Canadian businesses, like Taurus Craco, are facing challenges due to the shifting tariffs imposed by the United States, which makes it difficult to plan for the future. The ongoing trade conflict has led to economic uncertainty, impacting Canada’s economy as it heavily relies on trade with the US.
Key Facts
Taurus Craco, a business in the Toronto area, imports machinery and sells it in North America, mainly the US.
Shifting US tariffs have caused uncertainty and financial burdens for small businesses like Taurus Craco.
Taurus Craco had to pay C$35,000 extra when a shipment to the US faced unexpected tariffs.
The trade conflict includes a series of tariffs particularly on metals and autos between the US and Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney labeled the US tariffs as "unjust" and stated that the old US-Canada trade relationship is over.
In April, Carney visited the US to discuss a new trade and security deal.
President Trump recently stopped trade talks with Canada over a digital services tax.
Canada relies heavily on trade with the US, sending 75% of its exports there.
The Canadian economy slowed, growing only 0.8% in early 2025 due to the trade dispute.
The UK Labour government reversed its decision to cut disability benefits after facing opposition. The original aim was to save money quickly, but critics argue it was more important to focus on long-term plans to help people with health issues return to work.
Key Facts
About 25% of people aged 16 to 64 in the UK do not have a job.
Many are jobless due to caring responsibilities or health problems.
Labour initially sought quick budget savings by tightening rules on benefit payments.
They reversed this plan after a potential rebellion within the party.
Critics argue the government should focus on long-term strategies to help people with health issues work part-time.
The welfare reform aimed to save £5 billion per year by 2029-30.
The reforms were initially planned to address a budget shortfall due to higher borrowing costs.
Former Conservative official Iain Duncan Smith criticized the approach, saying piecemeal budget cuts without broader reform are ineffective.
Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing a trial in New York on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs' lawyer argues these charges are exaggerated, claiming the government is targeting Combs for his lifestyle. The prosecution, however, alleges Combs used his influence to engage in illegal activities, providing evidence and testimonies to support their claims.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in New York.
Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, argues that the charges are exaggerated and that the trial is unfair.
Combs pleads not guilty to these charges.
The prosecution alleges Combs used drugs and violence to force women into sexual acts.
Ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura and an anonymous witness, "Jane," testified against Combs.
A surveillance video from a 2016 incident is part of the evidence presented.
The lawyer for Combs claims that his former staff were not involved in a criminal enterprise.
The head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) defended its aid work amid reports of Palestinian deaths and injuries near their distribution sites. The United Nations has condemned the operation as unsafe, arguing that military zones pose risks to civilians. Israeli officials deny claims that their forces deliberately targeted civilians.
Key Facts
Johnnie Moore, head of GHF, stated that reports linking casualties to their aid operation are incorrect.
The UN labels GHF's aid distribution method dangerous, as it reportedly forces civilians into military areas.
Over 500 Palestinians have reportedly died, and 4,000 injured since GHF began distributing aid in May.
Eyewitnesses and medics claim Israeli forces fired on crowds at GHF aid sites.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported soldiers were allegedly ordered to shoot to disperse crowds.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied these allegations as false.
The IDF stated they did not instruct forces to shoot civilians and are working to improve safety near aid sites.
Johnnie Moore accused the UN of dishonesty about the situation and claimed no evidence supported the immediate dangers at GHF sites.
Flash floods in northern Pakistan have resulted in the deaths of at least nine people. These individuals were part of a family visiting the area for a picnic by the Swat River. Rescue operations are ongoing, and more rain is expected due to the approaching monsoon season.
Key Facts
Flash floods killed at least nine people in northern Pakistan.
The deceased were from a family of 16 near the Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Children from the family were taking photos in the water when the flood hit.
Four family members are still missing, and four were rescued.
Nearly 100 rescuers are actively searching for people who were swept away.
A government warning about possible flash floods was issued for the Swat River.
The Prime Minister has asked for improved safety measures near rivers and streams.
Separate rain-related incidents in other provinces led to at least 10 more deaths.
Heavy rains are expected to continue as the monsoon season begins, although less rain is forecasted compared to last year.
Efforts to understand where COVID-19 started are still incomplete because necessary information has not been shared. The World Health Organization (WHO) insists all possibilities for the origin of the virus still need to be considered, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation to prevent future pandemics.
Key Facts
The WHO is still investigating the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges all countries, especially China, to share information.
COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.
An expert group called SAGO found COVID-19 likely spread from animals to humans.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 was created or manipulated in a lab.
Lack of detailed data from China has limited the investigation.
The group’s report could not confirm or dismiss the lab-leak theory due to insufficient data.
Understanding the virus's origin is crucial to preventing future pandemics.
The U.S. government has decided to end special protections for Haitian immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) starting September 2. This means Haitians will no longer have the right to stay in the country under this status, which was originally given due to severe conditions at home like earthquakes and violence.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the end of TPS for Haitians, effective September 2.
