Trump floats renaming Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' as trade war with Canada escalates
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is considering changing the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” as the trade war between the United States and Canada intensifies. Such a change would be reminiscent of the Republican president’s unilateral action last year by executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The United States and Canada are locked in a trade dispute, with Canada expected Tuesday to announce retaliatory measures after the Trump administration enacted 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods over the weekend after talks between the countries broke down. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and is home to the country’s auto industry.
Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs as Trump tells its leaders to ‘fall in line’
TORONTO (AP) — Canada will announce retaliatory tariffs against the United States on Tuesday after relations deteriorated sharply Monday. President Donald Trump told Canadian leaders to “fall in line” or face consequences “far WORSE” than existing tariffs, while Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Washington of trying to subordinate Canada. Trump also threatened new 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel, while Carney said U.S. trade demands showed Washington wanted to “destroy our major industries,” including autos, steel and aluminum. The fiery words from both sides show how U.S.-Canada relations have deteriorated since Carney walked away from trade negotiations with the Trump administration late Friday.
From honey to hockey sticks, Trump's trade war with Canada hikes tariffs on a long list of goods
CHICAGO (AP) — Honey. Makeup. Christmas decorations. And hockey sticks. Those are just a few of the hundreds of different Canadian products that President Donald Trump’s administration has slapped with a 50% tax to enter the United States. The new tariffs, which kicked in Saturday, are expected to affect about $20 billion in Canadian goods, which represents roughly 5% of the products the country sent to the U.S. last year. While that’s far from the majority of Canada’s exports, households could feel the strain of higher prices the longer this import tax stays in effect. Canada has also promised “dollar for dollar” retaliation — and Trump continued threats to escalate the trade war on Monday.
Trump moves toward levying new tariff on China for flooding market with cheap goods, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is moving toward imposing a new tariff on China to penalize Beijing for flooding the global market with underpriced goods. Two people familiar with the matter say he's considering a 7.5% tariff. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the yet-to-be finalized deliberations. Administration officials believe the tariff won't disrupt the trade truce with China or a planned visit to Washington by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has been overseeing investigations into China’s excess industrial capacity. The White House and Chinese embassy haven't commented. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department warned of new sanctions on countries trading with Iran.
Wall Street points to gains as US raises pressure on Iran and trade war with Canada intensifies
Wall Street is poised to open with gains and oil prices fell as the U.S. announced new sanctions against Iran, while trade talks between American and Canadian officials hit a wall. Futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each rose 0.4% before the bell Tuesday, while Nasdaq futures jumped 0.8%. Chip giant Nvidia, one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom, will deliver its quarterly earnings report on Wednesday. Its shares were up less than 1% in premarket trading Tuesday as it tries to break a 7-session losing streak.
UN and Red Cross step up call for international rules on 'killer robot' weapons systems
GENEVA (AP) — The United Nations and the International Red Cross are urging countries to adopt bans and restrictions on autonomous weapons systems that are often called “killer robots.” Both international organizations warn that the risks have intensified. The joint call made Tuesday builds on an appeal from three years ago. It highlights that such weapons could be used on battlefields and civilians need protection. The organizations say the rapid development of weapons technology has outpaced international regulations. Negotiators are set to meet in Geneva in November to discuss strengthening the Convention on Conventional Weapons. The statement emphasizes that scientists and engineers have also raised alarms about these systems.
Taiwan charges 9 over illegal AI server exports to China, including Nvidia and Super Micro staff
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese prosecutors have charged nine people, including one from Nvidia and two from Super Micro, for illegally exporting high-end AI servers to China. Nvidia spokesperson Patrick Rutherford says Monday that the company is cooperating with Taiwanese authorities to resolve the allegations. Super Micro also states it is working to enhance its export compliance program. Advanced semiconductors, primarily made in Taiwan, have become a key point of competition between the U.S. and China. Prosecutors say 74 servers were successfully sent to China, while another attempt involving 56 servers failed. They are seeking five-year sentences for four defendants, including an Nvidia manager.
Australia's music industry bans AI-generated tracks from official charts
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s recorded music industry says tracks wholly generated by AI will be barred from official charts as burgeoning generative technologies threaten artists’ livelihoods. Australian Record Industry Association announced the crackdown on Tuesday as a variation of Madonna’s pop hit “Like a Prayer,” created by an Australian producer using AI-generated vocals and drums, has spent 16 weeks in the charts. The association said some AI-assisted music will remain eligible as long as “humans wrote the song and performed the lead vocal and the primary instruments,” along other requirements.
Putin decree lets Russia take control of infrastructure damaged in Ukrainian drone attacks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed that the state can temporarily seize control of critical infrastructure facilities if private owners fail to protect them from Ukrainian drone attacks or rebuild them after the strikes. The move, which came Monday, was the latest sign of the economic pressure and public frustration in Russia after months of escalating Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and e-commerce hubs that have caused nationwide disruptions. Ukraine also is reeling from relentless aerial attacks that have smashed its power grid ahead of winter and heavily damaged homes as Russia’s invasion stretches into its fifth year. Deputy Russian Prime Minister Denis Manturov said the decree doesn’t imply the nationalization of companies or a change of ownership.
Florida, hard-hit by Obamacare drop-off, feels the squeeze of rising healthcare costs
ST. CLOUD, Fla. (AP) — Florida chef Elijah Button faces a tough situation after losing his Affordable Care Act health insurance due to a premium hike. The 21-year-old St. Cloud resident had to treat a severe finger injury at home because he couldn't afford emergency care. The issue affects many in Florida, where about 440,000 people dropped their ACA plans this year after the expiration of federal subsidies. The state has a large population relying on the federal health insurance marketplace, making it a focal point for the fallout. Clinics for the uninsured help, but they can't meet the demand. Health costs have become a major issue in Florida's political landscape, with affected residents urging action.
