WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. After the leaders’ hastily arranged dinner Friday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation" and said in a post later Saturday on X, accompanied by a photo of the two men seated a table and smiling, that he looked forward to “the work we can do together, again.” Trump said earlier on Truth Social that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” For issues in need of such cooperation, Trump cited fentanyl and the “Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration," fair trade deals "that do not jeopardize American Workers” and the U.S. trade deficit with its ally to the north. Trump asserted that the prime minister had made “a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation” of American families from fentanyl from China reaching the United States through its neighbors. The U.S., he said, “will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic.” The Republican president-elect has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders when he takes office in January. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024 — and Canadian officials say they are ready to make new investments in border security. Trudeau called Trump after the Republican's social media posts about the tariffs last Monday and they agreed to meet, according to a official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss detail of the private talks. The official said other countries are calling Canadian officials to hear how about how the meeting was arranged and to ask for advice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, after speaking with Trump on the telephone, said Thursday she was confident a tariff war with Washington would be averted. At the dinner that was said to last three hours, Trump said he and Trudeau also discussed energy, trade and the Arctic. A second official cited defense, Ukraine, NATO, China, the Mideast, pipelines and the Group of Seven meeting in Canada next year as other issues that arose. Trudeau's office said in a statement that the leaders “shared a productive wide-ranging discussion” centering on “collaboration and strengthening our relationship,” adding, "As Canada’s closest friend and ally, the United States is our key partner, and we are committed to working together in the interests of Canadians and Americans.” Trump, during his first term as president, once called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest,” but it was the prime minister who was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. "Tariffs are a crucial issue for Canada and a bold move was in order. Perhaps it was a risk, but a risk worth taking,” Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Trudeau had said before leaving from Friday that Trump was elected because he promised to bring down the cost of groceries but now was talking about adding 25% to the cost of all kinds of products, including potatoes from Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. “It is important to understand that Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about it,” Trudeau said. “Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” he added. The threatened tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his first term. Trudeau noted they were able to successfully renegotiate the deal, which he calls a “win win” for both countries. When Trump imposed higher tariffs as president, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto.GM to stop funding troubled Cruise autonomous vehicle unitJOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We reveal how the Renault Scenic E-Tech scooped Scottish Car Of The Year prize and preview revamped Kia EV6
In a lengthy speech at the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C. think tank, on Tuesday, President Joe Biden forcefully defended his economic legacy and harshly criticized his successor. “Most economists agree the new administration is going to inherit a fairly strong economy, at least at the moment, an economy going through fundamental transformation,” Biden said. “It is my profound hope that the new administration will preserve and build on this progress. Like most great economic developments, this one is neither red nor blue, and America's progress is everyone's progress.” RELATED STORY | What impacts will a Trump presidency have on the economy? The president pointed specifically to record job growth during his tenure and an historically-low unemployment rate, as well as solid GDP performance, major investments in infrastructure and a soaring stock market. Most economists agree Biden’s term in office has coincided with a strong jobs market, and note the economic forecast remains bright – especially when contrasted to that of other peer nations, many of which have struggled to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, Americans by and large disapprove of Biden’s economic tenure, particularly the high costs of goods and services. Though inflation has fallen some, it remains higher than when the president took office and has become a frequent point of attack for Republicans critical of the Biden administration. RELATED STORY | Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy President-elect Donald Trump’s victory last month served in some was as a repudiation of the president’s so-called “Bidenomics” policies, with most voters telling pollsters they were dissatisfied with the state of the U.S. economy and Biden’s handling of the issue. Since Trump’s election, attitudes towards the economy have improved slightly, particularly among Republicans; according to research from Gallup, just eight percent of Republicans in October viewed economic conditions as getting better, compared to 30% last month. Biden himself seemed to acknowledge some missteps in selling his economic vision to Americans. “I also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said. “He signed checks for people for $7,400 bucks,” the president noted of the pandemic-era relief measures. Even though Biden approved similar relief efforts during his term, his name never appeared on American’s checks. “I didn't – stupid,” Biden conceded. RELATED STORY | Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures Seeking to bolster Biden’s economic legacy, the White House on Tuesday launched a new website hailing the “Biden Economy,” featuring statistics about economic performance during his term and complimentary videos from his supporters. Biden’s speach, meanwhile, also served as a warning of sorts to his successor, with the president arguing against tax cuts for the wealthy and the notion that such benefits would “trickle down” to middle class Americans. “You can make as much money as you can, good for you, but everybody's got to be they pay their fair share,” Biden said. Trump has pledged to extend the tax cuts he signed into law in 2017, telling NBC News he intends to submit a tax package to Congress within his first 100 days in office. “They’re coming due and they’re very substantial for people,” Trump said of his 2017 cuts. “That’s what led us to one of the greatest economies ever.” RELATED STORY | Amid corporate layoffs, 36% of workforce turns to gig economy for alternative employment A report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office in December found that failing to extend those tax incentives would have a negligible impact on the economy, though Republicans are expected to pursue them and other business tax breaks after they retake both chambers of Congress next year. Trump has also promised to impose significant tariffs on the import of foreign goods from Mexico, Canada and China – despite economists’ and retailers’ warnings that will drive up consumer prices. Trump in the NBC interview said he couldn’t guarantee the move wouldn’t increase consumer costs, something Biden harshly refuted. “I believe we've proven that approach is a mistake over the past four years,” Biden said. “But we all know in time, we all know in time what will happen.”After a significant reduction in 2021, the NFL’s salary cap is back on the rise. This year brought a record spike, which produced some windfalls — particularly along the offensive and defensive lines — in the days that followed. More growth is coming, but not quite as much as what 2024 brought. This year produced a $30.6M spike, raising the league’s salary ceiling to $255.4M. The NFL is not planning to offer teams a projection this year, marking a deviation from the norm, but NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport does indicate where clubs are expecting next year’s number to sit. Teams are planning for the 2025 cap to come in between $265 M -$275M. A $10M increase would be in line with the annual jumps during the 2011 CBA, but since the COVID-19 pandemic brought a 2021 reduction, the 2020 CBA — thanks in part to the expanded playoff bracket, 17th regular-season game and a new round of TV deals — has produced bigger leaps. At this time last year, clubs were a bit more pessimistic on the 2024 cap. An expectation pointed to a $240M salary ceiling for this year . That turned out to be well off the actual number, a development the Giants’ "Hard Knocks: Offseason" series revealed caught their GM (Joe Schoen) by surprise. We did hear earlier this offseason that at least one team, the Cowboys, did not expect similar cap growth for 2025. A May report predicted around a $10M climb , which would certainly not rival what happened this year. That would affect teams’ plans for free agency and extensions. The media kicker in the 2020 CBA, which can raise the players’ revenue share from 48% to 48.8%, played a role in this year’s cap spike. The NFL still, however, has not yet moved away from the effects of COVID. The pandemic leading to fanless stadiums (in many cases) and capped attendance at others in 2020 produced a $15.7M cap reduction in 2021. Only the 2011 season, which came after a lockout and an uncapped 2010, had previously brought a decline. The 2025 offseason, though, is believed to be the final year in which the effects from the pandemic impact the NFL’s salary cap, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter notes . Teams generally know what the cap will be around the NFL Draft Combine, leaving some mystery ahead. A $9M deferment will affect the 2025 and ’26 caps, Rapoport adds, noting that the NFL and NFLPA agreed to keep that money from being piled onto this year’s record number. Otherwise, the NFL’s 2024 cap would have passed $260M. Franchise- and transition-tag numbers, fifth-year option figures, RFA tender prices and other matters will be determined as a result of where the cap lands. Here is where the cap has stood in each year during the past two CBAs: 2011: $120.4M 2012: $120.6M 2013: $123.6M 2014: $133M 2015: $143.3M 2016: $155.3M 2017: $167M 2018: $177.2M 2019: $188.2M 2020: $198.2M 2021: $182.5M 2022: $208.2M 2023: $224.8M 2024: $255.4M This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.
Australia’s technology sector has not yet felt the “whistleblowing wave” that has torn through Silicon Valley and the European Union, and a new guide is aiming to encourage more insiders to come forward and expose corporate wrongdoing. The past year has been marked by scandals at local technology companies, including WiseTech Global , Grok Academy and Metigy , with executives at each organisation resigning after alleged misconduct was revealed by whistleblowers who raised concerns. American Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. Credit: AFR Other tech scandals this year include a secretive algorithm that was found to be determining the fate of Australia’s immigration detainees and revelations that photos of Australian children have been used to train AI tools without the knowledge or consent of the children or their families. As the federal government moves ahead with its aggressive plans to regulate Big Tech and reduce the harm caused by social media and artificial intelligence, there are concerns that the role of whistleblowers has been lost in the debate. Technology-Related Whistleblowing: A Practical Guide will be launched on Monday and is the work of The Human Rights Law Centre, Reset Tech Australia, Psst.org and Digital Rights Watch. It builds on equivalent resources in the US and the EU. Frances Haugen, the high-profile American whistleblower who leaked the so-called “Facebook Files” said Australia was, in many respects, a proving ground for many of the world’s incumbent tech giants and an incubator for the good, bad, and the unlawful. ‘Few people, if any at all, actively set out to be whistleblowers. It is a difficult and hazardous path.’ Haugen formerly served as a senior product manager at Facebook before quitting in May 2021 and leaking tens of thousands of internal documents that exposed how much the company knew about the harm it was causing, including knowingly promoting misinformation and hate speech, and pro-eating-disorder content to teenage girls. “Just in 2024, a wide variety of tech scandals came to light in Australia. These powerful investigations by top reporters detail a taste of what’s happening under the surface in data-powered digital companies. There are almost certainly more,” Haugen said. “Few people, if any at all, actively set out to be whistleblowers. It is a difficult and hazardous path, but sometimes it’s the only path we have to serve the public interest and even save lives.” Haugen said that she was first-hand proof that information can help transform companies and enact broader cultural and societal change. “The documents I collected and provided to the US Congress and the SEC, now known as the Facebook Files, have been instrumental in sparking global conversations about the impact of social media on society and continue to play a role in making a case for legislative reform around the world for digital platform companies,” she said. Human rights lawyer Kieran Pender says protections for whistleblowers are vital. The guide covers issues including what to think about before blowing the whistle – including employment risks, potential legal action and emotional risks – as well as the various protections that whistleblowers are afforded. Kieran Pender is an associate legal director at the Human Rights Law Centre and has worked with a number of whistleblowers in the technology sector, including several who have spoken to this masthead for major stories. While Pender works with whistleblowers in the local sector, he would like to see more. He said that under existing laws, public and private sector workers in Australia have a range of protected avenues for raising concerns. “While the tech whistleblowing wave hasn’t yet made its way to Australia, we hope this guide will empower workers who witness technology-related harms to exercise their legal rights and speak up about wrongdoing,” he said. “Regulators must also take technology-related whistleblowing more seriously, including by ensuring they can receive lawful and protected disclosures. At a time of rapid regulatory change in Australia, it is vital that whistleblowing and whistleblower protections are part of the accountability ecosystem.” Alice Dawkins is the executive director at Reset Tech Australia, a lobby group dedicated to countering misinformation. For Dawkins, 2024 represented a banner year for the reporting of misconduct at tech companies. Alice Dawkins believes further tech industry disclosures are only a matter of time. “We’ve heard a lot this year about the harmful conduct of tech-enabled companies, and there is undoubtedly more to come out,” she said. “We know it will take time to progress comprehensive protections for Australians for digital harms. It’s especially urgent to open up the gate for public accountability via whistleblowing.” Jennifer Gibson is the co-founder and legal director of Psst.org, a platform providing whistleblowers with support and advice. “If Australia is serious about holding tech accountable, then it’s imperative whistleblowers be empowered to speak up about tech-related harms. They are the key to seeing inside the ‘black box’,” she said. “This new resource will help those on the inside who have key public interest information understand what their options are and where they can find support.” The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning .Culture, cuisine and cricket deeply connect India and Guyana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, asserting that the commonalities provide a strong foundation for friendship between the two nations. Addressing a community programme in Guyana on Thursday, the prime minister praised the Indo-Guyanese community and their contribution to the development of the Caribbean nation. He stressed that the shared values between the two nations provide a strong foundation for their friendship. "Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket," he said. PM Modi said both countries are proud of their rich and diverse culture. "We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength," he said. Noting that Indians traditionally carry food wherever they go, the prime minister highlighted that the Indo-Guyanese community has a unique food tradition that blends both Indian and Guyanese elements. "The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity," he said. "Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year. Your cheers for the 'Team in Blue' at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!" he added. Saluting the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community, he said, "You have fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest-growing economies." "From humble beginnings, you have risen to the top," he added. Referring to the community as "rashtradoots", PM Modi said that they are ambassadors of Indian culture and values. The prime minister underscored that the Indo-Guyanese community is "doubly blessed" as they have Guyana as their "motherland" and "Bharat mata" as their "ancestral land". Recalling his visit to Guyana two decades ago, PM Modi said he came to the country as a "traveller, full of curiosity". Noting that a lot has changed now that he visited as the Indian prime minister, he said, "The love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remain the same!" "My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian," he said. PM Modi also highlighted the "shared history" that binds India and Guyana. "Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, and respect for diversity," he said. "We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, commitment towards economy and ecology, and, belief in a just and inclusive world order," PM Modi said. The prime minister noted that the top leadership of the two countries has worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation. "Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise, Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, and data to development." "Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is a testament to the same," he added. On Wednesday, PM Modi co-chaired the second India-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit here, during which he proposed seven "key pillars" to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean Community. During the address, PM Modi asserted that India and Guyana believe in reformed multilateralism as members of the UN and as developing countries, understand the power of the Global South. "We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritise sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises," he