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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — There’s plenty of concern and second-guessing to unpack from how the Bills unraveled on defense, special teams and clock management in their loss to the Los Angeles Rams to wonder whether it was premature labeling Buffalo as Super Bowl contenders only a week earlier. But first, the good news. There’s very little wrong with after the quarterback strengthened his NFL MVP case. A week after a four-TD performance that included the statistical anomaly of him scoring two touchdowns on the same play in a 35-10 win over San Francisco, Allen became the NFL’s first player to throw and rush for three scores apiece in . That Allen's latest superhuman-like effort ended in defeat is what’s troubling for the five-time defending AFC East champions (10-3) in their bid to dispel questions of finding ways to fall short in the playoffs in each of the past five years. Buffalo’s defense had few answers in stopping the Rams’ dynamic attack while allowing a season-high 457 yards. Worse still, the Bills allowed Los Angeles to go 11 of 15 on third down for a 73.3 conversion percentage — the third highest allowed by Buffalo and worst since allowing Miami's 75% conversion rate in 1986. If that’s not bad enough, the Bills lost for the first time in 39 games in which they scored at least 42 points, while becoming the NFL’s second team to lose when scoring 42 or more and not committing a turnover. Special teams didn’t help. Aside from allowing a blocked punt to be returned for a touchdown, the Bills couldn’t muster an attempt to block the Rams’ final punt from midfield with 7 seconds left because they only had nine players on the field. As coach Sean McDermott concluded after finally addressing reporters more than an hour after the game ended: “I thought we lost two of the three phases today.” He failed to mention yet another clock management misstep. Rather than have Allen spike the ball to stop the clock after a failed quarterback keeper from the Rams 1 with 62 seconds remaining, McDermott called timeout. That left Buffalo with two timeouts and essentially relying on the slim chances of recovering an onside kick after Allen scored on his next attempt. McDermott defended his decision by saying he feared too much time would elapse before the Bills aligned for another snap. And yet, it would not have matched the 45 seconds the Rams ran off on their final possession after Buffalo used its final two timeouts. Together, these are the types of miscues that have haunted the Bills in their recent playoff losses. The bright side is the loss to the Rams didn’t end the Bills’ season, though they fell two games behind Kansas City (12-1) . And perhaps, the loss can be chalked up to a team riding a little too high off a playoff-clinching win and having to travel across the country to face a Rams team in the thick of its divisional race. If that’s so, the Bills have a chance to address their flaws — and doubters — by how they respond in what still stands as a juicy showdown at the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (12-1) on Sunday. “They’re the top dog in football right now,” Allen said, looking ahead to Detroit. “We have to have a good week, learn from this one, and put it behind us.” What’s working Scoring. The Bills topped 30 points for a team-record seventh consecutive game and ninth time this season. Buffalo entered the day ranked second in the NFL averaging 30.5 points per outing, behind Detroit (32.1). What needs help Run defense. Though the Rams averaged just 3.3 yards per carry, they stuck with it in finishing with 137 yards, helping them enjoy a 17-minute edge in time of possession. Stock up Allen. If not for him, the Bills wouldn't have been in position to nearly overcome a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit. His 424 yards (342 passing and 82 rushing) accounted for all but 21 yards of Buffalo's total offense. Stock down With so many options, perhaps the focus falls on special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley. This is the second time in 13 months special teams personnel management became an issue. Buffalo was flagged for having too many men as time expired, providing Wil Lutz a second chance to hit a decisive field goal . Injuries Starting CB Rasul Douglas was sidelined by a knee injury. ... DE Casey Toohill injured his ribs. Key number 80-1-1 — The Bills' record when scoring 38 or more points, including a 38-38 tie with Denver in 1960. Next steps Facing Detroit represents Buffalo's final major test before closing the season with two games against New England and hosting the New York Jets. ___ AP NFL: John Wawrow, The Associated PressShare Tweet Share Share Email Personal data has emerged as one of the most valuable assets. From social media profiles to online shopping habits, companies are constantly collecting and analyzing data to tailor their products and services. However, this data-driven economy often leaves users with little control over their personal information. As awareness grows and technology advances, the future of data monetization looks promising. Individuals must stay informed, choose reliable platforms, and take ownership of their digital value. In doing so, they can transform their personal data from a passive asset into a lucrative opportunity . The Growing Importance of Personal Data Personal data has become a critical resource for businesses. From targeted advertising to market research, companies use this information to enhance their strategies and maximize profits. According to studies, the global data economy is valued at trillions of dollars, yet individuals who generate this data rarely see any monetary benefits. This imbalance has raised significant concerns about data privacy and fair compensation. Consumers are becoming more aware of the value their data holds. Governments and organizations worldwide are pushing for regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. These laws emphasize the need for transparency and give individuals more control over their data. As a result, the concept of monetizing personal data is gaining traction. How Platforms Enable Data Monetization Data monetization platforms allow users to control and profit from their personal information. These platforms serve as intermediaries, connecting individuals with businesses that require specific types of data. Users can choose what information to share, with whom, and under what terms. Here are some key features of these platforms: Transparency and Consent Platforms prioritize transparency by informing users how their data will be used. Users must give explicit consent before their information is shared, ensuring ethical practices. Secure Data Handling Data monetization platforms often use blockchain and encryption technologies to secure user information. This ensures that data is shared safely without the risk of breaches. Customizable Sharing Options Users have the freedom to select which data they want to monetize. For example, they can share demographic details, shopping preferences, or fitness data, depending on their comfort level. Fair Compensation These platforms provide users with a share of the revenue generated from their data. Payments can be made through direct transfers, cryptocurrencies, or other digital payment methods . Popular Platforms for Data Monetization Several platforms are leading the way in allowing users to monetize their personal data. Here are some of the most prominent ones: Datum Datum is a decentralized platform that lets users control and sell their data securely. By using blockchain technology, it ensures transparency and protects users’ privacy. Users can earn DAT tokens by sharing their data with businesses. Cocoon Cocoon offers a unique approach by providing a secure browser that rewards users for their data. The platform allows individuals to browse the web safely while earning tokens for consenting to share their browsing behavior. Killi Killi empowers users to take control of their data and get paid for it. The platform offers a simple app where users can opt into specific data-sharing programs and earn cash rewards. Reklaim Reklaim is a consumer-first platform that prioritizes privacy and fair compensation. It allows users to see what data companies have about them and decide whether to monetize it. Tartle Tartle connects users with businesses looking for specific data sets. Individuals can upload their data to the platform and negotiate its value directly with buyers. Benefits of Monetizing Personal Data The rise of data monetization platforms offers several advantages for users. Here’s how individuals can benefit: Empowerment and Control Users regain control over their personal information, deciding how and when it is used. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Passive Income By sharing their data, individuals can create a new source of passive income. This is especially beneficial for those looking to supplement their earnings. Enhanced Privacy Many platforms prioritize privacy, ensuring that users’ data is handled ethically and securely. This reduces the risks associated with unauthorized data collection. Transparency in Data Usage Data monetization platforms promote transparency, allowing users to understand how their information is being utilized. This builds trust between consumers and businesses. Incentivized Participation Users are rewarded for their participation in the data economy, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement. Businesses gain valuable insights, while individuals receive fair compensation. Challenges and Considerations While data monetization platforms offer numerous benefits, there are challenges to consider: Data Security Risks Despite advanced security measures, there is always a risk of data breaches. Users should choose platforms with robust security protocols. Complex Regulations Navigating data privacy laws and regulations can be challenging for both platforms and users. It is essential to stay informed about local and global data protection standards. Market Saturation As more platforms enter the market, users may face difficulty selecting the most reliable and profitable options. Researching and comparing platforms is crucial. Limited Awareness Many individuals are unaware of their ability to monetize personal data. Increasing awareness and education is vital for the widespread adoption of these platforms. The Future of Data Monetization The concept of monetizing personal data is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to reshape the digital economy. As technology evolves, data monetization platforms are likely to become more sophisticated, offering improved security, transparency, and user experience. Additionally, increased awareness about data privacy will drive demand for these platforms. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play a significant role in enhancing data monetization. These technologies can help analyze data more effectively, enabling businesses to derive deeper insights while ensuring user privacy. Furthermore, blockchain technology will continue to be a cornerstone of secure data sharing. Its decentralized nature ensures transparency and minimizes the risk of data misuse. Conclusion The rise of platforms allowing users to monetize their personal data marks a significant shift in the digital economy. These platforms empower individuals to take control of their information, offering transparency, security, and fair compensation. While challenges remain, the benefits of data monetization are undeniable. By embracing this innovative approach, users can unlock the true value of their digital footprint and actively participate in the data economy . Related Items: Owning Your Digital Value , Personal Data , Secure Data Handling Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you How to Keep Companies From Selling Your Personal Information? ImagineBC Gives You Control of Your Personal Information; Interview with the CEO Erik H. Rind Persona Partners with FintruX: Interview with Stefan Neagu, CEO of Persona. CommentsAustralia is welcoming a record number of working holidaymakers into the country – with numbers surpassing 200,000 for the first time – as a strong labour market and a surge of British backpackers boost the ranks of working travellers this summer. Their arrival is a boon to regional industries but will compound the Albanese government’s challenge in bringing down migration levels as it heads into a federal election campaign dominated by voters’ concerns about the cost of living, housing and immigration. Hundreds of backpackers flocked to Sydney’s Bronte Beach on Christmas Day. Credit: Wolter Peeters There were a record 213,400 people on working holidaymaker visas in Australia at the end of November – 43,000 more than last Christmas and 72,300 more than the pre-COVID level of 141,100 in December 2019. Last year, Australia took in about half of the world’s working travellers. Those numbers will put pressure on Australia’s annual migration targets, which the Albanese government is scrambling to meet after overshooting Treasury’s forecasts for the past two years as visitors delay their departures from the country. The post-pandemic immigration surge will be a heated political issue coming into next year’s election as both Labor and the Coalition pledge to bring down numbers . Former immigration department official Abul Rizvi said Australia had set records for working holidaymakers throughout 2024 and politicians would need to address that if they wanted to reduce migration. “It’s happened for several reasons,” Rizvi said. “Over the last decade, we have signed up for large number of new working holidaymaker agreements with a lot of countries. “We changed the rules for the UK: all others have to work in regional Australia but Brits don’t; they can stay in Bondi the whole time. The third reason would be our strong labour market. You can get a pretty well-paying job for a long time.”
Reports: Delaware State hires DeSean Jackson as head coach
Rays change schedule to avoid too many hot, muggy dates in TampaZenless Zone Zero 1.4 is giving out a free S-Rank Agent and taking another swing at its divisive TV mode: "We are neither surprised by nor dismissive of any feedback"
The suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings. Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the spotlight Monday after police revealed he is their person of interest in the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a father of two, last week in broad daylight in Manhattan in a case that laid bare deep frustration and anger with America's privatized medical system. News of his capture in Pennsylvania -- following a tip from a McDonald's worker --triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. While some lauded him as a hero and lamented his arrest, others analyzed his intellectual takes in search of ideological clues. A photo on one of his social media accounts includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. No explicit political affiliation has emerged. Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." character Luigi, sometimes depicted in AI-altered images wielding a gun or holding a Big Mac. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. "I want to donate to your defense fund," added another. According to Mangione's LinkedIn profile, he is employed as a data engineer at TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace. A company spokesperson told AFP Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." Although he had been living in Hawaii ahead of the killing, he originally hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore. He comes from a prominent and wealthy Italian-American family, according to the Baltimore Banner. The family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, its website says. A standout student, Mangione graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. In an interview with his local paper at the time, he praised his teachers for fostering a passion for learning beyond grades and encouraging intellectual curiosity. A former student who knew Mangione at the Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," this person said, asking that their name not be used. "Seemed to just be smiling, and kind of seemed like he was a smart kid. Ended up being valedictorian, which confirmed that," the former student said. Mangione went on to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage, archived on the Wayback Machine. On Instagram, where his following has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, Mangione shared snapshots of his travels