Senate vote challenges Trump’s Canada tariffs, signaling GOP unease with “Liberation Day” trade crackdown. Is economic pain worth the political gain?

The U.S. Senate has narrowly voted to block Trump’s Canada tariffs, exposing cracks in GOP unity over his aggressive trade agenda and raising fears of economic fallout ahead of 2024.

Republican Cracks Widen as Senate Moves to Block Trump’s Canada Tariffs

In a late-night vote that amounts to a rare rebuke of President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution on Wednesday aimed at blocking his planned tariffs on Canadian imports. Though unlikely to survive the Republican-controlled House or Trump’s veto pen, the 51-48 vote exposes a growing rift inside the GOP — one that pits traditional conservatives against Trump’s economic nationalism.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” — a sweeping tariff offensive targeting dozens of U.S. trading partners — spared Canada for now, but the president continues to justify penalties on America’s closest ally by invoking the northern flow of fentanyl. Critics, however, say the argument is a smokescreen for an economic gamble that could backfire.

“This is not about fentanyl. It’s about tariffs — a national sales tax on American families,” said Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who led the push against the Canada measures. He and others warn the fallout will be felt in industries from shipbuilding to grocery stores, with rising costs on aluminum, lumber, and food products that depend on cross-border trade.

Republicans Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paul broke ranks, opposing what Paul called “taxes on the American people.” The Kentucky senator didn’t mince words: “Conservatives used to understand that tariffs are taxes.”

Collins raised alarm over a paper mill in Maine that relies on Canadian pulp, while Murkowski defended Alaska’s seafood industry from potential collateral damage. Even North Dakota’s Kevin Cramer, no stranger to Trumpian loyalty, admitted the tariffs were “a source of political anxiety.”

But Trump fired back on Truth Social, slamming dissenting Republicans for aiding Democrats and failing to support his push to penalize Canada for “unfair” trade and fentanyl trafficking — despite evidence that the overwhelming majority of fentanyl comes from the southern border, not the north.

With Trump eyeing tariffs as both economic lever and electoral rallying cry, the Senate’s revolt underscores the risk: If the economy slips before November, the backlash won’t just come from Democrats. It’s already brewing within Trump’s own party.

While Trump retreats, China plants its flag in Africa’s skies—building satellites, telescopes, and alliances to dominate space and surveillance.

As Trump guts foreign aid, China ramps up space partnerships across Africa, embedding surveillance tech and satellites that could shift the balance in the global space race—and military power.

Space for Sale: How China Is Colonizing Africa’s Skies as America Pulls Back

While the United States under President Trump slashes development aid and scales down soft power, China is quietly launching a space takeover in Africa—one satellite, telescope, and military-grade surveillance system at a time.

From a space lab outside Cairo to high-powered telescopes tracking orbital objects from Egyptian hilltops, China is embedding itself deep into Africa’s burgeoning space infrastructure. Beneath the banner of cooperation and development, Beijing is not just gifting technology—it’s harvesting data, expanding its global surveillance network, and establishing a strategic military and political footprint across the continent.

This is no secret to Washington. Intelligence veterans like Nicholas Eftimiades warn that China is “democratizing space to enhance its authoritarian capabilities”—a global dragnet cloaked in diplomacy. And it’s working. More than 23 African nations now partner with China on space ventures, from satellite launches and ground stations to a proposed joint moon base that openly rivals NASA’s Artemis program.

The Space City outside Cairo, where Chinese engineers outnumber locals, is emblematic. The “African-built” satellites launched there? Mostly assembled in China. Data ownership? Officially Egyptian—but insiders say Beijing still taps into the stream. It’s not just soft power—it’s hardware dominance with military consequences, including anti-satellite warfare readiness and real-time surveillance of joint U.S.-Egyptian exercises.

As China builds eyes in the sky, Trump’s America is going dark—cutting U.S. Agency for International Development funds and retreating from space diplomacy. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Elon Musk races ahead in military-grade satellite networks, but there’s little sign of the U.S. competing with China’s ground-level infiltration across Africa.

The result? A Cold War-style showdown in orbit, with Africa as the battlefield—and Trump’s retreat from development aid and soft power may have handed Beijing the launch codes for a new global order in space.

China isn’t just investing in Africa—it’s outsourcing its space program onto the continent, collecting data, projecting power, and rewriting the rules of 21st-century dominance. The moon may be next, but the race is already raging here on Earth. And right now, Beijing is winning.

Backing the GOP’s massive budget plan, Trump promises deep spending cuts, permanent tax breaks, and a full fiscal reset—with deficit hawks rallying to his call.

