The Canadian Senate recently passed the One Canadian Economy Act, designed to expedite “nation-building” projects and stimulate economic growth. This legislation allows the cabinet to streamline approvals for projects deemed beneficial to the economy, potentially including energy infrastructure and resource extraction. While proponents claim the act addresses trade tensions with the United States and removes internal trade barriers, it has drawn criticism from Indigenous groups and environmental activists, who fear it will undermine consultation processes and potentially silence opposition to projects. The act mandates government consultation with Indigenous peoples before fast-tracking projects, yet some Indigenous leaders remain concerned about the potential impact on their rights.
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A new installation, a gold “television” displaying a video of Donald Trump dancing with Jeffrey Epstein, has appeared on the National Mall, replacing a previous anti-Trump statue. The anonymous artists behind the piece, permitted to remain through Sunday, aim to critique the administration’s stance on free speech and artistic expression, using political imagery. The White House press aide responded in a mocking statement, ironically suggesting the installation would bring joy to tourists, a direct jab at the previous week’s controversy regarding an anti-Trump statue. The artists’ identity remains unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding the politically charged artwork and its focus on the former president’s controversial relationship with Epstein.
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President Trump, despite campaigning on a platform of law and order and prosecuting undocumented migrants, is reportedly considering dropping charges against leaders of the MS-13 gang, a move seemingly connected to strengthening his relationship with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. This potential decision would undermine the work of “Vulcan,” a task force specifically designed to combat MS-13, which resulted in the capture of several gang leaders. The U.S. Attorney’s office has already requested to drop charges against two MS-13 leaders, citing “geopolitical” and “national security” considerations. Experts suggest these actions are a quid pro quo, potentially protecting Bukele from revelations about his alleged power-sharing deals with organized criminal groups.
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Former US President Donald Trump publicly called for the cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, describing it as a “witch hunt.” Netanyahu responded by thanking Trump for his support of both him and Israel, expressing his desire to continue working together. However, this intervention drew criticism from Israeli opposition figures who condemned Trump’s interference in the legal process. Trump’s remarks, in which he praised Netanyahu’s leadership, also contrasted with his earlier disapproval of Israeli actions following a ceasefire.
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The European Commission President floated a plan for the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to form a new global trade initiative. This initiative would overhaul the rules-based global trading order, potentially supplanting the World Trade Organization, with the United States not guaranteed an invitation. The proposal aims to demonstrate the viability of free trade among a large group of countries based on a strong foundation of rules. The President also noted that the U.S. left a certain point.
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The 2020 presidential election fallout continues, as evidenced by the disbarment of ex-Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro in New York. Chesebro, considered a key architect of the fake electors scheme, was found guilty in Georgia of conspiracy to commit filing false documents, a “serious crime” that led to the disciplinary action. This followed his indictment in Georgia related to efforts to overturn the state’s election results. Chesebro also faces charges in Wisconsin related to the fake electors scheme, and a presidential pardon would not offer relief.
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A recent poll from the Texas Politics Project indicates that President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Texas has fallen into negative territory, marking a significant shift in the traditionally conservative state. The poll revealed that a majority of Texans disapprove of Trump for the first time in his second term, with 44% strongly disapproving. While he maintains strong support among Texas Republicans, his decline in approval mirrors a broader national trend. This trend is likely to be watched closely as Texas could become competitive.
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While promoting his “big, beautiful bill,” President Trump faced a significant setback in Congress as Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down key provisions related to Medicaid and public benefits for undocumented immigrants. This decision forced Senate Republicans to revisit the bill and created division among GOP senators, some of whom called for MacDonough’s removal. Despite the challenges, the White House expressed optimism about the bill’s passage before July 4th, while House Republicans, particularly conservatives, threatened to reject the Senate’s version due to concerns over its impact on key priorities and the deficit. Furthermore, more measures in the legislation are still awaiting a ruling from the Parliamentarian, which could create more obstacles.
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was notably absent from a recent Senate intelligence briefing, raising questions about her standing within the administration. This exclusion follows President Trump’s public disagreement with Gabbard’s past assertions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and a damaging intelligence leak that weakened the White House’s claims about a recent strike. A senior White House official downplayed her absence, while Michael Wolff suggested her position is precarious due to the fallout from the intelligence leak. The original report stated Gabbard’s public backing of Trump’s statements, which contradict intelligence assessments, has been challenged.
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Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, centered on affordability, successfully mobilized a surge of young voters in areas like Astoria, Greenpoint, and Bushwick. Analyzing election data showed significantly higher turnout in these younger neighborhoods compared to previous years. Mamdani’s strategy of holding rallies and directly engaging with voters contrasted sharply with his opponent’s approach, helping him to unexpectedly gain support within Latino and Asian communities. While former Gov. Andrew Cuomo focused on his existing base, particularly in Black communities, Mamdani’s efforts led to a notable shift in voter engagement and demographic representation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker