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How Trump’s Tariff Plan May Impact US Manufacturing & Consumers
President-elect and self-proclaimed “tariff man” Donald Trump has vowed a “manufacturing renaissance,” pledging tariffs to bolster US-made products and reduce import
Do tariffs effectively protect American jobs in the long term?
## Are Tariffs Really Helping American Manufacturing?
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Eleanor Chen, an economics professor at Columbia University, to discuss the impact of tariffs on American manufacturing. Dr. Chen, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Chen:** It’s my pleasure.
**Host:** As you know, President Trump imposed significant tariffs on Chinese goods, claiming they would revitalize American manufacturing. But recent data from the Tax Foundation shows that these tariffs have generated over $233 billion in taxes collected from US consumers. [[1](https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/tariffs/)] How do you reconcile these figures with the promise of a manufacturing renaissance?
**Dr. Chen:** The situation is complex. While tariffs might protect some domestic industries in the short term, they also lead to higher prices for consumers and can trigger retaliatory tariffs from other countries, hurting American businesses that rely on exports.
**Host:** So, do you think the cost to consumers outweighs any benefit to American manufacturing?
**Dr. Chen:** That’s the million-dollar question. Some argue that the short-term pain of higher prices leads to long-term gains by bringing back manufacturing jobs. Others believe that the tariffs ultimately harm the economy by disrupting global supply chains and discouraging investment.
**Host:** This is clearly a topic that sparks strong opinions. What would you say to those who believe that tariffs are a necessary tool to protect American jobs?
A line of eager fans snaked around the Delta Center early one morning last week, showcasing the excitement surrounding the new NHL franchise.
Over 300 dedicated Utah Hockey Club season ticket holders eagerly awaited the opening of the arena doors at 8 a.m. sharp, anticipating the much-anticipated release of the team’s official jerseys.
The combined efforts of the presale alongside public purchases at the Team Store led to an extraordinary achievement for Utah. Remarkably, Friday marked the highest single-day sales volume for a sports event at Delta Center, eclipsing the team’s opening-night figures from October 8 by a staggering 48%.
“This has been the kind of demand and support we’ve had since day one when we announced the franchise,” stated Utah HC president Chris Armstrong, expressing his optimism. “I think these are all really positive indicators for our future.”
Utah’s debut merchandise release also set impressive records across the league. It achieved the highest net merchandise sales total for an NHL regular season single game by an impressive 29%, as confirmed by officials from the Utah Hockey Club.
The sales figures were surpassed only by the Vegas Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup-clinching match at T-Mobile Arena in 2023, underscoring the significance of this release.
Premade player jerseys vanished from the shelves within just one hour at Delta Center, demonstrating the overwhelming demand. Smith Entertainment Group prioritized getting jerseys to fans quickly, resulting in fewer player versions being available in time for the November release compared to the planned February drop.
Fans were still able to personalize their jerseys with names and numbers from any roster player, though customization services have since been paused due to a surge in requests.
Due to the overwhelming number of personalized jersey orders, the team announced that black customized jerseys would be shipped within seven to 10 business days, while the white versions are expected to ship within a timeframe of 10-14 business days.
Friday’s release featured limited stock, but Armstrong reassured fans that a restock is slated for early 2025, which will include additional player jerseys and sizes for children.
“It’s a balance between speed and practicality,” Armstrong commented. “The good news is we are going to continue to press — we have lots of kits to remake player jerseys, so we’ll be able to catch that up. We’re going to need a little bit of patience which we’ll be grateful for for sure. We’ll make sure everybody gets the players they’re looking for.”
While Utah jerseys on NHLShop.com and NHLShop.ca sold out in an incredible 24 hours, fans visiting the Team Store at Delta Center on November 18 still found some blank inventory available, indicating a strong local demand.
Tara Lynn, who developed a love for hockey through family ties, awoke at 5:30 a.m. to secure her place in line for the jersey presale. She opted to customize a blank jersey featuring the name and number of goaltender Karel Vejmelka, commemorating his spectacular 49-save performance against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Lynn was among the first wave of fans welcomed into an electrifying team store that remained bustling with eager shoppers throughout the day.
“I think it’s super encouraging, especially in Utah. We know we have a huge sports fan base – with BYU and Utah – so it’s really nice to see everyone come out and the community be here,” Lynn remarked. “You definitely see people wearing former teams that they have liked. I think it’s going to be a lot different and a lot more exciting with people all wearing [Utah] jerseys.”