in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also posted shirtless photos flaunting a six-pack and appeared in celebratory posts with fellow members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo -- an X-ray of a spine with bolts -- remains cryptic, with no public explanation. Finding a coherent political ideology has also proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on the online site goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out a string of bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione called Kaczynski "rightfully imprisoned," while also saying "'violence never solved anything' is a statement uttered by cowards and predators." According to CNN, handwritten documents recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline. In April, he wrote, "Horror vacui (nature abhors a vacuum)." The following month, he posted an essay he wrote in high school titled "How Christianity Prospered by Appealing to the Lower Classes of Ancient Rome." In another post from April, he speculated that Japan's low birthrate stems from societal disconnection, adding that "fleshlights" and other vaginal-replica sex toys should be banned. ia/nro/dwNEW YORK (AP) — Right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga is guaranteed $5 million in his one-year contract from the New York Yankees as he returns from Tommy John surgery and could earn up to $10.5 million over two seasons. Loáisiga gets a $500,000 signing bonus and a $4.5 million salary next season as part of the agreement announced Saturday. New York has a $5 million team option for 2026 with no buyout. Loáisiga could earn $500,000 in performance bonuses in 2026: $100,000 apiece for 50 innings and each additional five through 70. Pitching coach Matt Blake said last week the 30-year-old right-hander could return in late April or May from Tommy John surgery last May 1. “I imagine him being one of the high-leverage guys,” Blake said. “Obviously, we got to take some time to get him right, make sure we don’t rush him into competition.” Loáisiga had a $2.5 million salary this year in his final season of arbitration eligibility and became a free agent. He made three relief appearances during the first seven days of the season, then went on the injured list because of a strained right flexor muscle, then had Tommy John surgery with team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad. Loáisiga was limited to 17 games in 2023 by right elbow inflammation that sidelined him from the Yankees between April 5 and Aug. 8. He is 19-11 with a 3.44 ERA in 11 starts and 152 relief appearances over seven seasons, striking out 207 and walking 72 in 219 2/3 innings. Loáisiga averaged 97.8 mph with his sinker in 2023. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
Raised Access Floor Systems Market 2024 Size, Share, Growth Report 2032PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller sat for a long interview with the NCAA as it looked into concerns about unusual gambling activity, his lawyer said Friday amid reports a federal probe is now under way. “Hysier Miller fully cooperated with the NCAA’s investigation. He sat for a five-hour interview and answered every question the NCAA asked. He also produced every document the NCAA requested,” lawyer Jason Bologna said in a statement. “Hysier did these things because he wanted to play basketball this season, and he is devastated that he cannot.” Miller, a three-year starter from South Philadelphia, transferred to Virginia Tech this spring. However, the Hokies released him last month due to what the program called “circumstances prior to his enrollment at Virginia Tech.” Bologna declined to confirm that a federal investigation had been opened, as did spokespeople for both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia. ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday that authorities were investigating whether Miller bet on games he played in at Temple, and whether he adjusted his performance accordingly. “Hysier Miller has overcome more adversity in his 22 years than most people face in their lifetime. He will meet and overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead," Bologna said. Miller scored eight points — about half his season average of 15.9 — in a 100-72 loss to UAB on March 7 that was later flagged for unusual betting activity. Temple said it has been aware of those allegations since they became public in March, and has been cooperative. “We have been fully responsive and cooperative with the NCAA since the moment we learned of the investigation,” Temple President John Fry said in a letter Thursday to the school community. However, Fry said Temple had not received any requests for information from state or federal law enforcement agencies. He vowed to cooperate fully if they did. “Coaches, student-athletes and staff members receive mandatory training on NCAA rules and regulations, including prohibitions on involvement in sports wagering," Fry said in the letter. The same week the Temple-UAB game raised concerns, Loyola (Maryland) said it had removed a person from its basketball program after it became aware of a gambling violation. Temple played UAB again on March 17, losing 85-69 in the finals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. League spokesman Tom Fenstermaker also declined comment on Friday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballTrudeau says dealing with Trump will be ’a little more challenging’ than last time
