WASHINGTON -- A task force looking into the assassination attempts against Donald Trump during his presidential campaign is recommending changes to the Secret Service, including protecting fewer foreign leaders during the height of the election season and considering moving the agency out of the Department of Homeland Security. The 180-page report by the bipartisan congressional task force released Tuesday is one of the most detailed looks so far into the July assassination attempt against Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania and a second one in Florida two months later. Like other investigations and reports, the task force railed at the agency tasked with protecting the top echelon of America's democratic leaders. “The events of July 13, 2024, were tragic and preventable, and the litany of related security failures are unacceptable. The Secret Service’s zero fail mission allows no margin for error, let alone for the many errors described in this report," the authors wrote. The task force has been investigating the July shooting, where a gunman opened fire from the roof of a nearby building. Trump was wounded in the ear, one rallygoer was killed and two others were wounded. It also has been investigating another assassination attempt in September. That gunman waited for hours for Trump to appear at his golf course in Florida, but a Secret Service agent thwarted the attack by spotting the firearm poking through some bushes. Here are some of the highlights of the report and its recommendations: The report's authors noted that the number of people that the agency is tasked with protecting has “greatly expanded.” At the same time, the presidential campaign season is getting longer and more intense, the report said. But the agency is also tasked with protecting foreign dignitaries during the U.N. General Assembly, when heads of state and government flood into New York. That event happens every September, which comes at the “height of campaign season,” the report noted, adding to the agency's staffing crunch. "Congress, DHS, and the USSS should jointly consider the protective role the USSS plays for foreign leaders and consider whether such duties can be transferred or abrogated in order to focus on the USSS’s primary duty: to protect the President and other critical U.S. leaders,” the report said. The Secret Service is known for its high-profile work of protecting the president, the vice-president, presidential candidates, their families and others. But the officers also carry out a wide range of investigations not related to their protective mission — investigating fraud and financial crimes, for example. These responsibilities stem from the time the agency was part of the Treasury Department, and agency leaders say the investigations are an important part of training Secret Service officers for skills they'll need on protective details. But the task force recommended reviewing these investigative responsibilities — especially during campaign season — so the agency "can prioritize the protection of U.S. leaders and candidates running for office." “These non-protective, investigative functions require systemic review because of the USSS’s stunning failure to protect President-elect Trump on July 13,” the report said. “The Secret Service’s protective mission is at the core of the agency’s purpose — anything that distracts or diverts resources from the agency’s zero fail mission must be reconsidered.” For decades, the Secret Service was included in the Treasury Department. After the Department of Homeland Security was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks the Secret Service was moved over to DHS. The task force suggested reevaluating that move. The lawmakers said that during the time Secret Service has been in the Homeland Security Department, “USSS has not benefited from stable leadership.” The task force said the current structure “potentially weakens USSS, a small but critically important agency, in advocating for its budget and other priorities inside a much larger entity.” “A fresh look at whether USSS might benefit from the status of an independent agency, with more freedom to make budget requests and advocate for itself, would be a healthy discussion for former USSS leaders to have with Congress,” the task force said.
Some Canadian seniors say they're feeling abandoned by the Liberal government's latest inflation relief measure after learning they don't qualify for it. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that his government would send $250 cheques to the 18.7 million people in Canada who worked in 2023 and earned $150,000 or less. Those cheques, which the government is calling the "Working Canadians Rebate," are expected to be delivered in "early spring 2025," Trudeau said. Anyone who was not working in 2023, such as people who were retired or receiving social assistance, are ineligible. The $250 cheques will cost about $4.68 billion, a Finance official told CBC News. Trudeau government to send $250 cheques to most people, slash GST on some goods What the GST holiday means for consumers — and why some economists are worried Neil Pierce, a 69-year-old Edmonton resident, called the cheques a "political handout." He said he is "astonished" that the federal government plans on giving "money to people who were working and, in some cases, making an awful lot of money." Neil Pierce, 69, said he was 'astonished' to learn who is eligible for the payments. (Submitted by Neil Pierce) As a retiree and recipient of Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments, Pierce is ineligible for the cheque. "I feel that a lot of us are left behind through this announcement," he said. "The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer as a result." Pierce said his 99-year-old mother, who also receives CPP and OAS payments, was "excited" when she first heard the news but was disappointed when he explained to her that she wouldn't get a cheque. Elizabeth Mary Donlevy — a 93-year-old from Woodstock, Ont. — said she was "incensed" after hearing the prime minister say the measure would apply only to Canadians working last year. "Every time I think about this, I think of the discrimination that goes on constantly against seniors," she said. "He's penalizing people for being over 65." Donlevy said the announcement suggests seniors should be "out there working on getting a living so that we are eligible for his largesse." She said that for some seniors on fixed incomes, $250 "would mean a whole lot," while people with six-figure incomes might it for granted. "If they make that amount of money ... I admire them and I hope they get everything they can, but it shouldn't be at the expense of seniors," she said. Steven Laperrière, general manager of Regroupement des activistes pour l'inclusion au Québec (RAPLIQ) — a Montreal-based advocacy group for people with disabilities — said he has "mixed emotions" about the program because a lot of vulnerable people won't be eligible. "You're stigmatizing them a little bit further," he said. "And it's very frustrating to interpret it like that, but that's how they're receiving this." "You're telling them, 'Well, sorry guys ... it's not your fault you can't work or you're not finding any work because of your disability, but you cannot have that cheque.'" Cheques meant to 'recognize hardworking' Canadians: PM NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Thursday that his party will support the affordability measures and work with the Liberals to temporarily lift the logjam in Parliament to get the bill through. That didn't stop New Democrat Peter Julian, MP for Westminster—Burnaby, from criticizing the measure during question period on Friday after asking why some vulnerable people would be excluded. "The Liberals' new plan misses the mark," he said. "Liberals are letting people on fixed incomes down yet again." WATCH | Trudeau says government isn't reducing programs for most vulnerable : Trudeau asked why $250 cheques only going to working Canadians 5 hours ago Duration 2:02 Defending his latest affordability plan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked why groups of people, like some retirees, will not be receiving $250 stimulus cheques. Trudeau said the newest measure is about saying thank you to working, middle-class Canadians. At a news conference Friday afternoon in Brampton, Ont., Trudeau said his government has been "extraordinarily present in helping the most vulnerable Canadians," citing a 10 per cent increase to OAS and an increase to the Canada child benefit. He said he regularly hears from working Canadians who are struggling to make ends meet. "We're not reducing any of the other programs we're delivering to the most vulnerable but recognizing hardworking Canadians," he said. "It's about seeing Canadians as the hardworking nation-builders they are and giving them that support that they need at this time of challenge."
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With a focus on human rights, US policy toward Latin America under Jimmy Carter briefly tempered a long tradition of interventionism in a key sphere of American influence, analysts say. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, defied the furor of US conservatives to negotiate the handover of the Panama Canal to Panamanian control, suspended aid to multiple authoritarian governments in the region, and even attempted to normalize relations with Cuba. Carter's resolve to chart a course toward democracy and diplomacy, however, was severely tested in Central America and Cuba, where he was forced to balance his human rights priorities with pressure from adversaries to combat the spread of communism amid the Cold War standoff with the Soviet Union. "Latin America was fundamental and his global policy was oriented toward human rights, democratic values and multilateral cooperation," political analyst Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank in Washington, told AFP. During his 1977-1981 administration, which was sandwiched between the Republican presidencies of Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, the Democrat sought to take a step back from US alignment with right-wing dictatorships in Latin America. An important symbol of Carter's approach was the signing of two treaties in 1977 to officially turn over the Panama Canal in 1999. "Jimmy Carter understood that if he did not return the canal to Panama, the relationship between the United States and Panama could lead to a new crisis