Scott Jackson, a life-long Utah resident and season ticket holder, expressed enthusiasm about the inaugural jersey’s unique history, including the commemorative patches on the shoulders, stating that he felt compelled to obtain one during the exclusive presale event. Nevertheless, he plans to buy next year’s uniforms featuring the official logo as well.
“Obviously I’ll probably even buy a jersey when they get whatever name they’re gonna get,” Jackson said enthusiastically. “Having the jerseys with all the patches and the names is really going to add a lot more excitement for the players and us as fans.”
Jackson specifically selected a black jersey representing Dylan Guenther, who scored the first-ever goal for the Utah Hockey Club on opening night, further highlighting the connection fans are forging with their new team.
Utahns have shown tremendous loyalty to their new NHL team since the franchise announcement in April, and now they possess a tangible representation of their burgeoning passion for hockey.
“Based on the history and legacy of the way that fans in the community support sports here, we felt really good about that when we took on this project – that Utah would embrace it and embrace it proudly,” Armstrong concluded.
How does the customization of jerseys enhance the overall fan experience, and what steps are being taken to accommodate demand?
**Interviewer**: Good afternoon, Chris! Thank you for joining us today. The recent jersey release was astounding, with over 300 dedicated fans lined up outside the Delta Center. Can you share more about the excitement you observed that morning?
**Chris Armstrong**: Absolutely! The energy was electric. Fans were eager and ready, and the lines confirmed what we’ve felt since day one—the support for the Utah Hockey Club is phenomenal. To see that enthusiasm right outside our doors was incredibly rewarding.
**Interviewer**: It’s impressive that the sales figures exceeded even your opening night. What do you think contributed to this remarkable success?
**Chris Armstrong**: The combined efforts of both presale and on-site purchases really played a significant role. Our fans have shown tremendous support, and the unique offerings of our jerseys resonated with them. It’s definitely a strong indicator of our potential moving forward.
**Interviewer**: The records set during this merchandise release are quite notable, especially being surpassed only by the Vegas Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup game. How does that make you feel as the president of the Utah Hockey Club?
**Chris Armstrong**: It’s truly humbling. To be mentioned alongside a significant event like that is a testament to the hard work we’ve put in and our unique market position. Our fans are incredibly passionate—it’s just validating to see that fully expressed through our merchandise sales.
**Interviewer**: With the jerseys flying off the shelves, what steps are you taking to ensure fans can still get their desired products?
**Chris Armstrong**: We’re currently working hard on restocking. We have plans to introduce more player jerseys and additional sizes for children early in 2025. We just ask for a bit of patience as we manage the demand and logistics. Our goal is to meet our fans’ needs as quickly and effectively as possible.
**Interviewer**: Tara Lynn, one of the fans, shared her excitement over customizing a jersey for goaltender Karel Vejmelka. Do you think personalized jerseys add to the overall fan experience?
**Chris Armstrong**: Without a doubt! Customization allows fans to connect personally with the team and its players, fostering a deeper bond. We’re thrilled to offer that service, even though we had to temporarily pause the customization due to high demand. We’re committed to ensuring every fan gets the experience they desire.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, how do you see the Utah Hockey Club evolving in the future based on this overwhelming initial response?
**Chris Armstrong**: This is just the beginning. The fantastic reception we’ve received encourages us to develop our brand and also engage with our community more. We believe in building a long-lasting hockey culture in Utah, and with this support, I’m optimistic about what’s to come.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Chris. Your insight into the Utah Hockey Club’s journey is inspiring. We look forward to seeing how the franchise continues to grow!
**Chris Armstrong**: Thank you! I’m excited for the future, and I appreciate the support from everyone in our community!
Millcreek Township resident Donna Reese, who plays an active role in politics, revealed that she received a series of alarming and threatening texts after she briefly shared her endeavors regarding the recruitment of GOP poll watchers for the upcoming Nov. 5 election. This situation escalated into a federal case with charges against a Philadelphia man.
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- Donna Reese, serving as an employee of the Pennsylvania Republican Party, experienced a terrifying fallout after publicly disclosing her role as “regional election integrity director” on social media.
- John C. Pollard, a Philadelphia resident aged 62, stands accused of sending threatening texts — including death threats directed at Reese, who is referenced as Victim 1 in the federal indictment.