TPS allows people from troubled countries to stay and work in the U.S. temporarily and was originally given to Haitians after a 2010 earthquake.
President Trump’s administration has been reducing temporary protections to limit immigration.
Haiti is currently facing severe humanitarian issues, including gang violence and political unrest.
Over 5,600 people were killed by gangs in Haiti last year, with 1.3 million people displaced.
Other groups such as Venezuelans, Cubans, and Nicaraguans are also affected by TPS changes.
The U.S. State Department advises Americans not to travel to Haiti due to high safety risks.
About 260,000 Haitians are currently protected by TPS in the U.S.
United States President Donald Trump announced that the US will stop trade talks with Canada because of a new Canadian tax on digital services. This tax charges companies 3% on revenue from Canadian users if they earn over 20 million Canadian dollars in a year. The US also plans to announce new tariffs on Canadian goods soon.
Key Facts
The US President decided to end trade discussions with Canada.
The decision is in response to Canada’s new digital services tax.
Canada’s tax charges a 3% levy on digital revenue above 20 million Canadian dollars from Canadian users.
The tax took effect on June 28, 2024, and applies to revenue from 2022 onwards.
Canadian businesses have expressed concern about increased costs due to the tax.
US plans to announce tariffs on Canadian goods within the next week.
Trade discussions between the US and Canada were ongoing but are now uncertain.
The digital services tax is also part of the US trade talks with the European Union.
In 2025, President Trump's family, once skeptical about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has embraced the crypto world. At a major Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Trump's media group announced plans to raise $2.5 billion to invest in Bitcoin, while several members of the Trump family and administration participated in the event.
Key Facts
President Trump's family is now involved in the cryptocurrency business.
The Trump media group aims to raise $2.5 billion to purchase Bitcoin.
The Bitcoin 2025 conference took place in Las Vegas.
Donald Trump Jr. attended the conference and interacted with crypto leaders.
The event featured speakers who were White House advisors and family members of US government officials.
The Trumps now have investments in various crypto-related ventures.
Fighting between armed groups and government forces in Port-au-Prince has caused chaos. Many hospitals have shut down, leaving the remaining ones overwhelmed with mostly civilian patients.
Key Facts
There is fighting in the streets of Port-au-Prince between armed groups and government forces.
Many hospitals have been forced to close due to the violence.
The hospitals that are still open are overcrowded with mostly civilian casualties.
Doctors at Tabarre Hospital are working under dangerous conditions to save lives.
The ongoing violence has created a difficult and dangerous situation for both doctors and patients.
People in Minnesota are preparing to say goodbye to lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. They were killed in a political attack a few weeks ago.
Key Facts
Melissa Hortman was a lawmaker from Minnesota.
She and her husband, Mark, were victims of a political assassination.
The incident occurred a couple of weeks before the planned burial.
Their burial is set for Saturday.
The public is dealing with the shock from the event.
Microsoft is getting rid of the blue error screen, known as the "blue screen of death," on Windows computers. This change will happen on June 27, 2025, when the screen will switch to a new color.
Key Facts
The "blue screen of death" is an error message on Windows computers.
It usually pops up when a computer has a major error or crash.
Microsoft plans to replace the blue screen with a screen of a different color.
The change will take place on June 27, 2025.
This screen appears during unexpected computer problems, warning users of an issue.
President Trump announced he is stopping trade negotiations with Canada due to Canada's new digital services tax on technology companies. The tax affects companies like Amazon and Google and is set to begin on Monday, with a 3% charge on revenue from Canadian users.
Key Facts
President Trump paused trade talks with Canada because of Canada's digital services tax.
The tax applies a 3% charge on earnings from Canadian users for some tech companies.
Affected companies include Amazon, Google, Meta, Uber, and Airbnb.
Canada plans to start enforcing the tax on Monday.
Trump mentioned stopping all trade discussions with Canada immediately.
Trump stated that the U.S. will announce a new tariff for Canadian businesses within a week.
Canada and the U.S. previously set a 30-day deadline for trade discussions.
The U.S. has also imposed several tariffs on various goods from other countries.
In a trial involving Sean "Diddy" Combs, his lawyer argued that the charges against him were exaggerated, portraying him as a victim of overzealous prosecution. The defense claimed that the trial combined his personal lifestyle with allegations of serious crimes like racketeering and sex trafficking, which they deny.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial accused of racketeering and sex trafficking.
His lawyer argued that the charges were exaggerated and combined his lifestyle with alleged crimes.
The defense criticized the government's presentation of evidence, including the seizure of items from Combs' properties.
Combs' accusers testified about being coerced into dayslong drug-fueled sexual activities.
The trial is in its seventh week, and Combs did not testify.
If found guilty, Combs could face 15 years to life in prison.
The trial involves testimonies from former associates, including his ex-girlfriend, who sued him prior to the criminal investigation.
