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Benson, James lay out plans on tariffs, taxes and MEDC overhaul in business forum
Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican U.S. Rep. John James appeared separately before the Detroit Economic Club to answer the same eight questions on economic and business policy.
U.S.-Canada trade war further taxes small businesses struggling with rising costs
“It’s like death by a thousand cuts,” a Vermont cheesemaker said, citing the rising costs of energy, inflation and now tariffs.
U.S.-Canada trade war further taxes small businesses struggling with rising costs
“It’s like death by a thousand cuts,” a Vermont cheesemaker said, citing the rising costs of energy, inflation and now tariffs.
US-Canada trade war further taxes small businesses as costs rise during the Iran war
Canada imposed reciprocal tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.
US-Canada trade war further taxes small businesses as costs rise during the Iran war
Canada imposed reciprocal tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.
US-Canada trade war further taxes small businesses as costs rise during the Iran war
NEW YORK (AP) — A trade war between the United States and Canada is making it more difficult and expensive for small businesses in the economically entwined cou
US-Canada trade war further taxes small businesses as costs rise during the Iran war
Small business owners in the United States and Canada say a trade war between their countries is hurting sales while they are also dealing with rising expenses from higher fuel costs.
Roundup: Tariff cuts / Frymaster / Diesel breaks $6
One-year truce: The U.S. and China are discussing targeted tariff cuts on American energy and agricultural products, as well as Chinese manufacturing inputs, potentially helping extend the countries’ one-year trade truce. The talks could produce a limited agreement covering roughly $30 billion in trade, with agriculture playing a key role as China continues purchases of […]
The best deals from Nintendo’s ‘customer appreciation’ sale
Nintendo is giving gamers discounted games as a thank you for dealing with tariffs.
US companies get creative as tariff refunds start flowing in
U.S. companies getting refunds after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s import tariffs are using the temporary windfall in a range of creative ways. The refunds are being
Trump says he's lifting 10% tariff on Irish whiskey because 'everybody's been bugging me'
President Donald Trump announced in April that he was lifting certain tariffs on U.K. whiskey, which includes Scotch and spirits made in Northern Ireland, creating an imbalance with Ireland.
Companies left China to dodge tariffs. Now some are heading back
A year after shifting production and sourcing out of China to avoid higher U.S. tariffs, some companies are learning that replicating the country's factory ecosystem is not so easy and are bringing manufacturing back.
Companies left China to dodge tariffs. Now some are heading back
By Ellen Zhang and Marius Zaharia BEIJING/HONG KONG, Sept 14 (Reuters) - A year after shifting production and sourcing out of China to avoid higher U.S. tariffs, some companies are
Ireand cheers as Trump says he will remove tariffs on Irish whiskey
Trump said he decided to remove the tariffs on Irish whiskey after he was asked to by the Irish prime minister and golfer Shane Lowry.
The huge Nintendo Switch 'tariff refund sale' has begun, and there's 30% off iconic games
The Customer Appreciation Sale is Nintendo's way of giving back to US gamers.
Trump says he plans to remove a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday at the close of a golf tournament in Ireland that he plans to remove a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey.
Trump says he’ll remove tariffs on Irish whiskey
On foreign land but home turf, Donald Trump presented the Irish Open trophy to Shane Lowry at the president’s Doonbeg golf course. He also presented an unexpected “favor”: the elimination of tariffs on Irish whiskey.
Trump says he plans to remove a 15% tariff on Irish whiskey
The Irish Whiskey Association had called for the tariffs to be removed, arguing that such a step would help many U.S. companies with Irish products in their portfolios.
Irish golf fans chant 'USA' after Trump announces end of tariffs on Irish whiskey
Irish golf fans chanted "USA" after President Donald Trump announced an end to U.S. tariffs on Irish whiskey at the Irish Open on Sunday.
Academy Sports (ASO) Turns A Tariff Refund Into A Profit Surge
On September 10, Academy Sports and Outdoors (NASDAQ:ASO) posted second quarter results that looked strong on the bottom line and shaky underneath it. Net sales rose 3% to $1.65 billion, but comparable sales slipped 0.4%, and the gap between those two numbers is where the real story sits. A one-time tariff refund did most of […]
U.S.-Canada relationship under strain 25 years after 9/11
The two countries are confronting each other over tariffs, trade and the future of an economic and political partnership.