President Trump pledges full support for the Senate’s budget reconciliation plan, vowing to slash spending, cement tax cuts, and unify Republicans around a bold fiscal agenda to reshape the U.S. economy.

Trump Rallies Deficit Hawks Behind “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

President Donald Trump is making it clear: when it comes to slashing spending and pushing his America First fiscal vision, the Senate’s budget hawks have his full-throated backing.

In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump endorsed the Senate GOP’s budget reconciliation framework—branding it his “ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL”—and called on every Republican in Congress to unify and pass it “IMMEDIATELY.” The plan promises sweeping permanent tax cuts, deep spending reductions, and historic investments in defense, energy, and border security—a direct pitch to the fiscal conservatives who have long demanded deficit discipline.

“This bill is the tool we need to right-size the budget and bring spending back under control,” Trump declared, backing the efforts of Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Behind closed doors, Trump reportedly reassured Senate hardliners like Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) that a recissions package—designed to claw back excessive spending—would be on his desk quickly, further strengthening their resolve to support the resolution.

The reconciliation package, still in flux, aims to trim the federal deficit by $1.5 to $2 trillion, though a contingent of fiscal hawks is pushing for cuts as high as $6.5 trillion over the next decade. The GOP is betting that Trump’s influence will unify skeptical lawmakers and give the budget push momentum ahead of critical votes.

With Trump now front and center, Republicans are seizing the moment to reassert control over federal spending—and cement the 2017 tax cuts as a permanent fixture of U.S. economic policy. But the clock is ticking. Senate leaders hope to kick off voting before week’s end, testing whether Trump’s muscle can turn this sweeping fiscal plan into law.

As the nation stares down another debt extension debate, Trump’s message is unmistakable: cut now, unify fast, and reshape the budget—Trump style.

British spy agency MI5 lifts the curtain on its shadowy past, revealing gadgets, double agents, and Cold War betrayals in a rare public display.

Real Spies, Real Secrets: MI5’s Exhibition Reveals the Truth Behind Britain’s Espionage Legends

Move over, James Bond—the real spies of British intelligence have entered the room. For the first time in its 115-year history, MI5 is peeling back the layers of secrecy with a public exhibition that dives deep into its murky archives and infamous operations.

Titled “MI5: Official Secrets”, the new exhibition at The National Archives in London offers a rare glimpse into the real-world tradecraft of British intelligence. From lemon juice invisible ink to surveillance files on Soviet moles, the exhibit pulls no punches in showing how Britain’s security service battled foreign threats across two world wars and the Cold War.

One of the most jaw-dropping features? Newly released materials on the Cambridge Five—a ring of elite British insiders who betrayed their country by feeding secrets to Moscow. Their names—Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, Anthony Blunt, and John Cairncross—still send shivers through British intelligence circles, and their confessions, reports, and surveillance records are now on public display.

Ken McCallum, MI5’s director general, stressed that unlike the glamorous espionage of Bond or the grit of Slow Horses, real spy work is “ordinary people doing extraordinary things” in silence. Still, the lemon juice used by a German spy to write invisible messages during WWI? That feels very 007.

The exhibition runs through September and is designed to both educate and provoke reflection. In a world once split by East and West—and now again fractured by new threats—MI5’s unveiling of its past is not just history. It’s a subtle message: the spy game is far from over.

Somali Civil Aviation Authority suspends all Mogadishu-bound flights after UN plane crash at Aden Adde Airport; runway closed, global notification issued.

A UN aircraft crash at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport has forced the Somali Civil Aviation Authority to suspend flights and shut down the runway. Emergency response underway as 22 UN staff escape disaster. 

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has officially suspended all incoming flights to Mogadishu after a United Nations plane carrying 22 passengers crash-landed at Aden Adde International Airport earlier today.

Director Ahmed Macalin Hassan confirmed that the UN aircraft, bound for Baidoa, suffered a catastrophic technical failure shortly after takeoff and was forced to return to the airport. In a high-stakes emergency procedure, the plane released its fuel into the sea to minimize the risk of explosion and managed a harrowing landing—one that sparked a small fire and resulted in the total closure of the capital’s only functioning international runway.

The immediate fallout? A shutdown that reverberated far beyond Somalia’s borders. A notice was sent to 193 countries alerting them of the airport’s closure. Flights en route were diverted or grounded, and the country’s fragile air transport network—already under strain—was brought to a standstill.

