Latest news with #COIVD-19
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Trump will 'take look' at pardons in Whitmer kidnapping plot
May 28 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday that he will consider pardoning four men convicted of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 because of tough COIVD-19 restrictions in the state. When asked in the White House's Oval Office, Trump said: "I'm going to look at it. It's been brought to my attention. I did watch the trial. It looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job, I'll be honest with you." Trump added: "It looked to me like some people said some stupid things. They were drinking and I think they said stupid things. But I'll take a look at that, and a lot of people are asking me that question from both sides, actually. A lot of people think they got railroaded, and probably some people don't." On Oct. 8, 2020, the Justice Department arrested 13 people from an anti-government group called the Wolverine Watchmen in a plot to kidnap Whitmer. One week later, a 14th suspect was arrested and charged in Michigan state court. Six suspects were charged in federal court. The others can't be pardoned or have their sentences commuted by Trump because they are state cases. Typically, the Office of the Pardon Attorney reviews and investigates applications for clemency submitted to the Justice Department. The DOJ's new pardon attorney, Ed Martin Jr. said last week that he will take a "hard look" at two men serving long prison terms in this case: Barry Croft Jr. serving 20 years and Adam Fox serving 16 years. They are being held in a prison in Colorado. "On the pardon front, we can't leave these guys behind," Martin, who previous was one of Trump's personal attorneys, said on The Breanna Morello Show. "In my opinion, these are victims just like January 6." On his first day in office on Jan. 20, Trump pardoned more than 1,500 of his supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol during a deadly riot on Jan. 6, 2021. They wanted to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election won by Joe Biden. Testimony during the federal trial revealed Fox, Croft and others, including FBI informants, went to northern Michigan, where they "cased" Whitmer's vacation home. The two men were convicted of conspiracy in federal court in 2022. Croft, a truck driver from Delaware who was considered the ringleader, also was convicted of a weapons charge. Defense lawyers for Croft and Fox have accused the FBI of engaging in entrapment by infiltrating the group as informants and undercover agents. In April, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed sentences for the two men. Other federal sentences were for Ty Garbin for 2 1/2 years and Kaleb Franks for four years. Bradon Caserta and Daniel Harris were found not guilty. Three others were convicted in state court in 2022 -- Paul Bellar, Joseph Morrison and Pete Musico. Bellar, who is the son-in-law of Musico, was given a seven-year sentence. Musico's sentence was 12 years and Morrison's 10 years. Two others pleaded guilty: Brian Higgins was given was a three-year sentence and Shawn Fix a minimum of three years. Not guilty were Eric Molton, Michael Null and William Noll in state court. Whitmer has not commented on the possible pardons. In 2020, Whitmer blamed some of the men's actions on Trump's rhetoric during his first term. She said Trump "refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups like these two Michigan militia groups" during a debate with Biden. The Democrat met with Trump at the White House on March 13 to discuss jobs. Trump praised her for "doing an excellent job." They also appeared a few weeks later to announce a new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air Force Base, in Macomb County, Mich.
UPI
28-05-2025
- Politics
- UPI
Trump will 'take look' at pardons in Whitmer kidnapping plot
1 of 4 | Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on August 22, 2024. President Donald Trump said Wednesdsay he will look into pardons for those convicted in kidnapping plot of Whitmer in 2020. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo May 28 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday that he will consider pardoning four men convicted of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020 because of tough COIVD-19 restrictions in the state. When asked in the White House's Oval Office, Trump said: "I'm going to look at it. It's been brought to my attention. I did watch the trial. It looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job, I'll be honest with you." Trump added: "It looked to me like some people said some stupid things. They were drinking and I think they said stupid things. But I'll take a look at that, and a lot of people are asking me that question from both sides, actually. A lot of people think they got railroaded, and probably some people don't." On Oct. 8, 2020, the Justice Department arrested 13 people from an anti-government group called the Wolverine Watchmen in a plot to kidnap Whitmer. One week later, a 14th suspect was arrested and charged in Michigan state court. Six suspects were charged in federal court. The others can't be pardoned or have their sentences commuted by Trump because they are state cases. Typically, the Office of the Pardon Attorney reviews and investigates applications for clemency submitted to the Justice Department. The DOJ's new pardon attorney, Ed Martin Jr. said last week that he will take a "hard look" at two men serving long prison terms in this case: Barry Croft Jr. serving 20 years and Adam Fox serving 16 years. They are being held in a prison in Colorado. "On the pardon front, we can't leave these guys behind," Martin, who previous was one of Trump's personal attorneys, said on The Breanna Morello Show. "In my opinion, these are victims just like January 6." On his first day in office on Jan. 20, Trump pardoned more than 1,500 of his supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol during a deadly riot on Jan. 6, 2021. They wanted to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election won by Joe Biden. Testimony during the federal trial revealed Fox, Croft and others, including FBI informants, went to northern Michigan, where they "cased" Whitmer's vacation home. The two men were convicted of conspiracy in federal court in 2022. Croft, a truck driver from Delaware who was considered the ringleader, also was convicted of a weapons charge. Defense lawyers for Croft and Fox have accused the FBI of engaging in entrapment by infiltrating the group as informants and undercover agents. In April, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed sentences for the two men. Other federal sentences were for Ty Garbin for 2 1/2 years and Kaleb Franks for four years. Bradon Caserta and Daniel Harris were found not guilty. Three others were convicted in state court in 2022 -- Paul Bellar, Joseph Morrison and Pete Musico. Bellar, who is the son-in-law of Musico, was given a seven-year sentence. Musico's sentence was 12 years and Morrison's 10 years. Two others pleaded guilty: Brian Higgins was given was a three-year sentence and Shawn Fix a minimum of three years. Not guilty were Eric Molton, Michael Null and William Noll in state court. Whitmer has not commented on the possible pardons. In 2020, Whitmer blamed some of the men's actions on Trump's rhetoric during his first term. She said Trump "refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups like these two Michigan militia groups" during a debate with Biden. The Democrat met with Trump at the White House on March 13 to discuss jobs. Trump praised her for "doing an excellent job." They also appeared a few weeks later to announce a new fighter jet mission at Selfridge Air Force Base, in Macomb County, Mich.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Major companies face a difficult task in estimating the impact of tariffs on their business
NEW YORK (AP) — Executives at some of the world's biggest companies are faced with the tricky task of explaining how President Donald Trump's tariffs are impacting their business as they discuss the latest financial results. Some are making their best estimate based on what they know at the moment; others are pulling their outlooks altogether. The only certainty is that they'll use a variation of the phrase 'uncertain times' at least once as they speak with analysts. Trump has imposed tariffs against key U.S. trading partners, while also postponing other tariffs to give companies a chance to negotiate. The process has left business and consumers uncertain amid a constantly shifting landscape. Over the last few months, tariffs have been announced and in some cases withdrawn within days. Here's what some of those companies are saying: Kraft Heinz Kraft Heinz is cutting its earnings forecast for the year, citing a volatile environment. The maker of food staples, including its namesake ketchup and boxed macaroni & cheese, is under pressure along with other food companies as inflation continues squeezing consumers. Tariffs could force companies to raise prices on consumer staples and food products, further fueling inflation. 'We're closely monitoring the potential impacts from macroeconomic pressures such as tariffs and inflation,' said Kraft Heinz CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, in a statement. JetBlue Airways JetBlue Airways pulled its financial forecast for the year over worries about slowing travel demand as consumer confidence weakens. The travel sector, including airlines, faces an indirect impact from tariffs. Tariffs threaten to raise prices on a wide range of consumer goods, worsening inflation and squeezing consumers. Discretionary spending on travel is often among the first budget items that households consider trimming or cutting completely in order to deal with higher costs elsewhere. 