Bills QB Josh Allen gets ironic NFL award nomination | Sporting NewsNEW YORK (AP) — Right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga is guaranteed $5 million in his one-year contract from the New York Yankees as he returns from Tommy John surgery and could earn up to $10.5 million over two seasons. Loáisiga gets a $500,000 signing bonus and a $4.5 million salary next season as part of the agreement announced Saturday. New York has a $5 million team option for 2026 with no buyout. Loáisiga could earn $500,000 in performance bonuses in 2026: $100,000 apiece for 50 innings and each additional five through 70. Pitching coach Matt Blake said last week the 30-year-old right-hander could return in late April or May from Tommy John surgery last May 1. “I imagine him being one of the high-leverage guys,” Blake said. “Obviously, we got to take some time to get him right, make sure we don’t rush him into competition.” Loáisiga had a $2.5 million salary this year in his final season of arbitration eligibility and became a free agent. He made three relief appearances during the first seven days of the season, then went on the injured list because of a strained right flexor muscle, then had Tommy John surgery with team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad. Loáisiga was limited to 17 games in 2023 by right elbow inflammation that sidelined him from the Yankees between April 5 and Aug. 8. He is 19-11 with a 3.44 ERA in 11 starts and 152 relief appearances over seven seasons, striking out 207 and walking 72 in 219 2/3 innings. Loáisiga averaged 97.8 mph with his sinker in 2023. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
NEW YORK :TikTok advertisers were in no rush to shift their marketing budgets after a U.S. appeals court upheld a law on Friday requiring a divestment or ban of the popular Chinese-owned short video app, citing TikTok's continued survival despite years of threats. Chinese tech firm ByteDance must sell TikTok's U.S. assets by Jan. 19 or the app that is used by 170 million Americans will face an unprecedented ban that jeopardizes billions in ad revenue. TikTok and ByteDance had argued that the law is unconstitutional and violates Americans' free speech rights. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. With TikTok's future in the U.S. uncertain, advertising executives said brands are maintaining their activities on the app, while ensuring they have a plan B. "Advertisers have not pulled back from TikTok, though several are developing contingency plans for potential reallocation of investment should there be a ban," said Jason Lee, executive vice president of brand safety at media agency Horizon Media. Horizon is working with clients to prepare for a variety of scenarios if the app is sold or banned, Lee said. Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, stands to gain the majority of TikTok's ad revenue if the app is banned, followed by Alphabet's YouTube, said Erik Huberman, CEO of marketing agency Hawke Media. Both companies have introduced short-form video features in the past few years to compete with TikTok. Still, "there's no decision to make until there's a decision to make," he said. TikTok's U.S. ad revenue is expected to reach $12.3 billion this year, according to estimates from research Emarketer. By comparison, analysts on average expect Meta Platforms' advertising revenue in 2024 to reach about $159 billion, according to LSEG data. The potential boon for rivals propelled stocks on Friday. Meta Platforms shares rose to an all-time record high of $629.78 earlier on Friday, and were up 2.3 per cent at $622.85 in late afternoon regular trading. Alphabet shares were up 1.1 per cent at $176.21. Trump Media & Technology, which operates the Truth Social app and is majority-owned by President-elect Donald Trump, rose 3 per cent to $34.78. Shares of Snap, owner of messaging app Snapchat, rose 1.89 per cent to $12.40.DETROIT (AP) — If Donald Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea, including additional 10% taxes on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday on Truth Social threatening the tariffs on his first day in office could just be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. High food prices were a major issue in voters picking Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, but tariffs almost certainly would push those costs up even further. For instance, the Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said Tuesday that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when other countries retaliate. “Tariffs distort the marketplace and will raise prices along the supply chain, resulting in the consumer paying more at the checkout line,” said Alan Siger, association president. Mexico and Canada are two of the biggest exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables to the U.S. In 2022, Mexico supplied 51% of fresh fruit and 69% of fresh vegetables imported by value into the U.S., while Canada supplied 2% of fresh fruit and 20% of fresh vegetables. Before the election, about 7 in 10 voters said they were very concerned about the cost of food, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. “We’ll get them down,” Trump told shoppers during a September visit to a Pennsylvania grocery store. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. People looking to buy a new vehicle likely would see big price increases as well, at a time when costs have gone up so much they are out of reach for many. The average price of a new vehicle now runs around $48,000. About 15% of the 15.6 million new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year came from Mexico, while 8% crossed the border from Canada, according to Global Data. Much of the tariffs would get passed along to consumers, unless automakers can somehow quickly find productivity improvements to offset them, said C.J. Finn, U.S. automotive sector leader for PwC, a consulting firm. That means even more consumers “would potentially get priced out,” Finn said. Hardest hit would be Volkswagen, Stellantis, General Motors and Ford, Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska wrote Tuesday in a note to investors. “A 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada would severely cripple the U.S. auto industry,” he said. The tariffs would hurt U.S. industrial production so much that “we expect this is unlikely to happen in practice,” Roeska said. The tariff threat hit auto stocks on Tuesday, particularly shares of GM, which imports about 30% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, and Stellantis, which imports about 40% from the two countries. For both companies, about 55% of their lucrative pickup trucks come from Mexico and Canada. GM shares were down more than 8% and Stellantis was off over 5%. It's not clear how long the tariffs would last if implemented, but they could force auto executives to move production to the U.S., which could create more jobs in the long run. But Morningstar analyst David Whiston said in the short term automakers probably won't make any moves because they can't quickly change where they build vehicles. Millions of dollars worth of auto parts flow across the borders with Mexico and Canada, and that could raise prices for already costly automobile repairs, Finn said. The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. said tariffs on tequila or Canadian whisky won’t boost American jobs because they are distinctive products that can only be made in their country of origin. In 2023, the U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of tequila and $108 million worth of mezcal from Mexico and $537 million worth of spirits from Canada, the council said. “At the end of the day, tariffs on spirits products from our neighbors to the north and south are going to hurt U.S. consumers and lead to job losses across the U.S. hospitality industry,” the council said. Electronics retailer Best Buy said on its third-quarter earnings conference call that it runs on thin profit margins, so while vendors and the company will shoulder some increases, Best Buy will have to pass tariffs to customers. “These are goods that people need, and higher prices are not helpful,” CEO Corie Barry said. Walmart also warned this week that tariffs could force it to raise prices, as did Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who talked with Trump after his call for tariffs, said they had a good conversation about how the countries can work together. "This is something that we can do, laying out the facts and moving forward in constructive ways. This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on and that’s what we’ll do,” Trudeau said. Trump's threats come as arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico have been falling . The most recent U.S. numbers for October show arrests remain near four-year lows. But arrests for illegally crossing the border from Canada have been rising over the past two years. Much of America’s fentanyl is smuggled from Mexico, and seizures have increased. Trump has sound legal justification to impose the tariffs, even though they conflict with a 2020 trade deal brokered in large part by Trump with Canada and Mexico, said William Reinsch, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former trade official in the Clinton administration. The treaty, known as the USMCA, is up for review in 2026. In China’s case, he could simply declare Beijing hasn't met its obligations under an agreement he negotiated in his first term. For Canada and Mexico, he could say the influx of migrants and drugs represent a national security threat, and turn to a section of trade law he used in his first term to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum. The law he would most likely use for Canada and Mexico sets out a legal process that often takes as long as nine months, during which time Trump would likely seek a deal. If talks failed and the duties were imposed, all three countries would likely retaliate by putting tariffs on U.S. exports, said Reinsch, who believes Trump's tariffs threat is a negotiating ploy. U.S. companies would lobby the Trump administration intensively against tariffs, and would seek to have products exempted. Some of the biggest exporters from Mexico are U.S. firms that make parts there. “Our economies really are integrated,” Reinsch said. Longer term, Mary Lovely, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said the threat of tariffs could make the U.S. an “unstable partner” in international trade. “It is an incentive to move activity outside the United States to avoid all this uncertainty,” she said. Trump transition team officials did not immediately respond to questions about what he would need to see to prevent the tariffs from being implemented and how they would impact prices in the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested Tuesday that Mexico could retaliate with tariffs of its own. Sheinbaum said she was willing to talk about the issues, but said drugs were a U.S. problem. ___ Rugaber reported from Washington. AP reporters Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, Stan Choe and Anne D'Innocenzio in New York, and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.
