoft. "Their longstanding reputation for excellence in serving local government and public-school sectors aligns perfectly with our strategy of delivering high-quality, impactful solutions. We're excited to continue supporting Keystone's existing customers while exploring new growth opportunities." Earlier this year, Valsoft also acquired Cott Systems, a leader in public records management with a history spanning over 135 years. Cott Systems provides solutions for managing and digitizing land and court records, enabling local governments to modernize operations while preserving their jurisdictions' historical integrity. Products like Resolution 3, VERDICT, and OIB offer local officials' comprehensive tools to streamline processes and serve their communities more effectively. "This acquisition of Cott Systems represents the next step in our ongoing efforts to innovate and simplify the records management process," said David Scheine, Portfolio Manager at Valsoft. "Cott's customer-centric approach and innovative solutions coupled with Valsoft's support and resources will enable us to accelerate Cott's vision of delivering secure, cloud-based, and user-friendly solutions that empower local government offices to serve their communities better." Both acquisitions position Valsoft as a leader in GovTech software solutions with an established offering to assist the local government and public records management sectors in navigating public sector regulations and compliance. Valsoft remains committed to supporting these businesses as they continue to grow, innovate, and enhance the services they provide to their communities. About Keystone Founded in 1975, Keystone is a trusted provider of enterprise-wide information management solutions for Municipal and County Governments and Public-School Districts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, and Rhode Island. Known for its cost-effective and efficient software, Keystone's user-focused approach helps smaller and mid-sized organizations optimize operations and exceed stakeholder expectations. For more information, visit www.keyinfosys.com . About Cott Systems Cott Systems has been an innovator in public records management since 1888, providing trusted technology solutions that preserve and protect public records while empowering local governments to serve their constituents more effectively. From land record management systems like Resolution 3 to comprehensive criminal and civil court case management tools like VERDICT, to online digitalization products like OIB, Cott Systems' products and services enable local officials to modernize their operations and safeguard their jurisdiction's rich history. For more information: https://cottsystems.com About Valsoft Valsoft acquires and develops vertical market software companies that deliver mission-critical solutions. A key tenet of Valsoft's philosophy is to invest in established businesses and foster an entrepreneurial environment that shapes a company into a leader in its respective industry. Unlike private equity and VC firms, Valsoft does not have a predefined investment horizon and looks to buy, hold, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and customers. Learn more at www.valsoftcorp.com For the Keystone Information Systems acquisition, Valsoft was represented internally by David Felicissimo (General Counsel) and Pamela Romero (Senior Corporate Paralegal). Keystone Information Systems was represented by Rosenbloom Law Group LLC. For the Cott Information Systems acquisition, Valsoft was represented internally by David Felicissimo (General Counsel), Ambra Del Busso (Legal Counsel), and Elisa Marcon (Senior Corporate Paralegal). Cott Information Systems was represented by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Media contact information: Communications and Public Relations Valsoft Corporation communication@valsoftcorp.com SOURCE: Valsoft Corp View the original on accesswire.com
West Ham’s Michail Antonio in stable condition after road traffic accident
Govt mulls Raj Mandapam in Jaipur: Industry minister
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West Ham's Antonio in hospital after road traffic incidentPublished 4:21 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2024 By Staff Reports There are three games featuring a ranked team on Thursday’s college basketball schedule. Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Catch tons of live women’s college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.
Review: Mavis Staples’ joyous 85th Hometown Birthday Celebration simply dazzles from beginning to end