OTTAWA — The statistics don’t lie: far more illegal drugs and migrants are caught entering the United States from Mexico than from Canada. But the numbers from Canada have increased. And Donald Trump is noticing. On Monday evening, the incoming U.S. president dropped a stink bomb on Canadian politicians and businesses when he vowed to slap a punishing 25-per-cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico. His reason? “Thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote on . He said the tariffs would remain until drugs — in particular, fentanyl — and “all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet responded Tuesday by stating they share concerns about border security. At least one of them, however, noted that Mexico is a much larger source of Trump’s concerns than Canada. “It’s the equivalent, on a yearly basis, of a significant weekend at the Mexico border,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. How bad is the problem with drugs and illegal immigrants crossing over from Canada into the U.S., especially compared to the flow of each from Mexico? According to from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the enforcement agency responsible for American borders, hundreds of thousands of pounds in illegal drug imports have been seized in recent years. Drugs seized in the northern border region are a small slice of that, one that has dropped since the 2022 fiscal year, which the U.S. border agency counts from October to September. For 2022, the agency seized roughly 60,000 pounds of drugs in its northern border region, representing about nine per cent of the yearly total of 656,000 pounds of drugs. The following fiscal year, about 55,000 pounds of drugs were seized in the northern border region, or about 10 per cent of the annual total in the entire U.S. Then in the 2024 fiscal year, which ended in September, U.S. border agents seized about 11,600 pounds of drugs. That’s about two per cent of the year’s total. But Trump mentioned fentanyl specifically in his justification for the big tariff on everything. The potent opioid is so powerful that just a few grains can be fatal, according to , which blames the drug for “causing high rates of overdose and overdose deaths.” Most of the drugs seized in the northern border region in recent years, by weight, have been marijuana, cocaine, khat and other drugs like amphetamines, hashish and opium, the agency’s statistics show. At the same time, in this region was a fraction of the amount of the drug that the border agency has obtained each year, both in weight and by number of doses. In the 2023 fiscal year, the agency seized 1.2 billion doses of fentanyl; 239,000 of them, or 0.02 per cent, were found in the northern border region. The following fiscal year, which ended in September, the number of fentanyl doses seized at the northern border jumped to 839,000, a number that represented about 0.07 per cent of the annual total. Fentanyl seized in the southwest border region, meanwhile, was more than 91 per cent of the border agency’s haul of the drug in 2023, and more than 82 per cent in the 2024 fiscal year. On Parliament Hill, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told reporters Tuesday that Canada is prepared to beef up resources at the border, but generally defended Canada’s efforts to ensure illegal goods don’t cross it. “We absolutely share the Americans’ concerns around security at the border,” he said, noting in particular that law enforcement agencies in both countries share intelligence on how to stop the flow of fentanyl. Bottom line: Fentanyl seizures in the U.S. northern border region spiked over the past year, but still represent a fraction of the total that the American border security agency has intercepted over the past two years. The same border agency that tracks drug seizures also on “encounters” with people who are apprehended, turned away and expelled after entering the U.S. — a number that jumped from about 109,000 at the northern land border in 2022 to almost 200,000 in the 2024 fiscal year. But to know the exact number of illegal immigrants entering the country from Canada is not easy, since the published statistics don’t reflect that exact category. The more precise statistics on the U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions at the northern border can give an idea. And this number, though it remains a small fraction of those at the border with Mexico, has also increased significantly in recent years. In , U.S. border agents apprehended 916 people in the northern border region under their “Title 8” authority, which means detaining someone who is not allowed in the U.S., compared to more than 1.65 million apprehensions at the southern border. Two years later, in the 2023 fiscal year, the number of Title 8 apprehensions at the northern border had jumped to 9,514, compared to more than 1.49 million at the U.S. border with Mexico, U.S. border agency . The number increased further during the 2024 fiscal year, to 23,721 U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions at the northern land border, while the southern border saw more than 1.53 million U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions. LeBlanc said Canada is prepared to add technology like drones to improve surveillance and add personnel to address illegal border crossing. Miller said that while the numbers are smaller at the U.S.‘s northern border, Canada still needs to take American concerns seriously. “There’s work to be done here to make sure that people aren’t going in irregularly into the U.S., and we would ask the same of the Americans,” he said. “So, sit down with them when we get the opportunity, work on our common plans, and make sure that we do have a secure border.”Losing to older brother John Harbaugh and seeing the Los Angeles Chargers' four-game winning streak snapped Monday night might be the least of Jim Harbaugh's problems this week. The Chargers are holding their breath that running back J.K. Dobbins isn't seriously hurt after he left with a knee injury late in the first half of the Chargers’ 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens . Harbaugh, who dislikes discussing injuries and eschews questions about any player's status with the tried and true “I'm not a doctor” answer, will get plenty of inquiries about Dobbins' health this week. After injuries derailed Dobbins' four years with the Ravens, the 2020 second-round pick decided