Tariffs and tensions hit small WA border town hard
To reach Point Roberts, WA from the U.S., you must drive through Canada or travel by private boat or plane. The small town is located on the Tsawwassen Peninsula, separated from the continental U.S. by water. Like so many northern border towns, Point Roberts is tied to Canada more than geographically. Many of its 1,000 residents are dual citizens of the U.S. and Canada. “Half of us here are dual citizens, including me,” Brian Calder, former president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, told Global News. “Canadian and American.” As relations between the two countries cool, the town has been caught in the crosshairs of the trade war and tariffs. Residents are worried about what that might mean for their community and their access to essential services like water and energy.
To reach Point Roberts, WA from the U.S., you must drive through Canada or travel by private boat or plane. The small town is located on the Tsawwassen Peninsula, separated from the continental U.S. by water. Like so many northern border towns, Point Roberts is tied to Canada more than geographically. Many of its 1,000 residents are dual citizens of the U.S. and Canada. “Half of us here are dual citizens, including me,” Brian Calder, former president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, told Global News. “Canadian and American.” As relations between the two countries cool, the town has been caught in the crosshairs of the trade war and tariffs. Residents are worried about what that might mean for their community and their access to essential services like water and energy.
How Donald Trump's tariffs hurt American farmers
President Donald Trump’s tariff threats has American crop farmers facing a precarious situation. On March 4, President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico while raising tariffs on goods from China up to 20%. Two days later, he suspended tariffs on products compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April 2, and specifically lowered the levy on non-USMCA-compliant potash to 10%. Potash is a key fertilizer agreement widely used by growers across the U.S., and 80% of potash imports come from Canada, according to government data. Canada produces more potash than any other country in the world. Increasing tariffs on this key farming product has experts worried about farmers facing further financial struggles, which may lead to increased consumer costs. Here’s why.
President Donald Trump’s tariff threats has American crop farmers facing a precarious situation. On March 4, President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico while raising tariffs on goods from China up to 20%. Two days later, he suspended tariffs on products compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April 2, and specifically lowered the levy on non-USMCA-compliant potash to 10%. Potash is a key fertilizer agreement widely used by growers across the U.S., and 80% of potash imports come from Canada, according to government data. Canada produces more potash than any other country in the world. Increasing tariffs on this key farming product has experts worried about farmers facing further financial struggles, which may lead to increased consumer costs. Here’s why.
Trump shuts 'wasteful' Social Security department
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced last month that it would be reducing spending and the size of its “bloated workforce and organizational structure” based on executive orders signed by President Trump. So far this initiative has included laying off around 7,000 employees across the country and closing dozens of field offices, triggering widespread concerns about the program, which supports approximately 70 million Americans. “Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits,” former commissioner and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley told CNBC. “I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days.” One major change is the closing of the Office of Transformation, a department within the agency. Staff that worked for this department were put on paid administrative leave. “President Trump has mandated the Federal government eliminate wasteful and inefficient offices and the Office of Transformation was a prime example,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “This redundant office was created under the previous administration and we are righting that wrong.” How will these changes impact beneficiaries?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced last month that it would be reducing spending and the size of its “bloated workforce and organizational structure” based on executive orders signed by President Trump. So far this initiative has included laying off around 7,000 employees across the country and closing dozens of field offices, triggering widespread concerns about the program, which supports approximately 70 million Americans. “Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of benefits,” former commissioner and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley told CNBC. “I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days.” One major change is the closing of the Office of Transformation, a department within the agency. Staff that worked for this department were put on paid administrative leave. “President Trump has mandated the Federal government eliminate wasteful and inefficient offices and the Office of Transformation was a prime example,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “This redundant office was created under the previous administration and we are righting that wrong.” How will these changes impact beneficiaries?
Only 44% of Americans have a retirement plan
Without a well-defined plan for spending in retirement, Americans could be facing unexpected and unnecessary stress. Allianz Life Insurance’s recent study reveals that only 44% of Americans have a retirement income plan. Allianz’s Vice President of Consumer Insights, Kelly LaVigne, commented “if you don’t know how you will draw from your retirement assets for income, then you aren’t ready to retire.” Having the right retirement strategy for how and when you’ll spend your income is key to reducing the decisions you’ll need to make once you reach retirement age. Unfortunately, without a plan, you risk joining the 31% of Americans who are overspending in retirement, according to a report from retirement magazine 401(k)Specialist.
Without a well-defined plan for spending in retirement, Americans could be facing unexpected and unnecessary stress. Allianz Life Insurance’s recent study reveals that only 44% of Americans have a retirement income plan. Allianz’s Vice President of Consumer Insights, Kelly LaVigne, commented “if you don’t know how you will draw from your retirement assets for income, then you aren’t ready to retire.” Having the right retirement strategy for how and when you’ll spend your income is key to reducing the decisions you’ll need to make once you reach retirement age. Unfortunately, without a plan, you risk joining the 31% of Americans who are overspending in retirement, according to a report from retirement magazine 401(k)Specialist.
USAID head mulls criminal referrals after layoffs
Peter Marocco, the new head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is reportedly considering sending criminal referrals to the Justice Department over the agency's potential misuse of taxpayer dollars. Appointed by President Trump to strip down the agency and cut government waste, Marocco has been reviewing USAID’s spending, which includes funding for global stability, humanitarian assistance and economic growth in unstable regions. The White House, however, argues that President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has uncovered USAID funding that’s being used to push left-wing political agendas on a global scale. During his speech in front of a joint session of Congress in early March, Trump argued that some USAID spending — which allegedly includes "$45 million for diversity scholarships in Burma" and "$8 million for LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho" — was, among other things, a misuse of taxpayer dollars.
Peter Marocco, the new head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is reportedly considering sending criminal referrals to the Justice Department over the agency's potential misuse of taxpayer dollars. Appointed by President Trump to strip down the agency and cut government waste, Marocco has been reviewing USAID’s spending, which includes funding for global stability, humanitarian assistance and economic growth in unstable regions. The White House, however, argues that President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has uncovered USAID funding that’s being used to push left-wing political agendas on a global scale. During his speech in front of a joint session of Congress in early March, Trump argued that some USAID spending — which allegedly includes "$45 million for diversity scholarships in Burma" and "$8 million for LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho" — was, among other things, a misuse of taxpayer dollars.
Is Colorado really turning on Elon Musk?
When Jane E. Rosenbaum’s Tesla’s lease ended in 2024, she wanted another electric vehicle, and eventually settled on an electric BMW. “[Elon Musk] doesn’t care about other people, he has no empathy whatsoever,” says Rosenbaum, explaining her reason for switching brands. “He can be the richest man in the world but I’m not going to contribute to that.” While Rosenbaum takes issue with the way Musk treats employees, as well as his actions after taking over Twitter (now X), she also wasn’t entirely happy with the performance of her vehicle, so when it came time to renew, she opted for another make. 9NEWS Colorado reports that as of the end of February 2025, around 230 Teslas were sitting unsold in a lot, close to Denver's Northfield Mall. This may be just one clue that Colorado residents aren’t as enamored as they once were with the brand that previously dominated the local electric vehicle market.
When Jane E. Rosenbaum’s Tesla’s lease ended in 2024, she wanted another electric vehicle, and eventually settled on an electric BMW. “[Elon Musk] doesn’t care about other people, he has no empathy whatsoever,” says Rosenbaum, explaining her reason for switching brands. “He can be the richest man in the world but I’m not going to contribute to that.” While Rosenbaum takes issue with the way Musk treats employees, as well as his actions after taking over Twitter (now X), she also wasn’t entirely happy with the performance of her vehicle, so when it came time to renew, she opted for another make. 9NEWS Colorado reports that as of the end of February 2025, around 230 Teslas were sitting unsold in a lot, close to Denver's Northfield Mall. This may be just one clue that Colorado residents aren’t as enamored as they once were with the brand that previously dominated the local electric vehicle market.
Dream vacation rental turns into nightmare
A trip to the Pocono Mountains was supposed to be a holiday high for the Schumacks and four other families who booked a VRBO vacation rental to ring in New Year’s together. Jacqueline and Gareth Schumack shelled out more than $6,000 to stay at the country getaway in the Poconos with their friends. But as soon as the Greenlawn, N.Y. family arrived with their three kids, they were disappointed. “We get to the property, and it’s like, we’re in shock,” Jacqueline told News 12 Long Island. It wasn’t just that the property didn’t match the images on the VRBO website. It was that there were serious issues like mold and exposed wiring. They left immediately. “I’m a father of three, and I didn’t feel safe having my kids in that space at all,” Gareth told News 12. VRBO recommended the Schumacks contact the property owner for a refund, and their request was denied; now VRBO is reviewing their case. In the meantime, the Schumacks are hoping their credit card company will reverse the charge. “I’d really like my $6,000 back,” Jacqueline said.
A trip to the Pocono Mountains was supposed to be a holiday high for the Schumacks and four other families who booked a VRBO vacation rental to ring in New Year’s together. Jacqueline and Gareth Schumack shelled out more than $6,000 to stay at the country getaway in the Poconos with their friends. But as soon as the Greenlawn, N.Y. family arrived with their three kids, they were disappointed. “We get to the property, and it’s like, we’re in shock,” Jacqueline told News 12 Long Island. It wasn’t just that the property didn’t match the images on the VRBO website. It was that there were serious issues like mold and exposed wiring. They left immediately. “I’m a father of three, and I didn’t feel safe having my kids in that space at all,” Gareth told News 12. VRBO recommended the Schumacks contact the property owner for a refund, and their request was denied; now VRBO is reviewing their case. In the meantime, the Schumacks are hoping their credit card company will reverse the charge. “I’d really like my $6,000 back,” Jacqueline said.
Watchdog: Trump plan will drain Social Security
Being able to retire comfortably is a top concern for many older Americans. A recent AARP survey found that 61% of Americans aged 50+ are worried that they will not have enough savings when they retire. Social Security, a cornerstone of American retirement ideals, was a central election issue for voters in the recent election, when Donald Trump proclaimed, “Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security” on Truth Social. That promise could become reality now that Trump is back in the White House. However, those taxes currently help fund the program's revenue and are crucial for retiree payouts. Removing them would create a significant shortfall, potentially affecting the program's long-term sustainability. The U.S. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates Trump's plans would lead to a 33% cut in benefits by 2035. Whatever happens during the second Trump administration, Americans will be looking to strengthen their retirement savings to ensure they can comfortably bounce back if the country's retiree safety net starts to unravel.
Being able to retire comfortably is a top concern for many older Americans. A recent AARP survey found that 61% of Americans aged 50+ are worried that they will not have enough savings when they retire. Social Security, a cornerstone of American retirement ideals, was a central election issue for voters in the recent election, when Donald Trump proclaimed, “Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security” on Truth Social. That promise could become reality now that Trump is back in the White House. However, those taxes currently help fund the program's revenue and are crucial for retiree payouts. Removing them would create a significant shortfall, potentially affecting the program's long-term sustainability. The U.S. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates Trump's plans would lead to a 33% cut in benefits by 2035. Whatever happens during the second Trump administration, Americans will be looking to strengthen their retirement savings to ensure they can comfortably bounce back if the country's retiree safety net starts to unravel.
How to avoid messy wills in blended families
Losing a beloved parent is painful, but if you discover they didn’t leave you anything, you may be dealing with financial shock as well. In blended families, conflicts over estates can be tense. Unfortunately, if your father designated your stepmom as his sole beneficiary, she has the right to do whatever she wants with his estate. The only exception would be if you’re named as a beneficiary on his life insurance policy or a bank account. It’s an upsetting situation, which is why it’s important to talk openly with your loved ones about estate planning before they pass to avoid family conflicts. In 2023, LawDepot found that 73% of Americans do not have an estate plan. Among households with incomes of over $150,000, only 34% have one. Even if you’ve been passed over, you can manage your own estate to minimize conflicts for future generations. Here are some ways to do that.
Losing a beloved parent is painful, but if you discover they didn’t leave you anything, you may be dealing with financial shock as well. In blended families, conflicts over estates can be tense. Unfortunately, if your father designated your stepmom as his sole beneficiary, she has the right to do whatever she wants with his estate. The only exception would be if you’re named as a beneficiary on his life insurance policy or a bank account. It’s an upsetting situation, which is why it’s important to talk openly with your loved ones about estate planning before they pass to avoid family conflicts. In 2023, LawDepot found that 73% of Americans do not have an estate plan. Among households with incomes of over $150,000, only 34% have one. Even if you’ve been passed over, you can manage your own estate to minimize conflicts for future generations. Here are some ways to do that.
Trade tensions may impact your energy bill
Earlier this month, Ontario Premier Doug Ford placed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports from Canada in retaliation to tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by the Trump administration It was suspended after President Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%. However, the electricity surcharge, which would impact exports to Michigan, New York and Minnesota, is "always on the table," Ford said this week ahead of more discussions. "But the last thing I want to do is antagonize and everyone goes to war again." So how would this surcharge on electricity exported to the U.S. hurt customers? We look at the facts and how officials have responded.
Earlier this month, Ontario Premier Doug Ford placed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports from Canada in retaliation to tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by the Trump administration It was suspended after President Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%. However, the electricity surcharge, which would impact exports to Michigan, New York and Minnesota, is "always on the table," Ford said this week ahead of more discussions. "But the last thing I want to do is antagonize and everyone goes to war again." So how would this surcharge on electricity exported to the U.S. hurt customers? We look at the facts and how officials have responded.
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