Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art...
My father, Jimmy Lai, was born in mainland China to a well-to-do family shortly before the communists came to power. When they did, he and his family became the enemy of the people. His father fled to Hong Kong in search of better opportunities, leaving his family to fend for themselves. Meanwhile, my grandmother was […]
Being an advocate for mothers is part of a father’s role.
From an industry that usually portrays dads as fools or tyrants comes something rare: a portrait of fathers as tender, flawed, frightened, and profoundly human, writes Liel Leibovitz.
A report published Friday reveals how President Donald Trump’s policies have jacked up prices for a host of potential Father’s Day gifts this year.Overall, the analysis by Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive economic think tank and advocacy group, finds that prices for popular Father’s Day gifts have risen by nearly 19% on average over the last year, highlighted by a 30% increase in the price of Remington electric shavers, a 16% jump for Blackstone electric griddles, and barbecue tools up by 11%.The analysis traces price increases of popular personal care products to Trump’s global trade war, which he began last year with his “Liberation Day” tariffs levied on practically every nation in the world.“Many shavers and trimmers are imported from China, which has faced multiple layers of tariffs,” notes the report, “in addition to containing steel and aluminum components, which are also subject to additional tariffs.”The report also points out that electric shaver manufacturer Braun “increased the price of its Series 9 All-in-One Beard Trimmer by $50” last year after Trump’s big tariff announcement, and that the price has since gone up by another $10.Examining the increase in grilling product prices, the report pins the blame not only on Trump’s tariffs, but also his illegal war of choice with Iran.“The Middle East is a major producer of the petrochemical used to make plastics and synthetic fibers,” the report explains. “Trump’s reckless war on Iran has increased the price of these petroleum-derived products, helping drive up the cost of items like grilling tools, which cost nearly 22% more this year.”Elizabeth Pancotti, managing director of policy and advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative, summarized the report’s findings by warning that “Dads are in for disappointment this Father’s Day” thanks to Trump’s economic policies.“While dads across the country should be able to relax and enjoy the day with loved ones,” Pancotti added, “they’re instead forced to worry about how they’ll make ends meet in Trump’s economy.”Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war have sent inflation in the US to its highest levels in three years. As data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) last week showed, overall prices in May posted a yearly increase of 4.2%, highlighted by a 23.5% yearly increase in energy prices.Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, said last week that inflation has now grown “so high that it’s erasing all wage gains” being made by American workers.
Israeli leaders’ statements demanding that “all of Lebanon must burn” have become an unwelcome complication to peace negotiations as a ceasefire between the Israeli militia and Hezbollah begins. Israel and Hezbollah, two parties that did not sign on to the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Israel, exchanged strikes on Friday. Ultranationalist leaders […]
Former President George W. Bush went viral on Thursday at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on Thursday, when he rekindled his friendship with former first lady Michelle Obama by offering her some Altoids. The gift was a playful callback to a moment that first captured public attention nearly a decade ago, during […]
Bipartisan lawmakers voice strong skepticism about Trump's Iran peace deal, with critics like Cruz and Schiff arguing Iran is in a stronger position.
Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author. Recently, I listened again to Al Green’s “Back Up Train.” I bought it from a Los […]