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5 Things to Know Today (Oct. 1): Minimum Wage Hike, Cooler U.S. Inflation, Oil Below $100

  Thursday October 1, 2026 A new quarter, a higher minimum wage in Ontario and a softer inflation read south of the border. Here are the five things that matter to your wallet today. 1 Ontario's minimum wage rises to $17.95 today Ontario's general minimum wage climbs 35 cents, from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, as of October 1 — a roughly 2% bump tied to Ontario's CPI. The student rate goes to $16.90 (from $16.60) and the homeworker rate to $19.70. A full-time worker at 40 hours a week earns about $718 a week before deductions. Federally regulated workers already have an $18.15 floor, which has applied since April 1. What it means for you: If you pay anyone by the hour — a cleaner, a part-time helper, a seasonal worker — hours worked from today forward must be paid at no less than $17.95, even if the pay period started in September. Workers should check their next paycheque. 2 Cooler U.S. inflation eases the pressure on rate hikes The Fed's preferred inflation gauge came i...

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Tragedy Strikes Iranian Port: Explosion Leaves Hundreds Injured

A devastating explosion rocked the Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas, Iran, on April 26, 2025, claiming the lives of 14 individuals and injuring over 700 others. The blast, reportedly linked to a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel, caused widespread destruction and raised concerns about safety protocols at the port.

The explosion occurred as Iran and the United States engaged in nuclear negotiations in Oman, adding a layer of geopolitical tension to the tragedy. Social media footage captured the aftermath, showing thick black smoke billowing from the site and shattered windows miles away. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause, but improper handling of hazardous materials is suspected.

Efforts to extinguish the fire continued into the night, with helicopters dumping water on the blaze. The incident has drawn comparisons to the Beirut port explosion in 2020, highlighting the risks of storing volatile chemicals in densely populated areas.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and international cooperation to prevent similar disasters in the future.

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