Connect with us

Headline

US, Canada Agree To 30-day Tariff Postponement

Published

on

The United States and Canada on Monday reached an agreement to postpone newly announced tariffs for 30 days, following discussions between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Donald Trump.

According to The New York Times, the agreement includes increased cooperation on border security and measures aimed at addressing issues such as drug trafficking and money laundering.

Advertisement

Trudeau announced the development on Monday on X, “I just had a good call with President Trump,” stating that Canada would deploy nearly 10,000 police officers to enhance border security, classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and appoint a special official, referred to as a “Fentanyl Czar,” to lead efforts against the spread of the drug.

Trump soon posted, as well, focusing on fentanyl and emphasizing that tariffs would be “paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final economic deal with Canada can be structured,” Trudeau wrote.

READ ALSO: Asian Stocks Rise As Trump Postpones Mexico, Canada Tariffs

Advertisement

The plan also involves a $1.3bn investment in new border security technology, helicopters, and personnel.

Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly…,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has taken a firm stance in response to the US trade measures.

Advertisement

On Monday, he announced that the province would prohibit American companies from securing government contracts, citing the economic impact of the tariffs.

As part of this policy, Ontario has also canceled a $68m agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which was set to provide high-speed internet to remote communities.

READ ALSO: Canada Will Hit US With Retaliatory Tariffs Tuesday – Trudeau Vows

Advertisement

Starting today, and until US tariffs are lifted, Ontario is banning American companies from provincial contracts,” Ford stated. He added that Ontario’s government agencies collectively spend around $30bn annually on procurement, with an additional $200bn allocated for infrastructure projects.

The US tariffs, which are scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, will impose a 25 percent duty on nearly all Canadian imports, except for oil, which will be subject to a 10 percent surcharge. In response, Canada has announced its own set of retaliatory tariffs, imposing a 25 percent levy on $155 billion worth of American goods, including alcoholic beverages, fresh produce, clothing, and footwear.

Ford described the situation as an economic battle, emphasising that Canada had not initiated the trade dispute but was prepared to respond accordingly.

Advertisement

The ongoing negotiations between the two countries highlight the broader economic and diplomatic implications of the trade policies as both governments seek to navigate the impacts on businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.

Advertisement

Headline

Popular Nail Polish Ingredient Banned Over Fertility Fears

Published

on

The European Union has outlawed the use of TPO in all cosmetic products as of September 1, citing evidence that it may cause long-term fertility problems. The move forces nail salons in all 27 EU countries, as well as Norway and others that follow EU rules, to stop offering TPO-based gels and safely dispose of their stock. Manufacturers will now be required to reformulate their products without the chemical.

TPO has been a staple in the beauty industry, used as a photoinitiator to harden polish quickly under ultraviolet light and give manicures a glossy, long-lasting finish. But while gel polish has been praised for staying chip-free for weeks, experts say the ingredient behind its durability may carry hidden dangers.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Lagos Enforces Ban, Seizes Single-use Plastics From Supermarkets

Industry insiders expect the UK and other countries to follow suit with a similar ban by late 2026. The US, however, has yet to propose any such restrictions, though American salons that import products from Europe could be affected.

This ingredient could not be defended. The industry was unable to prove there were no safer alternatives,” said Francesca Rapolla of the UK’s Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association.

Advertisement

Still, not everyone agrees with the ban. Belgian retailer ASAP Nails and Beauty Supply warned of “major economic damage” to small businesses and argued there is “no human evidence of danger”. Meanwhile, US-based consultant Doug Schoon criticised the EU’s decision as “disproportionate”, saying it would waste safe products and undermine confidence in regulators.

READ ALSO:Firm Wants Attorney-General Investigate Court Ruling On Breach Of Contract

The controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of chemicals in everyday cosmetics. Experts warn that toxic compounds, including endocrine disruptors, may contribute to rising cases of infertility, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. One striking trend is the surge in endometriosis cases — a painful condition linked to infertility — as global cases have risen to nearly 190 million. Scientists believe endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and now TPO could be a driving force.

Advertisement

“These chemicals can linger in the body for years, stored in fatty tissue. They affect the immune system, disrupt hormones, and in some women, may trigger reproductive problems and endometriosis,” said Professor Katie Burns of the University of Cincinnati.

For now, Europe has chosen precaution over profit. The debate over TPO could prove a turning point in the battle over hidden toxins in beauty products — and their long-term toll on women’s health.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Headline

Trump Threatens Severe Consequences Against ‘Wrongful’ Detention Of U.S. Nationals Abroad

Published

on

Trump threatens severe consequences against ‘wrongful’ detention of U.S. nationals abroad
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to protect U.S. nationals from what he termed “wrongful detention” abroad.

U.S. Department of State, in a statement issued on Friday, threatened severe consequences for those who “wrongfully” detain Americans abroad.

Advertisement

“Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order that takes unprecedented action to impose new consequences on those who wrongfully detain Americans abroad,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:Why We Shun Pedestrian Bridges Despite Risks, Despite Punitive Measures — Lagosians

Through this Executive Order, actors designated as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention may face severe penalties,” the statement added.

Advertisement

The penalties include economic sanctions, visa restrictions, foreign assistance restrictions and travel restrictions for U.S. passport holders, according to the statement.

Like the State Sponsor of Terrorism determination, no nation should want to end up on this list.

READ ALSO:Trump Moves To Cut More Foreign Aid, Risking Shutdown

Advertisement

The bottom line: Anyone who uses an American as a bargaining chip will pay the price.”

This administration is not only putting America first but also putting Americans first, the statement said

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Headline

Zelensky Responds To Putin’s Invite To Russia For Peace Talks

Published

on

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to visit Moscow for peace talks over the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.

According to the Russian government, President Putin is preparing to host Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Moscow.

Advertisement

Presidential aide Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting during an interview with TASS at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) on Friday.

The Kremlin spokesman said Putin’s invitation to the Ukrainian leader was “to talk, not to surrender.”

READ ALSO:Russia Hits Out At Macron For Calling Putin ‘Ogre’

Advertisement

Peskov noted that efforts to resolve the 42-month conflict are ongoing but declined to predict the outcome. He quoted Putin as saying, “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Russian government says it aims to achieve its objectives in Ukraine through peaceful means but will continue its special military operation if no truce is reached.

When asked about a possible follow-up conversation between President Putin and President Donald Trump after their meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, Peskov said, “There are no developments yet.”

Advertisement

He also spoke about US-Russia relations, saying “the process of bringing our relations out of complete paralysis will take time.” Peskov added that “much damage has been done to the architecture” of both countries’ ties, referring to years of diplomatic standoff under the previous US administration.

READ ALSO:Again, Russia Claims Another Village In Ukraine’s Region

Responding to the open invite during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron after the Coalition of the Willing meeting, Zelensky said he can only be invited when Russia wants there to be no meeting.

Advertisement

Speaking about the coalition meeting amid ongoing effort for peace in Ukraine, Zelensky said the meeting is necessary and “not about desire, but a real need.” He added that he supports any format for the talks—trilateral or bilateral—but believes Russia is trying to delay it.

The meeting is needed, this is not about desire, but it is needed. We supported it in any format: both trilateral and bilateral. I believe that Russia is doing everything to delay it. Our American partners told us that Putin invited me to Moscow. I think that when you want there to be no meeting, then you should invite me,” Zelensky said.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending