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Fruit, tequila and even cars could be more expensive as a result of the US president’s decisionView the full article

UK’s most valuable listed company raised NHS rejection of its new breast cancer drug and the drug pricing mechanism during negotiationsView the full article

Companies from Boeing to Amazon have sought out the world’s richest man as he seeks to remake US government View the full article

Quarter-point reduction forecast even as short-term inflation pressures are set to increaseView the full article

The Aluminium Association of Canada has strongly criticized the 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on Canadian aluminium, warning of significant economic repercussions for American workers and consumers. The tariffs will immediately increase the cost of aluminium, affecting industries that rely on the metal for manufacturing. The U.S. consumes six times the amount of primary aluminium it produces, and Canada plays a critical role in supplying the shortfall. “This situation will unfortunately impact workers and consumers in America with the immediate increase on the price of aluminium,” said Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada. The association highlighted the interdependence of North American aluminium industries, stating that 9,500 Canadian aluminium workers supply metal to over 500,000 American manufacturing jobs, generating more than $200 billion in U.S. economic output annually. The Canadian aluminium industry intends to work closely with government officials, business leaders, and unions to maintain economic stability despite the tariffs. The industry also plans to engage with U.S. stakeholders—including businesses, workers, and policymakers—to underscore the negative economic impact of the tariffs. The Aluminium Association of Canada stressed that the real threat to the North American aluminium sector comes from China’s state-subsidized overproduction, not from Canada. The organization urged both nations to prioritize addressing unfair Chinese trade practices rather than imposing tariffs on Canadian aluminium. “Going forward the focus for our industry and our countries must be set on addressing the devastating impacts of unfair Chinese trading practices stemming from massive state subsidies on the entire aluminium ecosystem,” the statement noted. Canada has already taken several measures to align its trade policies with the U.S. to protect North America from Chinese aluminium dumping, including: Implementing a 25% surtax on Chinese aluminium imports. Establishing a Market Watch Unit within the Canada Border Services Agency to monitor aluminium trade. Enhancing anti-circumvention rules to prevent transshipment. Launching an Aluminium Imports Monitoring System in 2019. Developing a digital traceability system to track metal shipments in real-time. The association reiterated that Canadian aluminium should remain exempt from tariffs due to its strategic importance in North America’s industrial supply chain. With U.S. production limited to one million metric tons per year, tariffs on Canadian imports will increase costs for American manufacturers and consumers, counteracting efforts to curb inflation. Image: Envato This article, "Aluminum Assoc. of Canada: US Tariffs on Canadian Aluminium WIll Disrupt Industry, Drive Up Costs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Aluminium Association of Canada has strongly criticized the 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on Canadian aluminium, warning of significant economic repercussions for American workers and consumers. The tariffs will immediately increase the cost of aluminium, affecting industries that rely on the metal for manufacturing. The U.S. consumes six times the amount of primary aluminium it produces, and Canada plays a critical role in supplying the shortfall. “This situation will unfortunately impact workers and consumers in America with the immediate increase on the price of aluminium,” said Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada. The association highlighted the interdependence of North American aluminium industries, stating that 9,500 Canadian aluminium workers supply metal to over 500,000 American manufacturing jobs, generating more than $200 billion in U.S. economic output annually. The Canadian aluminium industry intends to work closely with government officials, business leaders, and unions to maintain economic stability despite the tariffs. The industry also plans to engage with U.S. stakeholders—including businesses, workers, and policymakers—to underscore the negative economic impact of the tariffs. The Aluminium Association of Canada stressed that the real threat to the North American aluminium sector comes from China’s state-subsidized overproduction, not from Canada. The organization urged both nations to prioritize addressing unfair Chinese trade practices rather than imposing tariffs on Canadian aluminium. “Going forward the focus for our industry and our countries must be set on addressing the devastating impacts of unfair Chinese trading practices stemming from massive state subsidies on the entire aluminium ecosystem,” the statement noted. Canada has already taken several measures to align its trade policies with the U.S. to protect North America from Chinese aluminium dumping, including: Implementing a 25% surtax on Chinese aluminium imports. Establishing a Market Watch Unit within the Canada Border Services Agency to monitor aluminium trade. Enhancing anti-circumvention rules to prevent transshipment. Launching an Aluminium Imports Monitoring System in 2019. Developing a digital traceability system to track metal shipments in real-time. The association reiterated that Canadian aluminium should remain exempt from tariffs due to its strategic importance in North America’s industrial supply chain. With U.S. production limited to one million metric tons per year, tariffs on Canadian imports will increase costs for American manufacturers and consumers, counteracting efforts to curb inflation. Image: Envato This article, "Aluminum Assoc. of Canada: US Tariffs on Canadian Aluminium WIll Disrupt Industry, Drive Up Costs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Rand falls after president singles out Brics nation over expropriation of propertiesView the full article

The U.S. residential construction market is expected to expand by $242.9 million between 2025 and 2029, growing at a 4.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), according to a new report from Technavio. Rising household formation rates and a growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices are key factors driving market growth. However, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly in the availability of skilled labor for large-scale projects. The U.S. residential construction sector is seeing increased demand for affordable housing, spurred by lower mortgage rates and federal programs aimed at expanding access to homeownership. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies remain a crucial factor influencing housing affordability, while supply chain disruptions and labor shortages continue to limit the pace of new construction. The market is also experiencing a shift towards eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes, with homeowners seeking solar panels, energy-efficient insulation, and sustainable building materials. Federal incentives, including tax credits and rebates, are further encouraging the adoption of green building practices. Millennials, a major segment of first-time homebuyers, are driving demand for single-family homes, while urbanization trends continue to fuel the development of apartments and condominiums in metropolitan areas. Challenges in the Construction Sector Despite strong demand, the industry faces significant hurdles, particularly a shortage of skilled labor. An aging workforce, lack of new training programs, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to worker shortages, leading to delays and increased costs for residential projects. In 2023, the construction sector required an estimated 723,000 new workers annually to meet demand, a gap that continues to strain the industry. Additionally, while home construction spending has seen double-digit growth, the supply of new homes has failed to keep pace with demand, contributing to rising home prices. Mortgage rates, lending guidelines, and stricter credit requirements remain key barriers for potential buyers. Industry Outlook and Market Segmentation The residential construction market is segmented by: Product: Apartments and condominiums, villas, and other housing types. Type: New construction and renovation. Application: Single-family and multi-family homes. Geography: Primarily North America, with U.S. market trends closely tied to Canadian housing conditions. AI’s Impact on Market Trends Artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in the residential construction sector, driving efficiencies in project planning, cost estimation, and workforce management. AI-powered analytics tools help builders optimize material procurement, reduce waste, and improve construction timelines, offering a competitive edge in an industry facing labor shortages and rising costs. Looking Ahead The U.S. residential construction market is expected to experience continued growth through 2029, supported by demand for affordable housing, sustainability initiatives, and evolving homebuyer preferences. However, economic uncertainty, labor constraints, and regulatory challenges remain factors to watch in the coming years. Image: Envato This article, "US Residential Construction Market Projected to Grow by $242.9 Million from 2025 to 2029" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. residential construction market is expected to expand by $242.9 million between 2025 and 2029, growing at a 4.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), according to a new report from Technavio. Rising household formation rates and a growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices are key factors driving market growth. However, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly in the availability of skilled labor for large-scale projects. The U.S. residential construction sector is seeing increased demand for affordable housing, spurred by lower mortgage rates and federal programs aimed at expanding access to homeownership. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies remain a crucial factor influencing housing affordability, while supply chain disruptions and labor shortages continue to limit the pace of new construction. The market is also experiencing a shift towards eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes, with homeowners seeking solar panels, energy-efficient insulation, and sustainable building materials. Federal incentives, including tax credits and rebates, are further encouraging the adoption of green building practices. Millennials, a major segment of first-time homebuyers, are driving demand for single-family homes, while urbanization trends continue to fuel the development of apartments and condominiums in metropolitan areas. Challenges in the Construction Sector Despite strong demand, the industry faces significant hurdles, particularly a shortage of skilled labor. An aging workforce, lack of new training programs, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to worker shortages, leading to delays and increased costs for residential projects. In 2023, the construction sector required an estimated 723,000 new workers annually to meet demand, a gap that continues to strain the industry. Additionally, while home construction spending has seen double-digit growth, the supply of new homes has failed to keep pace with demand, contributing to rising home prices. Mortgage rates, lending guidelines, and stricter credit requirements remain key barriers for potential buyers. Industry Outlook and Market Segmentation The residential construction market is segmented by: Product: Apartments and condominiums, villas, and other housing types. Type: New construction and renovation. Application: Single-family and multi-family homes. Geography: Primarily North America, with U.S. market trends closely tied to Canadian housing conditions. AI’s Impact on Market Trends Artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in the residential construction sector, driving efficiencies in project planning, cost estimation, and workforce management. AI-powered analytics tools help builders optimize material procurement, reduce waste, and improve construction timelines, offering a competitive edge in an industry facing labor shortages and rising costs. Looking Ahead The U.S. residential construction market is expected to experience continued growth through 2029, supported by demand for affordable housing, sustainability initiatives, and evolving homebuyer preferences. However, economic uncertainty, labor constraints, and regulatory challenges remain factors to watch in the coming years. Image: Envato This article, "US Residential Construction Market Projected to Grow by $242.9 Million from 2025 to 2029" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

EU tariffs ‘will definitely happen,’ Trump saysView the full article

US President Donald Trump is planning to slap tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico on Saturday. Now comes the guessing game of how they will affect the global stock market. View the full article

New levies expected to lift the US dollar and prompt market turbulence, investors say View the full article

Time is our most valuable resource, but it’s also often the most mismanaged. When you’re juggling the efforts of multiple people working on the same project, the struggle of time management becomes amplified. You don’t necessarily want to monitor an employee’s every move, but you do need to know where they are in their work The post Streamlining team workflows: The power of shared time tracking for project success appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

There was a time when artists representing two of America’s biggest homegrown musical genres wouldn’t get a look in at the Grammys. Hip-hop and house both have their origins in the 1970s and early 1980s—in fact, they recently celebrated a 50th and 40th birthday, respectively. But it was only in 1989 that an award category for “best rap performance” started recognizing hip-hop’s contribution to U.S. music, and house had to wait another decade, with the introduction of “best dance/electronic recording” in 1998. At this year’s awards, taking place on February 2, hip-hop and house artists will be among the most talked about. House duo Justice and Kendrick Lamar, a hip-hop superstar who incorporates elements of house himself, are among those looking to pick up an award. Meanwhile, a nomination for a collaboration between DJ Kaytranada and rapper Childish Gambino shows how artists from both genres continue to feed off each other. And while both genres are now celebrated for their separate contributions to the music landscape, as a scholar of African American culture and music, I am interested in their commonality: Both are distinctly Black American art forms that originated on the streets and dance floors of U.S. cities, developing a devoted underground following before being accepted by—and transforming—the mainstream. The pulse of the 1970s The roots of hip-hop and house music both lie in the seismic shifts of the late 1970s, a period of sociopolitical unrest and electronic experimentation that redefined the possibilities of sound. For hip-hop, this was expressed through the turntable manipulation pioneered by DJ Kool Herc in 1973, when he extended and looped breakbeats to energize crowds. House music’s innovators turned to the drum machine to create the genre’s foundational four-on-the-floor dance rhythm. That rhythm, foreshadowed by Eddy Grant’s 1977 production of “Time Warp” by the Coachouse Rhythm Section, would go on to shape house music’s distinct pulse. The track showed how electronic instruments such as the synthesizer and drum machine could recast traditional rhythmic patterns into something entirely new. This dance vibe—in which a base drum provides a steady four-four beat—became the heartbeat of house music, creating an enduring structure for DJs to layer bass lines, percussion, and melodies. In a similar way, Kool Herc’s breakbeat manipulation provided the scaffolding for MCs and dancers in hip-hop’s formative years. Marginalized communities in urban centers like Chicago and New York were at the forefront of these innovations. Despite experiencing grinding poverty and discrimination, it was Black and Latino youth—armed with turntables, drum machines, and samplers—who made these groundbreaking advances in music. For hip-hop, this meant manipulating breakbeats from songs like Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” and “Numbers” to energize B-boys and B-girls; for house, it meant extending disco’s rhythmic pulse into an ecstatic, inclusive dance floor. Both genres exemplified—and continue to exemplify—the ingenuity of predominantly Black and Hispanic communities who turned limited resources into cultural revolutions. From this shared origin of technological experimentation, cultural resilience and creative ingenuity, hip-hop and house music grew into distinct yet globally influential movements. The message and the MIDI By the early 1980s, both genres had found their feet. Hip-hop emerged as a powerful voice for storytelling, resistance and identity. Building on the foundations laid down by DJ Kool Herc, artists like Afrika Bambaataa emphasized hip-hop’s cultural and communal aspects. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Flash elevated the genre’s technical artistry with innovations like cutting and scratching. By 1984, hip-hop had evolved from its grassroots beginnings in the Bronx into a cultural movement on the cusp of mainstream recognition. Run-DMC’s self-titled debut album released that year introduced a harder, stripped-down sound that departed from disco-influenced beats. Their music, paired with the trio’s Adidas tracksuits and gold chains, established an aesthetic that resonated far beyond New York City. Music videos on MTV gave hip-hop a new medium for storytelling, while films like Beat Street and Breakin’ showcased the features and tenets of hip-hop culture: DJing, rapping, graffiti, breaking and knowledge of self – cementing its cultural presence, and presenting it to a world outside the U.S. But at its core, hip-hop remained a voice for the voiceless that sought to address systemic inequities through storytelling. Tracks like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message” vividly depicted the reality of living in poor, urban communities, while Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” and Tupac Shakur’s “Keep Ya Head Up” became anthems for social justice. Together these artists positioned hip-hop as a platform for resistance and empowerment. Becoming a cultural force Unlike hip-hop’s lyrical storytelling, house music focused on the physicality of rhythm and the collective experience of the dance floor. And as hip-hop moved away from disco, house leaned into it. Italy’s “father of disco,” Giorgio Moroder, showed the way with his pioneering use of synthesizers in Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love.” Over in New York, Larry Levan’s DJ sets at Paradise Garage demonstrated how electronic instruments could create immersive, emotionally charged experiences as a club that centered crowd participation through dance and not lyrics. By 1984, Chicago DJs Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy were repurposing disco tracks with drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and 909 to create hypnotic beats. Knuckles, known as the “Godfather of House,” transformed his sets at the Warehouse club into euphoric experiences, giving the genre its name in the process. House music thrived on inclusivity, served as a safe space for Black and Latino members of the LGBTQ+ communities at a time when hip-hop was severely unwelcoming of gay men. Tracks like Jesse Saunders’s “On & On” and Marshall Jefferson’s “Move Your Body” celebrated freedom, love, and unity, encapsulating its liberatory spirit, as rap music and hip-hop culture embarked on its mainstream journey with songs like Run DMC’s “Sucker M.C.s (Krush Groove)” and Salt-N-Pepa debuted their album Hot, Cool, & Vicious. As with hip-hop, by the the mid-1980s house music had become a cultural force, spreading from Chicago to Detroit to New York and, eventually, to the U.K.’s rave scene. Its emphasis on repetition, rhythm, and electronic instrumentation solidified its global appeal, uniting people across identities and geographies. Mainstays in modern music Despite their differences, moments of crossover highlight their shared DNA. From the late 1980s, tracks like “Yo Yo Get Funky” by Fast Eddie and “I’ll House You” by the Jungle Brothers merged house beats with hip-hop’s lyrical flow. Artists like Kaytranada and Doechii continue to blend the two genres today, staying true to the genres’ legacies while pushing their boundaries. And technology continues to drive both genres. Platforms like SoundCloud have democratized music production, allowing emerging artists to build on the decades of innovations that preceded them. Collaborations, such as Disclosure and Charli XCX’s “She’s Gone, Dance On,” highlight their adaptability and enduring appeal. Whether through hip-hop’s lyrical narratives or house’s rhythmic euphoria, these genres continue to inspire, challenge and transcend. As the 2025 Grammy Awards celebrate today’s leading house and hip-hop artists and their contemporary achievements, it is clear that the legacies of these two genres are mainstays in the kaleidoscope of American popular music and culture, having come a long way from back-to-school park jams and underground dance parties. Joycelyn Wilson is an assistant professor of ethnographic and cultural studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Central American nation is violating canal treaty’s neutrality clause View the full article

Keir Starmer to join Nato and European leaders at summit on boosting securityView the full article

US president’s aggressive actions have kick-started a ‘Buy Canadian’ campaign across the borderView the full article

President and ally Elon Musk have launched an assault on the Agency for International DevelopmentView the full article

System disperses trillions of dollars in US government spending each year, including social securityView the full article

Experts warn aggressive levies against US allies will hurt consumers and roil supply chainsView the full article

Plus specifics on revenue potential. By Rob Santos The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Plus specifics on revenue potential. By Rob Santos The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China will harm America’s own economy and diplomatic powerView the full article

Despite improvements, substantial issues remain. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Despite improvements, substantial issues remain. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article