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CUSMA Renewal Deadline Passes: What It Means for Your Wallet

  July 8, 2026 July 1 came and went without a full renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Instead of locking in another 16-year term, the United States chose not to extend the deal in its current form, which means the trade pact now shifts into an annual review process for the next decade. Here's what that actually means for your money. What just happened All three countries had until July 1 to say whether they wanted to renew CUSMA. Because Washington opted against a full renewal, the agreement now gets reviewed annually rather than being locked in for over a decade. Canada's Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed the three countries agreed to keep talking, with Canada specifically pushing to address sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber. Any of the three countries can still walk away entirely with six months' notice. The good news: most trade stays tariff-free For now, the status quo holds. The bulk of Canadian exports to the U.S....

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History in the Making: Botswana Unearths 2,492-Carat Diamond

 

In a remarkable discovery, Botswana has unearthed the largest diamond found in over a century. The colossal 2,492-carat stone was recently revealed at a viewing ceremony in Gaborone, the country’s capital. This extraordinary find, weighing approximately half a kilogram, marks a historic moment for Botswana and the diamond industry.

The as-yet-unnamed diamond was presented to the world by Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. His awe-struck reaction—“It is overwhelming. I am lucky to have seen it in my time”—captures the significance of this remarkable gem. Senior government officials were equally amazed, gathering to take a closer look at the fist-sized wonder.

The diamond was recovered from the Karowe Mine in central Botswana by Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian mining company. Using advanced X-ray technology, Lucara identified this “exceptional” rough diamond, which remains intact and of high quality. While its value is yet to be determined, it already holds a place in history as the largest diamond found in 119 years.

For context, the famous Cullinan Diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905, weighed 3,106 carats and was cut into gems that now adorn the British Crown Jewels. Botswana, known for its natural diamond production, continues to make headlines with its remarkable finds. As the second-biggest producer of natural diamonds globally, the country has consistently unearthed some of the world’s most significant stones. 

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