said. Talking about India's growth, he said it has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. "India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability," he said. In a post on X, PM Modi shared pictures of the event and called it a "very special community programme". "Connecting with the larger Indian family!" the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X. "PM commended the Indian community for preserving their culture and traditions. He highlighted India's growth story and invited them to visit their ancestral land," it said. The prime minister arrived here in Guyana on Wednesday, making it the first visit by an Indian head of state to the country in more than 50 years. He was conferred the highest national award in Guyana -- the 'Order of Excellence'. PM Modi thanked the people of Guyana for the gesture. "This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh-strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana," he said during the address. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
11 states sue three largest institutional investors for anticompetitive trade practicesOn a balmy autumn evening at Inja restaurant at the Manor Hotel in Delhi, food connoisseurs, authors, chefs and experts came together for a Chef’s Table organized by the Food Future Foundation and We The Chefs. The evening saw a remarkable gathering of culinary experts from Japan and India, celebrating the rich interplay of culture, flavor, and innovation. The event featured Michelin-starred Chef Takuji Takahashi of Kyoto’s renowned Kinobu Restaurant and Food Scientist Dr. Hiroya Kawasaki. Together, they offered an enlightening exploration of Japanese cuisine, delving into the principles of umami, health, and sustainability. Joining the conversation were eminent chefs and popular names from the culinary world including Pawan Agarwal, the CEO of Food Future Foundation. The Discussion The discussion began with the role of umami, the sixth taste in Japanese cuisine and how it is a complete game changer when it comes to flavours. The discussion also brought into light, on one of the most controversial topics in the world of gastronomy- Monosodium Glutamate. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), is a flavor enhancer which is extensively used in Pan Asian cooking, but has long faced stigma as a "villain" in the food industry. This perception stems from a combination of anecdotal reports, cultural biases, and misinformation rather than conclusive scientific evidence. MSG was created as a compound from glutamic acid that naturally occurs in foods like tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese. Certain researchers pointed towards MSG causing some side effects like headaches, nausea, and "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," a term coined in the 1960s after reports of discomfort following the consumption of Chinese food. However, numerous scientific studies, including evaluations by the FDA and WHO, have consistently classified MSG as safe for consumption when used in typical culinary quantities.MSG's role in culinary traditions, its scientific foundation, and its potential to elevate global cuisines. The flavour-Umami that Monosodium Glutamate imparts, plays a significant role in Japanese Cuisine. Chef Takahashi delved into MSG’s indispensable role in Japanese cuisine, particularly in dashi, a base stock that forms the backbone of countless dishes. He explained how MSG enriches flavors without dominating them, creating harmony by amplifying the natural umami present in ingredients. “MSG is an enhancer,” Chef Takahashi noted during the discussion. “It doesn’t overpower; it helps each ingredient reach its full potential.” Shared Umami in Indian Cuisine The discussion also highlighted parallels between Indian and Japanese culinary practices. Professor Jamuna Prakash, a food consultant and former professor at the University of Mysore, emphasized how MSG could elevate the flavors of Indian curries, dals, and vegetable preparations. The event explored natural umami sources like tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese, which MSG amplifies to deepen flavors. Debunking MSG myths One of the event's key moments was the scientific classification of MSG's safety. Professor Prakash explained that MSG is derived from plant-based sources such as sugarcane, sugar beets, and cassava through a fermentation process similar to yogurt production. She addressed lingering misconceptions, stating, “MSG is synthesized from natural materials and metabolized in the body like any other nutrient. It’s completely safe, even for pregnant women.” She also noted a fascinating fact: mother’s milk is one of the richest natural sources of glutamate, underscoring its safety and nutritional value. Sodium reduction with MSG It has been found that the dishes that use MSG, use less amount of salt sodium in dishes. Containing only 12% sodium, compared to 39% in table salt, MSG allows chefs to reduce sodium by up to 40% without compromising taste. This property has even been recognized in national health strategies, such as Singapore’s campaign to promote low-sodium alternatives. MSG’s place in contemporary kitchens MSG is not ancient. Its journey began in 1908, when Japanese chemist Dr. Kikunae Ikeda discovered the taste of umami in kombu seaweed and identified glutamic acid as its source. His findings led to the creation of MSG, a seasoning that revolutionized culinary practices by enhancing natural flavors. Bridging cultures through umami The event celebrated the shared heritage of umami in Indian and Japanese cuisines. Ingredients like peas, garlic, corn, and potatoes, rich in natural glutamates, were highlighted as a common thread. “Japanese food remains one of the healthiest cuisines despite its liberal use of MSG,” remarked Chef Ajay Chopra, underscoring the seasoning’s role in global gastronomy. The event brought together prominent figures from the culinary world, including Masterchef Ajay Chopra; Dhruv Oberoi, Executive Chef at Olive Bar and Kitchen; Vaibhav Bhargava, Partner Chef at CHO; Ravitej Nath, Co-founder of Highlife and Corporate Chef & Director at Spice Lab, Tokyo; Veena Arora, Consultant Chef at The Imperial; Dr. Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Director of the School for European Pastry and Culinary Arts; Manish Sharma, Executive Chef at The Oberoi, New Delhi; and Sourish Bhattacharyya, Senior Consultant at We The Chefs.
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