Skip to main content

Featured

The World Cup Promised $3.8 Billion — Here's What Canada Actually Got

       Monday July 13, 2026 FIFA promised Canada a $3.8-billion economic windfall for hosting the 2026 World Cup. Two weeks into play in Toronto, the receipts tell a very different story — and there's a lesson in it for anyone thinking a "big event" boost is coming to their city, their rental property, or their business. The Billion-Dollar Bill Came First Before a single ball was kicked, Canadian taxpayers were already on the hook. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, governments across the country will spend roughly $1.07 billion hosting the 2026 tournament. Toronto alone budgeted $380 million to host six matches at BMO Field. British Columbia's tab for Vancouver's seven matches at BC Place came in even higher, at about $578 million. Ottawa is chipping in $473 million of that total — including $220 million in direct grants to Toronto and B.C., plus another $145 million earmarked for security costs during the tournament. Net of federal help, Toronto and B...

article

Turkey Blocks Instagram Access Over Hamas Chief Post Removal

 

In a significant move, Turkey’s communications authority has blocked access to Instagram, reportedly in response to the platform’s removal of posts related to Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) announced the block on Friday, though no official reason was provided.

According to local media, the block came after Instagram removed posts by Turkish users expressing condolences for Haniyeh, who was recently killed. This action follows criticism from Fahrettin Altun, the presidential communications director, who condemned Instagram for censoring messages of sympathy for Haniyeh.

Turkey, which does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, has a history of censoring social media platforms. The country is observing a day of mourning for Haniyeh, with flags flown at half-staff. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Turkey and social media companies over content regulation and freedom of expression.


Comments