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Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Two New Jersey lawmakers said Tuesday they successfully lobbied to include an erosion study in a water infrastructure bill, the final version of which was recently negotiated by the House and Senate. U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, worked with U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th, to get the New Jersey study included in the Water Resources Development Act, the two said in news releases. "The Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Study is a promise to safeguard our coastal way of life and the natural beauty that defines our beloved South Jersey," Van Drew said in a statement. "We must take a novel approach to protect our coastline from the harmful effects of coastal erosion." Last week, Congress came to an agreement on the the final version of the Water Resources Development Act, after negotiations to reconcile House- and Senate-passed versions. Body matching description of missing 84-year-old found in Galloway Township Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita 1 injured in Egg Harbor Township crash Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Could American Airlines bus program lead to more flights at Atlantic City airport? District overspending main focus for new Atlantic City school board member Ron Bailey Atlantic City now has more weed shops than casinos with dozens more on the way Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders Large drones spotted in Philadelphia area as FBI investigates mysterious drone sightings in NJ Egg Harbor City church celebrates its inspiration with 1,700-year-old artifact Who are The Press 2024 Boys Soccer All-Stars? Northfield intersection to become four-way stop Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail High-scoring St. Augustine senior is The Press Boys Soccer Player of the Year Hot spot erosion is accelerated sediment loss that leaves specific areas of beaches, dunes and nearby properties exposed to storm surges and flooding, the two legislators said. It happens when geography and currents focus wave action and energy on a narrow part of a beach. Often located at the north ends of barrier islands, erosion hot spots are usually near coastal tidal inlets, said Kim McKenna, interim executive director of the Coastal Research Center at Stockton University. In May, she described South Jersey beaches as generally in good shape for the summer, other than at such spots that needed to be addressed. In Atlantic City, there were 8- to 10-foot sand cliffs running from Ocean Casino Resort to Resorts Casino Hotel at the north end of Absecon Island earlier this year. Overall, South Jersey beaches are in good shape going into the summer, but erosion hot spots at the north ends of barrier islands are a bit worse than usual, according to one coastal expert. Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey and of Resorts, said at the time that emergency replenishment was needed, but it did not happen in time for summer. Work is underway now on a project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to widen beaches in Atlantic City and some neighboring shore towns. It will place 1.2 million cubic yards of sand on the shoreline — enough to fill as many as 120,000 dump trucks. Sand cliffs can cause serious injuries. Former Gov. Jim McGreevey broke his femur in July 2004 in a fall off a 4-foot sand ledge in Cape May. In North Wildwood, erosion virtually eliminated beaches in places in recent years, and the city spent millions to do its own beach replenishment, only to be fined by the state for breaking the law. North Wildwood City Council voted early this month to settle litigation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The state will cancel $12 million in fines, and the city will drop its lawsuit seeking state reimbursement for the $30 million it had spent to do its own beach repair. The Water Resources Development Act is passed every two years and authorizes essential water infrastructure projects nationwide, Van Drew and Pallone said. On March 1, the two lawmakers wrote a letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment calling for urgent action to address Jersey Shore hot spot erosion, they said. Atlantic City is finally getting a beach replenishment project that casinos say is essential for visitors who have had precious little space to spread their towels for two sand-starved summers. The study directs the Army Corps to identify the most erosion-prone areas, assess the impact on existing federal shore protection projects and propose tailored solutions. “Hot spot erosion isn’t just about losing sand — it’s about losing the first line of defense for New Jersey families and businesses against storms and flooding,” Pallone said. Pallone is the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “The Jersey Shore generates over $50 billion in annual economic activity and supports tens of thousands of jobs. This study will help pinpoint problem areas and develop solutions to protect our coastline, preserve our economy, and ensure the safety of our coastal communities," he said. Options to lessen hot spot erosion may include building physical structures such as seawalls, groins or breakwaters, or adjustments to beach replenishment schedules, the lawmakers said. New Jersey has more than 100 miles of coastline, which supports $100 billion in property and tens of thousands of jobs. Van Drew, one of three Republicans in the 12-member New Jersey House delegation, said he was proud to work in a bipartisan manner alongside Pallone. REPORTER: Michelle Brunetti Post 609-841-2895 mpost@pressofac.com Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Staff Writer Author twitter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.None