in a country where Washington could not afford the luxury of instability," said Luis Guillermo Solis, a political scientist and former president of Costa Rica. Carter called the decision, which was wildly unpopular back home, "the most difficult political challenge I ever had," as he accepted Panama's highest honor in 2016. He also hailed the move as "a notable achievement of moving toward democracy and freedom." During his term, Carter opted not to support Nicaraguan strongman Anastasio Somoza, who was subsequently overthrown by the leftist Sandinista Front in 1979. But in El Salvador, the American president had to "make a very uncomfortable pact with the government," said Shifter. To prevent communists from taking power, Carter resumed US military assistance for a junta which then became more radical, engaging in civilian massacres and plunging El Salvador into a long civil war. Carter took a critical approach to South American dictatorships in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, suspending arms deliveries and imposing sanctions in some cases. But his efforts "did not achieve any progress in terms of democratization," said Argentine political scientist Rosendo Fraga. The American president also tried to normalize relations with Cuba 15 years after the missile crisis. He relaxed sanctions that had been in force since 1962, supported secret talks and enabled limited diplomatic representation in both countries. "With him, for the first time, the possibility of dialogue rather than confrontation as a framework for political relations opened up," Jesus Arboleya, a former Cuban diplomat, told AFP. But in 1980, a mass exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States, with Fidel Castro's blessing, created an unexpected crisis. It "hurt Carter politically with the swarm of unexpected immigrants," said Jennifer McCoy, a professor of political science at Georgia State University. Castro continued to support Soviet-backed African governments and even deployed troops against Washington's wishes, finally putting an end to the normalization process. However, more than 20 years later, Carter made a historic visit to Havana as ex-president, at the time becoming the highest-profile American politician to set foot on Cuban soil since 1959. During the 2002 visit, "he made a bold call for the US to lift its embargo, but he also called on Castro to embrace democratic opening," said McCoy, who was part of the US delegation for the trip, during which Castro encouraged Carter to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cuban All-Star baseball game. "Castro was sitting in the front row and we were afraid he would rise to give a long rebuttal to Carter's speech. But he didn't. He just said, 'Let's go to the ball game.'" In the years following Carter's presidency, Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) would go on to resume a full-frontal confrontation with Cuba. Decades later, Barack Obama (2009-2017) opened a new phase of measured normalization, which Donald Trump (2017-2021) brought to an end. US President Joe Biden promised to review US policy toward Cuba, but hardened his stance after Havana cracked down on anti-government protests in 2021. "Carter showed that engagement and diplomacy are more fruitful than isolation," McCoy said. bur-lp-rd-jb/lbc/mlr/bfm/sst/bbkCourtney Frazer | (TNS) Bankrate.com Exchanging currency is vital to international travel, whether you’re visiting for leisure or business. Understanding the nuances of currency exchange can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your travel budget. Before you exchange money, you should know how to choose the right place to exchange your money, time your transactions for the best rates and estimate the money exchange fee. Why knowing about currency exchange matters Currency exchange involves converting one country’s money into another’s. Because currencies have different values from country to country, exchange rates fluctuate based on factors like political stability, economic performance and global market conditions. Without proper knowledge of currency exchange, travelers risk losing money on unfavorable exchange rates, excessive fees and even fraudulent practices. It’s important to know how currency exchange works and where to do money exchanges so you can get the best deal. Currency exchange fees Exchanging money abroad often comes with various fees, so it’s important to understand what you might encounter. Flat fees Some exchange providers charge a flat fee per transaction. These can make smaller exchanges expensive relative to the amount you’re converting. Always ask about any flat fees in advance, and consider exchanging larger sums to minimize the impact of this fee. Percentage fees Many currency exchange providers charge a percentage-based fee on the total amount exchanged. This fee structure can become costly if you’re exchanging large amounts of money, so compare percentage-based fees before making any decisions. ATM withdrawal fees If you’re withdrawing money from an ATM abroad, your home bank and the foreign bank may charge withdrawal fees. Some banks refund these fees, while others may partner with international banks to provide fee-free withdrawals. Before traveling, check with