Latest news with #MarioTama
Toronto Sun
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
EDITORIAL: How to avoid ICE? Follow the rules
Federal agents block people protesting an ICE immigration raid at a nearby licensed cannabis farm on July 10, 2025 near Camarillo, California. Photo by Mario Tama / Getty Images Each day, it seems, we're regaled with stories in news outlets about Canadians detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the U.S. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Their stories follow a pattern: They were taken to the U.S. as children or went there decades ago and just didn't get around to applying for citizenship. They racked up a minor crime or misdemeanour and now find themselves in dire circumstances, locked up in one of ICE's infamous detention centres. Individuals who have been in the U.S. for decades, built homes, got married, had families and created a life for themselves south of the border are now finding themselves swept up in President Donald Trump's purge on illegals. This could all have been avoided if they had simply paid attention to a very important detail: Citizenship. You cannot afford to be sloppy about such an important facet of your life. If you're going to live and work in a country and expect to make it your home for life, you should become a citizen. More importantly, you should show that new country some respect by abiding by its laws. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. We have sympathy for those who are caught in red tape or bureaucratic bungling. But, for the most part, those who find themselves on the wrong side of ICE have brought it upon themselves. The ability to live and work in any Western democracy is not a right. If you weren't born there, it's a privilege conferred on you when you meet their residency requirements, swear allegiance and promise to live by their laws. Ask anyone who's escaped war, famine or a dictatorship what citizenship in a free country means and they will tell you it's a most precious commodity. It should not be taken for granted. Yes, Canada has a long border with the U.S. Families are often spread across the two countries. We have a history of workers moving back and forth across that line. Some people even live in one country and work in the other. But you must get the paperwork straight. Canada is now set to receive returning ex-pat scofflaws who quit this country years ago, have few ties here, have a history of breaking rules and would rather be in another country. What could possibly go wrong? Toronto & GTA Golf World Toronto Raptors Toronto & GTA
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Gen Z Is Leading America's Boycott Charge
Produced [by our journalists] with financial support from an organization or individual that did not approve or review the work. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A significant number of Americans support consumer boycotts targeting corporations in response to certain actions, according to a new study. According to a recent survey by research firm and lending marketplace LendingTree, 31 percent of U.S. consumers say they have boycotted a business in the past. By generation, Gen Zers aged 18 to 28 were found to be the most likely to participate in a boycott at 37 percent, while 59 percent of this group also said they have researched a businesses values and stances before shopping there. Why It Matters A number of America's largest corporations have faced boycotts in recent months, with Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot currently seeing calls for shoppers to refrain from their stores and online services. Many of these boycotts have been driven by progressive groups who have expressed concerns over workers' rights and company tax avoidance, as well as backlash to companies scaling back diversity hiring commitments. LendingTree's survey revealed that those who are in favor of this form of targeted action span age groups and the political spectrum. The McDonald's logo is displayed at a McDonald's restaurant on October 23, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. Walmart grocery signage outside in Houston on May 27, 2025. The McDonald's logo is displayed at a McDonald's restaurant on October 23, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. Walmart grocery signage outside in Houston on May 27, 2025. Mario Tama /Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images / AP Photo What To Know LendingTree conducted its survey of 2,050 American consumers aged 18 to 79 from May 14 to May 16. Of those who said they had boycotted a business, 43 percent cited perceived discrimination by the company as the reason, 44 percent mentioned their objection to a political donation or affiliation, and 29 percent to religious messaging or practices. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) proved to be an issue that split respondents along party lines. Forty-five percent of consumers said they were more likely to support a business that promotes DEI policies, though 21 percent said this would make them less likely to do so. Of the latter group, 29 percent of Republicans and 16 percent of Democrats said they were less likely to support a pro-DEI business. The handling of DEI policies has been central in the recent boycotts of McDonald's, Target and Walmart, who scaled back certain diversity-focused initiatives at the beginning of this year. Whether they have participated or not, the survey revealed that 45 percent of consumers look into a company's values and stances before shopping there. LendingTree also found that anti-boycott sentiment to be a significant force, with 23 percent of respondents saying they had supported a business specifically because it was the target of a boycott. Republicans (31 percent) were more like to participating in these "reverse boycotts" than Democrats (20 percent). What People Are Saying LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said: "There's no doubt that lots of Americans are aware of the political leanings of many of the businesses they frequent, but the fact that 45 percent of consumers look into a company's politics before buying from them is pretty shocking." "Any company that attempts to downplay the importance of politics in their customers' shopping choices does so at its own peril," he added. "Your potential customers are listening closely to what your business says, whether you like it or not." What Happens Next? Boycotts led by the grassroots group The People's Union USA are currently targeting Amazon, Home Depot and Starbucks. John Schwarz, the group's founder, has also called for a Fourth of July boycott. In a video posted to Instagram, Schwarz encouraged consumers to avoid celebrations, fireworks and "big store spending" in a protest against the presidency of Donald Trump.