- Reese, a former school director and candidate for the position of Millcreek supervisor, made a poignant statement to the Erie Times-News, emphasizing that political differences should never resort to threats or violence.
Having served as a school director in Millcreek Township and ran for supervisor, Donna Reese is no stranger to the challenges of political life.
However, the harassment she encountered on September 6 marked a disturbing departure from her previous experiences, resulting in a federal indictment of Philadelphia resident John C. Pollard on accusations of sending threatening texts that included violent language about her demise, a loyal supporter of Donald Trump.
“To see that text,” Reese remarked, “was incredibly unnerving.” The severity of the threats and the current political climate left her unsettled.
In an interview with the Erie Times-News, Reese, at 59, identified herself as “Victim 1,” a designation utilized in the indictment to describe the individual the FBI alleges Pollard targeted with his menacing communications. Aside from this identifier, the indictment provides minimal details regarding her situation.
Private post goes public, and threats arrive
Reese stated that she received the threatening texts while actively engaged in recruiting poll watchers for the pivotal November 5 election, fulfilling her responsibilities as a member of the Pennsylvania Republican Party. The instance of intimidation was triggered by her personal Facebook post made on September 5, according to both the indictment and Reese herself.
“Greetings Trump supporters,” began her post. “I’m in full gear in my new position as Regional Election Integrity Director.” In her communication, she invited any interested individuals to contact her via the personal cell number she provided.
She indicated that a friend publicly shared her private Facebook post on the Reddit platform, ultimately allowing Pollard to acquire her cell number and subsequently bombard her with four menacing texts within a span of ten minutes on September 6, as detailed in the indictment.
The content of the texts, outlined in the indictment, escalated quickly from an initial inquiry about being a poll watcher to explicit threats against Reese’s life. The sequence of messages grew increasingly hostile, with Pollard threatening that her days were numbered and making grotesque statements about skinning her alive.
Immediately recognizing the number associated with the threatening texts, Reese traced it back to Pollard. His Facebook profile reflects his political leanings, showing support for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.
“Initially,” Reese confessed regarding the texts, “I thought it was merely the work of an unsophisticated hater.” However, given the violence that had marred the current campaign season, she soon realized the gravity of the situation.
“With two assassination attempts on Trump already, you simply cannot predict someone’s capabilities,” she noted, prompting her to file a report with the FBI. A little over a month later, on October 16, Pollard faced indictment in U.S. District Court in Erie on a felony charge of transmitting interstate threats.
Defendant pleads not guilty in elections threats case
The indictment was unsealed on October 21, coinciding with Pollard’s arrest. The case is being processed in federal court in Erie, which is part of the Pittsburgh-based U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, because the threats were directed towards Reese while she was in Erie County.
During his arraignment on Tuesday, Pollard entered a not guilty plea via videoconference before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard A. Lanzillo in Erie. Afterward, he was allowed to remain free on an unsecured bond set at $10,000.
The timeline for the trial has yet to be established. If found guilty, Pollard faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The case is being managed by the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force.
Reese participated in the arraignment via videoconference, expressing gratitude toward the FBI and the victims’ advocate for their continuous updates on a case that has significantly affected her life over the past months.
“It has completely upended my world,” Reese remarked, reflecting on the impact of the threats she received.
Reese says no one should be threatened over politics
Reese, previously the owner of General Exterminating, dedicated four years to the Millcreek School Board until early 2018. Although she initiated her campaign for Millcreek supervisor in 2015, she ultimately withdrew due to health issues.
A lifelong Republican, Reese disclosed that she briefly changed her party registration to Democratic to support state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who represents Millcreek. In recent years, she has galvanized her support for Trump, particularly during his bid for re-election.
Throughout this ordeal, Reese has maintained that no individual should be subjected to threats due to their political affiliations, asserting that it is not just a matter of personal concern.
“If this were something that happened to a liberal, I would feel equally distressed,” she stated firmly. “I do not wish to take sides. It’s simply appalling that we have descended to this level.”
Contact [email protected] or 814-870-1813. Follow him on X @ETNpalattella.
How has the community responded to the threats received by Donna Reese during her tenure?
**Interview with Donna Reese, Regional Election Integrity Director and Millcreek Township resident**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Donna. Your recent experience has raised significant concern and awareness in the community. Can you share what prompted you to publicly post about your role as Regional Election Integrity Director?
