Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today: BoC Decision Looms, TSX Sits Near Record Highs

  Saturday, July 11, 2026 Here's what Canadians need to know heading into the week, as markets brace for the Bank of Canada's rate decision and the CUSMA trade file keeps grinding along. 1. The Bank of Canada decides Wednesday, and a hold is all but locked in The Bank of Canada's next rate announcement lands July 15, and virtually every economist on Bay Street expects the overnight rate to stay parked at 2.25% — what would be a sixth straight pause. A stronger-than-expected June jobs report has taken away any urgency to cut, while cooling inflation and lingering trade uncertainty argue against a hike. Expect the accompanying statement to lean on familiar language: steady as she goes. 2. June's jobs report beat expectations, and the jobless rate ticked down Statistics Canada reported employers added roughly 18,000 jobs in June, ahead of forecasts and building on May's much larger 88,000-job gain. The unemployment rate slipped to 6.5%, back to where it stood in Januar...

article

Trump's AI-Generated Pope Image Sparks Controversy Online

 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred debate after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope. The image, which first appeared on Trump's Truth Social account and was later shared by the official White House social media account, has drawn mixed reactions from the public and religious communities.

The timing of the post has added to the controversy, as it comes just days before the Vatican's conclave to elect a new Pope following the passing of Pope Francis. Many Catholics and religious leaders have criticized the image, calling it disrespectful and inappropriate during a period of mourning. The New York State Catholic Conference, which represents bishops in New York, condemned the post, stating, "There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us".

Trump, who attended Pope Francis' funeral in Rome last week, has previously joked about wanting to be Pope, further fueling reactions to the AI-generated image. While some of his supporters defended the post as a harmless joke, others saw it as another example of Trump's unconventional approach to public discourse.

The Vatican has declined to comment on the image, and discussions continue online about the implications of AI-generated content in political and religious spaces. As the conclave approaches, the controversy surrounding Trump's post remains a hot topic of debate.

Comments