Black America Web
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
LA County Lawmaker Wants Audit To Examine Eaton And Palisades Fire Responses
Source: Mario Tama / Getty In the months since the Eaton and Palisades wildfires ravaged through the LA County area, a local lawmaker is now calling for an official statewide audit to examine the fire responses to ensure that when future issues of a similar nature arise, the county is better prepared. Democratic assemblyman John Harabedian, who represents Pasadena, recently announced his decision to request a state audit, as impacted residents still have a host of questions about what went wrong during that disastrous day back in January. 'Generally speaking, why did alerts not go out? The 18 deaths in Altadena happened primarily in the western part of Altadena, where the fires had been raging for eight hours before alerts were received,' Harabedian said. 'By that time at three or four in the morning, the fire was on the doorsteps for many of my neighbors and some of whom didn't make it out.' In addition to the 18 people who were left dead in Altadena due to the Eaton fire, 12 people also died in the Palisades fire. 'I really think we owe it to my constituents and my neighbors to figure out what happened,' Harabedian continued. 'So I've requested an independent audit to examine the state and local response to the fires in both Altadena and the Palisades.' If approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, the audit will examine the complete timeline response of both the Eaton and Palisades wildfires—including investigating the evacuation orders, first responders' resources, and vegetation management in the area. 'The audit will focus on a number of things, but mainly on how systems function in real time, looking at evacuation alerts, agency coordination, equipment deployment, utility preparedness, everything,' Harabedian explained. 'And really I think that it is incumbent on the state to push for this type of transparency, accountability, and the improved readiness that will hopefully come from this will help when the next disaster strikes,' he added. Harabedian's audit request is running alongside other California and LA County investigations into the fire response. He shared what he hopes will be accomplished with the audit and how it will impact any future natural disasters in the area. 'At a minimum, I want to see improved coordination and communication during future disasters,' Harabedian said. 'All coordination and being able to communicate during these disasters, whether it's the fire, whether it's the earthquake, whether it's a flood, that is something that needs to be looked at across the board,' he continued. 'Because unfortunately, we will be dealing with the next disaster very soon.' SEE ALSO: Real Estate Developers Are Buying Altadena's Burned Lots As Residents Face Harsh Financial Realities Of Rebuilding Evidence Of Human Error Grows In Altadena Fire Evacuation Investigation SEE ALSO LA County Lawmaker Wants Audit To Examine Eaton And Palisades Fire Responses was originally published on
Car and Driver
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
The True Cost of Owning an Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know
If you're thinking about buying or leasing your first electric vehicle, what costs should you be prepared for beyond the purchase price? Will there be any expensive surprises? Will maintenance cost more or less than a traditional gas-powered car? We'll answer this with in-depth information on EV insurance, depreciation, charging costs, tax incentives, home charging installation, and more. After you read this guide, you'll have a better idea of what it costs to own an EV. One of the most important factors that car buyers consider is affordability, up there with quality and fuel economy. But for EVs, you'll want to look beyond the window sticker to determine what you're really going to pay. The MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) often doesn't reflect the real cost of an EV. For one, the MSRP of an EV is usually significantly higher than a comparable gas or hybrid vehicle, in part because of their expensive-to-produce batteries. According to Kelly Blue Book data from June 2025, the average transaction price of a new EV was $57,734, while the average price for a gas-powered vehicle was $48,799—a nearly $9000 difference. But MSRP and purchase price aren't the whole picture. Mario Tama | Getty Images EV State and Federal EV Tax Incentives State and federal EV tax incentives can reduce the real-world cost of an EV significantly. The maximum federal tax incentive is $7500 at the time of this writing, bringing your average EV closer to cost parity with nonelectric vehicles. Not every EV or buyer qualifies for the credit. EVs must contain a certain percentage of domestically produced parts, buyers must not exceed an income limit, and vehicles with MSRPs greater than the IRS guidelines below do not qualify: Vans, SUVs, trucks: $80,000 maximum MSRP All other vehicles: $50,000 maximum MSRP This article has more information about federal tax credits; the government also has a list of vehicles that qualify for full or partial tax credits. The tax credit is different than a typical dealer incentive; it's not a discount on the purchase; instead, it reduces the buyer's tax liability. If a buyer owes less than $7500 in federal income tax, they won't get the full benefit of the credit. But buyers can transfer the tax credit to the dealer, who can then give them an immediate discount on the vehicle purchase price. The IRS has more details on how this works. Also check with the relevant agency in your state to see if there are additional state tax incentives or rebates. For example, Colorado is known for having a particularly generous tax credit of up to $3500 in addition to the federal credit. Other EV Incentives Slow-selling EVs may also have substantial incentives, discounts offered by the dealer or manufacturer. In early 2025, the new electric Dodge Charger Daytona saw discounts that could exceed $12,000, hinting at its low demand. Check for current offers at the manufacturer's website; many car-shopping sites also highlight attractive deals. How to Pay for an EV While the tax credits make EVs stand out from typical cars and trucks, the process of buying an EV is largely the same. You could pay cash up front or (more likely) finance the vehicle's price through a loan. Loans may be initiated through the vehicle manufacturer's financing arm (also known as captive auto lenders) or through a bank, credit union, or online lenders. Check out our in-depth guide to all facets of auto financing. Some lenders offer EV-specific loan terms. These are sometimes known as green loans. They may offer better interest rates or other terms. Some captive auto lenders naturally offer lower interest rates to incentivize low-emissions-vehicle sales. Some banks and other lenders also offer specialty loans. When researching which lender to finance through, it's worth asking about EV-specific loans. Many EV makers bypass dealer networks and sell directly to car buyers. Following the lead of EV pioneer Tesla Motors, more recent startups, including Rivian, Lucid, and Volkswagen's upcoming Scout truck and SUV brand, intend to sell directly to consumers. While there's typically no negotiation, there may be incentives or other special offers. Some states have specific rules prohibiting this practice, while others currently only allow an exception for Tesla. You may check with local dealers, direct-to-consumer retail outlets, or your state vehicle-licensing agency for more information. What It Costs to Insure an EV EVs have a lot of advantages, but one area in which they fall short of their fossil-fuel kin is in the insurance department. As we've covered in our in-depth guide to insuring EVs, insurance for these green vehicles is generally more expensive than an average car. There are a few reasons why EVs are more expensive to insure: Higher purchase cost. More expensive to repair. Higher labor and parts costs. A 2023 study found that EVs, on average, cost $442 per year more than an equivalent gas vehicle to insure. That said, a number of factors influence insurance costs, so be sure to do your due diligence with your insurance agent or broker. Additional Costs: Registration Fees, Additional Taxes In many states, transportation infrastructure repair for roads, freeways, and bridges is funded in large part by sales taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel. Many states have implemented increased registration fees or other taxes to make sure that EV owners are paying their "fair share" of the costs. The fees can add up. For example, in Texas there is a $400 fee for new EV registrations, with an additional $200 fee for each yearly renewal. According to some analyses of various state registration fees and taxes, EV registration fees actually exceed what non-EV drivers pay in gasoline taxes. If you're in one of the following states, it's worth researching the fee before getting a nasty surprise at the licensing office. Alabama Arizona Arkansas Georgia Idaho Indiana Kansas Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington West Virginia Wyoming Factor in registration and licensing costs into the total cost of the vehicle no matter what state you live in. The numbers will likely be available on your state's vehicle-licensing office's website. EV Maintenance and Repair Compared to an internal-combustion gasoline or diesel engine, electric motors are relatively simple mechanically. That could mean less maintenance, as there are fewer things that can go wrong. But there are some maintenance items that EVs and gas cars share: Tires Brakes (although an EV's regenerative braking can make the brakes last longer) Suspension (shocks, struts, springs) Cooling system EVs often use specialized tires to cope with their extra weight and special rubber compounds to decrease rolling resistance and thus improve range and efficiency. When it comes time to replace tires—when worn out, damaged, or at six to 10 years—they may cost more than those on a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle. There is also some data indicating that heavier EVs cause increased tire wear and require more frequent replacement. Brakes, however, are a bright spot. Instead of using the brakes to slow down, most EVs use regenerative braking to turn their electric motors into electric generators. The traditional brake components, like brake pads and brake discs, are present but used less frequently, resulting in lower maintenance costs. While the math gets trickier for fancy upscale EVs with adjustable suspension systems, there's nothing special about most EVs' suspension other than optimization for the vehicle's increased weight. The cooling system (more accurately a thermal-management system) on an EV helps maintain the battery at its optimum temperature so it can work correctly. In cold weather, or to prep the battery for fast-charging, it will actually heat and circulate fluid to warm the battery to the right temperature. This all means that there's a liquid that fills the system, often a specialized (and expensive) one, and various pumps and sensors. Unless there's an unforeseen problem, the system will be inspected and the fluid changed at regular intervals per the manual. What's the bottom line? In general, EVs are cheaper to maintain. The Cost to Charge an EV Installing home charging can be the biggest surprise expense of the EV-ownership experience. Some lucky homeowners will have suitable wiring and a convenient outlet ready to go but others may face significant costs (from about $500 to more than $1300 on average, according to a study by Angie's List). Check the requirements of the charger you are planning to use and consult an electrician. Incentives and rebates may offset the cost of the charger or the price of installation; talk to your utility company about that. Our home charger buying guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, costs involved, and recommendations for home charging units. Your local electricity rate will also affect the cost of EV ownership. The cost of electricity varies widely, but it's usually expressed in dollars per kilowatt-hour (kWh); the national average as of March 2025 was $0.17 per kilowatt-hour. (Hawaii had the most expensive rate, at $0.41, and North Dakota the least at $0.11.) Electricity rates may vary during the day or seasonally. After determining your electricity rate, you can get a ballpark estimate of the cost to "fill up" your EV by multiplying your battery capacity in kilowatt-hours by the electricity rate in dollars per kilowatt-hour and then adding another 10 percent to account for losses during charging. For example, a current 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has an 85-kWh battery. Many owners do not fully drain or fully charge their batteries to extend their service life, so a 20 to 80 percent charge would cost $9.54 at the national average electricity rate. That would recoup 171 to 191 miles of EPA driving range, depending on which Equinox EV model you're charging. Charging at home is significantly more economical than using a public charger. While some public chargers are of the same type you'd use at home, what comes to mind when most EV drivers think of public charging are the ultra-fast, high-voltage chargers operated by companies like Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and others. These are also known as DC fast-chargers, and they're much faster than any home charging system—filling up most EVs in minutes rather than hours. It is almost always significantly more expensive. Public DC fast-charger rates vary by too many factors to list here, including local electricity rates, time of day, and demand, but in general, it's around $0.50 per kilowatt-hour. Using our Equinox EV example, it would cost nearly $27 to fill up from 20 to 80 percent. What Is an EV Worth When It's Time to Sell or Trade It In? EV owners generally don't hold on to their vehicles as long as the overall average—typically three to four years. This means that anyone considering buying an EV needs to think about how much it will be worth a few years down the road when the time comes to sell it or trade it in. This is called depreciation; how much the value of an item has decreased over time. EVs typically have notably worse resale value than other types of vehicles. A recent study finds that, on average, EVs depreciated by 58.8 percent over five years, compared to an overall market average of 45.6 percent. Recently, Tesla models are being hit particularly hard by depreciation. This means an EV will be worth less at the end of an ownership period. That's less money coming back to you, so you can think of it as an additional cost to factor in. The Bottom Line As you can see, there are many factors that influence the cost to own and drive an EV. The biggest single factor in the total cost is the selection of the vehicle itself. A less expensive, more reliable EV with a higher resale value could prove to be a prudent choice. Equally important is how the EV will be charged. Home charging installation can be very expensive; if you have an older house, you may want to go over your plans with an electrician before buying an EV. If you'll charge at DC fast-chargers, budget for significantly higher charging costs. But remember, reduced maintenance costs, EV tax incentives, and any other purchase or lease incentives could drastically alter the picture. The best advice we can give you about the cost of EV ownership is that it pays to do your homework. With knowledge about some of the less obvious factors and some tools to estimate them, you'll have a good idea of what owning an EV will cost you.
Boston Globe
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
See photos of the National Guard confronting protesters in Los Angeles
California National Guard members at the Paramount Business Center in Paramount, Calif. ALEX WELSH/NYT A protester with a Mexican flag stands near authorities in riot gear in Paramount, Calif. MARK ABRAMSON/NYT A federal agent agent with members of the California National Guard near protesters, whose reflection is visible in his helmet visor, in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday. GABRIELA BHASKAR/NYT Federal agents and members of the California National Guard stand in front of protesters in downtown Los Angeles. GABRIELA BHASKAR/NYT Members of the California National Guard stand outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles. PHILIP CHEUNG/NYT A protester shouts to US National Guard deployed in downtown Los Angeles. Eric Thayer/Associated Press Members of the California National Guard stand outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles. PHILIP CHEUNG/NYT US Representative Maxine Waters speaks to the US National Guard in downtown Los Angeles. Eric Thayer/Associated Press US National Guard stand their line in the metropolitan detention center of downtown Los Angeles. Eric Thayer/Associated Press A protester confronts a line of US National Guard in the metropolitan detention center of downtown Los Angeles. Eric Thayer/Associated Press Smoke rises as protesters clash with members of the California National Guard in downtown Los Angeles. GABRIELA BHASKAR/NYT Members of the California National Guard deploy tear gas to protesters in downtown Los Angeles. GABRIELA BHASKAR/NYT Smoke rises as protesters clash with members of the California National Guard in downtown Los Angeles. GABRIELA BHASKAR/NYT Protestors against immigration raids march toward downtown Los Angeles on June 08 in Los Angeles. Mario Tama/Getty Protestors against immigration raids march toward downtown Los Angeles on June 08. Mario Tama/Getty Protestors against immigration raids march toward downtown Los Angeles on June 08. Mario Tama/Getty National Guard soldiers stand guard as protestors gather outside the Metropolitan Detention Center. Mario Tama/Getty Protestors against immigration raids march toward downtown Los Angeles on June 08. Mario Tama/Getty Protestors against immigration raids march toward downtown Los Angeles on June 08. Mario Tama/Getty Protestors are seen among smoke as confrontation with National Guard soldiers and US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Police officers, take place outside the Metropolitan Detention Center. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images Protestors are seen among smoke as confrontation with National Guard soldiers and US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Police officers, take place outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images Immigration rights supporters and protesters confront with National Guard soldiers and US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Police officers, outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images National Guard troops stand outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC on June 08. Spencer Platt/Photographer: Spencer Platt/Gett National Guard soldiers and US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Police officers clash with demonstrators outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images National Guard soldiers and US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Police officers clash with demonstrators outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images National Guard soldiers stand guard alongside federal officers as protestors gather outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC. Spencer Platt/Getty Protesters stand off with National Guard soldiers and police outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC on June 08. Spencer Platt/Getty National Guard soldiers stand guard alongside federal officers as protestors gather outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC. Spencer Platt/Getty Protesters stand off with National Guard soldiers and police outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC on June 08. Spencer Platt/Getty Protesters stand off with National Guard soldiers and police outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC on June 08. Spencer Platt/Getty Protesters stand off with National Guard soldiers and police outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC on June 08. Spencer Platt/Getty US Department of Homeland Security Police officers and members of the National Guard stand guard outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images California National Guard members at the Paramount Business Center in Paramount, Calif. ALEX WELSH/NYT Members of the National Guard stand guard outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, in downtown Los Angeles. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images Members of the National Guard stand guard outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC, in downtown Los Angeles. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images Members of the National Guard stand guard outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC in downtown Los Angeles. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images Shanna Kelly can be reached at