Nintendo launches major sale with help from tariff refunds
Nintendo is offering 30% off games and other products, with the company saying tariff-related refunds helped make its latest sale possible.
Democratic governors criticize Trump policies amid rising costs
Andy Beshear and other Democratic governors criticized Trump’s tariffs, fuel prices and $5,000 dividend proposal during Louisville gathering.
Hockey is already one of the priciest youth sports. New tariffs could make it pricier.
How one Cedar Rapids club is working to keep the sport affordable.
Nintendo Offers Rare Discounts For American Customers—Thanks To Tariff Refunds, Company Says
Nintendo is one of more than 80 companies facing lawsuits from customers who want to see a piece of the federal tariff refunds given by the government.
A Sprint to Decipher U.S.-Canada Tariffs: ‘Are Sprinkles on the List?’
President Trump’s levies on a long, eclectic list of products from Canada has companies scrambling to figure out of their supply chains are affected.
Nintendo of America thanks fans for dealing with tariff-related price hikes by encouraging them to spend more money in a new sale
Nintendo America has faced a lot of pushback for not passing tariff refunds onto consumers, so its new tariff-related sale is causing some backlash.
Election 2026 Coverage
Cooke talks tariffs Lacrosse, Van Order highlights rural, vet. health Dallas
Nintendo Announces Big 'Customer Appreciation Sale' Supported By Tariff Refunds It Doesn't Want To Pay Back To Players
No, the company won't provide any refunds, but it will sell you some games and merch at a discounted price
Smith: Canada is Choosing Politics Over People
Rep. Jason Smith backs Trump’s tariffs on Canada, arguing Missouri producers need fairer access to Canadian markets.
Vance appears to walk back Trump’s offer of $5,000 ‘dividend’ if Republicans win midterms
Vice-president suggests payment would not go to all and would be paid for by tariff revenues despite supreme court rulings against much of Trump’s program
Republican Senate Candidates Avoid Tariffs and Iran War at Trump’s Convention
Four battleground Senate nominees who spoke sidestepped a pair of issues that have posed political challenges, focusing instead on Mr. Trump’s tax law and other topics.
Most Michigan voters oppose Trump tariffs on Canada, poll shows
A Detroit News-WDIV poll reveals Michigan voters oppose President Trump's trade war with Canada and believe it will lead to higher costs for goods.
N.C. businesses brace for Canadian tariffs, feel sting of other world events
Businesses in the automotive industry will likely feel a direct impact of the Canadian counter-tariffs.
With AI memes, Trump promotes mythical version of himself as challenges stack up ahead of midterms
In the real world, President Donald Trump is struggling to stop inflation, rout the Iranian government and restore American manufacturing with tariffs. It's a different story in the fantastical vision that he shares with supporters on social media.
ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Varney & Co. on Fox Business to Discuss Tariffs on Israel, Affordability
WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty, (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and Banking Committees, joined Varney & Co. on Fox Business to discuss the foreign trade restrictions on Israel and affordability ahead of the midterm election. *Click the photo above or here to watch* Partial Transcript Hagerty on foreign trade restrictions on Israel: I’m disappointed, […]
Canada's trade arsenal packs US political punch
To combat tariffs imposed by his country's hulking southern neighbor, Prime Minister Mark Carney is using asymmetric warfare. Retaliatory 15% to 50% duties hit only $20 bln of goods. Tight US elections in border states, however, turn the sums into a powerful super PAC of sorts.
‘We’re resilient’: Maine businesses brace for Canadian retaliatory tariffs
Businesses in border states and provinces, including Maine, will feel the squeeze of both sets of tariffs the most. And there likely won’t be a deal in place before the U.S. midterm elections. There have already been some layoffs in…
Stevens wants Trump administration to address tariff refund backlog
The Michigan congresswoman helped lead a letter to the Trump administration asking it to clear a backlog she says is hurting Michigan business.
Experts: Canadian tariffs could hit Kansas City businesses with trade conflict
Canadian counter-tariffs of up to 50% on U.S. goods are affecting Kansas City businesses, with experts warning of job vulnerabilities and economic uncertainty.
New York braces for impact of retaliatory tariffs
As the issue becomes a flashpoint in the November midterm elections on one hand, the real day-to-day economic impact is playing out on the other.
Saginaw County business not yet concerned about Canadian tariffs
Canada imposed tariffs on hundreds of U.S. products in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods.
Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, raising concerns for Michigan businesses
Canada hits US imports with tariffs, intensifying trade war
Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of products from the U.S. on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Mark Carney bets that standing up to President Donald Trump will
Canada just hit U.S. goods with new tariffs. Here's what it could mean for NY
Canada is hitting about $20 billion in U.S. goods with new tariffs. Here's what an economist says it could mean for New York.
Oklahoma business feels impacts of Canadian tariffs
Failed trade negotiations in August led to the U.S. putting a 50% tariff on $20 million of Canadian products.
Canada, Kentucky's top trading partner, launches retaliatory tariffs
Canada has slapped new retaliatory tariffs on a range of American goods, in response to those imposed by the U.S. on Canadian products last month.
Canada, Kentucky's top trading partner, launches retaliatory tariffs
Canada has slapped new retaliatory tariffs on a range of American goods, in response to those imposed by the U.S. on Canadian products last month.
Canada's tariffs go into effect, spotlighting soured relations with U.S.
Ottawa's latest measures are a response to tariffs imposed by President Trump last month on Canadian exports.
Canada’s tariffs take effect
Welcome to The Hill’s Business & Economy newsletter{beacon} Business & Economy Business & Economy The Big Story Canada’s tariffs take effect Canada’s retali…
'We're resilient': Maine businesses brace for new round of Canadian tariffs
Canada is officially striking back in the trade war with the United States.
Carney vs. Trump: Where the Trade War Goes Next
The state of the U.S.-Canada tariff fight, according to POLITICO’s reporters.
Trade war shock: Tariffs push Canadian small businesses to the brink
The economic pain that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warned would come from a trade war is now a harsh reality for some small businesses that export to the US.
Canada hits US imports with tariffs, intensifying trade war
Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of products from the U.S. on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Mark Carney bets that standing up to President Donald Trump will
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs take effect as US trade talks stall
Canada enforces $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after trade talks collapse, escalating tensions in the North American trade dispute.
The Latest: Canada strikes back with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of US goods
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to his latest round of tariffs on Canada.
What to know about Canada’s trade war with U.S. as tariffs take effect
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to the latest round of tariffs on Canada
What to know about Canada’s trade war with U.S. as tariffs take effect
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to the latest round of tariffs on Canada
Trump threatens Canadian jetmaker Bombardier, which has an extensive US footprint
Since Canada-U.S. trade talks collapsed on Aug. 21, the president and his administration have unleashed a barrage of tariffs, threats and personal attacks portraying Canada as weak and dependent.
Canada's 20% tariffs on US goods like milk, steel and golf clubs take effect
President Donald Trump threatened to ban Bombardier aircraft sales on Truth Social just hours before Canada's retaliatory tariffs hit $20 billion in U.S. goods.
U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports could send hockey gear prices higher
For a sport that is increasingly expensive, the latest round of 50% tariffs levied the Trump administration against Canada is unwelcome news.
What to know about Canada's escalating trade war with the U.S.
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. The outcome could resonate far beyond Canada.
What to know about Canada's escalating trade war with the U.S.
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. The outcome could resonate far beyond Canada.
Canada braces for prolonged trade war as counter-tariffs on US take effect
It is the latest escalation since trade talks collapsed in late August, with US officials threatening to hit back if Canada’s counter-tariffs are implemented.
Canada Imposes New Tariffs on U.S. Goods, as Trade War Intensifies
The duties are a retaliation against President Trump’s recent tariffs, raising concerns about further escalation.
Canada's new tariffs target US cheese, honey, and hundreds of items
Canada is rolling out a flurry of new tariffs on US goods on Tuesday morning, adding levies of up to 50% on items like dairy and steel.