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel sparked discussion on social media this week after addressing criticism of his production . In a now-deleted post, Samuel wrote, "Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!" The comment prompted questions for head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, who expressed unwavering support for Samuel while emphasizing the team's commitment to finding ways to get him more involved offensively. When asked about his comments, Samuel simply responded, "You read what you read. I was frustrated for sure." One teammate, however, is predicting big things for Samuel in Thursday night's critical NFC West matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Tight end George Kittle believes Samuel is poised for a breakout performance, arguing that his season stats don't tell the whole story of his still-potent playmaking ability. "I thought Deebo, actually, against the Bears, the opportunities that he had, he was trying to make the most of them," Kittle said. "And unfortunately, for a couple of those, they had better calls than the plays that we called." Despite Samuel being limited to just two catches for 22 yards in Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears, Kittle is confident the star receiver will rise to the occasion against the Rams. "I think he's gonna have one of those amazing Deebo Thursday night games, especially against the Rams," Kittle shared. "That's what I see. So, guys want to voice their opinions on social media. It is what it is. I don't really care. It doesn't make anybody in this locker room think any differently about him. "Deebo thinks highly of himself, as we all think very highly of Deebo. He's a hell of a football player. So he just wants to be out there and contribute to the team, and I think he's going to have an opportunity to do that this Thursday." This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.US President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he was nominating staunch loyalist and retired general Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy, charged with ending the two-and-a-half-year Russian invasion. Trump campaigned on a platform of ushering a swift end to the Ukraine war, boasting that he would quickly mediate a ceasefire deal between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. But his critics have warned that the incoming Republican will likely leverage US military aid to pressure Kyiv into an agreement that left it ceding occupied territory permanently or agreeing not to join NATO. "I am very pleased to nominate General Keith Kellogg to serve as Assistant to the President and Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia," Trump said in a statement on social media. "Keith has led a distinguished Military and Business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first Administration." A fixture on the cable news circuit, the 80-year-old national security veteran co-wrote an academic paper earlier this year calling for Washington to leverage military aid as a means of pushing for peace talks. Ukraine has received almost $60 billion from Washington for its armed forces since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, but with the more isolationist Trump taking over the White House, supporters fear the spigot will run dry. "The United States would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defenses to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a cease-fire or peace agreement," Kellogg's research paper for the Trumpist America First Policy Institute think tank said. "Future American military aid, however, will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia." Kellogg served in several positions during Trump's first term, including as chief of staff on the White House national security council and national security advisor to then-vice president Mike Pence. More from this section Kellogg told Voice of America at the Republican convention in July that Ukraine's options were "quite clear." "If Ukraine doesn't want to negotiate, fine, but then accept the fact that you can have enormous losses in your cities and accept the fact that you will have your children killed, accept the fact that you don't have 130,000 dead, you will have 230,000–250,000," he said. Trump's announcement came as the outgoing administration of Democrat Joe Biden was hosting a news conference to urge Ukraine to enlist more recruits by reducing the minimum age of conscription to 18. Facing a much larger enemy with more advanced weapons and with stocks of volunteers dwindling, Ukraine is facing an "existential" recruitment crunch, a senior administration official told reporters. "The simple truth is that Ukraine is not currently mobilizing or training enough soldiers to replace their battlefield losses while keeping pace with Russia's growing military," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. He was pressed on what Washington considers an appropriate minimum age and he replied that "we think there's real value in them considering lowering the recruiting age to 18" -- in line with the US benchmark. He added that an additional 160,000 troops would be "on the low end" to fill out Ukraine's ranks -- but "a good start." The former Soviet republic's population has fallen by more than a quarter since its mid-1990s peak of 52 million, and authorities are desperate to shield the younger generation -- but a US congressional report in June estimated the average Ukrainian soldier is 40. Zelensky signed a decree in April lowering the draft age from 27 to 25 but the move did not alleviate the chronic troop shortages, according to US officials. ft/bjtAbout 1 in 8 Canadians think Canada should become 51st American state: poll
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How Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woesMR. FRANK’S SEASONINGS TO SPICE UP THE 2025 CAYMAN COOKOUT ALONGSIDE CELEBRITY CHEF BERNARD GUILLASAmerica is incredibly polarized. It’s bad for our health.
Volvo Cars Australia hasn’t given up on its trusty XC90 just yet, with the popular large SUV’s second facelift originally not intended for our market now confirmed for launch during the first half of 2025. Revealed in September, the 2025 Volvo XC90 is the third iteration of the second-generation model first launched globally in 2015, boasting a more comprehensive set of design revisions and Volvo’s latest technologies to bring it in line with the Swedish brand’s newest models like the all-electric EX90 . Headlining the changes are a new face more akin to Volvo’s new electric range of ‘EX’ models, as well as a new 11.2-inch high-resolution infotainment system running the brand’s latest interface. Volvo has applied some less obvious changes, like improved storage space in the centre console, a relocated wireless smartphone charger, redesigned gear selector and additional sound insulation to make the cabin quieter. 100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Beyond that, “the best-ever Volvo XC90” is more or less the same under the skin – and it already had proven and capable underpinnings. Volvo is keen to label the available T8 plug-in hybrid version as an “electric car with a back-up plan”, quoting over 70km of WLTP-certified electric driving range, and a further 800km of range from the turbocharged petrol engine (based on fuel economy of 8.6L/100km once the battery is depleted). Globally, the existing B5 and B6 mild-hybrid versions also carry over. It’s unclear if all three powertrain variants will continue in Australia into 2025, or whether the T8 will become more widely available. Full pricing and specifications for our market will be detailed closer to launch but, for reference, the existing range is priced from $99,940 plus on-road costs for the Ultra B5 Bright, climbing to $128,390 before on-roads for the Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid flagship. Given the expected upgrades, we could see the upgraded XC90’s starting price in Australia start above six figures, unless base pricing reduces closer to the $86,990 entry point from a few years ago when the more affordable Momentum grade was offered (which could be called Plus in today’s nomenclature). Stay tuned to CarExpert for more details. MORE: 2025 Volvo XC90 gets new lease on life MORE: Everything Volvo XC90Core & Main director Margaret Newman sells $828,687 in stock
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Jim Carrey could star in another highly anticipated sequel following the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, as fans have been left stunned by the actor's unusual career choice. The actor is set to take on a double role in the third-instalment of the live-action adaptation of the beloved video game character. He will return as Dr Robotnik while he also plays the villain's grandfather as well. This marks the first time that Carrey has returned for a third film to play the same character as he has previously shunned sequels. In fact, before Sonic 2 released in 2022, the comic star had only ever agreed to appear in two sequels across his entire career. Ace Venture: When Nature Calls in 1995 and Dumb and Dumber To in 2014 and the latter was 20 years after the original with a prequel featuring different actors in between. Explaining what changed, Carrey told GamesRadar: "For me, at this time of my life – for some reason – I've never really wanted to do sequels. I've never really wanted to do franchise stuff. It didn't occur to me. I just thought, 'I want to move on and do something new'. Maybe six months before the first Sonic movie, I thought to myself I'd like to have a character that I could sit with for a bit for a few films. Especially if it could evolve, if it could change from film to film. "Robotnik has been able to evolve in his look and his manner from film to film. Every time he gets defeated, he becomes more bitter and hostile. His megalomania gets ratched up and these inventions, the technological wonders that he keeps coming up with, keep topping themselves." As Carrey seems to have changed his mind over doing sequels, fans are excited over what could be next. The actor has already revealed conditions for being convinced to reprise two of his most iconic roles, The Grinch and Stanley Ipkiss from The Mask. He told Comicbook.com: "Oh gosh, you know, it has to be the right idea. If somebody had the right idea, I guess... It’s not really about the money. I joke about the money... But I never know. You can’t be definite about these things. I said I’d like to retire, but I think I was talking more about power-resting. Because as soon as a good idea comes your way, or a group of people that you really enjoyed working with and stuff, it just – things tend to change." While he laid down his requirements for a Grinch follow-up as he added: "If we can figure out The Grinch... The thing about it is that, on the day, I had to do that with a ton of makeup, and I could hardly breath, and it was an extremely excruciating process. The children were in my mind all the time. ‘It’s for the kids, it’s for the kids, it’s for the kids.’ And now, with motion capture and things like that, I could be free to do some other things. Anything’s possible in this world." Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is in cinemas December 21.Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Dentsply To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in Dentsply between December 1, 2022 and November 6 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP , a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. (“Dentsply” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: XRAY) and reminds investors of the January 27, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com . As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) Dentsply targeted low-income people who did not have access to good oral hygiene education, a dentist, or dental insurance, which often meant patients signing up for Byte had underlying dental issues that would have made them ineligible for treatment; (2) the push for Byte growth and sales commissions caused sales employees to sell to contraindicated patients; (3) as a result of the above, the Byte patient onboarding workflow did not provide adequate assurance that contraindicated patients did not enter treatment; (4) before and during the Class Period, reports of Byte patient injuries were pouring in; (5) Dentsply knew that its Byte aligners were causing severe patient injuries for years but did little to investigate those injuries or notify the FDA; (6) Dentsply had no systems in place to notify the FDA of these injuries, which the Company is required to do within 30 days of learning of a problem; (7) the FDA had received a sharp uptick in reports of serious injuries from Byte patients; (8) as a result of the above, Dentsply materially overstated the goodwill value of Byte; (9) as a result of the above, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. The truth began to be revealed after markets closed on October 24, 2024, when Dentsply announced the “voluntary suspension of sales and marketing of its Byte Aligners and Impression Kits while the Company conducts a review of certain regulatory requirements related to these products.” Dentsply claimed that the Byte sales and marketing suspension was a “precautionary measure.” Dentsply further disclosed that it “expects to record non-cash charges for the impairment of goodwill within the range of $450-$550 million” for its Orthodontic and Implant Solutions segment. During a “Byte business update call” before markets opened on October 25, 2024, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Simon D. Campion gave more context about the Byte suspension: “[I]n connection with our ongoing discussions with FDA, we have determined that our patient onboarding workflow may not provide adequate assurance that certain contraindicated patients do not enter treatment with Byte Aligners.” On this news, the price of Dentsply stock fell over 4%, from a closing price of $24.41 per share on October 24, 2024, to a closing price of $23.31 per share on October 25, 2024. The truth was revealed on November 7, 2024 when, before the markets opened, Dentsply reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, disclosing that Dentsply had “recorded a non-cash charge for the impairment of goodwill of ($495) million net of tax within the Orthodontic and Implant Solutions segment.” During the corresponding earnings call held later that day, CEO Campion further disclosed that although Dentsply was “not at a point in our analysis to make a definitive decision concerning Byte,” the Company was “thoroughly evaluating strategic options, which may include a discontinuation of some or all of this business.” On this news, the price of Dentsply stock fell over 28%, from a closing price of $23.98 per share on November 6, 2024, to a closing price of $17.26 per share on November 7, 2024, on extraordinary trading volume. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Dentsply’s conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the DENTSPLY SIRONA class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/XRAY or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , on X , or on Facebook . Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de2601eb-12a6-4c86-acde-1ee2f3350b29DETROIT — Dan Campbell's gambles paid off. Detroit went for it on fourth down for a fifth time to set up Jake Bates' 35-yard field goal as time expired, Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes and the Lions clinched a playoff spot with a 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Campbell has been perhaps the NFL's most aggressive coach since taking over what was a league laughingstock in 2021, but he turned it up a notch against the Packers with a short-handed defense that he wanted to keep off the field. “That was how I wanted to play that team with where we are at,” Campbell said. The NFC-best Lions (12-1) broke a franchise record with their 11th straight win — including two over the Packers (9-4) — to stay ahead of Minnesota (10-2) in the highly competitive NFC North. “This will be one of those you’ll never forget,” Campbell said. Campbell kept his offense on the field on a fourth-and-1 at the Green Bay 21 with 43 seconds left. David Montgomery ran for 7 yards, barely getting a handoff from Goff after the quarterback got his feet tangled up and was falling toward the turf. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Credit: AP/Duane Burleson “It's a bad feeling,” Goff said. The play ensured the Lions could try a field goal without giving Green Bay the ball back, and Bates hit his third-game winning kick this season. “I just felt like we needed to end it on offense,” Campbell said. “I did not want to give the ball back and I believed we could convert. I trust the O-line. I trust David.” Goff threw two touchdown passes on fourth-and-goal, one to Tim Patrick, who had two TD catches. He also threw an interception in the third quarter to set up one of Josh Jacobs’ career-high matching three TD runs. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio Goff found Jahymr Gibbs open in the end zone for a 2-yard pass on a fourth down with 11 seconds left in the first half to put Detroit ahead 17-7. Goff later connected with Patrick on a go-ahead, 1-yard touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter. Green Bay took advantage of the only time Campbell’s aggressiveness didn’t pan out, denying Gibbs on a fourth-down run late in the third quarter from the Detroit 31. Jacobs scored for a third time on a 3-yard run on the ensuing drive. “The risk was there,” Campbell said. Brandon McManus made a 32-yard field goal with 3:38 left to pull the Packers into a 31-all tie in a game that had four lead changes earlier in the second half. “That’s exactly the kind of game we expected,” Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said. “It was tough and it went back and forth. There were just a couple plays that didn’t go our way.” The Lions' final drive began with Goff’s 19-yard pass to Jameson Williams. He also connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for 16 yards on the decisive possession. Goff finished 32 of 41 for 283 yards, and six Lions had at least five receptions, the first time that's happened in NFL history, according to OptaSTATS. “They have great playmakers and they just get them the ball,” LaFleur said. “Jared Goff is an excellent quarterback and we gave him time to throw.” Jordan Love was 12 of 20 for 206 yards with a touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft early in the third quarter. “They have a really good offense, but so do we,” Love said. “I don’t think there was any extra pressure on us. We just got off to a slow start.” Odd scene LaFleur lamented that someone holding the American flag during the national anthem ended up shouting at the Packers and had to be separated from them by officials before the game. “He was yelling at our players and giving the throat-slash gesture,” LaFleur said. “I’ve never seen anything like that. I would just like security to step in there and get him off the field.” Injuries Packers: S Evan Williams (concussion), S Javon Bullard (ankle), DE Lukas Van Ness (thumb) were hurt during the game. CB Jaire Alexander (knee), LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring), CB Corey Ballentine (knee) and WR Romeo Doubs (concussion) were inactive. Lions: DL Alim McNeill left with a head injury after he was evaluated for a concussion and returned to play briefly. OT Taylor Decker (shoulder), DT DJ Reader (shoulder), DE Josh Paschal (knee) and DL Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) were inactive. Up next Packers: At NFC West-leading Seattle in a Sunday night game on Dec. 15. Lions: Host AFC East-leading Buffalo on Dec. 15.
Megan Fox's hunky co-star Michele Morrone responds to fan romance theory amid Machine Gun Kelly splitBy JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There’s going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he’s pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl, Trump posted. Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation , while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would counter the move with tariffs on U.S. products. House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” “The economy department is preparing it,” Sheinbaum said. “If there are tariffs, Mexico would increase tariffs, it is a technical task about what would also benefit Mexico,” she said, suggesting her country would impose targeted import duties on U.S. goods in sensitive areas. House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans’ coming control of both the House and Senate. “This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November’s election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world’s second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump’s tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they were ultimately somewhat modest. Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared to the overall economy. America’s gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump’s tariffs — if they’re imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices, just as many companies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 boosted food and energy costs and gave several major companies the space to raise prices, according to their own earnings calls with investors. But what Trump didn’t really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City.
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‘Wheel of Fortune’ Player Misses $40,000 Win After Disney DisasterMacKenzie Scott gives rare third gift to medical debt relief group MacKenzie Scott continues to make medical debt relief a priority in her mysterious giving. Stephanie Beasley Of The Chronicle Of Philanthropy, The Associated Press Dec 18, 2024 11:56 AM Dec 18, 2024 12:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message FILE - Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, March 4, 2018, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) MacKenzie Scott continues to make medical debt relief a priority in her mysterious giving. This week, Undue Medical Debt, formerly RIP Medical Debt, announced it had received a rare third gift — $50 million — from the billionaire philanthropist, signaling her satisfaction with the group’s efforts to purchase medical debt in bulk from hospitals and debt collectors. Scott has donated a total of $130 million to the organization since 2020. Medical debt is increasing despite most of the U.S. population having some form of medical insurance. Nearly 100 million people are unable to pay their medical bills, according to Third Way, a left-leaning national think tank. Overall, Americans owe about $220 billion in medical debt, with historically disadvantaged groups shouldering the bulk of the burden. Lower-income people, people with disabilities, middle-aged adults, Black people, the uninsured, and people living in rural areas are among the groups most likely to be affected by medical debt, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation . Undue Medical Debt buys debt at a discounted price, estimating that it erases about $100 in debt for each $1 donated. The group also collaborates with policymakers to encourage the adoption of measures to curb what people owe for medical care. Scott first gave Undue Medical Debt a $50 million donation in 2020, followed by a $30 million donation in 2022. With that money, the group has relieved nearly $15 billion in debt for more than 9 million people, CEO Allison Sesso said. That’s a significant leap from the $1 billion in debt relieved from 2014 to 2019, she noted. “I’m frankly astounded by this most recent gift from MacKenzie Scott and feel proud to be a steward of these funds as we continue the essential work of dismantling the yoke of medical debt that’s burdening far too many families in this country,” said Sesso. The continued funding has allowed Sesso “to not have to worry about my next dollar,” she said, and “think more strategically about the narrative around medical debt — she has helped us push that conversation.” Undue Medical Debt was started in 2014 by two former debt collection executives, Jerry Ashton and Craig Antico, who were inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement’s advocacy for debt relief. Growth initially was slow. But with Scott’s gifts, the nonprofit has been able to staff up, produce more research, and develop relationships with policymakers who have pushed for changes to hospital billing practices to relieve debt and prevent people from accumulating it in the first place, Sesso said. Undue Medical Debt’s public policy arm has worked with lawmakers in North Carolina, which in July became the first state to offer additional Medicaid payments to hospitals that agree to adopt debt relief measures, she said. The policy change followed the publication of a 2023 report from Duke University, which found that one in five families in the state had been forced into collections proceedings because of medical debt. Since 2020, the organization’s staff has grown from three to about 40, Sesso said. Those hires included an anthropologist who collects stories from people set back by medical debt to inform the group’s research and advocacy work. Scott’s gifts also have helped improve Undue Medical Debt’s technology to identify people eligible for debt relief and to find hospitals from which it can purchase medical debt, among other things, Sesso said. “This coming year, because of this MacKenzie Scott grant, we’ll be able to add more people, making sure that we can support that growth on an ongoing basis,” Sesso said. Few repeat grantees Few organizations have received more than one gift from Scott. Other multi-grant recipients include Blue Meridian, an intermediary group that has directed billions of dollars to nonprofits around the world, and GiveDirectly, which provides no-strings-attached cash payments to low-income people globally. GiveDirectly has received $125 million from Scott since 2020. Blue Meridian has not disclosed amounts for the four gifts it’s received since 2019. Scott’s contributions to those two organizations were for specific causes like GiveDirectly’s U.S. poverty relief fund, said Christina Im, a senior research analyst at the Center for Effective Philanthropy. In the case of Undue Medical Debt, the timing of Scott’s first gifts in 2020 and 2022 seemed to correspond with COVID-relief efforts, she said. Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is worth an estimated $32 billion but provides few details about her grantmaking decisions. Without further information, it’s hard to know what prompted this third donation to Undue Medical Debt, but Scott has said in public statements that she wants to help those who are most in need and bear the brunt of societal ills, said Elisha Smith Arrillaga, the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s vice president for research. “I have not seen a lot of other folks funding in this area,” Smith Arrillaga added. Anger over health care costs Scott’s latest gift to Undue Medical Debt comes amid national debates about medical insurance and the cost of medical treatments. The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan has heightened these conversations, with some lionizing the man who allegedly committed the crime. “That’s no way to get change, full stop,” Sesso said in reference to Thompson’s murder. “But I think the anger around insurance companies and having access to care is very clear.” The U.S. has one of the most expensive health care systems in the world. And the amount of medical debt carried by individuals seems to be increasing, noted Adam Searing, a public interest attorney and associate professor at Georgetown University, where he focuses on Medicaid and other health coverage programs. Searing previously served for 17 years as director of the Health Access Coalition at the nonprofit North Carolina Justice Center, advocating for the uninsured and underinsured. During that time, he heard from people losing their homes due to liens from hospitals. Sometimes those liens could be delayed, but it still meant that the debtors couldn’t pass those homes along to their children or grandchildren, he said. “Those stories stuck with me,” he said. “It really has an impact on families.” Relieving debt allows people to get their lives back on track and become financially secure after a major illness or series of expensive bills, Searing said. For philanthropists, it’s also a cause that is largely nonpartisan. Scott shining a spotlight on the issue is undoubtedly “a good thing,” he said. “I think it will have a big effect.” _____ Stephanie Beasley is a senior writer at the Chronicle of Philanthropy. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy . Stephanie Beasley Of The Chronicle Of Philanthropy, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Health Virtual safari trips, a return to the cockpit: seniors embrace VR in long-term care Dec 18, 2024 11:54 AM Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US Dec 18, 2024 11:07 AM What Americans think of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his health stances Dec 18, 2024 10:55 AM