We are no longer free. But we can win our freedom back

The Stratford Festival in Ontario, usually known for its Shakespearean plays, took an unexpected political turn by publicly rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated jabs about Canada becoming the "51st state." Festival organizers, who typically steer clear of partisan statements, made a pointed stand against the rhetoric, framing it as a unifying moment for Canadian identity.

Editor’s Note: It’s rare for a cultural institution like Stratford—synonymous with theater, not politics—to wade into international disputes. But Trump’s persistent "annexation" comments struck a nerve, turning a quiet cultural corner into a symbol of national pride. This isn’t just about hurt feelings; it’s about how art and identity collide when borders—real or rhetorical—are questioned.

China is trying to smooth things over with French cognac giants like Hennessy and Rémy Martin by offering them a hefty tax refund—but there’s a catch. To get the money, they’ll need to play ball with Beijing’s ongoing investigation into EU brandy imports, which could mean agreeing to certain conditions like minimum pricing. It’s a classic carrot-and-stick move amid rising trade tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about booze—it’s a high-stakes trade chess match. China’s probe into EU brandy looks like retaliation for Europe’s crackdown on Chinese electric vehicles. By dangling a tax refund, Beijing’s giving French producers a reason to cooperate (or at least stay quiet), which could weaken EU unity in the trade fight. For consumers, it might mean stable cognac prices—or, if things go sideways, pricier pours down the line.

A recent poll by Ipsos for Global News reveals that more Canadians are steering clear of U.S. goods and travel as tensions over Trump-era trade policies linger. The survey shows a surge in national pride among Canadians, coupled with lingering frustration toward their southern neighbors.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tariffs or politics—it’s about how everyday Canadians are reacting. When people boycott goods or skip vacations over border tensions, it hits businesses and tourism hard. The rebound in Canadian pride suggests a "circle the wagons" effect, but the underlying strain could have lasting economic and diplomatic consequences.

The UK's parental leave and pay policies are under review after campaigners argued the system has been neglected for too long. Advocates say improving support for new parents is an obvious win—both for families and society.

Editor’s Note: Parental leave isn’t just about time off—it’s about giving families a fair shot at balancing work and childcare. If the system gets an upgrade, it could ease financial stress for new parents and even boost workforce participation down the line. Right now, it’s a hot topic because outdated policies just don’t cut it for modern families.

The US government has canceled the visas of UK punk-rap act Bob Vylan after they chanted "death to the IDF" during their Glastonbury set. The duo, known for their politically charged lyrics, now face travel restrictions to the US over the incident.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a controversial lyric—it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over free speech, artistic expression, and geopolitical tensions. When musicians wade into hot-button issues, the consequences can extend far beyond the stage. For Bob Vylan, a band built on rebellion, this might fuel their message—but it also raises questions about where governments draw the line on political statements.