Canada: Senate Passes Carney's 'One Canadian Economy Act'
The Canadian Senate adopted Prime Minister Mark Carney's Bill C-5, known as the "One Canadian Economy Act," on Thursday, without amendments, after a three-week legislative process that included a pre-study to expedite passage before Canada Day on July 1.
Bill C-5 eliminates federal barriers to interprovincial trade and grants cabinet powers to fast-track natural resource and infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest, with such projects to be approved within two years.
The legislation was passed with support from both Liberal and Conservative lawmakers in the House of Commons. The NDP and Bloc Québécois opposed the portion of the major project, citing concerns about Indigenous rights, provincial autonomy, and environmental protection.
Pro-government narrative
Fast-tracking projects makes economic sense when Canada faces unprecedented challenges from U.S. tariffs and global competition for critical minerals. The legislation includes proper safeguards for Indigenous consultation and environmental standards while creating certainty for investors.
Government-critical narrative
The rushed legislative process demonstrates contempt for parliamentary democracy and proper scrutiny of major policy changes. Senators were given only days to analyze sweeping legislation that granted the cabinet unprecedented discretionary powers to circumvent federal laws.
Conservative narrative
This legislation will finally unleash Canada's economic potential after decades of regulatory gridlock. Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers and fast-tracking projects will help Canada build critical infrastructure faster, creating certainty for investors and strengthening the economy in a competitive global market.
Progressive narrative
Bill C-5 is a dangerous power grab that tramples Indigenous rights and environmental protections in the name of economic expediency. The government gave Indigenous communities just seven days to review legislation that could override the Indian Act and bypass crucial consultation processes.
Nerd narrative
There's a 20% chance that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will be extended promptly at its July 2026 joint review, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US-China Sign Rare Earth Trade Deal
The U.S. and China have finalized a trade framework agreement that codifies terms from the Geneva negotiations, with China committing to resume rare earth exports essential for industries ranging from defense to electronics in exchange for the rollback of certain U.S. export restrictions, the White House announced Thursday.
Bloomberg reported that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the deal was signed this week, stating that China will deliver rare earths, and once deliveries begin, the U.S. will lift countermeasures, including export curbs on ethane, chip software, and jet engines.
This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to finalize 10 major trade agreements before the July 9 deadline when paused tariffs could be reimposed, with countries facing potential reciprocal tariffs as high as 125% if deals are not reached by Aug. 12.
Pro-establishment narrative
This breakthrough deal demonstrates that Trump's negotiating prowess is yielding tangible benefits for American manufacturers and workers. The agreement secures critical rare earth supplies that keep the American defense industry and automakers running while forcing China to play by fair trade rules. Trump's deadline-driven approach is working — countries know they need to make deals or face serious consequences.
Pro-China narrative
China's measured approach to rare earth exports reflects responsible governance, ensuring these dual-use materials don't end up in military applications. The licensing process requires proper vetting of end-users and export volumes, which takes time but prevents security risks. China has consistently acted in a non-discriminatory manner while considering the legitimate civilian needs and concerns of other countries.
Nerd narrative
There's a 10% chance that the U.S. and China will reach a formal agreement to limit frontier AI training or deployment before 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Trump Allegedly Offers Iran $30B Nuclear Deal Amid Diplomatic Push
The Trump administration reportedly discussed offering Iran access to up to $30 billion in foreign-backed investment to develop a civilian nuclear energy program as part of broader diplomatic efforts to reengage Tehran in nuclear negotiations following recent military strikes.
In the talks that took place during the latest confrontation between Israel and Iran, both sides are also said to have discussed easing sanctions and the release of around $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds, with a non-negotiable condition that Iran cease all uranium enrichment activities.
Some details were discussed at a closed-door meeting led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House last Friday with representatives from key Gulf states, during which U.S. officials reportedly called on Gulf Arab states to cover the costs of the proposed nuclear deal.
Pro-Iran narrative
It is characteristic of U.S. "diplomacy" to first rain bombs and abuse international law, before calling for negotiations. That said, it is highly questionable whether Iran will swallow the financial bait, which at the same time means giving up essential parts of its national sovereignty and dignity. The Islamic Republic has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as per Article IV of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and Iranians are determined to preserve that right under any circumstances.
Anti-Iran narrative
Iran's rejection of talks and the passing of legislation to terminate nuclear cooperation with the United Nations prove that Tehran is not interested in negotiating in good faith. The regime's continued resistance despite the devastating strikes shows that it remains committed to uranium enrichment and is using diplomacy as a stalling tactic. All options should remain on the table in case the Iranian regime resorts to new provocations and starts rebuilding its clandestine nuclear weapons program.