Canada set to hit back at Trump tariffs, risking wider trade war
Barring a last-minute reprieve, Carney’s government will increase the import tax on many U.S. steel items to 50% from 25% and apply tariffs to an assortment of consumer items.
Major CT manufacturer among companies facing consumer lawsuits over tariff refunds
Stanley Black & Decker faces lawsuits alleging it unfairly kept tariff refunds after raising prices, testing a new legal theory in Connecticut.
The science behind the beauty business
Some of Europe’s industrial champions may be in retreat, but its cosmetics sector remains a global leader, buoyed by healthy demand, recognised brands and a reputation for innovation."The fact is, the science in cosmetics is better here in Europe than anywhere else in the world,” says Pierre Morvan, CEO of Technature, a private label cosmetics manufacturer located near Brest in France’s northwestern Brittany region. “You have to have good science in order to make the difference, and that is why we invest so much in research and innovation.”Across Europe, the beauty and skincare products sector supports an estimated 3.6 million jobs, including 265,000 employed directly in the industry, according to the Cosmetics Europe trade group.. Cosmetics production contributes an estimated €11 billion to the EU economy, and generated €30 billion in export revenue last year, a €400 million rise from 2024.Technature itself has a global footprint, supplying products for 1,500 brands in 65 countries. Its range of skin gels, facial masks, nail treatments and other products include natural ingredients and extracts derived from plants, such as seaweed, that are developed and refined through science-based analysis and testing.While industry projections point to sustained growth for the foreseeable future, driven by emerging economies and wider availability of exclusive brands that were once chiefly sold by high street retailers, the sector is not immune to the impact of geopolitics and trade wars. The Trump Administration’s tariff threats have dented cosmetics exports to the EU industry's largest overseas market. After the European Parliament approved the EU-US Turnberry Agreement in June, setting a 15% levy on many EU goods, the French Federation of Beauty Companies warned that “exports are falling sharply” and urged the EU to negotiate an opt-out for cosmetics.Technature’s CEO flags South Korea as an emerging competitor, partly due to its assertive marketing efforts. “I would have to say I am a little bit scared,” Morvan says, regarding the growth potential of the South Korean cosmetics industry. “This is why science and innovation are so important if Europe is to remain the leader.”With a workforce of 200, including biologists, chemists and other scientists, around 15% of Technature’s staff work in three research and development (R&D) labs. A similar number work in four quality control and assurance facilities, where science plays a crucial in ensuring product safety in a sector that is subject to the European Cosmetics Regulation.Educational exchange between industry and academiaIn recognition of Technature’s research and innovation, Morvan was selected as one of Brest’s ambassadors to Science Comes to Town (SCTT), a European initiative to strengthen communications and understanding between science and society. Brest is one of three coastal cities in the EU-funded programme, alongside Split (in Croatia) and Kiel (in Germany). From 7-11 September, Brest will host the EU TalentOn contest featuring 100 early-career researchers from across Europe.Morvan appreciates the value of engagement with educational and scientific institutions as well as the home community. For instance, Technature collaborates closely with university partners to enhance its in-house R&D. In addition, it invites students to its labs and sends its own researchers to local institutions. "We absolutely want the students to know what the industry is all about,” Morvan says, noting that seeing science in action can help young people “understand that they can do something real with science, to create something with what they are learning.” He says another important benefit: encouraging new generations of young people to consider a career in cosmetics.Community involvement also raises awareness about Technature and the skincare industry as a whole. “The public gains recognition of the innovative company that we are, and this is important for getting new customers,” Morvan says. One of its recent innovations — tiny, colourful cosmetic pearls that release skin moisturisers on application — was showcased at this year’s VivaTech event in Paris.Morvan holds a master's degree from the Brest Business School and studied animal production and biology in Brest at the University of Western Brittany (UBO), an SCTT partner, and at the University of Tours. He got his start in business in 2002, initially working on using seaweed as a raw material in the food industry before transitioning to cosmetics. Morvan has always been interested in connecting science and business, reflecting one the goals of SCTT to enhance public-private collaboration.The invitation to participate in SCTT was unexpected. “It was a surprise to get a call from the city of Brest saying that they wanted me on this programme,” Morvan recalls, adding that officials were drawn by his company’s R&D. “It's not only theory and science fundamentals. Our science is something that is applicable to the global market — and important for the community.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
No bailouts for Jaguar Land Rover amid reports of thousands of job cuts, says minister
Carmaker, which is battling Trump tariffs and Chinese competitors, faces talks with union leaders and government
Impact of tariffs on Walla Walla wine goes beyond U.S., Canada
Tariffs have increased manufacturing costs for Walla Walla’s wineries and cut off access to many foreign markets for local shops.
Business secretary to meet Jaguar Land Rover boss as thousands of job cuts expected
The company is struggling with the impact of tariffs as well as the fallout from a major cyber attack last year.
Video game makers really don't want to give customers tariff refunds
Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are all arguing in court that they don't have to the pass tariff refunds they've received to their customers.
Video game makers really don't want to give customers tariff refunds
Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are all arguing in court that they don't have to the pass tariff refunds they've received to their customers.
Businesses bracing for potential tariff impact on foliage season
The number of Canadian tourists crossing into Vermont appears to have increased this summer, compared to last year, but not enough to have Upper Valley businesses breathing a sigh of relief. “We’re still hearing that visitorship from Canada is way, way, way, way down,” said Havah Armstrong Walther, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber […]
Trump’s tariff war with Canada adds uncertainty for Alaska businesses already grappling with higher prices
Trump’s trade fight with Canada could be especially challenging in Alaska, with the two sides sharing 1,500 border miles and positive economic ties, said the head of the Alaska International Business Center.
Carney claps back at Lutnick, says Canada will resume trade talks 'when the Americans are ready'
Canada has retaliated against President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs with "dollar for dollar" duties on U.S. goods, which are set to take effect next week.
PlayStation And Xbox Hit Back At Gamer Lawsuits Demanding Tariff Refunds: 'There Is Nothing Unjust About Plaintiff Purchasing An Xbox At An Advertised Price And Getting Exactly What He Paid For'
The companies say there's no proof anyone was harmed
Sony and Microsoft request dismissal of consumer lawsuits over tariff refunds
Both companies argue they are not legally required to provide refunds to those who bought price-hiked hardware
In Elkhart County, a barometer of the national economy, industry softens amid tariffs
The American Dream survives in Elkhart. But will Trump's tariffs bring back jobs, or eliminate them?
Following Nintendo's example, Sony and Microsoft argue they have no obligation to pass tariff refunds onto customers
Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are in agreement that you shouldn't expect refunds for paying extra for their products as a result of US tariffs.
Sony and Microsoft say they’re not obligated to pass U.S. tariff refunds to consumers, echoing Nintendo
Back in July, Sony executives told investors that the company expected to receive $508 million in refunds from the U.S. government, after tariffs that the PlayStation-maker paid were ruled mostly in 2025 were found to be illegal. “Most” of the refund would by recouped by Sony’s gaming division, its chief financial officer said. This week, Sony’s lawyers are arguing that the company is not legally obligated to pass those proceeds on to consumers who paid for recently price-hiked PlayStation consoles. That’s in the face of a lawsuit from gamers calling on them to do exactly that. “Paying fair market price for voluntarily purchased consumer goods is not a legally cognizable injury in fact,” the lawyers wrote in a legal motion filed on Monday, as they asked a judge in California’s Northern District to dismiss a potential class action lawsuit over the tariff refunds. Microsoft made a similar argument two weeks ahead of Sony’s lawyers, in a similar lawsuit brought by a gamer in federal court in Washington State. As Microsoft’s legal team put it on August 21, in their request for a dismissal of that lawsuit: “There is nothing unjust about Plaintiff purchasing an Xbox at an advertised price and getting exactly what he paid for—regardless of whatever theory he devised months later about Microsoft’s cost structure.” Both legal fights are set to go on for some time. How things got to this point U.S. tariffs impacting a wide range of imported goods, including game consoles, had kicked off in early 2025. In May 2025, Microsoft raised the price of its Xbox consoles, citing “market conditions and the rising cost of development.” They raised them again that September. In August of that year, Sony raised the price of PlayStation 5 consoles, citing “a challenging economic environment.” Sony later told investors that its tariff fees for the fall quarter were nearly $200 million. in February of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the 2025 tariffs illegal, prompting impacted companies to begin to request refunds. In turn, consumers began suing the likes of Sony and Microsoft to get what they said was their share. The gamers in the Microsoft and Sony lawsuits argue that the 2025 price hikes of PlayStation and Xbox consoles, which added $50 or more to their sticker price, were due to illegal tariffs and should now be returned to consumers. The Sony suit started in May, when a group of gamers sued in federal court in California, saying Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation) would be unjustly enriching itself if it did not pass tariff refunds to its PS5 buyers. “Sony is poised to be paid twice for the same unlawful tariff burden: once by its customers (through elevated prices) and once by the U.S. government (through tariff refunds),” the gamers’ lawyers wrote at the time. They