SIOUX CITY — Sioux City Police Chief Rex Mueller told the City Council Monday that the new design for a sculpture outside the police department's headquarters will represent the "bond" between the community and his department. The Sioux City Council heard a presentation about Brodin Studios' proposal for a custom bronze statute that would feature a turn of the century patrol officer and a child. The sculpture would be placed on the sidewalk right outside the front doors of the police department on Douglas Street. Mueller Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal "I think this is just a positive change. I think it'll be much more well-accepted. Any public art that we can have downtown will be positive," Mueller said. The project would be primarily financed by the Gilchrist Foundation and several private donors. There would be no financial impact on the city, as the Friends of the Sioux City Police Department, a nonprofit, would maintain funds to clean, maintain and repair the sculpture. In 2020, the Friends of the Sioux City Police Department received a Gilchrist Foundation grant for a public art sculpture to be placed on the sidewalk in front of the department's headquarters. Although the council approved the initial design, which was abstract and created by a local artist, it didn't receive much support from the community, according to city documents. "I was happy to see this resurrected," Councilman Matthew O'Kane said of the sculpture project. Mueller said the department wanted "representational art" from the beginning, but that the local artist the department was initially working with "wanted to take it in a different direction." "It was a very interesting piece -- very, very abstract. I thought with the explanation, it was very, very neat, but I just don't think that it had the public support. I think going in this direction is going to be more acceptable to the public, and we've got a nice spot for it," Mueller said. The Sioux City Police and Fire Headquarters building, 601 Douglas St., is shown. Jesse Brothers, Sioux City Journal Brodin Studios, of Kimball, Minnesota, would create a "completely original custom sculpt" with vintage images and scans of actual badges and equipment from the department. The life-size bronze sculpture would be mounted on a cement base topped with a black marble base with the department's mission statement etched into the supporting structure, along with a dedication plaque. "This is going to be a custom item that will actually be made to look exactly like officers and their equipment did, for instance, back in the day," said Mueller, who said the department will send some items from its museum to Brodin Studios to serve as references. "This will be a late 19th-century officer. The whole point being that back before automobiles, the guy that walked the beat and knew everybody in his neighborhood." Mayor Bob Scott asked if there would be room outside the building for another sculpture in the future, if the fire department wanted to do a similar project. The Douglas Street police department also serves as Sioux City Fire Rescue's headquarters. "This is going to have a limited footprint," Mueller said. "That's a pretty good plot of space. If they would ever want to do something, I think there's plenty of room to do so." The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an annual contribution of more than $321,000 to the Sioux City Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCRCVB), which does business as Explore Siouxland. The council also green-lighted a letter of understanding between the SCRCVB and the city. The contribution, which totals $321,621, will commence Dec. 16, 2024 and end June 30, 2025. The SCRCVB focuses on bringing in new events and marketing Sioux City as a destination for tourists, conventions and sporting events. Explore Siouxland Executive Director Kristi Franz gives a report to the Sioux City Council on Dec. 2. The council approved a commitment of a minimum of $100,000 and 50% of any hotel/motel taxes collected beyond $2.4 million. Since $2,843,241.80 was collected in hotel/motel taxes in 2024, the SCRCVB will receive $221,620.90 of the hotel/motel taxes. "This Letter of Understanding will be funded using FY 2025 Tourism operating funds; however, a budget add of $112,877.90 will be necessary to ensure available budget," city documents stated. Local leaders refocused their tourism efforts after Sioux City eliminated the city department that oversaw not only tourism, but also the Tyson Events Center and the Convention Center. The change occurred after the city hired OVG360, formerly Spectra, a Philadelphia-based venue management firm, to run the Tyson. The Convention & Visitors Bureau Board manages the new CVB, while the Events Facilities Advisory Board continues to oversee the city-owned venues. The Journal’s Jared McNett shows how to download and browse the Sioux City Journal's app. Jesse BrothersLindsey is a Seattle area writer interested in all things society, including internet culture, politics, and mental health. Outside of the Daily Dot, her work can be found in publications such as The Mary Sue, Truthout, and YES! Magazine.