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WorldMar 18, 2026

Israel claims senior Iranian intelligence officials killed in overnight strikes

Israeli authorities say a series of overnight airstrikes on Iran targeted senior intelligence leadership and key energy infrastructure, as hostilities continue between Israel and Iran. According to a statement from Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, the strikes killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, along with several senior officials from the ministry. The claim has not been independently verified, and Iranian authorities have not confirmed any casualties as of publication time. Israeli officials also said their aircraft struck gas infrastructure in southern Iran. The re
alberta-premier-confirms-saudi-government-covered-private-flight-during-2024-trip
AlbertaMar 18, 2026

Alberta premier confirms Saudi government covered private flight during 2024 trip

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she travelled on a private aircraft arranged by the Saudi government during an official trip to the Middle East last fall, adding that the travel was approved in advance by the province’s ethics commissioner. Smith confirmed the arrangement Tuesday during a legislative committee meeting while responding to questions tied to Alberta’s 2026 budget. The premier said the non-commercial flight was proposed by Saudi officials to allow for more efficient travel between engagements. According to Smith, the trip included meetings in Saudi Arabia and the United Ar
BCMar 18, 2026

Free public viewing announced for FIFA World Cup matches at Vancouver fan festival

The City of Vancouver and the British Columbia government say general admission to live World Cup match screenings at Hastings Park will be free during the FIFA Fan Festival in June. According to a joint government announcement, spectators will be able to watch matches at the festival site and amphitheatre general floor without charge. The general floor is expected to accommodate about 2,600 per match on a first-come, first-served basis. Officials said reserved seating and fast-track entry options will be available for purchase, but no fee will be required for standard entry. The FIFA Fan Fest
bank-of-canada-holds-key-interest-rate-at-2-25-amid-global-uncertainty
CanadaMar 18, 2026

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 2.25% amid global uncertainty

The Bank of Canada has held its benchmark interest rate at 2.25 per cent following its latest policy meeting, marking the third consecutive decision to leave rates unchanged. According to the central bank’s statement, Governor Tiff Macklem cited ongoing global economic uncertainty as a key factor behind the decision. He pointed to instability linked to conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global energy markets, including rising oil and natural gas prices. The bank also warned that disruptions in key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, could affect supply chains for food
driver-dies-after-fleeing-police-and-crashing-into-tree-in-abbotsford
BCMar 18, 2026

Driver dies after fleeing police and crashing into tree in Abbotsford

A driver is dead after a vehicle fleeing police crashed into a tree late Monday night in Abbotsford, according to a police statement. Abbotsford Police said an officer attempted a traffic stop on a speeding Dodge Ram pickup along Maclure Road. According to the department, the driver failed to stop, accelerated away and lost control moments later before striking a tree. The driver was declared dead at the scene. Police say a collision analysis team has been deployed to examine the circumstances of the crash, including vehicle speed and road conditions. The Independent Investigations Office has
pickup-driver-killed-in-highway-97-crash-near-prince-george-as-police-warn-of-winter-road-risks
BCMar 18, 2026

Pickup driver killed in Highway 97 crash near Prince George as police warn of winter road risks

A 67-year-old man has died following a collision between a pickup truck and a logging truck on Highway 97 north of Prince George, according to British Columbia Highway Patrol. Police said officers were called to the scene Monday afternoon. The driver of the pickup was pronounced dead, while a 29-year-old man from Alberta driving the logging truck sustained minor injuries. According to a police statement, the crash occurred on a slushy and wet section of highway amid winter driving conditions in the northern Interior. Investigators say the cause of the collision has not been determined and rema
whitecaps-beat-minnesota-6-0-off-to-greatest-start-ever-in-mls
BCMar 17, 2026

Whitecaps beat Minnesota 6-0, off to greatest start ever in MLS

The Vancouver Whitecaps team's explosive play in MLS competitions continued this past weekend, where the Vancouver Whitecaps team played its third match of the season at its home ground, BC Place Stadium. Whitecaps won the match 6-0 against Minnesota United. The Whitecaps started dominating from the beginning of the match. The home team, playing in a constant attacking mode, took a 4-0 lead in the first half. In the 8th minute of the first half for the Whitecaps, Berhalter converted a penalty into a goal. Then Brian White scored a goal in the 13th minute. After this, Laborda scored in th
WorldMar 16, 2026

Lebanon says Israeli attacks have killed nearly 900 people since March 2

Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the death toll from Israeli air and ground attacks since March 2 has risen to nearly 900 as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, at least 886 people have been killed and 2,141 others injured during Israeli strikes across parts of Lebanon over the past two weeks. The ministry said the attacks have also affected the country’s health-care system. Medical teams responding to emergencies were among those hit during the strikes. At least 38 health workers have been killed and another 69 injured w
ihit-takes-over-surrey-homicide-investigation-after-fatal-laurel-drive-shooting
CanadaMar 16, 2026

IHIT takes over Surrey homicide investigation after fatal Laurel Drive shooting

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting early Saturday at a residence in Surrey. According to an IHIT news release, officers with the Surrey Police Service responded at about 1:40 a.m. to reports of shots fired inside a home in the 13900 block of Laurel Drive. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said officers immediately provided first aid until paramedics with BC Emergency Health Services arrived. The man was later pronounced dead at the scene. A man was arrested at the residence an

Just In

danielle-smith-warns-ucp-members-support-canada-or-leave-the-party
AlbertaOct 21, 2026

Danielle Smith Warns UCP Members: Support Canada or Leave the Party

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has issued a strong warning to members of her United Conservative Party (UCP), saying those who cannot support a pro-Canada position should return their party memberships and find another party. In a video posted on social media Wednesday, Smith made it clear that the UCP cannot afford divisions over the issue, warning that internal disagreements could put the party at risk of losing the next provincial election to the opposition NDP. Her comments came after Monday’s referendum, in which Albertans voted in favour of remaining part of Canada. Smith acknowledged
psac-announces-strike-vote-for-120-000-federal-workers
CanadaOct 21, 2026

PSAC Announces Strike Vote for 120,000 Federal Workers

Canada’s largest federal public service union has announced a nationwide strike vote after contract negotiations with the government stalled. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) represents approximately 120,000 workers, including wildfire firefighters, passport officers, fisheries officers, federal teachers, librarians and administrative staff. The strike vote will run from November 16, 2026, to January 22, 2027. The union and the Treasury Board have been in a dispute over a new collective agreement for the past 18 months. PSAC alleges that the federal government has repeatedly dela
IndiaOct 21, 2026

CBI Takes Over Jhota Murder Probe, Post-Mortem Decision Still Pending

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun investigating the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab. The central agency has registered an FIR in Chandigarh in connection with the case. CBI officials met Jhota’s family and recorded their statements. The team also collected evidence from the shop of the accused, Ashwani Kumar, and other locations linked to the case. The agency is reportedly trying to persuade the family to agree to a post-mortem examination. The CBI has assured them that a medical board of doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Educatio
carney-says-federal-government-wont-back-down-on-immigration-targets
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Carney Says Federal Government Won’t Back Down on Immigration Targets

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has assured that the federal government will maintain sustainable immigration levels and will not back away from its targets. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday morning, Carney said his government is consulting provincial governments on bringing immigration to appropriate levels and distributing newcomers more effectively across the country based on economic needs. His remarks came after Alberta’s referendum, in which approximately 53 per cent of voters supported giving the province greater control over immigration policies to reduce the number o
canada-interest-rate-hike-looms-putting-more-pressure-on-homebuyers
CanadaOct 21, 2026

Canada Interest Rate Hike Looms, Putting More Pressure on Homebuyers

Canada’s real estate market could face renewed pressure if the Bank of Canada raises interest rates, with mortgage and lending experts warning that higher borrowing costs could discourage homebuyers and push house prices lower. The central bank has not raised interest rates since July 2023. While it is expected to keep its benchmark rate unchanged for an eighth consecutive decision, many economists and traders believe rate hikes could be on the horizon as policymakers seek to contain inflation. The Bank of Canada’s policy rate has remained at 2.25% since a 0.25-percentage-point cut in Octo