Pro-Trump narrative
The comprehensive $30 billion proposal represents a serious diplomatic breakthrough that could finally resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis through economic incentives rather than military pressure. Trump's decisive strikes have weakened Iran's position and created the perfect opportunity for a lasting peace agreement that ensures Tehran never develops nuclear weapons. The Gulf states' willingness to fund this civilian program shows regional support for a diplomatic solution.
Nerd narrative
There is a 30% chance that Iran will attack U.S. sites in Iraq before August 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
School Explosion and Stampede Kill 29 Students in Central African Republic
At least 29 school children were killed and over 250 injured in an explosion and a resulting stampede in the Central African Republic’s capital city, Bangui.
The explosion happened on Wednesday when technicians were working to restore power to a faulty electrical transformer at the Barthelemy Boganda High School, where approximately 5,000 students from six other schools were present for their final exams.
Most of the victims, including 16 girls, died during the stampede which followed the explosion, while others were confirmed dead upon arrival at nearby hospitals, as students died attempting to escape by jumping from windows or by getting crushed in crowded entrances.
Pro-government narrative
In light of the tragedy that unfolded on Wednesday, the government offers the families of those who have lost loved ones its deepest condolences and wishes the injured a fast recovery. In response, the nation must stand together in solidarity to support one another through this challenging time, which is why the government is implementing a period of national mourning.
Government-critical narrative
This catastrophe is a disaster of the government’s own making. Had the authorities properly invested in establishing high-quality infrastructure, the transformer would not have exploded, and the stampede would never have happened. The government must urgently launch an investigation and improve public infrastructure to prevent a disaster like this from happening again.
Bezos-Sanchez Venice Wedding Draws Celebrities and Protests
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez began their three-day wedding celebration in Venice on Thursday, with approximately 200-250 A-list guests attending events estimated to cost between $46.5-55.6 million, according to local officials.
Local protesters organized under the "No Space for Bezos" banner have staged demonstrations throughout Venice, unfurling banners in St. Mark's Square and floating a Bezos mannequin in canals. The wedding's venue was changed earlier this week due to the ongoing protests.
Celebrity guests, including Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, and Ivanka Trump, arrived via private jets and water taxis for the festivities, which kicked off with a welcome party at the Madonna dell'Orto cloister but were cut short by a thunderstorm.
Government-critical narrative
This wedding represents exactly what's wrong with modern Venice — billionaires treating the entire city like their private playground while locals struggle with housing costs and overtourism. The 90 private jets alone show the environmental hypocrisy of the ultra-wealthy. Venice needs affordable housing and services for residents, not more spectacles for oligarchs.
Pro-government narrative
Venice has successfully hosted major events like G7 summits and other celebrity weddings for years without disruption. This brings millions in economic benefits to local businesses, creates jobs, and provides invaluable global publicity for Italian tourism. The protesters represent a tiny minority trying to capitalize on Bezos' fame. Business has picked up amid the wedding festivities.
Nerd narrative
There is a 4% chance that Jeff Bezos will hold major political office in the United States before February 2033, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
EU Proposes Asia Trade Alliance as WTO Alternative
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Thursday structured trade cooperation with Asian countries, potentially creating an alternative to the World Trade Organization, focusing on closer cooperation with Trans-Pacific Partnership members.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz endorses the proposal to create alternatives to the WTO if the organization continues to be dysfunctional due to the U.S. blockade initiated by President Trump in December 2019.
Ursula von der Leyen suggested a redesign of the WTO, highlighting the need to learn from its shortcomings and support free trade with willing partners. She noted that the U.S. wouldn’t automatically be welcomed back due to its previous departure from the organization.
Establishment-critical narrative
The EU's bold move to create an Asia-Pacific trade alliance shows real leadership in fixing the broken global trade system. With the WTO completely paralyzed by American obstruction since 2019, Europe is stepping up to build something that actually works. This isn't about excluding anyone - it's about proving that rules-based free trade is still possible when countries are serious about cooperation.
Pro-establishment narrative
This European scheme looks like a desperate attempt to gang up on America while President Trump is trying to fix unfair trade deals. The EU has been taking advantage of the U.S. for years with their trade surplus and barriers to American goods. Instead of working with Trump to create balanced agreements, they're plotting with Asia to isolate America from global trade decisions.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that the Trade Openness Index for the United States will be at least 31% in 2040, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Argentina to Try Suspects in 1994 Jewish Center Bombing in Absentia
An Argentine federal judge ordered on Thursday that seven Iranians and three Lebanese nationals accused in the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish community center in Buenos Aires to face trial in absentia — a first in the country.
