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Bank of Canada Freezes Rates as Trump’s Tariff Threat Looms Over Economy

Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady Amid Tariff Turmoil In a widely anticipated move, the Bank of Canada has opted to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 2.75% for the third consecutive time, as trade tensions with the United States intensify ahead of an August 1 tariff deadline. Economists had unanimously predicted the hold, citing mixed economic signals: while employment remains strong, core inflation continues to hover above the Bank’s target. Governor Tiff Macklem emphasized that monetary policy cannot offset the impact of prolonged trade conflicts, reiterating the Bank’s commitment to price stability for Canadians. The decision comes as President Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, including a potential 35% blanket rate and sector-specific levies on steel, aluminum, and autos. These measures have injected uncertainty into business planning and consumer confidence, with many firms scaling back hiring and investment. Despite the hold, analysts warn that further...

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Chemical Escalation: European Intelligence Confirms Russia's Use of Banned Agents in Ukraine

European intelligence agencies have revealed alarming evidence that Russia is systematically deploying chemical weapons in its war against Ukraine. According to a joint report released on July 4 by the Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), and Germany’s BND, Russian forces have intensified the use of banned chemical agents, including the choking agent chloropicrin.

Chloropicrin, a substance outlawed under the Chemical Weapons Convention, is reportedly being dropped from drones into Ukrainian trenches to flush out soldiers, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans described the situation as “absolutely unacceptable,” warning that Russia’s normalization of chemical warfare poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to global security.

Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Ukraine has documented over 9,000 instances of chemical attacks, with at least three confirmed fatalities and thousands more reporting symptoms linked to toxic exposure. Intelligence officials say this is not a case of rogue battlefield improvisation but part of a large-scale, state-backed program involving increased research and recruitment of scientists for chemical weapons development.

The revelations have prompted renewed calls for tougher international sanctions and for Russia’s exclusion from global bodies like the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). While Russia denies the allegations and accuses Ukraine of similar actions, Western intelligence agencies maintain that the evidence is both credible and deeply concerning.

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