As of 5:00 p.m., the runway remains blocked by the damaged aircraft, and emergency crews are scrambling to remove the wreckage. While no fatalities have been reported, the incident has reignited concerns about Somalia’s overstretched and under-resourced aviation infrastructure.

This is more than a temporary closure. It’s a wake-up call. The crash, involving international personnel and requiring global notification, casts a spotlight on the dangerous vulnerabilities facing Somalia’s aviation sector. Aden Adde Airport is not just a gateway—it’s a geopolitical lifeline used by diplomats, aid workers, and military partners. Its temporary paralysis sends shockwaves through humanitarian operations and diplomatic engagements across the Horn of Africa.

The question now is whether this near-catastrophe will lead to serious reforms—or whether Somalia’s aviation system will continue flying on fumes.

China’s military stages aggressive joint drills surrounding Taiwan, simulating blockade and assault operations, as tensions soar over Trump’s Indo-Pacific pivot and renewed US defense commitments.

This wasn’t just another military drill. This was a political thunderclap — and the sound echoes all the way to Washington. China’s decision to unleash a surprise multi-pronged military exercise around Taiwan, involving air, sea, missile, and rocket forces, is Beijing’s clearest signal yet: it’s ready to test America’s resolve under President Trump’s Indo-Pacific realignment.

Officially, China calls it a “stern warning” to Taiwan. But let’s be honest — this isn’t about the island’s president Lai Ching-te, or some manufactured outrage over “separatism.” This is about Trump’s new doctrine — unapologetically hawkish, unabashedly transactional — and a signal to Beijing that the US isn’t backing down in the Pacific.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent tour through Asia was a clear flex of American military muscle: tightening alliances, bolstering deterrence, and sending a blunt message — China’s expansion ends here. Beijing responded the only way Xi Jinping knows how: with intimidation disguised as military exercises.

But make no mistake: this is a pressure campaign — not just against Taiwan, but against Washington itself.

The scope of the drills is staggering. Aircraft carriers, long-range missile units, rocket artillery — all surrounding Taiwan from north, south, and east. China isn’t just simulating a blockade; it’s rehearsing one. And its message couldn’t be more dangerous: “Taiwan is ours, and we’re prepared to take it — unless you stop us.”

And the propaganda? Even more toxic. China’s military released cartoons mocking Taiwan’s president as a “parasite.” That’s not deterrence — it’s psychological warfare aimed at undermining a democracy of 23 million people who have no intention of becoming another Hong Kong.

Yet amid this provocation, the Biden-era strategic ambiguity has ended. Trump’s administration has already dropped hints of a more decisive policy: closer intelligence cooperation, naval presence, and even plans for permanent missile deployments in the region.

The Chinese Communist Party views this tightening net as a threat. But it’s not just fear — it’s desperation. With US-China trade tensions mounting and allies like Japan, the Philippines, and even Vietnam hardening against Beijing’s aggression, the PLA’s saber-rattling looks more like a tantrum than a masterstroke.

Still, the stakes are higher than ever.

Taiwan is not just a flashpoint — it’s the domino that could collapse the entire Indo-Pacific balance. If China can choke an island democracy while the world watches, what message does that send to America’s partners from Seoul to Canberra?

Trump’s team knows this. Beijing knows this. And Taiwan, caught in the middle, is bracing for the fallout.

The world needs to understand: these aren’t just drills — they’re dry runs for a future no one wants to see. And whether it’s deterrence or disaster will depend on who blinks first.

In recent commentary, esteemed South African journalist Izak Khomo has fearlessly convened a dialogue that brings to light the often-ignored historical atrocities faced by the people of Somaliland under the brutal regime of dictator Siyad Barre in the late 20th century. His reflections are particularly timely as they illustrate the intricate relationship between historical injustices, contemporary political realities, and overarching humanitarian imperatives.

A Historical Context: The Hidden Currents of the Siad Barre Regime

Khomo’s assertions resonate deeply, particularly when he recalls how the Barre regime forged alliances with the Apartheid government of South Africa. The disturbing truth about South Africa’s engagement in the conflict against the Isaaq people of Somaliland is a dark chapter that has been overshadowed, often lost in the larger narrative of Somali history. By hiring South African air force pilots, who indiscriminately bombed residential areas of Hargeisa, Barre’s government committed acts of violence that led to what many now refer to as the Isaaq genocide.

This partnership between Somalia and South African leaders was born out of a shared interest in suppressing dissent, but the casualties were borne by innocent civilians. The strategic military alliance between Barre and the Apartheid regime exemplifies the lengths to which despots will go to maintain power, revealing a grotesque underbelly of political opportunism wrapped in the guise of national security.

The Weight of Forgotten Histories

Khomo’s framing of Somalia politicians as “opportunists and liars” challenges the status quo, forcing a reckoning with the narratives surrounding Somalia and Somaliland. According to Khomo, the mentality that fueled Barre’s atrocities is far from extinct; it has morphed into contemporary governance that continues to sidestep the urgent need for accountability. As the current Somali government seeks recognition through various international avenues, including recent letters to Western powers, the ghosts of the past—particularly those of the Isaaq genocide—continue to haunt Somaliland.

For those unfamiliar with this dark legacy, Khomo’s commentary serves as an introduction to the complex and painful history of Somaliland and its people—a history that cannot simply be swept under the carpet.

The Resurgence of Ignored Atrocities

In exposing these dynamics, Khomo deftly links the historical reality of Barre’s regime to present-day political instability and conflict in the Horn of Africa. He warns of the impending dangers associated with the hypothetical military alliances being formed today—such as Somalia’s supposed collaboration with Egypt. The idea of Egyptian forces entering the fray under the pretense of peacekeeping raises alarm bells that echo the past; it suggests a cycle of violence that has yet to be fully resolved. The rise of terrorist groups, ongoing struggles with regional adversaries, and territorial ambitions signal potential flashpoints that could ignite further conflict.

Moreover, Khomo draws an intriguing parallel between the response of the international community and the silence surrounding Somaliland’s cries for recognition and support. The historical amnesia surrounding Somaliland’s plight—as highlighted by Khomo—inevitably impacts its ability to forge a path toward international support and recognition. If historical narratives remain truncated, how can the suffering endured by the Isaaq people ever be adequately recognized?

The Moral Imperative for Acknowledgment and Action

Khomo’s powerful expositions compel all of us—especially Somalilanders—to confront a past that may still define our current challenges. For those living in the shadow of these historical events, there lies a profound moral impetus to confront and articulate the narrative of survival and resilience.

Somaliland’s government and its elite must embrace this reckoning, acknowledging the past to build a more robust future. The call to reflect on the Isaaq genocide is not merely to revive painful memories; it is to affirm that such atrocities should never be repeated in the modern context.

Somaliland’s leadership must be vigilant and proactive—it must work to cultivate international alliances that not only recognize the rights of Somalilanders but also demand an end to the violence and historical injustice. The forgotten genocide of the past cannot remain a hallmark of silence; it must become a catalyst for change, empowerment, and justice.

Bridging the Past to Build a Better Future

Izak Khomo’s insights offer a crucial opportunity for reflection and activism among those who care about the narrative of Somaliland. Addressing the historical injustices faced by the Isaaq people is intrinsic to shaping a future for Somaliland that reflects its values of integrity, justice, and sovereignty. Only by recognizing the injustices of the past can Somaliland truly lead itself towards a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.

To move forward effectively, it is essential to weave these historical fabrics into the nation’s identity and advocate for the rightful acknowledgment of past sufferings. Only then can Somaliland emerge not merely as a historical narrative of survival but as a vibrant and sovereign entity ready to confront the challenges of the future with confidence and strength.

Spiraling inflation pushes Zimbabwean civil servants into hidden street-vending side hustles to supplement shrinking salaries.

For Zimbabwean civil servant Dumisani Ngara, every workday is a delicate balancing act—a “cat and mouse game” between the professional dignity of his government office job and the secret necessity of street vending to survive.

Each morning, Ngara boards a free government bus to his office at the Ministry of National Housing in Harare, impeccably dressed in a suit. His monthly government salary of $250 is barely enough to sustain his family amid Zimbabwe’s relentless inflation, which surged to a staggering 300% in 2019, crippling salaries and purchasing power.

By evening, Ngara swiftly exchanges his suit for sweatpants and rushes to join his son at a makeshift street stall in Harare’s bustling central business district. There, hidden in plain sight, they sell groceries to supplement the family income. His wife runs a similar stall at home, selling fruit and vegetables.

Ngara’s story reveals the stark reality for thousands of Zimbabwe’s government workers, prohibited by law from holding second jobs yet forced into secret vending just to pay rent and put food on the table.

“Our salaries are pathetic,” he explains, echoing a sentiment shared widely among Zimbabwe’s civil servants. As inflation soars and government pay stagnates, moonlighting has become a matter of survival rather than choice.

Zimbabwe’s economy remains unstable, and for workers like Ngara, life has become an exhausting cycle of hiding their side hustles from the authorities while struggling to preserve their dignity amid growing desperation.