Suspects include former Iranian officials — such as former Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahian, former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati, and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Mohsen Rezaei — and individuals said to be affiliated with Lebanon's Hezbollah.
This comes as the Argentine Congress passed legislation earlier this year allowing long-term fugitives for serious crimes to be tried in absentia. All defendants in the AMIA case have been declared in contempt of court, many since 2003.
Pro-establishment narrative
This trial represents long-overdue justice for the victims and their families after three decades of Iranian — and Lebanese — stonewalling and obstruction as the evidence clearly points to Iranian state sponsorship of this heinous terrorist attack through their Hezbollah proxies. At least, Argentine courts will now be able to try to uncover the truth and prevent impunity.
Establishment-critical narrative
Argentine authorities are not seeking genuine justice for the victims, but rather politicizing this tragedy to show its diplomatic subservience to the U.S. and Israel and their anti-Iran agenda. This is a politically motivated case that relies on unconvincing evidence and dubious testimonies from anti-Iran sources, casting doubts over Argentina's judicial integrity.
Supreme Court Backs Parents' Opt-Out Rights for LGBTQ+ Books
The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) on Friday ruled 6-3 along ideological lines that Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland must allow parents to opt their children out of lessons featuring LGBTQ+-themed books while litigation continues.
Among the county's curriculum's books are "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," about a same-sex marriage; "Pride Puppy," featuring a family at a Pride parade; and "Born Ready," about a transgender child. The school system initially allowed opt-outs in 2022 but eliminated the policy in March 2023.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the conservative majority that the school board's policies "unconstitutionally burden" parents' religious exercise rights under the First Amendment.
Republican narrative
This ruling protects fundamental parental rights and religious freedom, which are cornerstone principles of American democracy. Parents shouldn't be forced to choose between their deeply held religious beliefs and their children's public education. This decision ensures that families can raise their children according to their faith while still participating in public schooling.
Democratic narrative
SCOTUS has opened the floodgates for educational chaos by allowing parents to claim religious objections to virtually any curriculum content. This decision undermines the multicultural foundation of public education and gives a vocal minority veto power over democratically chosen school policies — which are typically left to school boards or individual schools — that serve all students.
Supreme Court Curbs Judges' Power to Block Trump Orders
The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS ) on Friday ruled 6-3 along ideological lines to limit federal district judges' authority to issue nationwide injunctions blocking presidential policies, with the majority finding that such universal orders likely exceed the equitable authority Congress granted to federal courts.
The decision arose from challenges to President Donald Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders, though the court did not rule on the constitutional merits of the citizenship policy itself.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion, stating that federal courts should resolve specific cases rather than "exercise general oversight of the Executive Branch." Justice Sonia Sotomayor delivered a dissent calling the ruling an "an open invitation for the Government to bypass the Constitution."
Republican narrative
This ruling prevents activist judges from usurping constitutionally-granted presidential authority through nationwide injunctions. Single district court judges blocking lawful executive policies have created chaos and undermined democratic governance. This decision properly limits judicial overreach.
Democratic narrative
This decision creates a dangerous precedent, allowing unconstitutional policies to take effect while only protecting those wealthy enough to file lawsuits. This ruling makes constitutional rights meaningless for anyone not party to litigation, enabling executive branch violations of fundamental protections.
Rwanda, DR Congo Sign US-Brokered Peace Deal
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday in Washington signed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement, which aims to end a decades-long conflict in eastern DRC that has killed thousands and displaced millions of people.
The agreement includes provisions for respect of territorial integrity, prohibition of hostilities, and the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups operating in eastern DRC.
The conflict emerged after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, in January 2025 launched a major offensive that seized control of strategic cities, including Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC's mineral-rich region.
Pro-establishment narrative
This deal is a beacon of hope after decades of brutal conflict that claimed millions of lives. By prioritizing territorial integrity and disarmament, it signals a commitment to diplomacy over warfare. While challenges remain, the optimism of leaders, combined with international support, offers a path to lasting peace, healing wounds, and fostering stability in a region long scarred by violence.
Establishment-critical narrative
While any peace deal is hopeful, doubt still remains, especially after Angola's withdrawal as mediator months ago. Unclear roles, funding shortages, and Rwanda's alleged M23 support fuel skepticism. Complex Hutu-Tutsi tensions and competing mineral interests, driven by external powers, also suggest the deal may not hold. Past failed agreements warn that diplomacy could again give way to violence.
Nerd narrative
There's a 25% chance that Goma will be under the control of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on August 25, 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.