U.S. president-elect Donald Trump arrives before the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Boca Chica, Tex., on, Nov. 19. Brandon Bell/The Canadian Press As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump rattles his closest neighbours with threats of tariffs, he is also firming up the team of loyalists to put his plans into action. Trump’s team to lead his trade agenda and the American economy include trade lawyers, former advisers and Wall Street executives who have all expressed favourable views of tariffs. “He’s choosing a lot of people who are going to be loyal to him and his ideas,” said Matthew Lebo, a specialist in U.S. politics at Western University in London, Ont. “And that probably will lead to a lot more volatility than even we saw in the first term.” On Tuesday evening, Trump picked Jamieson Greer to be U.S. trade representative. The president-elect said Greer played a key role in the first Trump administration imposing tariffs on China and negotiating the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. If confirmed, Greer will oversee the trade pact’s review in 2026. “Jamieson will focus the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on reining in the country’s massive trade deficit, defending American manufacturing, agriculture, and services, and opening up export markets everywhere,” Trump said in a statement. Greer was the chief of staff to former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer as the trilateral agreement was being crafted to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was torn up last time Trump entered office. Greer’s nomination came the day after Trump said he will impose a 25 per cent import tariff on goods coming from Canada and Mexico. He has also announced an additional 10 per cent tariff on goods from China. Trump said the tariffs against Canada and Mexico would remain in place until both countries stop people and drugs, in particular fentanyl, from illegally crossing the border into the U.S. A Canadian Chamber of Commerce report suggested Trump’s previous pledge to impose a 10 per cent levy would take a $30-billion bite out of the Canadian economy. More than 77 per cent of Canadian exports go to the U.S. and trade comprises 60 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product. Some economists have warned across-the-board duties would cause inflation in the U.S., even though Trump campaigned on lowering costs for Americans. Greer was deeply involved in Trump’s original sweeping tariffs on China and subsequent negotiations on the U.S.-China Phase 1 trade agreement, online biographies say. In testimony about China’s trade agenda at a House trade subcommittee last year, Greer said he believes “good fences make good neighbours, and trade enforcement is an important part of establishing those fences.” On Tuesday, Trump also tapped Kevin Hassett to be the director of the White House National Economic Council. The role will be key in fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to fix the U.S. economy. His announcement said Hassett will also “ensure that we have fair trade with countries that have taken advantage of the United States in the past.” Hassett served during the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and the president-elect has called him a “true friend.” The latest nominations round out an economic team that includes hedge fund executive Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary and Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Wall Street investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, who was tapped for commerce secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Lutnick would oversee a sprawling cabinet agency and Trump’s tariff agenda. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s tariff plans. In an CNBC interview in September he said tariffs are “an amazing tool for the president to use – we need to protect the American worker.” Lebo said as Trump prepares to return to office he is removing any person who could prove to be a guardrail or check on his power. “These are people aligned with Trump,” Lebo said. “More and more aligned with his campaign rhetoric.”Cardinals' sudden 3-game tailspin has turned their once solid playoff hopes into a long shot
CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Brit Harris' 16 points helped South Carolina Upstate defeat Western Carolina 74-68 on Saturday night. Harris shot 6 of 9 from the field and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Spartans (4-8). Carmelo Adkins added 14 points while going 5 of 8 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) while they also had five rebounds. Karmani Gregory shot 4 for 13 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 11 points. The Catamounts (3-5) were led in scoring by Bernard Pelote, who finished with 14 points. Cord Stansberry added 14 points and three steals for Western Carolina. CJ Hyland finished with nine points and four assists. Both teams next play Saturday. South Carolina Upstate visits South Carolina and Western Carolinaplays UNC Asheville on the road. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Russia’s ruble has plunged amid fresh sanctions as wartime economy strainsLAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — Christian Shumate's 22 points helped McNeese defeat NCAA Division-member LeTourneau 103-69 on Saturday night. Shumate also contributed five rebounds for the Cowboys (5-4). Quadir Copeland added 20 points while shooting 7 of 8 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line while they also had nine rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals. Sincere Parker had 16 points and went 7 of 11 from the field. The Yellow Jackets were led by Deonte Jackson, who posted 21 points, five assists and seven steals. Walker Blaine added 14 points and four assists for LeTourneau. Caedmon Liebengood also had 14 points. McNeese visits Mississippi State in its next matchup on December 14. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Juniata-Southern Lehigh state football playoff game among 7 postponed due to wintry weather1 Magnificent Fintech Stock to Buy Before Dec. 25