The trial is set to continue with closing arguments and jury deliberations expected soon.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is considering legal action against SpaceX after debris from a rocket launch in Texas landed in Mexico. SpaceX reported challenges in retrieving the debris and claimed there are no safety risks associated with it.
Key Facts
A SpaceX "Starship" rocket exploded during a test in Texas, causing debris to fall in Mexico.
The Mexican government is investigating the environmental impact of the debris, especially in Tamaulipas, a state close to the launch site.
President Sheinbaum is examining whether international laws were broken to possibly pursue lawsuits.
SpaceX stated its efforts to recover the debris in Mexico are obstructed by unauthorized individuals on private land.
SpaceX claims the debris poses no chemical or biological hazards and asked for aid from the Mexican government.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently approved more frequent SpaceX launches, though past launches have included explosions.
Earlier explosions caused disruptions, including airlines diverting flights to avoid debris.
Space debris can be dangerous; in a recent incident, a large metallic object fell in Kenya.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman will lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol on Friday after being killed in an attack. The man accused of the attack is due in court as authorities continue the legal process. A funeral for Hortman will also take place, with Vice President Kamala Harris attending.
Key Facts
Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was killed along with her husband in an attack on June 14.
The couple's pet, a golden retriever named Gilbert, was injured and euthanized.
A public viewing will happen at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday.
House TV and the Department of Public Safety's YouTube channel will livestream the events.
A private funeral will occur on Saturday morning, which former Vice President Kamala Harris will attend but not speak at.
The accused, Vance Boelter, has been charged and is due in court on Friday.
Boelter was arrested after a large search by authorities, described as the biggest in Minnesota's history.
The court hearing will determine if Boelter stays in custody without bail and confirm the charges.
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) plan to sign a peace agreement mediated by the United States, aiming to end several months of conflict in the eastern DRC. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has seized key cities, while Rwanda denies these claims. The conflict has caused significant loss of life and displacement of people.
Key Facts
Rwanda and the DRC will sign a peace deal mediated by the United States.
The conflict in eastern DRC has killed thousands and displaced millions.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group; Rwanda denies this.
M23 has taken over strategic cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The U.S. is considering investments in the region for stability.
The DRC-Rwanda conflict has historical roots dating back to the 1990s.
Eastern DRC is rich in valuable minerals like coltan and cobalt.
The United Nations reported Rwanda's support for M23 in 2022, a claim Rwanda disputes.
Nissan plans to cut about 250 jobs at its Sunderland factory in the UK. This move is part of a larger global restructuring due to weak sales. Manufacturing workers will not be affected, and the job cuts will come from shop floor and office staff.
Key Facts
Nissan aims to reduce 250 jobs at its Sunderland UK plant.
The job reduction is part of a global plan due to low sales.
A voluntary leave program is available for shop floor and office staff at the Sunderland site.
Manufacturing staff at the plant will not be impacted by these cuts.
Globally, Nissan announced plans to cut 11,000 jobs and close seven factories.
Nissan employs about 6,000 people in Sunderland and around 133,500 worldwide.
The Sunderland plant is key to Nissan's electric vehicle plans and produces models like the Juke and Qashqai.
Nissan introduced the new Leaf electric vehicle, which will also be built in Sunderland.
The Supreme Court upheld a Texas law that prevents children under 18 from accessing online pornography. This decision is part of a trend where many states have passed similar laws due to the ease of accessing explicit content on devices like smartphones.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court upheld the Texas law with a 6-3 vote.
Similar age verification laws exist in nearly half of all U.S. states.
The Free Speech Coalition, an adult-industry group, opposed the law, citing privacy concerns for adults.
Pornhub has stopped operating in some states because of challenges with these laws.
The Supreme Court previously ruled on related issues in 1996 and 2004.
Texas claims modern technology allows for easy age verification which is like ID checks in physical stores.
Appeals courts reversed initial decisions blocking the law, allowing it to take effect.
The NCAA is thinking about allowing athletes and staff to bet on professional sports, focusing its enforcement on college sports betting and protecting game fairness. They won't allow betting on college sports or sharing insider info with bettors, and they plan to stick with advertising rules that ban betting-related promotions at championship events. The proposal follows concerns as sports betting becomes legal in more places across the U.S.
Key Facts
The proposal allows betting on professional sports for athletes and staff but not on college sports.
The NCAA is focusing on keeping college sports fair and free from betting influences.
NCAA President Charlie Baker has voiced worries about athletes being targeted on social media due to gambling.
Recent years have seen several sports betting violations handled by the NCAA.
The NCAA acknowledges it’s tough to stop adult athletes from betting on pro sports.
NCAA has a deal with Genius Sports to manage betting data and prevent harmful bets.
NCAA rules were first made when sports betting was mostly illegal in the U.S.
NCAA also proposed adding women's flag football for consideration in future sports programs.