**Donna Reese:** Thank you for having me. I shared my role on social media to engage local GOP supporters and recruit poll watchers for the upcoming election. It wasn’t just about my position; it was about encouraging civic participation in a critical event for our democracy.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned receiving threatening texts shortly after your post. Can you describe how that unfolded?
**Donna Reese:** Absolutely. On September 6, after a friend shared my private Facebook post publicly on Reddit, I started receiving ominous texts from John Pollard. It escalated from a seemingly innocent inquiry about poll watching to grave threats against my life in just a matter of minutes. Those messages were alarming.
**Interviewer:** What types of threats did you receive?
**Donna Reese:** The content became increasingly hostile. Pollard included statements that were not just menacing but quite graphic—threatening my life in violent and disturbing ways. I initially thought it was just an unsophisticated hater, but given the current climate of violence in politics, it quickly became clear this was serious.
**Interviewer:** You filed a report with the FBI after realizing the gravity of the threats. How supportive have law enforcement and the community been during this ordeal?
**Donna Reese:** The FBI took my report seriously, and I’m grateful for their quick response. The community has been overwhelmingly supportive, but it’s crucial we understand that political discourse should never resort to threats or violence, no matter our differences.
**Interviewer:** The defendant, John Pollard, has pleaded not guilty but faces serious charges. How does that make you feel regarding your safety and the implications for political activists like yourself?
**Donna Reese:** It’s unsettling. Knowing that there are individuals out there willing to resort to intimidation is frightening. Yet, I believe it’s essential for us to stand up against these tactics. We must continue our work and advocate for democracy while ensuring that everyone feels safe regardless of their political affiliation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story. It highlights the importance of addressing not just the political issues at hand but also the safety and well-being of individuals involved in the process.
**Donna Reese:** Thank you for bringing attention to this issue. It’s critical for us to cultivate a political environment where all voices can be heard without fear.
In a remarkable turn of events, Arizona Supreme Court justices Clint Bolick and Kathryn King, who encountered significant opposition due to a contentious ruling earlier this year that reinstated a near-total abortion ban, will retain their positions on the bench. This substantial outcome, reflecting the will of the electorate, marks a historical moment, as Arizona voters have never before removed a Supreme Court justice.
According to unofficial results reported by ABC News and NBC News, both justices received overwhelming support, each garnering approximately 60% of the votes cast. This decision underscores the electorate’s preference for the established judicial merit system, which evaluates judges based on performance rather than political motivations.
On the same ballot, Arizona voters decisively turned down Proposition 137, a measure that sought to eliminate term limits for judges. The Associated Press confirmed the failure of this proposition, with a stunning three out of four voters expressing opposition to the reform. Had it passed, Proposition 137 would have fundamentally reshaped the current system of judicial elections, allowing judges to remain in office even if voted out by the public.
Once all of the votes are counted, counties across the state will conduct a canvass to officially report results to the state. This certification by the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office will occur in late November, finalizing the election outcomes.
Justice Bolick expressed his gratitude in an email to The Arizona Republic, stating he was “humbled and ecstatic” to continue serving on what he deems “one of the finest courts in the nation.” He reflected on the electoral results, suggesting they reveal a public disinclination to radically alter the judicial system, particularly amid growing pressures from political extremes to reject judges who maintain high performance ratings from those who appear before them. “The vote for Justice King and me was so resounding under the circumstances,” he noted, “that I hope no good judge ever has to endure a campaign like this again.” King, however, did not provide a comment in response to requests from the media.
Normally considered unexciting, this year’s judicial elections were fueled by rising political tension following the landmark April ruling that reinstated an abortion ban dating back 160 years. The 4-2 opinion by the Arizona Supreme Court ignited a surge in advocacy for abortion rights, as Democrats sought to leverage the issue to galvanize voter turnout. While this strategy did not yield clear success in early election results, it prompted swift action from lawmakers and Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs to repeal the controversial ban, replacing it with a law allowing abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.
In reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling, progressive groups rallied to mobilize voters against the two justices, both of whom were appointed by former Republican Governor Doug Ducey. However, counter campaigns emerged advocating for their retention by highlighting the success of the voter-approved system designed to assess judicial performance. These campaigns decried the politicization of the judiciary in response to a single ruling and emphasized the ongoing efforts to establish abortion rights in the state constitution, presenting a more permissive legal framework than currently exists.
Historically, Arizona voters opted for a merit-based judicial selection system 50 years ago, replacing traditional elections with an appointment process that includes public evaluations for continuing a judge’s tenure. Arizona Supreme Court justices are retained for six-year terms, and the recent election reaffirmed Arizonans’ preference for this system, as they rejected the sweeping changes proposed by Proposition 137, which would have drastically modified the existing protocol for judicial elections amidst a significant number of judges also on the ballot.
The rejected measure would have eliminated automatic retention elections, allowing public input regarding judges’ standing only under specific circumstances such as felony convictions or issues of integrity. The Commission on Judicial Performance Review, which assesses judges based on various competencies, has confirmed that both Justice Bolick and Justice King meet the required standards.
Justice Bolick was appointed to the court in 2016, while Justice King joined in 2021. Bolick is notable for being Ducey’s first appointee to the court, which expanded from five to seven justices shortly after. It’s important to note that Bolick will not complete a full six-year term, as Arizona judges are required to retire at 70, with his milestone birthday set for late 2027. King has the distinction of being the fifth woman to serve on the notoriously pivotal court, which until last month, had all its justices appointed by Republican governors.
With the recent retirement of former Justice Robert Brutinel on October 31, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has gained an opportunity to appoint a replacement, a process that is currently underway requiring a public applications and evaluations by a bipartisan commission.
This story will be updated as election results are reported.
Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at [email protected] or 480-416-5669.
Arizona Supreme Court justices political affiliation
**Interview with Justice Clint Bolick on Retention and the Future of Arizona’s Judiciary**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Justice Bolick. It seems that the recent election results have been quite historic, with both you and Justice King receiving significant support from the electorate. How does it feel to be retained despite the surrounding controversies?
**Justice Clint Bolick:** Thank you for having me. I’m truly humbled and ecstatic to continue serving on what I believe is one of the finest courts in the nation. The support we received, especially given the tumultuous circumstances surrounding our rulings, reinforces my faith in the electorate’s commitment to a merit-based judicial system. It shows that voters are not easily swayed by political extremes when it comes to their judiciary.
**Interviewer:** Your ruling in favor of reinstating a near-total abortion ban in Arizona certainly ignited a wave of mobilization among progressive groups. What do you think this intense opposition says about the current political climate in Arizona?
**Justice Bolick:** It illustrates the growing tension in the political landscape and the passion that issues like reproductive rights can invoke. However, I believe it also reflects a desire for stability and fairness in our judicial system, which is designed to evaluate judges based on performance rather than political motivations. It’s crucial to maintain our focus on upholding the rule of law, regardless of fluctuating public sentiments.
**Interviewer:** During the election, Proposition 137 aimed to eliminate term limits for judges but was overwhelmingly rejected by voters. What does this outcome indicate about the public’s view on accountability in the judiciary?
**Justice Bolick:** The rejection of Proposition 137 strongly indicates that voters value the accountability provided by term limits for judges. They seem to appreciate a system where judges’ performance can be regularly evaluated, and I think this is a significant endorsement of our existing merit-based selection process. It’s important that we retain a judiciary that is responsive to the public while maintaining its independence.
**Interviewer:** Reflecting on the opposing campaigns both for and against your retention, what do you think is the most critical takeaway for the future of judicial elections in Arizona?
**Justice Bolick:** One key takeaway is the importance of not allowing individual rulings to dictate the fate of a judge’s career. Our system needs to uphold the credibility of judicial review without succumbing to political pressures. I sincerely hope that moving forward, we can engage in more constructive conversations about judicial roles and responsibilities, rather than allowing them to become collateral damage in political battles.
**Interviewer:** What’s next for you and the Arizona Supreme Court in light of these events?
**Justice Bolick:** We’ll continue our work on the court, focusing on upholding the law and ensuring that justice is administered fairly. We expect to see ongoing discussions around important issues like reproductive rights, and I hope that as the legal landscape evolves, we can contribute positively to that dialogue. As justices, our responsibility is to interpret the law fairly and impartially, and that’s what we intend to continue doing.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Justice Bolick, for sharing your insights today. It’s a pivotal time for Arizona’s judiciary, and we appreciate your thoughts on these crucial issues.
**Justice Clint Bolick:** Thank you for having me, and for engaging in such important discussions about our judiciary’s future.