
NoneAustin's Own Andre Achtermeier Wins World's Best Employer 2025 Award with eight M Corporation
Armstrong Williams: What should we make of the celebration of health care CEO’s murder? | STAFF COMMENTARY
John Parker Romo made a 29-yard field goal to lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 30-27 overtime win against the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Romo buried the game-winning kick in his third career game for Minnesota (9-2), which won its fourth game in a row. The score capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive for the Vikings after the Bears went three-and-out on the first overtime possession. Sam Darnold completed 22 of 34 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Vikings. Wideout Jordan Addison finished with eight catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown. The overtime defeat spoiled an impressive performance from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns for Chicago (4-7). D.J. Moore had seven catches for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Keenan Allen finished with nine catches for 86 yards and a score. Chicago erased an 11-point deficit in the final 22 seconds of regulation to send the game to overtime. Romo had put Minnesota on top 27-16 when he made a 26-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams trimmed the Bears' deficit to 27-24 with 22 seconds to go. He rolled right and found Allen wide open in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown, and moments later he fired a strike to Moore for a two-point conversion. The Bears recovered an onside kick on the next play to regain possession at their 43-yard line with 21 seconds left. Cairo Santos' onside kick bounced off the foot of Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt, and Tarvarius Moore recovered it. D.J. Moore put the Bears in field-goal position with a 27-yard reception across the middle of the field, and Santos made a 48-yarder as time expired to even the score at 27-all. Minnesota led 24-10 after three quarters. Romo made a 40-yard field goal early in the third quarter, and Aaron Jones punched in a 2-yard run with 1:22 left in the period to put the Vikings on top by two touchdowns. Addison and Jalen Nailor each had receiving touchdowns in the first half for Minnesota. Roschon Johnson scored on a 1-yard run for the Bears' only touchdown of the first half. Chicago trailed 14-10 at the break. --Field Level Media
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Gold Set for Biggest Weekly Jump in 20 Months on Haven Demand | Company Business News - MintWhat Did Miley Cyrus Say About Her Relationship With Boyfriend Maxx Morando?
Elon Musk has become the world’s richest man in history! Tesla CEO’s net worth jumps to $348 billion
The forthcoming resignation of FBI Director Christopher Wray is a “great day for America,” President-elect Donald Trump said on Truth Social. Rumors abounded that Wray would step down ahead of Trump’s second term, and on Wednesday, he confirmed his intentions, making the announcement during what the Washington Post described as a townhall with the “FBI workforce.” Trump celebrated the announcement, concluding that this is the beginning of the end of the weaponization of justice in the United States. “The resignation of Christopher Wray is a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice,” Trump began, noting, “I just don’t know what happened to him.” Trump then previewed an America where the rule of law is restored. “We will now restore the Rule of Law for all Americans,” he said before providing a brief example of the malfeasance that occurred under Wray’s leadership. “Under the leadership of Christopher Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America,” Trump said. WATCH — “ARE YOU PROTECTING THE BIDENS?” — Gaetz GRILLS FBI Director Wray: “They have used their vast powers to threaten and destroy many innocent Americans, some of which will never be able to recover from what has been done to them,” the President-elect said, touting his choice to replace Wray — Kash Patel. “Kash Patel is the most qualified Nominee to lead the FBI in the Agency’s History, and is committed to helping ensure that Law, Order, and Justice will be brought back to our Country again, and soon. As everyone knows, I have great respect for the rank-and-file of the FBI, and they have great respect for me,” Trump clarified, noting that they, too, want to see these changes. “More importantly, the American People are demanding a strong, but fair, System of Justice. We want our FBI back, and that will now happen. I look forward to Kash Patel’s confirmation, so that the process of Making the FBI Great Again can begin,” he said, adding, “Thank you!” During his remarks to the FBI workforce, Wray asserted that him stepping down is the best option for the FBI. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” he said, according to the Post . “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the Bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work,” Wray continued, maintaining that it was not an easy decision. “I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI,” Wray added. All the while, Patel has received sterling reviews from many, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who told Breitbart News Daily on Thursday that he is “perfect” for the job. “I’ve known Kash Patel, about five years, and Kash is very smart. He’s energetic. He’s very into law enforcement. He’s worked in the DOD. He’s worked for the DOJ. He understands it. He’s traveled the world. He understands behind the scene, domestic problems. He will be perfect,” the senator said. “He’s exactly what we need. He is one of those guys that understands that we’ve got to get the trust back in the FBI. We don’t need somebody to go in and be status quo,” he added, previewing Patel’s plans to “shake it up.”