'In the first quarter we saw booking strength from January deteriorate into February and worsen into March,' said Marty St. George, JetBlue's president, in a statement. JetBlue said it is considering capacity reductions, fleet retirement and other costs savings to help boost profits and preserve cash. A report from the Conference Board Tuesday showed that Americans' confidence in the economy slumped for the fifth straight month to the lowest level since the onset of the COIVD-19 pandemic. Coca-Cola Coca-Cola said the impact of tariffs on its business is likely to be 'manageable.' Still, the beverage giant moderated expectations for its full-year profit. It now expects full-year adjusted earnings to grow 7% to 9%, down from 8% to 10% previously. Coke earned $2.88 per share in 2024. Coke and other beverage makers are facing a 25% tariff on the aluminum they use for cans, among other items. The company has said that it could shift aluminum suppliers, rely more heavily on plastic or glass bottles and take other measures to counteract the tariffs. Last week, rival PepsiCo lowered its full-year earnings expectations due to the impact of tariffs. General Motors General Motors is reassessing its expectations for 2025 due to auto tariffs. The automaker is pushing back its conference call to discuss its guidance and quarterly results until Thursday, so that it can assess potential changes to the Trump tariffs. On Tuesday, the White House said Trump will sign an executive order to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts. GM's current forecast for earnings of $11 to $12 per share doesn't consider the potential impact of tariffs. The auto tariffs could be particularly painful because major carmakers have production spread throughout North America. Parts and the assembly process often cross multiple borders several times before a car is complete. Carmakers face higher costs and that could mean higher prices for consumers, prompting them to delay or forgo purchases. UPS UPS said that it modeled several different scenarios for how the year might play out because of the uncertainty over tariffs. China remains a key concern for the package delivery company. Many of the small businesses that UPS deals with rely on China for their goods. There is a universal tariff of 10% for imports to the U.S., but tariffs on imports from China are as high as 145%. 'It's China that's the real uncertainty, I think, facing the economy,' said CEO Carol Tome, in a conference call with analysts. The rest of the world at 10% tariffs is manageable, she said. Sherwin-Williams Sherwin-Williams said it expects demand to remain choppy at least through the first half of the year. The paint maker reaffirmed its earnings forecast for the year. It said about 80% of is revenue is in the U.S. and the 'vast majority' of its raw materials are sourced in the region where it makes its products. That leaves it less exposed to tariff impacts. ___ AP Business Writers Dee-Ann Durbin and Michelle Chapman contributed to this report. Damian J. Troise, The Associated Press Sign in to access your portfolio
Boston Globe
29-04-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Major companies face a difficult task in estimating the impact of tariffs on their business
Here's what some of those companies are saying: Advertisement Kraft Heinz Kraft Heinz is cutting its earnings forecast for the year, citing a volatile environment. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The maker of food staples, including its namesake ketchup and boxed macaroni & cheese, is under pressure along with other food companies as inflation continues squeezing consumers. Tariffs could force companies to raise prices on consumer staples and food products, further fueling inflation. 'We're closely monitoring the potential impacts from macroeconomic pressures such as tariffs and inflation,' said Kraft Heinz CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, in a statement. JetBlue Airways JetBlue Airways pulled its financial forecast for the year over worries about slowing travel demand as consumer confidence weakens. The travel sector, including airlines, faces an indirect impact from tariffs. Tariffs threaten to raise prices on a wide range of consumer goods, worsening inflation and squeezing consumers. Discretionary spending on travel is often among the first budget items that households consider trimming or cutting completely in order to deal with higher costs elsewhere. Advertisement 'In the first quarter we saw booking strength from January deteriorate into February and worsen into March,' said Marty St. George, JetBlue's president, in a statement. JetBlue said it is considering capacity reductions, fleet retirement and other costs savings to help boost profits and preserve cash. A report from the Conference Board Tuesday showed that Americans' confidence in the economy slumped for the fifth straight month to the lowest level since the onset of the COIVD-19 pandemic. Coca-Cola Coca-Cola said the impact of tariffs on its business is likely to be 'manageable.' Still, the beverage giant moderated expectations for its full-year profit. It now expects full-year adjusted earnings to grow 7% to 9%, down from 8% to 10% previously. Coke earned $2.88 per share in 2024. Coke and other beverage makers are facing a 25% tariff on the aluminum they use for cans, among other items. The company has said that it could shift aluminum suppliers, rely more heavily on plastic or glass bottles and take other measures to counteract the tariffs. Last week, rival PepsiCo lowered its full-year earnings expectations due to the impact of tariffs. General Motors General Motors is reassessing its expectations for 2025 due to auto tariffs. The automaker is pushing back its conference call to discuss its guidance and quarterly results until Thursday, so that it can assess potential changes to the Trump tariffs. On Tuesday, the White House said Trump will sign an executive order to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts. GM's current forecast for earnings of $11 to $12 per share doesn't consider the potential impact of tariffs. Advertisement The auto tariffs could be particularly painful because major carmakers have production spread throughout North America. Parts and the assembly process often cross multiple borders several times before a car is complete. Carmakers face higher costs and that could mean higher prices for consumers, prompting them to delay or forgo purchases. UPS UPS said that it modeled several different scenarios for how the year might play out because of the uncertainty over tariffs. China remains a key concern for the package delivery company. Many of the small businesses that UPS deals with rely on China for their goods. There is a universal tariff of 10% for imports to the U.S., but tariffs on imports from China are as high as 145%. 'It's China that's the real uncertainty, I think, facing the economy,' said CEO Carol Tome, in a conference call with analysts. The rest of the world at 10% tariffs is manageable, she said. Sherwin-Williams Sherwin-Williams said it expects demand to remain choppy at least through the first half of the year. The paint maker reaffirmed its earnings forecast for the year. It said about 80% of is revenue is in the U.S. and the 'vast majority' of its raw materials are sourced in the region where it makes its products. That leaves it less exposed to tariff impacts. AP Business Writers Dee-Ann Durbin and Michelle Chapman contributed to this report .
San Francisco Chronicle
29-04-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Major companies face a difficult task in estimating the impact of tariffs on their business
NEW YORK (AP) — Executives at some of the world's biggest companies are faced with the tricky task of explaining how President Donald Trump's tariffs are impacting their business as they discuss the latest financial results. Some are making their best estimate based on what they know at the moment; others are pulling their outlooks altogether. The only certainty is that they'll use a variation of the phrase 'uncertain times' at least once as they speak with analysts. Trump has imposed tariffs against key U.S. trading partners, while also postponing other tariffs to give companies a chance to negotiate. The process has left business and consumers uncertain amid a constantly shifting landscape. Over the last few months, tariffs have been announced and in some cases withdrawn within days. Here's what some of those companies are saying: Kraft Heinz Kraft Heinz is cutting its earnings forecast for the year, citing a volatile environment. The maker of food staples, including its namesake ketchup and boxed macaroni & cheese, is under pressure along with other food companies as inflation continues squeezing consumers. Tariffs could force companies to raise prices on consumer staples and food products, further fueling inflation. 'We're closely monitoring the potential impacts from macro-economic pressures such as tariffs and inflation,' said Kraft Heinz CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera, in a statement. JetBlue Airways JetBlue Airways pulled its financial forecast for the year over worries about slowing travel demand as consumer confidence weakens. The travel sector, including airlines, faces an indirect impact from tariffs. Tariffs threaten to raise prices on a wide range of consumer goods, worsening inflation and squeezing consumers. Discretionary spending on travel is often among the first budget items that households consider trimming or cutting completely in order to deal with higher costs elsewhere. 'In the first quarter we saw booking strength from January deteriorate into February and worsen into March,' said Marty St. George, JetBlue's president, in a statement. JetBlue said it is considering capacity reductions, fleet retirement and other costs savings to help boost profits and preserve cash. A report from the Conference Board Tuesday showed that Americans' confidence in the economy slumped for the fifth straight month to the lowest level since the onset of the COIVD-19 pandemic. Coca-Cola Coca-Cola said the impact of tariffs on its business is likely to be 'manageable.' Still, the beverage giant moderated expectations for its full-year profit. It now expects full-year adjusted earnings to grow 7% to 9%, down from 8% to 10% previously. Coke earned $2.88 per share in 2024. Coke and other beverage makers are facing a 25% tariff on the aluminum they use for cans, among other items. The company has said that it could shift aluminum suppliers, rely more heavily on plastic or glass bottles and take other measures to counteract the tariffs. Last week, rival PepsiCo lowered its full-year earnings expectations due to the impact of tariffs. General Motors General Motors is reassessing its expectations for 2025 due to auto tariffs. The automaker is pushing back its conference call to discuss its guidance and quarterly results until Thursday, so that it can assess potential changes to the Trump tariffs. On Tuesday, the White House said Trump will sign an executive order to relax some of his 25% tariffs on autos and auto parts. GM's current forecast for earnings of $11 to $12 per share doesn't consider the potential impact of tariffs. The auto tariffs could be particularly painful because major carmakers have production spread throughout North America. Parts and the assembly process often cross multiple borders several times before a car is complete. Carmakers face higher costs and that could mean higher prices for consumers, prompting them to delay or forgo purchases. ___