to bet on himself by signing only a one-year deal with the Chargers. Though the first 10 1/2 games, the bet appeared to be paying off. Dobbins had 40 yards on six carries when he was wrenched backward by linebacker Malik Harrison and then gang-tackled on a play for no gain on third-and-1 at the 50-yard line. Dobbins is fourth in the AFC in rushing with 766 yards and averages 4.8 yards per carry, third highest among AFC backs with at least 100 carries. He has been considered among the candidates for AP Comeback Player of the Year after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in last season’s opener. Dobbins' production throughout the season has made the offense more balanced. Los Angeles had 14 rushes for 68 yards before he was injured. They had seven carries for 15 yards the rest of the game. Without Dobbins and a 14-13 deficit at halftime, the Chargers tried to count on Justin Herbert and the passing game to rally back. Herbert was 11 for 22 for 125 yards and sacked three times in the five drives after Dobbins' departure and didn't get back into the end zone until Gus Edwards' 1-yard run with 46 seconds remaining. Edwards will be counted on to be the lead back if Dobbins has to miss games. Edwards missed four games during the middle of the season because of an ankle injury and has 25 carries for 93 yards in three games since returning to the lineup. Hassan Haskins and rookie Kimani Vidal will be counted on to provide depth. “Obviously, I’m hoping J.K. is OK. Gus has been an awesome addition, being able to run and go and get some yards,” Herbert said. "We just got to stay with it. I think that offensive line has done a great job all year. It didn’t go our way today, but we’re going to keep pounding the ball and keep getting after it.” Dobbins' injury also could not come at a worse time for the Chargers. They are 7-4 and hold the sixth seed in the AFC, but have tough upcoming tests against playoff contenders Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Denver the next three weeks. What’s working Herbert on the run. Herbert has at four scrambles of at least 12 yards in the past five games and got his second rushing touchdown of the season on the opening drive with a 5-yard carry up the middle. What needs help Not giving up big-play touchdowns. Rashod Bateman's 40-yard touchdown late in the second quarter (which would have been pass interference on Kristian Fulton if it wasn't completed) marked the third straight game the Chargers allowed a passing TD of at least 40 yards. They had allowed only two in the first nine games. Stock up LB Joey Bosa had four tackles, his most since he had seven in Week 1 against the Raiders. Bosa missed three games earlier in the season because of a hip injury, but had only two tackles in the four games since his return until Monday night. Stock down WR Quentin Johnston is the second Chargers receiver since 2009 to be targeted at least five times and not have a catch according to Sportradar. Travis Benjamin also had five targets and no receptions against the Jets in 2017. Besides being held without a catch, Johnston had two critical drops during the second half. Injuries In addition to Dobbins, CB Eli Apple suffered a hamstring injury in the first half and did not return. CB Cam Hart was inactive because of an ankle injury and was in a walking boot. LB Denzel Perryman (groin) and TE Hayden Hurst (hip) were also inactive because of injuries. Key numbers 57 — Points allowed by the Chargers in the past two games. They had given up 68 in their first five games after their bye week. 73 — Games it took for Herbert to reach 1,800 completions, tying him with Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes as the fastest players in NFL history to reach that mark. 6 — Games where Daiyan Henley has had double-digit tackles. The second-year linebacker had 10 tackles (four solo) on Monday night. What’s next The Chargers will make their second trip in three years to Atlanta on Sunday. They won the 2022 meeting in Week 9 when Cameron Dicker hit a 37-yard field goal on the last play of the game. Los Angeles is 2-0 against the NFC South this season and has a four-game winning streak against teams in the division. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Joe Reedy, The Associated Press“Good news, I just finished my last assignment for this year. I am so ready for next year.” My daughter texted this to me while I was writing this article. This year isn’t quite over, but next year is all she can think about. Investors also can’t stop themselves from looking ahead to 2025, and I think they will like what they see. Looking back, 2024 was another good year for stocks. Stocks were driven higher by AI technology, feisty consumers whose spending continues to propel the economy, a leveling off of inflation, Fed rate cuts and, as of late, the excitement of investor-friendly policies from the incoming administration. As we look towards the stock market in 2025, there are a few key issues investors should be watching for. Upside potential: The ingredients that gave us a good 2024 could continue in 2025, namely a continued leveling off of inflation, lowering of interest rates and strong corporate earnings. If these things continue, they could support the current high valuations. Wells Fargo announced a year-end 2025 target range for the S&P 500 Index of 6,500-6,700, which would be a 7-10% increase from 12/11/24. LPL was more conservative with its predicted year-end 2025 target range for the S&P 500 Index of 6,275-6,375, which would be a 3-5% increase from 12/11/24. For the Wells Fargo prediction to become a reality, rates would need to steadily move lower, companies would need to see strong productivity gains and the often talked about market-friendly policies would need to be enacted. Avoid a recession: Historically, the stock market has had single-digit returns in the 12 months following the first Fed rate cut but increases to low double digits when a recession has been avoided. Outside of some unexpected manmade disaster, I don’t see the makings of a recession in 2025. Potential risks: Some market conditions make me a little queasy. The economy could be weaker than the numbers show. The numbers show consumers continuing to spend with abandon, but the people I’m around at church and socially are beginning to pull back their spending. They are not stopping their spending completely, but they are not buying the big-ticket items and are buying more