Good morning. We’re so back – to trade negotiations, this time without a USMCA exemption. More on that below, along with ‘cockroach’ protests and ‘skillcation’ vacations.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he and Donald Trump have agreed to intensify trade talks after the U.S. President announced a suite of new tariffs on Canadian goods. Unlike past American tariffs, the new 50-per-cent tariffs will not include an exemption for goods trading under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The context: Trump invoked the tariffs using Section 338 of the Depression-era Tariff Act, which would directly override USMCA exemptions. The reasons? He has cited “discriminatory practices” around the trade of cheese, Canadian tariffs on U.S. cars, and a widespread ban on U.S. alcohol. Canada’s premiers will meet this week, but many have agreed to lift interprovincial barriers on alcohol sales already.

The strategy: When Washington opted not to extend USMCA on July 1, many trade experts suggested this was the opening move for trade negotiations – not an end-point, writes Mark Rendell. But U.S. officials have been clear: They want to change the rules to privilege American companies.

The industries: Although the broader impact on Canada’s economy should be limited, the new tariffs will deliver a serious blow to companies caught in the crosshairs. From wine to whey to wigs, here are the Canadian goods targeted by Trump’s new 50-per-cent tariffs.

Two oil tankers carrying Saudi Arabian crude to Asia reversed course in the Red Sea yesterday after threats from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis disrupted shipping through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Trump says he has little interest in talks with Iran’s leader to end the war – at least for now.

On the ground: U.S. forces bombed targets in the south and west of Iran, while Tehran targeted U.S. sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan and a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.

About Lebanon: Trump pledged to help Lebanon “a lot” during a White House meeting with the country’s leader, Joseph Aoun, who visited after months of war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. Trump also announced that American carriers can resume direct flights to Lebanon for the first time in 40-plus years.

Supporters of the Indian youth-led “cockroach” movement refused to leave their New Delhi protest site a day after their thousands-strong march toward Parliament drew police tear gas, beatings and a new wave of sympathy from across the country.

The demands: The movement, now attracting professionals and families beyond students, is demanding educational reforms and government accountability. It represents a rare public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

For many of us, being handed a class syllabus on vacation is not our dream for rest or relaxation. But more travellers are taking part in a larger trend, dubbed the “skillcation” or “hobbycation” in which they join organizations and artisans across Canada for immersive, multiday experiences for a different luxury: extended periods of creative, deep focus.

The benefits: The options are endless. From skate training camps to cultural learning intensives, or woodworking classes to digital detox escapes. But skillcations aren’t just for those looking for self-made souvenirs. You also get an opportunity to create deeper friendships.