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U.S. Threatens Harsher Economic Pressure on Iran as Mediators Rush to Secure Second Ceasefire Talks

  A woman walks past a digital screen displaying news of US-Iran peace talks along a road in Islamabad on April 10, 2026 The United States has warned it will step up economic pressure on Iran while mediators race to arrange a second round of ceasefire talks before the fragile truce expires on April 22, 2026 — a standoff that risks higher oil prices, tighter global markets, and direct costs for Canadian households and investors.   Background and diplomatic timeline A two‑week ceasefire that paused nearly seven weeks of fighting was brokered to create a narrow diplomatic window for talks between Washington and Tehran. The first round of face‑to‑face negotiations in Islamabad lasted more than 20 hours but ended without an agreement, leaving the truce set to expire on April 22, 2026 unless mediators secure a follow‑up session.  Mediators led by Pakistan, with active roles from Turkey, Egypt and other regional actors, have been shuttling between capitals to bridge the remaini...

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Marble Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp boiling water


Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan.

2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

5. Divide the batter into two bowls. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth, then add to one of the bowls of batter and mix until well combined.

6. Spoon the batters alternately into the prepared loaf pan. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.

7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.


Enjoy your homemade marble cake! 

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