Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today — September 17, 2026

  Thursday, September 17, 2026  A historic Fed rate hike, Carney embracing EU associate status, a sliding TSX, oil pulling back from four-month highs, and a high-stakes vote in Newfoundland — here is what every Canadian needs to watch today. ITEM 1 OF 5 The Fed Raised Rates for the First Time in Three Years The U.S. Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points Wednesday to a target range of 3.75–4.00%, defying public pressure from President Trump who had pushed for a cut. It marks the Fed’s first rate increase since 2023. Sixteen of eighteen FOMC officials signalled at least one further hike is likely before year-end. For Canadian markets, the ripple effects are real even though the Bank of Canada (still holding at 2.25%) does not move in lockstep with Washington. Higher U.S. Treasury yields, which have already pushed above 5%, pull Canadian government bond yields upward — and it is those bond yields, not the BoC’s overnight rate, that drive the 5-year ...

article

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.

Comments