off-brand products. Also, if the inflation rates start rising again and the Fed has to pause its rate-dropping program, it could scare investors and negatively affect the market. We also need to see how Trump's tariff and immigration policies play out and if they help or hurt the economy. It won’t be smooth: Even if we avoid a recession, it wouldn’t be surprising for stocks to pull back 10% at some point and then recover from it. Be prepared for these times of volatility and be ready to buy stocks during market pullbacks. These are the days when active investment managers are worth their expense. I wouldn’t be surprised by a market dip in the coming weeks and months, but overall, I expect stocks to be positive in 2025 but not as good as they were in 2024. I am maintaining a neutral stance on stocks as 2025 approaches but keeping funds available to buy when the market dips. I still prefer U.S. stocks over international ones because of much better earnings and because the new trade policies and tariffs will hurt international companies. My daughter has good reason to be excited about next year. In 2025, she will buy her first house, get married and graduate from college. Investors might not have an exciting new year, but I think they will be happy with their returns. Have a blessed week. Fervent Wealth Management is a financial management and services entity in Springfield, Mo. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Opinions are for general information only and not intended as specific advice or recommendations. All performance cited is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and can’t be invested in directly. The economic forecast outlined in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. Visit www.ferventwm.com for more information.
Watch in Peace: Best Wireless Headphones for TV Lovers
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — When the MLS playoffs began late last month, everyone who follows Inter Miami assumed coach Tata Martino would be preparing his team for the conference semifinals this week. Instead, the runner up for MLS Coach of the Year was in the Chase Stadium interview room on Friday morning announcing his resignation two weeks after the team’s shocking first-round playoff exit. Martino said he wanted to diffuse rumors and stress that he is leaving strictly for personal reasons, that he must return to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, and that his decision was made before the first playoff game in late-October. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.In-App Purchase Market is set to Fly High Growth in Years to ComeExplore the rising interest in brain health, driven by neurological disorders, stress with Cerebrum IQ Review. Brain health and cognitive wellness have become prominent due to scientific discoveries, mental health awareness, and neurodegenerative diseases. As demand for cognitive-enhancing products develops, many people desire reliable feedback before taking IQ tests or brain training programs. If you're interested in cognitive testing, CerebrumIQ reviews offer insights into how users have experienced the platform’s services. Below, we discuss the causes of this trend, mental wellness, and ways to improve brain health. Brain health is important because it affects well-being, productivity, and lifespan. Modern stress, mental tiredness, and aging-related memory deterioration are making cognitive wellness more important to many individuals. By studying the causes fueling this interest, we can see why brain health is no longer a niche issue. A majority of the world has, in recent years, experienced a sharp rise in the number of neurological illnesses. 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Fatty fish, berries, almonds, and leafy greens contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that improve neurological health. Brain health depends on exercise as much as physical fitness. Aerobic activity boosts cerebral blood flow, neurogenesis, and cognitive decline prevention. Exercise improves brain power and strength. Aerobic exercises such as jogging, swimming, and cycling improve brain power, heart health. Furthermore these procedures heighten one's mental performance by increasing the flow of blood into and out from the brain, as well as providing it with oxygen and nutrients. Mind-body disciplines like yoga and tai chi have special advantages for brain health beyond intensity. Maintaining mental sharpness requires brain activity. Regular learning, problem-solving, and memory-based activities develop brain circuits. Puzzles, crosswords, and memory games boost brain activity and resilience. 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Technology is changing brain health awareness and management. Wearable gadgets, brain-training applications, and neurofeedback systems make tracking and improving cognitive performance easier. For example, smartwatches and fitness trackers are essential to mental well-being. These gadgets track sleep, stress, and physical activity for individualized brain health insights. Moreover, Neurofeedback technology also delivers real-time brain activity feedback to help users manage their mental moods. It may boost attention, reduce anxiety, and optimize cognitive performance. Brain wellness is gaining popularity, but unregulated goods and limited accessibility pose challenges. These issues must be addressed to provide effective and fair brain health solutions. Due to a lack of monitoring, brain health products with different efficacy levels have flooded the market. Consumers struggle to distinguish scientifically proven therapies from spurious ones without acceptable regulation. People are hesitant to use brain health treatments because of high expenses and limited knowledge. Public education and legislation that makes interventions more inexpensive and accessible can close this gap. Brain health may be improved without pricey instruments or lifestyle changes. Small, persistent daily activities can boost cognition and mental health. Nutrition, physical exercise, sleep, and mental stimulation can help people manage their brain health and ensure lifelong cognitive health. Brain health and cognitive wellness are becoming more popular, which bodes well for the future. People may manage their cognitive health through lifestyle modifications, new technology, and evidence-based therapies. As science uncovers brain secrets, mental performance