Evening NOISE

US tariffs squeeze Canadian retailers and disrupt cross-border shopping

The Washington Post reports that new 50 percent US tariffs on selected Canadian goods are forcing retailers to absorb higher costs, pass them to consumers, or restrict sales. Victoria-based clothing company Anián is blocking tariff-affected products for US online shoppers to prevent surprise bills, while Canada plans retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of US goods on September 8.

FAA moves to fire two controllers who left before fatal LaGuardia crash

The FAA is moving to fire two LaGuardia air traffic controllers who officials say were scheduled to work but had left before an Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck, killing both pilots. Reuters reports the crash intensified scrutiny of staffing shortages and the practice of leaving before shifts end; the Wall Street Journal first reported the planned firings. The controllers’ union said it was discussing the allegations with FAA leadership, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said employees would be held accountable for unlawful practices.

Tropical Storm Dolly tracks toward Caribbean with rain risks

Tropical Storm Dolly is moving slowly toward the Caribbean and is not expected to strengthen into a hurricane, according to The Washington Post. Rain could affect the Virgin Islands, Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico, while coastal communities and infrastructure face risks from heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds.

Trump says Russia will not attack NATO as tensions with UK rise

Axios reports that Trump said he is not concerned about a Russian attack on NATO territory and denied that CIA Director John Ratcliffe delivered Moscow a warning. The reassurance contrasts with European leaders’ concerns about Russian provocations and escalating threats against the UK over military support for Ukraine.

US weighs stake in Venezuelan oil fields in potential energy deal

Axios reports that the Trump administration is negotiating with Venezuela’s interim government over a possible US ownership stake in more than a dozen oil fields holding about 90 billion barrels in proven reserves. The proposal would involve American and other private companies developing the fields while returning more oil revenue to Venezuela, potentially strengthening US energy security and influence in the Western Hemisphere. The terms and timing remain unsettled, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright reportedly considering a visit to Venezuela.

Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime, dies at 85

Peter Cullen, the Canadian voice actor best known as Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise, died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home, The Washington Post reported. He was 85, and his agent said he died peacefully surrounded by family; no cause of death was disclosed. Cullen also voiced Eeyore, played KARR in Knight Rider and provided vocal effects for the creature in Predator.

Gap names Michael Francis to lead Old Navy as shares rise

Gap shares rose 12% in extended trading after the company named Michael Francis as Old Navy’s CEO, effective Nov. 2, succeeding Haio Barbeito, who will become an adviser. CNBC reported that Old Navy’s second-quarter sales and comparable sales each fell 4%, prompting the leadership change as Gap seeks to revive its largest brand. Gap narrowed its full-year sales growth outlook but raised its adjusted earnings-per-share forecast.

Collins says Fed rates remain mildly restrictive amid mixed inflation

Boston Fed President Susan Collins said current interest rates are still restraining the US economy and helping to slow inflation. She described recent inflation data as mixed, with headline prices higher than expected but underlying measures broadly in line with expectations. Collins said future policy decisions will depend on further evidence that inflation is easing and on potential supply shocks from tariffs or Middle East tensions.

Rockstar Games reveals new details from GTA VI extended look

Wired reports that Rockstar Games’ 26-minute Netflix livestream showcased GTA VI’s protagonists, Lucia and Jason, exploring Vice City and surrounding Florida-inspired environments. The presentation highlighted character customization, more reactive pedestrians, expanded driving mechanics, and activities including kayaking, scuba diving, and fan boating.

Rivian CFO Claire McDonough to leave as company scales R2 production

Rivian said CFO Claire McDonough will resign at the end of October to pursue a new opportunity and relocate to the East Coast; GE Vernova has hired her as its CFO. TechCrunch reports that finance vice president Derek Mulvey will serve as interim CFO while Rivian searches for a replacement. Her departure comes as Rivian works to scale R2 production and improve costs and profitability after years of delays, added expenses and capital demands.

Meta settlement allows limited use of children’s data for age assurance

Meta’s settlement with attorneys general from 29 states could cost up to $18 billion and requires the company to develop and test a model to identify users under 13. TechCrunch reports that the agreement also bars the states from bringing COPPA or similar state-law claims over Meta’s retention and use of children’s data for that purpose, subject to restrictions including bans on advertising and algorithmic optimization. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the FTC is not a party to the agreement and experts say policing data use and future legal claims could be difficult.

Follow-up to Meta agrees to up to $17.1 billion child safety settlement · 20260827

Dolphins swap Tutu Atwell for Jarquez Hunter as roster needs shift

The Miami Dolphins traded wide receiver Tutu Atwell to the Los Angeles Rams for running back Jarquez Hunter, the teams announced. Atwell returns to the Rams after one season in Miami, while Hunter joins a Dolphins roster with two rookie receivers poised for significant roles. Hunter played only 22 snaps as a rookie and was deep on the Rams’ running back depth chart.