called for Sony to partially reimburse anyone who bought a PlayStation in the U.S. since August 1, 2025. The Microsoft suit, filed by gamer Trevor Hastings against the Xbox giant in July, made similar claims. The console makers push back In late July, Nintendo’s lawyers, facing a similar suit accusing them of double-dipping on tariffs and refunds, replied with arguments that previewed Microsoft’s and Sony’s: “Nintendo or one of its retailers set a price for each product, and consumers decided whether that price was worth paying,” they wrote. Sony has buttressed that Nintendo-style argument this week by saying that the gamers have failed to prove that tariffs were the reason for its August 2025 PS5 price hike. They call thatclaim “speculative and illogical.” Other factors, including “inflation, currency fluctuations, component costs, logistics, competitive dynamics, or demand,” could have played a role. (No, the Sony lawyers do not break down the costs and factors that officially triggered the price increases). Microsoft has also argued that there’s no proof in these lawsuits that tariffs drove all or some of the price increase, as it seeks to dismiss the tariff refund suit it’s facing: “Plaintiff provides no specific allegations that would establish any pricing differential attributable to tariffs or suggest any possibility that Microsoft applied then or could recreate now any dollar-for-dollar calculation of tariff-related pricing—any more than it could any other market factor that affects pricing.” To further skewer the gamer side’s argument in its case, Sony’s lawyers have pointed to what might be a surprising defense: yet another PlayStation 5 price hike from this past spring, after the tariffs were ruled illegal. “If the original price increase were attributable to tariffs, SIE [Sony Interactive Entertainment, aka PlayStation] would have had no reason to raise prices again after the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs.” … “If tariffs were the cause of the price increases, one would expect SIE to lower prices once the tariffs were eliminated—not raise them again. Instead, the timeline confirms that the pricing of PlayStation consoles includes a diverse and dynamic set of input costs.” Judges have not yet ruled on the arguments made by Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. Last week, Panic, the company behind the small, yellow Playdate handheld said it would be passing its tariff refunds on to consumers. It is the only gaming hardware maker to have made such a pledge. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my reporting, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Item 2: A reporter’s second Second Life Wagner James Au, who from 2003-2006 was paid by San Francisco-based tech company Linden Lab to be a full-time journalist embedded in their virtual world Second Life, is returning to the company. This time, he’ll be an editorial advisor and business development specialist, he tells Game File. The new role will involve trying to share the stories of people inhabiting Second Life’s ongoing online world with reporters and by extension the public. Au plans to continue to also chronicle some of that through his long-running blog New World Notes. I’ve known Au since the mid-2000s and featured him in a 2007 article for the Columbia Journalism Review about reporters like him opening up virtual news outlets within Second Life. As I wrote at the time: On April 22, 2003, writing as Hamlet Linden for the New World Notes blog on Second Life’s Web site, Au introduced himself. “For the next few months, Linden Lab has invited me to set aside my journalist cap, and instead, don the digital beanie of their in-house virtual correspondent.” He wasn’t paid to keep it positive. He wrote about builders and eccentrics, but then in August of that year, he reported on a tax revolt against Linden Lab (a complaint about the fees it charges users who build stuff) led by a resident whose avatar was a big cat. Second Life has always been less of a video game and more of a virtual world where people can live, hang out, make art, sell virtual items and flirt. Back in 2007, Au described touring it as “sort of like underwater lucid dreaming.” For the past two decades, Au has maintained New World Notes as an independent publication. But he said he’s been drawn back to Second Life and Linden Lab as a place to directly work. The virtual world has around 650,000 monthly active users, he said, “which is actually about what it was during the hype wave.” Au says he’s still finding rich stories in Second Life, the kind that keep him interested 20 years into the beat: “Over the last few months for instance, I wrote about an SL creator in Venezuela whose apartment was destroyed by the earthquakes, so the global SL community rallied to get him back on his feet,” he told me. “Then there’s the woman from a Middle Eastern country who explored her lesbian sexuality in SL, then earned enough from her virtual jewelry to escape her abusive family situation and country.” Au wants to beckon more reporters to give Second Life another look. He argues that it is often ahead of internet trends, noting, for example, an early backlash in the community against AI-made art. Now the platform is drawing curiosity from more of the user-generated content community who’ve grown up with the likes of Roblox, according to Au. “Second Life was too early during its hype wave in 2005-2010, but it now feels right for a new wave of interest,” he told me.