your bank to understand what ATM fees you might face and whether they offer any reimbursement options. Foreign transaction fees Foreign transaction fees are often charged when using credit or debit cards abroad. Depending on the card issuer and payment network, these fees can range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. Many travel-focused credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, which can help you save money when making purchases abroad. Check your card’s terms and conditions before you travel to avoid surprises. If your card charges foreign transaction fees, consider limiting its use and opting for other methods, like cash or prepaid travel cards. Best places to exchange currency Not all currency exchange options are equal, especially for travelers. Some places offer better rates and lower money exchange fees, while others provide more convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the most common currency exchange options. Banks and credit unions Banks and credit unions are generally the best money exchange options, offering competitive exchange rates and transparent fees. Many banks provide foreign currency services for their account holders, and some even offer currency at a better rate when you order it in advance. If you have a major bank account, the bank may offer international ATM withdrawals with little to no fees. Banks tend to have the most secure exchange process, so you can avoid the high fees and markups that are common at airport exchange booths. Currency exchange kiosks Currency exchange kiosks, often found at airports and tourist destinations, are convenient but have significant drawbacks. They frequently offer lower exchange rates and higher fees, taking advantage of travelers who need quick cash. If you need to use a currency exchange bureau, only exchange a small amount to cover immediate needs and seek out better rates at a local bank or through an ATM once you reach your destination. Always check the exchange rate and fees before completing any transaction at these kiosks to avoid unnecessary charges. ATMs abroad Using ATMs to withdraw local currency in your destination country is one of the most convenient ways to get cash while traveling. Many banks are part of global ATM networks, allowing you to withdraw money with minimal fees if you use ATMs associated with their partner banks. However, it’s important to check with your bank ahead of time to understand what fees may apply to international withdrawals. When using ATMs abroad, stick to machines from reputable banks and avoid independent ATMs found in tourist-heavy areas or small shops. These often have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. It’s also a good idea to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid having your card frozen for suspicious activity. Prepaid travel cards Prepaid travel cards offer an excellent solution for travelers who want to manage currency exchange with ease. These cards allow you to load multiple currencies before you travel and lock in exchange rates to avoid rate fluctuations while abroad. Prepaid travel cards can be used like regular debit or credit cards but with the added benefit of lower foreign transaction fees. They also help limit spending, as you can only use the funds preloaded onto the card. However, be aware of hidden fees such as inactivity, ATM withdrawal or reloading fees. Common currency exchange mistakes When exchanging currency for travel, it’s easy to fall into traps that result in unnecessary expenses. Here are some common mistakes travelers make and how to avoid them. 1. Exchanging money at airports and hotels While airports and hotels may be convenient places to exchange money, they often have the worst exchange rates and highest fees. Airport kiosks, in particular, are notorious for inflating rates, sometimes marking them up by as much as 10% compared to what you’d find at a local bank or ATM. To avoid these high costs, exchange a small amount of money before your trip to cover immediate expenses like transportation. Once you arrive at your destination, use ATMs or banks for more favorable rates. 2. Using dynamic currency conversion Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) allows you to pay in your home currency when using a credit or debit card abroad. While this may seem convenient, it usually comes with a much worse exchange rate and additional hidden fees. Whenever possible, always opt to pay in the local currency of your destination to avoid unfavorable rates. DCC also gives merchants more control over the exchange rate, meaning they could use a rate that benefits them more than you. When paying with a card abroad, always make sure you’re being charged in the local currency to get the most accurate rate. 3. Timing your exchange poorly Exchange rates fluctuate daily based on global market conditions. If you know you’ll need to exchange a large sum of money, it pays to keep an eye on exchange rates before your trip. Use tools to track exchange rates and exchange your money when the rate is in your favor. For travelers planning ahead, some banks and online services allow you to lock in exchange rates before traveling, helping you avoid losses due to unfavorable fluctuations during your trip. How to maximize savings on currency exchange while traveling When traveling abroad, currency exchange fees can quickly eat into your budget. You can use certain strategies to help you save, avoid common fees and make the most of your money while exploring new destinations. 1. Plan ahead for international trips Before heading overseas, research your destination’s currency and exchange rate options. Many banks allow you to order foreign currency ahead of time, saving you from the poor exchange rates and high fees at airports or in tourist-heavy areas. If your bank offers international ATM withdrawal with low fees, consider using this option to access local currency while traveling. Financial institutions sometimes offer special travel accounts or debit cards with reduced fees for foreign transactions. Check with your bank to see if they offer international-friendly options that can help you save money while abroad. 2. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees Credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees can be a great asset when traveling internationally. These cards often offer competitive exchange rates, and some even provide travel rewards or cash back on purchases made abroad. Using a credit card for most of your international purchases can help protect you from currency exchange fees and fraud. 3. Limit currency exchange at high-fee locations Related Articles Travel | Cruise into this holiday season with a non-traditional vacation Travel | 8 last-minute Christmas vacations to book in the US Travel | California’s sunny Huntington Beach makes a great weekend getaway Travel | Top travel destinations for 2025 include a real-life Land of the Lotus Eaters Travel | New York state highlights can’t-miss holiday sites and attractions When traveling, try to avoid exchanging currency at locations that charge high fees, like airports, hotels or currency exchange kiosks. These places often inflate exchange rates and charge large commissions, reducing the value of your money. Instead, stick to local banks or ATMs for better rates and lower fees. If you have to exchange currency at one of these places, try to exchange only what you need immediately and find a better location later. The bottom line Currency exchange is an essential part of international travel, and getting it right can save you a lot of money. By planning ahead, avoiding high-fee locations and choosing the right method for exchanging money, you can stretch your travel budget further and minimize unnecessary costs. When traveling internationally, avoid airport kiosks and hotel exchange desks, opt for ATMs and reputable banks and consider using prepaid travel cards or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to simplify your currency management. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to get the most out of your money while exploring the world. (Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.). ©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Houston to host key hydrogen summit as industry faces new political The outcome of the U.S. presidential election presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities that will significantly impact the future of hydrogen initiatives. Key questions loom large under a new Trump administration: What will government funding for hydrogen look like? Will deregulation occur, and if so, what will its impact be? How will advanced planning hydrogen projects and secured offtake agreements move forward? What lies ahead for hydrogen hubs, and how will trade policies affect the hydrogen supply chain and export opportunities? Against this backdrop, the upcoming Congress is poised to convene in from . Organized by World Hydrogen Leaders, now part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, the event will unite over 1,000 key players across the entire hydrogen value chain to align on solutions to current obstacles, forge new partnerships and accelerate the building of a robust hydrogen market. Program Director at World Hydrogen Leaders, commented: “ The conference agenda covers a diverse range of topics across 50+ hours of content, including a You can view the are anticipated to join and share their insights, including: Explore the full speaker lineup, exhibition floorplan, confirmed sponsors and much more in the event brochure, which can be downloaded Don’t miss this opportunity to and stakeholders as we shape the future of hydrogen together. to benefit from the super early bird rates to save , with also available. the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Houston to host key hydrogen summit as industry faces new political Cenex, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies joins the Maritime Battery Forum Cenex was established as the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell... Cell Impact to present at hydrogen conference on how to scale up green hydrogen Today and tomorrow, Henrik Jackman will participate in the Hydrogen Conference 2024 in Stockholm. The conference brings together the... California Hydrogen Leadership Summit to Focus on State and Federal Policies to Strengthen the Hydrogen Economy SACRAMENTO, Calif. — December 5, 2024 — The California Hydrogen Leadership Summit, the state’s largest...