Spears and UTSA knock off Merrimack 76-74NEW YORK — With the holiday season in full swing, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering six tips to help the millions of Americans celebrate the holidays with their loved ones in a dementia-friendly way. “Dementia doesn’t prevent someone from feeling the warmth, love, and laughter of the holiday season, but it can change how they experience it,” said Director of Educational and Social Services Jennifer Reeder. “Being proactive, adaptable, and inclusive of the person’s wishes and abilities are the best ways caregivers can help them have a happy and joyful holiday season.” AFA offers these six tips for creating a dementia-friendly holiday season: Keep decorations festive, but simple. Decorating is part of the holiday season fun. However, many flickering lights, noisy items, or major changes to the person’s environment can be overwhelming and could potentially cause the person to wander. Choose a few favorite items and phase in decorations over a period of days, so that changes to the person’s environment are less confusing. Eliminate dangerous decorations and safety hazards. Avoid fragile decorations that can shatter. Ones that look like food or candy should also be avoided, as they can be mistaken for edible treats and could create a choking or dental hazard. Be mindful of potential tripping hazards on the floor, such as wires for decorations, as dementia can cause changes in vision, depth perception, and gait. Securely hook Christmas trees to the wall to avoid falls and use menorahs or kinaras with electric candles to reduce fire hazards. Adapt past traditions. Build on old traditions when appropriate, such as enjoying favorite music or movies, and adapt past traditions as well. If the person always sent out holiday cards or baked holiday cookies and still wants to do so, do it with them. Start new traditions that center on activities and events the person enjoys and can do, such as touring neighborhood holiday lights together. Whenever possible, ask your loved one what traditions are most important; these activities keep them engaged, and help you prioritize and plan appropriately. Feeling some sadness about changes and losses, especially during a holiday, is normal. Acknowledge these feelings and then move on to new ways to celebrate. Take cues from your loved one. Utilize a strengths-based, person-centered approach and incorporate what the person can do and what they choose to do now, rather than dwelling on what they used to do. Focus on those things that bring joy and let go of activities that seem too stressful. Prepare a quiet, calm space before a holiday gathering. Create a space where your loved one can sit comfortably during a holiday gathering, and where guests can visit in small groups or one-to-one, if the celebration becomes overwhelming. Provide familiar comfort items in the space (i.e., favorite blanket, sweater, stuffed animal) to help your loved one feel safe and at ease. To the greatest extent possible, maintain the person’s normal routine when scheduling holiday gatherings; disruptions in routine can be difficult for someone living with dementia. Accept help from others. Many parts of the holiday season — shopping for gifts, making preparations, or hosting a holiday gathering — can be stressful even without the additional responsibilities of caring for a loved one with dementia. Relatives and friends might be eager to help but do not know how. Accept their offers of assistance and be specific about what would be helpful; running errands, bringing a dish to the celebration, or spending time with your loved one so you can complete holiday tasks. For more information, visit alzfdn.org .
CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — Brit Harris' 16 points helped South Carolina Upstate defeat Western Carolina 74-68 on Saturday night. Harris shot 6 of 9 from the field and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Spartans (4-8). Carmelo Adkins added 14 points while going 5 of 8 (2 for 4 from 3-point range) while they also had five rebounds. Karmani Gregory shot 4 for 13 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 11 points. The Catamounts (3-5) were led in scoring by Bernard Pelote, who finished with 14 points. Cord Stansberry added 14 points and three steals for Western Carolina. CJ Hyland finished with nine points and four assists. Both teams next play Saturday. South Carolina Upstate visits South Carolina and Western Carolinaplays UNC Asheville on the road. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