Trump doubles down on Canada trade war as talks remain stalled
Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on $20bn in Canadian goods and Canada threatened retaliatory tariffs starting 8 September
USTR's Greer huddles with House Republicans amid Trump trade spats
Trump's plan to lower tariffs on 300,000 metric tons of imported beef caused an uproar among cattle ranchers.
More than $1B in tariff refunds are in limbo. Here's why.
The U.S. has processed more than $106 billion in tariff refunds, but small businesses report rising costs and plan price increases related to shifting policies on tariffs.
Creighton Index shows a slight gain in Arkansas business confidence
Economic activity improved in the mid-America region thanks to growth in the manufacturing sector. Negative impacts of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and inflation were a drag on the...
Vermont business leaders discuss the impacts of tariffs
Vermont Democratic Senator Peter Welch was in the northern part of his state Tuesday morning to hear from Vermont businesses about the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada
‘We're not going to have a business’: Vermont companies say Trump’s renewed trade war with Canada has them scrambling, again
“It becomes almost impossible to manage a budget within the context of this environment,” said the co-founder of cheesemaker Jasper Hill Farm.
As Carney takes stand against Trump, Canadian voters reward his party with sweep of 3 special elections
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the results amounted to an endorsement of his government’s approach.
New tariffs on Canadian goods could mean higher prices, new pressure on Georgia businesses
Lamont and CT business leaders warn Trump’s tariffs will drive up prices
Gov. Ned Lamont strove Monday to ensure that the White House gets all due credit for the dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs coming next month from Connecticut’s largest trade partner, Canada.
Gov. Ned Lamont, business leaders warn new U.S.-Canada tariffs could increase cost of Connecticut goods
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday that new tariffs on Canada, and retaliatory tariffs on United States products, are expected to increase the cost of goods in Connecticut. L…
CT small businesses brace for higher costs from new tariffs
Connecticut small businesses say new federal tariffs are increasing costs and squeezing margins as they struggle to avoid raising prices.
Bessent heads to G20 to rally allies on Iran as tariffs strain ties
The Group of 20 finance ministers is meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, on Monday and Tuesday.
The State of Politics: It’s Been a Hot Summer for News
An insider's take on Canadian tariffs and Wisconsin, Elon Musk and elections.
Trump trade war with Canada is war on U.S. businesses
Having dynamited trade talks with Canada — in part due to the intervention of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — Donald Trump has now imposed 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, with Canada immediately retaliating. This will be good for…
Canada's retaliatory tariffs poised to hit Michigan manufacturing
Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods could constrain about $1.5 billion worth of Michigan exports, according to a Detroit News analysis.
Trump urges Canadian companies to immediately move to US, says ‘I don’t want Canadian anything’
Trump says Canada has been “ripping" the U.S. off for decades as he defends tariffs and urges Canadian companies to move operations south of the border.
Politics chat: more tariffs, mail-in voting order, Kushner-Jeffries meeting
Real economic sanctions on Canada and economic threats to countries trading with Iran may work against Republicans in the midterm elections.