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5 Things to Know Today: Gas Prices Keep Falling, WestJet's Strike Drags On, and the Tariff Clock Is Ticking

  Monday, August 3, 2026 — Civic Holiday It's the Civic Holiday, so the TSX and the big banks are closed — but plenty is still moving that will hit your wallet this week. Here are five things worth knowing today. 1. Markets and banks are closed today — here's what that means for your money The TSX, TSX Venture, and Montreal Exchange are shut for the Civic Holiday and reopen Tuesday morning. Most major banks are closed too, which means e-transfers, bill payments, and cheque deposits made today may not clear until Tuesday. What it means for you: If you have a mortgage payment, credit card payment, or bill due today, submit it a day early where possible to avoid a processing delay counting against you. Any trades placed today will execute Tuesday when markets reopen. 2. Oil just crashed — and gas prices are following it down Brent crude fell roughly 6% to close to $84 a barrel after reports that a planned strike on Iran was called off, easing fears of a wider Middle East supply di...

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Madeira Wildfires: A Battle Against Nature’s Fury


For the past eight days, wildfires have been spreading across the picturesque Portuguese island of Madeira, causing widespread destruction and threatening local communities. The situation remains critical as firefighters battle to contain the flames.

Key Points:

  1. Island in Crisis: Madeira, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant tourism industry, is now grappling with a disaster. The fires have consumed large swaths of forested areas, leaving behind charred landscapes and smoke-filled skies.

  2. Emergency Response: The European Union (EU) has stepped in to provide assistance. Firefighting teams from neighboring countries are joining local efforts to control the flames. Aerial firefighting resources, including water-dropping planes and helicopters, have been deployed.

  3. Evacuations: Residents and tourists have been evacuated from affected areas. Emergency shelters are providing refuge for those displaced by the fires.

  4. Environmental Impact: The fires have ecological consequences, endangering native flora and fauna. The island’s unique biodiversity is at risk.

  5. Investigation: Authorities are investigating the cause of the fires. While extreme heat and dry conditions are contributing factors, deliberate arson has not been ruled out.


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