The Republican National Committee confirmed Wednesday that the party will hold an unprecedented “midterm convention” this November, a move designed to energize the base and showcase new policy platforms ahead of the 2026 elections. The event, slated for a rotating series of venues across swing states, will feature a mix of virtual town halls, pop‑up rallies, and a live‑streamed “policy hackathon” where grassroots activists can pitch ideas directly to party leaders. Critics argue the format is a distraction from mounting concerns over inflation, immigration, and the upcoming midterm ballot, while supporters claim it reflects a modern, decentralized approach to campaigning.
In related economic news, Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, and agricultural products officially went into effect on Thursday, following Washington’s decision earlier this year to impose duties on Canadian lumber and dairy. The new measures, ranging from 10% to 25% depending on the product, are expected to raise prices for American manufacturers and consumers, prompting a wave of warnings from industry groups about potential supply chain disruptions. Both nations have signaled a willingness to negotiate, but trade experts warn that the tit‑for‑tat escalation could spill over into broader negotiations at the World Trade Organization, complicating recovery efforts in a still‑fragile global economy.