Canada’s privacy commissioner says LinkedIn has paused training its artificial intelligence models on data from Canadian users. Philippe Dufresne says his office was informed of the pause by the tech platform, which he had reached out to after media reports suggested LinkedIn was training AI models with data from Canadian users it had not informed of the practice first. Dufresne says he has requested information from LinkedIn about the company’s training practices as well as how it obtains consent from its members. He says LinkedIn believed it had taken a “privacy protective” approach to training its AI models but will now work to ensure it has met the requirements of privacy laws before restarting the practice. Dufresne says even when personal information is publicly accessible, it is subject to privacy laws and must be adequately protected. LinkedIn suspended using U.K. user data to train its artificial intelligence models in September, after Britain’s information commissioner raised similar concerns. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024.In the rapidly evolving world of gaming, vocabulary games are getting an avant-garde makeover with the power of artificial intelligence. While they’ve long served as an engaging tool for learning, these games are set to transcend traditional boundaries, offering players unprecedented interactive experiences. AI-driven personal tutors: Imagine a game that not only teaches you new words but also learns from your interactions to adapt its challenges. Advanced AI algorithms can now personalize vocabulary games based on a player’s skill level and learning speed, offering customized word challenges that maximize vocabulary retention. Augmented Reality (AR) immersion: The integration of AR technology into vocabulary games promises a more engaging experience. Picture a scenario where players, wearing AR glasses, explore a virtual world overlaid on their physical surroundings. Interactive word puzzles pop up as they navigate, turning everyday environments into educational adventures. Social and multiplayer dimensions: The rise of real-time collaboration in gaming is also influencing vocabulary games. New platforms enable players to challenge friends or engage in cooperative word-building tasks. These features not only enhance word knowledge but also foster a sense of community and competition. Gamification of learning: Future iterations will emphasize rewarding progress through virtual rewards, leaderboards, and achievements, making learning something to eagerly anticipate. By leveraging these technological advancements, vocabulary games are poised to play a significant role in educational entertainment. With AI, AR, and social gaming reshaping the landscape, these innovative vocabulary games pave the way for more dynamic, personalized, and interactive learning experiences. The Future of Vocabulary Games: AI Innovations and Immersive Learning Experiences In the dynamic realm of digital gaming, vocabulary games are experiencing a transformative era, courtesy of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging tech trends. These innovations promise to elevate learning from traditional word exercises to something profoundly interactive and personalized. AI-Driven Personal Tutors One of the most exciting developments in vocabulary gaming is the use of AI to create personal tutors that enhance the learning process. These AI-powered tutors assess a player’s interactions, skill level, and learning speed to tailor challenges specifically for them. The AI’s adaptability ensures that each session remains both engaging and educational, boosting vocabulary retention and mastery. Augmented Reality (AR) Immersion The integration of AR technology into vocabulary games is redefining the way players engage with language learning. Imagine donning a pair of AR glasses and being transported to a world where your immediate environment transforms into a canvas for interactive word puzzles. This not only makes the learning process captivating but also turns everyday settings into interactive educational displays, offering a rich blend of the virtual and the real. Social and Multiplayer Dimensions The evolution of vocabulary games is also marked by their growing social aspects. Modern platforms now support real-time collaboration, enabling players to challenge peers or partake in cooperative word-building tasks. This social layer enhances language acquisition while nurturing a community oriented around learning and competition. Gamification of Learning The gamification trend in education is adding layers of motivation and engagement to vocabulary games. By employing virtual rewards, leaderboards, and achievements, these games make learning a compelling adventure. Players are motivated to return and progress, making vocabulary acquisition a rewarding journey rather than a mundane task. Security Aspects and Privacy With these advancements, security and privacy become paramount. Developers are prioritizing secure platforms where players’ data, such as learning habits and personal progress, is safeguarded. Ensuring that AI and AR technologies are implemented with robust privacy measures will be key to maintaining user trust and integrity. Sustainability and Future Trends The increasing focus on sustainable practices is influencing the gaming industry as well. Developers are exploring energy-efficient software and eco-friendly materials for AR gadgets to lessen their environmental impact. As these innovations continue to evolve, vocabulary games of the future are predicted to be more sustainable, efficient, and accessible to a broader audience. These elements highlight a promising future for vocabulary games, where AI, AR, and social gaming converge to create dynamic, personalized, and interactive learning experiences. As technologies advance and gaming platforms enhance their offerings, language learning will increasingly become an engaging, day-to-day adventure.
After their most productive day in a non-overtime game this season, the Denver Nuggets are out to earn consecutive victories for the first time in a month when they play host to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Following a run of seven losses in 11 games -- including one of their two setbacks against the Clippers this season -- the Nuggets turned their offense loose in a 141-111 road victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday as Nikola Jokic scored 48 points with 14 rebounds and eight assists. With three MVP awards in the past four seasons, Jokic is pointed toward another as he leads the NBA in rebounds at 13.6 per game and is second in points (32.3) and assists (10.2). He has 104 points over the past two games but his 56-point outing Saturday ended up in a defeat to the lowly Washington Wizards. Jokic's push for offense coincides with a hamstring injury to Jamal Murray, who missed the past two games and is expected to be listed as questionable for Friday's game. Dario Saric is expected back after he was inactive the past two games with an ankle injury. In his first season with the Nuggets, former Clippers guard Russell Westbrook has averaged 6.4 assists per game. With Murray down, he has averaged 11.5 assists the past two games. "When Russ is out there with Nikola, he's just always looking for him," Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said. "He's always trying to find him. And that makes complete sense to me. You're playing with the best player in the world. You might want to give him the ball." The Clippers' Norman Powell has averaged 32.5 points in the two victories over the Nuggets and leads Los Angeles with 23.6 points per game this season. While Powell has returned from a recent hamstring injury, James Harden (groin) was absent from Sunday's 117-106 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks, as was Terance Mann (finger). Kawhi Leonard (knee) has not played this season but has finally returned to practice as he nears his season debut. The hope for Los Angeles head coach Tyronn Lue was to hold things together as best as possible until Leonard returned, and a 14-11 record through the first two months appears to have to accomplished that goal. Leonard won't travel with the team for Friday's game, but his return to practice has made an impact. "It raised our energy just for our guys to see him on the floor," Lue said. "It brought a juice to our team, so we needed that jolt, especially going through the schedule we've been through. It was really good to see him out there." Instead of playing it passive until Leonard returns, the Clippers have ramped up their defense, which has allowed 107.4 points per game. It is the fifth-best mark in the NBA. The 35-year-old Harden has raised his game for the Clippers by averaging 21.6 points, his most since the 2021-22 season. He has also averaged 8.5 assists with 6.8 rebounds while playing in 24 of 25 games. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Strictly Come Dancing star Nick Knowles has given an update on his injuries as he focuses on his recovery. The DIY SOS presenter, who became the third contestant to be eliminated from this year’s Strictly, sustained an arm injury in the second week of the show after a mishap while changing a tyre and also a knee injury during the third week . And now, one month after leaving the competition, Nick, 62, has revealed that he will go under the knife in just four weeks’ time. The TV personality also explained that he hopes to be “fully recovered” by August next year. While attending an event to mark the new collaboration between Grove Gallery and Astrea Diamonds, Nick opened up about his recovery as he sported braces on his knee and shoulder. “I’ll be resting until February but then I’m due to film for DIY SOS,” he told The Sun . “I’m really hoping I’ll be back on my feet by then, although I won’t be fully recovered until August next year.” Nick, who is engaged to fiancee Katie Dadzie, also spoke about his plans to be able to take part in a first dance at their big day next summer. “We’ve booked our wedding for next summer and the plan is for us to be able to do a first dance,” he added. The latest update comes after Nick addressed the possibility of making a return to the show despite his injuries . After posting a picture from his hospital bed and telling fans he needed surgery for his knee, one fan asked if he would be joining the final dance at the end of the series. “Will you still be able to do the end-of-series dance in the final? It wouldn’t seem right for you not to be there,” they asked. However, the TV presenter responded and said that his participation would be unlikely. “I’m not sure my injuries will allow - I have to wait for the knee operation until the bicep operation has healed so I can use crutches afterwards. So I don’t think recovery will be in time, sadly,” he said. Last month, the star took to social media to announce that he was “heading into hospital to have the first of my two operations.” Explaining the situation, he said: “They're going to reattach my bicep, which was the first thing I managed to damage during my time on Strictly. Although I didn't do it on Strictly, I did it when I changed a wheel on my car. A really unlucky accident.” Following the operation, he added: “All went well by all accounts so I have a reattached bicep now. Bit of physio for the next 3 months and all shall be right as rain and back to 100% I think so that's one down. And one to go on the knee.”Work has begun on venture studio built to fill void in Buffalo's entrepreneurial spaceOneDigital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. ( NYSE:AWI – Free Report ) by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,864 shares of the construction company’s stock after purchasing an additional 76 shares during the quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC’s holdings in Armstrong World Industries were worth $245,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of AWI. Blue Trust Inc. grew its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 5.9% during the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,428 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $188,000 after buying an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its holdings in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 13.9% during the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 672 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $88,000 after acquiring an additional 82 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its position in shares of Armstrong World Industries by 41.0% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 306 shares of the construction company’s stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC increased its stake in Armstrong World Industries by 17.3% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 644 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $73,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System raised its position in Armstrong World Industries by 0.5% during the second quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 22,000 shares of the construction company’s stock valued at $2,491,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.93% of the company’s stock. Armstrong World Industries Price Performance AWI stock opened at $159.07 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.64. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. has a 52-week low of $82.63 and a 52-week high of $159.66. The company has a market capitalization of $6.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.05, a PEG ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $140.65 and a 200-day moving average price of $126.61. Armstrong World Industries Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, November 7th were issued a $0.308 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 7th. This is a boost from Armstrong World Industries’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.77%. Armstrong World Industries’s dividend payout ratio is presently 21.69%. Analyst Ratings Changes AWI has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group lifted their price target on Armstrong World Industries from $136.00 to $144.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. StockNews.com upgraded Armstrong World Industries from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Loop Capital increased their target price on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $148.00 to $162.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of Armstrong World Industries from $127.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an “in-line” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $140.83. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AWI About Armstrong World Industries ( Free Report ) Armstrong World Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AWI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Armstrong World Industries, Inc. ( NYSE:AWI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
The World Cup may be over a year away, but the road to 2026 kicks off for real this Friday, December 13, (Friday the 13th) when Europe’s teams discover their qualifying fates. The draw takes place in Zurich at 12PM (noon) Spanish time, with fans on tenterhooks to see who their national teams will face. So, what’s new about this year’s format, and how will it all unfold? New World Cup rules, new rivalries In a shake-up for the ages, the European qualifiers have been revamped to match the expanded 48-team World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Europe’s 16 spots are up for grabs through a streamlined 12-group system, with some intriguing twists. Six groups will feature five teams, while the other six will have only four. It’s simple: finish top of your group, and you’re booking a ticket to North America. Come second? You’ll enter a nerve-shredding play-off alongside four Nations League hopefuls, with just four tickets available for those 16 teams. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Football World Cup 2026 Draw: Friday’s Big Draw- New rules, new rivalries Spanish banks will be forced to report every penny December's cosmic gift: Cold Moon and meteor showers to light up Spanish skies! Seeds of excitement: Where will your team land? The seeding system adds another layer of drama. Each group will include teams from pots ranked by their performances. Here’s the breakdown: Pot 1: Heavyweights like Spain, Germany, England, Portugal, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, are joined by Denmark, Croatia, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. Pot 2: These are the dark horses; Ukraine, Sweden, Turkey, Wales, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Norway. Pot 3: Scotland, Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, North Macedonia, Georgia, Finland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Israel could spring surprises. Pot 4: Teams like Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Kosovo, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Latvia, and Lithuania could be wildcards. Pot 5: Football minnows Moldova, Malta, Andorra, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, and San Marino look to shock the big boys. The draw starts with Pot 1 teams assigned to groups before moving sequentially down the pots. However, restrictions are in place: political tensions mean Ukraine won’t face Belarus, and Kosovo must avoid Serbia. Four-team groups: The Nations League twist The Nations League adds an extra wrinkle to the mix. Four of its quarter-finalists will occupy spots in the four-team groups, ensuring fewer fixtures due to their packed calendars. Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, part of the play-offs, are prime candidates for these groups. Meanwhile, England are expected to land in a five-team group. Weather woes and travel troubles To avoid frozen pitches, only two of Europe’s coldest nations – such as Finland and Iceland – can share a group. Long-haul journeys for teams like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are also limited. Mark your calendars Qualifiers kick off in March 2025, with games spaced across five international breaks. Four-team groups get a later start, with matches beginning in September. The play-offs – for those holding on to their World Cup dreams by a thread- take place in March 2026. The final countdown The tournament itself begins on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, culminating in a July 19 final in New Jersey. For the first time ever , 48 teams will battle it out in 12 groups, followed by a thrilling last-32 knockout stage. As fans gear up for the big reveal, the road to 2026 promises a bucket-load of drama. Find more news in English from around Spain . Read more news in English from around Europe .New Syria PM calls for 'stability and calm'
Globalink Investment Inc. Announces Extension of the Deadline to Complete a Business Combination to January 9, 2025TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s most populous province may bar American-made alcohol in addition to restricting electricity exports to Michigan, New York and Minnesota if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products, a senior official said Thursday. The official in Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government said that it’s contemplating restricting Ontario’s liquor control board from buying American-made alcohol. Ontario is also considering restricting exports of critical minerals required for electric vehicle batteries and preventing U.S.-based companies from the government’s procurement process, the official said on condition on anonymity because the functionary wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about the potential measures. Ford confirmed on Wednesday evening that Ontario is contemplating restricting electricity exports to Michigan, New York State and Minnesota. He reiterated that on Thursday and said it would make electricity unaffordable for Americans. “It’s a last resort,” Ford said. “I don’t think President-elect Trump wants that to happen. We’re sending a message to the U.S. If you come and attack Ontario, you attack livelihoods of people in Ontario and Canadians, we are going to use every tool in our tool box to defend Ontarians and Canadians. Let’s hope it never comes to that.” Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs . Ontario powered 1.5 million homes in the U.S. in 2023 and is a major exporter of electricity to Michigan, Minnesota and New York. “That’s OK if he that does that. That’s fine,” Trump told CNBC when asked about Ford’s remarks on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. “The United States is subsidizing Canada and we shouldn’t have to do that,” Trump said. “And we have a great relationship. I have so many friends in Canada, but we shouldn’t have to subsidize a country. We’re subsidizing more than a $100 billion a year. We shouldn’t have to be doing that.” The CNBC reporter said off camera that Trump told him that they hope they can work something out with Canada. The premier of the oil rich Canadian province of Alberta ruled out cutting off oil exports. “Under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said. “Instead, we’re taking a diplomatic approach and we’re meeting with our allies in the U.S. We’re making the case for Alberta oil and gas to be part of the solution to energy affordability and energy security.” Canada supplies more oil to the U.S. than any other country, nearly 4.5 million barrels a day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada and a fifth of the crude refined in the U.S. comes from Canada. “If you put a 25% tariff on oil from Alberta that increases every gallon of gasoline by one dollar,” Ford said. About 85% of U.S. electricity imports come from Canada as well. Canada also has 34 critical minerals and metals the Pentagon is eager for. Nearly 3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Canada has promised more border security spending to address Trump’s border concerns. Ford said that will include more border and police officers, as well as drones and sniffer dogs. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently had dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Florida, said they plan to share details of those border plans with the incoming Trump administration in the coming days. Alberta’s government is creating a new sheriff patrol unit to shore up security at the border. It will be supported by about 50 sheriffs, 10 cold weather surveillance drones and four drug detection dogs. Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) deep zone along the border with Montana will be deemed critical infrastructure, so sheriffs can arrest without a warrant anyone found attempting to cross illegally or trafficking illegal drugs or weapons. At the Mar-a-Lago dinner, Kristen Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., said that Washington’s trade deficit with Canada was also raised. Hillman said the U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year but noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. is energy exports and prices have been high. Trudeau said this week that U.S.-imposed tariffs would be “absolutely devastating” for the Canadian economy , but it would also mean real hardship for Americans. Canada imposed duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canadian officials have said that it’s unfair to lump Canada in with Mexico. LeBlanc said that illegal migration from Canada to the U.S. is only 0.6% of the total, and fentanyl from Canada is 0.2% of the total of U.S. seizures. Quebec Premier Françoise Legault said that Trump told him in Paris last week that he doesn’t want to see anymore illegal immigration coming from Canada. Quebec is a major supplier of electricity to the U.S. Legault noted Trudeau’s plan to strengthen border security. “I prefer that than starting a war and stopping sending energy to the United States,” Legault said. Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey said he had a call with New England governors this week and said there is a significant degree of concern on both sides of the border. “We hope it is just bluster,” Furey said. “We are preparing as if it is not. There will be no winner in a trade war.”December 12, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread by Jodi Heckel, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign The Midwest played a central role in the growth of Black freedom movements in the 20th century. It was a key site for incubating and expanding the ideas of political activist Marcus Garvey, not only in the U.S., but globally, said University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor of African American studies and history Erik S. McDuffie. McDuffie examined the influence of Garvey and the importance of the Midwest in the growth of Black internationalism and radicalism in his new book, " The Second Battle for Africa: Garveyism, the U.S. Heartland and Global Black Freedom ." McDuffie said the book is deeply personal and tied to his family history and Midwestern roots. He grew up in suburban Cleveland in a family that was interested in history, politics and global events and that hailed from St. Kitts, Canada and the U.S. His great-grandfather was a Garveyite who once introduced Garvey at a 1923 Detroit rally. Garvey, who grew up in Jamaica around the turn of the 20th century, campaigned for the self-determination and autonomy of Black people, the end of colonial rule in Africa, race pride and connections between Africa and the African diaspora. His ideas emerged at a time of global upheaval following World War I. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which claimed 6 million members worldwide in the 1920s and was the largest Black protest movement in history at that time. "Garveyism is the most potent social, political, cultural and spiritual force in the Black world from the early 20th century forward. So many movements, formations and institutions across the African world—not just the Midwest and the U.S., but in the Caribbean, Africa and beyond—directly or indirectly were inspired by Garveyism," McDuffie said. "You can't talk about Black people in the 20th century without talking about Garvey." The Midwest was particularly suited for its role as a hub of Black political activism, McDuffie said. He described the region as "the dialectic of opportunity and oppression." Black people viewed the North as a promised land where they could be free from slavery. They could vote. Midwest cities were manufacturing centers, with automobile plants, steel mills and rubber plants bringing millions of people from around the world to work in those industries. Black men could earn higher wages than they could find elsewhere, McDuffie said. "What makes it distinct is the way Black people found unique political and economic opportunities that they couldn't find anywhere else in the world," he said. Their political and economic power helped make the UNIA branches in Midwestern cities some of the largest and most influential in the world, with Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland particularly important, McDuffie wrote. Chicago became the site of Johnson Publishing Company and Third World Press Foundation, important publishers of Black literature, magazines and news, and Malcolm X College. At the same time, the Midwest was the site of virulent racial oppression and violence, with lynchings, Ku Klux Klan activity, laws restricting the freedoms of Black citizens and a white settler colonialism perspective, McDuffie said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . "These forces came together, and then Garvey was talking about race pride, self-determination and a free Africa. It helped radicalize Black people in unique and important ways," he said. The politics of some Black nationalists embraced Black settler colonialism in Africa, anticommunism, capitalism and heteropatriarchy. They at times collaborated with white supremacists on their common ground of separation of the races and colonization of Liberia for Black people who wanted to live freely in Africa, McDuffie said. While some of Garvey's ideas leaned toward the right wing, they transcend the ideological spectrum of Black thinking, McDuffie said. Many activists inspired by Garvey rejected those ideas for more leftist views. "Most people appreciated how he inspired pride, encouraged them to build institutions and advance autonomy, and his anticolonial message," McDuffie said. Women played a critical role in grassroots community work and in leadership roles in the UNIA, and they promoted the empowerment of Black women. McDuffie wrote about the influence of Louise Little, the mother of Malcolm X who was born in Grenada and later lived in Nebraska and Michigan. She was instrumental in cultivating a Black radical perspective in her children and laid the foundation for the work of Malcolm X, who maintained a lifelong connection to the Midwest, particularly Detroit, McDuffie said. He also wrote about James Stewart, who succeeded Garvey as UNIA president-general and moved its headquarters to Cleveland, then later to Liberia. Garveyism inspired independence campaigns in Africa and the Caribbean. It inspired new movements, including Rastafarianism and the Nation of Islam, which was founded in Detroit. Garveyism also was critical to shaping the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, McDuffie said. The continuing impact of Garveyism is seen today in the field of African American studies, which was established as the result of activism in the 1960s and '70s, and in the Black Lives Matter movement, he said. "It's not accidental that Ferguson, Missouri, and Minneapolis were the sites where Black Lives Matter truly went global, given the unique intersections between opportunity and structural violence against Black people," McDuffie said. "There's a tendency among scholars to erase the Midwest when talking about the global African diaspora. I really want to emphasize the importance of the Midwest in shaping 20th-century Black life." Provided by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign